Around this time last year, locals were shocked by the audit report on Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality, which declared a disclaimer. A year later, a special council meeting was held on Wednesday at the Wembezi Multipurpose Centre to discuss finances.
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Councillors along with management met to give consideration to matters like the draft budget of the 2019/20 financial year, operation income and more.
Ahead of the getting into the agenda, a moment of silence was observed to reflect on the life of Irene Buthelezi, the wife of Inkatha Freedom Party leader Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who had passed away.
Thereafter the budget, which was tabled along with all budget-related policies, was given attention. Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality Mayor Jabulile Mbele introduced each item from the draft budget to the public constitution programme and integrated development plan.
“It is our culture to comply with legislation, we have adopted this plan in 2017 and this will be our second time reviewing it. Drafting this budget was a tough task and we were faced with many challenges, but it has been tightened and trimmed. The budget was drafted under financial pressure,” explained Mrs Mbele.
At the top of the municipality’s main expenditure list is employee-related costs. Mrs Mbele added that the Administrator, Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department (Cogta), worker unions and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) will relook at employee-related costs.
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The total expenditure budget for the 2019/20 year is R552 989 000. However, support grants will be made available to the municipality. The finance management grant has R2.5 million allocated, equitable share R176.7 million and the Expanded Public Works Programme R2.1 million.
The total revenue excluding capital transfers and contributions listed in the funded budget for the 2019/20 year is sitting at R566 724. All the forecasts on the Funded Budget Plan indicate that the municipality could improve its position from an unfunded to funded budget after at least two financial years.
The Integrated Development Plan (IDP) road shows are set to roll out in each ward soon. The IDP is a five-year plan, which local government is required to compile to determine the development needs of the municipality.
The projects within the IDP are also linked to the municipality’s budget, and therefore communities and other role player’s input is required. Ahead of the meeting being adjourned, councillors all agreed that the draft budget plan can be sent for approval.
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