Thursday, 13 March 2025 · 6 h 13 min · 2 videos · 2021–2026 council
36th Extra-Ordinary Council Meeting
AI draft.Written by AI from the livestream and not yet checked by a person. Use the timestamps to check anything before you quote it.
- Governance and appointments
- Budget and finances
- Services, housing and development
- Other business (no topic tag)
- Procedure: roll call, apologies, breaks
- Decision (20)
- ◯Quorum count (1)
- ‖Adjourned or paused (1)
Chapters, decisions and procedure are AI drafts from the livestream; topic tags are AI judgments (a chapter with several shows its strongest). Services, housing and development covers water, electricity, roads, housing, waste, safety, health, planning and community facilities.
Summary
Council adopted the 2024/25 operating adjustment budget by 138 votes to 105, and the capital adjustment budget and funding plan by 137 to 106, with no abstentions in either vote. 01:49:36 01:57:59 The Executive Mayor said the budget was debated on 27 February but not voted on, and the Gauteng MEC required adoption by 18 March 2025 with no further extension. 00:56:03 The DA and ACDP opposed the budget while the UDM, ATM, EFF and ANC supported it; the Speaker ruled on legal advice that the DA's dissent could not be recorded after voting. 01:10:37 01:57:59
Council voted 215 to 32, with 7 abstentions, to enlarge Section 79 committees from 15 to 18 members; the EFF then demanded a roll-call division, whose result the record does not capture. 03:30:00 03:40:01 03:46:52 03:52:08
A DA motion to rescind the renaming of Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled failed 61 to 170, and Cllr Boer said the no votes could not be counted accurately because of clapping and singing. 04:52:16 05:18:48 An ActionSA motion to reclaim the hijacked Goudrand Hall failed with 36 for, 134 against and 55 abstentions, and a motion on flooding in Meadowlands, Zone 10 and Mesi Park was withdrawn. 05:32:00 05:32:56 05:41:16
Council noted first-quarter reports in items 1 to 50 and approved extensions of the fire and rescue vehicle maintenance and SAP support contracts; second-quarter items are set for 26 and 27 March 2025. 04:03:40 04:20:00 04:31:26 05:55:11
The sitting opened with a 30-minute ANC caucus break, and ActionSA councillors asked the Executive Mayor and the Speaker to go out and address residents protesting the R200 electricity surcharge. 00:12:37 01:04:19
AI draft from the record of this sitting (Claude Opus 5.5), checked against the chapters; every sentence links to the moment. Report an error
This week in council: Council adopts 2024/25 adjustment budget, 138 for and 105 against
In brief
- 20 decisions: 14 approved, 3 noted or other, 2 rejected, 1 deferred or withdrawn.
- 2 promises on record, including: Council must adopt the adjustment budget by the date set by the MEC, with no further extension (the budget was subsequently adopted on 13 March).
- 1 quorum count.
- 39 apologies read out. Warned or stopped by the chair: 17; Question withdrawn: 5; Sound or equipment problem: 3; Not present when called: 2; MMC or Mayor not present for their business: 2.
Chapters
30What was discussed, in order. Click a time to watch.
- 00:07:22
Quorum and applications for leave of absence
The Speaker confirmed a quorum with two online councillors present. Whips from the DA, ActionSA, EFF, ANC, GOOD, Al Jama-ah, PA and ACDP submitted apologies and early departures, and council approved the apologies as submitted.
MthembuActionSAAvant-SmithMogapiEFFDammieANCCookSimonsePAHarrisACDP
Report an error - 00:12:37
Caucus break request and calls for the Mayor to address protesters
The ANC requested a 30-minute caucus break. Before it was granted, Cllr Christians complained about noise from outside and Cllr Lebatlang asked the Executive Mayor to go out and listen to residents protesting the R200 electricity surcharge. The Speaker granted the break and council adjourned.
DammieANCChristiansDALebatlangActionSAMthembuActionSA
Report an error - 00:56:03
Resumption and Executive Mayor tables the adjustment budget
After the caucus break, the Executive Mayor explained the legal background to the adjustment budget. It was debated on 27 February but not voted on, so he wrote to the Gauteng MEC, who required adoption by 18 March 2025 with no further extension. The Chair of Chairs then tabled the Legislature report.
DammieANCMoreroANCMaremaANCMabelebeleActionSA
Report an error - 01:04:19
Request for Speaker to address residents and re-ordering of agenda
Cllr Mabelebele asked the Speaker to go out and address the protesting residents. MMC Masuku asked that items 55 (A, B, C), 57, 58, 51, 52, 54 and 56 be elevated in that order because several are time-bound. The Speaker acceded to the request.
MabelebeleActionSAMasukuANCMthembuActionSA
Also discussed: Item 53 withdrawn and remaining items read into record (31 July 2025)
Report an error - 01:10:37
Debate on item 55: 2024/25 adjustment budget (55A, 55B, 55C)
Speakers debated the operating adjustment budget, capital adjustment budget and funding plan. The FF+ and GOOD withdrew their speeches. The DA and ACDP opposed, citing collection rates, debt and bulk infrastructure, while the UDM, ATM, EFF and ANC supported. ActionSA raised the electricity surcharge. MMC Arnolds urged approval.
BoerFF+SantanaDAZigebeUDMCookGOODHarrisACDPMagwentshuATMNkonyeniActionSANhlapoEFFEcheozonjokuDARadebeANCLebatlangActionSAArnoldsAIC
Also discussed: Adjustment budget debate: COPE and FF+ support (27 March 2025) · Budget debate: FF+ (Boer) rejects the budget; interruptions (29 May 2025)
Report an error - 01:49:36
Vote on item 55A: operating adjustment budget
Council voted by show of hands on the operating adjustment budget. The result was 138 for, 105 against and no abstentions. The item passed.
Report an error - 01:57:59
Dissent dispute and vote on items 55B and 55C
The DA asked for its dissent to be recorded on 55A and Cllr Tefu objected to dissent after voting. After the bell was rung, council voted on the capital adjustment budget and funding plan: 137 for, 106 against, no abstentions. Cllr Christians invoked rule 84 to record dissent, and the Speaker said legal advice was that dissent could not be recorded.
ChristiansDATefuANCMthembuActionSAEcheozonjokuDA
Report an error - 02:10:20
Item 57: mid-year review of the Institutional SDBIP
Speakers debated the 2024-25 mid-year review of the SDBIP and business plans. The DA rejected the report over changed KPIs and downgraded targets, while ActionSA, UDM and EFF supported with concerns about the electricity surcharge, housing targets and spending. The ANC's Cllr Tabane began speaking before the recording skipped ahead.
HooperCoverdaleActionSAZigebeUDMRadebeEFFTabaneANC
Report an error - 03:00:00
DA speech on item 58 building violations (Cllr Schay)
After a gap in the recording, a DA councillor addressed changes to a section 4.4 KPI on building violations. The speaker warned that fines let developers buy compliance and called for a tiered KPI system. The Speaker intervened to ensure he could finish his speech.
Report an error - 03:03:46
Item 58 debate opens: SDBIP review, deviation and adjustment
The Speaker calls an ANC councillor to speak on item 58, the Institutional Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan review, deviation and adjustment. The speech begins with greetings and a reference to the MFMA. The transcript then jumps ahead to 03:30:00.
MolefeANC
Report an error - 03:30:00
Debate on enlarging Section 79 committees from 15 to 18 members
An EFF speaker opposes increasing Section 79 membership from 15 to 18. The speaker argues it is unaffordable, claims it was an ANC proposal now tabled by the DA, and says it does not improve oversight. A second speaker from a smaller party says the item was not consulted on and was not budgeted for, citing a cost of R5.4 million, and urges rejection.
2 unidentified
Report an error - 03:33:39
Division requests and clarification of recommendations 1, 2 and 4
The Speaker notes division requests from the EFF and AIC. The EFF says it differs only on the composition of Section 79 and the renaming of the gender committee. Cllr Knott explains that the renaming is embedded in recommendation 4, and recommendation 1 is passed without objection.
Report an error - 03:38:09
Dispute over calling a division before a show of hands
A councillor questions whether a division can be demanded on a report's recommendations, and the EFF insists the rules allow it. The Speaker rules that voting is first by show of hands, and a division may be called afterwards under Rule 79.
1 unidentified
Report an error - 03:40:01
Show-of-hands votes on Section 79 recommendations 2 to 5
Council votes by show of hands on recommendations 2 to 5. Recommendation 2 carries with 215 for, 32 against and 7 abstentions. Recommendation 3 carries, recommendation 4 carries with 215 for, 31 against and 7 abstentions, and recommendation 5 carries with no opposition.
Report an error - 03:46:52
Item 5 Rules of Order introduced; EFF demands division on recommendations 2 and 4
As the Rules of Order item for Section 79 committees is introduced, the EFF Chief Whip demands a division on recommendations 2 and 4. The Speaker initially objects, then allows it after Rule 79 is read. The EFF chooses the full division rather than recording its names.
1 unidentified
Report an error - 03:52:08
Roll-call division on recommendation 2
The doors are closed and the secretariat calls out councillors alphabetically for a division on recommendation 2. A councillor suggests recording only the dissenting names, but the Speaker insists on the full division. The transcript of the roll call is garbled, and no result is captured in this part.
1 unidentified
Report an error - 04:03:40
Chief Whip feedback: items 1 to 50 to be noted, debate on items 51 to 60
After a caucus break, the Chief Whip reports the whippery's agreement. Items 1 to 50 (first-quarter and oversight reports) will be noted without debate, and parties will engage on items 51 to 60 and three motions. Second-quarter items are to be handled on 26 and 27 March 2025.
1 unidentified
Report an error - 04:05:47
Debate on the sinking fund report; item 52 noted
UIM, Freedom Front Plus and UDM speakers address the report. Concerns raised include accountability for irregular expenditure, the lack of a fund manager for the roughly R800 million sinking fund, the R1.69 billion redemption due in 2026, and interest-rate swap exposure. The house is asked to note item 52.
Also discussed: Item 1 debate: Freedom Front Plus (3 July 2025) · Item 1 debate: ACDP and Freedom Front Plus oppose (18 June 2025)
Report an error - 04:20:00
Item 54: extension of fire and rescue vehicle maintenance contract A882
Parties debate the extension of the contract for maintenance, repairs and support of fire and rescue vehicles. The DA and ActionSA criticise the delays that forced the extension, and the IFP and EFF support it. MMC Masuku says supply chain processes were followed, and the item is agreed.
Campbell-CloeteDAManganyiIFPChumaActionSANgwenyaEFFFinnDAMasukuANC
Report an error - 04:31:26
Item 56: 24-month extension of SAP support and maintenance contract A874
The DA raises concerns about the cost of about R573 million excluding VAT, the 15% contingency and oversight gaps, and notes the report with concern. The EFF, ANC and MMC Arnolds support the extension. The item is agreed.
PietersenDANhlapoEFFRadebeANCArnoldsAIC1 unidentified
Also discussed: Item 46: SCM deviation and ratification reports (27 March 2025) · Item 46: EAC deviation and ratification reports (27 March 2025)
Report an error - 04:50:39
Chief Whip asks to bring motions and item 59 forward
The Chief Whip of Council asks that the motions and item 59 be taken next. The Speaker checks with legal and then accedes to the request.
Also discussed: Councillor Chauke declared Whip of Council (2 September 2025) · Item 73: changes in membership of Section 79 committees (3 December 2025) · Item 7: Election of the Chief Whip – legal framework (28 August 2025)
Report an error - 04:52:16
Motion to rescind the renaming of Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled: debate
The DA proposer and seconder argue the renaming is divisive, costly and the result of a flawed public participation process. The ACDP supports rescinding. The EFF, ANC and MMC Nkokou oppose the motion, with chanting of Palestine slogans in the chamber.
ShacklefordDAWilliamsDARohlssenACDPMosehlaEFFMaremaANCNkokouPAC
Report an error - 05:18:48
Sandton Drive motion: closing and vote
The proposer closes the debate. Council votes by show of hands amid singing and noise, and the motion fails with 61 in favour and 170 against. Cllr Boer raises a point under Rule 86 about the accuracy of the count and the councillors' conduct.
Report an error - 05:32:00
Motion on feasibility study for floods in Meadowlands Zone 10 and Mesi Park
The proposer withdraws the motion recommending a feasibility study on flooding in Meadowlands, Zone 10 and Mesi Park.
Report an error - 05:32:56
Motion to reclaim the hijacked Goudrand Hall in Matholesville: debate
The ActionSA proposer asks the executive to study occupancy of the hall and develop an implementation plan within 60 days to house residents. The EFF withdraws from the debate. MMC Mabaso says the motion cannot be supported because it flouts the property acquisition and budgeting processes.
NtshidiActionSABiniActionSAMoepiEFFMabasoIFP
Report an error - 05:41:16
Goudrand Hall motion: closing, points of order and vote
The proposer's closing remarks prompt points of order from the EFF and Al Jama-ah about food and fasting. A DA councillor objects to the voting procedure and is ruled out of order. The motion fails with 36 for, 134 against and 55 abstentions.
NtshidiActionSAMoepiEFFAmadAl Jama-ahZigebeUDMChristiansDA
Report an error - 05:52:26
Item 59: changes in membership of Section 79 committees
The DA and EFF support the item and ActionSA notes the changes. The Chief Whip tables the report, and the item is agreed.
RahnDADurandActionSAMogapiEFFZunguANC
Also discussed: Item 73: changes in membership of Section 79 committees (3 December 2025) · EFF committee membership changes and item 82 (27 March 2025) · Item 65: changes in membership of Section 79 committees (29 September 2025)
Report an error - 05:55:11
Items 1 to 50: first-quarter performance and oversight reports noted
The Secretary of Council reads out items 1 to 50 consolidated. A DA councillor commends the reading, and another DA councillor says some reports carry recommendations needing approval. The Speaker relies on the Chief Whip's report that all 50 are for noting, and the house notes them.
Report an error - 06:08:44
Item 53: public participation on social development policies under review
ActionSA withdraws its speech, while the UDM, EFF and ANC note the report. MMC Tshwaku stands in for MMC Makhafola and the item is agreed.
JohnsonActionSAZigebeUDMMphahoANCTshwakuEFF1 unidentified
Report an error - 06:10:38
Item 60: register of financial interests of councillors; move to in-committee
The member in charge asks that item 60 be taken in open session and items 61 and 62 in committee. With no speakers on item 60, the item is agreed. The Speaker then asks visitors to leave for the in-committee items, and the IT team is told to switch the system off.
Also discussed: Item 66: City Manager recruitment report; request for committee (30 September 2025)
Report an error
Promises
2Commitments with a date, an amount or a 'we will'.
On 5 November 2026 (when this page was built): 0 overdue, 0 due in the next 30 days, 0 with no date. Overdue first; dates are AI readings of what was said; tap or hover a label for how. All promises.
Date passed; a later sitting said doneDada Morero · Executive Mayor
01:02:15· by 18 March 2025· Report an error
Latest: Said done at a later sitting, 18 June 2025 (AI judgment)
Evidence: quote · 1 later sitting
“we must adopt the adjustment budget by the 18th of March 2025”
- Done, they sayItem 1 debate: ANC and MMC Finance support · 18 June 2025
Date passed; a later sitting said doneUnidentified councillor
04:04:49· by 26th and 27th March 2025· Report an error
Latest: Said done at a later sitting, 26 March 2025 (AI judgment)
Evidence: quote · 1 later sitting
“prepare to handle second quarter items on the 26th and 27th March”
- Done, they sayItems 7-9: Development Planning and JDA reports - tabling and first speakers · 26 March 2025
Decisions
20What council approved, rejected or put off.
- 00:12:29
Applications for leave of absenceapproved
Council approved the apologies as submitted.
- 01:10:24
Re-ordering of agenda itemsapproved
The Speaker acceded to MMC Masuku's request to elevate items 55, 57, 58, 51, 52, 54 and 56.
- 01:56:08
Item 55A: 2024/25 Operating Adjustment Budgetapproved
138 councillors voted for, 105 against, none abstained.
- 02:07:01
Items 55B and 55C: Capital Adjustment Budget and Funding Plan for Medium-Term Capital Budgetapproved
137 councillors voted for, 106 against, none abstained.
- 02:09:19
DA request to record dissent on items 55A-Cobjection recorded
Cllr Christians invoked rule 84, but the Speaker said legal advised that dissent could not be recorded after voting.
- 03:36:26
Item 4 (Section 79 committees) – recommendation 1approved
Passed by council because there were no objections to recommendation 1.
- 03:43:26
Item 4 (Section 79 committees) – recommendation 2: increase membership from 15 to 18 members and alternatesapproved
Carried by show of hands with 215 in favour, 32 against and 7 abstentions; the EFF and AIC later demanded a division.
- 03:43:55
Item 4 (Section 79 committees) – recommendation 3approved
Carried with no dissent recorded.
- 03:45:54
Item 4 (Section 79 committees) – recommendation 4approved
Carried by show of hands with 215 in favour, 31 against and 7 abstentions.
- 03:46:22
Item 4 (Section 79 committees) – recommendation 5approved
Carried with no votes against and no abstentions.
- 04:19:48
Item 52 (sinking fund report)noted
The Speaker asked whether the house notes item 52 and moved on without recorded objection.
- 04:31:17
Item 54: extension of fire and rescue vehicle maintenance contract A882approved
The Speaker ruled that the yeses had it.
- 04:50:11
Item 56: contract amendment extending SAP support and maintenance contract A874 by 24 monthsapproved
The Speaker asked if the item was agreed to and recorded it as agreed.
- 05:30:35
Motion to rescind the renaming of Sandton Drive to Leila Khaledrejected
61 voted in favour and 170 against, with no abstentions.
- 05:32:29
Motion for a feasibility study on floods in Meadowlands, Zone 10 and Mesi Parkwithdrawn
The proposer withdrew the motion when called to present it.
- 05:51:39
Motion to reclaim the hijacked Goudrand Hall in Matholesville and turn it into family unitsrejected
36 voted in favour, 134 against and 55 abstained.
- 05:54:41
Item 59: changes in membership of various Section 79 committeesapproved
The Speaker asked whether the item was agreed to, and it was agreed.
- 06:08:36
Items 1 to 50: first-quarter performance assessment and oversight reportsnoted
The house noted all reports from item 1 to item 50 as recommended by the Chief Whip.
- 06:10:32
Item 53: request to undertake public participation for social development policies under reviewapproved
The Speaker asked if the item was agreed to and it was agreed.
- 06:11:55
Item 60: progress report on the register of financial interests of councillors 2023/2024approved
The recommendations on pages 60.7 to 60.8 were agreed with no speakers.
Attendance and conduct
68Who was away and why, as said in the chamber.
Apologies read out 39
- Leaving early (12)
- Smit, Landis, Chame, Christians, Schay, Horwitz, Brand, Dewes, Pietersen*, Sondag, Cook, Harris
- Other reason (3)
- Fourie-Shawe, Ayanda*, *
- Private business (1)
- Lukhanyo*
- Party business (1)
- Mkhonza
* Name as heard; not matched to exactly one councillor.
Warned or stopped by the chair 17
- 00:07:22
Lebatlang: Chair told him to take his seat.
- 00:59:49
Mabelebele: Chair asked him to switch off his microphone.
- 02:08:36
Christians: Chair asked him to switch off his microphone.
- 02:19:49
Coverdale: Chair asked him to switch off his microphone.
- 02:24:27
Zigebe: Chair warned his speaking time had ended.
- 03:00:27
Schay: Chair warned about running out of time.
- 03:01:20
Schay: Chair urged him to read his speech to finish in time.
- 03:39:05
Chair tells the Chair of Chairs to sit down during the dispute over a division.
- 03:52:08
Chair tells the EFF Chief Whip to switch off the microphone.
- 04:41:54
Molefe*: Chair asks Councillor Molefe to switch off the microphone after the speech.
- 04:46:03
Time warning to the EFF speaker on item 56.
- 05:07:53
Time warning to the EFF speaker on the Sandton Drive motion.
- 05:16:50
Time warning to the MMC for Community Development.
- 05:18:01
The MMC is told to wrap up as time is up.
- 05:42:20
Ntshidi: Chair stops Ntshidi's closing speech amid interjections.
- 05:43:36
Ntshidi: Chair tells Ntshidi to address the chair, not another councillor.
- 05:45:55
Christians: Christians objected to the voting process on motion three and was ruled out of order.
Question withdrawn 5
- 01:11:24
Boer: He withdrew his debate speech on item 55.
- 01:22:28
Cook: He withdrew GOOD's speech on item 55 after engagements with the Mayor.
- 05:32:15
Mashala: Mashala, when called, withdrew the motion on floods in Meadowlands, Zone 10 and Mesi Park.
- 05:38:06
Moepi: Moepi said the EFF withdraws from engaging the Goudrand Hall motion.
- 06:08:58
Johnson: Johnson withdrew his speech on item 53.
Sound or equipment problem 3
Not present when called 2
MMC or Mayor not present for their business 2
Transcript
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