DELMAS – At the Victor Khanye Local Municipality’s (VKLM) annual IDP/Budget Representative Forum, held on October 31 at Victor Khanye Bram Fischer Hall, the importance of community-driven budgeting was emphasised. The event brought together government stakeholders, NGOs, mining houses, and community leaders to foster collaboration and enhance service delivery in Delmas. Attendees were encouraged to seize the opportunity to work collectively, identifying and addressing the community’s needs to create a responsive and effective development plan.
Through this collaborative budgeting process, VKLM has shown its commitment to transparency, accountability, and community-driven development.
Ward Councillor Mbalathi explained the purpose of the IDP/Budget Forum, stating, “This is an opportunity for the community to ask, ‘What can we do together?’ and to understand our financial plan, including how we will manage the budget responsibly. By attending such events, the community gains insight into what was discussed and can hold us accountable if their needs are unmet.” Mayor Vusi Buda delivered the keynote address, saying, “We share our experiences and expertise here, making collective decisions that benefit our citizens in meaningful ways. This forum is not for complaints but for setting a way forward on the 2025/2026 priorities that will serve our people.”
Buda also expressed gratitude to forum members who volunteer their time and effort selflessly, without expecting compensation, in service to the community.
