Tshwane Deputy Mayor and Finance Member of the Mayoral Committee Eugene Modise has outlined the metro’s R58 billion budget, describing it as a “pro-poor” initiative designed to reverse infrastructure collapse and restore essential services across the municipality.
Modise stated that the fully funded budget prioritises critical infrastructure repairs and the consistent delivery of water, electricity, and waste removal services to struggling communities. “The essence of the budget is to repair and supply our residents with consistent reliable supply of water, electricity and be able to collect waste timely,” Modise said.
Water Infrastructure Investments
Addressing persistent concerns over water supply, Modise highlighted specific interventions. He noted that the Hammanskraal area currently receives 50 million liters from a splash plant, while 75 million liters are required for the entire region. The budget allocates funds to refurbish water treatment plants, replace aging asbestos pipes posing health risks, and install new pumping infrastructure.
“We are refurbishing the Bronkhorstspruit water treatment plant and we are installing pipes and we have already procured pumps to ensure that they get consistent supply of clean running water,” Modise explained.
Security Measures to Protect Infrastructure
Responding to allegations that repaired infrastructure is sometimes deliberately damaged to perpetuate demand for water tanker services, Modise confirmed that security enhancements are already underway. Following a study in Ikageng, Mamelodi—where residents went without water for five years—the municipality identified illegal connections and infrastructure sabotage as key challenges.
“We installed electronic cameras, beams, and we are now installing hardware. We’ve installed FieldView and all our infrastructure, meaning the national key points, the reservoirs, the substations, they’ve got security and we’re monitoring them from a central point,” Modise said.
Addressing Conflict-of-Interest Allegations
When questioned about whether security companies guarding municipal facilities are linked to him personally, Modise denied any current involvement. He acknowledged a past association with a security company prior to his political role, stating the contract was awarded via court order after three companies took the municipality to court.
“I resigned and it’s crystal clear, can be accessed via CRO, and everybody and even in my declarations I declared that I was part of the company. I’m no more the director and I felt my shareholding,” Modise said.
He further addressed sanctions related to asset declarations, explaining that a property purchased in 2010 to serve as a company office was paid for entirely by the company, with no personal benefit derived. “I didn’t put it there because I didn’t see it material… I bought it for the company in 2010,” he stated, adding that he welcomes the opportunity to present documentation verifying his claims.
Political Tensions and Fiscal Context
The budget presentation occurred amid political friction, with the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) and Democratic Alliance (DA) councillors protesting Modise’s fitness to serve due to ongoing scandals. Modise attributed the criticism to political maneuvering in an election year and defended his administration’s fiscal management.
“The DA is angry and is bitter because they made a mess of the finances. When I came in, we had the R16 billion debt and then they were owing Eskom,” Modise said. He noted that the municipality inherited a R6.6 billion debt to Eskom, of which R2.1 billion has been repaid, earning an appreciation certificate from the utility.
Modise also highlighted increased expenditure on employee remuneration, stating that while the previous coalition allocated R400–450 million for staff payments, the current administration is disbursing R1.6 billion. “How could a leader undermine the price of the employees, our strategic asset, a crucial component of the city that is delivering services to our people, you deny them an increase for 4 years,” he asked.
Modise has agreed to appear in a follow-up engagement to provide documentary evidence regarding his divestment from previously held business interests. The municipality maintains that the R58 billion budget represents a committed effort to stabilise service delivery and address historical infrastructure neglect.
