eThekwini Ratepayers Protest Movement criticises ANC's pro-poor budget as political theatre

The eThekwini Municipality’s council will meet to discuss and approve the 2026/27 R74.7 billion draft budget on Friday. The eThekwini Ratepayers Protest Movement (ERPM) is unhappy with the ANC eThekwini region's proposed tariff increases.

The eThekwini Ratepayers Protest Movement criticises the ANC's proposed budget as mere political theatre, highlighting concerns over rising tariffs and service delivery challenges.

The municipality’s council will meet to discuss and approve the 2026/27 R74.7 billion draft budget on Friday. The proposed tariff increases are electricity (10.5%), water (15%), sanitation (13%), refuse removal (13%), and property rates (5%).

The ANC in eThekwini has proposed the following tariff adjustments: rates (2%), electricity (9%), water (14% for households and 15% for businesses), sanitation (8% for households and 9% for businesses), and refuse removal (9.5%).

The ERPM was reacting to the ANC Regional Working Committee (RWC) statement that it presented a mandate supporting the adoption of a budget that accelerates service delivery, eases the rising cost of living for ratepayers and small businesses, and prioritises the needs of the poor and vulnerable.