On 28 May 2026 at 10h00, Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Finance, Alderman Jongizizwe Dlabathi, will present the City of Ekurhuleni’s budget to Council at the OR Tambo Government Precinct in Germiston.
This important occasion will outline how resources are allocated, following the priorities set out by Executive Mayor Alderman Nkosindiphile Xhakaza in his State of the City Address. For residents and ratepayers, the budget speech is more than a formal process — it is a roadmap that directly influences service delivery and the quality of life in the city.
The municipal budget serves as a financial plan for the year ahead, running from 1 July to 30 June, and must be approved by Council before implementation. Drafting the budget is a structured process guided by the City’s long‑term Growth and Development Plan 2055, which is broken down into the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) covering five years, and the Service Delivery Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP) that sets annual priorities. Together, these frameworks ensure that the budget aligns with both long‑term vision and immediate service delivery needs.
The budget itself is made up of two main components. The capital budget funds infrastructure projects such as the construction and upgrading of roads, clinics, libraries, electrification of houses, and network enhancements. The operating budget covers day‑to‑day activities, including bulk purchases of electricity and water, repairs and maintenance of infrastructure, and metro policing. To support these commitments, the City draws revenue from property rates, service charges for utilities, government grants, external and internal loans, as well as contributions and donations from stakeholders.
Public participation remains central to the process. Residents are encouraged to attend public meetings, submit written comments through the City’s website or customer care centres, and engage ward committees to provide input. This ensures that the budget reflects community priorities and strengthens accountability.
The timeline begins with departments submitting proposals in February and March, followed by the release of the draft budget and IDP in April. Public participation sessions take place in April and May before Council finalises the budget end of June each year. The new financial year then begins on 1 July.