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City of Tshwane water tankers.
Tshwane Finance Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) Eugene Modise says the 2026/27 budget tabled on Thursday reflects the metro’s recovery from past financial instability and demonstrates disciplined planning.
Modise tabled the budget amid heckling from opposition benches, with some councillors questioning his suitability to serve as MMC.
The budget, which includes operating revenue of R57.1 billion and expenditure of R55.6 billion, prioritises financial stability, economic revitalisation and investment attraction, among others.
Modise commended the city’s multiparty coalition after the National Treasury recognised progress the metro has made in implementing reforms and advancing fiscal recovery.
“The total operating revenue amounts to R57.1 billion, growing to R62.4 billion by 2028/29. Total operating expenditure amounts to R55.6 billion, growing to R61.5 billion by 2028/29. This results in an operating surplus of R1.4 billion.”
Non-revenue water losses in Tshwane are estimated at 40%.
Modise says funds have been ring-fenced to improve infrastructure, reduce water losses and tackle illegal electricity connections.
“The city has prioritised the following revenue protection and sustainability interventions: R110 million for the reduction of water losses, R60 million for electricity distribution loss reduction, R78 million for the prepaid meter programme, and R20 million for reservoir telemetry and bulk meters.”
While opposition parties criticised the budget as unrealistic, coalition partners defended and commended it.
Democratic Alliance Tshwane caucus leader, Cilliers Brink, says, “There is under-estimation of revenue collection, which has dropped significantly since the takeover of the ANC-led coalition. Increase in electricity losses from R1.8 billion R3.2 billion. Increase in water losses from 32% to 40%. Skyrocketing expenditure on water tankers is also being underestimated in this budget.”
Grandi Theunissen from the Freedom Front Plus says, “This budget was prepared by the deputy mayor, who was found guilty by council following a forensic report and was sanctioned with a two-month salary deduction. There is already an acknowledgment of guilt.”
A special council sitting to debate the budget has been scheduled for the 28th of May.
Part 1: A Fully Funded Budget. A City on the Rise.
A budget of a City that works for all its people.
This morning, I delivered the 2026/2027 City of Tshwane Budget Speech.
Assessed credible and fully funded by National Treasury.
Confirms that Tshwane is Open for Business.… pic.twitter.com/2qIwjsfJ5d
— Eugene Modise (@eugene_modise) May 21, 2026
