Thursday, 21 May 2026 · 4 h 14 min · 1 video · 2021–2026 council
State of the City Address Debate
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 (8)
- ◯Quorum count (1)
- ‖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.
The 9th extraordinary council meeting debated the Executive Mayor's State of the City Address, with parties responding first and the mayor replying afterwards. 00:00:10 The Executive Mayor was not in the chamber when debate began; the Speaker rejected a DA point of order to stop proceedings, ruling the Deputy Executive Mayor had been delegated to respond. 01:07:08 01:12:05
The start was held up by a break after a previous day's outage left chamber screens not working; on legal advice it was cut from 35 to 20 minutes, and 167 councillors were then present. 00:02:00 00:28:00
GOOD, ActionSA, FF+ and the DA criticised the address over issues including water outages, unemployment and city finances, while ANC, COPE and AIC speakers backed it. 01:10:45 01:18:28 01:28:28 01:41:07 02:01:48 02:24:17 02:30:08 02:44:33
In reply, the Executive Mayor admitted the city had defaulted on Eskom, promised a full report on a new arrangement on Monday, and said the debtors book, about R3 billion, would be sold. 03:35:19 03:50:42 Cllr Mposula and Cllr Christians rose on points of order saying the Mayor was misleading the house; the Speaker ruled the intervention was not a point of order. 04:02:23 A power failure delayed the Mayor's videos, and a later video played without sound while councillors shouted that it was AI-generated. 03:28:07 04:08:16
The house chose a 5-minute break over 10 minutes, and the Speaker adjourned the meeting to resume at 2:30. 04:11:51
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 rejects KfW loan: 129 for, 94 against, short of the 136 votes needed
In brief
- 8 decisions: 7 approved, 1 rejected.
- 8 promises on record, including: Roll out alternative sanitation in informal settlements together with the GPF.
- 1 quorum count.
- 48 apologies read out. Not present when called: 2; MMC or Mayor not present for their business: 1; Sound or equipment problem: 5; Warned or stopped by the chair: 8.
Chapters
31What was discussed, in order. Click a time to watch.
- 00:00:10
Opening and welcome
The Speaker opened the 9th extraordinary council meeting for the debate on the State of the City Address. She greeted office-bearers and officials and said parties would engage on the Executive Mayor's address, with the mayor to respond afterwards. She complained that councillors were arriving after the 10:00 start time.
Report an error - 00:02:00
Screen outage and request for a break
The Speaker said the quorum count and register needed confirming. She asked for a 35-minute break because of the previous day's outage, which left the screens not working and the name tags missing. After legal advice she reduced the break to the 20 minutes prescribed by the regulations.
Report an error - 00:28:00
Resumption and quorum confirmed
After the break the Speaker said the screens were working and asked councillors to be seated. She announced that 167 councillors were present, so the meeting was quorate. She again asked councillors to arrive on time.
Report an error - 00:29:26
Applications for leave of absence
The Speaker called the party whips for apologies. The IFP, DA, ActionSA, ANC, EFF, ACDP and PA gave names of absent councillors with reasons such as ill health, party business and study leave, plus several requests to leave early. The Speaker also read out further apologies and asked the house to note them.
MakhubaIFPMaseraDAMunyayiActionSANdlelaANCMkhonzaACDPCherryPAArnoldsAIC1 unidentified
Report an error - 00:35:43
Start of party debate and EFF caucus break
The Speaker opened the debate on the State of the City Address and called GOOD first. Before that, the EFF's representative asked for a 20-minute caucus break. The Speaker granted it and set the return time at 11:04, and the EFF later reported that it had resolved its issues.
ArnoldsAIC1 unidentified
Report an error - 00:57:37
ActionSA caucus break request
ActionSA asked for a 15-minute caucus break. The Speaker reminded parties that a 2:00 sitting followed and that several councillors had asked to leave early. She noted that all parties had been able to caucus during the earlier break and granted 7 minutes instead.
Report an error - 01:07:08
Session started without ActionSA
After ActionSA's seven minutes expired, the Speaker said the house would start regardless, since it was quorate without them. She asked non-councillors on the right-hand side to leave the chamber. She called on the Deputy Executive Mayor to come in to take notes and respond.
Report an error - 01:10:45
GOOD Party debate response
Cllr Cook of GOOD acknowledged the mayor's vision but said residents still faced water outages, broken traffic lights, collapsing roads and unemployment. He criticised the sale of public land and said public land should serve affordable housing and inclusive development. He said there were five months left before the elections and urged the mayor to leave a legacy of delivery rather than announcements.
Report an error - 01:12:05
Point of order on the Executive Mayor's absence
A DA councillor asked that proceedings stop until the Executive Mayor was in the chamber. The Speaker replied that the Deputy Executive Mayor had been delegated to take notes and respond. Another DA councillor asked whether the mayor had delegated his authority, and the Speaker said he had.
EcheozonjokuDAChristiansDAArnoldsAIC
Also discussed: Official notices and Acting Executive Mayor's statement (30 January 2025)
Report an error - 01:18:28
ANC debate response
Cllr Maswazi said the administration inherited a distressed city and now had a fully funded R89.4 billion budget. He welcomed the Lanseria airport renaming, 300 high-mast streetlights, the ring-fencing of utility revenue and the city's water trucks. He urged more trucks, acknowledged water and unemployment challenges, and criticised the DA.
Report an error - 01:28:28
ActionSA debate response
Cllr Coutriers called the address recycled and said the mayor failed to address hijacked buildings, crime, water outages, clinics, tariffs and unemployment. She cited the Hector Norris pump station being out of operation and the Finance Minister's warning of financial distress. She proposed fixing the basics, performance contracts for officials, ring-fenced infrastructure budgets and support for local economies.
Report an error - 01:41:07
Freedom Front Plus debate response
Cllr De Lange said the address put a positive spin on the term and focused on figures: R72 billion owed to the city and a R220 billion maintenance backlog. He argued that 23,000 jobs barely dent unemployment of 34.7%. He proposed collecting 20% of outstanding debt yearly and cutting operating expenditure by R10 billion.
Report an error - 01:46:27
IFP debate response by MMC Mabaso
MMC Mabaso said instability produced four administrations in five years and that stability is needed in the next term. He supported infrastructure-led development, by-law enforcement, inner city rejuvenation and housing delivery. He said a hostel redevelopment programme manager date, an informal settlement policy and alternative sanitation were coming.
Report an error - 01:52:05
Patriotic Alliance debate response
A PA councillor speaking in place of Cllr Ponsonby said residents do not experience the improvements described in the address. The speaker cited slow City Power and Joburg Water repair times. They complained that councillors were not heard and demanded implementation of the debt write-off council approved in November 2023.
1 unidentified
Report an error - 01:55:19
ACDP debate response (begins)
Cllr Mkhonza of the ACDP began his response by acknowledging God and quoting 1 Corinthians 13:11. He said the ACDP agreed with the mayor's call for collective action and willingness to work together. He said the mayor had improved by blaming an inherited broken city instead of apartheid, and argued that collective action requires maturity. His speech continues beyond this part.
Report an error - 01:57:05
ActionSA/ACDP response to SOCA: renewal, economy and public safety
A councillor continues a response to the State of the City Address by theme. The speaker questions the Metro Centre timelines and funding, spaza shop support, SMME licensing and who leads public safety. The speaker also raises the debtors book and ring-fencing of utility revenue.
1 unidentified
Report an error - 02:01:48
DA response to the State of the City Address
Cllr Echeozonjoku responds for the DA, disputing the Mayor's Cape Town unemployment comparison and health claims. She criticises MMC conduct allegations, the city's finances (AFD, JSE, Eskom, Treasury) and the self-awarded 82.3% score. She sets out DA pledges including pothole repair within 72 hours and 200,000 new jobs. The Speaker intervened during the speech to calm both sides.
Report an error - 02:24:17
COPE supports the address
Cllr Mokome of COPE reflects on urban research and on ageing inner-city precincts and churches. He says COPE supports the State of the City Address.
Report an error - 02:30:08
ANC response: inner-city renewal, War Room and service delivery
Cllr N Mazibuko of the ANC commends the Mayoral Committee and backs the Urban Management Plan and the War Room model. She calls for township economy procurement, ward-level dashboards and the independent investigation requested by the Mayor.
MazibukoANC
Report an error - 02:38:46
ATM response and questions on the Bomb Squad
Cllr Magwentshu of the ATM congratulates the Mayor on his last address and criticises the Bomb Squad and the Mayor's failure to appear before the Section 79 committee. He relays resident concerns from Drieziek and asks about the Metro Centre and hijacked buildings.
Report an error - 02:44:33
AIC response: legacy of the Government of Local Unity
Cllr Mhlongo of the AIC welcomes the address and defends the stability delivered by the Government of Local Unity. He supports partnerships and participatory governance.
Report an error - 02:51:05
EFF response: inequality, public safety, health and Eskom
Cllr Mkasi of the EFF asks why the address was held in a church and what it cost. He praises EFF-led Public Safety and Health work such as the Naledi Clinic. He criticises the Eskom settlement default, water losses and slow delivery, and lists interventions the EFF wants.
Report an error - 03:04:37
Al Jama-ah response
Cllr Gwamanda of Al Jama-ah speaks on political power and economic emancipation. He notes the city's wealth against unemployment of 26.5% and youth unemployment of 46.6%. The Speaker asked councillors to settle and noted a noise disturbance.
Report an error - 03:10:47
UDM response: governance stability and infrastructure backlog
Cllr Zigebe of the UDM acknowledges a library bylaw draft handed to MMC Amad that morning. He recognises progress but says the pace of governance is insufficient given the R220 billion infrastructure backlog and Eskom pressure. He cautions against permanent governing through emergency structures such as the Bomb Squad.
Report an error - 03:17:11
Chair of Chairs Marema: apartheid spatial planning and the DA
Chair of Chairs Cllr Marema speaks from the ANC perspective on townships and apartheid spatial planning. He criticises DA governance in Cape Town and backs the Mayor's speech, stressing reliability of services and streetlights. The Speaker intervened over a disputed interjection by a DA councillor.
Report an error - 03:28:07
Executive Mayor's reply: labour data and video presentations
The Executive Mayor rebuts the DA's unemployment claims and hands copies of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey to the DA. He tries to play videos but is delayed by a technical power failure. The Speaker offered a five-minute delay, which he declined.
Report an error - 03:35:19
Mayor's reply: finances, Eskom, Metro Centre and Bomb Squad
The Mayor acknowledges the Brixton Reservoir delay and admits the city defaulted on Eskom. He promises a full report on a new Eskom arrangement on Monday. He defends the Bomb Squad as lawful under the Systems Act and explains the Metro Centre building's unsafe state and PPP plans.
Report an error - 03:50:42
Mayor's reply: church venue, clinics, debtors book and ActionSA
The Mayor responds on the church venue, the city's clinics and the sale of the debtors book (about R3 billion). He disputes ActionSA's claims on reclaiming buildings and deporting undocumented people. He also promises to deal with church precincts in the inner city.
Report an error - 04:02:23
Points of order during Mayor's reply
Cllr Mposula raised a point of order under Rule 72, saying the Mayor misled the house about Herman Mashaba. Cllr Christians raised another point of order about the Mayor's video. The Speaker ruled it not a point of order and moved on amid heckling.
MposulaActionSAChristiansDAArnoldsAIC
Report an error - 04:08:16
Mayor's closing videos and conclusion of debate
The Mayor plays a video whose sound failed, and councillors shouted that it was AI-generated. He thanks councillors for the robust engagement in his last State of the City Address before the term ends. The Speaker moved to announcements.
Report an error - 04:11:51
Announcements and adjournment
The Speaker asked the house whether to take a 5 or 10 minute break before the next item. Five minutes was chosen and the meeting was adjourned, with resumption set for 2:30.
Report an error
Promises
8Commitments with a date, an amount or a 'we will'.
On 5 November 2026 (when this page was built): 1 overdue, 0 due in the next 30 days, 7 with no date. Overdue first; dates are AI readings of what was said; tap or hover a label for how. All promises.
Overdue by 164 daysDada Morero · Executive Mayor
Give council a full report on the new arrangement with Eskom.
03:42:28· by Monday· Report an error
Latest: Called late or dropped at a later sitting, 24 June 2026 (AI judgment)
Evidence: quote · 1 later sitting
“We will give you a full report on Monday when we conclude the new arrangement with Eskom.”
- Late or droppedEskom debate: Cllr Meyers (DA) as proposer · 24 June 2026 · and 2 more moments that day
No dateMlungisi Mabaso · MMC for Human Settlements
Roll out alternative sanitation in informal settlements together with the GPF.
Official record: SDBIP 2026/27 (AI-matched)
Not raised again in 12 sitting days since; no City report.
Evidence: quote · official record (2)
“we are going to roll out the alternative sanitation in the informal settlements”
- Official record SDBIP 2026/27, p.27: “provided access to interim sanitation services at minimum LoS 1 in informal Settlements” · 3 050 HH · R80 500 000 OPEX (2026/27)Plan for July 2026 to June 2027; online since Monday, 1 June 2026. AI-matched, not yet checked by a person.
- Official record SDBIP 2026/27, p.27: “Sanitation programme. Installation of basic sanitation services in Informal Settlements” · R80 500 000 OPEX (R'000: 80 500) (2026/27)Plan for July 2026 to June 2027; online since Monday, 1 June 2026. AI-matched, not yet checked by a person.
No dateMlungisi Mabaso · MMC for Human Settlements
01:50:47· by very soon· Report an error
Not raised again in 12 sitting days since; no City report.
Evidence: quote
“you will receive a date from the Department of Human Settlements”
No dateDada Morero · Executive Mayor
Assure that electricity supply will not be cut off by Eskom.
Latest: Said in progress at a later sitting, 24 June 2026 (AI judgment)
Evidence: quote · 2 later sittings · 1 City report
“the lights will not be switched off in Johannesburg.”
- In progressBudget speech: electricity, water and waste services · 27 May 2026
- In progressIT query and Deputy Executive Mayor's reply on Eskom · 24 June 2026 · and 3 more moments that day
- City says under wayCity newsroom, 27 May 2026: Joburg’s 26/27 budget allocates R 28.3 billion towards energy security
“the City is currently in discussions with Eskom on the current debt and recovery interventions with the support and collaborative efforts from national government, SALGA, regulators”
No dateDada Morero · Executive Mayor
Sell the city's debtors book linked to vacant stands to raise cash.
03:57:57· about R3 billion· Report an error
Not raised again in 12 sitting days since; no City report.
Evidence: quote
“we're going to sell the debtors book. We've evaluated it. It comes to about R3 billion”
No dateDada Morero · Executive Mayor
Finalise the Metro Centre PPP and proceed with the space optimisation program.
Official record: SDBIP 2026/27 (AI-matched)
Not raised again in 12 sitting days since; no City report.
Evidence: quote · official record (1)
“We will finalize the PPP, sign off on what was supposed to have been signed off”
- Official record SDBIP 2026/27, p.121: “Office Space Optimisation Program New Precinct Redevelopment” · R 504,000 (2026/27 MTREF)Plan for July 2026 to June 2027; online since Monday, 1 June 2026. AI-matched, not yet checked by a person.
No dateDada Morero · Executive Mayor
Sort out and protect all church precincts in the inner city.
Not raised again in 12 sitting days since; no City report.
Evidence: quote
“I will take up the issues you have raised to sort out all the church precincts”
No dateDada Morero · Executive Mayor
Attend the Section 79 Governance Committee on the Bomb Squad.
Latest: Raised again at a later sitting, 22 July 2026 (AI judgment)
Evidence: quote · 1 later sitting
“I appreciate your comments on the Governance Committee, and I will attend.”
- Raised againItems 23-24: Office of the City Manager performance · 22 July 2026
Decisions
8What council approved, rejected or put off.
- 00:04:04
Length of break before start of meetingapproved
On legal advice the Speaker replaced the proposed 35-minute break with a 20-minute break per the regulations.
- 00:28:50
Quorumapproved
The Speaker announced 167 councillors present, so the meeting was quorate.
- 00:35:15
Applications for leave of absenceapproved
The Speaker asked the house whether the apologies and leave requests were noted and moved on.
- 00:36:20
EFF request for 20-minute caucus breakapproved
The Speaker granted the break, with return set for 11:04.
- 00:58:57
ActionSA request for 15-minute caucus breakapproved
The Speaker granted 7 minutes instead of 15, with return set for 11:13.
- 01:07:32
Start of session after ActionSA break expiredapproved
The Speaker ruled the session would start even though ActionSA members were not yet in the chamber, as the house was quorate.
- 01:13:51
Point of order on Executive Mayor's absence and delegationrejected
The Speaker ruled that debate continues, with the Deputy Executive Mayor delegated to take notes and respond.
- 04:13:02
Adjournment for short breakapproved
The house chose a 5-minute break over 10 minutes and the Speaker adjourned the meeting, to resume at 2:30.
Attendance and conduct
64Who was away and why, as said in the chamber.
Apologies read out 48
- Ill health (15)
- Nyembe*, Chabalala, Roberts, Maila, Papo, Campbell-Cloete, Bittkau, Nkomo*, Mabelebele, Nair, Nyembe*, Mnyameni, Ngwenya*, Rohlssen, Kaldine
- Party business (9)
- Mohamed, Gerhard Niemand, Huggett, Mokoka, Ngwetsheni, Koma, Khonkhobe, Mogapi, Harris
- Private business (5)
- Benjamin, Truluck, Koekemoer, Mpolobosho, Abdool
- Arriving late (6)
- Zwane, Shange, Sthembiso Hlatshwayo, Sithembiso Zungu, Nzimande, Khomongoe
- Bereavement (2)
- Marumo, Mnisi*
* Name as heard; not matched to exactly one councillor.
Not present when called 2
MMC or Mayor not present for their business 1
- 01:08:11
The Executive Mayor was not in the chamber when debate on his address was due to begin.
Sound or equipment problem 5
- 00:02:29
Chamber screens were not working after an outage the previous day.
- 03:32:55
The Executive Mayor's video could not be played and technical staff were called for.
- 03:34:13
Chair reported a power failure affecting screens on one side of the chamber.
- 04:03:11
Tsoadi*: Chair noted an open microphone at the councillor's seat and asked for it to be switched off.
- 04:08:16
The Executive Mayor's second video played without sound.
Warned or stopped by the chair 8
- 00:28:21
The chair asked councillors at the back to be seated.
- 01:08:11
The chair told non-councillors to leave and councillors to be seated.
- 01:41:18
The chair asked people in the gallery to stop phone noise and talking.
- 01:42:02
The chair asked councillors in the corner to stop talking during a speech.
- 02:10:23
Unnamed councillor: Chair asked members on both sides to stop interrupting the speaker.
- 02:29:47
Unnamed councillor: Chair gave a speaking-time warning to the councillor at the podium.
- 03:05:37
Unnamed councillor: Chair stopped a speaker to address a councillor making noise while moving.
- 03:13:34
Nkonyeni: Chair paused the speaker and addressed this councillor by name.
Transcript
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