Pietermaritzburg: KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Francois Rodgers has committed to working with the eMadlangeni Local Municipality (ELM) to review its proposal for reclassification from an urban to a rural municipality. The move is aimed at strengthening its case for increased equitable share funding from National Treasury. According to South African Government News Agency, Rodgers made the commitment during a meeting with an ELM delegation led by Mayor Mzwakhe Buthelezi at the KwaZulu-Natal Treasury offices. The MEC was accompanied by senior officials from the provincial Treasury and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA). The engagement followed discussions held earlier this month, where the municipality indicated its intention to seek reclassification to better reflect its service delivery needs and socio-economic profile. Reclassification could potentially result in an increased equitable share allocation, which refers to the distribution of revenue from national government to provinces, municipalities, and public entities for service delivery needs. During the meeting, ELM also requested provincial support for infrastructure rehabilitation after severe storms in December 2025 caused damage estimated at more than R140 million. The storms led to the destruction of both commercial and residential properties and significantly disrupted service delivery, with some areas reportedly still without electricity supply. The ELM delegation was informed that National Treasury is currently reviewing the equitable share formula to improve the effectiveness of funding allocations to government institutions. The review process is expected to impact all 257 municipalities across the country. Rodgers assured the delegation that their concerns would be taken forward through both provincial and national political channels. He stated that the Provincial Treasury would work with the ELM in reviewing their proposal to the National Treasury concerning the equitable share allocation. Additionally, ef forts will be made to engage with the MEC for CoGTA to expedite the process related to Disaster Relief funding and engagement with the Municipal Demarcation Board on the reclassification matter. Rodgers also noted the improvements in eMadlangeni's financial management and audit outcomes over the past three years. He affirmed that KwaZulu-Natal Treasury will continue to support the municipality in strengthening its financial position and ensuring sustainable service delivery.
