On Thursday, 10 April 2025, Alfred Duma Local Municipality hosted a consultative IDP and Budget meeting with Amakhosi for the 2025/26 financial year. The purpose of the meeting was to present and outline the Municipality’s Draft Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Budget. In attendance were Amakhosi, Izinduna, Exco Members, Councillors, and Municipal Officials led by the Municipal Manager.
The Honourable Speaker, Cllr B.P. Sithole, welcomed all attendees and emphasized the importance of engaging traditional leadership on the Draft IDP and Budget prior to the upcoming municipal roadshows, which are scheduled to take place from 11 to 29 April 2025.
His Worship, the Mayor of Alfred Duma Local Municipality, Cllr Z.J. Sibisi, expressed appreciation to the Amakhosi for honouring the invitation. He also extended a sincere apology to traditional leaders who had previously been excluded from plenary meetings concerning the IDP and Budget in past financial years.
The Mayor presented the draft IDP and budget allocations, which are informed by ward-based needs. He assured traditional leaders that the Municipality remains committed to consulting them on all service delivery initiatives in their respective communities. The Mayor further encouraged the Amakhosi to submit their inputs on the budget to ensure their support and endorsement.
He also proposed the installation of lightning conductors in all Traditional courts and requested that this be prioritised through the office of the Municipal Manager, Ms S.S. Ngiba.
In addition, the Mayor appealed to Amakhosi to assist in discouraging the vandalism of public infrastructure. He provided an overview of cluster-based IDP and budget projects, identifying electrification (Apollo lighting) as a primary need raised by communities.
BUDGET/FINANCE PRESENTATION
The CFO, Mr Jhetam did a presentation on the Draft Budget for the 2025/26 financial year, emphasizing Alfred Duma Local Municipality’s mandate as a service delivery-driven institution.
CONTRIBUTIONS BY AMAKHOSI
Inkosi Kunene, commended the Municipality’s proactive approach in involving traditional leadership ahead of public roadshows. He pledged support in safeguarding infrastructure and extended condolences to the Mayor following the tragic passing of his bodyguard.
Inkosi Mabaso, praised the Municipality for the ongoing service delivery efforts and requested intervention on the P349 road from Maphemvane Store. This concern involves Inkosi Mabaso, Inkosi Sithole, and Inkosi Zwane. He further requested pothole patching, streetlights, access roads, community halls, and recreational facilities.
Inkosi Zwane, welcomed the engagement and he appreciated the commitment of municipal officials, indicating that successful implementation of projects depends on their active involvement. He urged them to remain dedicated and serve as positive representatives of the Municipality within their communities.
His Worship, the Mayor, Cllr Z.J. Sibisi, acknowledged and appreciated the contributions made by the Amakhosi Asendlunkulu and assured them that their inputs would be considered.
Induna Blose, representing Inkosi Sithole from the Mhlumayo Cluster, applauded the Municipality’s progress and requested that Ward 28 be prioritised for road maintenance.
CLOSING REMARKS
In closing, the Mayor extended his heartfelt appreciation to Amakhosi and presented Amagusha as a token of appreciation. On behalf of Alfred Duma Local Municipality, Cllr M. Sithole, expressed gratitude to all attendees, especially Amakhosi Asendlunkulu, for their meaningful engagement. He encouraged traditional leadership to support parliamentarians who advocate for communities in legislative structures.
ENDS
Issued by:
Alfred Duma Local Municipality Communications and Intergovernmental Relations
For media interviews, contact:
His Worship, the Mayor
Cllr Z.J. Sibisi
083 236 9546 / 082 490 8716