The EThekwini Ratepayers Protest Movement (ERPM) wants inclusion in deliberations about the 2026/2027 budget.
As a result, ERPM wrote a public letter to the Mayor, demanding inclusion, by no later than the 06th of February 2026.
ERPM is of the view that the City’s Executive Committee (EXCO) has already begun budget processes, which the organisation says is an indication tariffs and revenue assumptions will be made without the organisation.
But the City’s Gugu Sisilana, said there is currently a mid term review of the budget, which is an accounting process.
She said numerous calls for input to the 2025/2026 budget, were delivered via advertisements in the media.
She sent EN365 a video of an example of such a call.
She also said the City cannot consult for the next financial year (2026/2027), because the amount availed to the City is not yet known.
Public consultation is to start around March/ April 2026.
This is precisely what Gaffar’s letter wants to avoid.
“We want to give input and requirements prior to the draft of the budget, because the City underfunds critical areas of service delivery, such as water and electricity and overfunds others, such as tourism and parties and nice to haves” says Gaffer.
He is of the view that nice- to -haves must be off the City’s budget for the next 10 years.
He also said none of the Municipality’s budget is private, as this would go against Section 152 of the Constitution, which encourages community involvement in local governance.
Picture: Supplied