​Other highlights

• R8,4 billion strong capital budget to help boost local economic recovery to improve lives and livelihoods.
• No performance bonuses for senior staff and management.
• No provision for cost-of-living salary increases for staff.
• The R683 million in savings achieved over the last budget period will be used to offset the continued additional Covid-19 costs.

The City has also achieved its 17th unqualified audit as per the Auditor-General.
 
Covid-19, weak economy, Eskom impact
‘The Covid-19 crisis, Eskom’s steep electricity increase of 15,06%, a very slow economic recovery and the general state of the national economy as well as the national government purse, are some of the biggest factors impacting the City’s R56,4 billion budget.
 
‘Looking ahead over the medium term, this Budget was prepared with the intention of keeping rates and service charges to the bare minimum to assist already struggling residents, communities and businesses. This, through profound cost cutting, savings and using internal funds to cushion residents. The City’s electricity tariff is proposed to increase with 13,5% from 1 July 2021. This is directly as a result of Eskom’s steep price increases. The City has done its utmost to absorb these increases, however, over the years, we have already made our energy operations very efficient, so there is not too much room for manoeuvre and the City can’t wholly absorb such high increases, bearing in mind that 65% of the City’s tariff income is used to buy bulk power from Eskom, said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Alderman Ian Neilson. 
 
For more on the budget and tariffs, please visit www.capetown.gov.za/budget
 
Public participation: comment by 3 May 2021
Covid-19 has an impact on the public participation process.
 
To view the Tabled Budget please visit: www.capetown.gov.za/budget or go to your nearest sub¬council office or library for a copy of the budget.
 
Written comments
By email: Budget.Comments@capetown.gov.za
Through your Ward Councillor / Subcouncil offices
 
Verbal inputs
Phone: 0800 212 176
 
For assistance to comment in English, Afrikaans or isiXhosa, please phone 0800 212 176
 
Visit www.capetown.gov.za/HaveYourSay for more information.
 
 
End