Governance and appointments

Executive Mayor's opening statement

The Speaker allowed the Executive Mayor to make opening remarks despite the item not being on the agenda for an extraordinary meeting. Cllr Morero reviewed the term, 50 days before the 4 November elections, the President's call on gender-based violence, the Moody's outlook revision to positive, ring-fencing of City Power and Pikitup, and 8,500 title deeds delivered. Noise from Cllr Lebea disrupted the opening and the Speaker called him to order.

PromiseThe Executive Mayor will engage taxi associations, JMPD and other bylaw enforcers on women's safety, responding to the President's call.

Item 13: Addendum to MTC Service Delivery Agreement

The DA's Cllr Kreusch opposed the item, arguing MTC should be reincorporated into the city and services internalised. The executive's response was asked for as the Leader of Executive Business, and a party-by-party vote followed. The item was carried with 114 yes, 91 no and 2 abstentions.

Decisionapproved: The item was carried with 114 yes, 91 no and 2 abstentions.

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 26 vote: Crown North lease carried

A party-by-party vote was taken on the recommendations on page 26.8. FF+, ATM, ActionSA, DA and UDM said no. The item carried with 119 yes and 90 no.

Decisionapproved: The item was carried with 119 yes and 90 no.

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 9: Review of the Petitions Policy

Chair Mabuke tabled the reviewed Petitions Policy, which includes the e-petition. The DA's Cllr Mphefo opposed it, saying it was not presented to the Petitions Committee and gives no means to hold officials accountable. The ACDP and ANC supported it. Cllr Mabuke asked council to approve.

Item 9 vote: Petitions Policy carried

A party-by-party vote on page 9.4 was taken. ActionSA and the DA voted no, while FF+ and UIM abstained. The item was carried.

Decisionapproved: ActionSA and the DA voted no, FF+ and UIM abstained, and the item was carried.

Item 20: Implementation of revised Alderman Policy, phase two

Councillors spoke on honorary Alderman titles for former councillors. The DA, EFF and ANC supported the report; the DA asked that the lists be kept under review. The EFF noted the removal of one previously approved name after verification and the correction of an omitted IFP councillor.

Item 33: Declarations of interests and gift registry of councillors

Chair Mnyameni began presenting the reports on declarations of interests and the gift registry, but audio problems made him hard to hear. Councillors Da Gama and De Lange raised the sound problem and the Speaker asked him to move around. He urged councillors to declare for 2025/26 between 5 and 10 October, electronically or manually, with walk-ins at Braampark.

Report on declarations of financial interest and gift registry

The chair presented the report on publishing councillors' declarations of financial interest and gift registries for 2023/24 and 2024/25, and the status of the 2025/26 declaration. The 2025/26 window is open from 5 to 10 October, with manual and electronic options and walk-ins at the Speaker's Office. No speakers were listed. Parties were polled and all that responded agreed, with the EFF confirming later; the item was carried.

PromiseThe 2025/26 declaration of financial interest and gift registry for councillors will be open, with manual and electronic options and walk-ins at the Speaker's Office.

Decisionapproved: All parties that responded agreed (EFF confirmed afterwards, ATM via chat) and the Speaker declared it carried.

Item 8: Revised Group Employment Equity Policy Framework

GOOD supported the intention but urged implementation in spirit. FF+ and ACDP strongly criticised race-based employment equity, with the FF+ rejecting the policy and the ACDP noting the report. ActionSA, the DA and the ANC supported or approved the framework, with speeches also campaigning for the 4 November elections. MMC Zungu presented it. ACDP and UIM abstained, FF+ voted no, and the item was carried.

Decisionapproved: ACDP and UIM abstained, FF+ voted no, the APC did not respond, and the item was carried as most parties said yes.

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 10: Vote and party headcount

The Speaker polled parties again, also asking each for its current headcount because she did not want the meeting accused of lacking a quorum. FF+ and DA voted no; other responding parties said yes. The Speaker declared the item carried and asked the ANC and DA for their numbers.

Decisionnoted: The Speaker declared the item carried after FF+ and DA voted no and other responding parties said yes.

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 12: Group SCM Operational Status Report (April-June 2026)

The DA's Cllr Pietersen objected that Annexure D on CIDB compliance was blank again and called for reporting and consequence management reforms. The ANC's Cllr Nofemela noted the report and asked for more detail on stock marked for deletion and a contract expiry dashboard. MMC Masuku asked council to note it. The roll-call had reached COPE, with ACDP, FF+, GOOD, UDM, UIM, ATM, Al Jama-ah and COPE all noting, when this part ends.

Decisionvote in progress: ACDP, FF+, GOOD, UDM, UIM, ATM, Al Jama-ah and COPE had noted the report when this part of the transcript ended with AHC being called.

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 14: Caucus-by-caucus vote

The Speaker called each caucus for its position on the recommendations at page 14.6. The caucuses that answered noted the report; the DA reported 56 members present and the ANC 69. The Speaker confirmed a quorum and declared the item carried.

Decisionapproved: The recommendations were noted and approved by the caucuses that answered, quorum was confirmed and the Speaker declared the item carried.

Item 15: Vote on recommendations (page 15.8)

FF+ abstained and the DA, at 55 members, voted against. The other caucuses that answered approved. The Speaker asked staff to tally the numbers and moved to the next item.

Decisionapproved: The DA (55) voted against and FF+ abstained, while the other caucuses that answered approved; the Speaker moved on after asking staff to calculate the numbers.

Item 16: Vote on recommendations (pages 16.40-16.42)

ACDP, FF+, GOOD and UIM voted against and the DA abstained. UDM, ATM, Al Jama-ah, COPE, AHC, AIC, IFP, PA, EFF, ActionSA and ANC approved. The Speaker declared the item carried.

Decisionapproved: ACDP, FF+, GOOD and UIM voted no and the DA abstained; the Speaker declared the item carried.

Items 21-23: Closure by MMC Mgcina and DA point of order

MMC Koma did not respond, so MMC Mgcina closed the items, saying concerns would be escalated to the responsible MMC, and asked Council to approve. Cllr Christians (DA) said he had raised his hand to ask that the item be withdrawn as incomplete. The Speaker said the item was closed and that another MMC closing for an absent MMC is long-standing practice.

PromiseCouncillors' concerns on the disaster management items will be escalated to the responsible MMC so that he responds to councillors.

Items 21-23: Vote and Speaker audio interruption

Parties gave positions on the recommendations. ACDP noted; FF+, GOOD, UIM, Al Jama-ah, COPE and ActionSA abstained; the DA rejected; AHC, AIC, IFP, PA, EFF, ATM and ANC voted yes. The Speaker's audio dropped briefly during the roll call. Legal tallied 34 abstentions, 55 no and 109 yes.

Decisionapproved: Legal's tally was 109 yes, 55 no and 34 abstentions, with the DA rejecting and the ANC voting yes despite its speaker's call to abstain.

Item 24: Vote

All caucuses that answered voted yes, including the DA, with ActionSA at 20, EFF at 17 and PA at 10. The Speaker said the item was through.

Decisionapproved: All caucuses that answered voted yes and the Speaker said the item was through.

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.

Item 25: Vote (page 25.4)

The DA voted no. The caucuses heard, including COPE, AHC, AIC, IFP, PA (11), EFF (17), ActionSA and ANC, voted yes. The Speaker declared the item carried.

Decisionapproved: Only the DA voted no; the Speaker declared the item carried.

Item 30: District Development Model institutional arrangements

Cllr Wax (DA) rejected the DDM circular as centralisation and extra bureaucracy. An ANC councillor said the DDM is a coordination framework and the report is for noting. Deputy Executive Mayor Masuku said no powers or money are involved and that the DA is part of the Cabinet that approved the circular.

Item 30: Vote (page 30.9)

Most caucuses noted or agreed. FF+ and ActionSA abstained and the DA noted with huge reservations. The Speaker declared the item carried.

Decisionnoted: FF+ and ActionSA abstained and the DA noted with huge reservations; the Speaker declared it carried.

Item 31: Vote (page 31.13)

DA, ActionSA and FF+ voted no; GOOD's answer could not be heard. ACDP and AIC agreed and the rest noted or agreed. The Speaker declared the item carried.

Decisionapproved: DA, ActionSA and FF+ voted no (GOOD's answer was not heard); the Speaker declared it carried.

Item 32: Public Participation Policy review

The acting member in charge tabled the reviewed policy. ACDP, FF+ and EFF supported or noted it, while the ANC speaker used the debate for election-campaign attacks on the DA and ActionSA. The item was agreed to.

Decisionapproved: The recommendations on page 32.13 were agreed to.

Item 33: 2027/28 IDP, Budget and Performance Time Schedule

ACDP approved the schedule. The DA's Cllr Christians criticised it as tick-box compliance and said Community-Based Planning is squeezed into too short a period. The EFF supported it but warned of risks from the 4 November election. The Deputy Executive Mayor said the process is legislated and manageable after the election, and the item was agreed.

Decisionapproved: The recommendations on page 33.7 were agreed to.

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 39: Secondment for vacant senior management positions

The DA noted the report but asked that no recruitment appointments be made until after the elections, and objected to a suspended official heading Public Safety. An ANC councillor supported the secondments. The Deputy Executive Mayor asked for approval and the item was agreed.

Decisionapproved: The recommendations on page 39.8 were agreed to.

Item 41: Recruitment for Group Head: Group Strategy

The DA noted the report and questioned the reasons for the incumbent's resignation. It asked that no appointment be made until after the elections. An ANC councillor and the Leader of Executive Business defended starting recruitment and thanked the departing head after 18 years. The item was agreed.

Decisionapproved: The recommendations on pages 41.5 to 41.6 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.

Item 46: Councillor Funeral Support Policy tabled; DA and FF+ concerns

Cllr Nkubungu tabled the policy as a lawful replacement for the funeral policy rescinded for MFMA non-compliance. Cllr Christians said legal gave conflicting views and the policy was not properly circulated, so the DA could not support it without clarity. Cllr De Lange also commented.

Decisionapproved: The recommendations on page 29.3 were agreed to.

Item 46: EFF and UDM support

The EFF and UDM supported the policy, stressing dignity for councillors' families and compliance with the MFMA. UDM proposed fixing the MFMA reference and recording waived tariffs. UDM said the draft had been posted on the councillors' WhatsApp group, which Cllr Christians disputed.

Item 46: ANC support and closing

An ANC councillor spoke in support, mixing in campaign attacks on the DA, and said the ANC had lost more than seven councillors. The acting member in charge closed, regretting that a proposed broker scheme of up to R100,000 had been removed and hoping the next council would restore it.

Item 40 suspended and meeting adjourned

Item 40, the review of the Petitions Policy, was read in but suspended when six councillors left and the meeting lost its quorum. The Speaker adjourned the meeting, said it would reconvene face to face, and asked the Chief Whip to convene the whips. An imbizo for the next day was announced.

PromiseThe Speaker will reconvene council to finish the unfinished agenda, likely face to face, with the Chief Whip convening the whips to decide the date.

PromiseDetails of the council imbizo scheduled for the next day will be sent to party whips.

Decisiondeferred: The item was suspended when the meeting lost its quorum and left for a later sitting.

Decisionadjourned: The Speaker adjourned the meeting with the agenda unfinished, to reconvene later.

Councillors give direction on how to proceed

The Speaker opens the floor for views on whether to hold the aldermen ceremony and the council sitting. Councillors Avant-Smith, the Chair of Chairs, Munyayi and Khonkhobe each say the business of the day should continue. The Speaker thanks them for agreeing.

Decisionapproved: After councillors from several parties agreed, the Speaker moved on with the aldermanship ceremony and the day's agenda.

Alderman awards: Da Gama to Deppe

The Speaker calls up a series of councillors one by one with personal remarks: Da Gama, Mabuke, De Kock, G. J. Niemand, Hoon, Mabaso (absent), Meyers, De Lange, Masuku, Bittkau, Sifumba, Wax, Mhlongo, Smit, Twala and Deppe. Each is recognised as an alderman or alderwoman.

Motion without notice on recruitment of the Public Safety HOD

The Speaker reported a motion without notice under rule 93(1)(c), brought by Cllr Maila, on the recruitment and appointment process for the Head of the Department of Public Safety. She said the office was checking compliance and would report back during the day.

PromiseThe Speaker will report during the day on whether the motion without notice on the Public Safety HOD recruitment complies with the rules.

Decisionrecorded: The register showed 155 signatures against 156 councillors present before the meeting proceeded to business.

Decisiondeferred: The Speaker said compliance was being checked and she would report back later in the day.

Official notices: Women's Day tokens and new councillors

The Speaker acknowledged Women's Day and said tokens had been prepared for women councillors. She welcomed new councillors Lotz (GOOD), Jack (UIM) and Elias, who replace former councillors Cook, Abdool and Pitso. She also wished councillors with August birthdays well.

Dispute over oral questions (item 5A)

The Deputy Executive Mayor objected that the oral questions had not gone through programming and were received only the night before, and other MMCs said they got theirs that morning. The Speaker explained that the DA questions had been on the drive and that the ActionSA questions were loaded late. She said oral questions, written questions and mayoral questions can be combined when there are no quarterly reports, and apologised for the late loading. The executive agreed to answer the oral questions the next day.

PromiseThe executive will answer the oral questions that were loaded late on the second day of the sitting.

PromiseThe Speaker undertook that questions will not again be loaded late for the executive.

Item 6: election procedure for Finance Section 79 chair and ANC caucus break

The Speaker said the Finance Section 79 chair would be elected by show of hands under Rule 24 and that nomination forms had gone to party whips. Cllr Ndlela requested a 10-minute ANC caucus break, which was granted. The break ran far longer, with drumming in the chamber, and the Speaker complained about the time lost. The Chair of Chairs said the matter the caucus wanted to deal with had been covered.

Clarity on why a Finance chair is being elected at the last sitting

Cllr Christians asked whether an emergency Finance Committee sitting was expected, given that these were the last council days. The Speaker said Finance had been unable to do its work during the election period. She said council or committee sittings could still be called when needed, in line with SALGA communication.

Nomination and election of Finance Section 79 chairperson

One nomination was received, proposing Cllr Thapelo Radebe, with Cllr Nofemela as proposer and Cllr Modupi as seconder. Radebe accepted the nomination. With no other nominations, the Speaker declared him chairperson of the Section 79 Finance Committee.

Decisionapproved: Cllr Thapelo Radebe was the only nominee and was declared chairperson.

Recommendations to council and reordering of the agenda

The Deputy Executive Mayor and the Chair of Chairs tabled their recommendations. At the executive's request, items 37 and 38, including the Public Safety HOD recruitment, were elevated to follow the finance items. At Cllr Santana's request, items 1 and 2 (the April and May MFMA reports) were combined for debate.

Decisionapproved: At the executive's request, items 37 and 38, including the Public Safety HOD recruitment, were elevated to follow the finance items.

Decisionapproved: The April and May MFMA in-year reports were combined for debate at the DA's request, with the executive agreeing.

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.

Item 3: Code for Ethical Leadership (ACDP, AIC, UDM)

Cllr Mkhonza said the ACDP fully supported the code but noted that no implementation schedule had been shared. Cllr Mhlongo noted and adopted the report for the AIC and praised the Speaker as the AIC's mayoral candidate. Cllr Zigebe said the UDM supported the code but wanted regular implementation reports to council.

Item 3: DA and ActionSA on the ethics code

Cllr Wax said the code came too late in the term but that the DA would support it cautiously, provided it is implemented seriously. Cllr Nkomo said ActionSA supports the item but asked what consequences apply for breaches, who will monitor compliance, and when council will receive implementation reports.

Item 3: EFF on the ethics code and fines for filming

Cllr Radebe (EFF) said the code was a start but that the report claimed no financial or policy implications. She proposed linking the code to consequence management through quarterly reporting and ethics KPIs in senior managers' performance agreements. During her speech the Speaker fined Cllrs Nkomo, Coutriers and Radebe R1,000 each for taking videos in the chamber.

Decisionobjection recorded: The Speaker fined Cllrs Nkomo, Coutriers and Radebe R1,000 each, payable the following day.

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 37: Rescission and re-advertisement of Executive Director Human Settlements

The Speaker introduced item 37 and the elevated items. DA, ACDP and DA speakers criticised the Human Settlements department, the timing of the report and the handling of the interdict. An ActionSA speaker began on item 38 content and was told by the Speaker he was on the wrong item.

Item 37: ActionSA and EFF contributions

Cllr Mabelebele finished his speech, attacking ANC governance and calling for ethical leadership under ActionSA and Herman Mashaba. An EFF speaker then said the EFF notes the report.

Item 37: Cllr Mzolo's speech and unparliamentary language rows

Cllr Mzolo spoke for the ANC, noting the report and criticising opposition parties. DA councillors objected to his references to a 'Dysfunctional Alliance', dogs and clowns. The Speaker ordered him to withdraw those remarks, and he did so.

Item 37: MMC response and approval

MMC Mabaso, responding for the department, explained that the appointed Executive Director was interdicted shortly after taking office and never returned. He said the city's legal advisers had allowed the position to be re-advertised to end instability in the department. The Speaker put the item to the house, which agreed.

Decisionapproved: The house agreed to the recommendations on page 37.6 and the Speaker declared the item through.

Item 38: Procedural dispute over DA motion without notice

Before debate on item 38 the Speaker took the DA's motion without notice. Cllr Raphadu, Cllr Makhafola, Cllr Christians and MMC Mgcina argued over whether it complied with the rules. The Speaker cited rules 90 and 93 and ruled that it complied.

Cllr Maila moves motion to postpone item 38

Cllr Maila read the DA's motion under rule 93(1)(c) to postpone item 38 until the SIU investigation, vetting and integrity processes are finalised. He said the report itself records that the preferred candidate was flagged as high risk by the SIU. He stressed that the motion makes no finding of guilt.

Item 38: Head of Department Public Safety debate (DA, GOOD, ActionSA, EFF)

Cllr Maila placed the DA's opposition on record and said it reserves the right to take the decision on review. Cllr Lotz (GOOD), Cllr Foley (DA) and Cllr Mabelebele (ActionSA) spoke on the SIU high-risk flag and the integrity of the process. An EFF councillor noted the report on behalf of Cllr Nhlapo.

PromiseThe DA intends to put every councillor on notice about the security and integrity risks in item 38, and to seek legal remedies including costs if the decision is found unlawful.

Item 38: Cllr Mzolo's speech

Cllr Mzolo said the ANC notes the report and called for accountability and performance standards for the successful candidate. He mocked the DA's blue T-shirts and ActionSA's loyalty to Mashaba. Cllr Christians raised a point of order on decorum under rule 72.

Item 38: MMC Mabaso's response

MMC Mabaso said filling the long-vacant Public Safety post is welcome. He pointed to recommendations 3 and 5, which require security clearance before the appointment is finalised, and asked council to approve the report.

Item 38: Vote and recorded dissent

The Speaker put item 38 to the house and ruled that the yeses had it, after loud 'no' calls. The DA, FF Plus, ACDP and ActionSA each asked for their dissent to be recorded under Rule 84.

Decisionapproved: The Speaker ruled the yeses had it after a voice vote with audible 'no' calls on the recommendations on pages 38.11 to 38.12.

Decisionobjection recorded: The DA, FF Plus, ACDP and ActionSA asked that their opposition to the appointment be recorded, and the Speaker noted it.

Item 47: Implementation of the Alderman policy, EFF and ANC

Item 47 asked council to confer the Alderman title on qualifying serving and former councillors under a points-based policy with a 20-point threshold. The EFF said longevity must not be confused with service. The ANC supported the phased, verified approach and consistent application of the criteria.

Item 47: DA amendments on Honorary Alderman wording

Cllr Christians proposed that the report refer to Honorary Alderman for former councillors and that Recommendation 4 fall away until verification is complete. The Speaker explained the three categories of recommendation and agreed to change the wording.

Item 47: Further councillors to be verified, and agreement

A councillor asked what happens to qualifying councillors not in the listed cohort, naming Raphadu, Twala and Francisco. The Speaker said they would be verified. The Chair of Chairs agreed with the Christians amendments, and the item was agreed with the wording changes.

PromiseThe Speaker undertook to verify whether Councillors Raphadu, Twala and Francisco qualify for the Alderman title under the points system.

PromiseThe Speaker undertook to amend the Item 47 wording as proposed by Cllr Christians, with Honorary Alderman for former councillors.

Decisionapproved: Agreed with the Christians amendments (Honorary Alderman wording for former councillors), with the Chair of Chairs in agreement and further councillors still to be verified.

EFF login problems referred to IT

The EFF chair reported that several councillors, including the chief whip, could not log in. The Speaker asked IT to look into it and suggested internet problems could be a cause.

PromiseThe Speaker will ask IT to help councillors who cannot log into the meeting.

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.

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.

Elevated items 39-41 introduced and council goes in-committee

The Speaker introduced item 39 (referral of 13 alleged acts of financial misconduct to the disciplinary board) and items 40 and 41 (disciplinary board reports on preliminary and full investigations). The Deputy Executive Mayor formally requested that the meeting go in-committee. The Speaker ordered screens, cameras and the livestream switched off and the gallery cleared for privacy.

Decisionapproved: On the Deputy Executive Mayor's request the meeting went in-committee, with cameras, livestream and the gallery switched off.

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.

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.

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".

ActionSA's Munyayi and dispute over remarks about a PA minister

Cllr Munyayi criticises the PA for speaking against its own government and says a PA minister looted R31 million. Cllr Simonse raises a point of order demanding the remark be withdrawn. The Speaker says she did not see Simonse's hand and will return to the matter later, amid shouting from the floor.

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.

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.

Items 23-24: Office of the City Manager performance

Items 23 and 24 on the Office of the City Manager and governance units were tabled. The ACDP raised concern over low-performing units and the Executive Mayor's informal reporting on the Bomb Squad. ActionSA, PA, DA and EFF commented on illegal dumping, JMPD recruitment, falling complaint resolution, legal costs and the postponed lekgotla. The ANC noted the report.

PromiseActionSA promises to recruit 1,500 additional JMPD officers over a term of office, about 300 a year.

PromiseA DA-led government would ensure city officials cooperate with law enforcement on corruption cases.

Items 23-24: Executive Mayor responds

Executive Mayor Morero responded on JMPD officer training, saying a 12-month programme was needed after the earlier four-month course. He said the unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure reduction strategy had been accepted by National Treasury. He said the disciplinary board and MPAC were showing results. The items were noted.

Decisionnoted: The recommendations at 23.20 and 24.10 to 24.11 were noted with no objection heard.

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.

Item 38: Petitions Standing Committee Q3 report

Cllr Mabuke tabled the Petitions Standing Committee report for noting. ActionSA said the system was failing petitioners and demanded timelines. The EFF noted the report. The DA's speaker criticised the committee, a petition backlog and threats against her. Cllr Nyembe replied for the ANC, which led to a dispute over 'slay queens'.

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.

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 86: Changes in membership of Section 79 committees

The item on changes in membership of various Section 79 committees had no speakers. The Speaker asked whether it was agreed and the house agreed.

Decisionapproved: With no speakers, the house agreed to the item.

Item 87: Review of the policy on ward committees

Cllr Nkubungu tabled the Rules Committee report on the review of the ward committee policy. The DA said it only treated symptoms, and ActionSA asked that tools of trade for ward committee members be reflected. Cllr Nkubungu said ward committees need accredited training, digital tools, KPIs and monitoring. The item was agreed.

PromiseThe DA says it will fix the ward committee policy problems if it takes over governance after the November elections.

Decisionapproved: Recommendations on page 87.9 were agreed to and the Speaker declared that the yeses have it.

Item 88: Revised Alderman Policy debate

Cllr Nkubungu tabled the Revised Alderman Policy report as long overdue. ActionSA and the UDM supported it. The DA said the policy was already in place, that the review was only about interpretation, and said it would nominate the late Cllr Martin Williams for Honorary Aldermanship. Cllr Christians twice accused Cllr Zigebe of misleading the house.

PromiseThe DA caucus will nominate the late Cllr Martin Williams for Honorary Aldermanship.

Item 88: Proposed amendment, Rules Committee caucus and adoption

Acting member in charge Cllr Nkubungu closed the debate and proposed amending clause 5.3 to include the Deputy Executive Mayor. The Speaker explained the process for amendments and gave the Rules Committee time to confer. After the break, Cllr Nkubungu reported that the amendment was withdrawn and the Deputy Executive Mayor issue would be dealt with next term. The house agreed to the policy as it stood.

PromiseIncluding the Deputy Executive Mayor in the Alderman Policy points scoring will be dealt with in the next council term.

Decisionapproved: After the Rules Committee withdrew the proposed Deputy Executive Mayor amendment, the policy was approved as tabled.

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.

Auckland Park motion: vote and recorded dissent

The Speaker put the motion to a show of hands: 104 yes, 58 no and 4 abstentions, and it was carried. Cllr Harris recorded the ACDP's dissent and Cllr Christians recorded the DA's opposition under Rule 84. The Speaker questioned how that rule is used after a vote.

Decisionapproved: Carried with 104 yes, 58 no and 4 abstentions; the ACDP and DA recorded dissent under Rule 84.

Items 1-4: Community Development reports tabled; DA on Johannesburg Art Gallery

The member in charge tabled items 1 to 4 as cited by the STC. Cllr Ayanda Mazibuko (DA) spoke on neglect at the Johannesburg Art Gallery. She said the collection audit, the SAHRA permit and the Auditor-General's sign-off were still outstanding, and she criticised defensiveness towards oversight questions.

Items 5 and 6: GCSS Q3 performance report tabled; IFP, ACDP and ActionSA debate

Cllr Mothopi tabled items 5 and 6 in place of Cllr Raphadu. Cllrs Manganyi (IFP), Mkhonza (ACDP) and Aphane (ActionSA) criticised the fall in GCSS performance from 93.33% in Q1 to 65% in Q3. They cited unfilled vacancies, delayed organisational redesign, workplace safety and lack of measurable targets.

DA and EFF on GCSS report

Cllr Foley (DA) criticised the city's staffing numbers, poor OHS compliance, Pikitup fleet contracts, paper-based records and the Telkom contract litigation. He said staff told him a 30% reduction would not affect output, and he asked for DA representation on the Strategic Appointments Panel. A councillor spoke on behalf of the EFF's Cllr Nhlapo and said the EFF notes the report.

ANC Cllr Mzolo's speech and points of order on insults

Cllr Mzolo (ANC) used terms such as "Demonic Alliance" and "delusional 44" and later called the DA mayoral candidate an "old hag". Cllrs Mposula, Avant-Smith, Belinda, Nkonyeni and Sifumba raised points of order under Rule 72. He withdrew "Demonic Alliance" and then "hag" unconditionally. The Speaker told him not to use councillors' first names and warned him against offensive words. He blamed the DA for the state of the administration and attributed the decline from 93.33% to 65% to four failure areas.

MMC Masuku replies on GCSS; items 5 and 6 agreed

MMC Masuku said GCSS performance fell because key organisational and HR indicators were not achieved, and that corrective measures are needed. He said councillors may not sit on the administrative Strategic Appointments Panel and rejected the DA's suggestion. The acting member in charge asked council to note and approve, and pages 5.6 and 6.8 were agreed.

Decisionapproved: The recommendations on pages 5.6 and 6.8 were agreed to and the Speaker moved on.

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 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.

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 61: closing remarks and adoption

Cllr Mosehla, as acting committee chair, closes by saying the item was debated in committee and members agreed to send it to council. The Speaker puts the recommendations to the house and says the yeses have it. Cllr Christians records the DA's opposition under Rule 84.

Decisionapproved (DA objection recorded): The Speaker ruled that the yeses had it on the recommendations at pages 61.3-61.4, and the DA's opposition was recorded under Rule 84 at 01:54:41.

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: 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: 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 69: DA says no Section 79 scrutiny

Cllr Bittkau (DA) said the report had not gone through a Section 79 committee and was being rushed. He argued a 90-day extension could be obtained from national government and said the DA could not support it.

Item 69 put to council and DA opposition

The Speaker put the recommendations on page 69.6 and the item was agreed. Cllr Christians then recorded the DA's opposition under Rule 84 and reserved the DA's right to take the matter further.

Decisionapproved: The Speaker asked if the item was agreed and proceeded; the DA's opposition was then recorded under Rule 84.

Decisionobjection recorded: Cllr Christians noted the DA's opposition and reserved its rights to take the matter further.

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 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 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 85: updated shareholder compacts of City Power, Joburg Water and Pikitup

The ACDP notes the report and calls for board accountability. ActionSA approves, the EFF approves with concerns, and the ANC notes it. The DA opposes it because the compacts did not go to oversight committees and board selection is not addressed. The yeses carried and the DA recorded its opposition.

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

Item 89: Year Planner and schedule of meetings July 2026 to June 2027

Cllr Avant-Smith accepts the year plan and thanks the committees. ActionSA's Cllr Van Wyk asks why one of the two Questions to the Mayor sessions was removed. The Chair of Chairs asks council to note and approve, and the item was agreed.

Decisionapproved: The item was agreed after the Chair of Chairs asked council to note and approve it.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Item 7: Ombudsman recruitment and acting arrangements

Item 7 covers starting recruitment and acting arrangements for the Ombudsman post. The DA noted the report, and its request to move unused minutes to Item 8 was refused on legal advice. ActionSA approved all recommendations except number five, the extension of an acting arrangement. The ANC agreed, and the MMC said a vacuum cannot be left. The item was agreed.

Decisionapproved: The Speaker put the recommendations on pages 7.7 to 7.8 and the item was agreed, though ActionSA had said it rejects recommendation five.

Item 8: Group Head Communications and Marketing – Cllr Kgeletsane (DA)

Cllr Kgeletsane criticised political deployment in public appointments. She said the top-ranked candidate had served in the provincial health department. She said the DA rejects the appointment.

Item 8: Cllr Cherry (PA)

Cllr Cherry noted the recommended candidate had the highest interview score of 87.5%, relevant qualifications and no adverse screening findings. She supported the recommendation and set out the PA's expectations on transparency, proactive communication and accountability.

Item 8: Cllr Nguse (ANC) and MMC response

Cllr Nguse said building brand awareness is important and that the ANC agrees with the recommendations. The MMC said the candidate meets the requirements for experience, qualifications and no adverse findings, and asked council to approve the report.

IFP and AIC positions

The IFP caucus said it noted the report. The AIC said it noted the report and would support it.