Transcript: 42nd Extra-Ordinary Council Meeting, Day 1

Opening, prayer and EFF request for caucus break

00:04:22Good day, Councillors. May we all rise for the Speaker of Council, Councillor Margaret Arnolds.

00:04:42Councillors, can we please settle? Can we remain standing so that we observe a moment of silence for prayer or meditation?

00:05:03I thank you. Councillors, can we ensure that our cell phones are off, silent or vibration. Not completely off, Councillor Belinda, but on silent or vibration.

00:05:57Councillor Mosehla, we haven't even started, but let's hear.

00:06:09Thank you, Speaker. And thank you for affording me an opportunity. Um, even before we start, uh, Speaker, because we don't want the train to leave us behind. Um, I just wanted to inform you and request that the EFF is requesting 10 minutes caucus break. Thank you.

00:06:35SepediA nyake le yena mokgalabje.

00:06:38Councillor Mosehla, Councillor Mosehla, we first start, and then we'll have the 10 minutes break, you'll then ask for it. But we first start. We haven't started as yet.

Notice of meeting, greetings and urgent items added

00:07:00Good afternoon, Councillors. It is hereby notified that the 42nd Extraordinary Council Meeting of the City of Johannesburg Municipality will be held on Wednesday on the 30th of July at 12:00 and on Thursday, the 31st of July 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the Constance Connie Bapela Council Chamber in Braamfontein. And the first item on the agenda is opening.

00:07:29Thank you so much, Councillors. Um, greetings to the Executive Mayor in absentia, Councillor Sello Morero. The Whip of Council, Councillor Zungu. Chair of Chairs, Councillor Marema. All political party leaders and Whips, members of the Mayoral Committee, Chairpersons of Section 79 committees, fellow Councillors, the Acting City Manager, Mr. Kiba Kekana, in absentia, Secretary to

00:08:03Oh, he has arrived. Sorry, sorry CM, I can't see you. I know that he asked to be somewhere, so that's why. Um, Mr. To the Secretary to Council, Mr. Andile Gobinca, officials of the City of Johannesburg, residents of the City of Johannesburg, members of the media, ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you all

00:08:32to this 42nd Extraordinary Council Meeting of the City of Johannesburg Municipality. Councillors, please note, the executive have requested that the following two items be added to the agenda as urgency reports and I've acceded to the request. It will be the Pikitup trading service reform strategy, acceptance of the HIV/AIDS conditional grant

00:09:02from the Gauteng Department of Health to implement the HIV and AIDS door-to-door HIV education program and the AIDS Council coordination for the 2025/2026 financial year. The two items will only be considered by Council tomorrow. At this point, I will ask um legal to just check whether we have quorum

00:09:32and that we have all signed the um register for this meeting before we verify the number of Councillors present so as to confirm the quorum, legal. And we will be seated unless you have not signed the um the register and then we will accede to the um 10 minutes for the uh EFF. Yes, Councillor Maila.

Agenda corrections and 10-minute EFF break

00:10:34um, the office of the Speaker look at page nine of the agenda and remove the name of Councillor Brenda Dammie from the agenda just out of respect. Thank you very much.

00:10:52Thank you so much, Councillor.

00:11:00Councillor Santana, you are acknowledged.

00:11:05Thank you, Speaker. Um, just on the Speaker's list, uh, please note page six is missing, if we can get that. Thank you. And page four. Thank you.

00:11:16Okay, so page four and page six is missing from the agenda, and then we will remove the name of Councillor Dammie on page nine. Thank you. Can legal, okay, they've gone to check. Uh, the 10 minutes for the EFF is granted. 12:20 we'll be back. Councillor Bittkau.

00:11:45Just a correction, the page four and six is from the Speaker's list, not the agenda.claim

00:11:53Oh, sorry. Okay. Thanks.

Quorum confirmed and whips' caucus

00:23:38Councillors, can we settle down? We are running late. Can we please settle down? Councillor MMC Makhafola.

00:23:56Chair of Ethics.

00:24:04Colleagues, we started late and we are late and, yeah, let's let's just be in time for everything.

00:24:30We Before we broke for the um 10 minutes of the EFF that the EFF asked for, we said we are going to check quorum. We are 220 Councillors, so we do quorate and we are fine to go. Uh EFF, are you good? Councillor Mosehla?

00:24:53Yeah, we are good. Thanks, Speaker.

00:24:57Thank you so much. Colleagues, can we switch off our mics or allow our mics to stand up because we having difficulty with the mics. Councillor Avant-Smith.

00:25:10Uh thank you, Speaker. I request that uh the Whips can just get together for 5 minutes briefly uh in order to facilitate this sitting, if possible, please.

00:25:23Okay, Whips, are we fine? Can we just We have 5 minutes, and let it be 5 minutes, not 6 minutes. At 12:30 you back, please. 5 minutes. Come Whips, if you move faster, we'll be quick finish.

00:30:00Uh, thank you very much, uh, Madam Speaker, greetings and salutations, um, to my colleagues. I thought I should, um, just make a request that as quorum is is considered and as we take the requested caucus break,

Whips' agreement on procedure and withdrawals

00:36:07Can we settle? I believe the whips are back and the whips will tell us um Councillor Avant-Smith will tell us what the whips has Are they fine or is there anything they want us to know? Thank you.

00:36:26Uh thank you, Madam Speaker. We have come to the agreement which we've discussed with you and if we just proceed in that manner, that'll that'll work. Thank you.

00:36:38Councillor Smith? Can you please put it on record so that we know what you are saying that you've discussed.

00:36:47So, we're going to read in all the um quarterlies together in blocks. So, we will read in a block and then respond on the on the block just to cut down on time. We are also um the executive will withdraw a few items and then uh items 58 to 68

00:37:12will um just be read in for noting. Those are the feet on the ground oversight reports. Thank you.

00:37:26Chair of chairs, the executive reports Have you discussed it with the executive so that the executive We can't just withdraw the reports without them saying yes or no. Have you spoken to the leader of executive business?

00:37:45Uh Speaker, thank you very much. I I had thought that you will speak to member in charge with Councillor Mhlongo, but I just uh heard him talking to uh MMC Mnisi who is currently, I see having a conversation with the leader of executive business with that regard. So, I am hoping that the executive will do the honors. As you can see, they are up and down trying to

00:38:13do as I am suggesting. Thank you.

00:38:17Yeah, we just want to We just want the right thing to be done so that we don't find ourselves wanting. Councillor Smith, you didn't tell us about the legislature item. Or the Or Or Or the chair of chairs will give us the legislature item while the executive is in discussion.

00:38:43Nothing. Thank you very much uh, Madam Speaker. I had had an opportunity or a luxury to attend the whips meeting or caucus meeting, and I did submit uh what I have been sent by the MPAC brigade that we withdraw item 70 and the committee is in agreement with that. I thank you, Madam Speaker.

00:39:06Thank you. It's just that we want it also for record. We'll await the executive to tell us are they fine with what you have asked. We don't want to tramp on toes.

00:39:54Good morning, Madam Speaker, Executive Mayor, and all councillors. Madam Speaker, for the record, please note that item 35 to 44 However, I think we're doing things the other way round. We shouldn't because the mayor has not sent recommendations to council, actually.

00:40:15Thank you, MMC. Can we go to application of leave?

Applications for leave of absence and apologies

00:40:27Okay, councillors. We are now on application for leave of absence.

00:40:34Can we get leave of absence from the floor? We only have one leave of absence, MMC Sekwaila, due to ill health. Can I see hands? Councillor Avant-Smith, Councillor Simonse, and Councillor Makhuba, and Councillor Mposula.

00:41:00Thank you.

00:41:01Thank you, Madam Speaker. We have Councillor Nkomo on study leave, Councillor Dewes on private business, Councillor Deppe on private business, and Councillor Hughes, ill health, and a request from Councillor Da Gama to leave at 2:00 p.m., please. Thank you.claim

00:41:20Thank you. Councillor Simonse?

00:41:23Thank you, Madam Speaker. Um just an apology for Councillor Marilyn Smouse. She had to leave on um council business. Thank you.

00:41:31Thank you. Councillor Makhuba?

00:41:37Thank you, Speaker. For the IFP, Councillor Khanyile is out of the province. And um there's a request for Councillor Nkomo and Councillor Nyembe to leave at 4:30.claim

00:41:52Thank you. Councillor Mposula?

00:42:00Thank you so much, Madam Speaker. Greetings to you. Um we have got uh Councillor Siyabonga Zwane who is on private business. Uh Councillor Nicolene Jonker, private business. And I have got three councillors who are requesting to leave at 3:00 and that is Councillor Chris Mashala, Councillor Moipone Rakosa, and Councillor Thuli Nkomo. Thank you so much.claim

00:42:29Thank you. Uh um Chair of chairs?

00:42:35Thank you very much, Honorable Speaker. I rise to table an apology of uh our beloved mayor who is going to leave after um tabling the recommendation of the executive. He's got to go and address the legal and contracts. I also have an apology from the Chief Whip uh Councillor Zungu uh who is going to join us in an hour. And the mayor will come back just after um the addressing on

00:43:05that matter. And I also have an apology from uh Councillor Charmaine Ngoepe who is writing examination. Um I also have an apology from uh Councillor Godfrey Tshedo who is sick and uh would not be able to attend council. I thank you.

00:43:26Thank you, Chief Whip, uh, Councillor Marema. Uh, Councillor Tshwaku, MMC Tshwaku?

00:43:37Thank you very much, Speaker. Um good afternoon to everyone. Um I'd like to beg to table the following apologies. Councillor Ngwenya on ill health, Councillor Nkosi on ill health, uh Councillor uh Mogapi will be arriving a bit late uh on private business. And also Councillor Telekoa

00:44:03uh will also be arriving late. And also myself, uh I will have to leave at about 2:00, but I'll be back. Thank you.

00:44:13Thank you so much, uh MMC Tshwaku. Are the apologies noted?

00:44:21Noted.

00:44:22Thank you.

00:44:27Oh, sorry, Councillor Mokome. Can you use the mic next to yourself?

00:44:38Thank you, Madam Speaker. I make a request to be recused by 17:30.

00:44:46Thank you, Councillor Mokome. Are all the apologies noted?

00:44:54MMC Tshwaku?

00:44:56No, thank you very much, Speaker. Sorry, I forgot one apology from Councillor Mbambala Thandiwe. She had to attend a critical matter in her ward, but she'll be back. Thank you.

00:45:06Thank you, Councillor. All apologies are noted.

Recommendations to council: executive and legislature tabling and withdrawals

00:45:13We now proceed to recommendations to council.

00:45:18Executive Mayor, Councillor Morero?

00:45:26Madam Speaker, good morning. Good morning to the Chief Whip of Council in his absentia, Chair of Chairs, and of course greetings to all political parties and their leaders. I hereby stand to table reports for council for consideration. Thank you, Speaker.

00:45:46Thank you, Executive Mayor. Chair of Chairs?

00:45:54Uh thank you very much uh, Honorable Speaker. I rise to table the legislature reports, um with the request, of course, to withdraw item 70. Thank you.

00:46:10Thank you, Chair of Chairs. Uh MMC Masuku?

00:46:15Morning, Executive Mayor, Madam Speaker, uh Chief Whip, and all councillors. Madam Speaker, we would like, on behalf of the executive, to withdraw item 34.

00:46:37Withdraw item 34. We would also like to um withdraw item 40. Withdraw item 42. We would also like that item 35 to item 44 all be read together um as um a clubbed items.

00:47:09Thank you.

00:47:16Thank you, um MMC Masuku. Have we noted? Yes, um Have we noted all that? Yes, um

00:47:27My apologies, Madam Speaker. Can I please uh ask for the MMC's indulgence to please just repeat the numbers again? Sorry.

00:47:35Okay. MMC?

00:47:39Thank you, Madam Speaker. We're requesting to withdraw item 34. We're requesting to withdraw item 40. We're requesting to withdraw item 42. And then club item 35 to 44. Thanks.

00:48:09Thank you, um LOB.

Items 1-4: Group Corporate and Shared Services quarterly reports tabled

00:48:21Uh on recommendations to council, we're starting off with the first item, and that is the performance assessment report uh for the Corporate and Shared Services Department for the 2024/25 financial year for the period October to December 2024, read with item two, which is an oversight report of the Section 79 Corporate and Shared Services Committee on the 2024/25 second quarter budget and performance assessment report of Group Corporate and Shared Services for the period October to December 2024,

00:48:51also read with item three, and that's a performance assessment report for the Corporate and Shared Services Department for the 2024/25 financial year for the period January to March 2025. And the above items are read together with item four, which is an oversight report of the Section 79 Corporate and Shared Services Committee on the 2024/25 third quarter budget and performance assessment report of Group Corporate and Shared Services for the period January to March 2025.

00:49:22Thank you. Member in charge, Councillor Raphadu?

00:49:32Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I rise to table the third quarter oversight report of the Section 79 Corporate and Shared Services Committee on the third quarter performance report of the Group Corporate and Shared Services. Madam Speaker, all KPIs were achieved in the third quarter with the exception of two annual KPIs. Madam Speaker, on organizational stability,claim

00:50:01strides have been made on the institutional review project as a service provider for implementation was appointed. On employee relations, no senior managers were placed on suspension since the beginning of the financial year. This has resulted in an in a 100% decrease in the salary bill of suspended officials. The Group Corporate and Shared Services has also done well, Madam Speaker,claim

00:50:31in reducing the vacancy rate at top management positions as it has come down to 17% in the third quarter from the 22.9 in the second quarter. We expect uh the filling of top management positions to bring about greater accountability as well as improved service delivery. Madam Speaker, in terms of health and safety, uh Madam Speaker, 138 facilities across the city were inspected in the third quarter.claim

00:51:02System compliance was 53%, while physical compliance was 32%. The highest deviations were for buildings with loose ceilings and roof leaks, and non-establishment of SHE committees as well as non-training of SHE representatives, and an and unsafe electrical connections. Madam Speaker, whereas JPC can be blamed for the non-maintenance of our buildings, departmentclaim

00:51:33departments must also take responsibility for not doing their part in terms of establishing SHE committees within their respective departments. The state of performance management in the city is also a great concern for this committee. Madam Speaker, 30% of our departments are not participating, and the employees in these departments do not have scorecards. Similarly to health and safety, these are KPIs on the scorecards of senior managers.claim

00:52:04These committees would like to see consequence management meted on all non-complying heads of departments because performance management is the bedrock of a well-functioning organization. Madam Speaker, on skills development, there was an 87% implementation of skills audit interventions on levels five and six employees. This indicates that all employees at this level will be covered by the end of the financial year.claim

00:52:35On the fleet services, Madam Speaker, I would like to focus on the red fleet contract. The budget was reduced at the mid-year budget review to 28 million from the initial budget of 100 million. A recent oversight visit to fire stations in May 2025 exposed this committee to the major challenges, which is the wide gap between fleet availability and demand, as well as the inability to replace end-of-life vehicles due to budget constraints.

00:53:06On employee assistance, Madam Speaker, I would like to place an emphasis on trauma counseling, particularly for EMS personnel. The committee has recommended to Public Safety to establish their own specialized capacity for employee assistance services so that it does not rely on the city's small capacity of five EAP specialists and a chaplain. Madam Speaker, I would like to highlight, very quickly, the electronic document management system, which is heavily dependent

00:53:36on the GICT. Concerns on this performance area has increased since our joint oversight of the Metro Centre with the Section 79 OCM, Public Safety, and Economic Development Committees in November 2024.

00:53:51Two seconds left.

00:53:52Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, in conclusion, I would like to recommend that council council note the report, but we also proceed, Madam Speaker. Thank you very much. Ke a leboga.

Items 1-4 debate: ACDP, IFP, ANC, DA, PA, EFF

00:54:06Thank you so much, member in charge. Um ACDP, Councillor Mkhonza?

00:54:15Yes. Um thank you very much, Speaker, and shalom, shalom to all the councillors. But before I start, allow me to first acknowledge our Almighty God, eternally existent in three persons, God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. And um greetings to the ACDP constituents, the residents of our beloved city, Johannesburg. I greet you all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

00:54:45Amen.

00:54:46So, Madam Speaker, I stand to speak on item one um for the financial year period January to March 2025. First, allow me to um quote from my guiding manual, the Holy Bible, from Proverbs 12:24, which reads as follows, "The diligent find freedom in their work, and the lazy are oppressed by the work." Madam Speaker, the ACDP caucus commends the department for the placementclaim

00:55:16of two disability learners in conjunction with the KLM Empowerment, which will provide them with a significant work experience for CoJ, and at the same time boosting the city's disability representation. We further commend the department for the EAP program. We, however, raise the low closing rate of cases, which is 13.5%, and the high number of personal and the social profiles suggesting thatclaim

00:55:46more needs to be done. Madam Speaker, we bring to your attention, once again, the copy-and-paste syndrome of CoJ. Under discussion, page 3.2, the report says nine KPIs. However, in bracket, it says three remained unconfirmed for full performance attainment. This is quarter three report, and nine of the three, or nine or three KPIs are not confirmed.claim

00:56:18Then how then do we desire to reclaim the status of a world-class African city if we cannot confirm KPIs on the third quarter? The question now comes, um which SDBIP is used to assess performance? We further read that the department anticipates that this report will be tabled at the next um EMT meeting before the final version is presented to the governance sub-mayoral cluster meeting. Somewhere in the report, we are told 14 KPIs

00:56:4830 seconds left.

00:56:5014 KPIs were achieved and zero unachieved. What happened to the nine or three unconfirmed? Here are some questions to the MMC, um she may wish to answer. Why is the capital spending sitting at 0% when we have a risk management matrix that speaks to poor maintenance of the buildings? When will the records of management policy and file plan be completed?

00:57:10Councillor, can you just hold on? And you only have five seconds left.

00:57:14Okay.

00:57:14Councillor Kaldine?

00:57:25Thank you, Speaker. Um I'm of the view that whips went for a meeting to discuss that we are noting the reports, and then secondly, the councillor that's on the floor, does he sit on this committee? Because I see there's a tendency in this house that councillors who don't sit on committees come here to this house and complain.

00:57:44Thank you, Speaker.

00:57:47Councillor Kaldine. Councillor Kaldine, Councillor Kaldine, Councillor Kaldine. Councillor, can you continue?

00:57:58Yeah, thank you very much. I think we need um induction, uh Speaker. Um what is the MMC and the department practically and actively doing to deal with the inconsistent application of the PMS processes and procedures outside of the newsletters? I thank you, Madam Speaker.

00:58:16Thank you, Councillor. Councillor from the IFP, Councillor Manganyi?

00:58:31Madam Speaker, members of council, on behalf of the Inkatha Freedom Party, I rise to reflect on the third quarter's performance and oversight report of the Group Corporate and Shared Services. Speaker, our duty is not just to note progress, but to interrogate outcomes against the mandate of the ethical, responsible leadership. Having said that, Speaker, the IFP commend the GCSS for key achievements which align with our shared value vision of restoring professional service delivery.

00:59:03Firstly, Speaker, we applaud the permanent appointment of senior managers now sitting at 80% 80.8% as stability at at the top is a step forward in restoring accountability at all levels. Second to that, Speaker, the absence of senior staff suspensions and 100% compliance with disciplinary timelines reflect a maturing culture of consequence management. Lastly, Speaker, regarding the equity and skills development,claim

00:59:35the department's attention to employment equity and the placement of two disabled learners at the City Power signal a commitment to transformation, not a rhetoric, but in action. However, Speaker, as the IFP, a party that has always stood for honest governance, we cannot ignore the red flags highlighted in this quarter's oversight review. The Ivory Park Fire Station is a crisis waiting to happen. The report cites aclaim

01:00:00operational risk that should never exist in a provincial uh professional emergency service. This is not just an administrative oversight. It is a betrayal of public trust. The 30% The 32% physical compliance rates across facilities is unacceptable. It reflects systemic [inaudible] Sorry. Negligence that undermines workers' safety and exposes the city to legal and reputational risk. Madam Speaker, as the IFP, we noteclaim

01:00:32with serious concern the 72 million cut to the Red Fleet budget. Without a proper emergency services, our firefighters are left with rusting scraps, and our communities face delays in emergency uh response. This is not a budgeting error. It is a life-threatening oversight. Madam Speaker, we're failing our frontline heroes with just five trauma specialists for the entire EMS. The IFP supports the call forclaim

01:01:02public safety to build dedicated in-house trauma capacity. It is deeply concerning that 30% of departments still operate without performance scorecards. How do we hold officials accountable if we don't measure their performance? The IFP calls for ethical action. As a responsible GLU partner, the IFP calls for the urgent intervention in fire and emergency services, including trauma support and urgent fleet procurement.claim

01:01:28SepediKe a leboga, Speaker.

01:01:30Thank you so much, councillor. Councillor D Francisco from the ANC.

01:01:41Uh thank you very much, Speaker. I would like to greet in absentia our Mayor, uh Mayor Dada Morero, also to greet the City Manager, Gbubenga. Uh I will also like to greet our Chair of Chairs, uh

01:02:08Councillor Marema, also greet the Whip of council in his absentia, not forgetting the the Mayoral Committee of the of the Mayor. I would also like to greet all the councillors sitting here in council, and extend my greetings to the residents of

01:02:36of City of Johannesburg. I nearly said Alexandra. Thank you very much, Speaker. Uh I rise to table item one, the performance reports for the corporate shared corporate and shared services uh department for the year of 2024claim

01:03:05and 2025 financial year, this uh the period of October and uh December. Yeah, thank you very much, Speaker, again. Uh Speaker, uh on behalf of the African National Congress, we are happy

01:03:35to present this uh report, but not forgetting the committee that we work with. I think we work very smart. We were able to achieve the KPI, uh which is uh 92.6. Uh I'm not going to dwell much,

01:04:04but I would like also to note the report. Thank you.

01:04:11Thank you, Councillor Deborah. Councillor Campbell-Cloete from the DA.

01:04:21Thank you so much, Speaker. Um, honorable Speaker, members of the council, fellow residents of Johannesburg, I rise to respond to the Group Corporate Shared Services performance report for quarters two and three of the financial year. Speaker, the language in the report is very clinical. It shows figures, and especially that this portfolioclaim

01:05:02The reality this report reveals, however, is that an accomplishment or is not an accomplishment or applause-worthy. It is deeply human, and deeply troubling, especially where it affects the employees of the city. Let's look at the facts. 96 municipal buildings investigated or inspected during this time,claim

01:05:30are reported as poorly maintained. 75 buildings have unsafe electrical installations. Now, imagine one of those buildings catching on fire, especially with the condition of our Red Fleet. Unfortunately, the scenario will be devastating. I want you to imagine yourself, just for a few seconds, as being an employee in one of these buildings. 47 buildingsclaim

01:06:01lack fire-fighting equipment, failure. 41 have obstructed emergency exits, complete failure. 99 buildings do not have trained G officials, so there's no one that can help you, and 68 have no evacuation procedures at all, and you do not know where to go, massive failure. Keep in mind, while you look for an escape,claim

01:06:32that we do not have enough Red Fleet vehicles, and those we do have are old and not in optimum condition, and all under the current ANC, EFF, PA, and ActionSA coalition. How do you feel now? Do you feel like the 749 employees who sought therapeutic intervention in the third quarter alone?

01:07:01That is not statistic. That is a desperate cry for help. Our employees are working in unsafe, crumbling environments. They are carrying the emotional and psychological toll of that neglect. They are forced to work in buildings and in a system that fails to protect them, a system that does not value them and a municipality that fails to act. So, do we not have the budget to change this then?

01:07:31The answer is yes, we do. But in the third quarter, only 54.55% of the operational budget was spent. We are not only failing to meet our obligations, we are not even using the tools we have to fix them.

01:07:51Speaker, no doubt we will, once again, hear excuses, deflection and reports filled with KPIs that focus on monitoring and reporting,

01:08:01but never on actually fixing the problem. Speaker, we need to answer this. What good is a report if it comes if it becomes a ritual of documenting failure instead of a road map for action? Even the KPI, and I need for you to listen to this, even the KPI for paying creditors within 30 days has quietly disappeared, like a sushi platter,

01:08:30without explanation and without concern. While we preach for podiums from podiums on how we will improve economic growth, the very standard that protects small businesses and service providers from collapse is quietly being removed from the KPI list. And perhaps most offensively, some issues raised by this very portfolio committee have remained unanswered for almost 2 years.

01:09:00But we are doing so very well. Speaker, what we are witnessing is not just administrative systems that reward nonsensical KPIs, it is a dangerous culture of no accountability, no urgency, and no consequence management. This culture is a direct result of the unstable and failing government of local unity. Now, let's contrast this

01:09:30with how the Democratic Alliance governs, shall we? In Midvaal, there are systems of transparency, performance, and discipline, a model of excellence. Budgets are spent where they matter. Safety standards are enforced. Buildings are audited and maintained. Creditor payments are made on time, and public servants know that non-performance is not tolerated, they're dealt with. There is political will and consequence management,

01:10:01as well as measurable and impactful KPIs. These are three things that are currently desperately missing in Johannesburg while it's being run into the ground by the current GLU. While residents are told that 100% of KPIs are magically met. Speaker, we can no longer afford to produce documents that monitors and reports on the rot and the failure.

01:10:30We need to confront it head on. We dare not continue to applaud departments for compiling quarterly reports while the very people they serve suffer in silence and stress. Let this report serve as a warning, and let our employees and residents hear this. The DA has the courage, the experience, and the track record to demand and deliver. Thank you.

01:11:00Thank you, councillor. Um the PA, Councillor May.

01:11:09Greetings, um Madam Speaker, Executive Mayor in his absentia, the PA caucus, and esteemed guests. I rise to speak on item 1 to 4. In recent years, we have seen an increase in the need for collaborating among the different organizations and departments in order to provide better services for our community. It is crucial that we work together to achieve these common goals and address challenges that our city faces. One area where group

01:11:40cooperation and shared services can make a significant impact is in health and safety. As we all know, the health and well-being of our residents should be on top priority for all of us. By pooling our resources and expertise, we can develop and implement effective strategies to improve public health and safety in our city. This includes initiatives such as providing better services and access to healthcare services by promoting lifestyle choices and implementing measures to prevent accidents and injuries.

01:12:11Another important aspect where group cooperation and shared services can develop in is within skills development. In today's rapidly changing world, it is essential that our workforce is equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed. By working together, we can offer training and education programs that will help our employees adapt to new technologies and the industry trends. This will not allow, but not only benefit our organization,

01:12:41but also contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of our city. Lastly, I would like to draw your attention to the deteriorating state of our Red Fleet in Johannesburg. Our fleet of emergency vehicles play a crucial and pivotal role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents. However, many of these vehicles are in urgent need of repairs and in maintenance. By coming together and sharing these resources, we can address these issues and ensure

01:13:11that our emergency services are operating at full capacity. In conclusion, it is essential for the success and sustainability of our city. By working together, we can achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness and impact in our efforts to improve this quality of life for all Johannesburg residents. Let us commit to collaborating and supporting each other in our endeavors to build a better, brighter future for our city. Thank you. With this being said,

01:13:40the Patriotic Alliance notes this report. Salute.

01:13:44Thank you, Councillor May. Um EFF, Councillor D Dladla.

01:13:55Uh Speaker, there is a previous speaker here who just invited us to contrast and compare the municipalities as run by the DA and of the GLU. Now, I'm tempted to compare, Speaker. I was checking the Mayor of Johannesburg, yes, we still have the Mayor. And I'm checking the former Mayor of Tshwane, no, Cilliers Brink was removed. And I was checking, contrasting, Speaker, to check as to the reason whyclaim

01:14:27the Mayor of Tshwane was removed. In fact, the Mayor of of DA in Tshwane was removed. The fact is that he was removed because he failed to give water to our people.claim

01:14:46That's a desert!claim

01:14:48isiZulu[inaudible] amanzi eTshwane.

01:14:51My very own Majaja.

01:14:55Councillors, we have a councillor on the podium.

01:14:59Continue, Councillor Dladla.

01:15:01Just a second, Speaker.

01:15:04isiZuluNingajabuli kakhulu.

01:15:07In one.

01:15:09No, thank you very much, Speaker. Greetings to you, the Caucus Leader of the EFF, Dr. Tshwaku, our Chief Whip, Thabiso Mogapi, in absentia, uh our hard-working MMC, Ennie Makhafola, 29 EFF councillors, and uh you, councillors at large, I greet you. We wish to take this opportunity and congratulate the EFF for a successful 12-year anniversary celebration over the weekend. When we started in 2013,

01:15:38isiZulusome were saying izophela.

01:15:40But we are still here and growing. We We bought our head office when all other parties in South Africa, not only in Johannesburg, are renting shacks. You can only buy such a beautiful building when you know and you are sure that you will be here for long. We remain the best run organization so far in the country. We remain indebted to our organization as councillors of the EFF.

01:16:10Speaker, I'm standing to speak on item 1, 2, 3, and 4. We must say beforehand that the EFF notes and approves this report. We are sure the hard-working MMC of Public Safety have noted the contributions regarding the in-house trauma counseling as proposed here in council today. We also hoping the under allocation on Red Fleet will soon be attended to. We note the reduction and resolution of In fact, um it points to the fact that

01:16:39isiZuluthe GLU iyaqhuba. Akukho nkontraka vele ehambayo.

01:16:45We are sure that the We also hope that the under allocation on Red Fleet will soon be attended to. We hope that the reduction and resolution of employee suspension by 100%, which by extension means that there is less to no money that is paid for suspended people sitting at home and doing nothing. We applaud that work. The volume of pending disciplinary cases is a bit concerning,

01:17:10but on the same, we acknowledge that it will be wrong to cut corners and circumvent the requirements of the LRA on disciplinary processes for the sake of stats. Though we are encouraged by the improvement on the vacancy rate in top management position, we are also of the belief that more can still be done. We noted as well that the vacancy rate citywide has increased in the quarter in question, which is not good considering the unemployment rate

01:17:39which we are facing in the city, but we can still see the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

01:17:45Thank you, Councillor Dladla. Councillor Mofokeng from the ANC.

01:18:05Uh thank you, Speaker. Uh Speaker, I sit I sit in this committee and I make good contributions. And I'm going to tell you why I'm saying this. Speaker, I've been a a councillor since 2016 and sitting in the same committee, and I've served under three MMCs, namely MMC Khumalo, and MMC Knott. And all of them,claimemotive

01:18:36all of them never achieved 100% on their KPIs. Never. Now, we need to give credit where it's due. Let's also tell you why we are at 100%. It's precisely because we are very We're working very close with our officials. We never purged officials. We are here because of the good relationship that we have with our officials. Now, people cannot say the GLU is falling. We're not falling.emotive

01:19:07And surprisingly, people that are sitting in this committee, like the chairperson was saying, are not talking in this meeting because they understood us when we were debating in the in the committee. They understood. And once again, I want to say thank you, MMC Masuku and Chairperson Raphadu, to give leadership.emotive

01:19:27isiZuluBathi umona uqala esweni.emotive

01:19:31The DA never achieves this. They have never achieved this, and you'll never achieve it. Now, it's us uh uh uh Councillor Raphadu indicated very clear that it's not us who are saving those servicing those building, but it's another department. But we took it upon ourselves as a committee to go there and do the inspection.emotive

01:19:59We went there. It's us who are raising these things that we need to correct this thing. And we went there because we have the interest of workers at heart. And the DA cannot tell us today that you have the interest of workers at heart, never, not today, not ever. Now, qhuba, qhuba, MMC. Nothing is going to stop you. In our meeting, in our uh uh committee meeting,emotive

01:20:28the DA, instead of saying thanks to MMC, they were saying, "How did you reach 100%?" "How did you reach 100%?" That's what they were saying in the meeting. And I'm happy today they are not talking because they know the truth. Now, Councillor Mkhonza, you made it very You made a point and I want to agree with you that the City of Johannesburg need to do induction because the way in which you are reading uh reports and the way the DA reads the reportemotive

01:21:00leaves much to be desired. I must I must point out now that you can't read a report. And because we have the interest of the communities at heart, we read the report as the ANC. We definitely read the report. We don't come here and crack jokes. We are here to read reports, and we are saving our communities, and we'll forever do that. Now, as the African National Congress,emotive

01:21:28we note the report. Thank you.emotive

Items 1-4: MMC and member in charge reply; items agreed

01:21:35MMC Masuku.

01:21:39Good morning once uh Good afternoon now, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, thank you so much to all the councillors uh for their contribution. Uh let me address, through you, Speaker, and forgive Councillor Campbell-Cloete. Perhaps she's new in the committee, and um so she would be inclined to speak uh things that are economic from the truth.

01:22:11She says, through you, Speaker, that statistical uh performance is not important. It's actually very important. She also speaks about the performance of the Democratic Alliance um in other municipalities, whereas the same Democratic Alliance performed dismally in this municipality. We were not going to go there, but she has taken us there. So, let us take her back and remind her that under Mayor Phalatseclaim

01:22:42and MMCs of the Democratic Alliance, the performance at quarter three for GCSS was at 54%. The following quarter, it was at 56%. It moved and dropped to 49%. The government of local unity took power in 2023, and we vowed to stabilize Group Corporate and Shared Services. At our first stint in the department,claim

01:23:11together with the officials and the Section 79 committee, where Councillor Rahn also forms part of, we steered the ship and we moved to 67%. Gradually, we moved in quarter two to 79%. We accelerated, Madam Speaker, and moved to 88%. We are at 92% and steadily at 100% when we get to quarter four,claim

01:23:40because of the hard work of officials who we did not purge. We said we would work with everyone. We would give everybody a chance. And even in the Section 79 committee, when we are held and we are called, we account because we respect the committee. I'm saying I will forgive her that she's new because she doesn't understand where this department comes from. She doesn't understand the hard sweat and the work officials have put in to try and stabilize this department.claim

01:24:10So, statistics matter. Statistics matter because it is the figures that will tell you that we are above 80% in terms of stabilizing senior management of this municipality. Now, if you are not concerned about that, yes, we admit, Madam Speaker, there are weaknesses. We have to do better in terms of contract management in fleet. We have to do better in terms of health and safety,

01:24:36but we have improved in areas where there was no interest. In fact, the issue of performance management and scorecards, it's our baby as the government of local unity. We took it upon ourselves to make sure that performance management in the City of Johannesburg is a priority. So, it can't be correct for councillors to come and not even acknowledge where the city comes from at a group level and how far we have come in stabilizing.

01:25:05None of them are talking about the strides we have made in terms of improving skills development for internal youth and even our employees, increasing funds for bursaries for our young people. None of them are talking about the stability as it relates to the work that we've done on skills, and I think there must come a point, through you, Speaker, that councillors, when they want to contrast

01:25:34and want to put it as if we are not doing any work, they must ask themselves, does it benefit the institution? And I dare say no. Actually, residents look at you and think that all you do is to naysay and be negative. Learn to be positive. Learn to acknowledge good work when it is done. Learn to appreciate that there are people who can improve institutional capability. There are people who understand performance management and are interested to take the city forward.

01:26:04Learn to appreciate it. And perhaps, perhaps in the long run, you can take some of these things and practice them in other institutions, because it doesn't mean that the government of local unity is perfect in everything, but we keep trying because our interest is to improve the lives of our people. Thank you, Councillor Mkhonza. We appreciate your comments, and you are correct. If I had more time, but what I will do, I will write a note on my official City of Joburg page as a response

01:26:34to some of these discussions so that we can correct some of the misinformation that is made by councillors in this council. It's important that we understand that Group Corporate and Shared Services is about the lives of our people and our employees. It's at the heartbeat of service delivery because if employees are not taken care of, it means then the most important resource is at a downward. Therefore, let's appreciate when good is done and where criticism is taken,

01:27:02we will accept it gracefully. I thank you and I ask council to approve the reports.

01:27:09Thank you, MMC Masuku. Member in charge, Councillor Raphadu.

01:27:16Yeah, no, thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Let me first applaud the committee members for for their participation and the diligent work that they do. Madam Speaker, in this committee we are a political. Ours is to make sure that the city does indeed move forward, and all of us are united in making sure that we hold officials accountable and we make sure that they deliver on their scorecards and KPIs

01:27:46that they are supposed to. So, we are glad that at least this ship is starting to move in the right direction. The trajectory is shown in the statistics that have been quoted in this debate, and we hope that the work, the energy of committee members will continue uh to make sure that this department becomes the beacon of light that it seeks or it should be in making sure that the city works. So, Madam Speaker, I therefore move for the approval of this report. Thank you very much.

01:28:16Thank you, Councillor Raphadu. The recommendations are on pages 1.5, 2.6, 2.7, 3.5, and 4.8. Are the items agreed to? Thank you.

Items 5-7: Development Planning and JDA reports tabled

01:28:44We are now on item five, and that's the performance assessment report uh for the Development Planning Department for the 2024-25 financial year for the period January to March 2025, read together with item six, which is the performance assessment report for the Johannesburg Development Agency for the 2024-25 financial year for the period January to March 2025. Lastly, read with item seven, which is an oversight report of the Development Planning Section 79 Committee

01:29:12on the 2024-25 third quarter budget and performance assessment report of the Development Planning Department and Johannesburg Development Agency for the period January to March 2025.

01:29:25Thank you, Secretary to Council. Member in charge, Councillor Kaldine.

01:29:38Thank you, Speaker. Greetings, Speaker. I rise to table the performance oversight report of the Development Planning Section 79 Committee on the 2024-2025 third quarter performance reports of the Department of Development Planning and the Johannesburg Development Agency, JDA. Speaker, the department managed to achieve 11, which is 79% of the 14claim

01:30:00has indeed fulfilled their KPIs, on paper. Well done to GCSS for the statistical performance.claim

01:30:00[inaudible] 14 KPIs in quarter three. We did have service delivery challenges that was noted during this quarter, which included the continued technical glitches experienced by CPMS, the poor storage space for records at the Metro Centre building, the delays in procurement of service providers to undertake the demolition process, the 42% vacancy rate, which has affected operational efficiency.claim

01:30:30The financial performance by the end of quarter three and the annual Capex budget was 92.1 million, and the expenditure was 52.14 million, which is 57%. Opex expenditure incurred was 330.48 million, which is 65%, against the targeted 511.62 million. The JDA achieved 16, which is 94%, of the 17 due KPIs in quarter three.claim

01:31:00By the end of the quarter, the entity had spent 662.6 million, which is 59% of the annual 1.2 billion Capex budget. The JDA earned a total revenue of 106.5 million and incurred a total expenditure of 181 million. This resulted in an overall deficit of 74 million. Service delivery challenges during the third quarter,claim

01:31:30budgetary constraints, which often led to the late payment of service providers and work stoppages, the overall underperformance of contractors, the town planning bottlenecks, which prevent site handovers, but in essence, Speaker, the committee recommends that council approve the report. Thank you.claim

Items 5-7 debate: ActionSA, DA, EFF, ANC

01:31:48Thank you, member in charge. Action SA Councillor Nefdt.

01:31:59Thank you, Speaker. Greetings to the house. All protocols observed. I rise on items five, six and seven, speaking on the performance report for the Development Planning Department. Action SA notes with some concerns the performance report for the Development Planning Department for January to March quarter of 2025. One continued and still very concerning aspect is the continued neglect or lack of proper care for and handling of the city's town planning documents, like building plans and property files.

01:32:29Almost two years ago, it was highlighted that this is a very important concern, but these valuable documents still lay around and is sitting in an unsuitable building, slowly decaying to an unusable state, which means soon we won't have any records of what's being built or what's still there in our city. We really need to take better care of these documents. Another concern is the thinly staffed single law enforcement team.

01:33:00We certainly do need to get more of these valuable inspectors because these are the guys that go around and check that everything is compliant. We know we've got big problems with our informal spaza shops and this is the crux of it. These guys know what to do, what should be done, and what should be there. Okay. They are a invaluable help to residents as well as the city, and we do hope that in the new budget that we'll grow this department. Action SA notes item seven, six and five. Thank you, Speaker.

01:33:29Thank you, Councillor Nefdt. Uh DA Councillor A. Stewart.

01:33:39Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise to speak on the Development Planning Core Department and JDA

01:33:49Can you speak into the mic please, Councillor?

01:33:52I rise to speak on the Development Planning Core Department and JDA quarterly report for the third quarter 24-25 financial year. This council sits during a prolonged period of financial struggle, characterised by unfunded budgets and cash flow problems. Naturally, the true state of the city's financial situation will only become suitably clear to us under a DA-led coalition in approximately a year to 18 months from now. In the meantime, we turn most of our attention to operational matters in the absence of sufficient Capex.

01:34:22After all, it would be unfair to hold departments and entities accountable for budget adjustments and the slashing and sometimes outright withdrawal of Capex funding. The gradual decline and mismanagement of the city's finances and its inability to effectively collect moneys owed to it is an issue that must be placed firmly on the doorstep of the top dogs, and I'm referring to the City Manager, the CFO, the COO, the Mayor and the MMC of Finance. Given that our city and the current administration thinks that a plethora of different mayors since 2016

01:34:53is something to celebrate, it becomes harder to hold individual politicians to account. Those providing the supposed continuity during that time, the CM, the COO, actually wait, how many of them have come and gone since then? With no one, it would seem, to hold accountable for our bigger picture woes, let us review the Department of Development Planning and JDA mainly from an operational perspective. After all, we would expect a professional civil service to compensate for poor Capex funding through innovation

01:35:22and ensuring that they raise their game when it comes to day-to-day operational service delivery. First up is the core department. Let us just mention the ongoing issues that never change and are viciously thrown in our faces once again with the latest quarterly report. Number one, not utilising grant funding timeously and or complying with grant funding procedure. Two, woefully inaccurate reporting on urban inspector service delivery standards combined with bogus claims of actioning over 90% of reported building control complaints within 48 hours.

01:35:51Number three, deliberately dragging their heels with regards to outdoor advertising by-law. There was no justifiable reason to get a consultant to redo a draft by-law after a consultant had already done just that in the 2016 to 2021 term of office. Four, ditto for the outdoor advertising audit. The excuses provided for failed attempts and the obvious lack of desire to complete an audit defy belief. There is not a single adult or journalist in this city who

01:36:21does not know of the disgusting corruption that defines our outdoor advertising industry. Number five, the department willfully refuses to report on outcome of court action in building control and urban inspection matters, and this naturally has a knock-on effect for tracking the ultimate imposition of rate penalties for illegal building. Fairly new to our list of ongoing issues is the state of our planning and building control records. This quarterly report, a few months in arrears, is claiming that steps are being taken to safeguard the records, to find a more suitable place to store them.

01:36:51However, concerned former employees have sounded the alarm. As we speak, a petition is circulating in Johannesburg to raise awareness of the still unresolved issue of adequately protecting the department's planning records. How many records will be lost or destroyed before the department can scan and store over 10 million documents and files? Given the above list, can we as councillors and in particular members of oversight committee tell a story of committed civil servants dedicated to service delivery in spite of trying financial times?

01:37:20Unfortunately, the lack of capital funding provides no distraction to the simple fact that the core department can be characterised by indifference, lack of applicable qualification, acumen, and most importantly accountability. I sometimes feel a bit naive complaining about the sorry state of affairs when we and just about every adult in our city knows that nobody joins the City of Johannesburg to serve or to passionately learn about managing modern cities. People join the city to ride on the gravy train. Best case scenario, they want a permanent job from which they can never be fired from.

01:37:52Turning to the JDA, we see recurring issues again. Number one, as a result of ongoing inter-company debt and non-payment by city departments, JDA has paid a whopping 60 million in overdraft interest this year to date. This is after budgeting to pay just under 8 million rand in overdraft interest. To be fair to the JDA, this is a problem that must be placed squarely at the feet of the CFO and the City Manager. This is a problem that has remained unaddressed for 15 years. Two, JDA has been

01:38:21unable to pay approximately 38% of its supplier invoices within 30 days of receipt. The underlying issue here is cash flow and a lack of available capital budget to effectively service these standards and requirements. To the JDA's credit, they have demonstrated a desire to raise their game, and although progress has been slow, they must be given credit for addressing what has become a huge dilemma in the form of incompetent contractors failing to deliver. A new vetting process that pays more attention to a company's prior track record

01:38:52and financial soundness has been introduced. It is early days yet, but it would seem as though it is starting to reduce poor contractor performance. In addition, the JDA has complied with the committee's request for more comprehensive reporting on legal matters, something which the core department cannot do. Added to this, they have also demonstrated a willingness to implement consequence management for officials who have lost grant funding. Again, this is something which the core department will not do. Even though we are unable to sing the praises of the JDA

01:39:21without at least a healthy amount of unease, they certainly have been able to show up their core department. In the contest to see which collection of civil servants can focus on service delivery and produce operational improvements in a time of capital shortfall, the JDA certainly comes out ahead and shoulders above their core department. The story of the core department is, to a large extent, the story of our city's trajectory. The decline is now at a point where we have little to focus on but operational performance. This focus forces us to confront the reality

01:39:50that our city is not staffed and run by people who care for its citizens and are generally on the relentless pursuit for extra leave days. In fact, if being absent from work was a KPI, most staff members would earn top bonuses. Without the spare money to shop out to consultants and other freebie beneficiaries, we are left with a civil service unable to justify itself and the heavy price tag that all of those salaries amount to. My maths may be a little bit rough and ready, but I would like to propose a solution to our troubles. If we were able to let go of all city staff

01:40:20that were absent from work in the last year for 60 days or more, we would free up the funds needed to top up our Capex budget and probably be able to service our debt much faster. Accountability is coming, though. Real change in a city the size of Joburg will be a prolonged and arduous campaign, which we as opposition members pledge to do with conviction. 2026 will be the beginning of the turnaround, and as much as there are other committed parties to the recovery, it is without the slightest fear of arrogance or exaggeration that I state the obvious.

01:40:51The roadmap to recovery can and only be led and steered by the Democratic Alliance. I thank you, Madam Speaker.

01:41:01Thank you, Councillor. EFF Councillor Mosehla. Can we have less movement?

01:41:22Madam Speaker, the Executive Mayor, MMCs, EFF red battalions, the GLU, fellow councillors, the residents of Johannesburg. Stand before you today to make a contribution on the third quarter performance assessment report of the Development Planning Department and the JDA. We acknowledge that this report represents some positive developments, which deserves to be commended. The department facilitated developments

01:41:51valued at over half a billion rand through provisional authorisations in terms of the NBR. This is not only a demonstration of regulatory efficiency, but a boost to local economic activity, jobs and investment. The conclusion of the public participation process on the review of the 2018 land use scheme is a welcome step towards inclusive spatial development. Furthermore,claim

01:42:22the department's spaza shop program is not yielding results, rotating there with 1,486 applications received since November 2024 and only 36 concluded and 29 approved. Despite these achievements, we must confront the facts without flinching. Out of 15 planned KPIs, only 14 were applicable for this quarterclaim

01:42:53and of those, 11 were achieved, amounting to 79% overall performance. While this is an improvement from the previous quarter, it still reflects missed targets that needs our attention. Consistency and improvement are commendable, but our goal must always be excellence and full delivery. We must also speak plainly about the persistent challenges that the department faces, some of which are recurring quarter after quarter.claim

01:43:24The issue of office accommodation is becoming chronic and damaging to service delivery. This temporary use of Braampark away from Metro Centre and other regional offices is not sustainable. It undermines staff morale, hampers coordination and creates access issues for the public. Equally worrying is the matter of the CPMS building plan signing hub,claim

01:43:53which suffered technical malfunctions. The most troubling of all is the situation involving the storage of departmental records at the condemned Metro Centre. The fact that the staff continue to work from Metrolink and access files from building no longer fit for human occupation is not only unacceptable, it's a governance failure.claim

01:44:23It is unsafe, unethical and borders negligence. I want to know through you, Madam Speaker, who takes accountability for such blatant disregard of occupational safety standards. On the financial front, we note that the department collected 71.9 million by the end of the third quarter, which is 61% of the adjusted target.claim

01:44:53This performance is below expectation and driven largely by slow service charge collections and non-utilisation of grant funds, once again, due to delayed procurement processes. While the department operated within

01:45:0915 seconds, Councillor.

01:45:10Yeah?

01:45:11One five.

01:45:12Sorry?

01:45:1315 seconds, one five seconds.

01:45:16Okay. Therefore, as the EFF, we demand stronger response from this department and from the city's leadership. We want urgent finality on the office accommodation and storage crisis. We must thank the leadership of MMC Mgcina, Chairperson Kaldine and the officials that we work with. I thank you.

01:45:44Thank you, Councillor Mosehla. The ANC Councillor V. Tefu.

01:45:56Uh thank you, Madam Speaker. Uh let me take this opportunity to greet the Executive Mayor in his absentia and all the MMCs of the African National Congress, as well as our fellow councillors. Uh I greet you. Uh Madam Speaker, I

01:46:26I rise on item five, six and seven. Um the performance assessment report for the Development Planning Department for 2024-25 financial year for the period January to March 2025. The performance assessment report for the Johannesburg Development Agency for the 2024-25 financial year for the period January to March 2025. And item seven, oversight report

01:46:57of the Development Planning Section 79 Committee on the 2024-25 third quarter budget and performance assessment report for the Development Planning Department and the Johannesburg Development Agency, JDA, for the period January to March 2024. Uh Madam Speaker, out of 16 KPIs,claim

01:47:27we note that one KPI had to be removed as it was no longer implementable due to legislative implications. This left the department with 15 KPIs, out of which one KPI is reported biannually, and it will be reported in the next quarter. We are satisfied, Madam Speaker, with the work of the department. However, we would like to express our concern with the third KPI, or otherwise the three KPIs that were not achieved,claim

01:47:57as we believe that more needs to be done for the department to strive towards achieving all its KPIs. If we were to use some biblical concepts, Madam Speaker, we would be encouraging the department's functionaries to follow the examples of a good shepherd who leaves all his nine sheep that are safe in order to go and look for one lost sheep, as it gives him satisfaction and pleasure to have all hisclaim

01:48:27uh flocks home and safe. In some instances, such as KPI two, capital budget project alignment to SDF, exceeded annual targets, thus increasing the value and impact of the project. And that is welcome. Mitigation efforts by the department in regard to the issue of operational spaceclaim

01:48:57raises concern, as the Braampark office complex are used as temporary office, accommodating and remains unsustainable for operational efficiency to members of the public. We have great concern about the fact that the records of the city are still stored at the Metro Centre, which was declared unsafe and, as a result, had to be closed. The report only statesclaim

01:49:26that discussions to relocate the department to a building with office space and storage for records are underway. We are delighted that there are mitigation efforts which wish to prevent a risk of losing vital records in the event of fire eruption at the Metro Centre. In regard to capital budget, we note the delays to complete key projects due to the department being underfundedclaim

01:49:57against its initial budget. The department has received 1,486 spaza shops consent application in November 2024. Our concern, therefore, is that out of 1,486 applications received, only 36 were concluded, resulting to resulting in 29 applications being approved. This defies the purposeclaim

01:50:26for which this initiative was brought forth, which is to ensure that all goods and items sold in all spaza shops are safe for consumption by residents of Johannesburg. The snail pace at which this issue is being handled is not helping to prevent possible deaths, as it as it has been experienced in our various townships due to non-compliance of spaza shops. To honour those who had lost their lives due to food poisoning,claim

01:50:57the department needs to accelerate the pace at which applications are processed and concluded in order to give bite and effect to the law so important. Madam Speaker, we also note the oversight on the Department of Development Planning, which highlights the completion of the following uh urban development frameworks. The Orange Farm uh urban development framework,claim

01:51:27which includes the Moyane Drive link road and the new neighbourhood spine, the Arts and Technology Centre, community sanctuary, and the new recreational park in Drieziek, and the urban agricultural resilience strategy. Progress on these projects were not provided for in the uh third quarter. The Kliptown UDF was approved by council in the first quarter, and the detailed design will be completed with the available budget this financial year.claim

01:51:58And the Zandspruit multipurpose centre project will include planning, detailed concept and designs, as well as construction over the next three financial years. The scope of work was revised and presented to the Bid Specification Committee. Uh Madam Speaker, we also welcome the achievements of 16 out of 17 KPIsclaim

01:52:30uh in regard to the Johannesburg Development Agency, while noting that one KPI was not achieved due to the city-wide cash flow challenges. As we are looking at the report, it is important to put our focus on the organisational scorecard performance as a measuring tool and yardstick for a clearer perspective. The completion of the Johannesburg City Library, which was opened on the 21st March 2024, is welcomed.claim

01:53:00We note that the entity has complied with the Municipal Financial Management Act and ensured that the entity has a business plan, which was approved by council in the beginning of 2024-25 financial year. We are concerned about the late payment of service providers due to cash flow limitations, as it has negative impact on SMMEs, thus leading to site stoppages, as well as penalties.claim

01:53:29We welcome the work opportunities for 430 EPWPs, as it was reported on the third quarter, which exceeded the target of 400 EPWPs that the entity had initially set for that particular period. And as the ANC, Madam Speaker, we note the report. I thank you.claim

Items 5-7: MMC Mgcina's response

01:53:51Thank you, Councillor. MMC Mgcina.

01:54:05Thank you very much, uh Madam Speaker. Greetings to councillors uh in the chamber. Um let me attempt to answer the questions as presented or concerns as presented by fellow councillors. Um I think I must indicate that um councillors who have spoken, their issues are uh aligned,

01:54:36especially the issue around the non-payment of service providers, which is, of course, um as a result of the financial uh situation that we are faced with in the in the city, which we are all aware of. It's also affecting our own KPIs in terms of achieving the KPIs on payment of uh service providers, as indicated, I think, by the last councillor, Councillor Tefu.

01:55:06Madam Speaker, I want to note all the concerns that uh fellow councillors have raised and commit that working together with our officials, we will correct um or do our best to make sure that we achieve as required. I'm noting also the issue around the planning records that um we are all aware of, and I was actually surprised at the petition um that is going around, uh Councillorclaim

01:55:38uh Stewart. I wasn't aware, but um we all note that. Uh I must also indicate that we are in a process of digitisation or digitalising um the records that we have at planning because we feel that it's quite important for us to make sure that all our documents uh at planning are secured. I must also gladly uh announce, Madam Speaker,claim

01:56:07that I think a week ago, uh we were allocated offices uh in Newtown. We now have new offices, I'm told, um at Nedbank uh building. You can clap hands, uh Comrade, I mean Councillor Schay. Yeah. So, let's appreciate um JPC, I think, uh for really um uh rescuing us there.

01:56:36Uh so, I think we will now have uh less challenges in terms of the records keeping of our residents. Madam Speaker, as I indicated earlier on that um I note all the concerns around the the the the need to have more inspectors um in our regions. I'm noting that, of course, and the issue that was raised on vacancy rate.

01:57:05We commit that uh all the vacancies that are are actually um funded, we'll make sure that they are all occupied, and it will also lessen the challenges that we are faced with in terms of manpower in our regions. Um let me also appreciate uh councillors who have uh also uh encouraged us on on improving in terms of the work that we are doing, and we want to thank officials for doing that,

01:57:35uh for improving on the work that they are doing as well, uh as well as on the issue of the spaza shops, Madam Speaker. I think we are working around the clock to make sure that we improve our our approach on the issue of registering our spaza shops uh with the Department of uh Economic Development. And also, we want to make sure, Madam Speaker, that um we tap into the funding that the minister launched uh sometimes ago,

01:58:06I think early this year, in Soweto. We want to also make sure that our residents who are interested in that business of spaza shops also are assisted in getting uh their permits to run their spaza shops, but of

02:01:58in the chamber. Cause now nobody is hungry.

02:06:43[inaudible] for people that are standing outside. Ask Tekenelo, she knows. Hold the chair ticket.

02:06:50Push me.

Resumption after break and items 8-12 read in

02:06:56Councillors, we are starting. Can we settle down? We are going to the next item. Councillor Wissler. All those in that, yeah, come. Can we start?

02:07:21Welcome back, councillors. We are resuming with item 8, and that is the performance assessment report for the Environment, Infrastructure and Services Department for the 2024/25 financial year for the period January to March 2025, read together with item 9, which is the performance assessment report for the City Power Johannesburg Limited for the 2024/25 financial year

02:07:48for the period January to March 2025, also read with item 10, which is the performance assessment report for Johannesburg Water Limited for the 2024/25 financial year for the period January to March 2025, also read with item 11, and that's your performance assessment report for Pikitup Johannesburg for the 2024/25 financial year for the period January to March 2025, and lastly read with item 12, and that's an oversight report

02:08:15of the Section 79 Environment and Infrastructure Services Committee on the 2023/24 third quarter performance assessment report of the Environment and Infrastructure Services Department, Pikitup Johannesburg, Johannesburg Water and Johannesburg City Power for the period January to March 2025.

02:08:34Thank you, Secretary to Council. Councillor Amad and Councillor Sibitlele. Member in charge, Councillor Munyayi.

02:09:01Greetings to you, Madam Speaker, greetings to the Executive Mayor, the MMC, fellow councillors. I rise to table the performance assessments item 8, the Department of Environment; item 9, City Power; item 10, Johannesburg Water; item 11, Pikitup, read together with item 12, Oversight Report of Section 79 Committee.

02:09:28Thank you, member in charge. Councillor Cook from GOOD.

Items 8-12 debate: GOOD, DA, FF+, ActionSA

02:09:35Thank you, Madam Speaker. Speaker, we are presented today with four separate performance reports, but we mustn't make the mistake of thinking that this is not one crisis with four names. The four names being EISD, City Power, Joburg Water and Pikitup. They have different logos, but they have the same systemic rot. Let's talk plainly.claim

02:10:01City Power posted R600 million worth of losses this quarter. That's double from last year. The overdraft sits at R15 billion, and interest payments have blown past budget by R700 million. Residents are being punished with price hikes while the entity bleeds money through procurement inefficiency and losses. Johannesburg Water reports only 76 households received basic water accessclaim

02:10:32in informal settlements. 76 households. That's not transformation, that's a trickle. Burst pipe response times and sewer clearance are both below target, and half the capital budget is unspent. Pikitup has only spent 31% of its capital budget. 71% of valid invoices weren't paid, triggering contractor strikes and even landfill permit violations.claim

02:10:58While bins get delivered, illegal dumping keeps returning, especially in our most neglected wards. And from EISD, the department meant to integrate and oversee this entire portfolio, we see zero capital spend on air quality infrastructure, staff vacancy rates at 49%, and a complete breakdown in delivery momentum. This is not about isolated underperformance. This is an institutional pattern, a failure of political oversight, budget discipline,claim

02:11:28and service equity. We must respond with more than concern. As GOOD, we know that the residents of Riverlea, Eldorado Park, Westbury and Westdene, and even Ennerdale have had enough. Every day residents across Johannesburg have to deal with the electricity being off, the taps running dry, burst water pipes, and the streets piled full of rubbish. Every day it's getting worse, and no one is being held accountable.

02:11:58We must stop governing in silos. We must stop applauding PowerPoint compliance, and we must start delivering dignity. The people of Joburg are not asking for miracles, Madam Speaker. They're asking for basic justice. As GOOD, we call on the MMC to start turning his department around. Let's not make the residents of Johannesburg wait another quarter for this to happen. I thank you.

02:12:26Thank you, Councillor Cook. The DA, Councillor D Steenkamp.

02:12:37Madam Speaker, fellow councillors, residents of Joburg. This Quarter 3 performance report from City Power is not just a record of poor governance. It is a warning that Joburg is hurtling toward collapse under the ANC, EFF, PA and ActionSA coalition. City Power has posted a 602 million deficit this quarter alone. The city overdraft sits beyond 15 billion, with solvency at -0.08claim

02:13:06and a liquidity at -157%. These are not academic figures. These are signals of a utility in free fall. But the consequences are not only financial, they are criminal. When substations are left overgrown, unsecured, they become hotspots for cable theft and vandalism. When streetlights fail, our communities are plunged into darkness,claim

02:13:34leaving residents vulnerable to crime. Criminals thrive in chaos, and this government is giving them fertile ground. Johannesburg residents are not only living in the dark, they are living in fear. And while all this unfolds, we learn that City Power is spending millions on business breakfasts and strategic workshops to develop new departments, all this while the utility's survival is at risk. It is scandalous. Revenue has risen by 19%,claim

02:14:04but not due to improved services. Instead, it's off the back of tariff hikes on already struggling households. Meanwhile, bulk Eskom purchases overshoot by nearly 2 billion, debt collection collapses, prepaid revenues decline, and interest on loans bleeds the city cash dry. The 40 billion maintenance backlog is the shadow over all of this. A legacy of underinvestment, outdated systemsclaim

02:14:34and politicised interference. Worse still, the city's political leadership has withheld 7.6 billion in equitable share allocations, including 1.8 billion this year alone, depriving City Power of critical operating funds. Yes, a deal was struck with Eskom to write off 830 million in penalties, but 3.2 billion still looms, and that does not resolve City Power's internal collapse,claim

02:15:03the overdraft, the working capital shortfall and the failing infrastructure that criminals exploit. Even City Power's board has warned of irreparable harm, and the CEO has openly admitted that operational viability is under threat. Madam Speaker, it is clear, the coalition government has lost control, and not just of the City Power, but of public safety and urban stability. The Democratic Alliance offers real solutions. Convert overdraft to equity as approved by SARS,claim

02:15:32implement cost-reflective tariffs transparently, secure infrastructure with dedicated ring-fenced funding, and critically, eradicate cadre deployment. Appoint the best, not the best connected. Johannesburg cannot fight crime with darkness and neglect. Safety begins with infrastructure that works. The DA remains committed to rescuing Johannesburg, to restore service delivery, and rebuilding safety and trust the city needs. I thank you.claim

02:16:02Thank you, Councillor Steenkamp. Freedom Front Plus,

02:16:07AfrikaansRaadslid Boer.

02:16:11Madam Speaker, good afternoon fellow councillors. I'm rising on item 9, 10 and 11 as well. I'll start with Johannesburg Water today, but all the departments actually show the same downward trends, unfortunately. In Johannesburg Water, to look for a positive is hard, but the meter reading there is 87.6%, which is relatively high compared to City Power, although the target is 91.5%.claim

02:16:41Johannesburg Water managed to realise a profit for the quarter of R1.1 billion against a budget of 850. But one wonders how did they manage that? The collection rate is down from the targeted 74.8% to 74.1%. Our non-revenue water is steadily creeping up from 46.2% last year to 48.6% this year.claim

02:17:07We are reaching the 50% mark of non-revenue water. Our water losses for the quarter was a staggering 236.7 million kl. Madam Speaker, that is a hell of a lot of water. Our target there was 190 million kl. Our trade payables are standing at 150 days. Our suppliers have to wait for five months to get paid.claim

02:17:36And then we boast ourselves and say that our per capita usage is reduced from a target of 260 l per day to 248 l per day. Madam Speaker, this is not because we are reducing our water usage. No, our residents do not have access to water, so they can't use if they can't have water in their taps, and that is why this per capita is dropping down, which is a negative for us.claim

02:18:02Johannesburg Water says our average bursts this year are 2,809 per month compared to last year's 3,068, as if we've got less water leaks. But the response time to repair these leaks has dropped down from a target of 85% to 63%. So although they claim we've got less leaks, we can't even fix them in our targeted days.claim

02:18:30Madam Speaker, City Power is even worse. The overdraft, as the previous councillor said, is standing at 15.3 billion. A loss for the quarter, 600 million. Year to date, 2.8 billion. And then are we doing anything to improve this? No. Our meter reading rate was a frightening 34% for domestic meter reading in February.claim

02:18:57It was 48% in January against a target of 95%. So we are not reading our meters, we are just billing and hope that the residents will pay. There are a few positives in City Power. The electricity losses were 37% in Quarter 1, 27% in Quarter 2, and 26.4% in Quarter 3, and I hope that City Power can continue with this trend.claim

02:19:26Vandalism and theft is also down, and the year-to-date collection rate is standing at 95%. And I'm appealing again, if we can collect 94% on City Power, why can we only collect 74% on Johannesburg Water? And Madam Speaker, to close off, apparently there was a R1.8 billion free basic services grant received by the city. Why is it not paid over to City Power to enable for them to reduce their overdraft? Thank you, Madam Speaker.claim

02:19:55AfrikaansBaie dankie, Raadslid Boer.

02:19:57ActionSA, Councillor K Mashala. I hope I pronounced it right.

02:20:14Thank you, Madam Speaker. Greetings to yourself, the Fabulous 44, residents of the City of Joburg, and fellow councillors in the house. I rise to speak on item 8 to 11, performance assessment report for 2024/25 financial year for the period January to March 2025. Madam Speaker, I would like to commend the Environment, Infrastructure and Services Department for their performance during the period under review for achieving 77% with 10 out of 13 targets met.

Items 8-12: ActionSA on entity performance reports

02:20:45Whilst we acknowledge this positive performance, we would like to highlight our concerns on the city's wastewater treatment works that are persistently underperforming due to aging infrastructure and insufficient maintenance, which could result in severe environmental and public health consequences. Madam Speaker, allocation of resources to tackle the infrastructure backlog in the city is critical and must be treated as such.

02:21:15Madam Speaker, City Power faces a similar trajectory of infrastructure backlog and insufficient maintenance amounting to R40 billion, which hinders optimal performance by this entity. Services that our residents are in much need of are compromised due to the latter. Another factor that we need not to shy away from, which is a crisis in our city, is the issue of cable theft that has reached catastrophic levels, significantly disrupting services and negatively impacting

02:21:43our communities through power outages. Madam Speaker, a stricter security-enforcing approach is necessary to combat these syndicates that continue to hinder the city's progress. Madam Speaker, as always, Pikitup consistently performs at a high level, and we commend them for achieving 87% of their targets, with 14 out of 16 targets met.

02:22:12Achieving 100% service delivery standards for five consecutive quarters is truly commendable, Madam Speaker. This entity faces challenges from landfill sites that are nearing airspace depletion, posing several environmental and health risks to our residents. This needs to be attended to, Madam Speaker. Our streets are piling up with filth due to a lack of workforce on the ground and a shortage of Pikitup fleet. Madam Speaker, priority should be given to the expansion

02:22:41and renewal of the Pikitup fleet, as well as the training of general workers, loaders, and other personnel to help curb this crisis and ensure the entity continues to provide consistent waste management in the city. Madam Speaker, let's address the elephant in the room, Johannesburg Water. ActionSA is gravely concerned about the current man-made water crisis that has parched the City of Johannesburg. Since we joined this council, Madam Speaker, we have been very vocal

02:23:10about this predicament. We even went further, providing solutions as opposed to just pinpointing challenges. The 27 billion infrastructure backlog has been in our radar for a very long time. The water crisis is, however, as a result of years of neglect. Aging infrastructure and a growing population have been cited as the main contributor, and there is a great need to address this crisis. To mitigate this prolonged situation from recurring

02:23:40in future, there must be consequence management. Madam Speaker, we have realized that the issue is not just poor coordination among key stakeholders, but a mere lack of oversight and lack of the appetite to address this issue. From the explanation we get from Rand Water, it is evident that they supply enough water to Joburg Water. However, aging dams and loss of water, pipes that lose water, coupled with illegal water connections, is a challenge.

02:24:12Madam Speaker, let us stop creating bomb squads whenever there's a problem. Let's fix the problem with the human resources that we have. ActionSA notes the report. Thank you.

DA on Johannesburg Water's third quarter report

02:24:25Thank you, Councillor. DA, Councillor M Sekhu.

02:24:40Afternoon, Speaker, colleagues, protocol observed. I rise to speak on item 8, the third quarter report by Johannesburg Water. Johannesburg Water has made an effort to present what it deems a reasonable report. However, such efforts are ultimately constrained by a wider, ongoing failures of the city's administration under the ANC, EFF, and the PA.

02:25:09The report glosses over numerous critical shortcomings, and while I'm sure my colleagues will address the financial implications, I would like to focus on the operational side. Let me begin with the communication, or rather, lack thereof. Councillors repeatedly advise residents to log calls and escalate issues through official channels and designated groups, yet these calls for action fall into a void. There's no feedback,

02:25:39no acknowledgement, and more often than not, no resolution. The lack of transparency appears to be systematic, and it extends into Joburg Water's supply chain department. This is evident from the sheer number of Promotion of Access to Information Act requests from various institutions, proof that stakeholders are being kept in the dark. Turning to non-revenue water. We are told that water throttlingclaim

02:26:09was introduced as a turnaround measure, yet instead of reduction, we have seen an increase in non-revenue water by 2.4%, now sitting at 48.6%. This signals not only the failure of strategy, but the worsening of a crisis. Throttling, which is supposed to manage the supply, is in itself a crisis. Residents are left without water for daysclaim

02:26:39because the system is unable to recover adequately. Instead of relying on water throttling, Joburg Water should focus on fixing leaks and burst pipes timeously. We are told that infrastructure failure rate has decreased, but of course, that's only because the infrastructure is no longer under pressure from continuous water supply. More often, residents find themselves without running water. In other words, the system fails less

02:27:08because it operates less. A hollow victory. Backfilling and reinstatement remain another major problem. Months after repairs, open holes and incomplete reinstatements remain. This poses a serious safety risk to our communities and signals a lack of oversight and accountability. Now, on sanitation. Sewer spillages and malfunctioning pump houses continue to plague our communities

02:27:38and affect downstream water bodies, including our dams. Compliance with wastewater facilities is 9.4% below target. Therefore, and there have been 87 more spills than anticipated. The so-called water tanker mafia continues to exploit the crisis in Joburg Water, and Joburg Water has yet to announce whether it's doing any investigation

02:28:08on this. Finally, we must confront the demotivated workforce on the ground. There is a staggering lack of urgency from this Joburg Water staff.

02:28:22Unless the attitude is addressed, we will continue to spiral into a negative service delivery failure. Madam Speaker, the state of Johannesburg Water reflects the state of the City of Johannesburg. Thank you very much.

PA on overall performance

02:28:38Thank you, Councillor. PA Councillor Simonse.

02:28:48Good afternoon, Madam Speaker. Let me congratulate you for taking the seat up once again. I see that you haven't done that for the day. Honourable Speaker, the Joburg 10, members of Council, good afternoon. As the Patriotic Alliance, we have reviewed the performance assessment report tabled today. We must state that clarity and concern that we are not satisfied with the overall performance

02:29:16it reflects across the City of Johannesburg as it reflects across the departments, apologies. The City of Johannesburg continues to fall short in delivering basic services to our communities. Our residents are burdened daily by electricity outages, unreliable water supply, mounting waste, deteriorating infrastructure and lack of visible social and health support where it is most needed. This is unacceptable for this excuse

02:29:45to be heard over and over. We demand greater accountability, stronger leadership and measurable improvements. The City has to do better, not just on paper, but in real impact on the ground. Our communities deserve more than the reports. They deserve action and delivery with dignity. I salute you.

EFF on City Power, Johannesburg Water and Pikitup

02:30:05Thank you, Councillor. EFF Councillor Mkasi.

02:30:15Thank you very much, Speaker. Allow me to firstly acknowledge the leader of the EFF caucus in the Johannesburg, Commissar Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku, our courageous Chief Whip, Councillor Thabiso Mogapi, and extend special greetings to EFF Councillors, fellow Councillors. Most importantly, the City of Johannesburg residents, please receive our revolutionary greetings. Speaker, 26 July marks a fundamental moment in South Africa's political landscape,claim

02:30:46particularly since the inception of the Economic Freedom Fighters. On July 26, 2013, we boldly emerged to champion the rights of those facing economic exclusions who happens to be Africans. Initially, our arrival was met with uncertainty and dismissal. However, we have proven our strength and resilience beyond reasonable doubt. Today we are a formidable force recognized across the world, firmly committed to reclaiming land which was stolenclaim

02:31:18from us by settlers. We are excited to witness a growing understanding amongst the public about the importance of land ownership. People are realizing that true wealth and complete liberation is rooted in the land, and without it we are at significant disadvantage. Just last week, we celebrated our 12 years anniversary in Cape Town, demonstrating the vision of a government led by the Economic Freedom Fighters, and we desire to and what we desire to achieveclaim

02:31:50for our people. We shall march forward until total economic emancipation is achieved. Speaker, we note the increase in revenue collection on City Power, which is the only positive development we have observed in this quarter under review. However, we are concerned about the continuous increase in the net surplus deficit which worsened by 5% in this quarter. The net loss is troubling, sitting at 105%, amountingclaim

02:32:19to a deficit of 602 million, and our net bank overdraft is at 15.34 billion. We are worried that the only positive comes from resident collection while those responsible for managing the finances of the entity seems to be neglecting their duties. We welcome the City Power basic electricity rollout, which will reduce the burden on disadvantaged families. Speaker, we acknowledge the efforts made by Joburg Water to ensure residentsclaim

02:32:51have access to running water. Where there is no infrastructure, alternative water supply has been provided. However, we must bring to this Council attention that residents of Ward 44 in Bram Fischer Phase 2, Nam Nam Street, about 80 households have been without running water for almost seven years, likely due to pressure reduction. Additionally, residents of Ward 114 in Zandspruit, Vukuzenzele have dry taps,claim

02:33:22and residents at Extension 16, Plakkerskamp, Liquor Street, only have access to water at midnight, or have their taps that remain permanently dry. We believe the cause may be pressure reduction in many areas, and this situation needs urgent attention so we can ensure our people have access to water. Servicing of VIP and chemical toilets remain a significant challenge since the change of contractor, with no proper supervision from Joburg Water to ensure

02:33:52work they are paid for is being carried out effectively. Speaker, Pikitup remain our hopeful entity. We are pleased with the report, which aligns with current situation on the ground.

02:34:0330 seconds left.

02:34:04However, our concern remain the dependence on outsourced work to fulfill their core mandate. Building internal capacity and scrapping tender system can boost effective service delivery, creation of sustainable jobs and dismantling corruption. Other issue is the practice of advertising posts only to withdraw them without providing reasons and time frames for when they will be re-advertised. This leaves unemployed people frustrated by undertaking of applying.

02:34:35It gives courage to job seekers and we need to avoid this emotional abuse. With the concerns mentioned above, the Economic Freedom Fighters notes the report. Thank you, Speaker.

UDM on Environment and Infrastructure Services and City Power

02:34:46Thank you so much, Councillor. UDM Councillor Zigebe.

02:34:56Madam Speaker, today's debate invites us to reflect not just on statistics, but on the soul of our city, how we plan for environmental resilience, how we power our communities and how we secure a just and sustainable future for all. Let us begin with the commendable strides made by Environment and Infrastructure Services Department in this third quarter.

02:35:17Councillor Zigebe, please speak into the mic.

02:35:22Thank you, Speaker. I'm an orphan, so I don't know these things anymore. Let us begin with the commendable strides made by the Environment and Infrastructure Services Department. In this third quarter, a waste diversion rate of 28.1%, significantly exceeding the 24% target, signals a maturing shift from linear disposal to a circular economy model. Likewise, the 359 water quality tests conducted,

02:35:53far above the annual target, are not just technical ticks. They build trust with communities living along our vulnerable river systems. Equally proactive is the environmental screening of 100% of submitted CAPEX projects, demonstrating that EISD is not only reacting to environmental risk, but proactively safeguarding the city's ecological integrity. We're also encouraged by the department's clean UIFW record and the absence of unresolved AGSA's findings,claim

02:36:21a clear sign of administrative discipline. However, while 77% of KPIs were achieved, the report also reveals deeper systemic issues: a 49% overall vacancy rate and CAPEX underperformance, notably in waste infrastructure and ambient air quality analyzer projects. These delays, often due to procurement bottlenecks, are not minor. They are obstacles to our green economy transitions and to clean, healthier urban environments. Madam Speaker, similar patternsclaim

02:36:51of constrained excellence are echoed in the performance report of City Power. With 79.17% of KPIs achieved, the entity is demonstrating strong performance in outage communication, customer queries, and high-voltage maintenance. Revenue is up by 17.4% year-on-year, yet we confront a 602 million net loss in Quarter 3 and a year-to-date deficit of 2.84 billion. This is not a report of failure, it is a report of pressure.

02:37:22City Power is shackled by historic debt, volatile bulk electricity cost, theft and vandalism, and technical losses with rising procurement costs. Yet the transparency with these challenges are being reported reflects a growing culture of performance-based accountability. So, what must we do? First, we must stabilize both entities' operational capacity. We must stabilize both entities' operational capacity.

02:37:50For EISD, we propose that Council's Employment Equity Subcommittee reviews the current vacancy structure and crafts a plan to progressively fund the unfunded posts over the next two MTEF cycles. For City Power, the City Treasurer should explore conditional support tethered to improvements in CAPEX and procurement reform. We must safeguard infrastructure. We support the establishment of a metro-wide energy security task team comprising City Power, JMPD, SAPS, and communities

02:38:20to tackle infrastructure sabotage, theft, and meter tampering. We must accelerate transitions. The EISD school environment programs must be expanded into informal settlements where environmental justice is urgently needed. Likewise, City Power must move beyond

02:38:36Two seconds left.

02:38:37feasibility into procurement in the city readiness renewable energy project, prioritizing townships suffering from energy poverty. I thank you.

ANC, MMC Masuku and member in charge close items 8-12

02:38:47Thank you, Councillor. ANC Councillor Madiba.

02:38:59isiZuluLento abahambe.

02:39:01Greetings, Madam Speaker. Greetings to the Executive Mayor, and all protocol observed. I rise on item 8, 9, 10, 11, and item 12. As the African National Congress, we note and approve the reports. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

02:39:26Thank you, Councillor. MMC Masuku.

02:39:38Speaker, we note the comments from Councillors. I think in particular the issues that they raised about the sewer spillages and the environmental impact that they spoke about. I think it's an important point that Councillors raised, including the issues of the water losses. I think the MMC for EISD does make a concerted effort to resolve

02:40:08some of these issues. We do have some financial constraints because of our situation in the City, and I think Councillors are aware of that. However, I think what is important is that we take the comments and the suggestions made by the Councillors from various caucuses. I think Councillor from ActionSA, you spoke at length, Councillor Mashala, you also spoke at length about the

02:40:39the issue of the environmental health as well, and as well as working on the sanitation challenges. But we note the comments and I will relay to MMC Sekwaila. Sorry, Speaker, I was caught off guard, but we note the comments and we ask Council to approve and note the report.

02:41:03Thank you, MMC Masuku. Member in charge, Councillor Munyayi.

02:41:20Thanks, Madam Speaker. Can you protect me here? Behind me, they say bye-bye to me. I don't know what is it that I've done.

02:41:29Councillors.

02:41:30I can hear behind me they say bye-bye.

02:41:32You are protected. You are protected. Don't overuse the protection also. You are protected.

02:41:42Okay. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the committee, we would like to take this opportunity also to thank General Mkhwanazi for fixing the country. Okay. Madam Speaker, I would like also to request the Council to note and approve the report. Thank you.

02:42:07I can't protect you from Mkhwanazi, but it's fine. Councillors, the recommendations are on pages 8.5, 9.20, 10.3, 11.11, 12.48 to 12.50. Are the items agreed to? Aye. Thank you.

Items 13-15: Health and Social Development reports tabled

02:42:35Councillors, we are now on item 13, which is the performance assessment report for the Health Department for the 2024/25 financial year for the period January to March 2025, read with item 14, and that's your performance assessment report for the Social Development Department for the 2024/25 financial year for the period January to March 2025, and both items lastly read with item 15, which is the oversight report of the Health and Social Development Section 79 Committee

02:43:07on the 2024/25 third quarter budget and performance assessment report of Health Department and Social Development Department for the period January to March 2025.

02:43:19Thank you, Secretary. Member in charge, Councillor Amad. Chair Amad.

02:43:31Thank you, Madam Speaker. Executive Mayor in his absentia, MMCs, the Chief Whip of Council, Chair of Chairs, and Councillors, I greet you all.

02:43:43Councillor Amad, can you speak into the mic, please? Thank you.

02:43:47Thank you, Speaker. Am I audible?

02:43:49Yes, now.

02:43:50Okay. Speaker, I would like to table item 13 and 14, performance assessment report of Health and Social Development, read together with item 15, oversight report of Health and Social Development for the year 2024/25 financial year for the period of January to March 2025. Thank you, Speaker.

DA on clinics and extended hours

02:44:15Thank you, Member in charge. DA Councillor Cook. Sorry, DA Councillor Jacobs. Sorry, sorry. Apologies.

02:44:29Thank you, Speaker. He's welcome to join us. Madam Speaker, all protocol observed. I rise to speak on item 13, Health Department's Quarter 3 report. We note the achievements as reported by the data and sightings on the ground speaks yet sightings on the ground speaks a different story. You see, Madam Speaker, stats can be manipulated in the wrong hands.claim

02:44:58Clinics in Soweto, Malvern, Wendywood are constantly in a state of functioning without reliable power, water, staffing, amongst other. The ongoing misalignment between the city departments and other entities, particularly with disconnections at clinics, late payments, and maintenance delays, had directly impacted service delivery. Madam Speaker, in 2019, the DA-ledclaim

02:45:30administration introduced extended clinic hours across various facilities in the City of Johannesburg. This initiative was not a political gimmick. It was a deliberate intervention aimed at supporting the poorest of the poor, those who cannot afford to take a day off work, those who queue for hours hoping to be seen, and those who rely solely on the public health system for survival. Today, Madam Speaker, under the ANC, PA, EFFclaim

02:46:02led administration, those extended hours are disintegrating, stripping our most vulnerable residents of a basic right to access healthcare. Just go and look at Randburg Clinic, two, three months without extended services. Furthermore, Madam Speaker, we are witnessing a disturbing wave of mafia-style control and gangster behavior within some of the public clinics. Councillor Masera,claimemotive

02:46:32a Councillor in the City of Johannesburg, was denied access to a local clinic in Ward 44, Soweto, just yesterday, where people were demanding to see his identity document. Has this administration given those people mandate to execute these functions? If no, what is the administration doing about the lawlessness? Are we seriously back to the era of dompas? Madam Speaker, we understandclaimemotive

02:47:02that our clinics are overburdened. We recognize the strain placed on healthcare workers and systems, but we must also confront the hard truth: the root cause of this matter is not being addressed. Madam Speaker, the root cause is a systemic failure created and enabled by poor governance, inadequate systems, and a lack of decisive leadership under the current ANC, EFF, PA-led administration.emotive

02:47:32When communities lose faith in the system, they fill the vacuum with disorder. Will this ANC administration continue to remain silent in the face of what is clearly a humanitarian disaster? Will they remain silent? Will the PA constantly have their members in their PA T-shirt running around, causing gangster, mafia behavior within the facilities? The DA demands that an ANC, EFF,emotive

02:48:05PA deals with these issues.emotive

02:48:0630 seconds, Councillor.emotive

02:48:07Decisively, lest their hands are tainted with blood. We owe it to our people to restore law, dignity, and access to every clinic in this city. Madam Speaker, the Democratic Alliance demands better performance, tighter monitoring, and a compassionate, people-centered leadership. We are that people, we are that leadership: the Democratic Alliance, for the peopleemotive

02:48:33Four seconds left.emotive

02:48:34and with the people.emotive

GOOD on Health and Social Development

02:48:39GOOD Councillor, Councillor Cook from GOOD.

02:48:46Thank you, Madam Speaker. Speaker, I rise on items 13 to 15, the performance assessment and oversight reports submitted by the Department of Health and Social Development. The third quarter reports and the oversight findings remind us that behind every statistic lies a person: a mother needing a clinic, a hungry child waiting for food, a young person searching for dignity and work. Let me start where we must all agree. There is progress

02:49:16to acknowledge. The Social Development Department has achieved 90% of its targets. More than 226,000 vegetable packs have been distributed to families. This is commendable. Interventions for gender-based violence, substance abuse, people living on the streets, and support for the LGBTQIA+ communities are not just being talked about, they're actually happening. Our youth, elderly, and people with disabilitiesclaim

02:49:46are beginning to receive the services they require. And for this, I must congratulate Chairperson Yongama Zigebe of the UDM, who has really shown the rest of his colleagues how to use your position effectively to create change within your appointed and elected role. No excuses, delivering on your promises, and always fighting for the people of Johannesburg. Councillor Zigebe, many of your colleagues could learn a lot from you. The Health Department, too, has made critical strides from HIV

02:50:16treatment and antenatal care to food safety blitzes and increased immunization coverage. Facilities like Naledi Clinic are now operational, and the implementation of electronic health records shows us we're inching closer towards a smarter city. But Speaker, we must not pile up good reports to cover up the cracks, because the cracks are deep. Clinics delayed because of budget cuts, service providers unpaid, strategic capital projects stalled at

02:50:46planning phase while communities suffer. Our oversight reports makes it clear: cash flow problems, poor coordination with implementing agents like JDA, and digital infrastructure failures are threatening to derail delivery where it matters the most. It is always the same residents who pay the price: the poor, the vulnerable, and the marginalized. We are failing them when indigent households can't register on ESP because

02:51:16of network issues. We are failing them when only half our capital budgets are spent while clinics go unfinished. We are failing them when shelters, food support, and substance abuse centers face resourcing uncertainty. GOOD believes that dignity must be built from the ground up,

02:51:3518 seconds left.

02:51:36with working-class, functioning social services, accountable institutions, and funded promises. In conclusion, this Council must not become numb to underperformance masked in bureaucracy. Our duty is to act, not to note, not to defer, but to deliver. Let these reports be a call not just to acknowledge, but to intervene. Let's fix what's broken, pay who must be paid, build what must be built, and always, always,

02:52:05put the people of Johannesburg first. Thank you.

IFP on clinic oversight findings

02:52:09Thank you, Councillor Cook. IFP Councillor Nkomo.

02:52:20isiZuluNgiyabingelela kuwe, Somlomo. Ngibingelele uSodolobha wethu. Ngibingelele uWhip wethu, ubaba uMnisi. Sibingelele uChair of Chairs. Ngingakhohlwa yi-caucus ye-IFP eholwa ubaba uKhansela uMabaso.

02:52:54Speaker, the oversight issues on the Health and Social Development were from the oversight visit that were conducted. The main challenge are CAPEX project that are behind due to lack of money, due to lack of money to pay invoices on time, and also repairs

02:53:25and maintenance.claim

02:53:30isiZuluKafishane nje, sizocela ukuba lubukwe udaba lokukhokhelwa kosokontraki. Sicela i-department ibambisane no-MMC ukulungisa isimo samanzi kulama kliniki okuyiLawleyclaim

02:54:00isiZuluneMountain View engenawo amanzi. Okuphakamisa ke imibuzo ukuthi uma engekho amanzi emakliniki, silindele ukuthi abezempilo basebenze kanjani? Abahambela amakliniki ngokuyofuna impilo mebengezoba nawo amanzi okuphuza nokugeza izandla kodwa siyibiza ngekliniki,claim

02:54:32isiZulungabe hlobo luni lwekliniki? Njenge-IFP siyayinotha i-report ngalawo ma-concerns engiqede ukuwabala ngenhla. Ngiyabonga, Speaker.

02:54:44isiZuluSiyabonga, Councillor.

ActionSA on Health and Social Development

02:54:47ActionSA Councillor Mposula.

02:55:05Greetings to the Speaker, the Executive Mayor, Fabulous 44, esteemed Councillors, and residents of Johannesburg. Today I rise not just to review quarterly statistics, but to confront a deeper issue: the widening gap between what is reported and what is truly experienced by the people in our city. The third quarter performance reports

02:55:36for the Health and Social Development reveal a troubling trend: the triumph on paper progress over real change. Going to touch on chronic underperformance. Seven out of 38 key performance indicators were not met, including the crucial HIV treatment initiation rate. The difference between the 96.5% target and the 95.9claim

02:56:08achievement may seem marginal to some, but it translates to over 3,100 lives at risk, victims of poor data management and systematic inefficiencies. Only 53% of the capital budget has been spent, with the department citing cash flow challenges. Clinics like Protea South remains trapped in endless planning. Residents

02:56:38are tired of excuses. They need services. Infrastructure and dignity delayed: the sanitary pads program sits at 0% implementation, yet this was not due to funding, but tender delays. How long must young girls miss school because their dignity is debated behind closed doors? Going to touch on misplaced priorities, Madam Speaker. We acknowledge the value

02:57:08of community wellness initiatives. However, we must question a department that invests in Gogo's go dancing while 24-hour maternity services at Florida and Westbury clinics are still in phase stage. Maternal healthcare is not optional, it is fundamental. A 90% KPI achievement rate means little when dry food parcel distributionclaim

02:57:37is at 0%. How can we claim success when hunger persists in households across the city? Yes, 226,987 vegetable packs were distributed, but where's the transparency? Who received them? What was the impact? Madam Speaker, four GBV interventions and six substance abuseclaim

02:58:07programs were implemented, yet there is no data to show reduced violence or addiction. Awareness without tangible outcomes is not empowerment. It is a political theater.

02:58:23The Department also reports signing new MOUs, yet it fails to explain how these translate into jobs, safety, or dignity for our people. As ActionSA, we will not rubber-stamp this report. We demand urgent budget interventions. The Health Department must block budget must unblock budget bottlenecks and fast-track capital projects, especially in underserved communities.

02:58:58Number two, Madam Speaker. We need real transparency. Reports must move beyond numbers to show outcomes. Who benefits? How have their lives changed? Where is the data? Number three, Madam Speaker. Going to touch on leadership with integrity. Social development and health must pivot from tick-box campaigns

02:59:28to policies that measure and deliver real change, particularly on GBV, youth empowerment, and food security to say the least. In conclusion, Madam Speaker, these reports are not just administrative updates. They are a mirror of the government's priorities. While clinics remain unfinished, women unsupported, and children unfed,

02:59:58glossy metrics and well-designed infographics offer no comfort.

03:00:05Five seconds.

03:00:06ActionSA notes these reports with serious concerns. We urge this council to move beyond bureaucratic formalities and toward a government that acts with urgency, transparency at heart. The residents of Johannesburg deserve better, and with this, ActionSA will continue to fighting and ensure that they get exactly that.

03:00:36ActionSA notes this report with concerns. Thank you so much.

DA on Social Development and ESP beneficiaries

03:00:42Thank you, Councillor. The DA Councillor Mohamed, N Mohamed.

03:00:57Honourable Speaker, fellow councillors, members of the public present in the gallery, officials and residents of the City of Johannesburg, I greet you all. I hereby rise to speak on behalf of the Democratic Alliance on Item 14. This is the performance assessment report for the Social Development Department for

03:01:26the 2024/2025 financial year for the period of January to March 2025. The Expanded Social Package beneficiaries are amongst the most vulnerable in our city and yet remain a non-priority for the current government of the ANC, EFF, PA, and ActionSA coalition. In this report, we notice that ESP beneficiariesclaim

03:01:57and indigent families are the only key performance indicators that have not met their target. This report highlights that out of 21 KPIs, only 19 have met their targets, and this excludes the ESP and indigent beneficiaries. ESP is intended to provide relief to vulnerable citizens, and the question remains, why is this not aclaim

03:02:27priority for the current government? We also note that the distribution of food parcels and non-perishable food parcels for indigent families has also not been met according to this report. There was 37,500 that was targeted and zero was distributed. And again, with food security being a challenge in our society, particularly

03:02:58amongst the vulnerable. When we mention vulnerable groups in our city, we cannot omit to mention beneficiaries in shelters. Majority of shelters within the city have issues with compliance, asset management, food security, waste management, organisational structure and organograms because of inefficient planning and the lack of memorandum of understandings between entities,

03:03:29stakeholders and the city. There are no clear, defined terms of reference on managing city shelters. The city needs to prioritise along with its relevant stakeholders for social development, the need to ensure that indigent families and ESP beneficiaries should be a consideration. I thank you.

ACDP on mobile clinics

03:03:56Thank you, Councillor. PA Councillor Smouse. Okay, we go past. ACDP Councillor Rohlssen.

03:04:14Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Greetings to you all in the in the mighty name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. Greetings, Madam Speaker, Executive Mayor in absentia, MMCs, councillors, distinguished guests and residents of Johannesburg. Madam Speaker, I rise on Item 13, the performance assessment report for the Health Department for the year for the 2024/2025

03:04:44financial year, for the period of January to March 2025. Madam Speaker, the ACDP notes that during the 2023/2024 financial year, the department delivered care of patients and citizens of over 3.7 million clients and through the network of 76 clinics, comprising of 75 fixed clinics and oneclaim

03:05:15satellite clinic, and 10 mobile clinics, positioning it as a valid and lifeline for residents across the city. The ACDP, however, is very concerned that to date not a single additional mobile clinic has been purchased from that time, from the 2023/2024 financial year. We are stillclaim

03:05:45at 10 mobile clinics, Madam Speaker. And this is due to lack of finances. Madam Speaker, it is critically important for more of these mobile clinics to be purchased, and the ACDP urges the MMC of Finance to allocate funds for this purchase. As the Health Department does not have the finances to build hospitals, fixed clinics, or satellite clinics, mobileclaim

03:06:15clinics will help provide at least some relief to the communities who are desperate for a decent quality healthcare. God bless South Africa. God bless the sovereign State of Israel. The ACDP notes this report. I thank you.

Dispute over MMC Nkokou's remarks and Councillor Maila

03:06:32Thank you, Councillor. The EFF Councillor, Councillor Ntoele.

03:06:45Before you go, Councillor, your time will be stopped. Councillor Maila.

03:06:52No, thanks very much, Madam Speaker. I rise to just express my concern. I only see the PAC in the front row, which did not even get 1% of the vote in 2021. Where are the people who are supposed to be here?

03:07:12Councillor Maila. Councillor Maila. I don't I don't want to I don't want to go back, Councillor Maila. Councillor Maila, I don't want to go back to what I said to you when I was sitting that side, okay? No, it's fine. It's fine, MMC. It's fine. Don't don't don't don't, MMC.

03:07:42It's okay. Switch off your mic, please, MMC. MMC, switch off your mic. MMC, switch off your mic, it's fine. MMC Nkokou, please switch off your mic. It's okay, MMC, he knows what his medicine. Councillor Ntoele, please.

03:08:13Councillors, we have a councillor on the podium, please. Councillor Moloisane, please. MMC? Yes, MMC.

03:08:27Thank you very much, Madam Speaker, for allowing me to correct certain things. I just want to remind this quisling here, this Tsoadi's, that the PAC members are killed by the very same, this colonial settlers. That's why you are not here. Thank you.

03:08:50Colleagues, colleagues, colleagues, we had a beautiful day. Can we allow the speakers to speak? Please, Councillor Belinda, please. I'll only allow one in here, not two. Councillor Belinda? And I'm not going to take any other hands because I'm

03:09:13Madam Speaker, point of order. The MMC's just made an allegation in a public platform, serious allegation in a public platform that is viewed by the residents of Johannesburg. Has he got proof that the DA sitting on the side has killed PAC members? He must withdraw, please. Unconditionally. Unconditionally. He must withdraw unconditionally.

03:09:42Councillors,

03:09:43He must withdraw.

03:09:44Councillors,

03:09:46He must

03:09:46Councillor Belinda, I got what you said.

03:09:48He must withdraw.

03:09:49I got what you said, Councillor Belinda.

03:09:51He said, "Those ones over there."

03:09:53Councillor Belinda, I got what you said.

03:09:54"Killed PAC." That's what he said.

03:09:56Councillor Belinda, I got what you said. I fully

03:10:01He must withdraw because he's sitting here, so clearly he survived.

03:10:04Councillor Belinda, I fully got what you said. Can I allow Please, Councillor Belinda, I understood very well what you said. Can You see, my mistake was to allow to allow Councillor Maila to say what he said. He was provoking, and I we don't need that. We had a and we had a beautiful day. Can we please allow the business of the day to continue?

03:10:36Councillor, can you please take your seat? Can we continue with the Councillor Maila, you have stirred unnecessary problems, and we can't afford that. Councillor Ntoele, can you please take the podium?

03:11:02MMC? MMC? MMC, can we please stop this? We had a beautiful day. And Councillor Maila is the one that's causing this. Let's agree. Let's agree. Councillor Ntoele, please. Councillor Amad.

03:11:32Speaker. On a

03:11:38I love the way that we are all saying we are live, that we are all saying this one is wrong and that one is wrong, but then we all start and we make wrong things. One wrong doesn't fix the other wrong. Can I allow Councillor Ntoele to carry on? Councillor Chairperson Amad, I'm not going to allow you. I'm not. I'm not going to allow you. MMC, can you withdraw?

03:12:36Colleagues, why are we doing this chaos? You are being watched.

03:12:55Mogale Maila must apologise.

03:13:00Colleagues, if you want to listen what the MMC says, then can we be quiet? Colleagues, we are not kindergarten. MMC.

03:13:13Madam Speaker, I just want to correct that. I said colonial settlers, they killed the members of the PAC. I will bring the proof. It's there in TRC records. It's there in court. It's there. It's there. It's a fact, the truth. It happened. They were hanged, they were killed, hence we have June 16, we have Langa massacre, everywhere. That's why they even went into exile. They murdered them. They killed them, daily life. It's a fact, the truth. We're gonna die for that. And I'm prepared to die for that.

03:13:50MMC. Can all those on my on my right hand, can we keep quiet? Can we keep quiet? I can't respond if people are making a noise. I'll wait for everybody to settle. I'll wait for everybody to settle, and then I will rule.

03:14:26Colleagues, am I allowed to am I allowed to speak now? Am I allowed to speak? Zitha, please. Colleagues, I think MMC has corrected what he said wrong. He corrected

03:14:57himself. He was Colleagues,

03:15:07Belinda, Councillor Belinda, Councillor Belinda, you are leading a caucus of 71 people. So, I would have expected you to listen when I've said something, and then you can, but you are allowing your caucus to also scream. Can I Can I

03:15:44I don't have high blood, I'm not you. Councillor Belinda, can I finish what I've said what I want to say? And I have And I've listened on both sides of myself. I've listened to advice, and I've also taken it the way I listened to it. They say listening is a skill, as well as reading is a skill.

03:16:14And we don't all agree at times with how somebody else says something. Councillor or MMC said the first instance, he pointed at you people and he said that on that side you have killed the PAC and all that, right? I'm not done. I'm not done. I'm not done. He then, after

03:16:44all the voices, he then he then came back and he says, "I'm not talking as you as now. I'm talking about history and what happened in colonial times." He said he's correcting himself. He said he's correcting himself. He said he's correcting himself.

03:17:16He said, "I'm correcting myself." And and I do believe I do believe somebody on the other side also asked earlier, "Are we in the time of dompas?" Colleagues, listening is a skill. Can we agree that he corrected himself?

03:17:49He corrected himself. How else do we want him to correct? And I'm not going to allow hands any longer. I am I've ruled, and I would ask that the business of the day continues. I have ruled, and the business of the day continues. We can also in this instance says, as I said, the troublemaker was Councillor Maila, and he laughed

03:18:20about it. He's still laughing about it. So, can we continue with the business? Councillor Ntoele, can you please rise and give us your speech so that we can continue with the business of the day? Thank you, Councillor Ntoele.

EFF on Health and Social Development

03:18:38Thank you, Speaker. Speaker,

03:18:46Can we all stop and allow the person on the podium to speak?

03:18:54Can I continue, Speaker?

03:18:56Yes, you can.

03:18:57Thank you. Greetings to the Caucus Leader of the EFF, the Chief Whip of the EFF, fellow councillors, and everyone in the gallery. Speaker, I rise on Item 13, 14, and 15. Speaker, we as the EFF, we are proud of the work of the committee under the leadership of Councillor Makhafola. During the period under review, the committee has achieved 97% of itsclaim

03:19:25TB programme, 95% of its HIV programme, and 89% of its immunisation programme. Speaker, the employees are the cornerstone of any workplace. As such, we are proud to mention that the department held a successful award ceremony. Total of 71 officials were awarded.claim

03:19:48isiZuluSiyabonga basebenzi.

03:19:50The Health and Social Development is nothing without your efforts. The EFF Cardinal Pillar Number 4 speaks of free and quality health service, which must be available 24 hours. We are proud during the period under review, two clinics, that is Florida and Westbury, has been identified for modification to provide maternity and 24-hours casualty service. This is definitely a drop in the ocean,

03:20:20but a step in the right direction. As for the performance assessment report of the Social Development, Speaker, it should be noted that the department achieved 19 out of 21 of its KPIs, constituting achievements and 90% for the key performance indicators such as initiatives implemented to combat the substance abuse, number of small-scale farmers,

03:20:50support to promote urban agriculture within the city, organic farming projects to promote sustainable environment within the city, and number of vulnerable individuals receiving economic skills training, the department beyond the set target. You would agree with me, Speaker, that from overachievement of the set key performance indicators, the department is fully committed and eradicated

03:21:21poverty. We must say the achievements are not without challenges. The challenges include amongst others, poor-quality database because of shortage of data capturers, incomplete infrastructure development and refurbishment, and discontinuation of the EPWPs. Speaker, it should be noted that the EFF, we are mainly concerned about the

03:21:51discontinuation of the EPWP because, as EFF, we have first experience of how this will affect the most vulnerable residents of the City of Johannesburg. It must, however, be noted that the unmet targets are mainly because of the budget constraints. We, as the EFF, note the report. I thank you, Speaker.

UDM on the Health Department

03:22:14Thank you, Councillor Ntoele. The UDM, Councillor Zigebe.

03:22:30Councillor Mosehla. Councillor Mosehla, please.

03:22:41Speaker, I rise today to, firstly, acknowledge a sacred moment unfolding in our nation, one that calls to reflect on the power of spirit, discipline, and African indigenous spirituality. On behalf of the United Democratic Movement, I extend our deepest well wishes to

03:22:58isiZuluamasosha omoya

03:22:59of the Chosen Nation of the Revelation Spiritual Home under the spiritual guidance of

03:23:03isiZuluiNkosi yoMoya, uDokotela uZwilezwe Radebe

03:23:06as they undertake their annual pilgrimage toclaim

03:23:08isiZulueKuphumuleni entabeni ephakeme.

03:23:10This is no ordinary journey. It is a spiritual ascent, a renewal of their covenant with

03:23:15isiZuluisithunywa esikhuluma kubizwe abasabele

03:23:17and

03:23:18isiZuluiNkosi yoMoya,emotive

03:23:19a moment of divine alignment, healing and collective renewal. In this new spiritual year, may their steps be guided by the light of the spirit,

03:23:27isiZuluisithunywaemotive

03:23:28and their ancestors. May their spirits be fortified, and may their return bring wisdom and restoration, not only to the institution and the blue nation, but to the soul of the City of Johannesburg as the headquarters ofemotive

03:23:41isiZuluIkhaya leBhubesiemotive

03:23:43of the Revelation Spiritual Home is here in our city. Madam Speaker, it is with that same reverence for dignity and human well-being that we turn to the third quarter performance report of the City's Health Department. This department stands as a guardian of life and dignity. Over 3.7 million residents accessed care through our 76 facilities. That is not simply a metric, it is an expression of public trust. We are encouraged by their achievements that 93.2% immunisation coverage for children under one, protectingemotive

03:24:14our future generations. A 97% TB treatment initiation rate aligning with national health targets, 100% compliance in vector control, and over 30,000 learners reached through school health awareness programmes. Notably, the plans to introduce 24-hour casualty and maternity services in Florida and Westbury clinics through a hybrid provincial-local model are welcomed, particularly for our underserved communities. Yet, challengesemotive

03:24:45persist. HIV treatment initiation lags slightly at 95.9% and each percentage point reflect real human lives. Clinics such as Thuthukani and Shanti still operate under asbestos roofing, with upgrade requests, unfortunately, declined during the adjustment process. The pause in EPWP recruitment stalls our efforts to build community-based health champions and reduce unemployment. In response, we propose multi-year budgeting to ensure infrastructure continuity,emotive

03:25:15stronger partnerships with the provincial department for shared resources, and reprioritising clinic upgrades in the next adjustment cycle, especially in historically neglected areas. Let us treat health not merely as a technical service, but as a developmental right inseparable from dignity, justice, and the spirit of Ubuntu. As we salute those ascending the sacred mountain, may we too ascend in our commitment to the well-being of our people. Speaker, beforeemotive

03:25:43isiXhosandihlale phantsi, khawundivumele ndibethe i-DA ne-ActionSA. Nicinga ukuba le mali sizayithathaphiemotive

03:25:49of servicing our people when you rejected the adjustment budget, when you rejected the annual budget.emotive

03:25:56isiXhosaSanuza aphaemotive

03:25:57and grandstand and tell our people lies, because for these challenges to happen, these EPWPs not to be employed, it's because ofemotive

03:26:05isiXhosanina,emotive

03:26:05Three seconds.emotive

03:26:06because you rejected these important milestones in making sure that we service our people, and we have an acceleration in service delivery.emotive

03:26:13isiXhosaEnkosi.emotive

Debate on absent MMCs

03:26:17Thank you, Councillor. The ANC has The ANC has 10 minutes. We're going to share that 10 minutes between Councillor Mphaho and Councillor Hlatshwayo. Councillor Belinda?

03:26:37Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I don't believe that you had responded to Councillor Maila's concern, which was the fact that the other MMCs are not here. Thanks.

03:26:46Belinda, I can't hear anything that you're saying.

03:26:49I'm trying to stay calm, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I don't believe that you have responded to Councillor Maila's initial concern about the fact that councillors are giving input, and the bulk of the MMCs are not here to listen to those inputs, not even the Leader of Executive Business. So, that's the concern that was raised before all chaos broke out.

03:27:12I have sent them messages to come in. Chair of Chairs.

03:27:25Speaker, I thought you

03:27:26Just hold on, Chair of Chairs. In actual fact, Councillor Belinda, all the MMCs that are supposed to respond are here. Councillor Makhafola is here, next is going to be Councillor MMC of Housing and MMC Mnisi, they are all here. And Councillor Nkokou is here. I'm not certain. Councillor Marema, Chair of Chairs.

03:27:58No, thank you, Speaker, for your latter assertion. I rose to and I felt that if I don't say what I needed to say, it would then set a wrong precedence in terms of our analysis of how things work. It's a mayoral committee, it's not an individual thing. So, if one MMC is here, that MMC represents the entire committee. So, I don't think

03:28:22that the assertion that the the others are not here, means that there is no Executive Committee member there. So So So if if if if we can just correct that. Because otherwise others will be going out to the media to write that there were others were absent. I see where they are driving the narrative to. Thank you.

03:28:48Thank you, Chair of Chairs, and yeah, let's get Councillor Mosehla

03:28:54Okay, last one.

03:28:56SetswanaKe a leboga, Speaker.

03:28:58I wanted to correct two things. This morning we were all here, unless if other people were outside, when apologies were sent to yourself that many of our MMCs will not be here for the full day because of other commitments, and we all accepted those apologies. But the MMC responsible for this item is here. What do we want other MMCs for? Thank you.

03:29:26That's what myself and Chair said. Can we continue with the business of the day, please? As said, the two councillors will share the 10 minutes. Thank you.

ANC on items 13 and 14

03:29:46Thank you, Speaker. Honourable Speaker, honourable councillors,

03:29:55Oh, just hold on just hold on, Councillor. Can we not do what we are doing on my left-hand side? And we know what we did. Thank you, Councillor, can you continue?

03:30:09Thank you, Speaker. Honourable Speaker, honourable members of council, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens. I rise to discuss item 13. The Health Department Performance for the 2024/2025 Financial Year.

03:30:35Especially the January to March 2025 quarter. While we as the ANC commend the department for its KPIs of 80%. We are concerned about the decisions, Speaker, to defer critical clinic projects.

03:31:02The decision seems to contradict the department's mission to improve residents' health and well-being, particularly in ensuring equitable access to health care. We understand the city's financial constraints,

03:31:29but the ANC strongly believe that the health of our residents should not be compromised. I urge the department to consider this decision and prioritize the health and well-being of our community.

03:31:52The city's financial challenges should not come at the expense of our residents' health. Speaker, I thank you. As the African National Congress, we note the report. Thank you.

03:32:11Thank you, Councillor. Can we have the next ANC Councillor?

03:32:30Can whoever has the mic on please switch it off?

03:32:33isiZuluCima lapho.

03:32:34Yeah, sharp.

03:32:36Honourable Speaker, honourable councillors, honourable Executive Mayor,

03:32:46isiXhosautata Sello

03:32:50Morero. Speaker, I rise to discuss the item 14, focusing on the Social Development Department Performance for 2024 and 2025, the quarter under review.

03:33:07The ANC commends the department's impressive 90% overall performance, demonstrating effective service delivery. We particularly appreciate their efforts to combat gender-based violence, including support to the LGBTQ+

03:33:33community, a crucial issue in our country. Moving forward, let's continue collaborate to ensure our social development initiatives are impactful, inclusive and response to the needs of all our citizens. Speaker, I thank you. As the ANC we note the report. Thank you.

MMC Makhafola replies; items 13-15 agreed

03:33:57Thank you so much, Councillor. MMC Makhafola.

03:34:06Thank you very much, Speaker. Thank you for the opportunity to reflect on the comments that have been made, and to also, Speaker, let me take the opportunity to also correct some of the things that were said in this house that are not true. Speaker, it is so funny that the architects of dompass they are coming in this house and really reflect and say Health Department was. They are the architects of dompass, they must deal with it themselves.

03:34:37Number two, it's so worrying that people are here, they are commending, the people who are commending, we thank you for that, and some of the things that were really raised, we take note of that and really look forward to making improvements. Speaker, the councillor has made reflections to say that they introduced the extended hours.claim

03:35:03Yes, they introduced the extended hours, but since the GLU came in, we introduced 24 hours, which is a far much more better measurement that was put in place in the department. So I don't understand when they start to really compare the two, how are they comparable? As we speak right now, Speaker, Westbury MOU is working 24 hours. People are giving birthclaim

03:35:32due to efforts made by the department to ensure that we deliver or we give access to quality health care in the City of Johannesburg residents. I don't know if maybe councillors during the oversight, they don't do their work, but let me applaud Councillor Cook. Your oversight work really is showing that you know what is it that you are talking about.claim

03:35:56Nonetheless, let me also put in place that Westbury Clinic and Florida, just for information so that you don't tell the residents lies, it is a hybrid model. By hybrid,

03:36:08Sepedias much as le le balungu,

03:36:09it means that the local government is working together with the provincial government. That is hybrid. In this instance, we work with the provincial government so that they offer services that we are unable to offer for 24 hours, we work together. As we speak right now, Westbury Clinic and Florida Clinic, part of Westbury Clinic and Florida Clinic is being in the process of the finalization stage and soon we will invite you all to open the 24-hours clinic opened by the City of Johannesburg.

03:36:48Speaker, I would really do or commit a crime if I don't educate the councillors, especially the DA councillors and the ActionSA councillors, of what it takes for a person to register for ESP. Let me read it out for you so that you understand what you are talking about.

03:37:12The ESP target

03:37:13Councillors, please. No, not you. Councillors, can we listen?

03:37:22SepediThe ESP, akere? Ge le bolela ka yona ere ke le ruteng gore

03:37:26who actually is it for. It is meant for the unemployed, it is meant for the youth, it is meant for people with disability, it's also meant for military veterans, women and children, including senior citizens and displaced persons. Now, who qualify for this packages? This is a very important information that you must know so that when you go and throw allegations, at least you speak facts.

03:37:49You must be a South African citizen, you must reside within the City of Johannesburg boundaries, you must be unemployed or have a monthly income to finance resources not exceeding R6,281.13 per month. Which documents are required? It's an identity document, proof of income, your SASSA card or produce bank statements for the last three months.

03:38:16You must bring your proof of residence, the City of Johannesburg rates and taxes account and you must also bring City Power prepaid meter account number as well as City Power City Power conventional account number, Eskom prepaid electricity account number and as well as Johannesburg Water account. This is what is required for you to apply.

03:38:40So, what are the benefits? The benefits is for water subsidy, electricity subsidy and other rebates which include non-metered services referred to the table below. Speaker, the two departments have performed very well and I think it's really not right for people to come here and speak things that are not true. Give credit where it's due. Since we've been in this department we've done nothing, but work that can actually speak for itself. I didn't have to stand here today to speak about that,

03:39:11but the work that we put in the departments they actually speak on behalf of ourselves. Let me also speak, Speaker, on the issue of HIV and AIDS. For those that don't know, we are getting a grant from the provincial government and with that, currently for the first time ever since there've been MMCs, we were able to reach a target of immunization which has never been reached even by the previous MMCs. So please,

03:39:43Sepedige le nyako lwa e lwang ka

03:39:44something else, not lies.

03:39:46isiZuluNgiyabonga, Speaker, hha!

03:39:47Thank you. Member in charge, Chair Amod. Councillor Zitha. Councillor Zitha, please allow Chair Amod.

03:40:08Thank you, Speaker. On behalf of the committee,

03:40:12Speak into the mic, please.

03:40:13On behalf of the committee, I would like Council to note and approve the report. Thank you.

03:40:17Thank you so much, Chair. The recommendations are on page 13.18, 14.4, 15.15. Are the items agreed to?

03:40:31Agreed.

03:40:33Thank you, councillors.

Items 16-18: Human Settlements and JOSHCO reports tabled

03:40:39Councillors, we're moving on with item 16 and that is the Performance Assessment Report for Human Settlements Department for the 2024/25 Financial Year for the period January to March 2025, read with item 17, and that's the Performance Assessment Report for the Johannesburg Social Housing Company for the 2024/25 Financial Year for the period January to March 2025, and the above items read with item 18,

03:41:05and which is the Oversight Report of the Human Settlements Section 79 Committee on the 2024/25 Third Quarter Performance Assessment Report of the Department of Human Settlements and the Johannesburg Social Housing Company for the period January to March 2025.

03:41:23Member in charge, Chair M. Mpolobosho.

03:41:32Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. On behalf of Human Settlements Section 79 Committees, I rise to table item 16 and 17 and 18. Thank you very much.

GOOD on Human Settlements and JOSHCO

03:41:44Thank you, member in charge. GOOD, Councillor M. Cook.

03:41:49Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise to speak to the Performance and Oversight Report of the Department of Human Settlements and the Johannesburg Social Housing Company, two entities that sit at the heart of delivering justice to those communities who suffered the most under apartheid spatial planning. There are areas of progress we must acknowledge. Title deeds were issued, units were handed over in Riverside View and in Lufhereng.claim

03:42:18JOSHCO managed to create over 860 work opportunities, evidence that programs can work when properly supported and implemented. But this quarter's performance also reveals profound structural failures. Over half of the department's KPIs were not achieved. No hostels, flats or senior rental units were rehabilitated in this time, and zero market gap sites were delivered.claim

03:42:46These aren't just targets that are missed. These are communities that we are leaving behind, again. Speaker, JOSHCO is now in serious financial distress. A deficit of R357 million, a solvency ratio of below 0.5, and just 16% resolution of AGSA findings paint a picture of risk that must concern every councillor in this chamber.claim

03:43:14This is about the integrity of one of our most vital public housing institutions. While the department exceeded water and electricity targets for informal settlements, the complete failure to deliver sanitation and the reasons cited reflect a system unable to navigate regulatory and budgetary backlogs fast enough to meet the urgent needs of the Johannesburg people.claim

03:43:38I do however, and GOOD supports the Section 79 Oversight Committee's recommendations. However, we must realize that oversight without consequence is theatre. We must demand implementation timelines and regular reporting so that communities know that this council takes accountability seriously. Housing is not a spreadsheet issue. It is a human right.

03:44:06We must align our budget, our strategy, and we must deliver muscle to that principle, because when we fail in these departments, we are failing the most vulnerable residents of Johannesburg. Thank you.

ActionSA on Human Settlements and JOSHCO

03:44:23Thank you, Councillor.

03:44:32ActionSA, Councillor Matabane.

03:44:41Thank you, Speaker. Greetings once more. Greetings to fellow councillors, but most importantly to the residents of the City of Joburg. I rise to speak on item 16, 17, and 18, Human Settlements and Johannesburg Social Housing Company. Speaker, the Department of Human Settlements plays such a crucial role in the community and the well-being of human beings. It is proven that It is proven that your environment and where you lay your head at night contributes so much to how you think and what you do.

03:45:12The question stands, what kind of a Joburg do we envision? What kind of a South Africa do we envision? The state of hostels, flats, and city-owned nursing homes is a clear indication of how much we don't care about the most vulnerable people in our communities. The informal settlements where our very own South Africans are living are without electricity and water, and that is a big concern.

03:45:38Long-standing incomplete and halted housing development projects remain a persistent concern. Issues of structural decay and lack of management in many of the city facilities across all regions remain a concern. As ActionSA, we believe that the department can do so much better. We also want to applaud the department for trying to resolve the issue of title deeds. We also want to commend JOSHCO for their efforts in engaging the communities to encourage them to pay rent,

03:46:11including businesses operating in JOSHCO buildings and complying with the requirements. However, we still want to see JOSHCO collecting and addressing lawlessness across all their facilities. With that being said, ActionSA notes the report.

DA on Human Settlements performance and late reporting

03:46:28Thank you, Councillor. DA, Councillor S. Rambani.

03:46:42Thank you very much, Speaker. All protocol observed. Speaker, when I joined the Human Settlements Committee in 2023, I found the incompetent MMC from the Patriotic Alliance. I researched how she got the position and the answer I got matches the party that deployed her.claim

03:47:09I was happy when the former incompetent mayor replaced her with Councillor Mabaso. Speaker and fellow councillors, I hereby outline the reason why I have lost confidence in the current MMC. Since his powers are delegated by Executive Mayor,claim

03:47:37I can confidently say that I have lost confidence in the GLU and their running of the City of Johannesburg. Speaker, the report had been slow incoming. According to the MFMA Section 52(d), within 30 days of the end of each quarter, submit the report to Council on the implementation of the budget and the financial state of affairs.claim

03:48:07How can we properly scrutinize the non-achieved target from quarter three when the department can just say they have fixed said issue in quarter four? This is why reports need to be disseminated within 30 days and be debated in due time in order to hold the department accountable. The way it is done now, it cramps debate and we are unable to properly hold the department and the executive to account.

03:48:38This delay in receiving reports is an illustration of the GLU governing of the city. Next week we are sitting on the strat plans for the new financial year, yet we have not received and debated on quarter four reports. Speaker, the following is what we have observed in quarter three reports. Actual capital expenditure for the quarter ended 30 March 2025 was R372 million. This represents 50% of the overall annual budget.claim

03:49:16There are still various factors that continue to affect project budget constraints, poor contractor performance, and environmental requirements resulting in lengthy authorization processes. What are those factors that are affecting projects? Has the department sorted out those constraints or will I be seeing the same in the quarter four reports?claim

03:49:43The report further reads: fourth quarter implementation will focus on financial catch-up measures and project reprioritization. When will we be given the quarter four report in order to see if the department has caught has caught up as it is stated in quarter three? Do you see why it is necessary for us to receive the report on time, Madam Speaker?

03:50:12The way things are done, we are unable to adequately carry out our duties of holding the department and executive to account. Madam Speaker, the residents are counting on us to hold this executive to account as it is consistently will not or cannot deliver service to residents. The department achieved less targets on their 21 KPI targets at 44.5%.claim

03:50:4211 targets were not achieved at 55.5%. According to the report, some of the targets were not achieved were not met due to budget constraints facing the department. How can we accurately debate on the financial health of the department when we when we the people meant to hold it accountable are shackled with the lack of information? Some of the targets not met by the department have not been achieved again and

03:51:15this has been happening for multiple quarters. This is a problem that the department need to address urgently. Target not achieved: number of informal settlements households provided with sanitation. The department had set a target of 750 750 for this KPI and they have achieved zero. Reason: Joburg Water conducted assessment

03:51:43the the extent of infrastructure and need to be installed has triggered environmental assessment constraints, that causing delay in the provision of the service required. This was the reasoning for not achieving this target. This is the fourth consecutive quarter that the department has been unable to achieve this target. The reason for non-achievement is the same reason given for non-achievement in the previous quarter.

03:52:14Yet, we were told it will be addressed in quarter three. It was not addressed in quarter three, and when will we even get quarter four in order to continue tracking this issue? And I can promise you now that we are going to get the very same report. Number of mixed housing units constructed. Quarter two, it is stated that this KPI will will will be monitored and be revisited in quarter three.

03:52:44And now it states the reasoning for non-achievement of KPI was due to tripartite agreements. Now that agreement has been finalized, work should commence. The reasoning was given for quarter two was this was the status of the tripartite agreement. In quarter three we get another excuse. The department did not achieve the target due to significant USDG budget

03:53:12reduction, which have impacted the installation of bulk and internal infrastructure required to unlock construction in several sites. This KPI will have to be monitored to see how the department make up for the USDG reduction. We have asked for the plan, but dololo. Percentage of department capital budget spent. The underperformance in the capital expenditure was mainly due to delays in procurement processes.

03:53:45Some of the invoices submitted were not in alignment with the projection which resulted in delaying of payment. What does this statement mean? The department has a tendency to give those excuses without explaining exactly what was not in alignment with the projection. This is a further illustration of how the department operates. Number of hostels rehabilitated. The budget allocated for executing this hostel rehabilitation were planned for the 2024/25 Financial Year,

03:54:19but nothing has been achieved. I had actually done an oversight and I found nothing has been done. Target not achieved: number of flats rehabilitated. The KPI will have to be monitored and revisited in quarter four as its achievement will be determined by the department and the city financial health. The city does not have money. Where are we going to get that money?

03:54:48As it stands, Madam Speaker, we are waiting for quarter four report. Number of senior citizen rentals rehabilitated, Annie Burger and Reuven. The project will not be achieved this financial year due to the non-performance of the appointed consultant. The contract of the consultant

03:55:08Two seconds, Councillor.

03:55:09will be terminated and we and a new service provider is to be appointed to conclude these projects. In JOSHCO, we find that we find that there is a risk which we have seen in quarter two and quarter three, and also in quarter four and quarter one, quarter three. For six consecutive quarters, that risk has not been achieved.

03:55:34Councillor, your time is up.

03:55:35That risk we call it the There has been no change in the risk.

EFF on Human Settlements and JOSHCO

03:55:38Councillor Rambani, your time is up. Your time is up, Councillor Mosehla. Councillor Rambani, your time is up. Thank you. EFF, I'm not sure, is it Nethamba? On the page it is Nenemba.

03:56:00No, it's Nenemba, Speaker.

03:56:02Thank you, Councillor.

03:56:03Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Speaker. Allow me to send my revolutionary greetings to our Chief Whip, Thabiso Mogapi, our Caucus Leader, Dr. Tshwaku, not forgetting the fearless EFF 29 battalions, and fellow councillors and the residents of the City of Johannesburg.

03:56:35Speaker, the Economic Freedom Fighters note and acknowledge this quarterly report, and we wish to express appreciation to the efforts made by the MMC and the officials in the department. We recognize that despite legal challenges, environmental limitations and budgetary constraints which hindered the achievement of certain KPIs,

03:57:06but progress was still made. Speaker, despite these obstacles, there were notable achievements by the department in this quarter, including, one, the issuing of title deeds to the residents of the City of Johannesburg. Two, the completion and allocation of housing units in Riverside View Phase 3 and Lufhereng Extension 5.

03:57:37And most importantly, the launch of public participation process for the informal settlement policy. Speaker, the EFF applauds the department for initiating the public participation process for informal settlements. This has empowered the residents of Johannesburg to contribute meaningfully to how the city addresses the living conditions in the informal settlements,

03:58:06especially in the provision of electricity, roads, water and sanitation. Speaker, we further welcome the slight improvement in the rent collection within the JOSHCO stocks.

03:58:22We recognize this one this is one of the entity ongoing challenges. However, JOSHCO continues to face serious issues such as delays in payments to SMMEs, which in turn impact service delivery to the people of Johannesburg.

03:58:44We strongly appeal to JOSHCO to find alternative support mechanism for child-headed households, and those who are unemployed and unable to pay rent rather than resorting to eviction. Speaker, the EFF is fully aware that JOSHCO is not a profit-driven entity. However,

03:59:08we will continue to encourage tenants to pay rent regularly to ensure the survival and sustainability of this entity. Therefore, we call on the department to intervene in cases where tenants have formed groups to deliberately withhold rent despite being able to pay.

03:59:34Speaker, we also call upon Joburg uh we all uh JPC to urgently identify all hijacked buildings within the city of Johannesburg. There must be a coordinated effort between Human Settlement, JPC, Public Safety to reclaim these buildings from criminal syndicates and convert them into student accommodation

04:00:03uh and low income rental units. Speaker, the EFF has previously tabled a motion in this very council to reclaim buildings and convert them into student accommodation.

04:00:17One second left.

04:00:18We're still waiting for the implementation of the motion and urge the administration not to delay any further. In conclusion, the EFF remains committed to defending the dignity of the people of Johannesburg. We will continue to hold the administration accountable while also support progressive efforts that seek to improve the lives of our people.

04:00:39Your time is up, councillor.

04:00:40Thank you very much, Speaker.

PA on housing delivery

04:00:45PA co- PA Councillor, Councillor Mokwena.

04:00:56Greetings, Madam Speaker, Executive Mayor, Chief Whip of council, Joburg 10 caucus, fellow councillors and distinguished guests. All protocol observed. Madam Speaker, I rise on item 16, 17, and 18. Let us not sugarcoat things.

04:01:18Councillor, speak into the mic, please. Slightly louder.

04:01:21Okay. Let us not sugarcoat this. There has been no meaningful progress in delivering housing to our people. No progress, no homes. Year after year our residents wait for homes, and year after year all they get is empty promises and dust. The only visible improvements are on rental stock, while our new RDP housing units have not been delivered.

04:01:48Province has transferred properties to the city with funding allocated specifically for development, and yet these properties remain undeveloped and unallocated. But for the poor, title deeds remain a dream deferred, while red tape and political interference keep reality out of reach.

04:02:11Political environment is directly stalling housing delivery. It is clear that the Rapid Land Release Programme is not applied equally across the city, and we must speak plainly. Certain areas are ignored while others are allowed to mushroom with no accountability. Residents of Maxwell Court are still trapped in in in inhumane conditions.

04:02:39No movement, no communication, just silence from a state that has abandoned them. Container housing in Alexandra and Marlboro sit empty sit empty, built then forgotten. Our people desperate for shelter are told to wait longer. For what?emotive

04:03:03In Jabulani, uh critical infrastructure challenges block solutions for most vulnerable, the elderly, the disabled, the poor, and no urgency is shown to resolve these barriers. In conclusion, Madam Speaker, Patriotic Allianceemotive

04:03:23In conclusion, Madam Speaker, the Patriotic Alliance raises not just to note the report, but to challenge it because not a single poor family has moved into a decent home this quarter, because South Africans remain at the back of the queue in their own country, because the dignity of our people is not negotiable.emotive

04:03:46We are tired of delays, tired of excuses. Ons baiza nie. We demand action, not plans. We demand housing, not hand over not hand overs. We demand justice for our people. I thank you. Salute.emotive

04:04:04Thank you. Councillor Zigebe, UDM.

ACDP on Human Settlements and JOSHCO

04:04:13Okay, he's not here. Councillor Harris, ACDP.

04:04:23Good afternoon, Madam Speaker, Executive Mayor, MMCs, chairpersons, councillors. I greet you all in the precious name of our Lord and Savior. I rise to speak on items 16, 17, and 18, the Human Settlements and JOSHCO reports. Well, the department reports that there are persistent challenges in budgetary constraints, infrastructure delivery, and in environmental approvals.claim

04:04:51These challenges have impeded the achievement of several key performance indicators. There is a proposal for an urban development framework for a precinct along the Main Reef strip in Roodepoort. It is a known fact that the area is unstable because of mining activity, legal and illegal, in the area. Is it wise to spend resources on an area that is prone to a host of environmental challenges, includingclaim

04:05:20the prospect of having to deal with dolomitic pockets in that area? Another concern is the delay in the upgrading of informal settlements. We understand grant funding is made available, but the bulk of these funds are spent on the provision of water and electricity to informal settlements. At what stage will plans and budgets be put in place to provide decent low-cost housing, even if only to pressurize the Gauteng provincial government

04:05:48to speed up the delivery of low-cost housing? Actual capital expenditure for the quarter ended 30th of March 2025 was 372 million. This represents 50% of the overall annual budget. Various factors continue to affect projects. These are listed as budgets budget constraints, poor contractor performance, and environmental requirements resulting in lengthy authorization processes.claim

04:06:17The department faces increasing demands for infrastructure rehabilitation, including hostels, flats, and senior citizen rentals, and repairs and maintenance of public housing stock. One reason provided for non-delivery again is budgetary constraints. It is distressing to read about this when, at the very least, the ACDP has been calling for more funds to be made available for the repairs, maintenance, and upkeep of council-owned stock.

04:06:44The ordinary man in the street will ask why hundreds of millions of rands is made available to upgrade informal settlements, yet there is no money for the city to make good on its mandate to provide decent housing

04:06:5530 seconds, councillor.

04:06:57for those trapped in these estates owned by the city. JOSHCO is facing some difficulties, and those include lower rental collections, rent boycotts, and residents demanding ownership. The um entity is in total trouble. It has assets of 1.3 billion rand and an overdraft of 1.6 billion rand. This is unsustainable.

04:07:22The finance cost was 94.1 million rand versus a budget of 750,000 rand. Thank you.

04:07:26Your time is up, councillor.

ANC notes items 16-18

04:07:32Thank you, councillor. ANC Councillor X. Khumalo.

04:07:43Thank you very much, Speaker. Greetings to you. Greeting to the Executive Mayor. Greetings to

04:07:51isiZuluthe Chief Whip, Mnyamande.

04:07:55Greetings to Chair of Chairs, Councillor Marema, fellow councillors, and special greetings to Ward 63 residents. Eh Madam Speaker, I rise to speak to item 16, 17, and 18. As African National Congress, we note the report. Thank you.

MMC Mabaso replies; items 16-18 agreed

04:08:18Thank you, councillor. MMC Mabaso.

04:08:29Eh thank you very much, Speaker. Greetings to yourself, the Executive Mayor, the MMCs, and all the colleagues eh that are in the chamber. Eh Speaker, um because I don't want to sound like a broken record, eh I will attempt to respond um in a different way this time around, considering that, Speaker,

04:08:55um when we were considering the second quarter, I did indicate eh some of the challenges that the department had encountered around the budget reduction. And I think eh, Speaker, because all the councillors that have commented on the report, they were present in a council where

04:09:19a report from Finance was approved in in this chamber. So, I'm not going to repeat myself on those challenges because they are well aware, especially those that serves in the in the Human Settlements Committee. But I do wish also, Speaker, to indicate that in all the project, there is what we call a a project preparation.

04:09:44And I did indicate in the committee that some of the project that were incorporated in the business plan were not ready for implementation, and the process had to be commenced um during the first and the second quarter of the financial year, of which they will not be ready for implementation and completion in the current um eh financial year. And they are well aware

04:10:11of that. But it all starts with the budget, Speaker. Um and the targets that we have um are in line with the resources that are allocated in the department. So, if the projects are in the business plan and there is no budget for them, they will not be implemented and we will not going to achieve them. And colleagues that serves in the committee, they are well aware of that. And that's why I'm saying that I'm not going to repeat myself to sound like a broken record eh in this chamber.

04:10:39But Speaker, I do wish to indicate that we have not received any allocation from province. All the grants that are allocated in Johannesburg are accepted by council, and I'm always present in council. So, this notion that there's money that we have received from province to build houses, I don't know where it comes from because we have not received any money from the provincial government. What happens is that, Speaker, because we've got accreditation level two, which makes us developers,

04:11:07we receive a grant for for bulk infrastructure in the development. So, the expectation is that province must then allocate HSDG, of which they don't. They they sign uh tripartite agreements with the developers, and they pay direct to the developers. So, meaning that as the City of Johannesburg, we are not the ones building houses; it's the provincial government. We only put in bulk infrastructure. So, even this KPI on the construction of houses, it's misplaced in our business plan because we are not the ones who build houses;

04:11:39it's the provincial government. We only put in the money for bulk infrastructure in a form of a USDG. So So So, to come here and say we've received money to build houses and we have not built any houses, I mean, that that narrative is misplaced and it shouldn't exist currently in this current arrangement because we have not received anything from the provincial government.

04:12:05Eh Speaker, the grants for for for informal settlements, if you read the policy, because I think it's also important for us to familiarize ourselves with the processes of human settlements, the grant is not for low-cost houses. And the grant is not for for the construction of houses. The grant is for the provision of infrastructure in the informal settlement.

04:12:31And that's what we are doing through these processes of formalizing and upgrading our informal settlements. But the unfortunate reality is that when the business plan was approved in council for this current financial year, projects that were included there, they were not ready for implementation. Hence, some of them got delayed because they triggered environmental authorization and we had to wait for the

04:12:57for the authorization from the national government. And colleagues are aware of that because I've raised those issues on numerous occasion, and and I'm failing to understand why they are raising them today.

04:13:08isiZuluSo akufanelanga nje sizokhuluma for the sake of wasting isikhathi se-council.

04:13:15Eh the last speaker that I want to talk to Oh, before that, Speaker, in the very same report, there were allocations that were done in the in during the the third quarter in Riverside and Lufhereng. So, this notion as well to say people have not received houses in Johannesburg does not exist because even in the report, it is indicated that there are houses that has been allocated

04:13:43because there are houses that province have built in this in in this city and we have been able to allocate those houses, and it is there in the report. And I think it's imperative to read before you come and debate in this council.

04:13:57Four seconds left, MMC.

04:13:59Okay, give me six more because I need to respond to the issues of container.

04:14:06Speaker, I just want to say this because as as public representatives, we've got a collective responsibility to protect the interest of council. The containers in Marlboro, they were vandalized. The city had to reinvest in fixing the vandalism. In the process of that, they got vandalized again.

04:14:30So, the city had to go and mobilize resources to go and fix them. Now, they are being vandalized. And there is no money. There is no money. So, if So, it can't be why from this side because they couldn't even support the budget that we have.

04:14:46Colleagues. Colleagues. You've had your chance, please. Can we allow the MMC to respond?

04:14:58So, Speaker, there are elements of criminality that are happening on the ground. And if we do not protect the interest of council and the properties of council, we'll forever pumping money on projects that are not completed. So, currently, we've got 24 million that is allocated for this financial year, current financial year. In the previous financial year, there was zero budget allocated for containers, and yet the expectation is that the containers must be completed.

04:15:29So, now we've got 24 million. When the assessment was done after the invasion and in the in the last year, the report indicated that we need 70 million to complete. So, we've got an allocation of 24 million. So, when we are in a process of getting contractors to complete those containers, they get vandalized again. So, we'll do an assessment, and the money will escalate even further beyond

04:15:5970 million, and money that we do not have in our coffers as the department because what has been approved here is 24 million. So, we've got a responsibility to protect and also to communicate the same information to the residents so that at least residents are aware of what is happening there because this thing of vandalizing our properties on pretense that they want them to be completed so that they get to be allocated to people that are in need of houses

04:16:24MMC, your six seconds are gone.

04:16:28But I needed to finish this one, Speaker.

04:16:30Okay. I'm allowing him because there was a councillor that did not take up all his time. So, I'm allocating that to him.

04:16:39This one is important, Speaker. So, now, Speaker, the department is going to go back, and even during the IDP, I did engage with the residents of Marlboro, and I explained to them the process in details on how we are planning to deal with the issues of containers there. So, those that do not attend IDP meetings will come here and grandstand and pretend as if people on the ground are not aware of what is happening. We have communicated, councillors are aware, the residents are aware, especially those that participate in the meetings that are called by the City of Johannesburg.

04:17:16Thank you, MMC.

04:17:18Thank you very much, Speaker.

04:17:20Colleagues. Colleagues, I thought it was very important what he was explaining. Um and there was questions that really needed to be responded to. And that was the reason why I gave the MMC the extra time to to give. Um member in charge, Councillor Mpolobosho.

04:17:46Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. On behalf of Section 79 Committee Human Settlement, I ask the council to note the report. Thank you very much.

04:17:58Councillors, the recommendations are on page 16.3, 17.8, and 18.7. Are the items agreed to?

04:18:08Agreed.

04:18:09Thank you.

Items 19-20: Public Safety reports tabled

04:18:18Uh councillors, we are on item 19, and that is the performance assessment report for Public Safety Department for the 2024/25 financial year for the period January to March 2025, read with item 20, which is the oversight report of the Section 79 Public Safety Committee on the 2024/25 third quarter performance assessment report of the Department of Public Safety for the period January to March 2025.

04:18:46Thank you. Member in charge, Councillor Wissler.

04:18:53Thank you, Madam Speaker, uh Mayor Dada Morero, Chief Whip of council, MMCs, chairpersons of Section 79s, councillors, and guests in the gallery. I rise to table the third quarter performance report for the Section 79 Public Safety Committee for the 2024/2025 financial year, which is item 19 and item 20. Thank you.

FF Plus on Public Safety KPIs

04:19:16Thank you, member in charge. Freedom Front Plus, Councillor R. Pelzer.

04:19:25Thank you, Madam Speaker. All protocols observed. The Public Safety Department achieved 18 out of 22 KPIs. These specific KPIs were also not achieved in quarter two. I need to stipulate these key performance indicators. Number one, reduction of by-law infringement as the result of the number of by-law operations. Number two,claim

04:19:57reduction in criminal activities as a result of number of arrests effected. Number three, percentage reduction of loss and theft of assets. And number four, the number of IIOC technology-driven interventions implemented. All not achieved. All key functions in protecting the residents of Johannesburg not achieved.claim

04:20:27These indicators are key, and the department did not achieve these indicators in quarter two and three, which means they have not achieved key performance indicators for half of the year. Alarming, at best. Surely, the department should initiate action to fix this as soon as possible because something is broken.

04:20:57The ward-based policing program is yet to be seen on ground level. It remains a pie in the sky. We know there is an absence of enough resources to fully implement ward-based policing, but surely the pie in the sky must come down to the people. Otherwise, it is not a ward-based policing program,

04:21:22but rather a ward-based policing dream. Madam Speaker, my next concern is the over-expenditure of 30.935 million rand on operating expenses. The short and the sweet answer from the department is that this over-expenditure is salaries and wages.

04:21:49How and when will we see the expenses on salaries get in line with the budget? Over-expenditure on salaries by 30.935 million rand. How? In closing, Madam Speaker, there were 72 fraud and corruption cases reported under JMPD.

04:22:17Let that sink in. 72 fraud and corruption cases and investigations initiated thereon.

04:22:2330 seconds, councillor.

04:22:28This is from and within the department tasked to protect the public, hence the Public Safety Department. Food for thought. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

ActionSA on JMPD and overspending

04:22:42Thank you, councillor. ActionSA, Councillor Durand.

04:22:54Good afternoon, Madam Speaker, members of council, all protocol observed. I rise to speak on items 19 and 20, third quarter performance reports. I would like to start, Madam Speaker, on congratulating JMPD and TRU on their successful apprehension of the three suspects of gang violence in Eldorado Park, and the incidental find of a kidnapping in progress on the highway. What a save.claim

04:23:22This shows pure passion for the job of policing. The wins, no matter how big or small, do not go unnoticed. Overspend and misplaced priorities. We read that this department is committed to good governance and financial sustainability. On paper, that sounds impressive, even reassuring. But behind the glossy reports and crafted representations

04:23:51lies a troubling reality. This department has overspent by 30 million. I must ask, how do we define good governance when we cannot live within our means? What does financial sustainability mean when the very system meant to ensure efficiency are bleeding resources? We should not be celebrating mission statements while critical questions remain unanswered.claim

04:24:22Do all security personnel have their tools of trade? Are they equipped, trained, and protected, or are they being sent into dangerous situations ill-prepared? Is Netcare Milpark Hospital paid up? What about their allied partners who provide essential medical support? Or are we risking the lives of our personnel and residents by failing to honor our financial obligations? These are not minor oversights.

04:24:51We look forward to the full report of expenditure. ActionSA notes the reports with concerns mentioned. Thank you.

ACDP on speeding and bribery

04:25:02Thank you, councillor. ACDP, Councillor Rohlssen.

04:25:12Uh thank you very much, uh Madam Speaker, and greetings to you again, and uh all protocols observed. Madam Speaker, I rise on item 19, performance assessment report for the Public Safety Department for the 2024/2025 financial year, and for the period of January to March 2025. Madam Speaker, the leading cause of fatalities on our roads are caused by excessive speed.claim

04:25:42Over 1.1 million speed-related violations were recorded, with the highest numbers reported in Johannesburg, 298,102 cases; Roodepoort, 344,173 cases; and Sandton, 336,752 cases. The ACDP is extremely concerned about theseclaim

04:26:11very high numbers and urges the JMPD to take much tougher action against the perpetrators of these crimes, as the individuals do not only endanger themselves, but other road users. Madam Speaker, I have personally spoken to an individual who stood in a queue of uh individuals that had been uh charged with uh breaking the law, and he personally witnessed every single person standing in the queue

04:26:40being released after having paid a bribe. This is totally unacceptable, and the ACDP calls on JMPD management to take uh decisive actions against all those who are who take part in these crimes. There must be effective consequences for all those who both pay the bribe and who receive the bribes. Currently, many people treat our laws with contempt

04:27:08as they know they can get away with it, and this can no longer be tolerated anymore. God bless South Africa. God bless the sovereign state of Israel. I thank you.

DA on lack of a crime prevention strategy

04:27:20Thank you, Councillor Rohlssen. DA, Councillor Maila.

04:27:51Eh Madam Speaker, Your Worship the Executive Mayor, the honorable the Leader of the Official Opposition, the honorable the Whip of council, esteemed members of council, the Acting City Manager and the executive management team, the people of Johannesburg, greetings and salutations. We are a country

04:28:22city of laws.

04:28:24And we implement laws for public safety all the time.

04:28:31Our safety belt, our seat belt laws, our stop sign laws, our red light laws.

04:28:41In the absence of those laws, you have lawlessness, you have disorder.

04:28:50You can't really have a functional city.claim

04:28:54These sobering words come from Francis Xavier Suarez, an American lawyer and a politician, who has served as the 43rd mayor of Miami, Florida since 2017.

04:29:13I am certain that you would have concluded had I not revealed the origin of this quote that these words came from one of the six million residents of the City of Johannesburg.

04:29:26I say this because you know, as I do, that we congregate in this chamber every three months or so because we are legally obligated to so do.

04:29:43Only to listen to the executive arm of council telling us the same things they tell us every time we are invited here as elected representatives of the people of Johannesburg.

04:29:56Madam Speaker, we have an executive that won't tell us that Johannesburg is possibly the only major city in the world that does not have a comprehensive data-driven, evidence-based, and fully costed crime prevention strategy or public safety plan to ensure that all our residents are and feel safe.

04:30:21We have an executive, Madam Speaker, that is not telling us that this third quarter performance report coincides with the fourth quarter crime statistics compiled by the South African Police Service, which were released in May 2025 by the Minister of Police, Mr Senzo Mchunu, who is now on a taxpayer-funded long holiday somewhere along the coastline of the Indian Ocean.claim

04:30:53These crime statistics, Madam Speaker, revealed that seven of the top 30 high-contact crime police stations in our country are located in the City of Johannesburg.

04:31:07What this executive is not telling us is that the Gauteng Safety Agreement between the South African Police Service and the three Metropolitan Police Departments in the province, a Memorandum of Understanding on integrated cross-border law enforcement operations, whose aim is to improve the coordination and impact of crime prevention efforts, is not yielding the desired results.

04:31:33We now know, Madam Speaker, from what Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi told us recently that drug-peddling criminal syndicates have not only infiltrated the South African Police Service,

04:31:47but also the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department under this coalition government.

04:31:55What this executive will not tell us, Madam Speaker, is that effective policing coordination and collaboration in the province is difficult because we have a premier who is doubling as MEC responsible for policing, contrary to the provisions of section 206(8) of the Constitution of the Republic.

04:32:20What we are not told, Madam Speaker, is that a whole-of-society approach to community policing in the city is almost nonexistent because the JMPD is not represented on the CPFs established by the Provincial Commissioner of Police at each of the 43 police stations in the city, in keeping with the provisions of section 19(1) of the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995, which President Nelson Mandela signed into law in October of 1995.

04:32:55What this executive is not telling you, the people of Johannesburg, is that there is hardly any police visibility in Orange Farm, which has the highest number of murder cases reported to the South African Police Service in the province.

04:33:11We are not told by this executive, Madam Speaker, that the deployment of 10 JMPD officers in each of the city's 135 wards as part of the much talked about ward-based policing is impossible.

04:33:26We are not able to deploy the requisite numbers in the wards because this executive has failed to make the substantial financial allocations to the department necessary to enable the JMPD to recruit at least 1,000 new police officers annually as part of its crime prevention and by-law enforcement mandate, in keeping with the provisions of section 64E of the SAPS Amendment Act 83 of 1998.

04:33:56What this executive will not tell us is that they are dismal at contract management to a point that they are unable to pay the private hospitals that treat our own police officers who get injured in the line of duty as they fight against serious and violent criminals who are terrorising our communities with absolute impunity.

04:34:21We are not told by this executive, Madam Speaker, that the police vehicles that the city leases from the private sector are regularly grounded due to non-payment. As to why the city is not buying its own police vehicles instead of leasing them from the private sector at exorbitant prices, only this coalition knows.

04:34:48But all is not lost, Madam Speaker. The 2026 local government elections are virtually around the corner. The DA stands ready to replace this shambolic coalition, which has lost even the confidence of the President, who told the country and the world right here in this very chamber just how badly managed the city is under this coalition.

04:35:13The DA has proven where it governs, either on its own or in coalition with others, that we do govern better.

04:35:2427 seconds.

04:35:25That is why the DA-run Midvaal Local Municipality remains the only municipality in Gauteng with 11 consecutive clean audit opinions from the Auditor General of the Republic of South Africa. As Nelson Mandela told us, it is in our hands. I thank you.

04:35:47Thank you, Councillor.

EFF on Public Safety performance

04:35:53Councillor Mokwena from the EFF.

04:35:57Thank you very much, Speaker. Greetings to the Speaker, the revolutionary battalions of the Economic Freedom Fighters led by Caucus Leader, Commissar Dr Mgcini Tshwaku and Chief Whip Thabisa Mogapi, fellow councillors, officials, and the residents of our beloved city. Speaker, we will begin by commending the Department of Public Safety for its decisive and visible performance during the third quarter.

04:36:27The JMPD enforcement work was relentless: over 3,900 enforcement operations, 529 crime prevention deployments, 137 special interventions, and more than 1,500 arrests, including for serious offenses, such as attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, and robbery.claim

04:36:51These are not just numbers. They are a signal of criminals that Johannesburg will not be surrendered to lawlessness. We also acknowledge the department's overachievement in licensing department revenue of 363 million collected against a target of 320 million, as well as the overperformance in drug-related search and seizure operations,claim

04:37:19traffic enforcement, and the inspection of high-risk installations, such as buildings with flammable substances. The rollout of smart licensing units and the successful public management of large-scale events from football matches to community festivals reflects improved operational coordination.

04:37:41Speaker, the department's commitment to public safety aligns with the EFF Cardinal Pillar number seven: the pursuit of open, accountable, and people-centered governance. But accountability also demands that we highlight where things went wrong. The department failed to achieve four of its 22 KPIs, notably in areas such as the reduction of criminal activities based on arrests,

04:38:09by-laws infringement, asset loss prevention, and technology-driven crime intervention. These are critical deliverables. When you fail to reduce crime despite massive operations, it suggests a gap between action and impact. Arrests must translate into safer communities.

04:38:30We are disappointed that no employment equity performance was reported. This is not a technical omission. It is a strategic failure. Department Employment equity is not a box-ticking exercise. It is a constitutional obligation to transform our workforce to reflect the demographics of our people, especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

04:38:56Speaker, the EFF recommend the following: that a correct plan to be tabled to address the underperformance in the KPIs, particularly relating to crime reduction and intelligence operation; secondly, that by the next quarter a full employment equity report is submitted, including disaggregated data by race, gender, and disability.

04:39:22In conclusion, Speaker, we note the report and agree with the recommendation of the public safety, but... Oh, sorry.

04:39:33In conclusion, Speaker, we note the report and agree with the recommendation of the public safety. As the EFF, we will continue to exercise vigilance in holding the department accountable while remaining unwavering in our fight for a safer, equitable, and just Johannesburg. I thank you.

PA on Public Safety

04:39:57Thank you, Councillor Mokwena. The PA, Councillor Ponsonby.

04:40:05Thank you, Madam Speaker. And thanks to the PA councillors and all councillors, MMCs, Mayor. The PA notes this. I just want to say from the part of Eldos, MMC, thanks for your intervention. Thanks for TRU's intervention in our area. We know our area is filled with gun violence and gangsterism. We just want to say thanks for your intervention. It yielded good results, actually better than our local SAPS.

04:40:33However... Yeah, yeah. Let's clap our hands for once. This has been a boring day. So yeah.emotive

04:40:44Thank you very much. However, I think we should just beef up our by-law, especially based on illegal traders. They are now found to be undocumented foreigners, and they are taking over our sidewalks. They're taking over our towns and cities. And we need to come down on them like thunder. And I thank you. The PA notes this report. Thank you, Madam Speaker.emotive

ANC on Public Safety

04:41:09Thank you, Councillor Ponsonby. ANC, Councillor Nair.

04:41:17Is Councillor Nair here?

04:41:21It's your turn.

04:41:22Madam Speaker, Councillor Mgaga will replace me as a speaker. Thank you.

04:41:27Thank you. Councillor Mgaga. Thank you.

04:41:36Thank you, Madam Speaker.

04:41:38isiZulungibulise kuwe

04:41:42the Executive Mayor, Comrade S.D. Morero, the residents of the City of Johannesburg, and all protocol observed. Greetings and salutations.

04:41:57Madam Speaker, I rise to address item 19, which reviews the performance of the Department of Public Safety for the period of January to March 2025.

04:42:12As the report, Madam Speaker, details how the municipality intends to keep safety and security in the City of Johannesburg, the ANC would like to commend the department for their persistent efforts to maintain law and order in the city.

04:42:37Because the focus, Madam Speaker, among others, must be about, one, the maintenance of infrastructure to ensure proper functioning of streetlights, traffic signals, and other infrastructure key to public safety.

04:42:58And two, Madam Speaker, law enforcement capacity. The department must ensure, Speaker, that by-laws are enforced and, obviously, observed.

04:43:14Accidents and any other type of criminal activities must be successfully responded to, so that safer communities in the municipality are built through fostered partnerships.

04:43:33isiZuluNgoba

04:43:33Speaker, the focus of the African National Congress, which is the January 8 movement, is on realism and legitimacy. And evident to that, Speaker, is what was articulated on the soccer pitch by our Executive Mayor when he introduced the Bomb Squad to maintain, among others, community concerns and public order,

04:44:05so that we bring stability in the City of Johannesburg.

04:44:14The fostering of partnerships, Speaker, the spirit of community, the spirit of Ubuntu, and the spirit of hard work is required to deal with problems of crime and lawlessness. The ANC, therefore, says

04:44:35isiZuluakwakhiwe imiphakathi ephephileyo. Lokho, Speaker, kuyobandakanya izinhlaka zomphakathi ezilwisana nobugebengu, izinhlangano ezingenzi nzuzo, ama-NPOs,

04:44:52the NGOs, and the FBOs, the community policing forums, and the South African Police Services.

04:45:02and the South African Police Services so that we create a safer environment for all in the city.

04:45:12isiZuluUma kudilwa ke ngama-issues e-crime, Speaker, ubugebengu nokungabi nomthetho,

04:45:20the department must intervene and intensify their programs on joint operations and ward-based policing programs.

04:45:31isiZuluNgalokho ke, Speaker, sichaza ukuthi i-department ayitshale phela o-officers bawo kuwo wonke amawadi angu-135 edolobheni laseGoli.

04:45:45As I conclude, my honourable Speaker,

04:45:49isiZuluukubhekana nje ngqo nobugebengu la eJozi Maboneng leyo kuyinto kaKhongolose.

04:45:58As we are attached, Speaker, to accountability, monitoring, and reporting, so that we restore pride and fairness to our communities.

04:46:11isiZuluNgizobe ngingakaqedi ke, Speaker, if angivezi ukuthi inhlangano kaKhongolose

04:46:17is radically and speedily calling for the department to investigate and look into the issues of safety for all our councillors. Therefore, the ANC notes the report. Thank you very much.

MMC Tshwaku replies; items 19-20 agreed

04:46:34Thank you so much, Councillor. MMC Tshwaku.

04:46:44No, thank you very much, Speaker. Good evening to all the councillors, the councillors of the EFF, the Whip of the EFF, and also the Whip of the ANC, Chair of Chairs, all the councillors that are here today, my MMCs, actually all the councillors that are here in this. I'm not going to degenerate, Speaker, to

04:47:16you know, to a very low level, but I just want to speak to the facts. And I agree that we have to deal with the issues of by-law, okay? I agree with that, okay? And what we've done now is we've hired a director of by-law, which is Director Foteng. We were spending a lot of time trying to stabilize the JMPD. That's why we'veclaim

04:47:46hired now a commissioner. We are taking him through. He's settling in. We are out there now in terms of ensuring that there is no contestation of power. Because when people are contesting on power, it destabilizes the whole project or the focus in terms of fighting crime. So we had a workshop, of which we'll share the report with everyone, in terms of how are we going to be approaching the by-law enforcement.claim

04:48:17That workshop, because we decided that people, they don't understand what is by-law enforcement, actually. Like who does what, where? That's what we had to decipher in that meeting. So we've called all Thank you to the MMCs. They sent their representatives. We're also working with CRUM, all of us, in terms of how we're going to do this thing. Because first, before you can enforce a by-law, you need to inspect first. There must be an inspection. There must be all those kind of things before you canclaim

04:48:48really do the enforcement. So we are looking into that, colleagues. And I know that some of the councillors that are here, they've been very, you know, helpful in terms of identifying those hanging fruits. We are dealing with them step by step. So we are all there. And I don't want to put any politics because I think that we have to enforce this by-law. For example, the issues of the traders. I know from MMC Mnisi, she's going to be launching soon the permits, so that we can say the people are going to beclaim

04:49:22People will be trading here. So that when JMPD comes in and remove them, they don't have to do that. They must have that. So I'm depending on her to do that. Also, I had an engagement with the guys from MMC Mgcina units in terms of building control. You know, so we've been talking to them and outdoor as well because there have been a lot of illegal outdoor advertisements that has been happening out there. So we're relying on, you know, to JPC and my colleagues also from planning to sayclaim

04:49:56who is legal here or not. So it's a whole chain. So we have that report. They say it's going to be ready for me, HOD. I hope he's listening. On Friday, in terms of the approach on the by-laws. So we are, colleagues, worried about that. On the SAPS, on the crime stats, Councillor Siyazama. We've launched the TRU. I think that maybe, colleagues, you can agree there's a sense that something is happening.claim

04:50:28It's not a lot, but we are really trying. We've launched the TRU. We've got the K9 unit that is out there. Operations are there as well, trying their best in terms of really working. I've raised the issue of the IGR with the MEC. They are still launching on the other areas, but there is a program of action. We've raised that in terms of they need to come to Johannesburg and look at the hotspots. So Councillor Mulaudzi, I've taken note of that.

04:50:58We are going to ensure that those kind of issues we are going to We'll be able to raise them. Colleagues, in the Section 79 and in my meetings

04:51:1137 seconds left, MMC.

04:51:13I agree that we must do the ward-based policing. Like we are trying now to have those 10 plus. That's why we are hiring 500 MPOs. And there are 500 MPOs. So you must vote for the budget as well so that we can get more money to hire more. So I said to the HOD that in the ward-based policing, there must be an oversight. So we are looking at councillors

04:51:43signing the roll call of the JMPD when they visit your wards. So we want to work on that. Section 79, we've heard your cry. We want to implement that so that you don't every time say that there's nothing that we are doing in the wards. Of course, it's not going to be 10 for now, but we want to have at least a vehicle of JMPD on that. The last one, we're just looking now at the radio room, because every time when you are answering, you are calling us, we don't

04:52:16There's a problem there. So we are working on that. So we're working on that and the fraud and corruption. You can see that there are people that we've arrested. They've been taken to the internal affairs.

04:52:27Your time is up.

04:52:28So we are pushing on that. So I think I will stop there. Thank you very much, Public Safety, HOD, everyone that has been working very well, and also to the Section 79 Chairperson. Homestead people, Homestead, we are coming. I know we've been waiting for long, Homestead people, and also the Bowling Park. We are going to sort it out. We just had a problem with the contract for the land occupation unit. So everything will be fine. Thank you very much.

04:52:56Thank you, MMC. Member in charge, Councillor Wissler.

04:53:08Councillor Wissler.

04:53:12Thank you, Madam Speaker. In view of these findings and observations, the committee recommends that Council approves the third quarter performance report for the Public Safety Department as outlined in the body of this report. Thank you.

04:53:31Thank you, Member in charge. The recommendations are on pages 19.24 and 20.4. Are the items agreed to?

04:53:48Are we agreeing?

04:53:50Agreed.

Agenda rearranged; items 25-26 and 56-69 read in

04:53:51Thank you. Councillors, we want to stop at 6:00, right? But we are looking at the agenda, and if we go to 21 to 24 and 25 to 26, it might take us up until 7:00. So what we want to do, we want to take the items that the legislature asked to be clustered from items 55...

04:54:23No, not 55. Just hold on. From items 56 to item 69, if we read them all in and we note them, then we come back tomorrow. Can we agree? Yes, Chair of Chairs.

04:54:44Chair of Chairs is on the podium.

04:54:47No, thank you very much, Speaker. I thought you would start from 25, 26, then jump to 56, according to how we have advised. Thank you.

04:54:57Okay, we'll start with 25 to 26. And then we will go to those that are clustered, so that we can close by 6:00. Latest will be 6:30. Okay? Right, let's go to Secretary to Council.

04:55:18All right, on item 25, we are looking at the second quarter reports on the oversight activities of the Petition Standing Committee for the period October to December 2024. Also read with item 26, which is the third quarter report on the oversight activities of the Section 79 Petition Standing Committee for the period January to March 2025.

04:55:42Member in charge, Councillor Mabuke.

04:55:49Is this one for noting?

04:55:51Yes.

04:55:52Just hold on, Councillor Mabuke. Chair of Chairs.

04:56:00No, thank you very much, Speaker. Item 25, 26, together with that item 56 up to 69, they must be read into record for all of us to note them.

04:56:13Okay.

04:56:13Thank you.

04:56:14Okay, so we'll go to 56 and others. Thank you.

04:56:27Item 56 is the Community Development Committee oversight report on Johannesburg Art Gallery. Also read with item 57, which is an oversight report on the Section 79 Corporate and Shared Services Committee on the oversight visit on Red Fleet in May 2025. Item 58 is an oversight visit report of the Section 79 Economic Development to Riverside View Mega Housing Development,

04:56:57and Opportunity Centre mobile and visitors information centre on the 21st of May 2025. Also read with item 59, which is an oversight report of the Section 79 Environment and Infrastructure Services Committee on the site visit to Goudkoppies and Robinson Deep Landfill site on the 17th of April 2025. Also read with item 60, and that's an oversight visit report on the Section 79 Finance Committee

04:57:28to Eureka House Revenue Centre on the 15th of May 2025. Also, item 61 is an oversight report on the EISD Section 79 Committee to Sinqobile Clinic in Region D on the 10th of April 2025. Also read with item 62, which is an oversight visit report of the EISD Section 79 Committee to Yetta Nathan construction site in Region D on the 10th of April 2025. Also read with item 63, which is an oversight visit report

04:58:03on the EISD Section 79 Committee to Protea South Clinic in Region D on the 10th of April 2025. Read also with item 64, and that is an oversight visit to Fleurhof Lifestyle Estate

04:58:22by the Section 79 Human Settlements Committee on the 20th of March 2025, read with also item 65, which is an oversight visit to George Goch Lehae Hof Junction Project by the Section 79 Human Settlements Committee on the 29th of April 2025, read also with item 66, which is an oversight report on the joint Stakeholder Engagement Event, post the oversight visit to Metro Centre Building by the Oversight Committee on the Legislature,

04:58:52Corporate and Shared Services, Public Safety and Economic Development Committees in December 2024. Read also with item 67, which is an oversight visit of the Section 79 Public Safety Committee to Wemmer Complex Pound on the 13th of February 2025, also read with item 68, which is an oversight visit of Section 79 Public Safety Committee

04:59:22to the armory on the 13th of February 2025, and lastly read with item 69, which is the Section 79 Petitions Standing Committee oversight visit to Alexandra on the 11th of March 2025.

Adjournment to 10:00 next day

04:59:48Colleagues, can we note all these reports? Thank you. Colleagues, we will, we are then at the end of today. We'll then come back tomorrow at 10:00 and finish the agenda. If we don't bicker, and we don't do all the things we did today, we'll be able to finish in time.

05:00:179:45 we are in, we are seated and we carry on. Councillor.

05:00:28Speaker, this morning you spoke about two urgency items that are coming tomorrow.

05:00:32Yes.

05:00:32Do you know if they've been loaded on the drive because I couldn't find them?

05:00:34They are on the drive. I checked, they're on the drive. I checked with it. They are on the drive. I asked twice. So, they're on the drive. Colleagues, drive safely and sleep early so that we are here tomorrow at 10:00. Thank you.