Wednesday, 18 June 2025 · 3 h 48 min · 1 video · 2021–2026 council
40th Extra-Ordinary Council Meeting
AI draft.Written by AI from the livestream and not yet checked by a person. Use the timestamps to check anything before you quote it.
- Governance and appointments
- Budget and finances
- Procedure: roll call, apologies, breaks
- Decision (10)
- ◯Quorum count (1)
- ‖Adjourned or paused (6)
Chapters, decisions and procedure are AI drafts from the livestream; topic tags are AI judgments (a chapter with several shows its strongest). Services, housing and development covers water, electricity, roads, housing, waste, safety, health, planning and community facilities.
Summary
Council approved the City's 2024/25 loan funding from the African Development Bank by 137 votes to 98, with no abstentions, at its 40th Extra-Ordinary Council Meeting. 01:45:35 03:05:17 ActionSA, the DA, the ACDP and the Freedom Front Plus opposed the loan, citing its nearly R5 billion total cost and the city's weak revenue collection; the DA had its dissent recorded under rule 94. 01:46:39 01:52:31 01:54:36 03:05:17 The UDM, AIC, EFF, PA, COPE, ATM and ANC supported it, with the UDM and EFF proposing quarterly reporting and oversight structures. 01:58:49 02:03:26 02:19:22 02:50:14 02:55:05 03:00:17
The MMC for Finance said the loan is part of the approved capital budget and that debt to revenue stays below the 45% ceiling. 03:00:17
Council also noted a report on acting arrangements for senior managers on a voice vote, after the DA and Freedom Front Plus rejected it; the DA asked for its opposition to be recorded. 03:18:16 03:24:42 03:39:05
Debate was halted when Councillor Mmbengwa fell ill during the EFF's speech, leading to a short adjournment, requests to stop proceedings, and a 10-minute break while he was in an ambulance. 02:07:40 02:23:14 02:31:41
The meeting opened with a moment of silence for Ward 130 Councillor Buthelezi, paused for quorum before 183 councillors were confirmed present, and took 30-minute caucus breaks for the ANC and PA. 00:08:31 00:11:35 00:31:10 An ANC complaint about parties declaring dissent only after votes was referred to the Rules Committee, which the Speaker said would discuss it the next day. 03:12:13 03:13:41
AI draft from the record of this sitting (Claude Opus 5.5), checked against the chapters; every sentence links to the moment. Report an error
This week in council: Council approves 2024/25 African Development Bank loan: 137 for, 98 against
In brief
Chapters
27What was discussed, in order. Click a time to watch.
- 00:08:31
Opening of the 40th Extraordinary Council Meeting
The Speaker opened the meeting and welcomed everyone. She announced the passing of Ward 130 Councillor Buthelezi and offered condolences to his family and the ANC caucus. Council stood for a moment of silence.
Report an error - 00:11:35
Quorum verification
The Speaker allowed time for councillors to sign the register and asked party whips to bring their members in. After the delay she reported 183 councillors present, so there was a quorum and the meeting continued.
Report an error - 00:27:31
Applications for leave of absence
Apologies were read out for councillors from several parties, citing private business, ill health, bereavement, exams and late arrival. Party representatives added further apologies from the floor. Council noted the apologies.
MakhubaIFPSimonsePAMogapiEFFMposulaActionSAAvant-SmithKarolia
Report an error - 00:31:10
Caucus breaks requested by ANC and PA
The Chair of Chairs asked for a 30-minute ANC caucus break, which was granted. After the break the PA also requested and was granted a 30-minute caucus.
Report an error - 01:45:35
Item 1: Executive Mayor tables the African Development Bank loan
The Executive Mayor tabled the recommendations to Council. The Speaker introduced item one, the 2024/25 loan funding from the African Development Bank.
Report an error - 01:46:39
Item 1 debate: ActionSA rejects the loan
ActionSA said the R2.5-2.6 billion, 15-year loan would cost nearly R5 billion in total and includes a R28.7 million front-end fee. It argued the city had not reported on repayment of existing loans, collected what it is owed, or cut wasteful spending. ActionSA said it rejects the loan.
Report an error - 01:52:31
Item 1 debate: DA opposes
The DA said the city should collect rates and taxes instead of borrowing, and that its budget remains unfunded. It said the loan would effectively be used to settle the R2.8 billion short-term DBSA loan due on 30 June. The DA said it would not support the item.
Report an error - 01:54:36
Item 1 debate: ACDP and Freedom Front Plus oppose
The ACDP opposed the loan, citing about R63 billion owed to the city and nearly R5 billion in total repayments. The Freedom Front Plus also rejected it, citing R13 billion lost annually to debt impairment and non-revenue water and electricity, and interest of about R300 million before the first repayment in September 2026.
Also discussed: Item 1 debate: Freedom Front Plus (3 July 2025) · Item 7: Freedom Front Plus and DA oppose (30 January 2025) · Item 56 (with 56A, 56B, 56C): Freedom Front Plus opposes the adjustment budget (27 February 2025)
Report an error - 01:58:49
Item 1 debate: UDM supports with conditions
The UDM described the loan terms and said council had already approved R2.7 billion in borrowing in March. It supported the loan but proposed a public quarterly loan dashboard, quarterly compliance reports from the City Manager's office, and a multi-party oversight task team. It also proposed at least 30 percent community beneficiation in procurement.
Report an error - 02:03:26
Item 1 debate: AIC supports the loan
The AIC supported the loan, describing it as targeted infrastructure spending on electricity, water, sanitation and waste. It called it a pro-poor, pro-service loan.
Report an error - 02:07:40
Item 1 debate: EFF begins, speech interrupted by medical emergency
EFF Councillor Zitha began her speech on the loan terms and cost. She was stopped when Councillor Mmbengwa fell ill, and the Speaker adjourned for about five minutes so he could be attended to.
Report an error - 02:19:22
Item 1 debate: EFF restarts and supports with demands
Councillor Zitha restarted her speech. She said the EFF supports borrowing for capital investment but criticised weak revenue collection and billing. She listed demands: ring-fencing for under-served areas, a loan oversight committee, transparent procurement, revenue reform, and quarterly reports. The EFF said it supports the recommendation but will keep watch.
Report an error - 02:23:14
Procedural dispute: requests to adjourn for the ill councillor
Councillor Modupi and others asked that proceedings stop until news came about Councillor Mmbengwa. MMC Kunene appealed for 30 minutes out of ubuntu. The Speaker said Mmbengwa was being attended to, asked that Zitha be allowed to finish, and gave her two extra minutes.
ModupiANCRaphaduANCKunenePAMthembuActionSA
Report an error - 02:31:41
Ten-minute break for the ill councillor
The Speaker said Councillor Mmbengwa was in an ambulance and called a 10-minute break, resuming at 12:40.
Report an error - 02:50:14
Item 1 debate: PA (MMC Kunene) supports and complains about sabotage of community meetings
MMC Kunene said the PA supports the item and that the city must deliver services with what it can collect. He said some councillors are sabotaging community meetings for Operation Restore and said he will consult communities first. A DA councillor objected that this was off the agenda, and Councillor Sifumba objected to the word 'culprit'.
Report an error - 02:55:05
Item 1 debate: COPE and ATM support
COPE supported the loan as a calculated risk, while calling for stronger internal controls on debt collection. The ATM also supported it as part of the approved funding model, and suggested a fact-finding mission on raising revenue and a possible pause on capital projects in favour of repairs and maintenance.
Also discussed: Item 7: ATM and UDM support the loan (30 January 2025) · Item 7: ActionSA, EFF and ANC (30 January 2025)
Report an error - 03:00:17
Item 1 debate: ANC and MMC Finance support
Councillor Modupi spoke for the ANC in support of the R2.5 billion, 15-year loan, citing the March 2025 council approval of R2.7 billion. He said it would fund infrastructure projects. The MMC for Finance then said the loan is part of the approved capital budget, that pricing is attractive, and that debt to revenue stays below the 45% ceiling.
Also discussed: Item 17: Funding plan for medium-term capital budget 2026/27–2028/29 (30 September 2026) · Item 71: IFC loan funding debate (2 December 2025) · Later recording segment: finance debate remarks (17 January 2025)
Report an error - 03:05:17
Item 1 vote and DA dissent
The house was divided on the recommendations. The result was 137 yes, 98 no and no abstentions, so the item passed. The DA asked under rule 94 for its dissent to be recorded, and the Speaker noted it.
MthembuActionSANiemandDA
Report an error - 03:12:13
Point on late recording of dissent; referral to Rules Committee
Councillor Raphadu complained that parties announce dissent only after a vote and asked that the practice go to the Rules Committee. The Speaker said it would be discussed in the committee the next day.
Report an error - 03:13:41
Item 2 debate: ActionSA on acting arrangements
ActionSA said it supports finalising recruitment but is concerned at repeated acting appointments. It recommended that recruitment be completed by the end of September 2025 and that these be the last extensions.
Report an error - 03:18:16
Item 2 debate: DA rejects the report
The DA criticised reliance on acting appointments and raised concerns about Helen Botes, citing a culpable homicide docket and SIU findings. It asked for the COGTA MEC approval letter and an update on the Human Settlements director's interdicted appointment. The DA rejected the report and noted its dissent.
Report an error - 03:24:42
Item 2 debate: Freedom Front Plus rejects
The Freedom Front Plus said repeated three-month extensions show no progress in filling the City Manager and COO posts. It said the city should be run like a business and rejected the report.
Also discussed: Item 60: FF+ and DA on the City Manager recruitment (27 February 2025)
Report an error - 03:27:32
Item 2 debate: UDM supports
The AIC donated its time to the UDM. Councillor Zigebe spoke on Youth Day and African identity, then said the UDM supports the report's recommendations. He said acting appointments are acceptable provided they do not become permanent placeholders.
Report an error - 03:34:16
Item 2 debate: EFF notes the report and demands faster recruitment
The EFF said 17 of 22 senior posts are filled but vacancies and long acting periods are unacceptable. It demanded faster recruitment, monthly progress updates and acting appointments only in exceptional cases. It noted the report and recommendation.
Also discussed: Item 17: EFF and ActionSA on vacancies and the City Manager post (2 September 2025)
Report an error - 03:39:05
Item 2 debate: ANC and MMC respond; vote
Councillor Raphadu said acting arrangements are declining quarter by quarter and the ANC moved to note the report. MMC Masuku asked Council to note it. The Speaker found the yeses had it, and the DA asked under rule 84 for its opposition to be recorded.
RaphaduANCMasukuANCNiemandDA
Report an error - 03:43:13
MMC Kunene remark on DA mayoral candidate
MMC Kunene said the DA's talk of Helen Zille standing for mayor was a vote of no confidence in its own councillors. The Speaker asked members not to provoke each other.
Report an error - 03:43:59
Announcements and closure
The Speaker announced the ordinary council meeting for 25-26 June 2025 and a councillor safety briefing with JMPD straight after the sitting. The DA said its caucus would not be required to attend, and the meeting was adjourned.
Report an error
Promises
5Commitments with a date, an amount or a 'we will'.
On 5 November 2026 (when this page was built): 0 overdue, 0 due in the next 30 days, 3 with no date. Overdue first; dates are AI readings of what was said; tap or hover a label for how. All promises.
Date passed; a later sitting said doneMargaret Nobuhle Mthembu · ActionSA
The Rules Committee will discuss the point about recording dissent after votes.
03:17:54· by tomorrow· Report an error
Latest: Said done at a later sitting, 2 September 2025 (AI judgment)
Evidence: quote · 2 later sittings
“it will be discussed tomorrow in the committee”
- Done, they sayRemark about "cows" and voting procedure on abstentions · 28 August 2025
- Done, they sayDispute over Rule 84 and roll-call rules after item 12 vote · 2 September 2025 · and 1 more moment that day
Due the same or next dayMargaret Nobuhle Mthembu · ActionSA
A councillor safety briefing with JMPD will be held in the chamber straight after the meeting.
03:44:21· by just after this council meeting· Report an error
Not raised again in 24 sitting days since; no City report.
Evidence: quote
“there is councillor safety briefing that shall be taking place just after this council meeting”
No dateKenny Kunene · MMC for Transport
Not raised again in 24 sitting days since; no City report.
Evidence: quote
“before we do operation restore, we will go to the communities, communicate with them”
No dateKenny Kunene · MMC for Transport
Not raised again in 24 sitting days since; no City report.
Evidence: quote
“I'm not coming back to that ward until I finished all the other wards”
No dateMargaret Nobuhle Mthembu · ActionSA
Documents for the 25-26 June 2025 ordinary council meeting will be distributed to councillors.
03:44:21· by in due course· Report an error
Not raised again in 24 sitting days since; no City report.
Evidence: quote
“The related documents will be distributed in due course.”
Decisions
10What council approved, rejected or put off.
- 00:27:06
Quorumquorum confirmed
183 councillors were present, so the meeting continued.
- 00:30:50
Applications for leave of absenceapproved
The Speaker asked if the apologies were noted, and none objected.
- 00:31:28
ANC caucus breakapproved
A 30-minute ANC caucus break was granted, with Council to resume at 11:00.
- 01:12:00
PA caucus breakapproved
A 30-minute PA caucus break requested by Councillor Simonse was granted.
- 03:11:16
Item 1: Loan funding for 2024/25 financial year (African Development Bank)approved
The recommendations passed with 137 yes, 98 no and 0 abstentions.
- 03:11:51
Item 1: Loan funding (DA dissent)objection recorded
The DA asked under rule 94 for its opposition and dissent to be recorded, and the Speaker noted it.
- 03:17:54
Point raised on late declaration of dissentreferred
The matter was referred to the Rules Committee, to be discussed the next day.
- 03:42:46
Item 2: Acting arrangements for senior managersapproved
The Speaker ruled the yeses had it on the recommendations (pages 2.12-2.13), which note the report.
- 03:43:01
Item 2: Acting arrangements (DA opposition)objection recorded
The DA asked under rule 84 for its opposition to the item to be recorded.
- 03:46:03
Meeting closureadjourned
The Speaker declared the 40th Extraordinary Council Meeting adjourned.
Attendance and conduct
35Who was away and why, as said in the chamber.
Apologies read out 33
- Private business (10)
- Unidentified councillor*, Harris, Mkhonza, Mpolobosho, Pelzer, Cook, Abdool, Wissler, Huggett, Roberts
- Ill health (8)
- Molefe*, Mchunu, Christopher Mohlala, Shawe, Fourie-Shawe, Christians, Bittkau, Chabalala
- Official duty (1)
- Hoon
- Other reason (2)
- Meyers, Mazibuko*
* Name as heard; not matched to exactly one councillor.
Warned or stopped by the chair 2
Transcript
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