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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in eThekwini strongly condemns the ANC-IFP-EFF coalition’s continued display of incompetence, following the last-minute tabling of the 600-page draft budget at the full council meeting held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre Complex (ICC) yesterday.

The DA raised this issue with the Speaker of Council, Councillor Thabani Nyawose, highlighting the unreasonable time given to councillors to process the report by the city leadership.

It is deeply concerning that councillors were given only 15 minutes to absorb and prepare for a debate on the R78 billion budget. This rushed process is not only disrespectful to the councillors but also undermines the integrity of the budget debate and decision-making process. The DA calls on the city administration and leadership to seriously reconsider this approach in the best interest of eThekwini residents.

Furthermore, the DA strongly rejects the proposed tariff hikes outlined in the 2025/26 draft budget. The proposed increases will place a significant financial strain on residents and businesses who are already facing economic challenges.

The city’s proposed tariff increases are as follows:

• Rates: 6.5%

• Residential Water: 15%

• Business Water: 16%

• Electricity: 12.72%

• Residential Sanitation: 13%

• Business Sanitation: 14%

• Domestic Refuse: 9.9%

• Business Refuse: 9%

The DA firmly opposes these steep increases. These hikes will disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of our community and place undue pressure on businesses that are already struggling to stay afloat.

We believe that the ANC-led coalition is failing to consider the real impact of these increases on the people of eThekwini. Parties like the IFP must and will shoulder the responsibility of these increases on residents. The DA remains committed to fighting for a fairer, more balanced budget that does not place further financial strain on the residents and businesses of our city.

The DA encourages all eThekwini residents to actively participate in the upcoming public consultations on the budget and raise their objections to ensure that their voices are heard and that their concerns are taken seriously.

Issued by Councillor Thabani Mthethwa - DA eThekwini Caucus Leader