FTLM adopts R1.4 billion budget for 2026/27
APEL
Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality (FTLM) has adopted its final 2026/2027 Annual Budget during a Special Council Meeting held at the Apel Municipal Chamber on May 29.
The adoption of the budget marks a significant moment for the current council, as it is the final budget to be passed before the upcoming local government elections.
The R1.4 billion budget was presented together with the reviewed Integrated Development Plan, which sets out the municipality’s key priorities and programmes for the new financial year. These priorities include electricity provision, roads and stormwater infrastructure, water and sanitation, waste management, community facilities and local economic development.
Delivering his remarks, the mayor Eddie Maila said the budget must be understood as more than a financial document, but as a service delivery tool that speaks to the needs and aspirations of communities.
“This budget must reflect our plans towards Vision 2043, which seeks to transform Fetakgomo Tubatse into a fully-fledged city. It must serve as a building block towards the future city we are working to build,” said the Mayor.
The Mayor said the municipality remains committed to ensuring that available resources are directed towards projects that will make a visible difference in the lives of residents. He further highlighted the importance of improving revenue collection, saying this will strengthen the municipality’s ability to fund service delivery and reduce dependency on grants.
Maila said over the current Council term, the municipality has made notable progress in the delivery of internal roads and access infrastructure in various communities, including Maepa, Mareseleng and Ga-Teibela. These projects have improved mobility, connected communities to essential services and contributed to restoring the dignity of residents who had long raised concerns about road access.
He indicated that building on this progress, the approved budget will support further investment in infrastructure projects across the municipal area, including the construction and upgrading of roads, stormwater systems, electrification projects and other community infrastructure. Projects in areas such as Ga-Mokgotho, Shushumela and Dresden are among those that have been prioritised.
The municipality also acknowledged the contribution of sector departments, social partners and mining companies through Social Labour Plan projects. These partnerships continue to play an important role in supporting housing, road maintenance, electrification, highmast lights and other development initiatives within communities.
The Mayor noted that electricity remains one of the most pressing needs in many villages. He said the municipality is concerned about the reduction of funding under the Integrated National Electrification Programme, but will continue exploring alternative ways to address the backlog, including the use of own funding where possible.
“We are aware of the challenges faced by Eskom in terms of capacity constraints. However, in areas where capacity has been confirmed, the Municipality must explore ways to electrify such areas, including the use of own funding where necessary,” said the Mayor.
Council also approved budget-related policies and the 2026/2027 municipal tariff structure. The approved budget will be placed on the municipal website in line with Section 75 of the Municipal Finance Management Act.
As part of its long-term infrastructure investment plan, Council authorised the Accounting Officer to borrow R300 million, structured in two tranches, to finance key capital projects. These include roads and stormwater infrastructure, internal electricity reticulation, water and wastewater infrastructure at Mashifane Park, as well as the rehabilitation and development of the Burgersfort Landfill Site.
The municipality further welcomed the designation of the long-awaited Special Economic Zone, which is expected to unlock economic opportunities and support job creation in Fetakgomo Tubatse, the Sekhukhune region and the Limpopo Province.
The Mayor said the budget reflects the municipality’s commitment to addressing poverty, unemployment and inequality while laying a foundation for future growth.
“As this is the last budget of this Council, we are proud of the progress made in improving access bridges, electrifying villages, completing key roads, strengthening relations with Magoshi, improving intergovernmental relations and supporting the Special Economic Zone,” said the Mayor.
The FTLM further called on eligible voters to participate in the upcoming voter registration weekend scheduled for 20 and 21 June , ahead of the local government elections.
