The Joe Gqabi District Municipality (JGDM) took decisive action on financial accountability and infrastructure delivery during a Special Council Meeting held at the Barkly East Council Chambers on 30 October 2025. Speaker councilor Mzukhona Bomela convened the session to strengthen governance and speed up essential services across the district.
What Happened
During the meeting, Council adopted the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) report on unauthorized expenditure of R78.9 million from the 2024/2025 financial year. According to the report, the expenditure stemmed from an accounting correction and caused no financial loss to the municipality.
In addition, the Council approved the 2025/2026 Special Adjustment Budget, aimed at accelerating water and sanitation projects, including a new Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) initiative in Ugie.
A new list of Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) projects for 2026/2027 was also endorsed, covering developments in Elundini, Walter Sisulu, and Senqu municipalities.
Official Response
Speaking after the meeting, Councilor Bomela said the Council is “determined to close all governance gaps and deliver visible improvements in service delivery.”
Audit Committee and MPAC reports both highlighted improved compliance with procurement rules. Notably, no irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure was recorded in the latest reporting period — a strong indicator of progress in financial discipline.
Community Impact
Residents across the Joe Gqabi District can expect faster project delivery and improved access to clean water and sanitation services. The approved budgets will channel more funds into critical infrastructure upgrades that support local communities and job creation.
