Nompumelelo Edward

Attendance

Present

63

Leave of absence

2

Absent without leave

0

Arrived late

2

Left early

0

Reasons given for leave: Party business (2).

"Absent without leave" means the signed minutes of a meeting held while they were on council neither list them as present nor excuse them, and no similar name appears that day, so misspellings in the minutes don't count against anyone. Each square links to the minutes.

In the chamber

From the 39 sittings transcribed so far in their term. Times are approximate, to the nearest transcript line.

Not present when called

1

Times given the floor

12

Average wait to start

14 s

Average greetings first

0 s

Apology or leave of absence (5)

• 27 Aug 2026 · 00:06:44Party business. ActionSA party business list. sitting
• 27 Aug 2026 · 00:11:59Party business. ActionSA leave of absence for party business. sitting
• 25 Jun 2026 · 00:53:28Leaving early. Leaving at 14:30. sitting
• 24 Jun 2026 · 00:28:24Leaving early. ActionSA notified early departure. sitting
• 30 Sept 2025 · 00:32:11Arriving late. ActionSA apology. sitting

Not present when called (1)

• 30 Sept 2025 · 04:19:53Chair asked whether Cllr Edward was present; she spoke shortly afterwards. sitting

In their words

Every time the chair gave them the floor in a transcribed sitting (12), newest first. The words are the AI transcript of that stretch of the livestream (Argon), so they can include the chair or an interjection; the time link is the place to check.

• 30 Sept 2026 · 02:06:39Item 27: General valuation roll extension · 4 min 29 s

  Read what they said (564 words)

  Thank you, uh Madam Speaker. I rise on item 27, extension of the general valuation roll 2023. Honourable Speaker, Executive Mayor, fellow Councillors, and residents of Johannesburg, ActionSA rises to reject item 27. This report asks Council to approve a request to the MEC for Local Government to extend the validity of the city's 2023 general valuation roll

  from 20 June 2027 to 30 June 2028. The report relies on the Municipal Property Rates Act, which allows such an extension in exceptional circumstances. Honourable Speaker, the most important issue before us is not whether an extension is legally possible or not. The question is why is the city uh once again asking residents to carry the consequences of its own capacity

  and administrative failures? The report itself provides a concerning list of reasons. The property branch has a serious shortage of valuers. Of 86 positions, 81 are funded, and yet 12 valuers resigned since October 2025, while the recruitment process has been delayed by the city's recruitment and additional approval processes.

  The report further tells us that the city has one valuer for approximately every 13,000 properties, compared with the industry guidelines of one valuer for between 8,000 and 10,000 properties. We also learn that the critical CAMA modelling specialist resigned in May 2026, and that four modelling positions are currently vacant. There is no valuation panel in place to support the valuation of

  specialized properties. Essential aerial imagery has been delayed by procurement processes, while the city's valuation systems have experienced instability. And perhaps most concerning, the Development Planning has allegedly failed to provide critical information such as occupation certificates, building plans, and zoning information timeously, despite requests over the past two years. The report itself says these problems create a risk of unstable

  and highly contestable valuation roll with potential revenue uh and litigation. Honourable Speaker, these are not minor administrative inconveniences. A valuation roll determines the properties' values upon which municipal rates are based. The city's own report, therefore, acknowledges that poor quality information can affect revenue collection and the credibility of the rates base.

  ActionSA cannot simply ask an extension as a solution when the report demonstrates that the underlying problem are capacity, recruitment, procurement, systems, and interdepartmental coordination. The city now wants another year to fix these problems, but what guarantees does Council have that the same problems will not simply bring us back where we are uh today?

  The report proposes that the additional year be used to recruit critical personnel, appoint a valuation panel, secure aerial imagery, uh stabilize systems, improve valuation modelling, and obtain the necessary information from Development Planning. ActionSA's position is simple: residents deserve a credible valuation roll, not another extension of an administration that has failed to get the necessary systems

  and capacity in place on time. We support accurate and fair property valuations. We support a rate system that is transparent and defensible, but accountability must accompany every request for an extension. Honourable Speaker, ActionSA therefore rejects this report because we cannot support extending the current valuation roll without sufficient confidence that the city's underlying capacity and governance failures

  have been properly addressed. Johannesburg residents deserve a valuation system that is accurate, fair, reliable, and properly administered. We therefore call on this Council to demand accountability to correct the current status quo rather than to simply extend this deadline. I thank you.

• 30 Sept 2026 · 01:15:50Item 17: Funding plan · 5 min 55 s

  Read what they said (658 words)

  Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise on item 17, which is the funding plan for 2026/2027 to 2028/2029 financial year. Honourable Speaker, Executive Mayor, members of Council and residents of Johannesburg, ActionSA rises to reject item 17, the funding plan for the medium term capital budget for 2026/2027 to 2028/2029. Let us be clear about what is before this Council today. This report asks

  Can I continue, Madam Speaker?

  Councillors, I am

  ubani?

  Councillor Molala, can we not do that? Councillor Edward, continue.

  Speaker, can Councillor Edward be protected, please, Speaker?

  Councillor Nkonyeni, if you listened what I just did now. Councillor Edward, can you continue? Councillor Edward, can you continue? Your time is running. Should we go to the next speaker? Councillor Nkonyeni, please tell your councillor to log on.

  I'm doing so, Speaker. Thank you.

  Am I audible now, Speaker?

  Yes, now you're audible. Can you continue?

  Am I still audible?

  Councillor, you are audible. Continue.

  This report asks Council to approve external long term borrowing of 3.5 billion in 2026/2027, 3.2 billion in 2027/2028, and 3.2 billion in 2028/2029, a total of approximately 10 billion over three years. It further proposes short term borrowing and facilities of up to 5 billion, including commercial paper and banking facilities to deal with cash flow mismatches.

  The report tells us that the borrowing is affordable because the city's gearing is approximately 28% and a 45% ceiling, and because revenue collection is said to have stabilized above 90%. But Honourable Speaker, being below a debt ceiling does not automatically mean that the borrowing is financially responsible. The fundamental question that we should all be asking ourselves is can the city afford to borrow again?

  And the question is can the city demonstrate to all of us that it can borrow, it can spend and repay, and deliver consistent and transparent service delivery? ActionSA's concern is that this report gives Council broad authority to borrow through numerous instruments and institutions while placing significant reliance on future financial performance and future cash flows. We are being asked to approve billions in borrowing while the report itself proposes mechanisms such as refinancing of up to 5 billion rand,

  alternative funding, off-balance sheet financing, public-private partnership, asset-backed financing and additional short term facilities. The report also proposes that municipal entities such as City Power, Joburg Water, and Pikitup increasingly raise borrowing directly on their own balance sheets. Together, the municipal entities account for approximately 9 billion rand of the medium term external borrowing program. We therefore cannot look at this simply as another finance report.

  We must ask whether if every rand will be translated into reliable electricity, water, roads, waste removal, and functioning infrastructure for the residents of Johannesburg. ActionSA has previously raised concerns about the city's cash flow pressures and financial mismanagement. In 2025, the city's own reporting identified inherited debt pressures, significant outstanding consumer debts, and serious infrastructure backlogs.

  And it is precisely why we cannot support a funding plan simply because the numbers appear to fit within a potential ratio. Borrowing is not the same thing as financial sustainability. Financial sustainability means collecting revenue, controlling expenditure, maintaining infrastructure, preventing waste, and ensuring that borrowing money produces measurable public value. Therefore, we are not opposed to the infrastructure investment. Johannesburg desperately needs this type of investment,

  but as ActionSA we believe that borrowing must follow credible delivery,

  You've got 30 seconds left.

  not substitute for it. Residents should not be left paying tomorrow for infrastructure that was poorly maintained, poorly managed, or poorly maintained today. Honourable Speaker, this Council has a responsibility not only to improve funding, but to protect the city's future financial position. For these reasons, ActionSA rejects item 17. We call for stronger financial discipline, greater transparency around the proposed borrowing, clear accountability for every rand borrowed, and a funding strategy that places sustainability, service delivery, and the interest of Johannesburg residents at the center of everything.

• 25 Jun 2026 · 08:08:10Item 76 · 5 min 13 s

  Read what they said (635 words)

  Thank you, Speaker. I rise on Item 76. Today, council is is asked merely to note reports relating to supply chain management, procurement activities, deviations, ratifications, and tender awards within the City of Joburg. The Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, has warned that he might halt the transfer of funds to the City of Johannesburg and invoke Section 216(2) of the Constitution. This self-inflicted wound must be blamed squarely on the incompetence and uncaring administration led by the ANC. However, these reports and the minister's warnings are about far more than procurement processes and expenditure figures. And they are they're about whether this government of local unity is capable of protecting the public purse while delivering services to the residents who fund this municipality through their rates and taxes. Speaker, public trust is in government is declining. Residents no longer judge this council by the number of reports tabled or committee meetings held. Speaker, during this quarter alone, direct purchases amounted to over 6 billion. Year to date, direct procurement spending now exceeds 8.5 billion. When a municipality spends billions of rands, every councillor has a duty to ask fundamental questions. Are residents receiving value for money? Because every rand spent by the city is not government money; it is public money. It belongs to the hardworking residents of Johannesburg. Residents Our responsibility as public representatives is not merely to approve expenditure, but to ensure that expenditure translate into service delivery outcomes. Good governance is measured by how much money is not measured by how much money is spent. Speaker, this report indicates that stock valued at more than 26 million rand has been marked for deletion and referred to Group Forensic Investigation Services for further investigation. This should concern each and every member in this chamber. 26 million rand worth of public assets requiring forensic investigation is not a minor administrative matter. It is a warning sign. It raises serious questions about our internal controls as a city, about asset management, about procurement oversight, and accountability in the city. Residents deserve answers. How did these assets end up in this position? Who was responsible for safeguarding them? Were procurement procedures followed? Was there negligence? Was there misconduct? And when will council receive the findings and recommendations arising from these investigations? Forensic investigations should not become a substitute for accountability. They should lead to accountability. The public has grown tired of investigations. Our residents are tired of investigations that only generate reports, but fail to generate consequence management and consequences. Speaker, ActionSA calls for consequence management. Residents need to know that there are consequences for negligence, waste, corruption, and maladministration. Without consequences management, governance becomes meaningless. Speaker, the report further indicates that 19 contracts and service providers panels are due to expire within the next financial cycle. This is another governance concern. Where contracts are allowed to approach expiry without adequate preparation, deviations become more likely. Emergency procurement becomes more likely, and opportunities for waste and abuse of resources increase. The Auditor-General has repeatedly warned municipalities that poor contract management contributes significantly to irregular expenditure and governance failures. Johannesburg cannot continue operating in a reactive mode. We need a culture of proactive planning and sound administration. Speaker, the report on deviations and ratifications may appear relatively small: three deviations and only two ratifications. But deviations should never become routine. Every deviation represents a departure from normal competitive procurement processes. While legislation provides legislative exceptions, Speaker, we have a problem of decline in Johannesburg, which is not a financial problem, but a governance problem. Residents do not want excuses. They want the city that gives them value. They want a reliable service delivery. They want assurance that every rand collected from them is being used efficiently, honestly, and effectively.

  Time up.

  Thank you so much, Speaker.

• 24 Jun 2026 · 03:13:4566 · 5 min 2 s

  Read what they said (644 words)

  Thank you, Councillor. Um Councillor Santana, DA.

  Thank you, Madam Speaker. Today we are presented with a Financial Turnaround Framework that reads less than a recovery plan, but more than an admission of failure. The report itself tells us Joburg is facing a systematic crisis despite a reported surplus. The city remains financially fragile. Cash coverage stands at only 17 days.

  The current ratio is a concerning 0.73:1. The debtors book has ballooned to 7.8 billion, with 90% of debt older than 91 days. Water losses are costing residents approximately 3.8 billion annually, while electricity losses amount to another 5.7 billion. Capital expenditure implementation remains alarmingly low, and National Treasury has identified a 2.1 billion unfunded budget gap.

  These are not opposition talking points; these are findings contained in the very same document. What is perhaps most worrying is the report repeatedly states that Johannesburg does not suffer from a shortage of pr- plans; it suffers from a shortage of implementation. The problem is not that the government does not know what to do; the problem is the government fails to do it. Madam Speaker, let us compare this reality with the Johannesburg inherited

  by residents under the multi-party administration led by Herman Mashaba between 2016 and 2019. During this administration, Johannesburg achieved an unqualified audit outcome and maintained a position where the Auditor-General confirmed that the city remained capable of meeting its financial obligations. Investment facilitated by the city increased dramatically, growing from an approximately 4.5 billion rand to more than 17

  billion rand by 2019. More than 23,000 SMMEs received support, over 110,000 new jobs were created. The city accelerated infrastructure investment, increased capital spending on essential services, handed over thousands of title deeds to residents, resurfaced roads, repaired hundreds of thousands of potholes, and attracted substantial private sector investment into the inner city.

  No administration is perfect, but there was a clear direction in terms of fighting Today, 7 years later, we are still debating how to recover from financial distress, governance failures, collapsing infrastructure, and a 52 billion rand infrastructure pil- uh backlog. The report ex- explicitly states that Johannesburg Water and City Power are in distress, that governance structures are failing, and that the National Treasury has flagged multiple reform commitments

  as either amber or red. Madam Speaker, the Government of Local Unity in Johannesburg has mastered one thing; that is managing decline. Residents experience experience this daily. Traffic lights fail, there's water outages, potholes, there's billing disputes that remain unresolved. Businesses are losing confidence in Johannesburg, and residents are being asked to pay more, but are receiving less. This report reveals that the city continues to rely on borrowing to support operations.

  It confirms that the cash improvements were achieved partly through a 2.5 billion short- short-term facility and other financing mechanism, rather than through a sustainable operational performance. That is not turnaround; it is postponing the crisis. The Government of Local Unity often points to coalition complexity as an excuse, yet Herman Mashaba governed through one of the most complex coalitions arrangements in Johannesburg's history, and still delivered measurable progress.

  The difference was leadership. The difference was also accountability. Madam Speaker, this report is a warning. It warns us that

  47 seconds left.

  This report is a warning. It warns us that uh we need to fund our infrastructure. Um and and until this Government of Local Unity demonstrates real results other than endless plan, it will remain responsible for the decline of the South African economic heart- heartland and heartbeat. Madam Speaker, we will be supporting this report, but as ActionSA, we're going to monitor the implementation very closely, uh because the residents of re- of Johannesburg do not live inside

  reports; residents of Johannesburg live in Johannesburg. They judge us by whether water comes from their taps when they open their taps, whether the light

• 28 May 2026 · 01:28:22Item 3: debate on the budget speech · 14 min 47 s

  Read what they said (1685 words)

  Greetings, Madam Speaker, Honourable Mayor, the fabulous 44, and the residents of Johannesburg. Madam Speaker, today we are not debating a budget. We are debating the collapse of governance in the City of Johannesburg. What was presented before the residents.

  Councillor Edward, just hold on. Councillors, at the back. Chief Whip, please speak to the councillor that actually went to Councillor Modupi now. No, man! There are people in the gallery watching us. No, he went to talk to them. Thank you, Councillor. You can carry on. No, no, no, Councillor Chauke went to speak to those councillors that were out of order. Uh-uh, uh-uh, no. No. Councillor, can you continue?

  Thank you, Madam Speaker. Today we are not debating a budget. We are debating the collapse of governance in the City of Johannesburg. What was presented before the residents of Johannesburg yesterday was not a budget speech. It was a political rally disguised as a budget presentation. It was an election campaign funded by the suffering residents of Johannesburg. Residents of Johannesburg must ask themselves

  When did a budget speech become an ANC election manifesto?

  When did the serious responsibility of accounting for public money become an opportunity for political grandstanding and self-praise?

  But perhaps we should not be surprised.

  Because when a government that can no longer distinguish between governance and politics, it also begins to struggle to distinguish between public resources and political interests.

  That is the real crisis confronting Johannesburg today.

  Speaker, what we listened to yesterday sounded like a broken record. Repetitive political slogans, recycled promises, exaggerated achievements, and empty rhetoric from a government desperately pleading with residents to give it one more opportunity to continue squandering public money, mismanaging infrastructure, and deepening financial collapse of the once great city.

  The claim that Johannesburg today represents a world-class African city is no longer a vision.

  It is a political fiction completely disconnected from the lived reality of residents in Johannesburg.

  A world-class African city does not have collapsing roads. A world-class city does not have dry taps for days.

  A world-class African city does not have sewer flowing into communities.

  A world-class African city does not have traffic lights permanently dysfunctional.

  A world-class city does not have to watch businesses close down while unemployment rises.

  And yet yesterday we heard boasting about hosting international events, tourism, conferences and summits while residents sit in the dark, while businesses collapse, and while unemployment continues to rise.

  Speaker, the Government of Local Unity is completely out of touch with the reality faced by ordinary residents.

  The budget speech lacked accountability.

  In fact, what was presented yesterday was effectively an admission of failure.

  An admission that this administration cannot implement its own capital projects.

  An admission that service delivery has collapsed.

  An admission that infrastructure maintenance has failed. An admission that financial management has collapsed.

  An admission that this coalition government has become paralyzed by instability and political survival.

  And yet, this is the same government entrusted with managing the largest municipal budget in South Africa.

  Residents of Johannesburg must think carefully in the upcoming elections on the 4th of November 2026.

  Because the failure of this city cannot remain in the hands of those who helped drive it into decline.

  Speaker, ActionSA will not allow history to be distorted.

  We will not allow propaganda to erase performance.

  We will not allow political misinterpretation to erase results.

  The incoming Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Herman Mashaba, has already demonstrated has already demonstrated between 2016 and 2019 what a capable government looks like.

  While others speak, the incoming Mayor Herman Mashaba delivered.

  While others held conferences, Herman Mashaba built.

  While others produced slogans, Herman Mashaba implemented.

  And the record speaks for itself.

  Under the leadership of Herman Mashaba, frontline workers, 1,879 cleaners and 4,185 security personnel were insourced and given dignity.

  The city increased facilitated investment from 4.5 billion to 17.3 billion by 2019.

  Councillor, just hold on.

  Councillor Belinda.

  Just hold on, Councillors, please.

  Morning, Madam Speaker, and I'd like to call a point of order, Rule 72.

  Madam Speaker, we cannot sit quiet and allow the Councillor to mislead this house.

  Between 2016 and 2019, it was a DA government, not an ActionSA government.

  Thank you, Councillor Belinda.

  Thank you, Councillor Belinda.

  Can you carry on, Councillor?

  Thank you, Madam Speaker. Over 32 billion investment was unlocked through inner city rejuvenation initiatives.

  Madam Speaker! Madam Speaker!

  Before I allow you, Councillor.

  Before I allow you to, can you be seated, Councillor?

  Can you be seated whilst the Councillor speaks?

  Uh-uh, no.

  Councillors.

  Can you, can you speak, Councillor?

  No, thank you very much, Speaker.

  I just wanted to find out if the speaker on the podium is prepared to take a question.

  No.

  Doesn't work like that.

  It doesn't work like that.

  Councillors, I do believe that the MMC needs to respond after this.

  So can we allow people to speak so that she can also understand what people are saying and when she responds?

  Councillor, please.

  Also you, Councillor Munyayi, can you also shush?

  Thank you, Councillor.

  Thank you, Madam Speaker. Over 32 billion investment was unlocked through inner city rejuvenation initiatives.

  Approximately 21,000 construction jobs were created.

  More than 14,500 affordable housing opportunities were unlocked.

  Extended cleaning hours were introduced across Johannesburg. New clinics were opened in Hillbrow, Noordgesig, Freedom Park, and Westbury.

  Five free community substance abuse centers were opened to assist struggling residents.

  The city collapsed 15% of its capital budget to housing.

  Allocated, the city allocated 15% of its capital budget to housing, the largest housing budget in Johannesburg history.

  More than 6,200 housing units were delivered.

  More than 8,000 title deeds were transferred to beneficiaries.

  198 kilometers of water pipes and 125 kilometers of sewer pipes were replaced.

  Over 6,300 public lights were installed. Informal settlements received integrated waste collection services.

  Nearly 1,000 lane kilometers of roads were resurfaced.

  Those were not promises.

  Those were measurable outcomes.

  Those were not election slogans.

  They were real projects felt by residents in their daily lives.

  Speaker, those who truly want to improve governance must ask the Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Dr. Nasiphi Moya, how it is done.

  She is demonstrating that ethical leadership, financial discipline, and service delivery can work together.

  And I have no doubt, Speaker, she would gladly share the blueprint and framework for free.

  Because real leadership is not about slogans and political rhetoric.

  It is about delivering the results for the people of Johannesburg.

  Speaker, today Johannesburg stands in complete contrast to that period.

  Infrastructure is collapsing, investment confidence is declining, businesses are leaving, residents are losing hope, unemployment is rising, municipal entities are failing, and the city's finances are under severe pressure.

  The decay under the Government of Local Unity is no longer hidden.

  It is visible in every ward, in every community, in every suburb, in every township, in every informal settlement.

  In Alexandra, it's visible. In Orange Farm, it's visible.

  Every broken road is visible.

  Every water outage, every collapse, every broken traffic light is visible to every resident in the city. Speaker, Johannesburg did not just collapsed overnight, collapse overnight. The warning signs were there for years.

  The National Treasury warned this city.

  Gauteng Treasury warned this city.

  The Auditor-General warned this city.

  Even previous budget speeches warned this city.

  But instead of reforming governance, and this administration prioritized coalition deals.

  They prioritized political survival.

  They prioritized public relations exercises.

  Today, residents of Johannesburg are paying the price.

  The MMC has tabled a R97.1 billion budget while residents continue to receive declining services.

  Electricity tariffs are increasing by 8.63%, water tariffs by 12.5%, sanitation is also increasing.

  Residents are being punished for the failures of this government.

  And what is even more alarming is that expenditure is growing faster than revenue.

  The city is deepening faster, is spending faster than it earns.

  Debt impairment is projected to reach approximately R10.5 billion.

  This means that the city itself believes billions may never be collected from for revenue.

  Law-abiding residents are subsidizing corruption, billing failures, and financial incompetence of this government.

  Speaker, this past Tuesday, this Council approved another R3.8 billion loan facility from a German bank.

  ActionSA opposed this loan because borrowing money while the financial foundation of the city continues collapsing is not financial recovery, it is financial desperation.

  You cannot borrow your way out of a dysfunctional system.

  You cannot borrow your way out of corruption.

  You cannot borrow your way out of poor governance. Eventually, residents will repay this debt through higher tariffs and through decline of services in their communities.

  Speaker, ActionSA warned this Council repeatedly.

  We warned against reckless borrowing.

  We warned against the collapsing infrastructure in the city.

  We also warned against the bloated operational expenditure.

  We warned against the political instability and the poor revenue collection.

  We repeatedly warned against these governance failures. And today, every warning has materialized, Speaker.

  Speaker, the people of Johannesburg now face a clear choice.

  Continue with the politics of excuses, instability, decay, or financial decline, or restore Johannesburg under a proven leadership of former Mayor Herman Mashaba.

  The incoming Mayor Herman Mashaba left a blueprint for governance between 2016 and 2019.

  And on the 4th of November, residents will have an opportunity to bring back decisive leadership, clean governance, infrastructure-led development, financial discipline, investment confidence, and service delivery that works.

  Those who remain in this Council after the elections are encouraged to learn free of charge what real governance looks like.

  30 seconds left, Councillor.

  Speaker, history will record that Johannesburg was warned repeatedly.

  But history will also record who ignored those warnings, who defended failure, who protected dysfunction, who collapsed this city.

  And history will record that ActionSA stood with residents when others chose to stand for political survival.

  The people of Johannesburg deserve better.

  They deserve a government that works. They deserve leadership that delivers, and they deserve a city that functions again.

  And ActionSA is more than ready to rebuild Johannesburg.

  Speaker, Johannesburg is South Africa's economic engine, and when Johannesburg declines, South Africa feels the consequences.

• 30 Sept 2025 · 04:42:0344 · 4 min 7 s

  Read what they said (506 words)

  Thank you so much, uh Madam Speaker. Greetings to you, Honourable Speaker, councillors, and most importantly, the residents of the City of Johannesburg. Madam Speaker, I rise to speak on item 44, which deals with the state of supply chain management in our city. This report lays before us the details of bids awarded, and committees that sat, and the financial commitment entered into

  on behalf of our residents of Johannesburg. Let us be clear, Madam Speaker, that every tender awarded is not just a line item, it is a commitment made in the name of the residents of Johannesburg. It is their money collected through rates, taxes, and tariffs that funds all these service delivery projects. And it is our responsibility as council to ensure that these funds are spent responsibly,

  transparently, and effectively. In item 44 that is presented before us, which is a report for August 2025, it continues in the same vein, requiring us once again to discharge our oversight duties. Together, these reports remind us that oversight is not just a passive function. The MFMA, supply chain regulations, and Section 33

  processes demand that we, as council, remain vigilant custodians of public resources. Honourable Speaker, accountability is not optional, it is the cornerstone of good governance. We cannot merely note these reports without interrogating them. Madam Speaker, it is our duty to note them and give our views to these reports. We must also ask,

  were these bidding processes competitive? Were they fair? Were they transparent? Were the correct policies and regulations followed? Do these contracts deliver value for money and sustainability in terms of service delivery? And most importantly, will our communities see tangible improvements from these expenditures that we are making or committing to make? Where accountability is absent,

  wasteful expenditure flourishes, and we also see personal attacks on people that do speeches, which is not supposed to be like that. Where oversight is weak, corruption finds room to breathe. But where this council insists on transparency, demands compliance, and enforces accountability, the residents of Johannesburg will reap greater rewards in terms of good governance. Let me stress, our role is not to rubber-stamp

  decisions of officials or committees. Our role is to ensure that these decisions align with principles of financial sustainability, principles of fairness, principles that will develop the needs of our city, and will deliver those basic services to the residents of Johannesburg. As we table this report, let us commit ourselves as councillors to this duty. Let us not Let us hold not only the administration

  accountable, but let us also hold ourselves and the executive accountable to remain diligent, vigilant, and unwavering in safeguarding public funds contributed by our residents. In the end, accountability is the highest service as councillors that we can render to our residents. If we fail in this, we fail them. And that, Honourable Speaker, is not an option.

  We must hold the executive to account and we must not fail our residents. ActionSA notes this report. I thank you.

• 30 Sept 2025 · 04:20:1143 · 4 min 50 s

  Read what they said (515 words)

  Thank you so much, uh Madam Speaker. Greetings to the Mayor in absentia. Greetings to all Councillors and most importantly to the residents of Johannesburg. Madam Speaker, I rise with fire in my heart and duty on my shoulders on behalf of Action SA to expose the rot in the financial mismanagement of our city.

  We are told, Madam Speaker, that the Central Adjudication Committee handles tenders from 750,000 to 5 million. The Executive Adjudication Committee handles tenders from 5 million to 10 million and anything above that goes to the city manager. Madam Speaker, at face value, this is supposed to guarantee oversight.

  But in practice, it has become oversight abused. Bloated contracts benefiting the connected few. Speaker, this report reveals tenders worth hundreds of millions. 174 million handed to Standard Bank for banking services, 30 million given to another company with only one bidder responding. In transport,

  3.1 billion for Rea Vaya contract was awarded to another company yet the highest bidder was selected. Since when does the highest bidder equal best value, Madam Speaker? This is not good governance. Action SA calls it what it is. Daylight robbery. Over and over, we see tenders approved with one bidder. Madam Speaker, 4.8 million

  was given to a consulting company for a matric program, 1.9 million to the same company for an adult education training. Speaker, is this competition or is it the system being designed to shut out fair participation so that insiders walk away with public money? Action SA demands answers on this.

  Points are supposed to balance cost, capacity and empowerment. But in this city, Madam Speaker, points have become the shield for picking the most expensive option while communities in Soweto, in Alexandra, in Orange Farm sit without basic services. Madam Speaker, under this current administration, we have become a playground for tenderpreneurs.

  Billions are locked in long-term contracts communicating committing future budgets while potholes, blackouts, water outages in most areas of the city worsens. Madam Speaker, Section 33 processes meant to safeguard future budgets are treated as tick as box-ticking exercises

  with no real consultation. This is not good governance. This is not effective governance. It is betrayal. Action SA will not stand by while this city is looted. Madam Speaker, we recommend that we conduct a full forensic audit on some of the tenders and some of these tenders that are listed in this report. An explanation of why one bidder one bid

  tenders are approved without re-advertisement. Answers on why the highest bidders are consistently chosen. We also want accountability for allowing this type of abuse while our residents in the City of Johannesburg suffer. Action SA says that the Johannesburg residents deserve better.

  40 seconds left.

  Better than being sold out to politically connected tenderpreneurs. Better than an administration that normalizes waste and corruption while residents are left without basic dignity. And let it be clear, as long as Action SA stands in this chamber, we will not keep quiet. Action SA notes this report with all the concerns that have been mentioned above. Thank you.

• 30 Sept 2025 · 02:46:3742 · 4 min 46 s

  Read what they said (483 words)

  Thank you, Madam Speaker. Greetings to you, Madam Speaker, Honourable Mayor, members of Council, colleagues and residents of Johannesburg. Madam Speaker, today I rise on behalf of Action SA to express deep concern over the continued abuse of Regulation 36 under the Municipal Finance Management Act

  and its consequences on the financial health of our city. Speaker, Regulation 36 was intended to be an exceptional safeguard, a measure to allow municipalities to act swiftly in emergencies or in rare cases when normal supply chain processes cannot be followed. But in Johannesburg, under the ANC-led coalition,

  Regulation 36 has become a backdoor for corruption. Instead of being an exception, it has become the rule. Action SA notes with alarm that this has resulted in inflated contracts, lack of competition and the sidelining of genuine suppliers, particularly small businesses who should be benefiting from these opportunities. What should protect the city

  has instead eroded accountability, weakened oversight and opened the door for corruption. Speaker, under this current leadership, Johannesburg has sunk even further in terms of financial instability. Year after year, the Auditor-General flags irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure. Yet, instead of tightening controls,

  we see impunity, deviations rubber-stamped, contracts awarded without proper processes, billions meant for service delivery disappearing in the system. While residents sit in the dark, fetch water from broken systems and live among uncollected waste, this administration plays politics with the residents' money. Action SA says,

  enough is enough. The very same item before us today is yet another example of deviations brought for retrospective approval after the money is already committed. This practice makes a mockery of council's oversight role. Decisions are made behind closed doors and presented here as a done deal. Action SA rejects

  this culture of non-effective governance in the city. Speaker, financial mismanagement is not a victimless act. The victims are the people of Johannesburg, residents of Johannesburg who pay their rates faithfully, but get collapsing services in return. Let me stop pretending. Johannesburg is really bleeding in terms of money and finances. It is bleeding

  because of the leadership that refuses accountability. Regulation 36 has become the mask of corruption. Mayor is the face of this financial mismanagement. Action SA calls it what it is: corruption dressed up in deviations. And we demand accountability, not tomorrow, not next year, but now, Madam Speaker.

  This time has come to end this abuse that is happening. We want restoration, integrity in the procurement processes of the city. And we hold the Mayor and his executive to account. We hold this administration to account for all the financial chaos that is taking place. We hold the Mayor and his administration to account for all the financial chaos

  that is taking place in the city and that has left the city bankrupt. Madam Speaker, we note this report with all the concerns that have been mentioned above. Thank you.

• 31 Jul 2025 · 05:57:5575, 76, 80, 81, 82 · 1 min 25 s

  Read what they said (153 words)

  Thank you, Speaker. I would like to thank the committee members for their contribution and commitment also to ensuring that the finances of the City of Johannesburg are turned around. But I would also like to note some improvements in the quarter that we are debating. There was an improvement in terms of revenue collection from 84 to 85%.

  There was also an improvement in terms of the city's cost coverage ratio, which was at 17 days in the third quarter. I would like to also thank the Honorable Speaker for your proactive leadership and consistent support as an MMC of Finance. There has been progress in a number of areas,

  and in some way, there has been some significant contribution to the financial stability of the city. I therefore, on behalf of the committee, recommend that Council approves the oversight reports and the quarterly performance reports as presented. Thank you very much.

• 31 Jul 2025 · 05:44:2575, 76, 80, 81, 82 · 36 s

  Read what they said (74 words)

  Thank you, Madam Speaker. On behalf of the Finance Committee, I rise to table Item 75, 76, 80, 81, and 82. These are oversight reports on the second quarter performance report of the Information Communications Technology Department for the period of October to December 2024, and the third quarter performance reports and oversight reports of the Group Finance Department and Group Information Communication Technology

  Department for the period January to March 2025. Thank you.

• 30 Jul 2025 · 00:31:52Messages of condolence by other political parties · 5 min 32 s

  Read what they said (693 words)

  There we go. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Good morning, Honourable Mayor, MMCs, Chief Whip, Chair of Chairs, Chairpersons, Councillors, and fellow residents. I stand here with a very heavy heart yet full of gratitude as we pay tribute to a woman who was not only my colleague and comrade,

  but my dear friend. Councillor Brenda Dammie, fondly known by many and affectionately to me as Choma, Brenda was more was more than just more than a councillor. She was a mother, a sister, a confidante, and above all, a light in so many people's lives. From the very first sitting we shared in council,

  we clicked. There was something special about her spirit, something familiar, something warm. She had that rare gift, the ability to make every person she interacted with feel very important, feel seen, feel special, and that was her superpower. She would always call me Choma. A word that means friend.

  But to her, it was more than just a word. It was declaration of her loyalty, her kindness, and her her open heart. I remember those weekends together watching soccer, not because we were die-hard fans, but because that was our time. Our time to bond, our time to share laughter, and to open up about things that really mattered in our lives, our family,

  our life purpose. That is where I met her daughter her precious daughter, Lebo, and it was clear to me the love Brenda had for her daughter was deep, unwavering, and proud. Councillor Dammie was elegant and strength personified. She would always say with a cheeky smile,

  "A girl must always wear lipstick and put on high heels." And true to her words, Brenda carried herself with such grace. Whether in a council chamber or in the community, she showed up. She showed up fully in presence, in purpose, and in passion. She was committed to her work as a councillor and a chairperson. Never half-hearted, never distracted.

  When tragedy struck in her ward and innocent children lost their lives due to poisonous food bought from local spaza shops, Brenda did not sit back. She mourned with the families. She stood with her community, and she fought fiercely for their safety and well-being. That was who she was, a servant of the people, a guardian of the vulnerable. ActionSA joins in extending heartfelt condolences to the Dammie family.

  The entire ActionSA caucus feels this loss deeply. Each of us has a memory of her warm smile, her laughter, her elegance, and above all, her ability to remind us of the humanity behind politics. We've lost not just a councillor, a friend, and a comrade who left a mark on our hearts,

  but someone who championed servant leadership. Last week, we graduated from the Wits School of Governance, and while it was a proud moment, it was also incredibly bittersweet. My Choma was not there. I remember us in class whispering like schoolgirls, laughing, and commenting on everything. She made learning joyful. She made life lighter. To her daughter, Lebo,

  and the rest of the family, thank you for sharing Brenda with us. We know she was a mother, a sister, and an aunt to you, and yet she also managed to become a motherly presence to all of us. Her legacy lives on in our memories, in our hearts, and in the example she set. The Bible says in 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race.

  I have kept the faith." Brenda fought the good fight. She remained faithful to her calling, and she ran her race with elegance and integrity. As in Psalms 34:18 reminds us, "The Lord is close to the heart uh the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." May we find May we find comfort in knowing that God is with us in this time of mourning.

  Rest well, my friend, Councillor Brenda Dammie. Rest well, my Choma. Your life was a blessing. Your memory is a is a treasure. You are loved You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. May your soul rest in peace. Thank you.

• 27 Mar 2025 · 00:15:3435 and 36 · 3 min 22 s

  Read what they said (350 words)

  Thank you, Madam Speaker. All protocols observed. I rise to table the oversight report of the Finance Section 79 Committee on the second quarter performance reports for the period October to December 2024. The analysis of the department's second quarter report against the annual SDBIP and its own scorecard shows that the department achieved only 8 out of 15 KPIs.

  And 4 out of 6 service standards. The revenue collection rate dropped to 84%, Madam Speaker, missing the 87.7% target and decreasing from the previous quarter's 86.8%. The total outstanding debt has risen to R60.7 billion with water-related debt increasing to R32 billion.

  The city's cash or cost coverage ratio dropped from 10 days in 2023/2024 to just four days in the second quarter of 2024/2025, far below the 30-day target and the National Treasury guideline for one month. Madam Speaker, the way in which we pay our debtors has dropped, eh our creditors has dropped as a city and we need to improve on that as well.

  The department did not achieve its target of paying 100% of valid invoices within 30 days. In the second quarter, 75.15% of invoices were paid compared to 78.82 in the previous quarter. There has been a downward trend highlighting the cash flow management problems currently being experienced by the city.

  Financially, the revenue up to the second quarter amounted to R40.6 billion. The operating expenditure for the year amounted to R39.7 billion. The capital expenditure incurred by the end of the second quarter amounted to R2.1

  % It is with concern that the committee notes that by the end of the second quarter, there were still some departments who had not incurred any expenditure, while the Johannesburg Development Agency recorded spending of 111% already over the budget. Looking at the expenditure from the various grants, there was 38% spent from the Urban Settlement Development Grant.

  Still no spending reported for the Public Transport Network Grant. 20.5% spent on the Informal Settlement Upgrading Partnership Grant, and 94.26 spent from the Neighbourhood Development Partnership Grant. Thank you, Madam Speaker, as I table these reports.

Spoke on

• 30 Sept 2026 · 01:12:47Item 17: Funding plan for medium-term capital budget 2026/27–2028/29
• 30 Sept 2026 · 02:04:20Item 27: Extension of general valuation roll 2023 to June 2028
• 25 Jun 2026 · 07:58:32Item 76: Group Strategic SCM Operational Status Report (Q3)
• 24 Jun 2026 · 03:13:33Item 66: ActionSA supports with criticism
• 28 May 2026 · 01:28:09ActionSA's Cllr Edward attacks the budget; point of order by Cllr Echeozonjoku
• 30 Sept 2025 · 02:45:48Item 42: SCM deviations and ratifications – ActionSA
• 30 Sept 2025 · 04:20:11Item 43: ActionSA on tenders
• 30 Sept 2025 · 04:41:32Item 44: SCM operational status report – ActionSA
• 31 Jul 2025 · 05:43:16Items 75, 76, 80, 81, 82: ICT and Finance performance and oversight reports
• 30 Jul 2025 · 00:31:17ActionSA condolence message
• 27 Mar 2025 · 00:14:17Items 35 and 36: Finance Q2 performance and Section 79 oversight report

Promises

• 24 Jun 2026 · 03:17:58ActionSA will support the Financial Turnaround Framework and monitor its implementation closely.