R89.4 Billion Joburg Budget Slammed by DA for Lacking Service Strategy

The City of Johannesburg’s recently presented 2025–2026 budget has drawn harsh criticism from the Democratic Alliance (DA), which claims the current ruling coalition is squandering money on projects that are most likely to win votes while ignoring formalization and long-term planning.

This follows the presentation of a R89.4 billion budget by Finance MMC Margaret Arnolds, which she referred to as “pro-poor” and that prioritized service delivery and growth. With R26.2 billion allocated over the following three years, the capital investment for the current fiscal year is R8.7 billion. Areas like Alexandra, Diepsloot, Kaalfontein, Orange Farm, and Lenasia South that have historically been underserved as a result of apartheid-era spatial planning are given priority in the budget.

Belinda Echeozonjoku, the leader of the DA Johannesburg caucus, questioned the allocation’s efficacy, though. According to her, “millions are being pumped into places like Alexandra, but visible improvements are hard to find.” “It seems less like a sincere effort to provide services and more like a vote-winning tactic.”

She also criticized the city for investing in informal settlements without having clear plans for formalization, which she said compromises revenue collection and could allow for illegal utility connections. How will the city handle prepaid meters or property rates in the absence of stand numbers or organized layouts? Without a formalization framework, it’s financial irresponsibility,” she contended.

Arnolds defended the budget, saying the city is focusing on revitalizing under-resourced communities and addressing long-standing service backlogs. She stated that the inner city and surrounding areas are important targets and that “we are correcting historical injustices and focusing capital investment where it’s needed most.”

Budget reallocations were another issue brought up by the DA. Significant money was taken away from transportation infrastructure, according to Echeozonjoku. “They have raised tariffs while reducing transportation spending.” When attempting to construct a world-class city, that is contradictory.

The Johannesburg Roads Agency has been given R400 million to deal with road resurfacing throughout the city.

Arnolds emphasized the city’s goal of preserving a projected R4.1 billion operating surplus and bolstering long-term financial stability in his closing remarks.

Notwithstanding their political differences, both parties seem to agree that the prudent and equitable use of Johannesburg’s funds is essential to the city’s future.

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Sourced:Mail & Gaurdian

Picture: X/@AfricaFactsZone