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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Dihlabeng Local Municipality is concerned that Executive Mayor, Tseki Tseki, seems to follow the same ineffective path as his predecessor. The ANC's leadership changes, but their disregard for the community's needs remain unchanged.

Tabling an unfunded budget for the 2023/24 financial year not only violates the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) but also reflects a blatant abuse of political power. The DA firmly believes that this budget will lead to further failures in service delivery and neglect of the essential Batho Pele Principles.

The DA is particularly concerned about several issues within this budget. These include the lack of transparency regarding the R50 million Security Deal and the resulting layoffs, insufficient allocation of finances to the Yellow Fleet, only R2.5 million, excessive budgets for political offices amounting to R41 million, potential overcharging of property projections on already burdened taxpayers, and a salary component that exceeds the operational budget norm of 32% and stands at an alarming 52%.

It is evident that this budget serves as a projection for next year's political challenges rather than reflecting the reliable and credible sentiments expressed by the people of Dihlabeng during public participation. To address these concerns, the DA will call upon our Portfolio Member for Finance in the Free State Provincial Legislature to raise these issues with the municipality's management during the Provincial Public Accounts Committee meeting.

Issued by Hilton Maasdorp - DA Councillor Dihlabeng Local Municipality