EKURHULENI'S R71 BILLION BUDGET APPROVED: WHAT IT MEANS FOR HOMEOWNERS, PROPERTY VALUES AND SERVICE DELIVERY

On 23 June 2026, the City of Ekurhuleni officially adopted its amended R71 billion budget for the 2026/27 financial year during an extraordinary Council Meeting at the O.R. Tambo Government Precinct in Germiston.

The budget was approved by a vote of 176 councillors in favour and 31 against, ensuring that the City can continue funding essential services, infrastructure projects and community development programmes across the metro. Importantly for homeowners, the final budget also included a 0.5% reduction in the proposed property rates increase, providing some welcome financial relief while still enabling the City to invest in critical municipal services.

For residents and property owners, this budget represents far more than a financial document. It provides a roadmap for service delivery, infrastructure investment and municipal accountability over the next financial year.

WHY BUDGET APPROVAL MATTERS
In terms of South Africa's Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), municipalities are required to adopt annual budgets before the start of the new financial year on 1 July.

Without an approved budget, municipalities cannot effectively implement capital projects, maintain infrastructure, appoint service providers or continue many essential service delivery programmes. The approval of Ekurhuleni's budget therefore provides certainty and stability for residents, businesses and investors alike.

The approved budget also gives effect to the City's Integrated Development Plan (IDP), which guides long-term development priorities and infrastructure planning.

HOMEOWNERS BENEFIT FROM A REDUCED PROPERTY RATES INCREASE
One of the most significant outcomes for property owners is that the final budget included a 0.5% reduction in the proposed property rates increase following the budget consultation and approval process.

At a time when many households are dealing with rising living costs, interest rates, insurance premiums and utility expenses, every reduction in municipal increases helps to ease financial pressure.

The final residential property rates tariff for the 2026/27 financial year was approved at 0.01169 cents in the Rand of a property's municipal value. The tariff takes effect from 1 July 2026.

While the City must generate sufficient revenue to maintain infrastructure and provide services, the reduced increase demonstrates a commitment to balancing service delivery needs with affordability for residents.

CONTINUED PROPERTY RATES RELIEF FOR QUALIFYING RESIDENTS
The budget also maintains several important relief measures for qualifying homeowners.

These include:

• A R15 000 statutory exclusion on residential property values.
• An additional R135 000 reduction on residential property valuations for rating purposes.
• 100% property rates rebates for approved indigent households.
• Additional reductions and rebates for pensioners, disability grant recipients and medically boarded residents.
• Sliding-scale rebates for qualifying senior citizens based on monthly income levels.

These measures provide meaningful financial support to vulnerable residents while helping to ensure access to essential municipal services.

BETTER SERVICE STANDARDS AND ACCOUNTABILITY
One of the most positive aspects of the approved budget package is the inclusion of updated service level standards.

The City has committed to measurable response times and service delivery targets across key departments.

Among the standards are:

• Traffic-related complaints to be attended to within 1 hour.
• Responses to road traffic by-law complaints within 1 hour.
• Responses to crimes in progress within 1 hour.
• Responses to public nuisance and noise complaints within 1 hour.
• Emergency medical response targets maintained at 15 minutes for Priority 1 incidents.
• Structural fire response targets maintained at an average of 14 minutes.

For residents, these service standards create clearer expectations and strengthen accountability regarding municipal performance.

BATHO PELE PRINCIPLES STRENGTHEN SERVICE DELIVERY
The City's Service Level Standards are underpinned by the Batho Pele principles, which place residents at the centre of service delivery.

These principles include:

• Consultation with residents.
• Equal access to services.
• Courtesy and professionalism.
• Transparency and openness.
• Accurate information sharing.
• Effective complaint resolution.
• Value for money.

For homeowners, this means municipal departments are expected to operate according to clearly defined service standards and customer-focused practices.

INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT PROTECTS PROPERTY VALUES
Municipal infrastructure remains one of the most important drivers of property values.

Reliable electricity networks, well-maintained roads, effective stormwater systems, waste management services and functioning water infrastructure all contribute to stronger neighbourhoods and improved investment confidence.

The approved R71 billion budget creates the financial framework needed for continued maintenance, upgrades and expansion of municipal infrastructure throughout Ekurhuleni.

For homeowners, these investments help protect property values while supporting future growth and economic development.

SUPPORT FOR LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS
The City's updated policies continue to provide support to qualifying low-income households through its indigent programme.

Benefits include:

• Free Basic Electricity allocations for approved indigent households.
• Free basic water support.
• Property rates rebates.
• Additional relief linked to household income and property values.

These programmes help ensure that basic municipal services remain accessible to vulnerable residents.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOLAR HOMEOWNERS
The 2026/27 tariff structure continues to recognise embedded electricity generation.

Residents with approved solar photovoltaic (PV) systems who comply with municipal requirements may qualify for credits when exporting excess electricity to the municipal grid. The approved tariffs provide a framework for compensating qualifying residential customers for energy supplied back into the network.

This supports energy resilience while encouraging investment in renewable energy solutions.

STRONGER FINANCIAL GOVERNANCE
The budget is supported by updated financial policies covering:

• Property rates.
• Credit control and debt collection.
• Indigent support.
• Tariff setting.
• Budget implementation and monitoring.
• Cost containment.
• Financial accountability and reporting.
  

These policies are intended to strengthen financial sustainability and improve municipal governance, ultimately supporting better service delivery outcomes for residents.

LOOKING AHEAD
The approval of Ekurhuleni's R71 billion budget on 23 June 2026 represents a significant step forward for the metro.

For homeowners, the benefits extend beyond municipal finances. The budget provides for continued infrastructure investment, measurable service delivery standards, support for vulnerable households, opportunities for renewable energy participation and a reduced property rates increase compared to the original proposal.

While residents will ultimately judge the budget by its implementation, the approved framework provides a solid foundation for improved service delivery, stronger communities and long-term property market confidence throughout Ekurhuleni.

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