The City of Tshwane has unveiled its fully funded budget for the 2025/26 financial year, placing a strong emphasis on infrastructure development, economic growth, social services, and financial stability. Deputy Mayor and MMC for Finance, Cllr Eugene Modise, presented a strategic plan on 15 May 2025 that aims to uplift communities such as Babelegi, Temba, and Hammanskraal, ensuring improved service delivery and economic opportunities.
Among the most notable investments is the R150 million allocation for Phase 1 of the Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Plant upgrade, a crucial step toward improving water quality in Hammanskraal. The budget also provides R26 million for refurbishments at the Temba and Babelegi Waste Water Treatment Plants, alongside R3 million for Ekangala’s toilet reticulation project, ensuring dignified sanitation access. The City’s Water Turnaround Strategy, supported by a R21 billion allocation, seeks to reduce dependence on Rand Water.
Economic growth is a focal point, with R740 million allocated to the Economic Development and Spatial Planning Department. The Tshwane Economic Revitalization Strategy, aimed at attracting R17 billion in investment, is expected to generate 80,000 new jobs by 2029. To support job creation, the City has earmarked R49.2 million for Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) opportunities and R76 million for the Public Employment Programme (PEP). The City also plans to leverage strategic assets such as Wonderboom National Airport, Tshwane Events Centre, Pretoria West Power Station, and Rooiwal Power Station to bolster revenue and economic activity.
Electricity infrastructure upgrades are prioritized, with R23 million allocated to Pyramid Substation upgrades and public lighting projects in Babelegi and Temba. Road and transport improvements include R522 million for the A Re Yeng rapid transit system and further expansion along Lynnwood Road, benefiting communities such as Mamelodi and Atteridgeville.
Tshwane’s commitment to social services and community well-being is reflected in a R2.9 billion package aimed at supporting vulnerable residents. This includes R2.8 million for Early Childhood Development Centres, R5.9 million for the Tshwane Food Bank, R30 million to combat substance abuse, and R20.6 million to fight HIV/AIDS. The Council has also approved a pilot extension of clinic hours at Olievenhoutbosch Clinic, supported by R3 million to improve healthcare accessibility.
The indigent threshold has been revised upward from R150,000 to R250,000, benefiting approximately 180,000 households. This support package includes 100% property rates rebate, 12 kilolitres of free water, 100 kilowatt-hours of free electricity, free sanitation, and waste removal services.
To improve safety, R5.5 billion has been allocated to Emergency Services and the Tshwane Metro Police Department, including R1.7 billion for emergency responders. The City is recruiting 200 additional metro police officers and has purchased 50 new vehicles, worth R18.7 million, to strengthen law enforcement. Plans also include the renovation of 21 emergency facilities, beginning with Ga-Rankuwa Satellite Station (R1 million), Cullinan Satellite Fire Station (R1 million), and Soshanguve Satellite Fire Station (R1 million).
Urban cleanliness efforts will be intensified, with R613 million allocated to tackle illegal dumping and household refuse removal. Additionally, R7 million will be used to provide waste containers across the city. The introduction of a City Cleaning Levy aims to improve sanitation in areas that rely on private refuse collection.
Financial stability remains a cornerstone of the budget, as the City continues to strengthen governance and accountability. Moody’s has revised Tshwane’s credit profile to a stable outlook, citing improved financial management and cost containment measures. Efforts have already reduced the Eskom debt by R1.1 billion, settled the R4.7 billion PEU Smart Meter tax burden, and cut the City’s debtors’ book by 14.27%.
Tariff adjustments for essential services were kept below bulk supplier increases to limit financial pressure on residents. Electricity tariffs will rise by 10.2%, compared to Eskom’s 11.32% increase; water tariffs will go up by 13%, lower than Rand Water’s 15.3% increase; sanitation tariffs will increase by 6%, while refuse removal fees will be adjusted by 4.6%. To offset these increases, property rates have been reduced by 4%, easing the impact of higher property values under the new General Valuation Roll.
Cllr Modise emphasized that this fully funded budget reflects a commitment to responsible governance, financial recovery, and sustainable service delivery. With significant investments in infrastructure, economic growth, community well-being, and urban safety, the City of Tshwane is set to deliver tangible improvements for residents, including those in Babelegi, Temba, Hammanskraal, and beyond.
