Tshwane’s Deputy Mayor and Finance Member of the Mayoral Committee, Eugene Modise, has presented the municipality’s R58 billion budget, framing it as a “pro-poor” strategy to tackle the metro’s deepening service delivery challenges and rebuild crumbling infrastructure.
Modise confirmed the budget is fully funded and centres on restoring reliable access to water, electricity, and waste removal for residents in underserved areas. “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,” he stated.
Targeted Water Infrastructure Upgrades
On water supply challenges, Modise provided specifics on interventions in Hammanskraal, which currently receives 50 million liters daily against a required 75 million liters. The budget includes refurbishment of treatment plants, replacement of deteriorating asbestos pipes that pose health concerns, and procurement of new pumping systems.
“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 said.
Safeguarding Repaired Infrastructure
Addressing concerns that fixed infrastructure is sometimes sabotaged to sustain demand for water tanker services, Modise outlined new security protocols. In Ikageng, Mamelodi—where communities endured five years without water—a municipal investigation revealed illegal connections and deliberate infrastructure damage.
In response, the city has deployed electronic surveillance, including cameras and beam sensors, and is installing FieldView monitoring technology. “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 explained.
Clarifying Personal Business Interests
When asked whether security firms contracted to protect municipal assets have any link to him, Modise denied current involvement. He acknowledged a prior association with a security company before entering public office, noting the contract was awarded following a court order after three firms litigated against the municipality.
“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.
Regarding sanctions over asset declarations, he clarified that a property acquired in 2010 for use as a company office was fully paid by the business, with no personal gain. “I didn’t put it there because I didn’t see it material… I bought it for the company in 2010,” he said, adding he is prepared to share supporting documentation.
Political Pushback and Fiscal Recovery
The budget announcement coincided with protests from Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) and Democratic Alliance (DA) councillors, who questioned Modise’s suitability to hold office amid ongoing controversies. Modise characterised the opposition as election-year politics and defended his administration’s financial stewardship.
“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,” he said. He noted the municipality inherited a R6.6 billion debt to Eskom and has since repaid R2.1 billion, receiving a formal appreciation certificate from the utility.
Modise also highlighted increased investment in municipal staff, stating that while the previous coalition allocated R400–450 million for employee 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 committed to a follow-up appearance to present documentary evidence confirming his divestment from prior business interests. Municipal leadership maintains the R58 billion budget reflects a decisive shift toward sustainable service delivery and long-term infrastructure rehabilitation.