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At the Special Council Meeting sitting yesterday the Mayor tabled the 2023/24 Draft budget. The process requires for this to now go out for public participation. This budget includes the proposed capital and operational spend for the financial year as well as the proposed Tariff increases.

The recommendation on the item which came to council included approving the budget in principle for the public participation process to take place. The DA proposed an amendment to remove the approval in principle aspect of the recommendation as we refuse to approve a budget in principle.

The MFMA requires that a budget be tabled, the public participation process take place and thereafter the budget comes before Council for final approval.

As we strongly believe in the public participation process taking place, we urge the public to join us in rejecting the shocking budget that is financially unsound and irresponsible.

The proposed increases in tariffs as well as proposed spending in some units is cause for grave concern. We urge the public to engage this budget and make their voices heard during this process before we vote on this budget in May.

Issued by Thabani Mthethwa - DA eThekwini Caucus Leader