Friday, 20 March 2026 · 2 h 60 min · 1 video · 2021–2026 council
47th Extra-Ordinary Council Meeting
AI draft.Written by AI from the livestream and not yet checked by a person. Use the timestamps to check anything before you quote it.
- Governance and appointments
- Budget and finances
- Services, housing and development
- Other business (no topic tag)
- Procedure: roll call, apologies, breaks
- Decision (6)
- ◯Quorum count (2)
- ‖Adjourned or paused (4)
Chapters, decisions and procedure are AI drafts from the livestream; topic tags are AI judgments (a chapter with several shows its strongest). Services, housing and development covers water, electricity, roads, housing, waste, safety, health, planning and community facilities.
Council approved the 2025/26 Operating Adjustment Budget and Capital Adjustment Budget, each carried with 139 yes, 102 no and 0 abstentions, with the DA recording its opposition and reserving its rights. 01:26:49 02:02:13 Council also noted the SDBIP mid-year review and the Service Level Standards review with no count announced, and the DA's opposition was recorded on both. 02:33:58 02:48:04
ActionSA and the DA spoke against the operating budget, while the ANC supported it and the EFF said it would vote for the PFA, to which it said it had contributed close to R100 million. 00:57:56 01:03:49 01:10:13 01:14:23
Before debate on Item 1, Cllr Seerane raised safety concerns about people blocking and confronting councillors at the entrance, and claims were made that an EFF councillor was assaulted. 00:28:06 The Speaker called a 10-minute break to assess safety and later reported that all the protesters were outside. 00:40:45
MMC Masuku said the R270 million KfW loan component would move to the next financial year as agreed with KfW, and that the MEC had permitted the meeting in writing. 01:57:12
Proceedings were also delayed by an EFF caucus that ran to about 8 minutes, microphone failures, and a burning smell the Speaker attributed to people smoking outside the chamber. 00:04:55 00:40:45 02:44:00 Before the Item 1 vote, the Speaker rebuked Cllr Zitha for threatening to beat another member, and she later announced the ordinary council meeting had moved to 30 and 31 March 2026. 01:26:49 02:58:13
AI draft from the record of this sitting (Claude Opus 5.5), checked against the chapters; every sentence links to the moment. Report an error
This week in council: Council approves 2025/26 Operating and Capital Adjustment Budgets: 139 yes, 102 no
In brief
- 6 decisions: 4 noted or other, 2 approved.
- 1 question to the executive: 1 partly answered (AI-judged).
- 4 promises on record, including: Speaker will report back to Cllr Seerane during the meeting on action taken about the protesters at the entrance.
- 2 quorum counts.
- 24 apologies read out. Warned or stopped by the chair: 6; Sound or equipment problem: 2.
Chapters
27What was discussed, in order. Click a time to watch.
- 00:00:04
Quorum check and leave of absence
The Speaker reported 143 councillors in the chamber and 154 on the register, and ruled that there was a quorum. Leave of absence and late arrivals were read out by the Speaker and by councillors from several caucuses. The apologies were noted.
ArnoldsAICSmitFF+NdlelaANCMogapiEFFNtombelaActionSA
Report an error - 00:04:55
Recommendations tabled and EFF caucus break
The Deputy Executive Mayor tabled the recommendations to council. The EFF asked for a 5-minute caucus, which the Speaker granted. The break ran to about 8 minutes before the EFF reported back that it was ready to start.
ArnoldsAICLoyiso MasukuANCMogapiEFF
Report an error - 00:15:14
Welcome to Mangaung delegation and whips' caucus
The Speaker welcomed officials from Mangaung who were benchmarking at the City. The Chief Whip asked for a 10-minute caucus with the whips. Afterwards he reported that caucuses wishing to debate would debate and others would simply note.
Report an error - 00:28:06
Item 1 opens: security concerns over protesters at the entrance
Before debate on the operating adjustment budget, Cllr Seerane raised safety concerns about people blocking and confronting councillors at the entrance. The Speaker said VOC, JOC and SAPS had given assurances and asked anyone assaulted to open a case. The exchange became heated, including claims that an EFF councillor was assaulted. A DA councillor raised concern about safety assurances, and an ActionSA councillor questioned why the protesters were allowed to stay.
ArnoldsAICSeeraneEFFCookGOODEcheozonjokuDAMohlalaActionSA
Also discussed: Ward councillor security concern and procedural dispute (2 December 2025)
Report an error - 00:40:45
10-minute adjournment to assess safety and report back
The Speaker called a 10-minute break to assess the safety situation. On resumption she reported that the SAPS captain was moving the protesters to the other side of the fence. Technical problems with microphones delayed the resumption, and she later said all the protesters were outside.
Report an error - 00:54:51
Item 1 debate: Operating Adjustment Budget (GOOD, PA, ACDP, AIC)
Cllr Cook said her earlier comments stood and objected to the MMC's response about her capacity as chair. The PA and ACDP noted the report. The AIC supported and noted it.
CookGOODIsmael SteenkampPAHarrisACDPTemba MhlongoAIC
Report an error - 00:57:56
Item 1 debate: ActionSA rejects the budget
Cllr Edward said ActionSA rejected the adjustment budget, citing lateness, declining cash reserves and rising payables. She defended ActionSA's record on workers and blamed the ANC and DA. Cllr Raphadu raised a point of order that Mashaba was a DA mayor, not an ActionSA one.
Also discussed: Debate: DA (Cllr Santana) rejects the adjustment budget (12 March 2026) · Adjustment budget debate: ANC rejects (Councillor Mahlangu) (27 March 2025) · Adjustment budget debate: ANC rejects (Councillor Matabane) (27 March 2025)
Report an error - 01:03:49
Item 1 debate: DA opposes the adjustment budget
Cllr Santana set out MFMA sections 18 and 28. He objected to the politically facilitated agreement (PFA) being introduced without costing or trade-offs, and to oil price pressures and missing year-to-date data. The DA said it could not support the budget.
Also discussed: Debate: ACDP (Cllr Harris) on the PFA and affordability (12 March 2026) · Debate: FF+ (Cllr Boer) on unauthorised expenditure (12 March 2026)
Report an error - 01:10:13
Item 1 debate: EFF on the PFA and the Budget Steering Committee
MMC Tshwaku said the EFF agreed the PFA must pass and would vote for it. He complained about a lack of consultation by the Finance Department and about being bullied by the ANC. He said the EFF had contributed close to R100 million to the PFA.
Report an error - 01:14:23
Item 1 debate: ANC supports the budget
Cllr Radebe said the ANC supported the budget as honest and pro-poor and accepted that it had weaknesses. He blamed the wage bill on insourcing done under ActionSA. Cllr Nkonyeni tried to raise a point of personal explanation, which the Speaker did not accept.
Thapelo RadebeANCNkonyeniActionSA
Report an error - 01:21:26
Item 1: MMC Finance responds
MMC Masuku said Section 79 committees cannot approve a budget. He thanked parties for their support and said he had raised the assault on Cllr Mogapi with SAMWU leadership. He also objected to how MMC Tshwaku had addressed him and said Budget Steering Committee matters are internal.
Report an error - 01:26:49
Item 1: vote on the Operating Adjustment Budget
A recorded show of hands was held, after a complaint about an official in the chamber and an incident involving Cllr Zitha. The item was carried with 139 yes, 102 no and no abstentions. The DA recorded its opposition and reserved its rights.
ArnoldsAICSmitFF+NiemandDA
Report an error - 01:38:04
Item 2 debate: Capital Adjustment Budget (PA, GOOD, ACDP, AIC)
The PA noted the report with concern. Cllr Cook criticised the cut in infrastructure investment, loan funding reductions and delivery performance. The ACDP spoke briefly and corrected the date of Human Rights Day. The AIC supported the report with a call for delivery.
SmousePACookGOODRohlssenACDPTemba MhlongoAIC
Report an error - 01:44:56
Item 2 debate: ActionSA and DA
Cllr Nkonyeni attacked the ANC over the PFA and urged voters to reject it in the 2026 local government elections. Cllr Santana said slowing capital projects pointed to cash flow problems, citing the Woodmead Reservoir in his ward. The DA did not support the budget.
Report an error - 01:49:01
Item 2 debate: EFF
Cllr Zitha spoke for the EFF and said the EFF had fought for insourcing and the JMPD allowance. She said the proposed R276 million cut in the capital budget risked less investment in housing, infrastructure and services.
Also discussed: Item 1 debate: ActionSA (3 July 2025)
Report an error - 01:52:46
Item 2 debate: ANC supports the capital budget
Cllr Radebe said the ANC fully supported the budget as truthful and funded, noting R449 million in National Treasury grants. He criticised ActionSA, and Cllr Mposula raised a point of order about misleading the house.
Thapelo RadebeANCMposulaActionSA
Report an error - 01:57:12
Item 2: MMC Finance responds
MMC Masuku said the budget was funded and that the meeting was permitted in writing by the MEC under MFMA section 27(2). He apologised to Cllr Cook over the short notice at the earlier meeting. He said the loan reduction was R270 million from the KfW loan, moved to the next financial year as agreed with KfW.
Report an error - 02:02:13
Item 2: vote on the Capital Adjustment Budget
The Speaker called the vote on the recommendations. The item was carried with 139 yes, 102 no and no abstentions. The DA recorded its opposition and reserved its rights.
ArnoldsAICNiemandDA
Report an error - 02:09:59
Item 3 debate: SDBIP mid-year review (GOOD, ACDP)
Cllr Cook said the SDBIP contains over 160 proposed changes, including cutting the maintenance target from 8% to 7%. She questioned the removal of the Rea Vaya ridership KPI. The ACDP noted and supported the item, raising concerns on EPWP, bad buildings and senior citizens' housing.
Report an error - 02:15:52
Item 3 debate: PA on loans and the Transport budget
Cllr Pitso said loans fund 33% of the capital budget and should be reviewed. He said the Executive Mayor was cutting MMC Kunene's Transport budget and praised Operation Restore. The PA noted the item.
Report an error - 02:19:28
Item 3 debate: ActionSA and DA
Cllr Aphane said ActionSA approved the report with reservations, citing repeated Auditor-General findings and a lack of consequence management. Cllr Kyle Jacobs said the DA rejected the revised SDBIP, citing the cut to the maintenance target, unpaid contractors and the R1.35 billion PFA cost.
Report an error - 02:26:31
Item 3 debate: EFF and ANC
The EFF's Cllr Radebe questioned whether the revisions improved measurement or only lowered expectations, citing maintenance and housing targets. Cllr Modupi for the ANC said the plan was imperfect but necessary and urged opposition parties to support it.
Report an error - 02:33:58
Item 3: MMC Finance responds and item noted
MMC Masuku said the mid-year review is legislated and that the capital funding mix of cash, loans and grants is encouraged by National Treasury. He said the deviations were reviewed by the Group Audit Performance Committee. The item was noted, the DA recorded its opposition, and Cllr Smit raised a threat allegedly made by an official.
Loyiso MasukuANCNiemandDASmitFF+
Report an error - 02:39:26
Item 4 debate: Service Level Standards review (PA, GOOD, ACDP)
Cllr Simonse used her time to complain about how councillors were treated when speaking about MMC Kunene. Cllr Cook warned that replacing the clinic waiting-time indicator and changing City Power communication standards weaken accountability. The ACDP noted the report.
Report an error - 02:44:00
Item 4 debate: ActionSA and DA, smoke interruption
An ActionSA councillor spoke in Xitsonga, supporting faster service delivery but refusing to act as a rubber stamp. Cllr Kyle Jacobs said the DA did not support the deviations. The debate was interrupted by a burning smell, which the Speaker later attributed to people smoking outside the chamber.
MabundaActionSAKyle JacobsDA
Report an error - 02:48:04
Item 4 debate: EFF, ANC and MMC Finance; item noted
The EFF's Cllr Radebe said standards should not be lowered to excuse poor performance. Cllr Modupi said deviations are legally required under the MFMA and Municipal Systems Act, and invited people to a march at Constitutional Hill. MMC Masuku asked council to note the report, and it was noted. The DA recorded its opposition and complained about the chairs.
Nonhlanhla RadebeEFFMunyayiActionSAModupiANCLoyiso MasukuANCNiemandDA
Report an error - 02:58:13
Announcements and adjournment
The Speaker announced that the ordinary council meeting had been moved to 30 and 31 March 2026. She thanked councillors, guests, media and residents following on Facebook, and adjourned the meeting.
Report an error
Questions to the executive
1Did the Mayor or MMC answer what was asked?
- Partly answeredcommits to an action, date or amount
Item 1
Verdicts are AI judgments (Jev, by TypeSafe). Tap or hover one for the probabilities, and listen to both before relying on it. Report an error
Promises
4Commitments with a date, an amount or a 'we will'.
On 5 November 2026 (when this page was built): 0 overdue, 0 due in the next 30 days, 1 with no date. Overdue first; dates are AI readings of what was said; tap or hover a label for how. All promises.
Due in 237 daysLoyiso Masuku · Deputy Executive Mayor · MMC for Finance
The KfW loan component of R270 million will be moved to the next financial year, as agreed with KfW.
02:00:26· by next financial year· R270 million· Report an error
Latest: Raised again at a later sitting, 26 May 2026 (AI judgment)
Evidence: quote · 3 later sittings
“270 million from KfW loan uh which will be moved to the next uh financial year”
- In progressEskom notice and City Power turnaround · 20 May 2026
- Late or droppedResult: KfW loan item not carried · 21 May 2026 · and 1 more moment that day
- Raised againRecommendations to council: KfW loan item introduced · 26 May 2026 · and 1 more moment that day
Due the same or next dayMargeret Sheron Arnolds · AIC
00:31:28· by during the course of this meeting· Report an error
Not raised again in 17 sitting days since; no City report.
Evidence: quote
“So, we will report back to you during the course of this meeting.”
Due the same or next dayTshwaku
The EFF will vote today to approve the budget funding for the PFA.
01:13:59· by today· R100 million· Report an error
Not raised again in 17 sitting days since; no City report.
Evidence: quote
“We are going to give you the R100 million.”
No dateMargeret Sheron Arnolds · AIC
Speaker will send the MMC the SAPS captain's message about opening cases for anyone assaulted.
Not raised again in 17 sitting days since; no City report.
Evidence: quote
“I will write to you the message from the captain”
Decisions
6What council approved, rejected or put off.
- 00:04:41
Applications for leave of absence and late arrivalsnoted
The Speaker asked if the apologies were noted and moved on to the next item.
- 01:36:42
Item 1: Operating Adjustment Budget 2025/26approved
Carried with 139 yes, 102 no and 0 abstentions; the DA recorded its opposition and reserved its rights.
- 02:09:23
Item 2: Capital Adjustment Budget 2025/26approved
Carried with 139 yes, 102 no and 0 abstentions; the DA recorded its opposition and reserved its rights.
- 02:38:08
Item 3: 2025/26 mid-year review of the institutional SDBIP and departmental and entity business plansnoted
Council noted the report; the DA's opposition was recorded and it reserved its rights.
- 02:57:35
Item 4: 2025/26 Institutional SDBIP Mid-Year Service Level Standards Review (deviations and adjustments)noted
Council noted the report; the DA's opposition was recorded and it reserved its rights.
- 02:58:20
Announcement: next ordinary council meetingnoted
The Speaker reminded the house that the ordinary council meeting was moved to 30 and 31 March 2026.
Attendance and conduct
32Who was away and why, as said in the chamber.
Apologies read out 24
- Private business (1)
- Roberts
- No reason given (1)
- Karolia
- Party business (2)
- Andrew Marais, Mkhonto
- Bereavement (1)
- Themba Mabunda
* Name as heard; not matched to exactly one councillor.
Warned or stopped by the chair 6
- 00:35:18
Zitha: Chair tells Cllr Zitha to stop interjecting while she responds.
- 01:00:38
Edward: Chair stops the speaker to allow a point of order.
- 01:17:47
Thapelo Radebe: Chair asks the ANC speaker to sit so a point can be heard.
- 01:18:52
Nkonyeni: Chair does not accept the intervention and tells him to be seated.
- 01:29:44
Zitha: Chair rebukes Cllr Zitha for threatening to beat another member.
- 02:52:22
Modupi: Chair stops the speaker to hear a councillor who had a hand up.
Sound or equipment problem 2
Transcript
523Every line, linked to the video.
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