The Refentse access road and stormwater infrastructure will be upgraded at a cost of R12 million, according to the budget.

Once again, Hartbeespoort was left out in the cold when the Madibeng Municipality presented its budget during a tumultuous meeting in Hartbeespoort last week.
Of the R3 billion budget for 2024/2025, a mere R12 million was allocated to Hartbeespoort for an access road and stormwater infrastructure at Refentse. A further R6 960 will be spent on four high mast lights in each of Hartbeespoort’s three wards.
“Madibeng failed the community of Hartbeespoort horribly during the important Annual Draft Budget meeting for the years 2024/2025/2026/2027 and challenges the community’s intelligence,” said DA councillor Erna Rossouw.
“The budget was presented by the MMC Masuku and it was evident that the MMC was not competent or adequately prepared for the meeting. The Department of Treasury was unavailable to protect the MMC from a pathetic proposal and could not properly answer community questions. Consequently, the budget was not adequately presented, and she immediately opened the floor to questions and conflict. Chaos broke out and it was clear that the MMC couldn’t handle a furious community or calm them down,” Rossouw said.
According to Rossouw, the hard copy of the budget presented to the community did not match the studied copy on Madibeng’s website, which was presented to the Council. “The amounts were not the same. There is no capital budget available for Hartbeespoort, and all municipal infrastructure funds are allocated to Lethlabile, Klipgat, and Oukasie. As in the past, the community asked Madibeng to go back to the drawing board and return to the residents of Hartbeespoort. Instead, they have been ignored for 15 years. The priority for Hartbeespoort was only high mast lights and the upgrading of Refentse’s access road and stormwater drains. Nothing further!”
Rossouw said that the MMC made it clear that if Hartbeespoort’s three wards do not approve the draft budget, the community should know that Madibeng will not return. Councillors requested an opportunity to calm emotions and answer some questions but she refused and abruptly adjourned the meeting.”
Rossouw said that if Madibeng does not make the necessary corrections and proper presentation, the MEC of COGTA and the Premier will be approached.
“Hartbeespoort is once again left out of the budget while our infrastructure deteriorates.”