# Joe Gqabi

- Link: https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/budget-22-23/joe-gqabi-2/
- Published: 2023-04-10T10:46:44+02:00
- Author: dearSA

![](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/02144255/DearSouthAfrica-
Municipal-budgets-and-tariff-increases-1.jpg "DearSouthAfrica Municipal budgets 
and tariff increases")

![DEAR-SOUTH-AfFRICA](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/
02/08135845/DEAR-SOUTH-AfFRICA.png "DEAR-SOUTH-AfFRICA")

### Joe Gqabi District municipality (Elundini, Senqu, Walter Sisulu) calls for public comment on proposed tariff increases, the draft budget and IDP

    - Proposed increases are available in the summary below

Scroll down to have your say

[click to view info, statements and documents ](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/budget-22-23/summary/#1649774481561-2dd31287-fbc1)

[click to view comments from other participants ](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/budget-22-23/comments)

## Have your say – shape the outcome.

**Do you agree with the proposed tariff/rates increases? (scroll down to view) **

**what is your concern? **

As you've selected 'All of the above', if you had to choose a top concern, what 
would it be?

**What is your preferred channel for feedback on this campaign?**

**Your preferred language?**

**What is your status? (for our reporting purposes only) **

**Check your email address then hit send! You will be redirected to a confirmation
page. **

![D-icon](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/11192438/
D-icon-40x40-1.png "D-icon-40x40")

### THE INCREASES ARE AS FOLLOWS

**Staff salaries **4.75%

Joe Gqabi District Municipality (Water & Sanitation)
 Since JGDM manages these services
for the entire district, these figures apply to Nqanqarhu (Maclear), Lady Grey, 
Burgersdorp, and Aliwal North.

  |   |  **Proposed Increase (%)** |  **Context** |  
   |  **Water Provision** |  **~5.33%** |  Generally following the Amatola Water bulk increase of 5.33%. |  
 |  **Sanitation (Sewerage)** |  **~5.33%** |  Aligned with water for regional infrastructure maintenance. |

  |   |  **Electricity (Domestic)** |  **Property Rates** |  **Refuse Removal** |  
   |  **Senqu (Lady Grey/Barkly East)** |  **14.5%*** |  **3.4%** |  **4.5%** |  
 |  **Walter Sisulu (Aliwal North)** |  **12.7% – 14.0%** |  **3.7%** |  **3.7%** |  
 |  **Elundini (Maclear/Ugie)** |  **9.01% – 11.5%** |  **4.5%** |  **4.5%** |

_*Senqu is a significant outlier this year, proposing a ~14.5% electricity hike—
one of the highest in the province._

    - _The Senqu Electricity Spike (14.5%):_ Senqu is the “Red Flag” of the district.
      Their proposed electricity hike is triple the salary benchmark of 4.75%. This
      represents a significant “local markup” on top of the Eskom bulk cost.
    - _Walter Sisulu’s Recovery Plan:_ Walter Sisulu (Aliwal North/Burgersdorp) 
      is still navigating a financial recovery plan. While they have kept rates 
      at a disciplined 3.7%, their electricity hike (projected at 12.7% – 14%) is
      being used to stabilize their cash position.
    - _The “Water Services” Disconnect:_ Because the District (JGDM) handles water,
      residents often direct their anger at the local council (Senqu or Elundini).
      Participants are encouraged to direct their 5.33% water concerns to the District
      level, where the actual decisions are made.
    - _Elundini’s CPI Discipline:_ Elundini appears to be the most “middle-of-the-
      road” municipality in the district, pegging most increases at the 4.5% inflation
      mark. However, even this is essentially a “profit” for the council since it
      is higher than the current CPI and the staff salary increase.

**Have we got the wrong information?**

[ send us the correct info](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/budget-22-23/joe-gqabi-2/%20municipalinfo@dearsouthafrica.co.za?subject=correct%20info%20for%20Joe%20Gqabi%20District%20increases)

[ view other municipalities](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/budget-22-23/)