Opposition parties reacted with disappointment to Tshwane Mayor Cilliers Brink's second State of the Union Address (SOCA) earlier today. They argue that Mr. Brink's SOCA is merely a repeat of the same promises made a year ago.
Mr Brink highlighted the various service delivery initiatives that his administration is prioritizing throughout Tshwane's multi-party coalition government to ensure a better city for all residents. Restoring the city's finances and improving its water and power infrastructure are just some of the City of Tshwane's top priorities.
The City received another poor audit result in the 2022/23 financial year, which improved slightly from an unfavorable result to a qualified result.
“Our fiscal relief mission is at the heart of improving service delivery. Our books must be balanced and we must generate a surplus from trade services. will be unable to generate savings or borrowings to improve , electricity, and sewerage services.Following unsatisfactory annual financial report results, the Mayor's Committee adopted a financial relief charter. This agreement between the city administration and top officials sets out a number of immediate measures to restore the city's tax management capacity and ensure cost-reflective rates and real estate tax rates in future fiscal years. ” Brink said.
To help the city rebuild its finances, Brink urged residents to pay for services. The Mayor also reminded Council that electricity and water infrastructure remains the backbone of municipal service delivery.
“Other significant initiatives to strengthen and maintain the city’s water and sanitation infrastructure include: Replacement, upgrades and construction of wastewater treatment facilities – 9,200 yen to replace aging water pipes; Rand 66 million, reservoir expansion – R65 million. We are constrained and working on a limited budget, but we are doing everything we can to ensure maximum impact. We are working to optimize it,” Brink added.
Despite his detailed speech, opposition parties claim Mr Brink failed to inspire trust.
“The address is the same, just the date has changed,” said EFF's Benjamin Disorouan.
“He failed to highlight what would be done in the township,” says ANC Tshwane caucus leader Joel Masilela.
The mayor said Mr Tshwane was determined to pay the increase next financial year, following last year's violent strike over a pay rise that Mr Brink refused to implement.
Mr Brink also appealed to the local community and other stakeholders to help Mr Tshwane overcome service delivery challenges in the capital.
Video: Tshwane Mayor's State of the Union Address
