Ekurhuleni Mayor Doctor Xhakaza has praised the city’s financial recovery as a “turning point” in its path to stability, saying it sets the foundation for restoring quality service delivery to all corners of the metro.

“Sound financial management is the bedrock of sustainable service delivery,” said Xhakaza, addressing a media briefing in Ekurhuleni on Wednesday.

“Our disciplined approach is bearing fruit.”

The city’s cash-on-hand has nearly doubled — from just 11 days in the previous year to 21 days for 2024/2025. 

According to the mayor, Ekurhuleni’s finances have risen to over R1.2 billion, up from R615 million, while investment balances have grown from R245 million to R672 million.

These figures have prompted a positive credit rating upgrade, signalling renewed investor confidence, he said. 

But Xhakaza was clear: “Financial recovery is only one part of the story. The true measure of our success is the tangible impact on the lives of our people.”

Ekurhuleni has faced mounting service delivery challenges over the past few years — from crumbling roads and rolling blackouts to waste collection backlogs and under-serviced informal settlements.

These issues have sparked protests in areas such as Tembisa and Daveyton, where communities have demanded action, accountability, and dignity.

In response, the city has ramped up its infrastructure efforts.

It has spent 99% of its capital budget, exceeding targets in energy delivery with over 3,200 new electricity connections and 214 new streetlights.

Roads have seen massive upgrades, including 20 km of resurfacing in Kempton Park and the near-completion of the long-awaited BRT link between Tembisa and OR Tambo International Airport.

The city has also prioritised grassroots-level services. Waste collection now reaches 209,000 households in informal settlements, and stormwater systems in flood-prone areas like KwaThema and Tembisa are being maintained.

The Clean Your Kasi programme has created 345 jobs while promoting civic responsibility.

In Water and Sanitation, six new reservoirs and eight pump stations are under construction, with plans to meter over 113,000 unmetered stands.

Housing efforts delivered 167 new homes and 455 serviced stands this year alone.

To ensure long-term impact, the city has increased its repair and maintenance budget by R400 million, bringing the total to R3.1 billion.

“We are fixing this city — one streetlight, one pothole, one water pipe at a time,” said Xhakaza.

As residents continue to hold the city accountable, the mayor said Ekurhuleni was not just balancing the books — it’s rebuilding trust, restoring services, and reigniting hope.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za 

IOL Politics

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