Mthuthuzeli Goodman Bolani

Attendance

Present

64

Leave of absence

0

Absent without leave

1

Arrived late

0

Left early

0

"Absent without leave" means the signed minutes of a meeting held while they were on council neither list them as present nor excuse them, and no similar name appears that day, so misspellings in the minutes don't count against anyone. Each square links to the minutes.

In the chamber

From the 10 sittings transcribed so far in their term. Times are approximate, to the nearest transcript line.

Not present when called

0

Times given the floor

4

Average wait to start

10 s

Average greetings first

11 s

In their words

Every time the chair gave them the floor in a transcribed sitting (4), newest first. The words are the AI transcript of that stretch of the livestream (Argon), so they can include the chair or an interjection; the time link is the place to check.

• 26 Aug 2026 · 08:27:2115 and 16 · 7 min 46 s

  Read what they said (976 words)

  Here, Madam Speaker.

  He's not here. Oh, here you are. You have 20 minutes.

  Greetings, Madam Speaker, Executive Mayor, members of the Mayoral Committee, fellow councillors, officials and residents of City of Johannesburg. I rise to speak on item 15 dealing with the Region A and item 16 dealing with Region A and Region E Development Plan, Investment Atlas and Implementation Plan. Madam Speaker, Region A represents both the economic potential and the developmental inequalities of Johannesburg.

  It includes major economic areas such as Midrand, Fourways, Kyalami and Lanseria, while also including communities such as Diepsloot and Ivory Park, where unemployment, poverty and infrastructure challenges remain significant. This is precisely why a regional economic development approach is important. Economic development cannot be planned as if every part of Johannesburg has the same opportunities

  and challenges. We need strategies that understand the character of each region. We therefore welcome the Region A REDP and, in particular, the attempt to connect economic development with transport, infrastructure, township economies, SMMEs, skills and spatial transformation. This integrated approach is essential. A business cannot operate effectively without infrastructure.

  A worker cannot access employment without transport. An entrepreneur cannot grow without markets. Young people cannot participate fully in economy without relevant skills. Madam Speaker, the investment atlas is particularly useful because it gives us a picture of the economic opportunities and potential projects across the region. But an atlas is only useful if we act on it.

  The greatest risk is that the city produce another excellent strategic document, but struggles to translate it into funded and implemented projects. The supporting analysis itself identifies the need for logistics investment, youth innovation, mobility infrastructure, transit-oriented development, skills development, township last-mile distribution, blended finance and better data.

  We should therefore welcome these priorities while insisting on implementation discipline.

  discipline.

  Madam Speaker, Region E gives us Johannesburg and a remarkable economic opportunity within one region. We find some of the city's most important economic assets, including Sandton, Alexandra, Wynberg, Marlboro, and Modderfontein. The region has established strengths in financial service, technology, logistics, and tourism. The question before us is therefore not whether Region E has economic potential.

  It clearly does. The important question is whether the economic potential can be converted into inclusive economic opportunity. We welcome the REDP because it begins to address this question. The proposed initiatives include an Alexandra Smart Trade and Manufacturing Hub, a Smart Mobility Hub, digital economic initiatives, a Sandton 24-hour economy, a finance and digital banking hub, youth innovation, last-mile delivery, and smart logistics.

  These initiatives have the potential to connect economic with communities that have historically not benefited sufficiently from Johannesburg economic strength. These initiatives, Madam Speaker, can grow communities that have historically not benefited sufficiently from Johannesburg economic strength. Madam Speaker, Sandton is a major economic centre, but economic development must not remain geographically concentrated.

  The relationship between Sandton and Alexandra provides a particularly important opportunity. We should be asking how the wealth-generating capacity of Sandton can create opportunities for residents and businesses in Alexandra, Wynberg, Marlboro, and surrounding communities. This is what inclusive growth should mean in practice. It should mean access to markets. It should mean access to finance. It should mean skills. It should mean digital inclusion. It should mean transport connectivity. It should mean opportunities for SMMEs.

  Madam Speaker, the proposed digital finance initiatives are particularly interesting. Access to financial technology can help small businesses participate more effectively in the formal economy. But digital inclusion requires more than technology. People need skills. They need affordable connectivity. They need financial literacy, and they need business support. We therefore recommend that the implementation plan include measurable targets for youth participation, SMME support, township enterprise integration.

  Madam Speaker, the proposed Smart Trade and Manufacturing Hub in Alexandra also provides an opportunity to strengthen township manufacturing. Township economies must not remain predominantly consumption-based. We need to encourage production. We need businesses to manufacture. We need businesses to process. We need businesses to distribute, and we need enterprises that can participate in broader supply chains. This is how we create sustainable employment. The proposed smart logistics and last-mile delivery initiatives can also assist in connecting township

  enterprises to markets. Madam Speaker, the 24-hour economy presents another opportunity, but it must be developed responsibly. A successful 24-hour economy requires safety, transport, lighting, reliable services, appropriate infrastructure, and an environment in which businesses can operate with confidence. Economic development and public safety must therefore work together.

  Madam Speaker, the same principle applies to the relationship between established economic centres and township economies. We should be asking how businesses operating in major economic nodes can connect with emerging enterprises in Diepsloot, Ivory Park, and other communities. This is how spatial transformation becomes economic transformation. Our recommendation is therefore that the REDP implementation plan include explicit targets for SMME participation, youth employment, local procurement, and township enterprise integration.

  Madam Speaker, financing will also be critical. The report indicates that future projects remain subject to funding and Council approval. This means that the new committee must understand the difference between identifying an opportunity and funding an opportunity. We need to develop partnerships with the private sector and development finance institutions where appropriate. We also need to ensure that the city prioritises projects based on economic impact.

  Not every project can be implemented simultaneously. We should therefore focus on projects capable of creating the greatest combination of jobs, investment, economic activity, and spatial transformation. Madam Speaker, we support Item 15 and Item 16. But our support comes with a clear recommendation. Let us not allow the Region A REDP and Region E REDP to remain strategic documents. Let us turn it into project pipelines. Let us find priorities.

  Let us monitor them. Let us report on them, and let us measure their impact on the lives of residents. I thank you, Madam Speaker.

• 22 Jul 2026 · 03:06:22Items 4-8 (Economic Development, JTC, JPC, Joburg Market) · 7 min 45 s

  Read what they said (1043 words)

  Uh greetings Madam Speaker, greetings Executive Mayor,

  and the Deputy Executive Mayor and MMCs and fellow councillors. Uh Madam Speaker, I I was just checking whether did councillors from Orange Farm did the welcome party for you?

  Uh as the African National Congress rises to in support of noting the Quarter 3 performance reports of the Department of Economic Development,

  the Johannesburg Tourism Company, the Johannesburg Property Company and Joburg Market. At the outset, we wish to ackno- acknowledge the work undertaken by the Section 79 Committee in fulfilling its constitutional oversight responsibility. Oversight is not merely about identifying shortcomings, it's about strengthening governance, improving accountability, and ensuring that the city's developmental agenda translate into tangible improvements in the lives of our residents. Madam Speaker, economic dev- development is the engine of Johannesburg's prosperity.

  Every investment secured, every small business supported, every tourist attracted, every municipal property optimized, and every emerging farmer empowered contributes to building an inclusive, resilient, and competitive city. These reports, therefore, provide council with the opportunity to reflect not only on performance statistics, but on whether our interventions are creating meaningful economic opportunities for our communities. The Department of Economic Development contin- continues to implement programs aimed at stimulating investment,

  supporting enterprise development, and creating employment opportunities. During the quarter under review, the department faciltati- facilitated 16.7 billion in investment commitments, continued implementing skills development initiatives, and maintained strategic partnerships that reinforce Johannesburg's position as a South Africa's economic hub. These achieve- achievements deserve recognition because investor confidence remains fundamental to economic growth, infrastructure expansions, and long-term job creations.

  However, as responsible public represe- representatives, we must equally acknowledge the challenges identified by both management and the Section 79 committees. The department's overall performance demonstrates that implementation must improve, particularly in relations to support for SMMEs, Expanded Public Works Program targets, and the pace of catalytic project implementation. The committee correctly observed that performance in some areas remains below expectation and called for stronger implementation and monitoring.

  However, Madam Speaker, small business remain the backbone of Johannesburg's economy. They create employment, stimulate local economies, and provide opportunity for young entrepreneurs. The con- the concerns from ANC is that SMME support fell below target should, therefore, not be viewed as criticism alone, but as a call for renewed focus. We must continue strengthening township economies, expanding procurement op- opportunities, and ensuring that emerging entrepre- enterprises receive

  meaningful support to become sustainable business. Turning to the Johannesburg Tourism Company, we com- we commend the entity for an outstanding Quarter 3 performance. The entity achieved 100% of its key performance indicators, 100% of its service standards, exceeded its revenue target, and maintained excellent liquidity and solvency ratios. It also made significant progress in resolving audit findings while continuing to position Johannesburg as Africa's premier business and lifestyle destination. This achievement demonstrates what is possible when sound governance, strategic leadership, and financial discipline work together.

  Tourism is not simply about attracting visitors; it creates opportunities for hotels, restaurant, transport operators, tour guides, artists, event organizers, and township enterprises. As we continue rebuilding Johannesburg's economy, we must broaden tourism opportunities beyond traditional destination and ensure township tourism, cultural tourism, heritage tourism receive greater support. On Johannesburg Property Company, present a more balanced picture. The entity has made commendable progress in governance. It resolved 97% of internal audit findings, addressed 80% of external audit findings,

  disposed of 85 non-core properties, registered 13 servitudes on behalf of the city, and took decisive actions against fraud through the invest- investigation of unlawful property transactions. These are important achievements to protect public assets and strengthen accountability. Nevertheless, we cannot ignore the operational challenges. Revenue generation remains below target in key areas such as leasing, outdoor advertisement, and the disposal of non-core assets. Furthermore, only 55% of quarterly performance targets were achieved,

  and the high vacancy rate continues to constrain organizational capacity. Our expectation is, therefore, that the governance improvements already achieved must translate into stronger operational performance, improved revenue generation, and better utilization of the city's property portfolio. On the shining star of the City of Johannesburg, Joburg Market, continues to demonstrate why it remains one of Joburg's most strategic municipal entities. The market achieved 79% of its performance targets, maintained sound liquidity

  and solvency, achieved 100% payment of valid invoices within 30 days, and reached 100% BEE procurement compliance. Particularly encouraging was that the training of 480 emerging farmers from Gauteng, Limpopo, North West, and Mpumalanga, strengthening transformation across the agricultural value value chain. Although turnover remained below budget and capital expenditure requires acceleration, the entity continues to make a meaningful contribution to food security, agricultural development, and inclusive economic growth.

  Honourable Speaker, Section 79 Committee has fulfilled its oversight responsibility with diligence and balance. It has recognized areas of excellence and identified those requiring urgent intervention. This is precisely how effective oversight should function. As the ANC, we believe this report demonstrate three important realities. Firstly, that Johannesburg continues to attract investment and remain an economic heartbeat of South Africa. Secondly, sound governance produces measurable results, as evidenced by the performance of the Johannesburg Tourism Company and the continuing involvement improvements in the Joburg Market.

  Thirdly, there were implementation in lag- is lagging. Thirdly, there where implementation is lagging, particularly in SMME support, revenue optimization, and capital expenditure, council must strengthen oversight to ensure that corrective measures are implemented before the end of the financial year. Honourable Speaker, we anticipated opposition parties may focus exclusively on performance gaps. While constructive criticism has its place, it is equally important to acknowledge measurable progress. Good governance requires honestly honesty and challenges,

  but it also requires fairness in recognizing achievements. This report do not represent a portfolio in crisis; rather, they present a portfolio that is progressing, with clear opportunities for improvement in implementation, coordination, execution. Our collective responsi- responsibility is not merely to identify shortcomings, but to ensure that every program contributes to reducing unemployment, supporting SMMEs, expanding investment, revitalizing township economies, improving the quality of life for the people of Johannesburg. The ANC, therefore, support noting Item 4, 5, 6, and 7.

  And to my friend, Muhla- uh Councillor Mohlala, he must not forget what Mbuli did to this uh department. Thanks to MMC Mnisi for intervention.

• 25 Jun 2026 · 05:23:597 · 3 min 4 s

  Read what they said (321 words)

  Greetings, uh, Madam Speaker. Greetings again, uh, to EM Manyauza, Whip of Council in absentia, CoC, Councillor Marema, fellow councillors. Madam Speaker, allow me to, allow me to quote one of the greatest revolutionaries to walk the South African hinterlands, Commander Themba Harry Gwala:

  "Death takes the body, God takes the soul, our mind holds the memories." I'm raising this, Madam Speaker, it's because, uh, the SASCO branch at University of Johannesburg is named after

  umntomdala, ibhubesi laseMgungundlovu,

  Commander Harry Gwala. As the ANC, we support the motion to declare Auckland Park, Johannesburg as a designated student precinct, aiming to integrate academia with the community of Auckland Park. Auckland Park, home to the University of Johannesburg and thousands of scholars, these vibrant suburbs require progressive urban planning to thrive.

  For too long, the area has suffered from reactive, fragmented development and ad-hoc zoning battles. By formally designating Auckland Park as a student precinct, we can proactively manage this vital academic hub, rather than just reacting to its growing pains. Student precincts, not as a localized, is a localized economic engineering program.

  High concentrations of students stimulate the growth of ancillary services such as bookstores, laundromats, dining establishments and entertainment venues. And the construction, management, conscientious operation of these precincts generate substantial direct and indirect employment to the community of Auckland Park.

  Madam Speaker, I would like just to give just a lecture to Councillor Jacobs to have an understanding and appreciations that as leaders, we are a product of our own upbringing. Why I'm raising this, uh, Madam Speaker, I would also like him to have read an essay by Inkosi Albert Luthuli that was written in 1961, that says "If I Was a Prime Minister".

  There is an paragraph that speaks about the importance of education for the impoverished and the underdeveloped young people. So as the ANC, we support this motion unequivocally, without conditions. I thank you, Madam Speaker.

• 25 Jun 2026 · 04:09:0291 · 31 s

  Read what they said (56 words)

  Greetings, Madam Speaker. Greeting to the Executive Mayor in absentia. Greeting to the Deputy Executive Mayor.

  Siyakubulisa Mafaku.

  Greetings to our Chair of Chairs, Son of the Hunter, and greetings to Chief Whip Shingange in absentia.

  Siphinde sibonge kakhulu kuwe Khansela Nkonyeni nge-confidence oyibonisile kwi-ANC.

  Madam Speaker, as the ANC, we welcome the report. Thank you.

Spoke on

• 26 Aug 2026 · 08:26:17Items 15 and 16: ActionSA, EFF, ANC, MMC response and agreement
• 22 Jul 2026 · 03:01:08ActionSA, EFF and ANC on Economic Development cluster
• 25 Jun 2026 · 04:05:36Item 91: Public participation on 50-year lease extension, Erf 1307 Yeoville
• 25 Jun 2026 · 05:23:46Auckland Park motion: ANC, EFF and ActionSA support