As South Africa moves closer to the local government elections, political parties will once again promise better roads, cleaner towns, improved service delivery, more housing, safer communities and upgraded public facilities. That is part of every election campaign. Parties compete for votes by presenting their vision and convincing voters they have the best plan to improve local communities.
But every promise comes with a price tag.
Building roads, repairing water pipes, upgrading electricity infrastructure, maintaining parks and expanding municipal services all cost money.
The important question is not only what is being promised, but who will pay for it.
Many people believe municipalities can simply ask government for more funding. Municipalities operate within limited budgets. Income comes mainly from property rates, service charges such as electricity, water and refuse removal, together with grants from national and provincial government.
In other words, municipalities do not spend their own money. They spend public money.
Whether through municipal accounts or taxes that fund government grants, residents ultimately pay for local services.
That is why voters should ask whether new projects can be funded from existing budgets, whether grants are available, or whether higher tariffs and rates may eventually be required.
There is nothing wrong with ambitious plans. Every community deserves reliable services and well-maintained infrastructure. But good intentions alone do not pay bills. Promises become reality only when they are affordable and properly funded.
Responsible local government is about more than making attractive election promises. It is about making realistic promises that can be delivered without placing an unnecessary financial burden on residents.
There is an old saying that there is no such thing as free money. If a municipality spends more, someone has to pay. It may be through higher property rates, increased service charges, taxpayer-funded grants or borrowing that future generations must repay.
As election day approaches, voters should listen carefully to every party’s promises.
Vision and ambition are important, but so is honesty about what those promises will cost and how they will be funded.
Before casting your vote, ask one simple question: Who will pay for it? If there is no clear answer, the promise may deserve a second look.
* Clive Coetzee is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Military Science at Stellenbosch
University.
