Pixley Ka Seme District municipality (Emthanjeni, Kareeberg, Renosterberg, Siyancuma. Siyathemba, Thembelihle, Ubuntu, Umsobomvu) calls for public comment on proposed tariff increases, the draft budget and IDP
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- Proposed increases are available in the summary below
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The Pixley Ka Seme District in the Northern Cape, often called the “Gateway to the Karoo,” is currently navigating a tough budget cycle. Most local councils tabled their draft 2026/2027 budgets in late March 2026.
In this district, unlike some regions in the Eastern Cape, the local municipalities are generally the service providers for water and sanitation. This means you will see more variation in those specific figures between towns.
THE INCREASES ARE AS FOLLOWS
Staff salaries 4.75%
| Property Rates 🏠 | Electricity ⚡ | Water 💧 | Refuse / San 🗑️ | |
| Emthanjeni (De Aar) | ~4.5% | 9.01% – 12.0% | ~4.5% | ~4.5% |
| Siyathemba (Prieska) | 4.4% | 10.92% 🚩 | 4.4% | 4.4% |
| Ubuntu (Victoria West) | ~4.5% | 11.78% 🚩 | ~4.5% | ~4.5% |
| Umsobomvu (Colesberg) | ~4.6% | 9.01% | ~4.6% | ~4.6% |
| Siyancuma (Douglas) | ~4.5% | 9.01% | ~4.5% | ~4.5% |
| Kareeberg (Carnarvon) | ~4.5% | 9.01% | ~4.5% | ~4.5% |
| Thembelihle (Hopetown) | ~4.5% | 9.01% | ~4.5% | ~4.5% |
| Renosterberg (Petrusville) | ~4.5% | 9.01% | ~4.5% | ~4.5% |
| Staff Salary Increase | 4.75% | 4.75% | 4.75% | 4.75% |
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- The Electricity “Markup” in Siyathemba: Siyathemba is proposing a 10.92% electricity hike. ⚡ This is significantly higher than the NERSA-approved bulk purchase increase of 9.01%. It is more than double the 4.75% salary increase for municipal staff, suggesting residents are being used to subsidize operational inefficiencies.
- Ubuntu’s 11.78% Electricity Shock: Like Siyathemba, Ubuntu is pushing for a double-digit hike (11.78%). This is a primary target for public objection, especially in a region with high unemployment and reliance on agriculture.
- The CPI Discipline: Across the board, most municipalities are keeping rates and other services near the 4.5% mark. However, in the Karoo, even a 4.5% increase is a heavy lift for rural households.
- The “Unfunded” Budget Risk: Several municipalities in this district are under “financial recovery” pressure. Keep an eye on fixed monthly charges—many councils hide additional revenue there even when the percentage increase looks “low.”
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