Port Alfred Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association
Dear Members
Sadly, this communication does not bring positive news.
Ndlambe Municipality has released its Draft Integrated Development Plan (IDP) 2022–2027 (Draft 2026/27), upon which the draft Budget is based. Both documents are available on the Municipality’s website for your review.
Attached is a spreadsheet prepared by Ren Mouton (Chairperson of PARRA), highlighting several concerning figures within the proposed Budget. The items marked in yellow reflect Human Resources costs (salaries, allowances, etc.), amounting to an annual expenditure of R247,533,375.00. Additional items marked in red and green indicate other areas of significant concern.
We strongly encourage all residents to review this worksheet and submit their comments to the Municipality, as outlined in the attached notice. PARRA will also be submitting formal objections and engaging directly with municipal representatives, including Ren Uren (IDP author) and Diane May (Assistant Financial Director), to challenge a number of the substantial expenditure items contained in both documents.
However, meaningful impact requires collective action, and we urge you to lend your support by submitting your own comments and objections.
PARRA is furthermore preparing a submission to NERSA following the publication of the Municipal Electricity Tariff Applications for the 2026/27 financial year. Ndlambe Municipality has proposed, among other increases, a 7% electricity tariff increase, as well as a substantial rise in capacity charges from R10.97 to R17.61. Additional concerns include costs included in the application which we believe are inappropriate, such as streetlighting maintenance and fuel provisions for indigent support.
Further concern arises from the Draft Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF) for 2026/27 to 2028/29, which outlines the following proposed increases:
- Property rates: 5.2%
- Environmental fee: 5.2%
- Water Basic Fee: 10.2% (5.2% CPI plus 5% tariff restructuring)
- Water Usage: 5.2%
- Sewerage Basic Fee: 5.2%
- Sanitation/Pump Outs: 10.2%
- Waste Collection: 5.2%
- Electricity tariff: Average increase of 7%
- Miscellaneous tariffs: 5.2%
PARRA will be meeting with the Municipality in the near future to strongly oppose these proposed increases.
We believe that through unified and constructive engagement, we can once again influence outcomes—as we have successfully done in the past. Your participation is essential in ensuring that the Municipality understands that residents cannot continue to absorb unjustified and excessive increases.
We are very grateful for your continued support.
Kind regards,
Sally Greasley
PARRA Membership/Media
10 April 2026