05/06/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EFF CONFIRMS HISTORIC REJECTION OF NALA'S 2026/27 BUDGET AS COUNCIL FAILS TO SECURE MAJORITY
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Nala Local Municipality can confirm that the 2026/27 budget tabled before council has failed to pass marking the first time in the municipality's history that a budget has been rejected.
Following today's sitting, the final vote stood at 12 in favour, 10 against. In a council of 24 seats, a constitutional majority requires 13 votes. The budget therefore falls short of the legal threshold for passage.
The EFF reaffirms its position that it will not support any budget that:
1. Continues paying ghost workers while youth unemployment stands at 42% (64% general unemployment in Nala);
2. Refuses to insource Zingaro meter readers; motion submitted by the EFF and approved by the council.
3. Fails to address water leakages and electrification of Azania and other informal settlements; motion submitted by the EFF and approved by the council.
4. Protects an absentee Mayor whom the ANC's own leadership (Secretary-General, Provincial Secretary, and REC) has called to resign and arrogantly refusing.
5. Allows an ANC appointed administrator to deliberately leave Section 56 manager posts vacant more than a year since his arrival informed by his narrow political interest.
The EFF calls on all progressive forces in Nala to reject business as usual. The failed budget must now be urgently revisited with genuine political willingness including the firing of officials who sabotage service delivery.