Planning and development

Item 26: Amendment of Erf 56 Crown North development lease

The DA's Cllr Christians opposed amending the lease, saying the land was meant for parking but is used for business and residents object to a rezoning to Business 3. The ANC's Cllr Molefe supported it, citing 400 permanent jobs, 600 construction jobs and 156 retail outlets. MMC Mnisi asked council to approve.

Point of order over remarks about ANC councillors

Cllr Mmbengwa objected under rule 72 to Cllr Christians' reference to ANC councillors in the history of the Crown North land. Cllr Christians withdrew mention of ANC councillors but maintained he had not said they used the land. The Speaker ruled that he should stop mentioning political parties and let him continue.

DA objection to the Speaker's ruling on party references

Cllr Belinda said the DA would write to the Rules Committee about the Speaker's ruling against mentioning political parties. She said Cllr Modupi had repeatedly mentioned parties without a similar ruling.

PromiseThe DA will write to the Rules Committee about the Speaker's ruling against mentioning political parties.

Item 32: Economic Growth Strategy and Implementation Plan

The DA's Cllr Nkomo said the DA could not support the strategy without infrastructure delivery and compared Johannesburg with Cape Town. The EFF noted the report, and the ANC's Cllr Kwapeng backed the strategy while stressing measurable outcomes. MMC Mnisi responded to the DA's points and asked council to approve.

Item 32 vote: Economic Growth Strategy carried

A party-by-party vote on page 32.3 was taken. FF+ and the DA voted no and ActionSA abstained. The Speaker declared the item carried.

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

Item 1: C40 / UN-Habitat Urban Planning Accelerator and Thriving Food Systems Accelerator

The FF+ supported the partnerships and urged small-scale farming on open spaces and fresh produce markets closer to dense areas. The EFF asked for targets, costs and implementation detail but noted and approved. The ANC supported the item, including authorising the EISD Executive Director to sign the agreement, and the MMC said there is no financial implication. On the roll-call all responding parties said yes and the item was carried.

Item 2: MMC reply and vote

The MMC replied on hybrid Rea Vaya buses, EV charging stations with City Power and interest from taxi operators and e-hailing firms, and asked council to approve. He also urged residents to vote for the ANC on 4 November. In the poll GOOD voted no and all other responding parties yes; the item was carried.

Decisionapproved: GOOD voted no, all other responding parties yes, and the item was declared carried.

Item 4: City of Johannesburg Informal Settlements Policy

GOOD said formalisation must not substitute for housing delivery and warned against upgrading hazardous land. The DA approved and asked the MMC to restore electricity at Ezinqawe, where residents had been without power for eight months. The ACDP noted the policy and listed gaps in budget, timelines and KPIs. MMC Mabaso asked council to approve it, saying it would help tackle shack farming. All parties that responded said yes and it was carried; the APC did not respond.

PromiseThe Human Settlements department is developing a system and database to manage movement in informal settlements and deal with people owning more than one shack.

Decisionapproved: All parties that responded said yes; the APC did not respond and the Speaker declared everyone agreed.

Item 5: Human Settlements Land Assembly Strategy 2025-2040

The DA and ACDP noted the report and MMC Mabaso asked council to approve the strategy so strategic land parcels can be consolidated. In the poll the APC and EFF did not initially respond. A councillor then said they agreed, citing network problems, and the item was carried.

Decisionapproved: All responding parties agreed; the EFF later confirmed agreement and the APC did not respond.

Item 6: Skills Development Strategy

The DA said the policy lacked implementation and financial plans, and that Section 79 committee connectivity problems were ignored, and said it could not support the item. The ACDP, EFF and ANC supported or noted it, and MMC Makhafola presented the strategy. The Speaker stopped Cllr Mphaho from clubbing items 6 and 7. FF+ abstained, DA voted no, and the item was carried.

Decisionapproved: FF+ abstained, the DA voted no, the APC did not respond, and the Speaker declared the item carried.

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.

Item 16: Recognition and upgrading of 379 informal settlements

Cllr Harris (ACDP) objected that settlement household counts are inaccurate and that recognition amounts to permanence without plans for eradication. Cllr Khumalo (ANC) noted the report. MMC Mabaso said Human Settlements needs a council resolution to work in settlements it does not establish, and that by-law enforcement is not its mandate.

Item 31: Draft Inner City Street and Informal Trading Plan

Cllr B. Nkomo (DA) said the problem is by-law enforcement rather than a lack of plans, and asked where traders removed from Lilian Ngoyi Street would go. Cllr Tefu (ANC) supported the draft as a pilot. MMC Mgcina said the Lilian Ngoyi designation is on hold pending stakeholder engagement and asked Council to approve the plan.

PromiseThe proposed trading designation of Lilian Ngoyi Street is placed on hold pending further stakeholder engagement.

Motion 2: Traffic calming at Clarendon Place, Hillbrow, withdrawn

Cllr Nkonyeni was called as proposer of the motion on traffic calming and pedestrian safety near Williston Court. He withdrew it, saying it would be politicised. MMC Kunene said he was glad a frivolous motion was withdrawn, and was told by members that he was wasting time.

Decisionwithdrawn: The proposer, Cllr Nkonyeni, withdrew the motion, saying it would be politicised.

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 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 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 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: EFF position and demands on water

Cllr Mkasi said the EFF supported the grant but demanded that the administration identify and quantify water infrastructure failures, such as in Zandspruit, and report back to council. The speech also gave background on the GEF, the Sustainable Cities programme and the pilot solar and efficiency components.

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 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.

Items 11 and 12: Fairland development sales, GOOD, AIC and DA

Items 11 and 12, development sales of Fairland erven, were read together at the request of Cllr Mhlongo. GOOD and the AIC supported them. The DA opposed them, citing no comparison of sale against long-term lease, outstanding environmental, traffic and City Power studies, a City Parks and Zoo objection and stale consultation, and asked for deferral.

Items 11 and 12: ActionSA, EFF and ANC positions

An ActionSA proxy noted both items because Cllr Xulu was ill. The EFF said it favoured a long-term lease and keeping land in public hands. The ANC speaker supported unlocking the land but asked for a developmental return framework, infrastructure checks, reporting and a land dashboard.

Items 11 and 12: MMC Mnisi's response

MMC Mnisi said the transactions were development sales for human settlements, with title passed only once the developer met conditions. She said the environmental and other studies would be done in the town planning process after council authority. She said the transactions were MFMA-compliant and asked council to approve.

PromiseMMC Mnisi said the environmental and other studies on the Fairland properties will be done once council authorises the transaction.

Point on earlier resolution against property sales

Cllr Christians, under Rule 72, asked whether a previous-term resolution barring sales of city property should first be rescinded. The Speaker replied that the items were committee reports and told MMC Mnisi to continue.

Item 14: Township Economies By-law implementation plan

Speakers from the ACDP, AIC, UDM, FF+, ActionSA, EFF and ANC welcomed or noted the plan. Points raised included red tape, an inclusive economy and compliance, quarterly reporting and outcome-based measures. MMC Mnisi said the approach is to educate, support, formalise and enforce when necessary, and the item was agreed.

Decisionapproved: The item was agreed after the debate and MMC Mnisi's response.

Items 15 and 16: Region A and Region E economic development plans, ACDP, UDM, FF+ and DA

The Region A and Region E Regional Economic Development Plans, Investment Atlases and Implementation Plans were read together. The ACDP and UDM noted them and the FF+ asked about special economic zones for Region A. The DA said the plans lacked evidence, prioritisation and funding and ignored basic infrastructure.

Items 15 and 16: ActionSA, EFF, ANC, MMC response and agreement

ActionSA and the EFF noted both items and the ANC's Cllr Bolani supported them with a call to turn the plans into funded project pipelines. MMC Mnisi said the plans are a framework, not a wish list, and asked council to approve them. The items were agreed.

PromiseMMC Mnisi will keep working with the JDA, JPC and others to identify opportunities and strengthen the investment pipeline in high-unemployment areas.

Decisionapproved: Council agreed to both plans after MMC Mnisi asked for approval.

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".

Items 4-8 read in and tabled (Economic Development cluster)

The Secretary to Council reads items 4 to 8 together: the Q3 reports for Economic Development, Joburg Tourism Company, JPC and Joburg Market, plus the Section 79 oversight report. Cllr Mhlongo, as member in charge, tables them for council to consider and approve.

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.

ACDP and PA on Economic Development cluster

Cllr Mkhonza praises Joburg Market for paying suppliers within 30 days and training 480 emerging farmers. He is concerned that Economic Development has 0% capex. Cllr Wilskut says the PA notes the report and calls for South Africans to be put first.

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.

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.

Member in charge closes items 9-13; recommendations agreed

Cllr Ngoepe responds to Cllr Munyayi, saying the entities face aging infrastructure and illegal encroachment, and asks council to note and approve. The Speaker reads out the recommendation pages and moves to the next item without objection.

Decisionapproved: The Speaker asked if the recommendations were agreed and moved to the next item without any objection.

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 27-33: Transport, JRA, Metrobus and MTC

The Secretary read items 27 to 33 on Transport, JRA, Metrobus, MTC and the related oversight reports. The ACDP, DA, FF+, ActionSA and the DA's MTC speaker raised unpaid contractors, potholes, faulty traffic signals, MFMA breaches and the MMC's absence. The EFF welcomed Metrobus's fatality-free kilometres, and the ANC and MMC Mgcina noted the reports. Items 32 and 33 were agreed after the main set.

Decisionagreed: The recommendations at 27.2, 28.12, 29.5, 30.4 and 31.24 to 31.25 were agreed to.

Decisionagreed: The recommendations at 32.11 and 33.9 were agreed to.

Item 63: Municipal Planning By-law review public participation

Council considered a request to start public participation on a minor review of the Municipal Planning By-law. The DA argued the timeline runs past the last Council meeting in August and would waste public money. ActionSA noted the report, the EFF agreed, and the ANC presented the objectives. The Acting Mayor said public participation would only start after 4 November.

PromiseThe city will begin the actual public participation on the Municipal Planning By-law review only after 4 November.

Item 65: Feasibility study on public transport facility management models

Council considered approval of a feasibility study on management models for granting user rights at public transport facilities. The DA, ActionSA, EFF and ANC supported it, with the DA and EFF raising caveats on later reporting, user fees and operator support. MMC Kunene described the background of taxi industry discussions and the taxi ranks he had visited.

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 90: Exemption from development contributions for Thanganani Mega City (debate)

Council considered a request to exempt the Thanganani Mega City development in Diepsloot from bulk engineering services and other development contributions. ActionSA, the EFF and the ANC supported it, with the EFF calling for stronger oversight and progress reporting. ActionSA urged that South Africans be the primary beneficiaries.

PromiseActionSA will monitor implementation of the Thanganani Mega City project for transparency, accountability and benefit to communities.

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.

Item 90: MMC response and adoption

MMC Mabaso said the project is a provincial government initiative with a developer investing R250 million in infrastructure. He said the exemption is required under the development agreement so a clearance certificate can be issued and houses allocated. He said completed houses had stood vacant for over seven months. The item was carried and the DA recorded its opposition under Rule 84.

Decisionapproved: The yeses had it on recommendations at pages 90.14 to 90.15, and the DA recorded opposition under Rule 84 citing missing information.

Item 91: Public participation on 50-year lease extension, Erf 1307 Yeoville

Council considered a request to conduct public participation on a 50-year lease extension for Erf 1307 in Yeoville, for the Yeoville Police Station. ActionSA and the ANC welcomed the report. MMC Mabaso noted there was no opposition and asked council to approve. The item was carried.

Decisionapproved: Recommendations on pages 91.9 to 91.10 were carried without opposition.

Motion: Declaration of Auckland Park as a student precinct (proposal and seconding)

Cllr Gwamanda moved under Rule 89(2) that council initiate a formal declaration of Auckland Park as a student precinct. He asked for a Development Planning feasibility study and exploration of a city improvement district. Cllr Zigebe seconded, stressing that the motion needs a feasibility study and stakeholder engagement and imposes no final outcome.

Auckland Park motion: DA opposition

Ward councillor Cllr Kyle Jacobs opposed the motion for the DA. He cited inadequate infrastructure, absent by-law enforcement against illegal student housing, heritage-protected properties and lack of resident consultation. He said the DA supports legal student accommodation but not approving development before infrastructure and planning are in place.

Auckland Park motion: ANC, EFF and ActionSA support

The ANC supported the motion unconditionally. The EFF supported it and proposed a combined student and health precinct. ActionSA also supported it, citing economic, safety and urban renewal benefits, after a brief exchange about its speaker list.

Auckland Park motion: proposer's reply and executive position

Cllr Gwamanda said the motion considers bulk infrastructure and asked council to treat it as a service delivery motion. The Deputy Executive Mayor said the executive supports it in principle as a feasibility study, with stakeholder consultation and a return to council for approval.

PromiseAfter stakeholder consultation on the Auckland Park student precinct, the matter will come back to council for approval.

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.

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 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 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 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 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 73: City Power Trading Reform Strategy 2026-27 (PIAP V2)

The ACDP notes and accepts the report, ActionSA notes it, and the EFF supports it with a focus on Zandspruit and working-class communities. The DA's Cllr Steenkamp opposes it because it bypassed the Section 79 committee. MMC Masuku asks for approval, 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.

Items 45 to 60: oversight visit reports taken together

The Secretary read out items 45 to 60, which are oversight visit reports of Section 79 committees. The Speaker noted none had speakers and put the recommendations page by page. No objections are recorded in the transcript.

Decisionnoted: The recommendations of each item were put in turn without speakers, in line with the whips' agreement to note them, and no objection is recorded.

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%.

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.

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.

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: 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: 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.

Item 1: IDP review and business plans introduced

Council returned to Item 1, the 2026/27 IDP Review and the departmental and entity business plans. Cllr Boer asked in jest whether the budget has provision for lunch. The Speaker said lunch would follow Item 1.

Item 1: Cllr Harris (ACDP)

Cllr Harris acknowledged the IDP's honesty about infrastructure and fiscal failure. He criticised the public comment process, citing the Union Stadium in Region B as unfunded. He said the ACDP notes the item with severe reservations.

Item 1: Cllr Nkomo (ActionSA)

Cllr Avant-Smith donated two minutes to Cllr Kreusch. Cllr Nkomo said the IDP is ambitious on paper but the test is capacity and political will to deliver. She said the city has many turnaround strategies and too little implementation.

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.

Item 1: Cllr Mokwena (ANC)

Cllr Mokwena described the IDP as a recovery blueprint. He covered its inner-city revitalisation focus, its key challenges, the 'house' model and its intervention areas. He urged the city leadership to carry on.

Item 1: MMC Finance responds on the IDP

The MMC said the IDP uses a spatially targeted, needs-based investment approach. She outlined the two rounds of public participation, community-based planning in October-November 2025 and IDP forums in May. She asked council to note the report.

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.