Staff Reporter
eThekwini Municipality has started consulting ward councillors on its draft 2026/27 budget and development plan before public hearings later this month.
Pictures by: Nonjabulo Chamane
“These robust engagements with Ward Councillors represent a critical first step in finalising the Draft 2026/27 IDP and Budget, ahead of the upcoming public participation process,” the city said on Wednesday.
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It said councillors at the inaugural session raised concerns, including water challenges, road infrastructure, transit camps, delays in supply-chain processes, and the need to fast-track ward-based projects.
The process is part of a statutory budget cycle set out in the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and Municipal Systems Act.
National Treasury’s MFMA guidance says a draft municipal budget must be tabled by 30 March and then published for comment. The Systems Act requires municipalities to review their IDPs annually.
eThekwini’s executive committee said on 27 March that the proposed draft budget totals R74.671 billion for 2026/27, increasing to R80.2 billion in 2027/28, and R85.7 billion in 2028/29.
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The municipality has also said all proposed tariff adjustments will be subjected to consultation as part of the 2026/27 IDP and budget process.
Under the MFMA consultation framework, the council must consider community and treasury submissions on the tabled budget, give the mayor an opportunity to respond and, if necessary, revise the draft before final approval.
Public hearings will take place later this month.
