PIETERMARITZBURG, KwaZulu-Natal COGTA MEC, Hon. Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has tabled a R2.033 billion budget for the 2026/27 financial year, heavily prioritizing critical water interventions and strengthening municipal governance structures.
The budget, supported by the majority of the provincial legislature, moves the department into a delivery-focused phase under the theme, The Roof.
Key Highlights:
Critical Water Interventions:
R5.7 Billion Funding: Partnering with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) to inject R5.7 billion into provincial water infrastructure.
uThukela District Relief: R76 million is ring-fenced to refurbish aging bulk water infrastructure in uThukela.
Rural Water Supply: Fast-tracking the completion of the Nondabuya Water Scheme in Jozini to benefit over 1,800 households.
Strengthening Municipalities and Traditional Leadership:
Direct Support: Deploying technical experts to struggling municipalities (including Msunduzi, uMzinyathi, Nongoma, uThukela, uMkhanyakude, eThekwini, and Inkosi uMtubatuba) to drive financial recovery under Section 154 of the Constitution.
Stipend Increase: The monthly stipend for Traditional Council Secretaries increases to R9,000 per month to support municipal-traditional governance coordination.
IziNduna Support: 156 newly appointed IziNduna will strengthen local-level leadership across the province.
“This budget is a direct commitment to building municipalities that work and traditional institutions that inspire confidence, ensuring that public resources directly reach our communities.”
— Hon. Thulasizwe Buthelezi, KZN COGTA MEC
