Siphelele Nketo
A NEW chief financial officer (CFO) for the Alfred Nzo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape has been announced during a municipal council sitting at the Royal Courtyard Hotel in Matatiele recently.
Siyasanga Yolani Sityata who worked for the Johannes Phumani Phungula Local Municipality in Ixopo as CFO will be filling the post that was left vacant by former CFO Unathi Mahlasela in March last year.
Acting in the post since last year was Sakhiwo Nelani who was replaced by Mthokozisi Khambula on May 12 as acting CFO. Mayor Tsileng Sobuthongo said the appointment of a new CFO forms part of a critical step towards stabilising administrative leadership.
Meanwhile, the municipality also adopted its final budget and Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for the 2026/2027 financial year.
Prior to adoption, the municipality in partnership with local municipalities in Alfred Nzo district conducted extensive IDP and budget roadshows across various communities. The issues, concerns and proposals raised during these public consultation sessions were duly recorded and considered to ensure that the budget addresses the true needs of the community.
For the 2026/27 financial year, the total operating income is projected at R 1.745 billion, while the total operating expenditure is set at R 1.735 billion, yielding a positive budgeted surplus of more than R9 million.
To safeguard the existing infrastructure and improve service reliability, the council has dedicated a substantial R91 million strictly for repairs and maintenance. To support these ongoing operations and expand water infrastructure, the Water and Sewerage Tariff has been adjusted by a modest 6% increase.
