The more than R1.2 billion budget for the new fiscal year, 2025/2026, focussed on job creation and infrastructure development. Dignitaries, traditional leaders, councillors, the local taxi association, faith-based organisations and community members were part of the event; held in the spirit of transparency, accountability and developmental progress.
He extended a warm welcome to all present and expressed his condolences to the Mulaudzi family following the death of a valued municipal employee who served CALM for 30 years. Several other municipal workers had passed away since the last budget was tabled and the Mayor expressed CALM’s deep sorrow.
Cllr Magubane acknowledged the legacy of the former Executive Mayor, Cllr Daniel Nkosi, who presented the outgoing financial year’s budget. Among CALM’s key successes is the municipality’s pilot programme, supporting more than 30 students with registration fees and other related needs. This has proved to be an outstanding initiative and major success.
Significant strides had been made in job creation. A total of 3,900 jobs were created through labour-intensive programmes. These included 850 as part of the Expanded Public Works Programme’s (EPWP) infrastructure, social and environmental sectors. An additional 3,050 jobs were secured through collaboration with COGTA’s Community Work Development Programme.
Infrastructure achievements included completion of key roads in the Nhlazatshe area, reducing traffic congestion, especially the road behind the fire station. In a major boost to water supply, the Mpuluzi Water Treatment Works was expanded to benefit Wards 4, 5, 7, 9 and 11. Its increased capacity would supply 10 mega litres as opposed to the former 2.5 mega litres.
Municipal Finances and Budget Overview
An opening budget of R.2 billion was tabled with anticipated expenditures of of R1, 267,176,639.73, leaving an operational surplus of R462, 728.11. The budget is heavily grant-dependent with only 30% generated from internal revenue. The mayor urged communities to play an active role towards improving revenue collection for enhanced service delivery.
Key Allocations in 2025/2026 Budget:
• To address moral regeneration, increase HIV/AIDS awareness and grow youth development, R1 million had been set aside;
• The Experience Programme would assist 50 young people and
• The Mpuluzi Stadium would receive an additional R12 million to be upgraded.
Roads and storm water sections:
• The Mahoxo Ring Road in Ward 2 is granted R9 million;
• The Dundonald project in Ward 5 would also receive R9 million;
• The Nhlazatshe Ring Road behind Shoprite would be completed, while unpaved roads would be re-gravelled to the effect of R1.5 million
• The Deipdale Ring Road (with GSDM): R3 million
• Construction of Mpuluzi Dam: R95 million
Cllr Magubane announced that the CALM does not owe Eskom any outstanding monies, a truly rare achievement, not only in the region, but nationwide.
In closing, the Mayor praised the Department of Education for achieving an overall 89% matric pass rate. He once again committed CALM to reward schools achieving a 90% and higher pass rate with R100, 000. This is part of CALM’s drive to promote academic excellence
