eMadlangeni Mayor Mzwakhe Buthelezi has opened up about the pressure facing the municipality, saying it is trying to deliver services with limited funding, ageing infrastructure and a growing Eskom debt burden.
Speaking during an interview on LIT Radio, Buthelezi said eMadlangeni receives just over R139 million, placing it among the lowest-funded municipalities in the country.
He explained that the municipality depends heavily on grants to keep operating, saying without grant funding, eMadlangeni would struggle to function.
One of the biggest challenges, according to Buthelezi, is the municipality’s Eskom debt, which he said continues to grow. He linked the problem partly to residents and businesses that do not pay for electricity.
The mayor said the municipality has identified those who are not paying and is working on dealing with the matter.
Buthelezi also raised concern about old and damaged infrastructure, especially electricity infrastructure. He said much of the infrastructure was already in poor condition when he came into office and had not been properly serviced for years.
Despite the challenges, the mayor said there are projects in the pipeline. These include a pedestrian bridge in eMpongoza, road work in Ward 2, and outstanding electrification work in areas still waiting for electricity connections.
He also questioned the handling of the municipality’s INEP grant, saying the funding is being held through Amajuba District Municipality. According to Buthelezi, eMadlangeni must first complete work and submit reports before the funds are released.
He said this creates challenges because Amajuba District mainly deals with water and sanitation, while the INEP grant is linked to electricity. The municipality has written to seek clarity on why the grant is being handled in that way.
Buthelezi also highlighted several projects he is proud of. These include electrification work, renovations at the Belele building which also included solar installation, municipal bursaries, employment opportunities through programmes such as EPWP, and support for youth in sport.
In simple terms, eMadlangeni is a small municipality carrying big responsibilities with limited resources.
The mayor’s message was that the municipality has plans, but its ability to deliver depends on proper access to grant funding, stronger revenue collection, improved infrastructure and residents paying for services.