Steve Tshwete reduces tariff increases for most services in 2026/27

MIDDELBURG – Residents in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality will receive some relief in at least five of the six service categories, as the average tariff increase for the 2026/27 budget has decreased from 5.97% in the previous financial year to 5.23%.

According to the municipality’s budget infographic, approved tariff increases for 2026/27 are lower than the previous year in five of the six service categories.

Property rates have decreased to 3.4%, from 4.4% in the previous financial year. Water services and refuse removal have also decreased from 5% to 4%. The municipality’s consumer price index assumption has dropped from 4.4% to 3.2%, indicating that the budget is based on lower projected inflation.

Sewerage tariffs remain unchanged at 5%, and although electricity remains the highest among the listed services, it has been reduced slightly from 12% to 11.7%.

The electricity tariff is linked to the annual tariff determination by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), rather than a decision made solely by the municipality.

The municipality is using #SPUSH’ISERVICEDELIVERY as the budget tagline, highlighting its focus on improving service delivery while responding to financial pressures faced by residents.

Some residents view the lower increases as providing relief for households in Middelburg, Mhluzi and surrounding areas serviced by Steve Tshwete Local Municipality.

Dimakatso Mahlangu from Aerorand welcomed the lower increases, saying they could help households manage rising costs.

“I applaud the municipality for trying to ease the burden. Every rand counts when you’re budgeting for a family,” she said.

However, Thabo Ndlovu from Mhluzi said the increases remained difficult for residents facing economic challenges.

“The 2026/27 budget may have gone down to 5.23%, but it’s still high given the unemployment rate in Middelburg. People are struggling, and another increase, even a smaller one, hurts,” Ndlovu said.

The budget was approved ahead of the new financial year, which begins on 01 July 2026. Residents will see the new tariffs reflected on municipal accounts from that date.