Budget and finances

Executive Mayor's question time: PFA funding

ActionSA's Cllr Nkonyeni asked whether the city has funding to cover the PFA. The Executive Mayor said the city is negotiating with the trade unions, having approved salary scales in 2024. He said negotiations are on track and council will be updated once the PFA implementation is finalised.

PromiseThe Executive Mayor will update council and residents as the PFA implementation is finalised.

Item 17: Funding plan for medium-term capital budget 2026/27–2028/29

Debate on a plan for about R10 billion in long-term external borrowing over three years plus up to R5 billion short-term facilities. The ACDP noted the report. FF+, ActionSA and the DA opposed it, citing timing before the election, reliance on future cash flows and a disputed 90% collection rate. The ANC and MMC Masuku supported it, citing 28% gearing and the need for service delivery.

PromiseIf necessary, the DA will take legal action to reverse items passed that it says bind the next administration.

Item 17 vote: funding plan not carried

The debate was closed and a party-by-party vote taken. ActionSA asked that its dissent be recorded. The count was 117 yes, 93 no and no abstentions, short of the 136 required, so the item was not carried.

Decisionrejected: It received 117 yes and 93 no with no abstentions, short of the 136 votes required, so it was not carried.

Item 27: Extension of general valuation roll 2023 to June 2028

Councillors debated extending the 2023 general valuation roll's validity by a year, given valuer resignations, vacancies and system problems. FF+, DA, EFF and ANC supported the extension, while the DA and FF+ raised concerns about capacity and consequence management. ActionSA rejected it, saying the city had not shown its capacity problems would be fixed.

Item 27 vote: valuation roll extension carried

A party-by-party vote on page 27.6 was taken. Only ActionSA voted no, and the Speaker declared the item carried.

Decisionapproved: Only ActionSA voted no, and the Speaker declared the item carried.

Item 10: Group SCM Acquisition Status Report (April-June 2026)

The DA's Cllr Pietersen said the report lacks CSD verification, SARS tax compliance, conflict-of-interest and other compliance evidence, and proposed what future reports should include. The ANC's Cllr Nofemela noted the report and recommended reporting on panel procurement. When the Speaker asked for an executive member to close the item, several MMCs were called until MMC Makhafola noted the report.

PromiseThe DA councillor will give his speech on SCM reporting standards to the executive as notes.

Item 11: SCM deviations, ratifications and transversal contracts report

The DA's Cllr Pietersen welcomed zero deviations but questioned using a national transversal contract for air quality monitoring equipment, citing the Afrirent irregular expenditure. The ANC's Cllr Nofemela noted the report, including the R11.5 million Wits School of Governance appointment. MMC Masuku asked council to note it. FF+, GOOD and UIM voted no and the item was declared carried.

Decisionnoted: FF+, GOOD and UIM voted no and the rest yes or noted; the Speaker declared the item carried, saying only two said no.

Item 14: Background paper on financial sustainability, oversight priorities

The Finance Committee chair was absent, so Cllr Boer (FF+) tabled the paper on behalf of the Section 79 Committee. Boer and Cllr Santana (DA) said the committee lacks timeous reports, performance targets and consequence management for the turnaround strategy. An ANC speaker said the ANC notes the report, and MMC Mgcina noted the comments for the executive.

Item 15: Frankenwald and Bergvallei mixed housing developments

Cllr Rambani (DA) said the report contravenes the 2022 council framework and lacks disclosure of Calgro's spending and bulk infrastructure costs. He asked for it to be withdrawn. An ANC councillor and MMC Mabaso said the land is private, Calgro is funding the work, and the recommendations only authorise negotiations, with any financial agreement to return to Council.

Items 18 and 19: In-year financial reports (June and July 2026), first speakers

The two MFMA reports were debated together with a combined speaking time. Cllr Mkhonza (ACDP) objected to conditional grant spending of 66%. Cllr Boer (FF+) said 1.6bn in grants went unspent and City Power's overdraft reached R22.4bn. Cllr Nkonyeni raised law and by-law enforcement, billing and revenue protection, and supported noting with concern.

Items 18 and 19: DA, ANC and executive responses

Cllr Santana (DA) said expenditure was 6% over budget, capital spending was only 1% by July, and the debtors book stood at R79bn. He called for monthly capital reporting and deadlines for corrective actions. Cllr Maswazi (ANC) cited improvements and asked Finance to strengthen variance and capital project reporting. MMC Masuku said inputs were noted and asked Council to note the reports.

Item 25: Reviewed NGO Empowerment Policy

Cllr B. Jacobs (DA) said the policy needs proper scrutiny by the Section 79 Committee and criticised the ANC, EFF and PA for approving policies without financial backing. MMC Mabaso said it is a review of a 2010 policy and that implementation follows the MFMA. Cllr Ntoele and Cllr Makaula were not available to speak.

Oral question: untarred roads

A DA councillor asked about the plan, budget and timeline for upgrading about 1,040 km of untarred roads. The Deputy Executive Mayor replied that just under R40 million is available for the gravel roads programme and no specific President Park programme exists. JRA would ask for more money in the December adjustment budget.

PromiseJRA will ask in the December adjustment budget for the city to put more money into road design work and raise medium-term allocations for roads.

Oral question: New Turffontein Clinic

Cllr Modukanene asked why the reported completion percentage moved from 71% to 55% to 75%, and about spend, budget and completion. The MMC for Development Planning said the drop came from the replacement contractor being measured from a new baseline. R29.4 million had been spent, the approved budget is R30 million against an actual R45 million, and completion was committed for end of September.

PromiseThe department commits to completing the New Turffontein Clinic project by the end of September, October at the latest.

Item 35: Academy for Chartered Accountants training policy

ACDP noted the report, the DA questioned the value of the Academy, and the EFF opposed the item citing governance and transformation concerns. The Deputy Executive Mayor undertook to supply the information requested and said the policy follows SAICA guidance. The item was agreed.

PromiseThe executive will add the supplementary information requested on the Academy for Chartered Accountants policy and bring it back to council.

Decisionapproved: The recommendations on page 35.25 were agreed to, despite EFF opposition in debate.

Item 36: HIV/AIDS conditional grant (R35.178 million)

Parties debated acceptance of the Gauteng Provincial Treasury grant for the Jozi Ihlomile door-to-door programme. ACDP asked for monthly reports and a breakdown of previous spending. UDM, ActionSA, EFF and ANC supported it. MMC Makhafola said Zola Clinic is provincial and the matter would be escalated. The item was agreed.

PromiseThe city will keep escalating the Zola Clinic complaints with the province, which runs the clinic.

Decisionapproved: The recommendations on page 36.5 were agreed to.

Item 29: Irregular expenditure recovery and regularisation (August 2026)

MPAC's motivation to recover R2.2 billion and certify R420.1 million as irrecoverable was debated. ACDP, FF+ and the DA criticised vague information and weak consequence management, and ActionSA backed the recommendations while pressing for accountability. The acting member in charge closed and the item was agreed.

Items 1 and 2: ACDP and FF+ on the April and May MFMA reports

Cllr Mkhonza supported noting the reports but criticised capital expenditure, conditional grant spending and the R75.7 billion debtors book. He asked the Deputy Executive Mayor for a strategy to avoid forfeiting grants. Cllr Boer (FF+) highlighted the May deficit of R18.3 million and 52% capital spending. He also raised R10.1 billion in debt impairment and Johannesburg Water losses.

Items 1 and 2: DA on city finances

Cllr Santana said the reports showed an ANC-led coalition failing to control finances. He pointed to a swing from a R752.5 million surplus in April to an R18.3 million deficit in May, falling cash, rising creditors, and capital spending of 52%. He also cited withheld and returnable grants, turnover in finance leadership, and inconsistencies in the reports.

Items 1 and 2: EFF contributions

Cllr Nethamba said the reports showed underspending of the capital budget and conditional grants and called for accountability and consequence management. Cllr Zitha described the city as seriously ill, citing low capital expenditure by department, water and electricity losses, and the Johannesburg Water infrastructure shortfall. Both speakers used their time to promote Dr Tlaleng for mayor ahead of the 4 November election.

Items 1 and 2: ANC on the Section 71 reports

Cllr Modupi supported both reports, citing a 91.2% May collection rate, capital spending of R4.4 billion and 52% execution, and improved cash and investments. He said the city had settled the R5.25 billion Eskom debt and acknowledged the May operating deficit. He criticised earlier DA-led administrations and urged voters to support the ANC.

Items 1 and 2: Finance MMC's response and noting

The Deputy Executive Mayor, as MMC for Finance, acknowledged the capital expenditure problem and said a war room in the COO's office follows it up weekly. She corrected Cllr Zitha, saying Moody's had moved the city to a positive outlook in July. She also noted concern about entity overdrafts and Johannesburg Water. Council noted both reports.

Decisionapproved: The Speaker asked whether council noted both reports and then moved to the next item.

Item 3: ANC on the ethics code and points of order

Cllr Molefe congratulated Cllr Radebe, thanked the Mayor and Finance MMC for settling the Eskom debt, and supported adopting the code. Cllr Christians raised a point of order that the Eskom debt had not been settled in full, which the Speaker deferred to be checked. A further exchange followed over the blue T-shirts, and the Speaker repeated her earlier ruling.

Item 3: Deputy Executive Mayor's reply and adoption of the code

The Deputy Executive Mayor said the framework strengthens integrity and accountability and should be measured by implementation. She attacked previous DA and ActionSA mayors on ethical leadership and financial misconduct processes. Cllr Echeozonjoku objected under Rule 72 that the DA did not dissolve the disciplinary board. The MMC read an Eskom statement that City Power had settled R5.255 billion in full, and the item was agreed.

Decisionapproved: The Speaker asked whether the recommendations were agreed to and the house answered 'Agreed'.

Item 6: GEF grant funding, first round of party speakers

Council considered accepting Global Environment Facility grant funding, with the DBSA as partner, for solar and energy efficiency work. The ACDP, GOOD, UDM, DA and an ActionSA proxy supported or noted the item. They raised concerns about the co-financing from City Power, unfunded obligations, oversight and procurement.

Item 6: FF+ support, MMC response and agreement

The Freedom Front Plus supported the grant and said it would oversee the spending through the Section 79 EISD Committee. MMC Sekwaila said the grant fits the plan to turn City Power into an energy company and responded to concerns on spending and reporting. The item was agreed.

PromiseThe FF+ will oversee spending of the GEF grant through the Section 79 EISD Committee.

PromiseMMC Sekwaila undertook to ensure the GEF grant money is spent in line with its mission.

Decisionapproved: Council agreed to accept the GEF grant of about US$3 million, with a co-financing commitment of about US$6.5 million.

Item 7: Egoli Gas price determination methodology 2026-2031

The ACDP objected that the methodology was being approved retroactively after the 30 June expiry. ActionSA and the ANC noted the report. The EFF supported it but asked what council was approving if NERSA is responsible, and again raised water in Zandspruit. MMC Sekwaila responded and the item was agreed.

Decisionapproved: The item was agreed without recorded objection after the party speakers and MMC Sekwaila.

Item 8: Egoli Gas 2026/27 tariffs

The ACDP welcomed the CPI-linked increase, and ActionSA, the EFF and the ANC noted the report. MMC Sekwaila thanked councillors, with a light exchange on Pirates and Chiefs. The item was agreed.

Decisionapproved: The item was agreed after parties noted the report.

Item 9: Rea Vaya Phase 1A Bus Operating Company public participation notice

An ACDP stand-in welcomed the report, and the DA said it did not support the item. The DA called it a hospital pass, citing R3.2 billion in costs over seven years against R820 million in returns, Treasury red flags and monopolisation of routes. The ANC noted the report and MMC Mgcina said the questions would be escalated.

Chair of Chairs tables Items 1 and 2

Cllr Marema, Chair of Chairs, tabled the legislature report. Item 1 was the 2024/25 Group Integrated Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2025. Item 2 was the MPAC oversight report on that annual report.

MPAC oversight report presented

The second item, the MPAC oversight report on the 2024/25 annual report, was tabled. The MPAC chair presented it, but the transcript captures none of the presentation's content.

ActionSA supports report with reservations

Cllr Modukanene said ActionSA supports the MPAC report with reservations. She cited the qualified audit for core departments, weak procurement and contract controls, and poor consequence management. She criticised the Executive Mayor for earlier attacking Herman Mashaba instead of answering the report. A point of order was raised that she was out of order, and she was told to wrap up.

ACDP debate input

Cllr Mkhonza welcomed the Joburg Market's clean audits and raised concerns about the R30.3 billion UIFW balance, conditional grant underspending and the 59% SDBIP result. He also raised the missing audit action plans, debt management and late variance reports. His time ran out as he raised the Transport Department.

DA on MPAC report and AG finding

Cllr Suddaby said MPAC submits the report with reservations. She criticised management's claim that the AG got it wrong and the unused student-accommodation building bought in 2014. She welcomed Recommendation 3, which would make departmental inputs resolutions of council. She said a DA-led council would demand a full account of outstanding resolutions, and the DA supports the recommendations.

PromiseIf elected, a DA-led council will demand a full account of all outstanding MPAC and Section 79 committee resolutions.

FF+ on financial findings

Cllr Boer commended the Joburg Market and Joburg Theatre for clean audits but raised concern about the core's qualified opinion over sundry debtors and R398 million of misallocated expenses. He cited the JSE suspension of bond trading and the risk of a credit downgrade. He also noted unauthorised expenditure of R9.1 billion and a R1.6 billion surplus going into Capex.

DA on Auditor-General findings

Cllr Wax said the report reflected governance decay and called for a forensic review of irregular and wasteful expenditure, stronger internal audit and risk management, and a leadership accountability framework. He said 4 November would be the political administration's day of reckoning.

EFF supports report

Cllr Mosehla said the EFF supports the MPAC report. He noted the unqualified group opinion and the core's qualified opinion on R948.4 million of sundry debtors and R398 million of misallocated expenditure. He added that the report still shows weaknesses in procurement, controls and consequence management, with about 40% of service delivery targets missed.

ANC supports report

Cllr Lobi said the ANC supports the report. He highlighted the group's unqualified audit, the audit remediation programme, R23 billion in irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure regularised, and 10% revenue growth. He acknowledged R30 billion in historic UIFW remains and 40% of SDBIP targets were missed.

Deputy Executive Mayor responds

Deputy Executive Mayor Masuku welcomed the retained unqualified group audit opinion and recommitted to accelerating audit action plans and consequence management. He said the city had lodged its dispute with the Auditor-General before the management letter was released, correcting Cllr Suddaby. He asked Council to note the report.

PromiseThe executive will accelerate implementation of the audit action plans.

PromiseThe executive will fast-track disciplinary cases and investigations.

MPAC chair concludes and acknowledges members

The MPAC chair recommended that Council approve the 2024/25 Annual Report with reservations under Section 129(1) of the MFMA. He acknowledged councillors who served on MPAC and the support staff, noting MPAC never collapsed a meeting for lack of quorum.

Reading of disciplinary board recommendations 4.2 to 4.6 into the record

After the in-committee session, a councillor asked whether the process was in line, and the Speaker was advised the recommendations had to be read as they stand. An unnamed presenter read recommendations 4.2 to 4.6, covering the unutilised MTN SIM cards, the Protea Glen fire station, SARS penalties, unutilised SAP licences and the security services panel tender. The Speaker said all recommendations for items 39, 40 and 41 were now on record.

Items 1, 2 and 3: Development Planning and JDA Q3 performance and oversight reports

Council returned to the agenda with items 1, 2 and 3, read together. They are the Development Planning Department and Johannesburg Development Agency Q3 2025/26 performance assessment reports and the Section 79 committee oversight report. The Speaker asked a committee member to present because the member in charge, Chair Kaldine, was absent.

Decisionnoted: The recommendations were read into the record and the Speaker moved to the main agenda; no vote is recorded in this part.

Tabling of the Development Planning Section 79 committee oversight report

Cllr Ramafikeng tabled the report, saying the department achieved 76% of its 17 applicable KPIs in quarter three. She cited exhausted project budgets, suspended Section 56 fines, high vacancies and CAPEX of R46.5 million of R79.7 million. For the JDA she reported 84% of 19 KPIs achieved, and cash flow, funding model and budget constraints. Cllr Schay queried whether she was tabling or making a speech, and the Speaker said the member in charge has four minutes for tabling.

ActionSA debate on JDA funding and cash flow

Cllr Sehoai of ActionSA said the JDA must be prioritised in budget allocation and capacity. She said its cash flow problems harm SMMEs and workers through late invoice payments and stalled projects. She said ActionSA notes the reports and appealed for a review of the entity's financial and business model.

DA debate on silo governance and JDA interest costs

Cllr Schay of the DA argued that the city works in silos, citing Section 41 of the Constitution on cooperation between organs of state. He pointed to R96.7 million in JDA interest expense (1,446% over budget), stalled projects, the broken Section 56 fines system, the building plan archive and developer delays. He said the DA notes the reports with serious concern and wants the problems resolved, not merely noted. During his speech the Speaker repeatedly called on Cllr Raphadu.

ANC on Development Planning and JDA reports (items 1-3)

Cllr Tefu welcomes the Vrededorp swimming pool and the spatial data platform. He raises concern that the department achieved 13 of 17 KPIs, only 4 of 9 gatekeeping KPIs (44.4%), and spent R19.1m of a R27m grant target. He credits JDA's consistent performance above 80% and urges residents to vote ANC.

MMC Mgcina responds; items 1-3 agreed

MMC Mgcina accepts the criticism and acknowledges the problem of unpaid service providers. She agrees JDA's budget should be prioritised but disagrees with praise for former Mayor Mashaba. The Acting Chairperson asks council to note and approve the reports, and the recommendations are agreed.

Decisionapproved: The Speaker asked whether the recommendations on the stated pages were agreed and councillors answered "Agreed".

FF+ on Economic Development cluster

Cllr de Lange criticises the habit of spending most capex and opex in the fourth quarter. He cites JPC irregular expenditure of R320m and Economic Development capex at 37.4% of R228m, with 0% capex in the quarter. He says the only bright spot is Joburg Market.

ActionSA, EFF and ANC on Economic Development cluster

Cllr Mohlala, speaking for Cllr Moatshe, defends Mashaba's tenure and welcomes the Joburg Market's progress. He criticises the department's 67% performance and zero capex, and asks how market stalls are allocated. The EFF notes the report. Cllr Bolani supports noting items 4-7, praising Tourism Company and Joburg Market while pointing to SMME support and capex gaps.

MMC Mnisi responds; items 4-8 agreed

MMC Mnisi thanks councillors and acknowledges achievements and shortfalls. He tells Cllr Mohlala to use the proper process for questions. Cllr Mhlongo congratulates Joburg Market on consecutive clean audits and asks council to approve. The recommendations are agreed.

PromiseCorrective measures will be implemented to improve the Economic Development portfolio's performance.

Decisionapproved: The recommendations on pages 4.6, 5.15, 6.20, 7.6 and 8.13 were agreed.

DA on Joburg Water performance

Cllr Bittkau calls the Joburg Water report a litany of failures. He cites pipe bursts repaired within 48 hours at 42% against a 90% target, 49.9% non-revenue water and capex of 34%. He blames cash-flow restrictions and executive mismanagement, and says 85.1% of invoices were paid late.

Items 14-16 read in and tabled (Group Finance and GICT)

The Secretary reads items 14 to 16: the Q3 reports for Group Finance and Group ICT and the Section 79 Finance oversight report. Cllr Cook has left to be sworn in as a councillor in Cape Town, so the Speaker asks another finance committee member to present. An unnamed councillor tables the items.

ActionSA, DA and FF+ on Group Finance report

Cllr Nkonyeni says the city's cash coverage is five days and that revenue collection and supplier payments are weak. Cllr Santana cites collection of 84.4% of billed revenue, consumer debtors of R73.7bn and capex spend of 40.6%. Cllr Boer says the report shows systemic problems and links the debt to illegal water use.

ACDP, PA and DA on Group Finance and GICT

Cllr Mkhonza asks about internal debtors and about payments to service providers for laptops, a billing project and office leases. The PA notes the report. Cllr Suddaby criticises GICT's results, the stalled MSCOA project and the document retention gap, and the DA notes the report.

ANC and Deputy Mayor respond on items 14-16; agreed

Cllr Radebe highlights property rates revenue above budget and growth in e-billing users, and acknowledges 83% collection and five-day cash coverage. Deputy Executive Mayor Masuku calls the picture balanced, rejects ActionSA's "jikijiki" loan claim and says specifics on service providers need a written question. Recommendations are agreed.

PromiseRespond, via the administration, to a written question on specific service-provider payments.

Decisionapproved: The recommendations on pages 14.4, 15.3 and 16.13 were agreed.

Items 17-19: Health and Social Development tabled

The Secretary read items 17, 18 and 19 together: the Health and Social Development Q3 performance reports and the Section 79 oversight report. A councillor from the Health committee tabled them because Cllr Mogapi was absent.

Items 20-22: party debate on housing and JOSHCO

The UDM noted the report. The ACDP, PA, ActionSA and DA criticised the housing backlog, the Maxwell Court building, council rental unit maintenance and 40% department performance. The DA detailed JOSHCO's R391.5 million deficit and low collections. An ANC councillor noted the report and called for a permanent executive director.

Items 34-37: Legislature and Ombudsman

Items 34 to 37 covered the Legislature and Office of the Ombudsman Q3 reports and the OCOL oversight reports. Cllr Baloyi tabled the oversight reports. The ACDP welcomed 71% performance. ActionSA criticised a three-year Ombudsman delay on a stormwater cover complaint. The DA cited 27% public participation and weak spending. The EFF and ANC noted the reports.

Decisionagreed: The recommendations at 34.12, 35.8, 36.5 and 37.7 were agreed to.

Items 79, 80 and 81 combined: Section 71 in-year reports

The Section 71 in-year financial reports for January, February and March 2026 were introduced. At the DA's request, the three items were combined for debate.

ACDP on Section 71 reports

Cllr Mkhonza raised low collection rates of around 84% and weak conditional grant performance, with the Public Transport Network Grant at 41% and then 32%. He also noted low capital expenditure and nil spending in several departments, and negative cash movements in January and February. The ACDP noted the reports and asked the Executive how it would ensure grants are fully spent.

ActionSA speech and order dispute

Cllr Nkonyeni described the city's finances as collapsed and made remarks aimed at opposition members. Cllr Raphadu complained that the speaker was engaging members rather than the report. The Speaker asked him to stick to the item and Cllr Christians raised Rule 82. Cllr Nkonyeni continued and urged people to vote for ActionSA, and the chamber became disorderly.

DA on Section 71 reports

Cllr Santana said the city was running an operating deficit of about R418 million against a budgeted surplus, and capital spending was only 30% of the R8.7 billion budget. He cited falling cash balances and a heavy debtors book, then proposed remedies including expenditure discipline, faster capital delivery and targeted credit control.

FF+ on Section 71 reports

Cllr Boer said errors in the March report, such as cash collection attributed to the wrong month and a collection rate drop from 96% to 81%, made the figures unreliable. He said this undermines the turnaround framework. He noted the sinking fund of R1.6 billion and the repayment of the R3 billion short-term facility as positives.

ANC on Section 71 reports

Cllr Modupi said the reports show a recovery by March but with ongoing concerns on expenditure pressure, uneven capital spending and the sharp swing between February and March. He said Council should interrogate and reconcile the reports. The ANC welcomed and noted the reports.

Executive response and noting of items 79-81

The Acting Mayor responded that the March improvement came from released grants, including withheld USDG funds, and that the April dip reflected 11 public holidays. She pointed to the turnaround plan and debt relief programme approved the previous day. The Speaker said items 79, 80 and 81 were for noting and they were noted.

Decisionnoted: The Speaker said the three items were for noting and they were noted.

Item 84: Biogas pilot project budget shortfall transfer to DBSA

Council considered authorising a R50 million transfer to the DBSA to complete the biogas pilot project that began in 2014-2016. The ACDP, FF+ and EFF criticised the delays, with the ACDP and EFF supporting the item. ActionSA approved the report. The DA opposed it and asked for a referral to MPAC. The Acting Mayor said deferral risked losing the grant and set out completion and reporting commitments.

PromiseThe biogas pilot project will be completed by July, and at the latest December 2027.

PromiseEISD will submit quarterly progress reports on the biogas project to Council.

PromiseMonitoring and reporting on biogas project milestones will be provided, including to the Section 79 committee.

Item 84 vote and roll call demand

The Speaker put item 84 to the chamber and, after a mixed response, ruled that the yeses had it. Cllr Christians invoked Rule 86 and demanded a roll call vote because of the amount involved.

Decisionapproved on voice vote; roll call demanded: The Speaker ruled the yeses had it, and Cllr Christians demanded a roll call under Rule 86, which was pending at the end of this part.

Item 90: DA opposition and withdrawal of 'mafia' remark

Cllr Bodenstein said the DA rejected the report, citing a developer windfall and the urgency of the item. The Acting Mayor objected to the word mafia and the Speaker required an unconditional withdrawal. Cllr Bodenstein withdrew it amid heckling and continued.

Speaking-time dispute and ACDP on swimming pools and sport

The Speaker ruled on how time was shared between the DA speakers and gave Cllr Harris three minutes. He asked how 17 of the city's 57 pools fell into disrepair and questioned the sports participation figures. He also cited funding and payment problems at JCPZ, and said the ACDP notes the reports.

EFF on Community Development, Joburg City Theatres and JCPZ

Cllr Raholane welcomed the reported performance of Comdev, the Theatres and JCPZ. He said reported targets must translate into visible service on the ground. He raised concerns about revenue collection, late supplier payments, maintenance and audit findings, called for stronger consequence management, and said the EFF supports the recommendation.

Item 64: amendment of Lenasia Erf 7327 lease (MFMA s116(3))

Cllr Dewes (DA) said the lease was signed in 1997 and JPC had failed to enforce its conditions for 29 years. She said the DA could not support the item because its request to refer it to National Treasury was ignored. Cllr De Lange (FF+) said the developer should not get another 20 years and the land should go to public participation and open bids. On a voice vote the Speaker declared the yeses had it, and the DA and FF+ recorded dissent.

Decisionapproved; objection recorded: After three voice votes the Speaker declared the yeses had it, and the DA (Rule 84) and Cllr De Lange (FF+) recorded their dissent.

Item 76: Group Strategic SCM Operational Status Report (Q3)

Cllr Pietersen (DA) criticised the missing analysis behind the jump in direct purchases, the R26.2 million of stock marked for deletion and the blank CIDB annexure. He also raised the empty JITI hub and an expiring transport contract. Cllr Edward (ActionSA) called for consequence management over the stock, the 19 contracts due to expire and the use of deviations. MMC Masuku noted the comments and the item was agreed.

Decisionapproved: Council agreed to the recommendation to note the report.

Item 77: SCM Deviation and Ratification Report (Q3)

Cllr Pietersen (DA) noted compliance with Regulation 36(2) but criticised reliance on deviations. He cited the R60 million Telkom, R200 million Microsoft and R4 billion loan deviations and Health Department after-the-fact ratifications, and listed DA recommendations. The Acting Executive Mayor said the deviations were justifiable but that reliance on them must be reduced. The item was agreed.

PromiseThe Acting Executive Mayor committed to strengthen procurement compliance controls, improve planning and contract management, and start procurement processes on time.

Decisionapproved: Council agreed to the recommendation to note the report.

Item 78: SCM Acquisition Status Report and LK Centrix contract

Cllr Pietersen (DA) said the report showed some bid evaluation inconsistencies and transparency gaps. He questioned why LK Centrix received a R1 million a month market-intelligence contract, worth about R37 million in total, despite doubts about its capacity. The Acting Executive Mayor said all bids were adjudicated in line with procurement law, and the item was agreed.

PromiseThe Acting Executive Mayor committed to promote more competition in strategic procurement, monitor contract implementation and supplier performance, and regularly review procurement outcomes.

Decisionapproved: Council agreed to the recommendation to note the report.

Eskom debate: Cllr Meyers (DA) as proposer

Cllr Meyers says Eskom plans to cut power to the Crowthorne, Allandale, Beyers Naude and Fordsburg substations over unpaid debt. He says the Mayor's assurances on 26 May were contradicted, and the DA handed in a 5,000-signature petition. Eskom extended the date to 17 July. He asks the executive to explain its plan to protect about 100,000 residents.

Eskom debate: Cllr Boer (FF+)

Cllr Boer says the executive has been reluctant to share information on the payment agreement and the Eskom debt. He says the city's financial statements show the Eskom debt did not increase between 2024 and 2025. He asks why Johannesburg is in the news over a R5.3 billion debt when other Gauteng metros owe more, and calls for clarification.

Eskom debate: Cllr Nkonyeni (ActionSA)

Cllr Nkonyeni says the threatened cuts show the failure of the government of the day and the GNU. He asks what plan exists to pay the arrears and what guarantee residents have against being left without power in winter. He says residents should not be punished for the city's mismanagement.

Item 61: UIFW expenditure April 2026, tabling

Item 61 asks council to certify as irrecoverable and regularise irregular and unauthorised expenditure for April 2026. The MPAC chair is absent, so Cllr Mosehla tables the item. ACDP's Cllr Harris has not arrived and the ACDP skips its turn.

Item 61: Cllr Boer (FF+) and procedural dispute

The Speaker declines to let Cllr Christians raise a point before Cllr Boer has spoken. Christians then explains he wanted to object that the debate was closed without the proposer's reply, and the Speaker defends her handling. Cllr Boer welcomes MPAC's work but objects to writing off R521 million (Piotrans) and the Sizwe Africa IT contract without consequence management. FF+ will not be a blanket rubber stamp.

Item 61: Cllr Xulu (ActionSA)

Cllr Xulu says ActionSA supports the item but does not celebrate regularisation. The report covers 42 investigation reports, over R876 million in historical irregular expenditure and over R41 million in unauthorised expenditure. He calls for consequence management and implementation of every recommendation, and says ActionSA under Herman Mashaba would rebuild a capable administration.

PromiseIf ActionSA returns to government under Herman Mashaba, it will rebuild a capable administration with clean governance, professional public service, stronger financial controls and consequence management.

Item 61: Cllr Suddaby (DA)

Cllr Suddaby says the report's Recommendation 1 misstates the years covered. She says only about R8 million relates to 2010 to 2016 and the balance comes from 2022 to 2026. She says missing records for old matters show the city has no document retention policy, which National Treasury requires by 30 June or the July 2026 equitable share tranche is at risk. Her speech is cut off by time.

Item 61: MPAC report presented by Cllr Mazibuko

Cllr Mazibuko presents the MPAC report. It relied on sworn affidavits for historical cases, following National Treasury guidance. The committee reviewed 42 investigative reports containing 63 recommendations and agreed with 49 of them. He says writing off does not condone non-compliance, and he moves adoption.

Item 61: EFF contribution and IT outage announced

The Speaker confirms that Cllr Mosehla may speak for the EFF and then close as acting MPAC chair. She announces that IT needs 10 minutes after this item to fix the system, which has stopped streaming, and council agrees. Cllr Mosehla says the EFF supports the item but demands accountability and consequence management. He calls for building the city's internal capacity.

Item 62: UIFW prevention strategy, Cllr Boer (FF+)

Item 62 is the updated strategy for preventing and reducing unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure, aligned to National Treasury Circular 111. Cllr Boer says the document is good but 'paper is patient' without implementation. He says about 90% of the city's UIFW is unauthorised expenditure that could be regularised through adjustment budgets. He indicates FF+ will support the strategy.

Item 62: Cllr Steenkamp (PA)

Cllr Steenkamp says UIFW is a service delivery and moral issue and that wasted money has a human cost. She calls for courage, accountability and a culture of compliance. The Speaker cuts her off when her time runs out.

Item 62: Cllr Wax (DA)

Cllr Wax says the strategy did not go through the Governance Oversight Committee and the implementation plan is still a draft. He says its targets are not backed by resources, and that the reduction in the balance came from regularisation, not prevention. He cites the opening balance of R23.6 billion. The DA rejects the report.

Item 62: Cllr Xulu (ActionSA) for Cllr Modukanene

Cllr Xulu speaks in place of Cllr Modukanene, who is on leave. ActionSA supports the spirit of the strategy but doubts the administration's ability to implement it, noting the draft implementation plan is still under development. He blames the ANC and its enablers for the roughly R24 billion UIFW accumulation. The Speaker then calls Cllr Mosehla (EFF).

PromiseActionSA will implement the UIFW prevention strategy decisively if it enters government after the 4 November election.

Item 62: UIFWE strategy – EFF and ANC debate

An EFF councillor cited roughly R23.6bn in unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure by 2023/24 and a further R3.6bn this year. The speaker supported the updated strategy but demanded time-bound investigations, disciplinary action, recovery of money and criminal referrals. An ANC councillor also backed the strategy, called for monthly and quarterly reports to council, and urged faster consequence management and implementation of MFMA provisions.

Item 62: MMC reply and item agreed

The Deputy Executive Mayor said the report was withdrawn in May so councillors could engage and an extension was sought from National Treasury. She criticised the DA for shifting goalposts by asking for Oversight Committee review after the MPAC referral. She described the strategy as a living document aligned to Treasury Circular 111. The Speaker then put the item and it was agreed.

Decisionapproved: The Speaker put the recommendations and the chamber answered 'Agreed'.

Item 66: Financial Turnaround Framework – FF+ and ACDP

Item 66 is the Financial Turnaround Framework. Cllr Boer (FF+) praised the document but said it must also address the culture of non-payment, especially in Regions D and G, and corruption in City Power. Cllr Mkhonza (ACDP) supported the framework's principles, said implementation is what matters, and said the ACDP would monitor the six pillars.

PromiseThe ACDP caucus will closely monitor implementation of the Financial Turnaround Framework.

Item 66: DA supports framework

Cllr Santana (DA) cited cash coverage, a R73.7bn debtors book, water and electricity losses and an infrastructure backlog above R200bn. He welcomed the sweeping-arrangement reform, the recognition of unfunded mandates and the new Pillar 7 on a personnel expenditure and staff establishment audit. He said the DA supports the item but will exercise rigorous oversight of implementation.

PromiseThe DA will hold the administration accountable for every commitment in the Financial Turnaround Framework report.

Item 66: ActionSA supports with criticism

Cllr Edward (ActionSA) described the report's figures as an admission of failure and compared them with the 2016-2019 administration under Herman Mashaba. She criticised reliance on short-term borrowing and said the Government of Local Unity has mastered managing decline. ActionSA will support the report and monitor implementation closely.

PromiseActionSA will support the Financial Turnaround Framework and monitor its implementation closely.

Item 66: EFF position

Cllr Zitha (EFF) welcomed the report's honesty but asked what turnaround means while communities lack water, electricity and sanitation. The EFF supports better revenue collection and loss reduction without punishing poor communities, and called for accountability measures and for recovered funds to go back into maintenance. Her time ran out before she finished.

Item 66: ANC supports framework

Cllr Ngema (ANC) called the strategy the blueprint Johannesburg needs, praising the six pillars, the hybrid revenue-sharing model starting with Johannesburg Water on 1 July 2026, and the single implementation tracker. He credited the Executive Mayor and Deputy Mayor and referred to a R3.8bn loan. He accused the DA and ActionSA of political theatre.

Item 66: Deputy Mayor reply and item agreed

The Deputy Executive Mayor responded to the speakers and told Cllr Edward that the city's problems began in 2016 under Herman Mashaba, including the wage bill. The Speaker then asked whether item 66 was agreed and moved on to item 68.

Decisionapproved: The Speaker asked whether the recommendations on page 66.3 were agreed and moved to item 68; no objection is audible in the transcript.

Item 68: DA concern about missing oversight

The DA speaker described the new service level agreements and the Joint Revenue Management Committee. He welcomed them but objected that oversight committees had not been allowed to scrutinise the documents against the Metro Trading Reforms. He warned that if Treasury is not satisfied it could delay the city's access to funding. The recording then jumps from 03:35:52 to 04:46:59.

Item 68: EFF welcomes revised agreements

Cllr Radebe (EFF) said the city must honour its obligations to pay for services rendered and that the EFF welcomes the revised SLAs and SDAs of the three entities.

Item 69: concerns on Johannesburg Water plan

A speaker said the revised plan projects higher water demand, with forgone savings of about R209 million from buying more bulk water from Rand Water. He added that collection rates were cut from 77.8% to 74.8% and the financial sustainability target was delayed. He objected that council was asked to approve a plan whose total implementation cost was not yet finalised. The segment is the continuation of an item whose start is not in the transcript.

Item 69: EFF supports with concern

Cllr Khonkhobe (EFF) supported the report but warned of a R26.6bn infrastructure backlog, non-revenue water above 44%, falling collection levels and the effect of water shortages on businesses and households. The EFF rejects a slow response and called for more investment, faster pipe replacement and action on illegal connections and vandalism.

Item 70: City Power Trading Reform Strategy – FF+, ACDP, ActionSA

Item 70 is the City Power Trading Reform Strategy for 2026-27 and its Business Investment Plan. Cllr Boer withdrew his speeches on items 70 and 72 because the reports had not served at Section 79. Cllr Harris (ACDP) criticised R164 million spent on consultants and noted the report. An ActionSA councillor speaking on behalf of Cllr Modukanene used his time to campaign for ActionSA and criticise the PA, then noted the report.

Item 70: EFF and ANC

Cllr Khonkhobe (EFF) supported the report, citing City Power's R44bn backlog, R3.1bn operating deficit and R5.7bn annual losses, and criticised reliance on consultants. Cllr Mutavhatsindi (ANC) said the ANC notes the report.

Item 70: DA opposes

Cllr Steenkamp (DA) said the DA backs the objectives but not the plan, citing unproven targets, thin treatment of Eskom risks, implementation doubts and the lack of Section 79 scrutiny. The DA said it would vote against item 70.

Item 70: MMC reply and item agreed over DA opposition

The Deputy Executive Mayor said the report builds on the earlier City Power turnaround strategy and seeks approval of the business and investment plan under National Treasury Guidance Note 5. The Speaker ruled that the yeses had it despite noes, and the DA recorded its opposition under Rule 84.

Decisionapproved: After some noes were heard, the Speaker ruled the yeses had it.

Decisionobjection recorded: A DA councillor asked that the DA's opposition to item 70 be noted under Rule 84.

Item 71: Metro Trading Services Reforms – Minimum Access Indicator M6

Item 71 is the Metro Trading Services Reforms Program on the M6 Budget Support indicator. Cllr Mkhonza (ACDP) welcomed the programme and cited benchmarks: zero months' cash coverage, 87.7% collection, 32% non-revenue water and about 30% electricity losses. Cllr Nkonyeni (ActionSA) supported the reforms but said approval is only a first step. An ANC councillor then said the ANC notes the report, where this part of the transcript ends.

Item 71: ActionSA and EFF on the trading reform programme

The sitting resumes mid-debate on item 71. An ActionSA speaker supports the programme's objectives and calls for rigorous council oversight of implementation. The EFF notes the report, welcomes the investment, and calls for results, accountability and regular reporting to council.

Item 71: ANC notes report; DA rejects item and seeks referral to committees

The ANC notes the report. The DA says it supports the goals of reform but rejects item 71 because it did not go through the Section 79 oversight and joint committees. The DA asks that the matter be referred back to those structures.

Item 72: Johannesburg Water performance improvement action plan v2

The ACDP notes and accepts the plan. The EFF gives cautious support and stresses outcomes over documents. The DA's Cllr Bittkau opposes it because it did not go through Section 79 and loads costs onto residents. The Deputy Executive Mayor asks for approval, and the Speaker ruled the yeses had it. The DA recorded its opposition.

Decisionapproved: The Speaker ruled the yeses had it, and the DA recorded its opposition under Rule 84.

Item 75: reviewed delegations of authority for City Power, Joburg Water and Pikitup

ActionSA, the EFF and the ANC support the item, stressing implementation and accountability. The DA's Cllr Marais opposes it because it did not go to Section 79 committees, comparing approval to signing a cheque blindfolded. MMC Masuku defends it as a governance reform. The yeses carried and the DA recorded its opposition and reserved its rights.

Decisionapproved: The Speaker ruled the yeses had it, and the DA recorded its opposition and reserved its rights.

Item 82: addendum to Debt Relief Programme Phase 4

The ACDP, FF+, ActionSA, EFF and DA support the addendum. Their concerns include the unclear loyalty reward scheme, the projected R11.7 billion write-off and billing accuracy. MMC Masuku said the loyalty scheme policy would be expedited through the committees. The item was agreed.

PromiseExpedite the loyalty reward scheme policy so it goes through the committees, Section 79 and governance structures before coming to council for approval.

Decisionapproved: The item was agreed with no recorded opposition.

ANC debate speaker Cllr Modupi supports the budget

Cllr Modupi presented the R97.1 billion budget, with capital of R8.8 billion, operating revenue of R90.4 billion, operating expenditure of R88.3 billion and a R2.1 billion surplus. He argued it is funded because cash collection is near 90% and energy and water losses are to be reduced. He said the budget provides free basic water and electricity to indigent households and that the ANC supports it. The Speaker asked councillors at the back to stop moving about and disturbing him.

ActionSA's Cllr Edward attacks the budget; point of order by Cllr Echeozonjoku

Cllr Edward called the budget speech a political rally and an admission of failure. She cited tariff increases of 8.63% on electricity and 12.5% on water, debt impairment of about R10.5 billion, and the R3.8 billion German bank loan that ActionSA opposed. She promoted Herman Mashaba's 2016-2019 record and said elections are on 4 November 2026. Cllr Belinda (DA) raised a Rule 72 point of order, saying 2016-2019 was a DA government, not an ActionSA one. The Speaker moved on and asked that the speaker be allowed to continue.

AHC Chair Mpolobosho supports the budget

Chair Mpolobosho welcomed the infrastructure allocation and raised water leaks, sewer blockages, street lights, illegal connections in Regions E and A, and faulty transformers in Ward 80. He urged MMCs to speed up electrification of informal settlements and pothole repairs. He said the African Heart Congress supports the budget 100%.

IFP's Cllr Makhuba on financial management and Public Safety

Cllr Makhuba raised concerns about the growing debtors' book, penalties on conditional grants, poor performance on grant-funded projects, and reliance on grants. She said the insourcing of security personnel left Public Safety with a recurring employee-cost deficit. She urged the MMC for Finance to help through budget reallocation or other measures, and the speaker was cut off by the clock.

GOOD's Cllr Cook on honesty, the IDP and Cape Town

Cllr Cook said the budget speech honestly admitted the crisis (water losses near 45%, electricity losses of 27%, a R220 billion backlog) but residents want results. She commended the IDP process and criticised DA-run Cape Town and past DA mayors over the Civic Centre. She said this is the final budget before the 2026 elections and hoped the administration leaves a legacy of urgency.

DA's Cllr Santana on funding, the PFA and indigent register

Cllr Santana first said Cape Town does hold IDP sessions. He argued the budget is political and rests on uncertain funding, and cited a R220 billion backlog, 44.7% water losses and 9.8 days of cash coverage. He said the politically facilitated agreement (PFA) is not fully funded and questioned the accuracy of the indigent register and JOSHCO maintenance. He ended by urging a vote for the DA and for Helen Zille as Mayor.

FF Plus Cllr Boer proposes a Consolidation and Maintenance budget

Cllr Boer spoke in Afrikaans and English. He praised the MMC's speech but said the printed budget did not match it and is not funded, since a R7 billion funding base falls short of the R8.8 billion capex. He cited the JSE suspension, a possible Moody's downgrade, polluted rivers and unpaid contractors. He proposed a consolidation and maintenance budget that cancels unnecessary spending and finishes stalled projects.

ACDP's Cllr Harris on the budget

Cllr Harris congratulated the MMC on her maiden budget speech and welcomed Metro Trading Services reform. He questioned prescribed debt in the R72 billion debtors book and called the R7 billion waste-to-energy proposal a pipe dream. He said the budget neglects Region B, the aged, youth and sport, and that the ACDP would note the presentation.

ANC's Cllr Nofemela supports the budget

Cllr Nofemela said the debate is about progress, not perfection, and framed service delivery as dignity in practice. She said the ANC is the only party that understands residents' needs. She said the ANC supports the budget and thanked the MMC for Finance.

UIM's Cllr Abdool on affordability and indigent support

Cllr Abdool welcomed the free basic services and rebates for indigent residents and suggested a flat rate for informal settlement households. She asked for an extra R200 million for Social Development for single parents. She told the story of a resident whose utility bills rose after new meters were installed. The UIM noted the report with appreciation.

ATM's Cllr Magwentshu supports the budget

Cllr Magwentshu called the budget a moral document and acknowledged the R220 billion backlog and the electricity and water losses. He supported maintenance spending and stronger revenue collection but rejected placing the recovery burden only on ordinary residents. He raised concerns about migration and illegal connections, and said the ATM would support the budget.

UDM's Cllr Zigebe on infrastructure and trading services reform

Cllr Zigebe said the budget correctly identifies 44.7% water losses and 27% electricity losses. He welcomed the rise in maintenance spending from 7% to 8% and the allocations to City Power, Johannesburg Water and public safety. He said delivery must follow, and he called for transparency on where the 60% of capex for historically marginalised communities is spent.

AIC's Cllr Mhlongo supports the budget

Cllr Mhlongo said the AIC supports the 2026/2027 budget and called it the final budget of the term. He credited the Government of Local Unity with stability, and welcomed spending on infrastructure, revenue collection, township renewal and indigent support. He closed with the AIC slogan that it is all about you.

PA's Cllr Simonse on implementation and the debt write-off

The Speaker remarked on movement in the chamber before the PA speaker began. Cllr Simonse acknowledged the budget's focus on water, electricity and roads but raised doubts about implementation, maintenance funding and consequence management. She urged the administration to implement the PA-sponsored debt write-off programme approved by council, with clear criteria and timelines. She asked for quarterly progress reports.

EFF's Cllr Khonkhobe on the budget

Cllr Khonkhobe said the budget is a survival budget that manages decline. She noted the R220 billion backlog against R8.8 billion capex, a halved surplus, and a collection assumption cut to 86%. She criticised tariff increases without service improvement, borrowing of about R3.5 billion, and the lack of an informal settlement upgrading programme. The Speaker thanked her as her address was cut off.

ANC's Cllr Thapelo Radebe defends the budget

Cllr Radebe congratulated the MMC on her maiden budget speech and said the R97.1 billion budget is funded with realistic collection rates. He backed trading services reforms and criticised opposition claims, calling them claimers. He said the ANC will win the 4 November election and continue leading Johannesburg. The Speaker thanked him at 03:07:22 and the part ended.

MMC Finance responds to the budget debate

The Deputy Executive Mayor (MMC Finance) responded to councillors' speeches. She said extra funding alone will not fix City Power, JRA and Human Settlements, and that entity CEOs and Section 56 managers will be tied to turnaround targets. She said no AFD funding application was rejected, and committed to publicly reporting JOSHCO's maintenance backlog by the end of quarter one.

PromiseLink entity CEOs' and Section 56 managers' performance to measurable turnaround targets.

PromisePublicly report JOSHCO's maintenance backlog figure.

Executive Mayor's comments on the budget

The Executive Mayor welcomed the budget and announced the city had won the Marble Towers case. He criticised the record of Herman Mashaba and ActionSA and defended the PFA payments. He confirmed an 8% maintenance budget, water ring-fencing from 1 July 2026, 30-day supplier payments in the next financial year, and Small Street development plans.

PromiseConfirmed an 8% maintenance budget.

PromiseRing-fence revenue from the water business.

PromiseWork towards paying suppliers within 30 days.

PromiseSupport the Central Methodist Church so its dignity can be restored in Small Street.

Item 3: 2026/27 budget – Cllr Santana (DA)

Item 3 (the medium-term operating and capital budgets, public consultation outcomes and the draft rates policy and by-laws) was read into the record. Cllr Santana criticised the tariff increases, losses, the flat capital budget and the PFA cost. He asked about submissions on the rates policy and said the DA does not support the budget.

Item 3: Cllr Nkonyeni (ActionSA)

Cllr Nkonyeni credited the MMC for a more realistic budget. He reviewed the financial turnaround framework, water and electricity losses and the sweeping arrangement, and stressed implementation. He also noted the framework had been withdrawn. The Speaker remarked on councillors walking out as he began.

Item 3: Cllr Boer (FF Plus)

Cllr Boer questioned how the city could pay suppliers within 30 days with a R2 billion surplus and a roughly R20 billion creditor backlog. He argued ring-fencing will not rescue Joburg Water or City Power. He criticised the revenue and loss assumptions and the planned R2.3 billion borrowing. The Speaker interrupted him as he spoke about an act of insolvency.

Item 3: Cllr Nethamba (EFF)

After the Speaker first called an ANC councillor by mistake, Cllr Nethamba spoke for the EFF. She listed what the EFF wants the budget to deliver, including housing, services, jobs and insourcing. She said the EFF approves the budget, and also said the EFF notes it.

Item 3: Cllr Nofemela (ANC)

The Speaker reminded councillors to sit or stand outside while someone is at the podium. Cllr Nofemela said the budget arrives at a defining moment and presents interventions to the city's pressures. She said the ANC supports the item.

Item 3: MMC Finance closes the debate

The MMC Finance said the framework will return to Council before the end of June after consulting National Treasury. She described the budget as pro-poor and reform-oriented and asked council to approve the R97.1 billion budget.

PromiseBring the financial turnaround framework back to Council.

Vote on Item 3 (budget)

The Speaker read out the recommendation pages and the bell was rung to call councillors in. There were disputes about late entries and an open door. A show of hands was taken and the count was announced as one abstention, 92 against and 139 for. The item was carried.

Decisionapproved: After a show of hands, 139 voted yes, 92 no and 1 abstained, and the Speaker declared the item carried.

DA records Rule 84 opposition to the budget

Cllr Niemand asked that, under Rule 84, the DA's opposition to the unfunded budget be recorded and its rights reserved. The Speaker acknowledged it.

Decisionobjection recorded: The DA asked under Rule 84 that its opposition to the unfunded budget be recorded and its rights reserved.

Item 6: 2024/25 Group Integrated Annual Report

The 2024/25 Group Integrated Annual Report was tabled with no speakers. It was noted and referred to MPAC for the oversight process. The debate will follow once MPAC submits its oversight report.

Decisionnoted and referred: The report was noted and referred to MPAC for the oversight process.

Item 1: Cllr Kreusch (DA) on public participation and transport

Cllr Kreusch said the IDP public participation was a box-ticking exercise, with each ward allowed two questions. He criticised Rea Vaya's performance, the roads backlog and MMC Kunene's attendance at the Transport Committee. He compared Joburg unfavourably with DA-run Cape Town and George.

Item 1: Cllr Meyers (DA) on water and electricity

Cllr Meyers contrasted the access statistics given in the budget speech with declining resident satisfaction. He cited water outages and infrastructure backlogs at City Power and Johannesburg Water. He questioned the lowered qualifications for the City Power CEO post and criticised plans on private solar users.

Resumption and Item 2: Service Delivery Budget and Implementation Plan

Council resumed after lunch and took Item 2, the 2026/27 Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan. The ACDP, ActionSA and ANC noted it. Cllr Boer chose not to speak. The MMC thanked councillors and the item was agreed.

Decisionapproved: After councillors noted the item, the Speaker put the recommendations on page 2.3 and the item was agreed.

Item 4: Standard Bank banking services agreement – introduction and Cllr Santana

Item 4 seeks approval for a master service level agreement with Standard Bank for commercial banking services for up to three financial years. Cllr Santana said the DA agrees but hopes the contract will not be repeatedly extended, as happened about nine times since 2016. Cllr Nkonyeni was absent.

Item 4: Cllr Shai (ActionSA)

Cllr Shai said ActionSA wants the city to keep banking with Standard Bank. He cited benefits in digital transformation, operational efficiency and security and compliance, and said ActionSA approves the report. He also spoke of the elections and Herman Mashaba.

Item 4: Cllr Pitso (PA)

Cllr Pitso used a parable of the city as a woman rising from past failures. He said Standard Bank has provided more collection methods and helped reduce banking costs. He said the PA endorses the agreement.

Item 4: Cllr Modupi, MMC response and outcome

Cllr Modupi spoke for the ANC in support of the agreement with Standard Bank. The MMC thanked councillors and noted Cllr Santana's concern. The Speaker put the recommendation on page 4.3 and the item was agreed.

Decisionapproved: The Speaker put the recommendations on page 4.3 and the item was agreed.

Recommendations to council: KfW loan item introduced

The Executive Mayor tabled the reports for council's consideration. The Speaker announced the first and only item: approval to enter into a loan agreement with KfW in the 2025/26 to 2027/28 financial years.

ACDP opposes the KfW loan

Cllr Harris said City Power is in crisis, citing a R16 billion overdraft and R5.2 billion owed to Eskom. He said the loan would carry R616 million in interest and a R17.5 million upfront cost, and argued it unfairly commits the next council. The ACDP would not support the item.

ATM and PA support the loan

Cllr Magwentshu of the ATM spoke on football and said the item had already been approved by council in its funding model. He supported it. The PA's Cllr Ponsonby said the PA notes and approves the report.

ActionSA rejects the loan

Cllr Nkonyeni, speaking in isiZulu, congratulated Sundowns and said ActionSA had rejected the item the previous week and would not change its position. ActionSA rejected the item.

DA supports the loan after amendments

Cllr Santana raised concerns about the generic project description, safeguards against diversion to operating costs and the City Power salary freeze. He welcomed nine new annexures and amended recommendations, including a two-year freeze on executive salary increases at City Power. He set out the loan terms and said the DA would support the loan.

ANC supports the loan

Cllr Radebe said the ANC supports and approves the loan as a foundation for electricity infrastructure for future generations. He thanked other parties for supporting it.

MMC Masuku responds to the debate

MMC Masuku said the loan is concessional and ring-fenced for City Power under KfW conditions in Annexures 2 and 8. He thanked supporting parties and criticised ActionSA for voting against it.

Vote on the KfW loan

The Speaker said she heard yeses but called a formal vote and rang the bell. She warned a councillor of a R500 fine for using a camera. The result was 181 yes, 44 no and no abstentions, and the item was carried.

PromiseThe Speaker will fine any councillor found using a camera in the chamber R500.

Decisionapproved: Carried with 181 yes votes, 44 no votes and 0 abstentions.