Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis presented the updated budget at a council meeting this morning, announcing new measures aimed at easing the financial burden on residents, particularly pensioners and middle-income households.

Among the key changes is the extension of the “first $24 500 free” property benefit to all homes valued up to $382 000, a move designed to offer more substantial support to homeowners across the city. The income threshold for pensioners to qualify for rebates has also been raised from $1 470 per month, significantly widening access to municipal relief.

In addition, the mayor confirmed that electricity tariffs would be adjusted to provide some financial respite, with lower prices taking effect from July 1.

“Our budget asks a little more from those who can afford it while protecting essential services for those who cannot,” said Hill-Lewis. “Lower-income residents largely welcomed the revisions, and we were able to soften some of the increases for the middle class. Ultimately, we’ve built broad support for the budget across Cape Town.”

The revised spending plan ensures the continuation of the City’s full infrastructure investment and public safety programmes. This includes the deployment of over 700 new law enforcement officers across all wards, part of a broader commitment to improve safety and service delivery.

“These were really the two central pillars of the budget, stronger infrastructure for a better city, and greater investment for a safer one,” Hill-Lewis added.

Cape Town, one of SA’s largest metropolitan areas, has faced growing fiscal strain amid national economic challenges. The revised municipal budget aims to balance continued investment in development with targeted relief for financially vulnerable residents.

--ChannelAfrica--