To: The Municipal Manager and Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Fetakgomo-Tubatse Local Municipality

We, the undersigned community members of Fetakgomo-Tubatse Local Municipality, hereby object to the intention to incur long-term debt of R300,000,000.

Grounds for Objection
1. Lack of proper public participation
The notice was not properly explained or communicated in our wards and villages. Section 21A of the Municipal Systems Act requires meaningful public consultation.

2. Wrong priorities
Our wards still lack adequate water, roads, and electricity. The funds should not be directed towards a mixed-use development in Burgersfort alone while other communities continue to experience these basic service delivery challenges.

3. Unaffordable financial burden
At an interest rate of 10.25% over a period of 10 years, the municipality will repay more than R470 million from its own revenue. This could result in higher rates and service charges for residents.

4. Lack of transparency
The full information statement, feasibility study, and repayment schedule are not easily accessible online. Residents therefore do not have sufficient information to properly assess the proposed long-term debt.

5. Risk to the municipality
The municipality is already under financial pressure. Taking on additional long-term debt may place further strain on the municipality's finances and its ability to provide essential services to the community.

We therefore demand:

a) That the Council immediately withdraw and suspend Resolution SC62/2026 and halt any loan application process until Sections 46 and 21A of the MFMA and the Municipal Systems Act have been fully complied with.

b) That full public meetings be held in all regions before any decision is made.

c) That the matter be referred back to the communities for further consultation.