EXCO APPROVES PLAN TO SUPPORT LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND ADJUSTMENT BUDGET
The Premier, Mr Mandla Ndlovu convened a special sitting of the Executive Council (EXCO), on Tuesday in Mbombela. The purpose is to ensure that the Province prepares for the new term of the 7th Local Government Administration, to be established after the recent elections on the 4th of November 2026.
EXCO noted that the elections were free and fair, and that the period leading up to the voting day, was peaceful. Premier Ndlovu congratulated the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for the excellent work in which the elections were managed. “The IEC has once again demonstrated its independence and reputation as an institution to protect the democratic process of our country, through conducting of free and fair elections. We congratulate the leadership and the staff for their excellent service and the integrity which charecterised the electoral process. Furthermore, we commend the peaceful manner in which political parties and voters conducted themselves during the elections,” the Premier stressed.
STATE OF READINESS TO SUPPORT 7TH LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION
A plan to support the post-Local Government elections era and the establishment of Municipal Councils was presented and deliberated extensively during the sitting. The plan outlines in detail support measures to ensure a smooth transition from the 6th to 7th Local Government Administration.
These measures cover a wide range of issues, affirming the Province’s readiness to ensure proper onboarding of elected Councillors and effective functionality of Municipal Councils, for the three (3) Districts and seventeen (17) Local Municipalities.
The plan takes into consideration key local government legislation, which include, amongst others, the following:
Declaration of electoral results in accordance with Section 64 of Local Government Municipal Electoral Act 27 of 2000.
First Council sitting in terms of Section 29(2) of the Local Government Municipal Structures Act, 1988 in which the Municipal Manager, or a person designated by the MEC for Local Government in the province, must call the first meeting of the Council within 14 days.
EXCO noted that dates for the first sittings of the Districts and Local Municipalities range from the 17th to the 24th of November 2026 in designated venues, and that an action plan has been developed to ensure that logistics and support staff are on site for proper coordination. These include the appointment of Magistrates as presiding officers for affirmation of the oath of office by Councillors. Additionally, Standing Orders to guide proceedings during the inaugural sessions and the election of Office-Bearers, will be distributed prior to the sittings.
EXCO approved the plan to ensure that the 7th Local Government Administration starts on a good footing, until the next elections in 2031.
APPROVAL OF 2026 ADJUSTMENT BUDGET
The Provincial Adjustment budget for the 2026/27 financial year will be presented in the Legislature on the 20th of November 2026, by the MEC for Finance, Mr Bonakele Majuba. The adjustments process is provided for in Chapter 31(1) of the PFMA, and seeks to provide an opportunity to make permissible revisions to the Budget during the current financial year in response to changes that have affected planned government spending.
The Provincial Treasury presented the 2026 Adjustment budget to the EXCO sitting, guided by the priorities of the 7th Administration, key among them include driving inclusive growth and job creation, infrastructure development and straightening capacity of the state. The adjustment is significant to provincial province’s plans to drive economic growth and massify job opportunities through investment in infrastructure development.
Generally, the public service is operating within financial constraints, and the Mpumalanga Provincial Government is not immune. This is intensified by external factors, amongst them, the global geo-political and economic uncertainty, which increase costs, such as fuel.
EXCO noted that the Province has made strides in revenue collection, through income streams such as the payment of vehicle licences, fines and penalties. In addition, an analysis of expenditure performance suggest that Mpumalanga is among the 6 provinces which recorded a best performance by the end of September 2026.
EXCO approved the adjustment budget. In approving the budget, it was resolved that the budget should focus on addressing spending pressures, accelerating project implementation, filling of critical vacancies, improving procurement turnaround times and strengthening expenditure controls.
ENDS...
Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Office of the Premier
Contact Person: MEC Thulasizwe Thomo (EXCO Spokesperson)
Enquiries: Mr George Mthethwa (Mpumalanga Provincial Government Spokesperson)
Contact: 013 766 2242/ 083 302 2774.