Subsidies and electricity are where SA municipalities get the most income from

29 June 2016 - 13:54 By TMG Digital

Grants and subsidies were the largest contributor to municipal revenue in the year to June 2015‚ at 31%‚ followed by electricity sales which comprised 28‚3% of revenue.Property rates received (14‚7%)‚ 'other revenue' (11‚2%) which consists of fines‚ licences and permits‚ public contributions and donations‚ water sales (8‚5%)‚ sewerage and sanitation charges (3‚7%)‚ and refuse removal charges (2‚8%) are the other sources of revenue‚ according to Stats SA data released on Wednesday. In 2015‚ the top three largest contributors to municipal total operating expenditure were employee-related costs (25‚6%)‚ followed by electricity purchases (21‚7%)‚ as well as depreciation and amortisation (9‚3%).Further costs were classified as 'other expenditure' (9‚1%) - meaning collection costs‚ loss on disposal of property‚ plant and equipment and impairment loss.Bad debts totalled 7‚3%‚ general expenditure came in at 5‚4% - relating to accommodation‚ travel and subsistence costs‚ audit fees‚ bank charges‚ consultancy and professional fees‚ fuel and oil‚ hiring of equipment‚ insurance costs‚ subscriptions and membership fees‚ and telecommunication costs.Five percent was spent on repairs and maintenance.Other expenses were: Water purchases (5‚4%)‚ 'contracted services' (5%)‚ interest paid (2‚7%)‚ grants and subsidies paid (2‚4%)‚ and remuneration of councillors (1‚2%)...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.