Transcript: 36th Extra-Ordinary Council Meeting

00:04:46isiZuluNgiyavala izimoto lapha!

Quorum and applications for leave of absence

00:07:22Councillors, let's settle down. Zack Lebatlang, Councillor Lebatlang, please take your seat.

00:07:45Councillors, please note that there are two online councillors present. As a result there is quorum, and the meeting will continue.

00:07:58Uh councillors, we proceed to applications for leave of absence.

00:08:06We have received the following apologies: Councillor Mokwena, due to bereavement in the family. Councillor Smit, to leave early at 4:00, due to religious reasons. And Councillor Sekwaila, due to urgent council business. Are there any further apologies from all the whips? I'll start with Councillor Avant-Smith, followed by Councillor Genevieve.

00:08:35Councillor Avant-Smith, let's start with you.

00:08:39Thank you very much. Good morning, Speaker. Good morning, everybody. Um, [inaudible] today are Councillor Truluck, ill health; Councillor Goosen, Finn, and Bittkau also uh ill health, uh, ill health. Councillor Roberts, bereavement; and Councillor Fourie-Shawe is finishing up her maternity leave, we're very happy to hear. Uh, leaving early um for religious reasons, we have Councillors Landis, Chame, Christians, Schay, and Horwitz. They will be leaving at about 5:00 p.m. Uh, Councillor Brand needs to leave at 6:00, Councillor Dewes at 5:30 p.m., and Councillor Pietersen at 5:00 p.m. And Councillor Kreusch and Councillor Reddy will arrive late. Thank you.claim

00:09:24Noted, Councillor. Councillor Genevieve from ActionSA.

00:09:32Morning, Speaker. Morning, colleagues. Uh, LOAs from ActionSA are Councillor Ayanda, maternity leave; Councillor Esme and Councillor Jainoodeen, sick; uh, Councillor Shumba, also not well, leaving early; uh, Councillor Sondag, to leave early, if at 4:00 if we're not done by 5:00; uh, Councillor Lukhanyo, private business. Councillor Mkhulisi, Councillor Zwane and Councillor Mposula are all running late. Thank you.

00:10:05Noted, Councillor. Councillor De Lange from Freedom Front Plus. Are you sorted? Okay. Councillor Mogapi from EFF.

00:10:19Thank you, Speaker. Greetings everyone. From the EFF caucus, it's Councillor Makhafola. It's a council business outside the country, and MMC Mgcina, late arrival. Thank you.

00:10:35Councillor Dammie from ANC.

00:10:42Morning, Speaker. Um I've got a apology of MMC Mnisi. Thank you.

00:10:51Noted, Councillor. Councillor Cook.

00:10:53Sorry, sorry, Speaker. MMC Mnisi is out of the country. Council business.

00:11:00Noted. Thank you, Councillor. Councillor Cook from GOOD party.

00:11:05Morning, Speaker. Uh just to note that I will need to leave at 5:00 p.m. if we haven't concluded business by then.

00:11:13Noted, Councillor. I can see a hand at the back. I think it's from Al Jama-ah.

00:11:20Morning, Speaker. Morning, everybody. Uh due to Ramadan, we should be leaving at about 3:00.

00:11:27Noted, Councillor. Councillor Simonse from Patriotic Alliance.

00:11:32Good morning, Madam Speaker. Good morning to the house. Uh LOA for MMC Kunene. He's out of the country on council business. And Councillor Kaldine is off ill health. Thank you.

00:11:47Noted. Thank you, Councillor.

00:11:52Councillor Harris.

00:11:57Good morning, Madam Speaker. Colleagues, good morning. Uh please excuse Councillor Mkhonza, who's off on uh party business. And Councillor Rohlssen will be joining us a bit later. I'd also um ask to leave at around 6:00 uh if we're not done. Thank you.

00:12:16Noted. Thank you, Councillor.

00:12:21Okay, I think that's all the apologies that we've received. Can we approve the apologies as submitted?

00:12:29Councillors, do we approve the apologies as submitted?

00:12:33Approved.

00:12:34Thank you, councillors.

Caucus break request and calls for the Mayor to address protesters

00:12:37We are now, councillors, on

00:12:42Councillor Dammie.

00:12:48Thank you, Speaker. Speaker, we are requesting 30 minutes break as ANC caucus. Thank you.

00:13:02Yes, caucus break.

00:13:06Caucus break, again, Councillor Dammie. All right, Councillor Dammie, that's okay. You'll come back. We'll all be seated at 11:00, please, councillors.

00:13:18Councillor Christians.

00:13:23Councillor Dammie, before you stand up, let's hear uCouncillor Christians and Councillor Lebatlang, neh? Then I'll grant you that caucus break.

00:13:30Thank you, Speaker. Speaker, my appeal to you, please, my ears are even more sensitive. Please drop the drums in the house for the people outside to come in, because [inaudible] hear you outside, we're hearing you, and we are already inside. Please, Madam Speaker, I'm begging you for my ears' sake.

00:13:49Councillor Lebatlang.

00:13:54Thank you very much, Speaker. Speaker, I just want to to bring something to the attention of the house. Is that you would know, Speaker, that we have noted that there are residents outside this particular building. Uh who are actually...

00:14:19isiZuluCouncillors, asimameleni! Sizoya ku-caucus break, asimameleni! Lebatlang.

00:14:24Speaker, can you please protect me? We know that the Mayor, we know that the Mayor...

00:14:28Councillors!

00:14:31We know that the Mayor committed in this house to deal with the issue of the R200 surcharge. Outside there, there are residents of the City of Johannesburg who are raising the issue of the surcharge. So, can we please plead that the Executive Mayor goes and listens to those residents? So that we can, those residents can understand what is the city doing with the R200 surcharge. Please, Executive Mayor. Thank you very much.

00:15:07Councillors, let's come back at 11:00. Uh Councillor Dammie, you can go for that caucus break.

Resumption and Executive Mayor tables the adjustment budget

00:56:03Councillor Dammie, can you give us feedback?

00:56:25Yeah. Um, thank you Speaker.

00:56:30Uh Speaker I think we're ready to set to start.

00:56:37Thank you.

00:56:41Thank you Councillor Dammie.

00:56:44Uh Councillors we are on recommendations to Council.

00:56:55Executive Mayor Councillor S Morero.

00:57:09Executive Mayor before you take the stand, Councillor Magwentshu, I see your hand is raised.

00:57:17isiXhosaEh, enkosi Somlomo. Eh, Somlomo andinayo apha ispeaker's list.

00:57:24isiXhosaOh ingathi baninzi Somlomo.

00:57:26isiZuluNguwe wedwa lapho onganayo?

00:57:27isiXhosaHayi baninzi Somlomo.

00:57:29isiZuluIrobhu yonke. Okay iyeza khona manje.

00:57:34Executive Mayor.

00:57:38Thank you Somxhelo.

00:57:41isiXhosaSomxhelo. Eh Speaker of Council, eh Councillor Nobuhle Mthembu Mvelase.

00:57:55Chief Whip of Council Councillor Zungu.

00:58:01Chair of Chairs, Councillor Marema.

00:58:06Madam Speaker, in terms of Section 28 of the Municipal Finance Management Act,

00:58:1756 of 2003, a municipality may revise an approved budget through the adjustment budget.

00:58:29In terms of, oh there's a hand Speaker. What's the hand up for?

00:58:35Councillor Mabelebele.

00:58:42Um, good morning Speaker, good morning to all the Councillors. Uh, Speaker I'm not sure if you're aware, there are residents of Johannesburg that are outside

00:59:03Councillor Mabelebele.

00:59:11So, um, I will wait for those that are howling to stop. I will wait for the howlers to stop.

00:59:23Councillor Mabelebele, maybe we must let the Executive Mayor to table the recommendation and the Chair of Chairs first.

00:59:35Executive Mayor.

00:59:49Councillor Mabelebele please switch off your mic. Is it off?

00:59:57Thanks Speaker.

01:00:01Speaker, in terms of Section 28 of the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003, a municipality may revise an approved budget through an adjustment budget. And in terms of the municipal budget and reporting regulations, only one adjustment budget may be tabled in Council

01:00:28during the financial year after the tabling of the mid-year budget and performance assessment,

01:00:34but not later than the 28th of February.

01:00:41In line with this requirement, the Council meeting for the February

01:00:46sat on the 27th of February to consider the adjustment budget, operating budget, capital budget, as well as the funding plan aligned to the capital budget, amongst other reports.

01:01:00Section 160 of the Constitution of South Africa requires that the approval of budget is subjected to a decision taken by the majority of council members.

01:01:12However, despite the adjustment budget being debated, it could not be put on a vote on that day. On the 28th of February 2025, I therefore followed the provisions of the MFMA Section 27(3) read with Section 63(1) of the Municipal Budget and Reporting Regulation and wrote to the MEC

01:01:40of Gauteng for Finance and Economic Development, Mr. Lebogang Maile. I requested him to consider a request for us to deviate from the provisions of the Municipal Finance Management Act number 56 of 2003 and the Municipal Budget and Reporting Regulations by requesting permission to be given

01:02:06to be given for another opportunity to present the adjustment budget for a vote by council. On the 7th of March, MEC Maile wrote back reporting that the request and indicating that we must adopt the adjustment budget by the 18th of March 2025 with no further extensions being granted.

01:02:27He also noted that this process of reconsidering the adjustment budget should not in any way affect the process related to the tabling

01:02:39the tabling of the 2026 2025 2026 mid-term revenue and expenditure framework.

01:03:05Madam Speaker, I therefore rise

01:03:15I therefore rise, Madam Speaker, to table the adjustment budget for consideration by council. Thank you.

01:03:30Thank you, Executive Mayor. Before I take your hand, Councillor Mabelebele, I'm going to allow the Chair of Chairs to table the report of the Legislature. Councillor V Marema.

01:03:46Thank you very much, Speaker. Much of the temptation from the words by the Mayor of the City of Johannesburg quoting the statutes that guides local government and the metropolitan cities, Section 28(6) of MFMA, I think it's something we can all learn from. I rise, Speaker, to table the Legislature report. Thank you.

Request for Speaker to address residents and re-ordering of agenda

01:04:19Thank you, Chair of Chairs. Before I take any hands, I'd like to acknowledge the presence of the UDM Gauteng Provincial Secretary, Mr. Andile Jabavu. You are most welcome, Mr. Andile Jabavu. MMC, before I come to you, let me start with Councillor Mabelebele.

01:04:47Well, Speaker, thank you for the opportunity. We really appreciate it. Look, we have requested for the Mayor to go out and address the people. We know that he is not going to do that because he is absent in the City of Johannesburg. Therefore, we are going to request you as the Speaker of Council.

01:05:06Councillor Mabelebele.

01:05:09You might not have the executive powers, but you have the legislative powers. So we are requesting you to go and listen to the residents of Johannesburg. They might be wearing ActionSA T-shirts. Some of them are not our members.

01:05:26Councillor Mabelebele.

01:05:27Therefore, we are requesting you to please go out. You've got the legislative powers to do that. It is your role.

01:05:37Councillor Mabelebele, I've heard you. You are requesting the Speaker to go out and address the residents. I've heard you. MMC Masuku.

01:05:46Thank you, Madam Speaker. Executive Mayor of the City of Joburg, Councillor Dada Morero, Madam Speaker, Chief Whip of Council, fellow councillors, and residents. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the executive, we would like to elevate item 55, item 55A, B, and C, as the first item, please, Madam Speaker. 55A, B, and C,

01:06:21which is the adjustment budget and all the related documentation in A, B, and C. Following that, Madam Speaker, we will then ask to follow with item 57, which is the mid-year review of the institutional the SDBIP. Item 57, can it please follow immediately after 55? Thereafter, Madam Speaker, we follow then with the deviation,

01:06:49which is the mid-year service level standards adjustment, which is item 58. So we would like to request that it be item three, Madam Speaker, in the elevation. Then the fourth one, Madam Speaker, would be item 51, which is the IDP for public consultation.

01:07:14The fourth one will be item 51, which is the IDP for public consultation. Are you with me, ma'am?

01:07:28Yes, I'm with you, MMC. Item 55,

01:07:33Yes, ma'am.

01:07:33that includes A, B, and C,

01:07:35Yes, ma'am.

01:07:35item 57, item 58, and item 51.

01:07:41Yes. Then we follow with item 52.

01:07:51Okay.

01:07:58And then we follow with the contract extension for SAP, which is item contract extension for SAP and the contract extension for the red fleet because they are time-bound.

01:08:13Is that included in item 52?

01:08:16Yes, ma'am. Item 52, then we follow with item 54, which is the contract extension for the fleet. And then the last one, ma'am, will be the contract extension for the SAP support and maintenance.

01:08:37Okay, let me repeat the items. Can I please repeat the numbers?

01:08:42The numbers, okay. Yes, please.

01:08:44We are requesting that we start with item 55, which is the adjustment budget, which is 55A, B, and C. Then we follow with the mid-year institutional service delivery budget and implementation plan, the SDBIP, which is item 57. Then we follow with item 58, which is the deviation and adjustment.

01:09:13Then we follow with the IDP for public consultation, which is item 51. Then we follow with item 52, which is the sinking fund, 52. And then we follow with item 54, the contract extension for the red fleet.

01:09:42And then we move to item 7, which is item 56, the contract extension for the SAP support and maintenance contract. Thank you, ma'am.

01:10:02Okay, so it's item 55 for record keeping, A, B, and C, item 57, item 58, item 51, item 52, item 54, and item 50 Is it 56?

01:10:2156.

01:10:24Okay. All right, MMC, I'll accede to that request, so we get the adjustment budget out of the way.

Debate on item 55: 2024/25 adjustment budget (55A, 55B, 55C)

01:10:37Councillors, on recommendations to council, we are on then elevated item 55, which is the 2024/25 adjustment budget and related documentation, read together with item 55A, which is an operating adjustment budget for the 2024/25 financial year, also read together with item 55B, which is the capital adjustment budget for the 2024/25 financial year, and lastly read with item 55, which is then the funding plan for medium-term capital budget.

01:11:24I'll start with the first speaker from Freedom Front, Councillor Boer.

01:11:32Good morning, Madam Speaker, fellow councillors. I withdraw my speech this morning.

01:11:44Okay, Councillor Boer. Then I'll go to DA, Councillor Santana.

01:11:50Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I rise to speak on item 55, 55A, 55B, and 55C, the 2024/2025 operating adjustment budget, capital adjustment budget, and the funding plan for the medium-term capital budget. Madam Speaker, I've already spoken on this item on the 27th of February on this actual item. So I'm not going to rehash my speech per se,claim

01:12:16but I am going to say a couple of issues that are plaguing us and our residents of the residents of Johannesburg. Madam Speaker, I also want to just extend our gratitude to the Mayor and the MMC of Finance reaching out to us for engagement. It's obviously two weeks subsequently have passed since my initial speech, and certain information has come to us after that, that beingclaim

01:12:42the second quarter report, which obviously highlights some issues and concerns to the City of Johannesburg as well. And I also requested the January MFMA in-year monthly reporting, which we haven't yet received, just to see on an engagement whether what the MMC has actually played out. So unfortunately, once again, we don't get information timeously. It makes it very difficult for us to, in good faith,claim

01:13:13try and assess whether what we've been told is factually there or not. But let me just put this in place. The engagements were fruitful. It's just unfortunate that once again we have not acceded to our requests in terms of adding certain line items. And the main issue for us as the Democratic Alliance is that this budget needs to speak to bulk infrastructure. Bulk infrastructure. It was disappointing to see in the

01:13:41capital budget that we still have expenditure going towards office furniture, etc., etc., when we should be focusing, and I mean focus, on specific items being Joburg Water and City Power, infrastructure, infrastructure, infrastructure. The other aspects of the budget seemed reasonable, although we are slightly in disagreement if I have to look at the second quarter reportclaim

01:14:10on the basis that our collection rate has dropped to 84% versus our budget of 6.6%. The adjustment budget has been based at a stretch target of 88.6%. We don't foresee we're going to be collecting that money anytime soon in the short term. And in fact, with information that came to light within this week again, with the pass-through costs both from Rand Water and Eskom,

01:14:38I really do not believe that the city is going to achieve its target, not in this budget, nor in the 25/26 financial year coming. The forecast we are predicting is that it's going to be negative, and that our collection rate is going to decline even further. And that's the realities we're dealing with, never mind the VAT that we're looking at on behalf of our residents. And yet I do not see

01:15:04a substantial resolution to council in looking at the institutional review that I've been requesting now for for such a long time. I do not see us taking seriously in bringing down our employee costs. I do not see us looking at trying to reduce the burden on our ratepayers, our forgotten ratepayers in the City of Johannesburg. And unfortunately, with all of this compounding in an already financially stretched

01:15:35citizens of Johannesburg and South Africa, I do not believe that this budget is going to be funded either, not this one, nor the next one, unless we take drastic action. So in order for us to try and in good faith, seeing is believing. When we get our reports timeously, I'll gladly engage. We'll gladly then assess. But until such time we get our reports timeously, we cannot do that. I thank you.

01:16:08Thank you, Councillor. UDM, Councillor Zigebe.

01:16:17isiXhosaUm, thank you, Honourable Speaker. Eh, mandithi, "iingonyama nezigwili zazo", I only have six minutes, so greeting you all will eat my time.

01:16:28Honourable Speaker, President Cyril Ramaphosa recently expressed his concerns about the state of Johannesburg, pointing to the city's infrastructural challenges,

01:16:39isiXhosaeyi ndixolise isilungu,

01:16:41financial constraints and governance issues. Johannesburg has long been the economic heartbeat of our country, and while we acknowledge the difficulties we face, this budget is a significant step towards stabilizing and revitalizing our city.

01:16:55It is not merely a financial document, but a strategic intervention designed to improve service delivery, restore investor confidence, and lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth. This budget reflects a commitment to responsible governance and progressive change. A projected revenue increase of 1.2 billion underscores the strides made in fiscal discipline, demonstrating our ability to enhance property rate collections and improve service charge efficiencies.claim

01:17:25Additionally, the reduction of unnecessary expenditures by 257 million is a testament to our focus on financial prudence. These measures signal an administration that is not only aware of the city's fiscal challenges, but is proactively implementing corrective actions. Key investment in critical infrastructure

01:17:48isiXhosaUyabona ke, this is eh, sabotage.

01:17:53Key investment in critical investment and service delivery reinforce the city's priorities. The 130.8 million allocation to City Power will go a long way in addressing electricity supply disruptions, ensuring businesses and households receive a more reliable power. The 60 million investment in Rea Vaya BRT Phase 1C project is a critical intervention in improving public transportation, making Johannesburg more accessible and economically viable for all.

01:18:22These allocations indicate a decisive move towards rebuilding the city's essential systems. However, while this budget takes Johannesburg in the right direction, we must remain cognizant of areas requiring further attention. The city's borrowing has increased by 5 billion, and cash reserves have declined by 1.35 billion. This necessitates a broader conversation on sustainable financing. Borrowing

01:18:49Borrowing remains an important tool for capital projects, but we must be cautious of excessive reliance on debt without parallel revenue enhancement strategies. The way forward must include leveraging municipal assets, strengthening public-private partnerships, and expanding revenue generation initiatives that do not place an additional strain on residents. Housing remains one of Johannesburg's most pressing challenges.

01:19:15The decision to reduce the housing budget by 305 million, while reflective of financial constraints, underscores the need for alternative solutions to address informal settlements and the increasing demand for affordable housing. The President has repeatedly emphasized the importance of ensuring dignified living conditions, and as a city, we must work closely with provincial and national governments to unlock additional resources to explore innovative housing solutions. Likewise, the resilience of our city depends on a reliable water supply.

01:19:48Johannesburg Water's infrastructure is under immense pressure, with frequent disruptions that threaten economic productivity and quality of life. While this budget does not allocate funds to water infrastructure, a more aggressive investment strategy is required to modernize aging infrastructure and introduce sustainable water conservation initiatives. Our commitment must be to ensuring water security for all, and that requires a continued effort beyond allocations made today.

01:20:16Johannesburg cannot thrive unless its residents feel safe. The reality of rising crime and political violence, including the assassination of councillors, is deeply concerning. The 8.4 million reduction in the public safety budget presents an opportunity to reassess and reprioritize spending within the sector. Safety is not just a law enforcement issue; it is an economic one. Businesses, investors, and ordinary citizens need a secure environment to prosper.

01:20:45Therefore, we must ensure that community policing initiatives, crime prevention strategies, and surveillance technology investments are not only maintained, but expanded where possible. This debate is not about opposing the budget, but about refining our approach to its implementation. We stand united in ensuring that this financial plan delivers tangible results for Johannesburg's residents. To do this, we must bolster financial stability, reduce reliance on debt by leveraging city-owned assets,

01:21:14encouraging public-private partnerships, and enhancing revenue collection mechanisms. We have to drive economic growth by restoring funding to economic development programs that support small businesses, attract investment, and stimulate job creation. We have to prioritize housing and service delivery, work towards restoring housing allocations, and ensuring adequate investment in basic services, including water and sanitation. We have to strengthen public safety, invest in law enforcement capacity,

01:21:43crime prevention programs, and proactive measures for public officials. This budget marks a turning point for Johannesburg. It is an opportunity to rebuild confidence in governance, accelerate service delivery, and create an inclusive, economically vibrant city. However, our success will depend on how well we execute these plans. We must move forward with a collective commitment to effective implementation, ensuring that the people of Johannesburg experience the benefits of these allocations in their daily lives.

01:22:12Johannesburg cannot afford hesitation or inefficiency. We must act with urgency, focus, and unity to deliver on the commitments outlined in this budget. We support the adjustment budget. Thank you.

01:22:28Thank you, Councillor. GOOD, Councillor Cook.

01:22:34Thank you, Madam Speaker. We did speak on this item on the 27th of February. Since then, we have had engagements with the Executive Mayor. Thank you very much for that, Executive Mayor. We withdraw our speech.claim

01:22:51ACDP, Councillor Harris.

01:22:57Madam Speaker, EM, MMCs, Chief Whip, Chair of Chairs, chairpersons, councillors, residents of Johannesburg, I rise to speak on item 55, 55A, B, and C. Just a few observations on items contained in the accompanying documentation. Service charges are set to increase by 1.315 billion rand. City Power proposes an increase of 1.273 billion rand.claim

01:23:28And Pikitup proposes an increase of 42.2 million rand for waste management services. Interestingly enough, Pikitup budgets 5 million rand for waste receptacles, but 51 million rand for signage and branding. Human Settlements CAPEX allocation is 1.270 billion. The ACDP appreciates the two grants of 701.4 millionclaim

01:23:59for the urban settlements development, and the upgrading of informal settlements program, an amount of 537 is allocated. 654 million is provided for Lufhereng, yet for the upgrading of stock and old age homes, only 9.1 million rand is provided. Minuscule amounts are set aside to maintain the council-owned stock, as required by the Rental Housing Act, Act number 50 of 1999.claim

01:24:29Unless the Human Settlements Department feel they are exempt from maintaining their properties in an habitable state, this small, paltry amount is a sin. Interest payments are 2.5 billion rand. This is 18% of the CAPEX budget versus a target of 10%. Residents are going to be burdened even more with a proposal to increase revenue. The insensitivity shown to hard-pressed residents is a massive cause for concern.claim

01:25:01As the economic engine of the country, this budget makes a feeble attempt at boosting the economy and creating an environment for sustainable growth. The city has complied with the various sections of the MFMA in raising debt. The report offers no viable plan, though, to reduce the debt burden on the city. One would think an interest obligation of 2.5 billion rand is incentive enough to become creative about reducing debt. Sadly,claim

01:25:33there appears to be no urgency, innovation, or creativity in presenting a robust plan to manage debt and to allocate sufficient funds to visible service delivery, especially in dealing with the water crisis. There is no evidence that the residents of Region B and Ward 82 specifically will benefit from this budget. Regrettably, the ACDP does not support the budget in its current form. I thank you.claim

01:26:03Thank you, Councillor. ATM, Councillor Magwentshu.

01:26:10isiXhosaImolo kuSomlomo weBhunga lesiXeko sikaMasipala womhlaba kaFaku, iJohannesburg, uNobuhle Mthembu. Imolo kuSodolophu weBhunga, uDada Morero. Imolo kuMbhexeshi oyiNtloko weBhunga, uNkosephayo Zungu. Imolo kumakhansela onke eBhunga. Imolo kumagosa eSigqeba soLawulo. Imolo kubemi beGoli lonke.

01:26:41isiXhosaSomlomo,

01:26:43the ATM is a party that aligns itself with the people. We are here to represent the people of Johannesburg, and we shall always remain on the side of the people.

01:26:54isiXhosaSomlomo, uhlenga-hlengiso lohlahlo lwabiwo-mali esizoluvotela luhlenga-hlengiso olungqamene neemfuno zabantu.

01:27:04The people of Johannesburg are struggling with unfavorable economic decline, which has led to joblessness and closure of businesses for many. The VAT that is proposed in the national budget will also not make things easier for them. The people of Johannesburg deserve better. They deserve service delivery. They deserve a better life. Most importantly, they deserve the overall improvement of their quality of life.

01:27:33isiXhosaSomlomo,

01:27:34I want to applaud MMC Arnolds for ensuring that this budget adjustment is not about rebasing. This gives clear indication that revenue collection and thus cash flow is improving. This signals the city's commitment to creating a better tomorrow for the residents. This gives the impression that the Government of Local Unity is indeed a listening government, and it is responding positively to residents, hence this kind of an adjustment budget.

01:28:03JCL and the JAG have been considered. The people of Matholesville will eventually get their multipurpose center.

01:28:11isiXhosaSomlomo,

01:28:12there is still an outcry from the people of Johannesburg about the electricity surcharge that is worsening the plight of the poor residents of Johannesburg.

01:28:21isiXhosaSomlomo,

01:28:22we are alive to the reality of financial constraints facing the City of Johannesburg, which is largely expected to be self-sufficient as a metropolitan municipality, hence the much-needed additional revenue generation, which brought the executive to the implementation of the 2019 council resolution of the 230 surcharge.

01:28:44isiXhosaSomlomo,

01:28:45as the ATM, we feel that the city should never allow a situation where the poor is subjected to the same tariff as the rich. 230 to a poor household on prepaid is a lot of money compared to a 230 to a household whose property value is more than 1 million rands. A balancing act is needed.

01:29:08isiXhosaSomlomo,

01:29:09we are alive to the fact that the issue of the 230 surcharge was a council resolution that had gone through the public participation process. The conditions of the people have since worsened compared to when this resolution was taken during Mr. Herman Mashaba's era as the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg.

01:29:27isiXhosaSomlomo,

01:29:28it is for this reason that the ATM would like to call a debate in council on the matter.

01:29:34isiXhosaSomlomo,

01:29:35we are aware that the issue of the surcharge is not only unique to Johannesburg.

01:29:40isiXhosaUngahamba Somlomo uye eCape Town, uye eKurhuleni Somlomo, nabo banayo. Ene Somlomo, eyaseJohannesburg incinane kunabanye oomasipala aba. Somlomo,

01:29:55there are various revenue-generating streams that can be created, which willcusi...

01:30:00the poor against the ever-rising cost of living at the same time.

01:30:04isiXhosaKwakhona Somlomo mntakatata,

01:30:06as the ATM we feel that this is a more balanced budget and it seeks to improve the lives of all those who live in Johannesburg. A budget which seeks to demonstrate that it is possible to have a working city, a city that delivers on its service delivery mandate. With that said,

01:30:25isiXhosaSomlomo,

01:30:26Bheki, as the ATM we support the adjustment budget which is 55A, B and C.

01:30:33isiXhosaEnkosi mntakatata,

01:30:34peace in our land, peace in our lifetime.

01:30:40Thank you, Councillor. ActionSA, Councillor Nkonyeni.

01:30:51isiZuluNgibonge Speaker. Ngibingelele umkhandlu, amakhansela, laba abasivakashele, nalaba abasibuka kwezokuxhumana emakhaya.

01:31:03Madam Speaker, ActionSA

01:31:06isiZuluasijiki, sisame la kade sime khona na

01:31:09last week or whenever the last time we were here. We stand resolute. No, you don't have to care, it's fine, but we stand resolute and unwavering. We have spoken to this issue of the surcharge, we are still speaking to it even now that it's either it's going to be rescinded or it's going to be decreased. So,

01:31:30isiZuluakukho okuningi nje futhi esizokukhuluma, sisamelapho. Ngiyabonga Speaker.

01:31:40isiZuluSiyabonga Khansela.

01:31:42EFF, Councillor Nhlapo.

01:31:48Greetings to the Speaker, the EFF Chief Whip, and the EFF

01:31:55isiZuluKhansela Nhlapo ngicela ubambe kancane.

01:31:56Is it you, Councillor Echeozonjoku?

01:32:00Well done, Madam Speaker. Thank you very much for the opportunity to speak. It's not a point of order, it's just a request, Madam Speaker. I know that we had translation, we really would like to participate in all the debates. Is there any way that the issue of the translation can be fast-tracked so we all can hear, if you can, please? Just a request.claim

01:32:22Councillor Echeozonjoku, as Legislature we are working on that to make sure that when someone speaks in their home language that we've got interpreters. So, at the current moment in time, it's not here, but let's allow our councillors to speak in the language they are most comfortable in. Councillor Nhlapo.claim

01:32:43Greetings to the Speaker, to the EFF Chief Whip, the EFF Caucus Leader and all councillors. I rise on item 55, the Operating Adjustment Budget, Capital Adjustment Budget and Funding Plan. This adjustment is a necessary exercise to align our financial planning with mid-year performance with mid-year performance assessments and to address evolving economic and service delivery challenges. While there are some commendable improvements, there are also critical concerns that we must address to ensure responsible financial management and effective service delivery for our residents.claim

01:33:22One of the key positives in this adjustment budget is the increase in the revenue by 1.2 billion, driven primarily by higher electricity sales and improved revenue collection. This has contributed to a projected surplus of 2.2 billion, a significant improvement from the initial 701 million. Additionally, capital expenditure has been increased by 318.6 million, ensuring further investment in critical infrastructure and service delivery. Another notable achievement is the successful securing of external funding.

01:33:59managed to raise 2.7 billion in external borrowings for 2024 and 2025 to finance infrastructure development. Furthermore, the AFD loan of 2.5 billion been effectively utilized to support service delivery projects. This ensures that we continue building and maintaining the infrastructure that our residents and businesses rely on daily.

01:34:23We also welcome the city's commitment to job creation and economic growth with significant funding directed toward public transport infrastructure, water and sanitation and community development projects. The retention of the upgrading of informal settlements grant is particularly important as it ensures continued support for marginalized communities. These allocations align with our vision of fostering economic empowerment and inclusive development. Despite these improvements, there are areas of serious concern that require urgent intervention. One major issue is the underperformance in the revenue collection, particularly in property rates and service charges.

01:35:09Debt impairment has increased, signalling that many residents and businesses are struggling to pay their municipal bills. If this is not addressed, it will continue to put pressure on the city's financial sustainability. We are also concerned about some of the budget shifts that raise questions about prioritizations. For instance, 80.7 million has been removed from the BRT Phase 1C roadways project, which could negatively impact the expansion of public transport infrastructure. Similarly, while funding for community development projects has increased, the budget for upgrading the informal trading permit system was reduced by 5 million. Informal traders are a vital part of Johannesburg's economy, and such budget cuts risk undermining their ability to operate effectively.

01:36:02Another pressing issue is the city's increasing reliance on short-term debt. The city's short-term borrowing exposure now stands at 5 billion, raising concerns about financial sustainability. While the city has managed its debt repayments effectively so far, we must ensure that borrowing remains within manageable limits to avoid financial strain in the future. To address these challenges, the city must take urgent steps to strengthen revenue collection mechanisms.

01:36:30This includes expanding revenue enhancement programs and considering a targeted amnesty program to recover outstanding municipal debts. We must ensure that our revenue collection processes are efficient, fair, and accessible to all residents. Secondly, there must be improved budget prioritization for essential services instead of cutting funding for key infrastructure projects. We should be reallocating resources strategically to ensure that public transport expansion, water infrastructure, and job creation programs receive the necessary funding.

01:37:00We urge the city to increase support for informal traders and youth employment initiatives, as the sectors play a crucial role in economic growth and empowerment. It is also imperative that we set aside sufficient resources to complete unfinished health and social development infrastructure projects, ensuring that our communities receive the essential services they deserve, while also increasing investment in public safety to address rising crime and enhance the security of all residents in Johannesburg. Lastly,

01:37:30we must implement measures to mitigate financial risk. The city must establish clear timelines for the repayment of short-term debt to avoid overexposure. Additionally, there should be greater oversight on capital projects to prevent wasteful expenditure and ensure that funds are being used effectively for their intended purposes. Honourable Speaker, while we recognize the shortcomings in this budget, we also acknowledge the progress that has been made in stabilizing the city's finances and increasing service delivery investment. The Economic Freedom Fighters supports

01:38:01the proposed adjustment, provided the city strengthens financial controls to prevent further revenue leakages, there is a clear strategy to reduce reliance on short-term borrowing in the future, the budget allocations continue to prioritize essential services, job creation, and economic empowerment. Let us ensure that this budget adjustment is not just a financial exercise, but a commitment to real and meaningful change for the people of Johannesburg. Together we must work toward a city that is financially stable and economically inclusive, and responsive to the needs of its residents. Thank you, Speaker.

01:38:44Thank you, Councillor Nhlapo. ANC, Councillor Radebe.

01:38:55Thank you, Madam Speaker. Greetings to the Executive Mayor, the MMCs, the Chief Whip, Councillor Zungu, our Chair of Chairs, fellow councillors, and our residents at home. Madam Speaker, in the previous sitting we debated the matter to the deep extent. However, we thought it's important for us to do an emphasis on certain things today.

01:39:28Firstly, Madam Speaker, you know City of Johannesburg is going through a period that is a bit turbulent. A period where we are supposed to move from the financial difficulties that we faced to a prosperous city. At some point, this particular city under the leadership of the ANC used to get amazing credit ratings. We used to be in certain corporate companies, read financial statements of this particular city, and we would be impressed. But the fact of the matter

01:40:01is that after 2016, everything started going south. That is the truth. You go through the reports, you read the facts. Things started changing because there were certain people that believed that moving certain things in a particular way will serve their people. Now it has messed up the flow. We have to start afresh to rebuild the finances of the city, and that's where we find ourselves. Madam Speaker, another thing that we need to emphasize

01:40:31and talk against, there are certain parties in this particular house who feel that it is correct for them to go out there, mobilize our people under false information, tell our people that they should come and, you know, do protests and all those things without giving them proper information. They bring those people because they want to grandstand, they want to save their political careers. Madam Speaker, maybe let us clarify certain things.

01:41:02Councillors, please. Let us clarify something. ActionSA, in one of the posters that it has put out there, it says if this surcharge is not withdrawn, then they will not vote for this particular budget. Let us maybe give a bit of a context. MFMA guides us. We are not here based on our common sense or we do things because of what we feel. We are guided, there are statutes. Statutes are telling us how we should do things. So, Madam Speaker,

01:41:34when you do an adjustment budget, MFMA tells you, this is what you can touch, this is what you cannot touch. If you've got a problem in terms of your overspending, you adjust that. If you've got a shortfall, you fix the shortfall and all that. But it's also clear that when it comes to issues like tariffs, charges and all that, then you are not able to touch those particular things. Now, ActionSA is telling our people that using an adjustment budget, we can touch those particular... It's impossible. It's populism of the highest note, and it should be condemned. It should be condemned, Madam Speaker. It should be condemned.

01:42:17There is an annual budget that is coming. In that particular annual budget, then we can look into the things of changing tariffs and charges and things like that. A surcharge that ActionSA is against, it is a tariff charge that is from City Power. It went through a public participation. Section 74, 75 of our Systems Act tells us that if there are certain tariffs that we need to change, we should go to the public, we should do consultation. Not what ActionSA is saying we should do, that we should use the adjustment budget to change certain charges. It is wrong, and we should expose that, Madam Speaker.

01:43:07isiZuluKhansela Radebe, ngicela ubambe kancane.

01:43:09I see a hand. ActionSA, I'll only allow one hand between the Chief Whip and Councillor Mabelebele. Which one? Councillor Lebatlang.

01:43:20Yes, Speaker. I want to know, are we debating ActionSA on this item or Adjustment Budget? Because here, we are presented with an Adjustment Budget. There's nowhere where it's written ActionSA. So, can we stick to the point of content? Executive Mayor, please, can people stick to the point of content? Thank you.

01:43:52isiZuluKhansela Radebe, ungaqhubeka.

01:43:55Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, you know, populism will be the end of this country. If we continue in this trajectory, this country will end. But Madam Speaker, as the African National Congress, we believe that under the circumstances, under this difficulty, we think the MMC, the team, the Budget Steering Committee have done their best to put up a budget. I'm sure even Councillor Santana, when he was going through the budget, might have seen certain loopholes,

01:44:25but under the current circumstances, this is the best that we could have delivered. We need to improve, we agree. There's room for improvement. We need to work very hard to ensure that we take the city back to what it used to be, but it's a journey. The rot happened over a period of time. It cannot be fixed in two or three years. As the African National Congress, we support the budget, and we would like Council to approve. Thank you.

01:45:01isiZuluYakhala induku, Lebatlang!

01:45:13isiZuluSiyabonga, Khansela Radebe.

01:45:16MMC Arnolds.

01:45:37Good morning to the Executive Mayor. Good morning to you, Madam Speaker. Good morning to the Government of Local Unity, and all residents that are in the gallery, good morning. And also, good morning to all opposition parties. Madam Speaker, as the Executive, we have listened to all the inputs.

01:46:08We've listened to the critiques, and we've also listened to those that were very educated on how a budget is done. Madam Speaker, we want to say to this House and to everybody, in putting together this budget, we have tried to factor in all aspects that affect our financial performance to strengthen the city's financial position.

01:46:39This meant that we were not able to fund all the requests submitted for additional funding. And thank you so much to the DA delegation that pointed out to us what we need to do in the next budget. And Councillor Santana, you are aware that we could not add what you wanted right now, but thank you very much for engaging us. Thank you so much to the Freedom Front Plus

01:47:10that also asked to be engaged. Councillor Radebe, I thank you for the lesson that you have just given. A lesson that councillors should heed to. When we sit in this council, there are laws that are made, and we need to do what it says. There's a political party that says they are very strong on keeping to the law, but they want us to break the law. On property revenue,

01:47:41we have also enjoyed the effect of positive outcomes in the valuation appeals, which supports the additional 350 million property rates and revenue included in this adjustment budget. However, despite the improvements we've seen, there are historical financial pressures, and we are not saying anybody is responsible for it, but they are there. When you take over something, you take it over

01:48:12in law and in title, and we have taken over everything. We still make up for the past underperformance that resulted in us having negative working capital. In the last few weeks, efforts have been through the financial stability led by the Acting City Manager. Thank you, City Manager. The additional income has been tied to expenditure

01:48:43to enable this anticipated inflow, which will go towards rebuilding the city's working capital and cash reserves. I have a very long speech, Madam Speaker, but I want to say that I urge this House to therefore approve this budget. The budget is a budget that is there for all our residents, not for those in the leafy suburbs

01:49:15and those in the townships, but for all of us. And we should also try, as councillors, to ensure that we encourage our residents to pay for services, and we should also pay for services. I thank you.

Vote on item 55A: operating adjustment budget

01:49:36Thank you, MMC Arnolds. Councillors, the recommendations for item 55A are on page 55A.25. Is the item agreed to?

01:50:03Okay. I'll start with all those that are in favour of this item, which is item 55A. Please raise your hands.

01:50:34isiZuluKaze wathoxic umshado bo.

01:52:31Councillors, you can release your hands. All those against this item, please raise your hands.

01:55:01Councillors, you can release your hands. All those who are abstaining from this voting process, please raise your hands. None, zero.

01:56:08All right, councillors, for item 55A, which is the Operating Adjustment Budget for the City of Johannesburg, the number of councillors who abstained, it's zero. The number of councillors against this item, it's 105. The numbers of councillors for this item, it's 138. The item passes.

01:57:09isiZuluAsikaqedi.

01:57:11Executive Mayor,

01:57:13isiZuluasikaqedi, asikaqedi.

01:57:15That was operating.

01:57:32Councillors, we still need to vote for the CAPEX and funding plan. Councillor Tefu, please don't leave council chambers.

Dissent dispute and vote on items 55B and 55C

01:57:59Councillors, that was item 55A. We still need to vote on item 55B, and I'll combine item 55B with item 55C. Before I proceed, Councillor Christians?

01:58:30Councillors, please switch off your mics. Did they leave?

01:58:37Thank you, Speaker. Speaker, can you record the dissent of the Democratic Alliance in terms of this item?

01:58:53Councillor Tefu.

01:58:56Speaker, thank you very much. Before I get to what I want to say, after I'm done, could you please ring the bell? But Speaker, I've noticed a very wrong trend that is happening in this council. People vote, after being chowed, they want to dissent. Please, Speaker, can you refer this to the Rules Committee so that we can clarify this thing? Because you can't be chowed and want to dissent. You must decide which one is which. Thank you very much.

01:59:23Councillor Tefu, chowed, chowed. Chief Whip of Council, Chief Whip, our councillors, are they inside the council chambers?

01:59:40Please ring the bell.

02:00:40Thank you, Deputy Chief Whip, Councillor Dammie, for that thumbs up. Councillors, we still have item 55B. I'll combine item 55B, which is the Capital Adjustment Budget for the City of Johannesburg, with item 55C, which is the Funding Plan for Medium-Term Capital Budget. Councillors, the recommendations are on page 55B.17. And the other one, for item 55C, the recommendations are on pages

02:01:1055C.12 to 55C.14. Are the items agreed to?

02:01:29Councillors, we'll start with our voting process. All those in favour of these two items, please raise your hands.

02:03:22isiZuluKuyenzakalani?

02:03:25What's wrong?

02:03:27MMC?

02:03:38Councillors, you can put down your hands.

02:03:52isiZuluCouncillors, bekani izandla phansi, angiboni nikhomba bani.

02:04:09Councillors, please drop your hands.

02:04:11isiZuluYehlisan' izandla zenu.

02:04:14All those against these two items, please raise your hands.

02:05:59Councillors, you can lower your hands. All those that are abstaining from the voting process, please raise your hands.

02:07:01Councillors, the results are as follows. All those that were abstaining from this voting process is zero. All those against item 55B and item 55C, 106. All those in favour of item 55B and item 55C, 137. The items passes.

02:07:57Councillor Christians.

02:08:03Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I rise in terms of rule 84 of this house, which allows me the right to stand before this house and say the Democratic Alliance dissents to this vote. Thank you.

02:08:36Councillor Christians, please switch off your mic.

02:08:42Madam Speaker, and please, can I read what Councillor, because he's selectively choosing what to quote here. Before voting, before voting, you raise your objection or opposition to the item. But you can't vote, then when you are chowed, you are a crybaby in this case. Don't be a crybaby, just take the, please, we cannot be abused like this. Please. Take the pain,

02:09:13take the pain, and you'll be fine. You'll learn from these lessons. Don't worry.

02:09:19Councillors, I'm advised by legal that you can't participate in dissent, so let's leave it at that. Secretary to Council, let's continue.

02:09:32Councillor, we still have a long list to go through. Councillor Echeozonjoku.

02:09:44Madam Speaker, thank you very much. Um, I would just like uh you to clarify what does chowed means in this house.

02:09:57isiZuluHhayi, councillors. Awu, ngeke.

02:10:04Secretary to Council.

02:10:08Uh Councillors. Uh Councillors, we are still on elevated items.

Item 57: mid-year review of the Institutional SDBIP

02:10:20Councillors, please settle down. Our items are still far from being over. Secretary to Council.

02:10:28Councillors, we are on item 57, which is the 2024-25 mid-year review of the Institutional Service Delivery, Institutional Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan, uh Departmental and Municipal Entities Business Plan.

02:10:45The first speaker on the list is from DA, Councillor Hooper.

02:10:59Good afternoon, Speaker. Um I rise to speak on item 58, the mid-year review of the Institutional SDBIP and the city's business plans, all protocol observed. Speaker, we welcome any changes to political priorities and mandates in the streamlining of decision-making in the city, but when it comes to, but when it does not serve the core mandate of basic service delivery to Johannesburg's residents, then what is the point? Any deviations and adjustments should be aligned to the strategic

02:11:30priority of providing uninterrupted basic services to all to all communities within the city's boundaries. Changes to the Institutional Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan should be aligned to the clear need to retain businesses, investors, and residents, as many are currently semigrating out of the city. The SDBIP gives effect to the Integrated Development Plan, the IDP, and budget and budget of the local government, and effective implementation is only possibleclaim

02:12:00if the IDP and the budget are fully aligned with each other, as required by the MFMA. Section 1 of the MFMA defines the SDBIP as a detailed plan approved by the mayor of the local government in terms of section 53 for implementing the local government's delivery of services and execution of the annual budget, which must include, as part of the top layer, the following: A, projections for each month of revenue to be collectedclaim

02:12:30by source, and operational and capital expenditure by vote, and service delivery targets and performance indicators for each quarter. According to section 53 of the MFMA, the mayor of the local government must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the local government's Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan is approved within 28 days of the approval of the budget. The mayor is to receive the draft budget 14 days after approval of the budget, and therefore the final SDBIP

02:13:00should be approved 14 days after the after receiving the first draft. Unfortunately, the persistent delays with the public with publishing the budget and related reports has put has put the SDBIP at risk of non-compliance, and key functions shackled with delayed decision-making and shifting priorities. Speaker, Johannesburg is in a crisis. Businesses don't have electricity due to faults and poorly maintained electricity infrastructure,

02:13:30and communities across the city go for days without water. In fact, many businesses and international firms based in Johannesburg have spent millions on backup systems for electricity, and many property owners have indeed installed JoJo tanks for backup water supply, as previously recommended by the current mayor. Speaker, we have indigent residents in townships with sewage flowing through their houses, and we have poor residents in informal settlements with no

02:14:00night lighting and broken communal taps. While priorities and KPIs may be aligned to SMART principles, that doesn't mean that they are the right set of key performance areas that should be focused on and should be ranked at the top of the list. Speaker, we note the following revisions to some problematic and poorly formulated KPIs, but unfortunately, we have some concerns with the changes to the following KPIs.

02:14:30KPI 18 under EISD: The target, the targeted reduction in electricity losses should ideally be brought much lower, as this is affecting revenue streams for the city, and the projected and the projected 16% should be the target now. KPI 47 under the City Manager's Office: We argue that the customer satisfaction survey should be upheld and not replaced with a high-level polling survey with less objective and factual measurement of satisfaction and dissatisfaction

02:15:00of residents and stakeholders um across the city. KPI 28, which is also under EISD: The number of informal uh settlement households electrified should include Eskom-supplied areas, and the job cards from Eskom must be retrieved and assessed by the city. Eskom-supplied areas must be monitored on a quarterly basis, despite the issues with getting data from Eskom. KPI 39 under Public Safety: This new indicator must include private buildings and developments being inspected

02:15:30using both EMS bylaws and SHRA national regulations. And the last one, KPI 40 under Public Safety as well: This indicator is unmeasurable, and the new KPI must measure specific crimes that can and must be reduced in relation to the core mandate of the Public Safety Department and, obviously, JMPD. Speaker, in conclusion, we do reject the report, and we have serious reservations about the downgraded targets,

02:16:00lack of financial prudence, and misaligned priorities. The city cannot afford to waste resources on unfunded mandates whilst residents suffer from failing infrastructure and deteriorating services. The Democratic Alliance stands for a Johannesburg that works, where KPIs are not just politically convenient metrics, but real commitments to actual service delivery and economic growth. I thank you, Speaker.

02:16:29Thank you, Councillor. ActionSA, Councillor Coverdale.

02:16:37Thank you, Madam Speaker. Good morning, Speaker, Mr Mayor, the formidable 44, esteemed members of the community, and honoured guests. The amendments of the Service Delivery Budget Implementation Plan are needed. Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome is defined as madness.

02:17:06Today, I see and want to share a vision of improving our community through innovative service delivery. We are implementing advanced water leak detection technology to preserve this essential resource and reduce costs. Free public Wi-Fi will bridge the digital divide, providing access to information and

02:17:32Councillor Coverdale, please move closer to the mic. We're struggling to hear you.

02:17:37Oh. Is that better, Speaker?

02:17:41Much better, thank you.

02:17:42access to information and opportunities for all. A commitment to upgrading informal settlements, improving living conditions, and fostering inclusive communities. The repair initiative will enhance transportation safety and attract investments, creating jobs and stimulating growth. We'll also redevelopclaim

02:18:12abandoned buildings and revitalize our neighborhoods, and prioritize crime prevention to ensure safety for all. By leveraging technology and enhancing infrastructure, we aim to create a thriving, resilient community. Madam Speaker, there is, however, one flaw I have identified. In order to support stability, we have to reverse the surcharge on electricity tariffs, which makes energy more affordable for everybody.

02:18:43The mayor promised it will be revised in 2025. Well, Mr Mayor, it's 2025. Time to do what you promised. I cannot see a reason why anybody could reject this report, not even the mad, bad, angry blues on my right. But let's wait and see. They might surprise us. It's about service delivery, after all. Implementation of this vision is key, and we will be monitoring the process. Let us work

02:19:15together as councillors of this city to build a brighter, corruption-free future for everybody.

02:19:21AfrikaansGoeiedag,

02:19:22and I thank you.

02:19:29Thank you, Councillor. UDM, Councillor Zigebe.

02:19:49Councillor Coverdale, please switch off your mic.

02:19:55Thank you very much, Honourable Speaker.

02:19:59isiZuluUmshado mawungalungi bafwethu, uyashiwa. Kunjalo.

02:20:06The mid-year review of the Institutional Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan is a reaffirmation of our commitment to delivering quality services, managing public funds responsibly, and continuously improving our approach to development. This review is not an exercise of adjusting figures, but ensuring that our policies translate into meaningful change for the people who rely on us. The revised financial outlook presents a city that remains stable, with projected revenue of R77.6 billion. The backbone of this revenue structure is drawnclaim

02:20:37from electricity sales, property rates, water services, and operational subsidies, reinforcing a diversified financial base. We recognize the inherent um challenges within this framework. The issues of electricity losses, which currently stand at 31.9%, continues to strain our fiscal position, and while the revised target seeks to bring this figure down to 28%, it remains crucial that we are not merely adjusting our targets,

02:21:07but taking decisive steps to rectify systemic inefficiencies. Illegal connections, billing inaccuracies, and revenue leakages must be tackled with the urgency they deserve. The reforms underway to improve revenue collection and single-point accountability for billing are promising, but their success must be measured not in theory, but in their actual impact on the city's financial health. The city's financial plan anticipates surpluses in key months, reflecting a structured approach

02:21:38to budgeting. These surpluses do not create a false sense of security. The reality is that financial stability depends not only on income generation, but also on our ability to collect what is due and to spend wisely. The alignment of revenue projections with service delivery goals remains a top priority, and we continue to reinforce financial management mechanisms to prevent avoidable losses. Wasteful expenditure has no place in a city that faces mounting service delivery demands,

02:22:09and every rand must be accounted for with diligence. At the core of this review is service delivery, and it is here that we are most attentive to ensuring that adjustments lead to visible improvements on the ground. The expansion of waste removal services to cover all informal settlements is a step in the right direction, as is the increased focus on infrastructure maintenance, pothole repairs, and water leak detections. While these commitments are welcomed, they must also be accompanied

02:22:39by a renewed focus on efficiency. A road that is repaired today should not be riddled with potholes again in a matter of months due to substandard workmanship. A leaking pipe that is fixed should not require repeated intervention. The measure of success is not in the frequency of repairs, but in the quality and sustainability of the work done. The people of Johannesburg will not judge us by how many policies we revise, but by whether they can rely on the city to provide them with uninterrupted services and well-maintained

02:23:10infrastructure. The shift in housing targets from absolute numbers to percentage completion is a necessary refinement, ensuring a practical and adaptable approach. While these metrics may change, the need for speed and efficiency in housing development remains unchanged. Bureaucratic hurdles in housing approvals must be addressed decisively to ensure that residents in need of homes are not left waiting indefinitely. Delays in land allocation and housing construction undermine public confidence in our ability

02:23:40to deliver. We are serious about improving the living conditions of our people. Therefore, we are planning better, and we are confident to execute with urgency. The role of the private sector in accelerating housing delivery must also be considered, and we must create an environment that encourages collaboration and investment in sustainable housing solutions. Madam Speaker, in closing, uh this uh the work of Group Performance and Audit Committee, as well as that of Auditor-General, is taken seriously. Past audit findings should not become recurring um issues.

02:24:11Corrective measures must be more than reactive responses. They must be institutionalized to prevent the same shortcomings from resurfacing year after year. Transparency is a guiding principle in this government, ensuring that both the council and the public have clear visibility

02:24:27Councillor Zigebe, your time is up.

02:24:28into the implementation of service delivery. Thank you for the seconds.

02:24:36isiZuluCouncillor Zigebe, siyabonga.

02:24:38EFF, Councillor Radebe.

02:24:50Thank you, Speaker. Greetings to the EFF caucus leader, caucus whip, the 29 committed EFF battalions, fellow councillors, and the residents of the City of Johannesburg at large. Speaker, the mid-year review of the Institutional Service Delivery and Budget Implementation for 2024-2025 reflects key adjustments to the city's financial and service delivery commitments. This report is critical,

02:25:20as it provides insights into budget adjustments, changes in key performance indicators, and service delivery targets. While some improvements are commendable, serious concerns remain, particularly regarding spending inefficiencies, informal settlement development, and economic empowerment of marginalized communities. The city has demonstrated fiscal responsibility by maintaining a projected revenue surplus of R5.9 billion, which strengthens financial sustainability. Planned infrastructureclaim

02:25:51spending remains robust, with the adjusted capital budget amounting to R7.7 billion, ensuring continued investment in transport, electricity, water, and waste management services. Notably, the target for providing refuse removal in informal settlements has been increased from 90% to 100%, demonstrating an effort to improve service delivery to the most vulnerable. On economic transformation, the revised budget expands initiatives in public-private partnership,claim

02:26:22digitalization, and crime prevention through AI-driven surveillance. The tourism sector has also shown strong growth, leading to an increase in the target for tourist arrivals from 2.2 million to 4.1 million, signaling confidence in the city's target for tourist uh sorry, signaling confidence in the city's economic recovery efforts. The transport sector has also seen increased investment, with R562 million allocated for transit-oriented development, ensuring that

02:26:54more people benefit from integrated transport and housing projects. This aligns with the EFF's call for improved urban planning and land redistribution to address apartheid-era and spatial inequalities. While these achievements are noted, Speaker, several critical failures demand urgent action. The most alarming issue is the neglect of informal settlements,

02:27:24contradicting the EFF's stance on land redistribution, equitable service delivery, and infrastructure investment. The number of new housing units approved has been adjusted downwards to focus on the percentage of applications processed, rather than the actual units delivered. This shift prioritizes bureaucratic compliance over real service delivery, leaving thousands of families without access to adequate housing. The EFF demands that the housing targets be linked to actual units built,

02:27:55not just applications processed. Another pressing concern is the slow progress in infrastructure spending. The city anticipates spending only 8% of its adjusted capital budget in the first quarter, with a large portion delayed to the final quarter. Underutilization of funds delays essential service delivery, particularly in roads, water, sanitation, and energy. The EFF insists that budget implementation timelines be enforced to avoid last-minute, ineffective spending.

02:28:26Furthermore, the city projects electricity losses at 28%, a slight reduction from 31.9%, but still far from the national target of 16% by 2031. Illegal connections and power failures continue to plague townships and informal settlements, yet the city has not expanded investment in alternative energy solutions for low-income areas. The EFF calls for radical reforms in energy policies, including the rollout of municipal-owned renewable energy projects. To address these failures, the EFF makes

02:28:57the following demands: The city must shift back to tracking actual housing units delivered,

02:29:0010 seconds remaining.

02:29:02not just applications processed, to ensure tangible progress in eradicating housing backlogs. The city must also spend its infrastructure budget evenly throughout the year to prevent last-minute inefficiencies and delays. Furthermore, there must be investment in municipal-owned solar and alternative energy projects to reduce electricity theft and ensure energy security for the poor. Speaker, uh we acknowledge the improvements in financial sustainability, waste management, and tourism, but we cannot ignore the persistent

02:29:32failure in informal settlement development, housing provision, and economic transformation. The EFF approves the recommendations in this report, but strongly recommends that all the recommendations, registered concerns, be addressed expeditiously. Thank you.

02:29:55isiZuluSiyabonga, Councillor Radebe.

02:29:57ANC, Councillor Tabane.

02:30:06Uh, good morning Madam Speaker, Executive Mayor, fellow Councillors. As I rise on item 57, uh the Municipal Finance Management Act of 2003 requires that municipalities

DA speech on item 58 building violations (Cllr Schay)

03:00:00Uh there's one more button.

03:00:02Oh, there, it's red.

03:00:04Okay, thank you. There's no space anyway. Okay. Yeah.

03:00:17isiZuluuDa Gama ugqugqumezela u...

03:00:22Okay, we are sending...

03:00:27Councillor Schay, your time is running out. Please continue with your speech.

03:00:30We are sending a message. If you can pay a fine, you can break the law. Okay. This sets a dangerous precedent that Johannesburg can be bought, that its safety and planning regulations can be ignored for the right price. This isn't about streamlining processes. This is about stripping away the very protections that keep our city safe and functional. Right now, we already have over 600 unresolved building violations.

03:00:59The system is overwhelmed, yes, but the solution isn't to sweep the violations under the rug. The fines that provide a temporary cash injection, but no real enforcement. Because... Speaker. Uh, Speaker.

03:01:20Councillor Schay, please read your speech. Otherwise, you will not finish. Councillors. Chief Whip of Council. Chief Whip of Council. Can we give him an opportunity to finish his speech? Councillor Schay, you are left with 1 minute and 46 seconds.

03:01:55What happens when the money from these fines runs out? We'll still be left with the same strained infrastructure, an overloaded power grids, insufficient water supply, and a city buckling under illegal developments that should never have gone up in the first place. We understand the cost implications of going to the High Court, but the answer isn't to tear down the protections that keep the city safe. That's why the DA is exploring legislative amendments that would empower lower courts to issue demolition orders, ensuring that enforcement is not just swift,

03:02:27but also fair and proportional to the crime. And so, this is my call to every councillor in this chamber if any of you are listening. Let us not be short-sighted. Let this Council be the Council that future generations look back on and say they preserved the safety and integrity of this city. What we need to do today is to reject the changes in section 4.4 of this report and instead introduce a tiered KPI system that allows one to clear lesser violations while still going after the greater violations with the gravity they deserve.

03:02:58Because we owe it to the residents of Johannesburg to protect this city, not to protect the interests of a few. The Democratic Alliance cannot and will not support a policy that just ticks boxes instead of making real change. Thank you.

Item 58 debate opens: SDBIP review, deviation and adjustment

03:03:46Councillors. We'll now call the next speaker from the ANC, Councillor Molefe.

03:04:02Thank you very much, Speaker. Uh greetings to you, Speaker. Greetings to the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg. Greetings to the Chief Whip of Council, MMCs of the City of Johannesburg, Section 79 chairpersons, fellow councillors, guests in the gallery, and the 6 million-plus residents of the City of Johannesburg. As I rise on item 58, Institutional Service Delivery and Budgetclaim

03:04:31Implementation Plan Review, Deviation, and Adjustment. The Municipal Finance Management Act of 200

Debate on enlarging Section 79 committees from 15 to 18 members

03:30:00The City of Joburg has never before had this number of people, councillors, serving in Section 79. And I mean it's just simply unacceptable to expect the city to afford this. It's simply unacceptable because it is self-serving by nature that a Section 79 must now be bloated simply because we want to reward, we must accommodate, and the fact that the city is struggling.

03:30:26We cannot on one side say that the city is struggling and we've got financial difficulties in our entities and in the next moment we bloat the section 79 with extra counselors who really in fact are only coming there to earn an extra salary. And the ANC actually when we spoke about this and the DA was trying to lobby the ANC on this matter, they are the ones who brought this idea of 18 people on section 79. It is actually the ANC's proposal that the DA is tabling today.

03:30:56Because now both the DA and the ANC are bloated caucuses with big egos and big stomachs to feed and we must now accept that the city of Joburg's money must go to feeding the stomachs of counselors. It's simply unacceptable and it will not be accepted by the EFF. That is why we must vote this thing down because we can't agree to something that does not make financial sense. Why must we bloat something? Is there extra oversight that is going to happen because there's three extra counselors per committee?

03:31:26It is simply not true. Some counselors don't even read reports on Section 79. They just come there to mark the register and end an extra salary. We must object to it and it is the right thing to do to object to it so that we keep the standard number of 15 and move on with the work of Council. Thank you, Chair.

03:31:44Thank you, Counselor. Counselor [inaudible]. Thank you, Chair.

03:32:13Because, speaker, as the smaller parties, maybe they undermined us, they decided they didn't consult us. And also at the programming, speaker, this item did not pass through you. And looking into the number, speaker, when we passed the remuneration in terms of the spatial, speaker, the upper limit, the city manager will bear testimony to that. This was not budgeted for. This is extra money, speaker.

03:32:39Just quick calculations, because you're talking about R5.4 million, and yet people do not get basic services on the ground. So they want to fatten their pockets at the expense of the poor visualists, because how do you justify taking the spatial, which is not going to do anything to our people, speaker? Our people are complaining of potholes. Look at how the grass is, speaker. They could have channeled that money into basic service deliveries, speaker, instead of fattening their pockets. Maybe it's deployment, speaker, I don't know, deployment strategies.

03:33:09Maybe some people are lobbying for conferences and stuff, I don't know, Speaker, but they need to come out clean because to us, we look at the ratepayers' money, Speaker, which has been thrown in the water, which is fruitless and wasteful expenditure. I know we're going to pass it now, shifting the goalposts, Speaker, making it legal, whereas it's going to bite us, Speaker, on the other side of the coin. We cannot allow patronage, Speaker, to happen under your watch. Thank you very much. Let's reject this report, Speaker, wait until the next financial year.

03:33:37Thank you.

Division requests and clarification of recommendations 1, 2 and 4

03:33:39We are going to take requests for division from two political parties, the EFF and the AIC. I think it's sufficient for us to go strictly to the division. You know your drill when it comes to the division of... Is it the point of order?

03:34:08Remember we just differed on two items, which is item two and four. So it cannot be holistic division in terms of... Because the recommendations are the ones that are going to be voted for.

03:34:30Which recommendations are you differing with, EFF? The composition of Section 79. Okay. And the renaming of the gender. Look, the renaming and the composition of Section 79 has to be voted on because we differ on those two. The establishment we agree on.

03:35:00So you agree on one, one is passed. Let's deal with number two, which is renaming of the agenda. Remember colleagues that it's a... Councillor Knott, you want to clarify something before I proceed? Yes please Madam Speaker, before we carry on with the vote.

03:35:26Although the report speaks to the renaming of the Gender Committee, it isn't actually spoken to under the recommendations specifically, unless you look under recommendation four, which lists the committees and under triple I, it is already listed there as Gender, Youth and People with Disabilities. So it doesn't have a specific recommendation on its own for the renaming. It is embedded in recommendation four.

03:35:56It's embedded in item 4 which is inline with item 2. It's not even renaming because it has always been like that, it's just the correction of what was omitted in the initial report. Can we then proceed to item 2 which is the composition? The contentious issue there is moving from 15 members to 18 members with their alternates. Let me read item 2.

03:36:26Okay, let's vote on each recommendation separately. Item 1 is passed by council because there were no objections to item 1. Item 2, which is in line with item 4, III, can we deal with that? May I read item 2? That membership of section 79 portfolio committees coupled with the Municipal Public Accounts Committee, MPAC, be increased

03:36:55from 15 full-time members and 15 alternates to 18 members and 18 alternates to ensure full representation of political parties in council. Remember when we vote by division on this item, we close all the doors, no members are allowed to leave the chamber or enter the chamber, we will then call upon names of councillors individually and you will then indicate whether you are voting for

03:37:25Yes, against or abstain. Let me hand over to the secretariat to help us with the voting process on item two.

Dispute over calling a division before a show of hands

03:38:09Notice of motion. Why do you look puzzled now when we have to start voting? Can I be addressed on why you look puzzled now that I have to start voting? Look, there must be a distinction between voting for a motion and voting for recommendations. Here we are dealing with recommendations where certain parties are dissenting. Why must we go through a motion route on a report?

03:38:37Speaker, we are requesting a division and the rules provide for a division. If the required threshold of Councillors requests a division then we must proceed with the division. What's the confusion?

03:39:05Look, what usually happens when there's a report, can you take your seat, chair of chairs? Look, counselor, what usually happens when there's a report and there are contentious issues in the report, we subject that to voting by show of hand. And it is only after the show of hand that a party can call for a division of votes. Are you covered? Can I start with that process first before we get to the division?

03:39:35Unless you want to withdraw that, Chair. Look, if you call for a division before we even vote by show of hands, it really defeats the whole purpose of calling for division. Look, the division is regulated under Rule 79 up to 79.4.

Show-of-hands votes on Section 79 recommendations 2 to 5

03:40:01Allow me to conduct voting by show of hands first, if you are dissenting then call for a division of votes. Thank you so much. We are voting on item two of the recommendation which is inclusive of item four, triple I. All in favour, raise your hands.

03:40:33Count the hands, Secretariat. Keep your hands up while the Secretariat is busy counting so that we don't miss your hand. Just lift them up so that they can see that you're raising your hand. Because others are raising their hands like this, we can't even see if they're raising their hands or not. Thank you. Are you counting? Have you counted this group? Let's count.

03:42:24Thank you. Those who are against recommendation 2, raise your hands.

03:42:55Those who are abstaining from voting. Any abstention? One, two, three, four, five, six, seven. Seven abstentions. Can we get the results? Why are you counting results? Seven abstentions. Two hundred and fifteen in favor. Thirty-two against.

03:43:26215 in favor, 32 against and 7 abstentions. Therefore recommendation 2 carries. Let's go to recommendation 3. Any dissenting view on recommendation 3? All in favor of recommendation 3? Thank you. Any against recommendation 3?

03:43:55Recommendation 3 carries. Let's go to recommendation 4. All in favor of recommendation 4? Okay, those against recommendation 4? Let's count those against recommendation 4. Raise your hands, EFF and AIC, you're against recommendation 4? Raise your hands properly so that we can count your hands.

03:44:26All against recommendation four. We can't see your hands, we are counting. Thirty-one against. Let's count those who are in favor of recommendation four. Keep your hands up until we're done counting.

03:44:57They are counting, keep your hands up. Keep your hands up, they are still counting that side.

03:45:26Have you counted this side, the ANC block? Let's count the ANC block, keep your hands up. We have not counted the ANC block. Done? Thank you. Any abstention on item four? Keep your hands up. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven. Is it seven?

03:45:54Seven abstentions. Let's get the results. For recommendation four, those in favour are 215, against 31, seven abstentions. Recommendation four is carried. Now we go to recommendation five. All in favour of recommendation five, raise your hands.

03:46:22Those against recommendation 5, raise your hands. None. Abstention? None. Therefore recommendation 5 carries. We are done with item 4 on the agenda. We now move on to item 5. Look, colleagues, you must bear with me because my bundle does not have items written on top of the reports. Bear with me as I page through the bundle to get the correct item.

Item 5 Rules of Order introduced; EFF demands division on recommendations 2 and 4

03:46:52Item 5 deals with Terms of Reference for Section 79. Am I correct? Oh, okay. Item 5 is Rules of Order for Section 79 Committees of Council. Let me invite the Chairperson of Rules Committee. Chairperson, you may table the report.

03:47:20Thank you Madam Speaker. Notice is hereby given in terms of the... Can you hold on a second Chair? Yes, Chief Whip of the EFF? Yes, on the previous items Speaker, we had requested for a division of votes. Under rule 79, after you've announced the results of the show of hands, a councillor may demand a division of votes. We are demanding a division of votes as the EFF.

03:47:50How many councillors are demanding a division of votes? Look, what I explained to you initially is that you don't call for a division of votes before we vote by show of hands. And after I conducted the voting by show of hands, you didn't call for a division of votes until we concluded item four.

03:48:17Speaker, we had already expressed an intention to have the votes divided before we even started with the process of voting. And you explained that let us go through the show of hands first, then we'll do the division of votes. If you need us to raise it again, then we are raising it to say that can the votes be divided on recommendations two and four. Okay, let me not be petty. I'm going to allow the division of votes. Thank you, Speaker. Only on item two and four. Let's do item two, division of votes.

03:48:48Do we have to do that? Even after the overwhelming majority of hands counted? No, let's check the rules. Yes, Counselor? Yes, Speaker, thank you. Because there is no doubt that the majority have voted in favor of recommendations 2 and 4.

03:49:16Remember the division of votes, every councillor's name must be recorded. Go ahead and read the rule, councillor. The rule 79 reads as follows: After the Speaker has announced the result of the vote by a show of hands, a councillor may demand a division or that his or her vote creates the decision be recorded.

03:49:41Two, if at least threshold of councillors support the demand of division by rising in their seats and cookies, the speaker shall, when the doors have been closed, rising from your seats, yes, after the vote has been taken. And then sub-rule four says, the result of the division shall be announced by the speaker and the secretary shall record in the minutes

03:50:09the names of the councillors who voted in favour of the motion, against the motion, or who abstained from voting. So they just want their names recorded against the decision. Because there is no doubt that it was carried by the majority. Yes. So it's the names that must be recorded. Okay, the names of the EFF councillors must be recorded that they voted against item two and four. And AIC. Thank you so much. We don't have to go through the division.

03:50:39EFF, I hope you're listening. That rule says that either we go through the division where there is doubt of majority, or your names are recorded as having voted against item two and four. Can I read the rule for you before you stand on the point of order? After the speaker has announced the results of a vote by show of hands, a counselor may demand either a division

03:51:08or that his or her vote against the decision be recorded. Two, if at least a threshold of councillors support the demand for a division by rising in their seats, the speaker shall, when the doors have been closed, direct the secretary to call out the names of each councillor in alphabetical order and each councillor present in the chamber shall voice his or her vote in favour or against the motion, or state that he or she abstains from voting.

03:51:38No Councillor may leave or enter the Chamber after the Speaker has directed that the doors be closed until the division has been concluded. Look, do you want your names recorded or do you want us to go through the division? We want the division. Look, the rules allow for division, guys. Let's not waste time by debating whether to go through the division or not. Just close the doors. Let's call out the names on item two and four. The results will still be the same anyway.

Roll-call division on recommendation 2

03:52:08Can we start with the division for item two? Close the doors, please. Do you have the list of counselors in front of you? All the doors must be closed. Can you switch off your mic, Chief Whip of the EFF? Start with the division, Secretariat. Close the doors, colleagues. Don't allow anyone in or out of the chamber now.

03:52:45Yes, Counselor, what is your point of order?

03:52:55Thank you, Speaker. I just want to assist the House in moving very fast on this matter, that maybe perhaps we call out the names of those that are dissenting. Because all it means is that their names must be recorded in the minutes of Council as having not supported the recommendations.

03:53:18Counselor, if you check 79.4, the result of the division shall be announced by the Speaker, and the Secretary shall record in the minutes the names of the counselors who voted in favor of the motion, against the motion, or who abstained from voting. Instead of wasting time, let's just go through this division and get it done and over with. It's only going to take less than 10 minutes. Start, Secretariat, with the division on Item 2. Recommendation 2.

03:53:49Calling the names out in alphabetical order. Start. Look, the doors must remain closed until the division has been concluded. Nobody comes in, nobody goes out.

03:54:11Good afternoon, Councillors. I'm going to read your surname out and your name in alphabetical order. You say four, yes or against, and you may abstain as well. Councillor Abdool, Fazel? Yes. Let's make sure our mics are working, testing our mics so that when your name is called you just press it and speak. Continue. Councillor Alexander,ridge?

03:54:40For. Councillor Amod, [inaudible]? Yes. Councillor Amad, Thapelo? Yes. Councillor Aphane, [inaudible]? Against. Councillor Arnolds, [inaudible]? For.

03:55:10Counselor Atterbury,David? Yes. Counselor Avant-Smith,Jean? For. Counselor Badal,Rajesh? Yes. Counselor Baloyi,Ntwanano? For. Counselor Benjamin,Zoliswa? For. Counselor Benson,Martin? For.

03:55:40Councillor Bini, Jongizizwe? For. Councillor Bittkau,Michael? For. Councillor Bodenstein,Eleanor? For. Councillor Boer,Elizabeth? Against. Councillor Bolani,Nonhlanhla? For. Councillor Brand,Alex? For.

03:56:12Councillor Buthelezi, Sibusiso.

03:56:15isiZuluYebo.

03:56:17Councillor Campbell-Cloete, Jackie. For. Councillor Cele, Mlungisi. For. Councillor Chabalala, Sunset. Against. Councillor Chalufu, Nkululeko. For. Councillor Chame, Maria. For.

03:56:47Councillor Chauke, Homo. Against. Councillor Cherry, Stephen. For. Councillor Chetsanga, Bongani. Against. Councillor Christians, [inaudible]. For. Councillor Chuma, Betty. Against. Councillor Coogan, [inaudible]. For. Councillor Cook, [inaudible]. For.

03:57:19Councillor Coutriers, Ricardo. For. Councillor Coverdale, [inaudible]. For. Councillor Crichton, [inaudible]. For. Councillor Da Gama, Vasco. For. Councillor Da Rocha, [inaudible]. For. Councillor Dammie, Noncedo. For. Councillor Davids-Green, [inaudible]. For.

03:57:50Councillor Davis,Amanda? For. Councillor De Lange,Louisa? For. Councillor Dellwaria,Rekha? For. Councillor Deppe,Belinda? For. Councillor Dewes,Lulama? For. Councillor Dladla,Zodwa? For. Councillor Dlamini,Bheki? For. Councillor Dlamini,Mлуngisi? For.}] Let's check the last Dlamini... it's Dlamini, Mpho. Let me fix that.}[00:28:18] (en) Councillor Dlamini, Mpho? For. Councillor Dlamini, Thulani? For. Councillor Dlamini, Zinhle? For. Councillor Dlanjwa, [inaudible]? For. Councillor Doyle, [inaudible]? For. Councillor Du Plessis, [inaudible]? For. Councillor Durand, [inaudible]? For. Councillor Dyers, [inaudible]? For.}] Let's check the audio from 27:50 to 28:21.}[00:27:50] (en) Councillor Davis, Amanda? For. Councillor De Lange, Louisa? For. Councillor Dellwaria, Rekha? For. Councillor Deppe, Belinda? For. Councillor Dewes, Lulama? For. Councillor Dladla, Zodwa? For. Councillor Dlamini, Bheki? For. Councillor Dlamini, Mpho? For. Councillor Dlamini, Thulani? For.}] Let's listen closely to 27:50-28:21.}[00:27:50] (en) Councillor Davis, Amanda? For. Councillor De Lange, Louisa? For. Councillor Dellwaria, Rekha? For. Councillor Deppe, Belinda? For. Councillor Dewes, Lulama? For. Councillor Dladla, Zodwa? For. Councillor Dlamini, [inaudible]? For. Councillor Dlamini, Mpho? For.

03:58:18Councillor Dlamini,Sibusiso? For.

03:58:20Thank you.}] Let's double check 28:15 to 28:21.}[00:28:15] (en) Councillor Dlamini, Mpho? For. Councillor Dlamini, Sibusiso? For.}] Actually, the audio ends at 28:21! Let's check what is said between 27:50 and 28:21.

Chief Whip feedback: items 1 to 50 to be noted, debate on items 51 to 60

04:03:40Where is Councillor Abdool? Councillors, let's settle down. MMC with your beautiful dress. Councillors, let's resume with business of the day. Chief Whip of Council, please give us feedback because you asked for the caucus break.

04:04:18Uh greetings, Speaker, greetings uh Executive Mayor, greetings Councillors and to our guests. Uh Speaker, as the Whippery we convened uh on uh I think it was on Tuesday uh to agree on some of uh the items. We then came to an agreement that uh we are going to [inaudible] that we are not going to debate items 1 to 50.

04:04:49Which are first quarter and oversight reports, by granting political parties to engage on items 51 to 60 together with three motions. Uh part of the reason I had to call uh the Whippery now was just to make sure that we are still in that uh understanding as the Whippery. Also, the Whippery agreed uh to note first quarter items to prepare and prepare to handle second quarter items on the 26th and 27th March

04:05:162025 during the council sitting. So, item 1 to 50 we are not we are just noting and then we are going to to then um allow the parties to to debate and engage on item 51 to 60. And then, uh obviously the motions. Thank you very much.

04:05:38Okay, thank you, Chief Whip of Council. We've noted that. Councillor Abdool.

Debate on the sinking fund report; item 52 noted

04:05:47Good afternoon, colleagues. Good afternoon, Speaker, all our guests in the gallery. This whole scenario is like a short blanket. If you cover your head, your feet are open, if you cover your feet, your head is open. Truth of the matter is the ship is sinking and it did not occur last year or the year before. I've experienced it since I entered this building in 2022, however, I believe the holes in the ship already occurred before then.

04:06:16We are all responsible for this boat, and opposition politics is just not going to help us in any way, in fact, it's more destructive than anything else. The people are keeping 270 councillors accounts accountable and thousands of municipal officials accountable for the lack of service delivery, so blame shifting is just not the way to go. We cannot continueemotive

04:06:49We cannot continue at this rate to borrow or adjust budgets just so that we can continue to sail the ship, which will eventually sink with everyone on board. We appreciate the fact that assistance from fellow councillors are welcomed. If we continue to blame to do the blame game instead of closing the holes in the boat, we will all perish together with the people who placed us here in the first place. The culprits who are guilty of unauthorized, irregular, wasteful expenditure, for example,emotive

04:07:21accounting officers and senior managers who are responsible for some of the above need to be investigated, charged, fired, convicted and their pension funds need to be revoked and the funds from the different entities who owes the city to be retrieved ASAP. Let it not be like another Zondo commission exercise, which cost billions, but reaps no fruit. A lifestyle audit must be done on all councillors and officials of the city.

04:07:50If we succeed If we succeed in that, plus get rid of all illegal criminal elements in our city, all of our entities will thrive and this city will indeed be a world-class city as we claim it should be. The UIM notes the report.

04:08:14Thank you, Councillor Abdool. Freedom Front Plus, Councillor Boer.

04:08:21Good afternoon, Madam Speaker, fellow councillors. Um the previous speaker was speaking about the pension fund. Um I will be speaking on the sinking fund. Um apparently it's something different. Um and just a few general notes on the sinking fund, Madam Speaker, um notes that we need to take care of. Um you know one one of the biggest concern in the in the sinking fund is that we do not have a fund manager. Um the fund

04:08:51is pretty low at the moment, only 800 million in the fund, um but we do need to have a fund manager to manage our our reservations for debt repayment and the sooner we do that the better it is for the council. We are looking into capital projects, funding of capital projects, and there is so there are so many financial instruments that can be used by council to to raise fundsclaim

04:09:21instead of going and borrowing uh money at excessive interest rates, so the appointment of a fund manager is of of a critical importance here. Uh secondly I want to note um that we need to make a contribution of 800 million into the fund before the end of June of this year to enable us to do a repayment of 1.69 billion by the end of June next year. Of that 800 million uh we onlyclaim

04:09:51uh deposited 80 million so far into the fund. So there's another 720 million rand that needs to be paid into this fund before the end of June. The adjustment budget that was approved this morning in council makes provision for this. Uh the the adjustment budget is funded. The there are funds in that budget uh to to uh transfer into the sinking fund. Um so let let us do that and let us [inaudible] June next yearclaim

04:10:21when we have to repay a 1.69 billion rand. And then the last notification on this, um sinking fund, we've got those interest rates swaps, and as long as interest [inaudible] down, we are making money on those swaps, and we can clearly see that the the the swaps has increased from a minus 219 million in June 2023 to a positive 4.5 million in 30th September 2024 and should continue toclaim

04:10:51to be more or less the same as long as interest rates are not going up again. Um some of those swaps are maturing in two years' time, so I think we are pretty safe for the time being there. Um those were my comments, Madam Speaker. Thank you very much.claim

04:11:11Thank you, Councillor Boer. UDM, Councillor Zigebe.

04:11:49and a strategic approach um to lia- to liability management. This positive movement has been largely driven by 80 million in direct cash contributions, demonstrating a structured approach to funding um future obligations. 146 million in market-driven gains on listed bonds and interest rate swaps reinforcing the role of financial instruments in managing la- uh long-term debt. The redemption of 1.458 billion in June 2024claim

04:12:21successfully executed without placing undue strain on the city's cash flow. Furthermore, financial strategy has positioned us well for the upcoming for upcoming obligations with a planned redemption of 1.69 billion in 2026 ensuring that we remain on track with our debt repayment commitments. These efforts are commendable and align with our broader goals of good governance, financial sustainability and smart um asset management. Honorable Speaker, while these financial indicators are promising,claim

04:12:51we must ask ourselves a fundamental question. Are we managing the city's financial resources to their full potential or are we merely maintaining the status quo? One of the most pressing concerns raised in this report is a lack of active asset management due to an ongoing GFIS investigation. While we must respect due process and ensure transparency in financial matters, we cannot ignore the consequences of leaving a significant portion of the city's financial assets idle. The sinking fund is not a static reserve. It is a strategic tool to uh

04:13:21tool meant to be optimized for better financial uh performance. A case in point is our interest rate swap portfolio, which remains both an asset and lia- and a liability. Depending on market conditions, the city has chosen to swap fixed interest rates for floating rates, which is a viable strategy in an environment where interest rates are expected to decline. However, this approach exposes us to risk should economic conditions shift unexpectedly. While the current market outlook suggests a decline

04:13:51in rates over the next 24 months, relying so- solely on this projection without the oversight of an actively engaged asset manager limits our ability to mitigate unforeseen financial risk. Speaker, this council must engage in a serious and constructive discussion about how we can ensure optimal performance of our financial resources while maintaining transparency and accountability. We must consider the following. Is our current approach to fund management too passive? While the GFIS investigation is necessary, does it

04:19:43is note the report. I thank you.

04:19:48Thank you, MMC. Does the house note item 52? Thank you, councillors.

Item 54: extension of fire and rescue vehicle maintenance contract A882

04:20:00Councillors, we proceed with item 54, which is the approval of contract for an extension of a period for the pro- and uh sorry provision of maintenance, repairs and support service for the fire and rescue vehicles for the City of Johannesburg, uh contract number A882.

04:20:23The first speaker is from the DA, Councillor Campbell-Cloete.

04:20:32Thank you, Speaker. Speaker, colleagues, residents of Joburg, today we address the matter of critical importance. That's the approval of the contract for an extension of the provision of maintenance, repairs and support service for fire and rescue vehicles, or the red fleet, for the City of Johannesburg. This fleet consisting of our fire trucks and emergency response vehicles is the backbone of our city's emergency services.

04:21:04When a disaster strikes and when lives are at risk, it is these vehicles and the overworked, the brave personnel who operate them that stand between safety and catastrophe. This is especially true in congested areas such as informal settlements and township areas where delays cannot be afforded. The maintenance of the red fleet is a life-saving necessity and should be seen as such by all of us. A well-maintained fleet ensures

04:21:35that our firefighters and emergency responders can reach those in need without delays, without mechanical failures and without unnecessary risks. A single breakdown can make the difference between life and death, especially in a so-called world-class African city where there is already a shortage of fire and emergency vehicles. That is why ensuring the uninterrupted timeous maintenance of these vehicles are non-negotiable.

04:22:05Yet, despite the urgency of this issue, we have yet again seen an unacceptable delay in the approval process of a critical contract, which forces the current contract to be extended. The new maintenance contract process became began on 17 October 2023, yet the tender only went out on 13 November 2024, over a year later. And even now the estimated conclusion of the new contract is only anticipated for 30 April 2025.claim

04:22:36This delay is not just a bureaucratic issue. It is a failure of prioritization and one that could put lives at risk. There is a well-known saying, any activity will fill the time allotted to it. This seems very true here, and whilst it is notable that the process was started early, a process that should have been concluded swiftly has instead dragged on for over a year, which has led to the current contract having to be extended.

04:23:07One could come to the conclusion that in our city deadlines are only there as a suggestion of when contracts should be renewed. We cannot afford to let red tape and inefficiency dictate the speed at which we protect our residents. This should not be negotiable with any contract. As the Democratic Alliance, we demand that municipal processes be concluded timeously and efficiently. Essential services, and frankly, all services cannot be subjected to these kinds of unnecessary delays.

04:23:38We need strict timelines that are adhered to, accountability for those responsible for the delays, and consequence management for failure to meet deadlines. Most importantly, we need a firm commitment to efficiency so that life-saving maintenance is never compromised. The red fleet represents safety, service and commitment, and our municipal processes should reflect the same urgency. The Democratic Alliance will continue to fight for an administration that values efficiency,

04:24:11prioritizes emergency services and governs responsibly. I thank you.

04:24:21Thank you, Councillor. IFP, Councillor Ma- Councillor Manganyi.

04:24:28Honorable Speaker, members of council, distinguished guests and fellow citizens, ndi masiari. It is an honor and a responsibility to stand before you today as a representative of the Inkatha Freedom Party, a party that has stood firm in its commitment to resilience, service and integrity for over [inaudible] Speaker. Speaker, governance is not just about managing resources or implementing policies. It is about serving the people with honesty,

04:24:58efficiency and a deep commitment to improving lives. It is about ensuring that every decision we make is guided by accountability, transparency, and a vision for a better future. Speaker, on behalf of the IFP caucus I rise to express firm support for this for the report before us, one that details the extension of the contract for maintenance, repairs and support for our fire and rescue vehicles. Speaker, approving this contract extension in the City of Johannesburg

04:25:29ensures that our fire and rescue services remain robust, protecting lives and property while upholding a standard of service delivery that our citizens expect. In doing so, Speaker, we reinforce our commitment to ethical leadership, sound financial management and a community-focused governance. In conclusion, Speaker, the IFP urge fellow council members and stakeholders to support the recommendations set forth in this report.

04:25:57Speaker, let us work together to ensure a continuous effective emergency services and ensuring that every decision made in this council strengthens our commitment to the people that we serve. Ndolivhuwa, Speaker.

04:26:15Thank you, Councillor. ActionSA, Councillor Chuma.

04:26:32XitsongaUm Speaker, uh ndzi pfumeleleni ndzi teka nkarhi lowu ku xeweta. Uh ndzi xeweta na vatirhi kulorhi, uh na va tshami va doroba nkulu ra Johannesburg. Uh ndzi xeweta na va fambisi va doroba hinkwavo.

04:26:46So as ActionSA, uh the party that ideologically subscribe to what we call service deliverism, conceptualized and implemented in South Africa. Uh in case in case in case in case you are not sure what I'm referring to, uh use Tshwane as an example of our capable mayor Dr. Nasiphi Moya.

04:27:18Uh Speaker, uh as ActionSA, uh due to our subscription to service deliverism, we note and approve the recommendations of this report because of the importance of red fleet in our city in providing service delivery, particularly in desperate times of need. Uh we have few concerns to raise, uh Speaker. Uh one, uh we think the executive will agree with us that, you know, uh there must be level of proactiveness when it comes to issues of contract.

04:27:51Uh the said contract we are dealing with uh has expired on the 28th of February, and it was supposed to start on the 1st of March. Uh we don't think we can work like this, so hence there must be an improvement. Uh due to this considerations due to uh due to this, taking into consideration the lapse in commencement, uh and then the question will be, what has been the implication either legally or financially if there's any? Uh

04:28:21And what is the new commencement date of this month-to-month basis contract? Despite our valid concerns, we appreciate the timeline shared with us by the executive. Ndau leyi vhuwa, Speaker.

04:28:38Thank you, Councillor. EFF, Councillor Ngwenya.

04:28:48Speaker, greetings to the EFF party leader, EFF chief whip, EFF battalions, executive mayor, the MMC, uh, yourself, councillors, officials, guests, as well as the residents of the loving, uh, Johannesburg.

04:29:15Speaker, for the fact that as EFF we understand what it means to be on GNU, and as EFF we support and approve this item. Thank you so much.

04:29:35isiZuluSiyabonga, Councillor. DA, Councillor Finn.

04:29:45Councillor Finn from the DA.

04:29:55Thanks, Madam Speaker. Unfort- [inaudible] he submitted an LOA for ill health. So we will withdraw that speech. Thank you.

04:30:02No problem. Thank you. Then I'll [inaudible] MMC Masuku.

04:30:09Thank you, Speaker. Good afternoon once again. Uh, Madam Speaker, just to say that following process is not inefficiency, and we have abide by the supply chain management processes that are put in place in the city in line with the MFMA. Um, as GCSS, we cannot and are not allowed to conclude any process without the proper processes being the BEC, being the EAC, ultimately then the signature of the accounting officer.

04:30:45Therefore, following process and the delays and the and the requirements that are there cannot be regarded as any inefficiency. Uh, for ensuring that we have uh continuous service delivery for the safety of our residents, we request council to approve the extension of the contract. Thank you.

04:31:10Thank you, MMC. The recommendations are on page 54.5. Is the item agreed to?

04:31:17The yeses have it.

Item 56: 24-month extension of SAP support and maintenance contract A874

04:31:26Uh, councillors, we are now on item 56, and that is the contract amendment, which is an extension of contract uh A874, and that is the support and maintenance services for the period of 24 months.

04:31:44We'll start with Councillor Pietersen from the DA.

04:31:49Good afternoon, Speaker, and uh thank you. Um, I rise on item 56. I stand before you today to address a matter of critical importance to the city of Johannesburg. That is the continued support and maintenance of our SAP systems, which are fundamental to ensuring uninterrupted municipal service delivery and operational efficiency.claim

04:32:15The contract is to remain with the service provider, Baraka IT Solutions Pty Ltd, for a further, for a period of another 24 months. The budget outlined on page 56.4 provides a broad overview of projected expenses for the next 2 years. What is particularly striking is that major enhancements are budgeted at the same cost as 1 year of ongoing support services.claim

04:32:44This raises a pressing question: why is R187 million being allocated annually to enhancements? To put this into perspective, this amounts to R513,000 per day for enhancements alone. When combined with ongoing support costs, we are looking at an expenditure of over R1 million per day.claim

04:33:11If we take 40,000 as a total number of employees, give or take, in the city of Johannesburg, this translates to a cost of R9,400 per employee per year. This includes general workers in the field who do not even use SAP. Over 2 years, this cost climbs to R14,000 per employee. Is this a reasonable expenditure for a system that does not directly serve a majority of the workforce?claim

04:33:38The cost per resident amounts to R100. That's assuming about 6 million residents in the city of Johannesburg. Does this reflect value for money? Remember, this is just the um the extension of the contract. If we add what's already been spent, that's another 500 million. So, we're looking at over a billion rand for the SAP um maintenance contract. That's serious moolah.claim

04:34:06All in all, this contract amounts to, listen carefully, R572,904,623.69 excluding VAT. Once Honorable Mr. Enoch Godongwana determines the VAT amount, the ratepayer will be liable for, which I'm not sure if that can be um refunded, being the end user.claim

04:34:32Had this proposal been presented to the section 79 committee for scrutiny, as required under supply chain management protocols, we as councillors would not be forced to make blind decisions, yet this continues to be the norm in Johannesburg. The report even makes reference to circular 62, which itself highlights supply chain management compliance and implementation weaknesses in municipalities.claim

04:35:00These include circumvention of competitive business processes, bidding processes, a practice that undermines sound financial management, weakens the spirit of the MFMA, and ultimately impacts service delivery. Critical questions remain unanswered. Has the service provider met all contractual obligations? Will mSCOA compliance be ensured? To what extent are milestones being monitored?claim

04:35:30Has governance oversight been satisfied? Moreover, [inaudible] mentions cloud services for backup, but fails to confirm whether local backups exist. This raises significant concerns. Are we permanently beholden to use one service provider? Do we truly own our data at all times? These are not frivolous questions.claim

04:35:53Past agreements, such as the DiData deal, have prevented the city from accessing data prior to 2012, with service severe financial consequences. The report does not specify the number of SAP licenses being procured, yet we are expected to blindly accept the 573 million is a fair price. Just remember, this is just for the extension. This lack of transparency is unacceptable. Instead of debating these critical details in committee, we are forced to raise them here in open council,claim

04:36:23with the media observing the dysfunction of our municipal leadership. We are frequently told that investments in SAP and IT infrastructure are necessary for Johannesburg to become a smart city. However, residents have yet to experience any meaningful benefits. I ask: when will a resident be able to track the progress of their billing query online? When will senior citizens be able to track the status of their applications for a retirement home?claim

04:36:50Thankfully, I see that there is now a link on the joburg.co.za that it does provide what appears to be comprehensive notices and reports on procurement. Well done. This contract has potential to increase by R75 million under the MFMA allowances for contract variations. That is 15% for goods and services. Let us remember that any increase beyond these thresholds must be reported to the council. Instead of exerting our authority as price makers, we are giving the supplier every incentive to seek contract amendments.

04:37:25The budget specification committee, bid evaluation committee, and bid adjudication committee should be reporting directly to the finance committee. There is nothing in section 117 of the MFMA that prevents this. Colleagues, I mentioned at the beginning of my speech that this item presents us with a number of concerns that this administration executive is hoping for you to ignore and pass here today. Note that it is the council's responsibility to ensure that the ratepayer, resident, and business owners are represented, that the city is getting value for money.

04:37:55The concern raised by the Executive Adjudication Committee were that the report be amended to remove the recommendations requesting a contingency of 15%. GICT state in point 17 in Annexure A that the report would be amended accordingly. This has not been done. We are basically being asked to pass something against the EAC's recommendations.

04:38:21Another issue is that the report should clearly indicate the correct start date of the initial contract. This has not been done, as GICT has reported to the committee that the contract started on the 1st of June 2022 and not in April 2022 as stated in this report. And another issue is that the department should make sure that the wife of the director of Baraka IT Solutions Pty Ltd is properly declared as being in the employ

04:38:52of the Department of Labour and disclosed in the annual financial statements of the city. This has not does not appear on the report. Furthermore, under section 7.3 and 7.4, the SCM policy must submit a report on policy implementation within 10 days of each quarter to the executive mayor and council. If any serious financial issues arise, the city manager must report them to council within 30 days. We will keep our eyes open for this. Yet the SCM policy of Joburg continues to prevent effective oversight of these committees. This must change.

04:39:27Through you, Speaker, I request that the city manager prioritize a review of the SCM policy to ensure that this council is able to exercise effective oversight. And um the Democratic Alliance notes this report with concern. We will not endorse [inaudible] without proper due diligence. We'll continue to demand transparency, accountability, and value for money for the residents of Johannesburg. Thank you.

04:39:57Councillor Pietersen. ActionSA, Councillor Molefe.

04:40:11Thank you, Speaker, and good day, all protocol observed. I stand to express ActionSA's support for the proposed extension of SAP support and maintenance contract services. We understand and take into full consideration that this is not just a contract extension, it is a necessary step to ensure the stability, efficiency, and long-term sustainability of the city. Beyond system stability, we consider compliance, mSCOA regulations.

04:40:38By extending this contract, we hope that our SAP system remain aligned with national financial reporting standards, safeguarding transparency and accountability in how municipality funds are managed. Additionally, we appreciate that this extension is not just pushed through without due diligence, and public participation process was conducted. We have seen firsthand the risk of an unstable system. Just last year, a 21-day system shutdown exposed vulnerability in our infrastructure,claim

04:41:07threatening essential services. We don't want the city to have a repetition of such disruptions. For us, extending this contract is not just about convenience, it is about ensuring that continuity and stability for the millions of residents who depend on the efficient municipality services are met. Where decisions are taken in the interest of moving the city forward, with fairness, ActionSA will support. We note the report.claim

04:41:39Thank you, Councillor. EFF, Councillor Nhlapo.

04:41:54Councillor Molefe, please switch off your mic.

04:41:57Yeah. Thank you once more, Speaker.

04:42:03isiZuluNjengoba besenginibingelele nonke, ngiyaphinda ngiyanibingelela.

04:42:09Um, Speaker, the city of Johannesburg relies on SAP enterprise system to support its core functional human resource and business processes. This system are integral to ensure the smooth operation of municipality services as well as the financial management. The proposal before us seeks to extend a contract A874 for SAP support and maintenanceclaim

04:42:38services for the period of 24 months at a cost of 572 million exclusive of VAT. While the necessity of the maintenance and upgrading the system is understood, it is our due duty to ensure that the extension is justified, cost-effective, and in the best interest of City of Johannesburg. The EFF seventh cardinal pillar emphasizes the state capacity

04:43:10and investment in technology as means to drive efficiency and service delivery. The EFF local government manifesto also advocates for the use of technology to eliminate insufficient, corruption, and administrative delays. In this regard, investing in the stable and modern SAP system aligns with a broader vision of an efficiency technology,

04:43:40advancing municipality administration. The city uh SAP system has experienced a significant instability due to the outdated infrastructure, unsupported software, and high level of customize, which makes it heavily dependent on the service provider. With that being said, however, despite this justification, there are critical uh concern regarding the management of this contract

04:44:12and its financial impact. The lack of competitive bidding processes raises a serious questions about why the city continues to rely solely on the provider. While business continuity is important, the EFF demand that the future IT contracts be awarded through transparency, competitive tender processes to prevent

04:44:41uh monopolizing and ensuring that the cost-effectiveness is put in place. Furthermore, the EFF is concerned about the excessive expenditure on IT. The contract was valued at 586 million over 3 years, yet the city has already spent about 508 million in just 2 years. Why costs are increasing while

04:45:12the service duration is decreasing? With that being said, additional to the public participation process for this contract amendment was inadequate. Despite advertising in majority newspapers, public objection or comments were received, raising a concern about whether the public was meaningfully engaged. The EFF insists on improving transparency and proper community engagement on future IT investment.

04:45:44With that being said, as an EFF, the purpose would like to ensure is to get an improvement on these processes as it happens. Firstly, the city must ensure that all the future IT contracts are awarded through open and competitive bidding processes.

04:46:0310 seconds remaining.

04:46:04isiZuluYeah, with that being said, Speaker, eish, kunzima.

04:46:10Uh, however, Speaker, while we acknowledge the necessity of maintaining the upgrading SAP system to ensure that operation efficiency, we cannot ignore the financial and procurement concern surrounding the contract extension. As EFF, therefore, we approve the recommendation. Thank you so much, Speaker.

04:46:36isiZuluSiyabonga, Councillor Nhlapo. ANC, Councillor Radebe.

04:46:45Uh, thank you, Speaker. Uh, greetings again. I rise on item 56, uh, which is the extension of the SAP contract. Madam Speaker, as the ANC we support the item. Uh, we strongly believe that the SAP contract should be extended. It should assist us also in the process of building up our mSCOA. Uh, we are also happy that there were public participation in the process, as there was transparency as well. So, as the ANC we support the item. Thank you.

04:47:24Thank you, Councillor. MMC Arnolds.

04:47:35Thank you, Madam Speaker, once again, and good afternoon to everybody. Um, the extension of the contract is critical. It ensures that we have continued functionality and efficiency of the city's financial systems. The contract amended extension for SAP support and maintenance service A874 will provide essentialclaim

04:48:07system support for the next 24 months, ensuring stability and efficiency in our financial and operational processes. The importance of the SAP support: the SAP system is the backbone of our city's financial management. Justification of this extension: the contract extension is necessary to avoid disruption in service delivery

04:48:38and financial governance while the city reviews its long-term IT strategy. The financial prudence and compliance: the extension aligns with the procurement regulations and ensures that the city continue to receive uninterrupted, high-quality support services without compromising compliance standards.

04:49:09We have a commitment to transparency. We remain committed to ensuring accountability and efficiency in managing contracts, public funds, ensuring that all financial decisions align with the best interest, especially of our residents. Madam Speaker, as I conclude, this contract extension is a strategic decision to maintain operational stability

04:49:42while allowing for a comprehensive review of the city's future SAP and IT support requirements. We continue to work towards efficient financial governance that supports service delivery and also economic growth. I thank you, and we ask that [inaudible] item. Thank you.

04:50:11Thank you, MMC. Recommendations are on page 55.5. Is the item agreed to? Thank you, councillors.

Chief Whip asks to bring motions and item 59 forward

04:50:39Uh, councillors, we revert to the recommendations to council on item

04:50:46Before you continue, Secretary of Council, Chief Whip of Council, Councillor Zungu.

04:50:57isiZuluHayibo, Councillor Zungu.

04:51:07Uh, thank you, Speaker. Um, Speaker, we uh would like the elevation of motions, Speaker. Thank you.

04:51:30Sorry, Speaker. And also um item 59, the change of membership. Thank you.

04:51:37Okay. I'm still checking with legal.

04:51:50Chief Whip, you asked us to elevate first the motions and after item 59, right? Yeah, but which one? Should we start with the motions? Okay.

04:52:07All right, Chief Whip of Council, it's fine. I'll accede to your request.

Motion to rescind the renaming of Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled: debate

04:52:16Uh, councillors, on motions, uh, we start off with the first motion, which is to rescind the approval of the motion to rename Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled.

04:52:33I would like to call the proposer, which is Councillor Shackleford.

04:52:49Madam Speaker, and all uh protocol observed. I, Councillor Lynda Shackleford, hereby propose a motion in terms of rule 94(1) of the Standing Rules and Orders of Council. This motion seeks council's approval to rescind the approval of the motion to rename Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled. In 2018, the council approved a motion to rename Sandton Drive, a prominent urban road in Johannesburg, to Leila Khaled.claim

04:53:19Since then, significant political and social changes have occurred, and it has become clear that proceeding with the renaming would be controversial and potentially divisive. Much has changed politically since the decision to rename the road, and to continue with this process would now be both controversial and ill-advised. Councillors have received extensive feedback from the Sandton community and the surrounding areas,

04:53:49and have expressed strong opposition to the unnecessary renaming, citing concerns over the expenditure due to the Johannesburg ongoing service delivery challenges and constrained budget. Given the city's pressing priorities, such as addressing critical infrastructure and improving service delivery, and managing limited resources, the renaming initiative would detract from the urgent concerns.

04:54:20We recommend to council to rescind the approval of the motion to rename Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled. Madam Speaker, I table the motion to council for serious consideration.

04:54:39Thank you, Councillor Shackleford. Does the house agree to rescind the approval of the motion?

04:54:47No!

04:55:00Okay. In this case, I would like to call the seconder, Councillor Williams.

04:55:08Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise in support of the motion to rescind this council's 2018 decision to rename Sandton Drive after Leila Khaled. Let me be clear: this is not merely a procedural matter. It is a demand for accountability, transparency, and respect for the voices of Johannesburg residents. Madam Speaker, as elected representatives of the affected areas, Councillor Shacklefordclaim

04:55:40and I engaged with thousands of residents and businesses. The overwhelming majority opposed this renaming. Unlike the bulk of submissions supporting the renaming, collected under the questionable oversight of a former MMC who remains under a cloud, our objections came from traceable, legitimate stakeholders who will bear the brunt of any renaming. Madam Speaker, the Democratic Allianceclaim

04:56:11believes in meaningful public participation, not box-ticking exercises. Yet this process was deeply flawed. The Department of Community Development failed to follow council policies. For starters, the documentation was sent to Region E instead of Region B, where the most of Sandton Drive is located. Even after this error was pointed out, no correction was made. Despite this, we proactively informed residents through social media,claim

04:56:41radio, and grassroots campaigns. Our efforts exposed glaring deviations from the city's own policies. I'll mention really a few of these deviations. Take section 6 of the city's naming guidelines. Section 6(iv) advises against naming streets after living individuals because sentiments shift. Leila Khaled, a living figure celebrated for violenceclaim

04:57:11and for advocating violence, fails this test. Section 6(xvi) requires names to enhance an area's marketing potential. Sandton, regarded as Africa's Manhattan, attracts global investment. Its reputation is incompatible with honoring someone, a plane hijacker, photographed bearing an assault rifle. That's not an image that Sandton wants to be associated with.claim

04:57:42Beyond policy, Madam Speaker, this attempted renaming is a financial travesty. The city somehow cannot afford basic services: water pipes, sewer maintenance, streetlights, pothole repairs, yet it plans to waste possibly millions on renaming. A staggering R750,000 was earmarked for adverts and venues alone, with no transparency on total costs, and I've asked questions about this.claim

04:58:13Businesses fear that millions more will be lost in rebranding expenses. Meanwhile, residents rightly ask: Why

04:58:21prioritise divisive symbolism over repairs and maintenance of crumbling infrastructure. Indeed, why? Madam Speaker, the process reeks of bias. The former MMC, since relieved of his duties, thankfully, openly dismissed public participation as, quote, a mandatory exercise, exercise with formality. He basically declared the decision had already been made.

04:58:49His orchestrated media spectacle for pro-renaming submissions while ignoring opposing voices undermined democracy itself. Worse than that, thousands of potentially fraudulent signatures, lacking traceable details, were submitted without scrutiny. Madam Speaker, we requested audits, cost breakdowns and fairness. We received none of this. This contempt for process and fiscal responsibility is indefensible.

04:59:18Madam Speaker, the DA stands with the residents demanding governance that works, fixing streets, not rewriting signs, investing in services, not vanity projects. Don't waste ratepayers' money. I repeat, don't waste ratepayers' money. In the earlier debate on the adjustment budget, we heard that money earmarked for water infrastructure, reservoirs, sewers, whatever, was being reduced and or diverted.

04:59:49The city in many respects is on the brink of bankruptcy. How can we spend money on something like this? To those parties whose leaders have publicly opposed, publicly opposed the renaming of Sandton Drive, who are considering not supporting this motion, we see you. The ratepayers see you. And if you don't support this motion, you are being inconsistent.

05:00:18And they will know that you do not support them and you do not speak for them. Respect the forgotten ratepayers of Sandton. Respect the forgotten ratepayers of Sandton whom we were elected to represent. I urge council to support the motion to rescind. Thank you.

05:00:43That was the seconder, Councillor Williams. We'll move over to ACDP, Councillor Rohlssen.

05:00:51Thank you, Madam Speaker. Greetings to you all in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Amen. Greetings, Madam Speaker, Executive Mayor, MMCs, councillors, and residents of Johannesburg, and distinguished guests. Madam Speaker, I rise on the motion for council to rescind the approval of the motion to rename Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive.

05:01:21The ACDP finds it deeply concerning that an individual such as Leila Khaled, who has been involved in violent acts that have violated the rights of innocent citizens and caused significant harm across the globe, could even be considered for the honour of having a road named after her. Her actions, which include terroristic activities, cannot in any way be equated to the ideals of freedom

05:01:52and peace that we should aspire to as having a democratic society, in a democratic society, rather than being viewed as a freedom fighter. Her extreme acts make her guilty of terrorism. The response to such individuals whose actions threaten peace and violate fundamental human rights

05:02:22should never be one of recognition or honour. Instead, the full might of the law should be brought against them, ensuring that their actions are condemned and that such behaviour is not tolerated. To proceed with this name change would not only be an affront to the values of democracy,

05:02:49but also send a dangerous and misleading message to the citizens of Johannesburg and beyond that the City of Johannesburg supports or condones terrorism in any form. This is not a message we can afford to send. We must stand firmly against the attempt to glorify those who seek to harm innocent people. We cannot allow this to happen, honourable colleagues. The ACDP wholeheartedly supports this new and improved motion.

05:03:21God bless South Africa. God bless the sovereign State of Israel. I thank you.

05:03:31Thank you, Councillor. EFF, Councillor Mosehla.

05:03:46Thank you, Speaker. Greetings to yourself. Greetings to the party leader of the EFF, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, and greetings to the Chief Whip, Fighter Thabiso Mogapi. Speaker, let's first educate people. Leila Khaled is a freedom fighterclaim

05:04:12who was known or is known to have went on a mission to hijack planes in order to put pressure to the murderous apartheid.emotive

05:04:29I rise today, Speaker, as a voice of the unwavering defiance against the reactionary forces that seek to undermine the ideals of liberation. This is not merely... Leila Khaled is not merely a person, Speaker. And this is not merely a debate about renaming Sandton Drive. It is a battle for the soul of our revolutionary consciousness, the integrity of historical injustice, and the future of global solidarity.emotive

05:05:00Let's remember the immortal words of Thomas Sankara when he proclaimed, and I quote: "He who feeds you will control you." Close quote. We can't allow imperialist narratives to dictate our moral compass or diminish our historical solidarity with oppressed peoples across the globe. Councillors, Leila Khaled is not just a name. It is a symbol, a rallying cry against the forces of oppression and occupation.emotive

05:05:36She embodies the unyielding spirit of resistance against Zionist settler colonialisation, much like Chris Hani and Solomon Mahlangu embodied the spirit of resistance against apartheid in South Africa. Dare we forget, Speaker, that the same voices who today denounce Khaled once labelled Mandela, Nelson Mandela, as a terrorist.emotive

05:06:04The oppressor, as Steve Biko taught us, and I open quote: "must be made to feel the pressure of the oppressed." To those who ask what Leila Khaled has done for South Africa, let me ask this: did we liberate ourselves in isolation? No. No. Our freedom was forged in the fires of international solidarity,emotive

05:06:34from the bullets of Cuban soldiers in Angola to the diplomatic and financial support of Libya and Palestine. It is the height of hypocrisy to invoke Mandela's legacy while betraying the principles of solidarity that sustained our struggle. We cannot and we must not abandon Palestine in our hour of need.emotive

05:07:09Gaza burns in the genocidal aggression of Zionist apartheid, and yet there are those in this chamber who would have remained silent. As Kwame Nkrumah once said: "The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart." Those who cry foul about the cost of renaming Sandton Driveemotive

05:07:39are the same defenders of apartheid-era monuments and colonial streets. Where was their outrage when public funds were spent preserving statues of colonisers like Cecil John Rhodes?emotive

05:07:5310 seconds remaining.emotive

05:07:55Their opposition is not about money. It is about maintaining white supremacy and protecting their interest in neoliberal economic system. The EFF is here to unsettle the comfortable, to disrupt the narrative of imperialism and to champion the decolonisation of our cities and our minds. As Patrice Lumumba declared: "Political independence has no meaning if it's notemotive

05:08:30accompanied by rapid economic and social development." The EFF is against the motion. Thank you.emotive

05:08:39Free, free Palestine! Free, free Palestine! Free, free Palestine! Free, free Palestine! Free, free Palestine! Free, free Palestine! Free, free Palestine! Free, free Palestine! Free, free Palestine! Free, free Palestine! Free, free Palestine! Free, free Palestine! Free, free Palestine! Free, free Palestine! Free, free Palestine! Free, free Palestine! Free, free Palestine!

05:09:03From the river to the sea!

05:09:16Councillors, we are still on the debating. I'll call from ANC, the Chair of Chairs, Councillor Marema.

05:09:34Thank you very much, Speaker. I want to greet the Executive Mayor and the collective, the Chief Whip of Council, Councillor Zungu, chairpersons of committees, councillors gathered here. And through you, Speaker, as I debate, I want and hope that this message will go in and get into the ears of Councillor Schay, through you, Speaker.

05:10:05I still quote from Thabo Mbeki: "I am the grandchild of the warrior men and women that Hintsa and Sekhukhune led, the patriots that Cetshwayo and Mphephu took to battle, the soldiers Moshoeshoe and Ngungunyane taught never to dishonour the cause of freedom." Nelson Mandela puts it and he says: "But we know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of Palestinians."emotive

05:10:36Speaker, we reject the notion of superiority complex and we reject the motion proposed by the DA. Thank you.emotive

05:10:46Free, free Palestine! Free, free Palestine! Free, free Palestine! Free, free Palestine! Free, free Palestine! Free, free Palestine! Free, free Palestine! Free, free Palestine!

05:11:08Palestine! Free, free Palestine!

05:11:12SesothoMo shebe.

05:11:19Councillors, let's call the MMC, who's the MMC for Community Development, Councillor Nkokou.

05:11:39isiZuluMayibuye! Izwe lethu! Izwe lethu!

05:11:51SetswanaEre ke go leboge Modisa Kgotla. Ke dumedise Ratoropo, Rre Sello Morero. Ke dumedise Semeqwadi sa Kgotla, Rre Nyamankayishe Zungu. Ke dumedise Modulasetulo wa Ditulo, Rre Adolph Marema. Ke dumedise Motsamaisi...

05:12:17Setswanakana Motsamaisa Motlhatlhisi, kana Motsamaisa Toropo, Rre Tshepo Makola, baduladitulo ba dikomiti tsa dikgaolo tsa masome a supa robongwe.

05:12:37Madam Speaker, as an Africanist, as a liberator, it's very important that I don't debate. I only debate with my equals.

05:13:02I'm here to educate and to make sure the oppressed understand the cause of the struggle. Madam Speaker, the importance of renaming the streets in a post-colonial society

05:13:30and the legacy of Leila Khaled in global liberation struggle. Comrades, compatriots, and fellow revolutionaries, today we gather not only to address the matter of symbolic change, but to affirm our collective consciousness in the fight for total liberation.

05:14:04The question of renaming streets, institutions, and landmarks in post-colonial society is not a matter of mere aesthetics. It is about correcting historical injustice, reclaiming our dignity, and asserting our true identity. It is about dismantling the legacy of oppression and ensuring future generations

05:14:34walk streets named after those who fought for their freedom, not those who sought to enslave them. Frantz Fanon once wrote: "Imperialism leaves behind germs of rot which we must clinically detect and remove from our land, but from our minds as well."

05:15:00The names of streets, cities, institutions imposed by colonialists were never neutral. They were psychological tools of domination meant to remind us of their rule and diminish our identity. Each name carried the weight of oppression, a reminder that our land was occupied, our people were dehumanised, and our struggle for self-determination was criminalised.

05:15:35But history has taught us that the oppressed do not remain passive forever. From the battlefields of Algeria to the streets of Palestine, from the mountains of Zimbabwe to the prisons of Robben Island, the sons and the daughters of the soil have always risen to reclaim what is rightfully theirs.

05:16:06Leila Khaled, a symbol of global liberation. In the struggle for self-determination, one that resonates across the continents is Leila Khaled, a revolutionary, a freedom fighter, and an unwavering symbol of resistance against imperialism. Leila Khaled became an international icon of armed struggle through her roleemotive

05:16:38in the Palestinian liberation movement. She risked everything to show the world that the oppressed will not accept subjugation quietly.emotive

05:16:5010 seconds remaining.emotive

05:16:52Huh! Ha! Her unwavering commitment to liberation is part of a long tradition of revolutionaries across the world. Patrice Lumumba, Steve Biko, Thomas Sankara, and yes, our own Nelson Mandela, Robert Sobukwe, who were once labelled terrorists by the same forces that now celebrate them as global icons. The hypocrisy of history is glaring, and it is our duty to rewrite it with truth.emotive

05:17:26As we rename our streets, let us not merely remove colonial names, but replace them with names that inspire, that tell the true story of our struggle. Imagine young children growing up in Leila Khaled Avenue, understanding that freedom is never given, it is fought for. Imagine streets bearing the names of Robert Sobukwe, Chris Hani, Lilian Ngoyi, and Winnie Mandela, reinforcing in our youth that liberation is an ongoing struggle. From terrorists to heroes, changing the narratives. It is important to remember that in South Africa, those who fought for liberation were once labelled terrorists.emotive

05:18:01MMC, MMC, wrap up, nako, my leader.emotive

05:18:08isiZuluIzwe lethu!emotive

05:18:22Free, free Palestine! Free, free Palestine! From the river to the sea! Free, free Palestine! Free, free Palestine! Free, free Palestine!

Sandton Drive motion: closing and vote

05:18:48Thank you, councillors. I would like to call the proposer to close the debate for us, Councillor Shackleford.

05:19:02Madam Speaker, and to the residents of Sandton, I think we forget that we're here for the residents. All right? The residents. The South African residents. Today, the council has a choice: to uphold the principles of fair governance and responsible leadership, or to ignore the overwhelming voices of the residents of Johannesburg.

05:19:29The reality is simple. Sandton residents and businesses do not support the renaming. Over 5,000 formal objections were submitted by the very people who live there, work there, and invest there. Money, people, economics. The process was flawed. The consultation was not genuine.claim

05:19:52Councillors, let's give her an opportunity to close the debate. Sorry, Councillor Shackleford.

05:19:58The process was flawed, the consultation was not genuine, and the impact was never properly considered. Regardless of political affiliation, we must ask ourselves: is this decision in the best interest of Sandton and Johannesburg? Does it protect businesses, encourage investment, and uphold the rule of law? The answer is no.

05:20:29Those who vote to keep the renaming choose politics over the people. Those who vote to rescind choose fairness, economic stability...

05:20:39Councillors, councillors. You can continue, Councillor Shackleford.

05:20:46Those who vote to rescind choose fairness, economic stability, and the will of the residents, and most important, the prioritising infrastructure maintenance and service delivery in a very struggling city. Sandton Drive is more than a road. It is part of the city's identity. Let's not change it for the wrong reasons. Do the right thing. Support this motion. Respect Sandton. Respect the citizens. I thank you, Madam Speaker.

05:21:33Okay, councillors, we're going to start our voting process now. All those in favour of this motion, please raise your hands.

05:21:44Madam Speaker, there's a hand.

05:21:49All those in favour,

05:21:52isiZuluphakamisani izandla. Niyavota, Councillor Zigebe?

05:22:04Do you vote?

05:22:05No, no.

05:22:07isiZuluBayabhala, bayakhaunta.

05:22:09isiZuluBengisiphakamise before bavote.

05:22:11isiZuluAngikubonanga, sorry, Councillor.

05:22:15isiZuluSiyeke, Speaker, kunani ke?

05:22:18isiZuluKonke kuhamba kahle, siyabonga.

05:23:32Madam Speaker, someone's videoing the voting.

05:23:41Councillors, you can lower your hands. All councillors against this motion, please raise your hand.

05:23:51isiZuluUzobusa umhlaba ngayedwa. Uzobusa umhlaba ngayedwa. Ngoba izaba amagwala. Ngoba izaba...

05:24:19isiZuluUzobusa umhlaba ngayedwa.

05:25:06isiZuluKonke kuhamba kahle.

05:25:13Chief Whip? Chief Whip of Council.

05:25:20SesothoKe le teng? Ke le teng.

05:29:03isiZulu[inaudible] sizobona emawele.

05:29:09isiZulu6 AM nyana.

05:29:11isiZulusizobona emawele [inaudible] sizobona emawele.

05:30:02Do we have councillors that want to abstain from this voting process?

05:30:10Zero.

05:30:35Councillors, the results are as follows. All those in favour of this motion, 61. All those against this motion, 170. The motion does not pass.

05:30:55Councillor Boer.

05:31:01Madam Speaker, I rise in terms of rule 86. There is no way on earth that those officials that counted the no votes could have done an accurate count with people clapping hands, raising two hands, doing nothing. It is impossible to have a proper count. We accept that the noes had it, it would be appreciated if the councillors could have shown discipline by waiting for the count to be finished before start singing. Thank you.

Motion on feasibility study for floods in Meadowlands Zone 10 and Mesi Park

05:32:00Thank you. Councillors, we are proceeding with the second motion, which is recommending the City to conduct a feasibility study in addressing the floods in Meadowlands, Zone 10 and Mesi Park.

05:32:15I would like to call the proposer, Councillor Mashala.

05:32:29Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to withdraw my motion. Thanks.

05:32:47Whip, whip.

Motion to reclaim the hijacked Goudrand Hall in Matholesville: debate

05:32:56Councillors, we proceed with the third sorry third motion, which is recommending the executive to reclaim the hijacked Goudrand Hall in Matholesville, Ward 127, Region C and turn it into family unit trust.

05:33:15I will call the proposer again for motion three, Councillor Ntshidi.

05:33:36Speaker of Council.

05:33:41SesothoMakganselara a toropo ya Johannesburg, baahi ba Johannesburg haholoholo jwang baahi ba Matholesville, Ward 27 in Region C.

05:33:53I rise here, Speaker, regarding the motion recommending the executive to reclaim the hijacked Goudrand Hall in Matholesville, Ward 127, Region C and turn it into the family units. I, Councillor Edwin Ntshidi, hereby table the following motion in terms of Standing Rule 89(2)(b) of the Standing Rules and Orders of Council 2016.claim

05:34:25Noting that Matholesville is one of the oldest informal settlements in the city and has been in existence for quite some time. However, Speaker, 31 years after the advent of democracy, these residents remain in turmoil with daily electricity problems,claim

05:34:47inadequate toilet systems and lack of proper running water with families squashed in makeshift yards containing shacks accommodating about four families. There has been an increase, Speaker, in crime and illegal mining in the area. Thus, it's become a very dangerous environment not compatible with basic human rights enshrinedclaim

05:35:16in our constitution. The hall located in Nicky Tommy Road, Matholesville, has more than 100 units. Unfortunately, the property has severely deteriorated as it has been hijacked mostly by illegal miners. Speaker, this is a waste opportunity to reclaim an adequate property, spend less money refurbishing the hall as opposed to building from scratch and restore dignity

05:35:53by housing many residents of Matholesville. Believing that it is the core mandate of the city to deliver services and improve the lives of its citizens, we therefore request the following. The Council resolved that in line with the mayoral priorities requested that the executive initiate the process of restoring the dignity of our people by one,

05:36:21conducting a study to determine how many residents are renting and how many are illegally squatting in this hall. Two, to develop a plan of implementation that communicated timelines that will identify residents who qualify to occupy the hall from the Matholesville informal settlement within 60 days.

05:36:51Signed by the proposer, Edwin wa ha Ntshidi.

05:36:56SesothoKe a leboha, baahi.

05:37:04Councillors, do you agree to motion three?

05:37:19Okay.

05:37:34Okay, councillors, then this opens debates. I will call the seconder, Councillor Bini.

05:37:45Thank you so much, Speaker. I, Councillor Lwando Bini, Speaker,

05:37:52isiXhosaangeke ndimoshe ixesha lakho kakhulu, Speaker.

05:37:55I rise to second the current motion. Thank you.

05:38:01isiXhosaNdlaliwe ngawe, tshomi yam.

05:38:06EFF, Councillor Moepi.

05:38:18Yeah, be quiet. The leadership is speaking. Thank you, Speaker. We would like to withdraw from engaging this motion. Thank you.

05:38:36Okay, I'll move to our MMC, MMC Mabaso.

05:38:44Thank you very much, Speaker. Greetings to yourself, the Executive Mayor, members of the Mayoral Committee, all colleagues that are present in the meeting. Speaker, I know currently I'm acting for MMC Economic Development.

05:39:06isiZuluHhayi, akakho naku okwami lokho, uzongibuza lombuzo.

05:39:12Hawu! No, but she's out of order. Where is she? How am I supposed to know?

05:39:22Speaker, the last time I saw that my name was also on the item. And the reality is that Human Settlements is not the one to acquire properties, it's JPC. But because I'm acting for MMC Economic Development, I will try and respond.

05:39:46But one, Speaker, there is a process in the city to acquire properties. Secondly, there are processes of budgeting as well. And I think motions, the recommendations on motions, they must be in line with the [inaudible] processes. And on that note, Speaker, it will be very difficult

05:40:15for the executive to accept the motion when [inaudible] are being flouted in terms of budgeting and the acquisition of properties. So,

05:40:30I understand, Speaker, that there is a backlog on Human Settlements. We do need properties to accommodate our residents. We do need to reclaim back all the hijacked properties in Johannesburg, but the processes must be done correctly, and the budgeting process must also be done correctly. So, on those bases, Speaker, we are not going to support this motion. Thank you very much.

Goudrand Hall motion: closing, points of order and vote

05:41:16Thank you, MMC Mabaso. We'll call the proposer, Councillor Ntshidi, to close this debate for us.

05:41:31Thank you very much, Speaker. Speaker, it is disheartening that we are sitting here calling ourselves public reps at a cost of over half a million rand per council meeting, while our people who are, who voted for us are still battling with basic services.claimemotive

05:41:53isiZuluCouncillors, asimuphe ithuba.emotive

05:41:58Councillor Ntshidi.emotive

05:42:00Speaker, we are drinking bottled water, eating breakfast and lunch and sometimes dinner. But Speaker, we can hardly pass motions that can bring dignity to our people. Sometimes, Speaker, we've got...

05:42:20Councillors, councillors. Councillor Ntshidi, please sit down. Councillor from the EFF, I can't see your name from here.

05:42:35Thanks very much, Speaker. I rise on Section 72. The councillor over there must not mislead this house. I don't know where he got breakfast from, but none of the councillors had breakfast in this house. Thank you very much.

05:42:57Hayi man, Councillor Moepi. No. Councillor Ntshidi, you can continue and wrap up. You've got 1 minute and 21 seconds remaining.

05:43:09Speaker, I think it will be selfish for us to vote against this motion. Matholesville residents are not asking for our salaries here, Speaker, or for our cell phone allowances or medical aids. They are just asking for us to...

05:43:27Councillor Ntshidi, please hold on. Let me start with Councillor Amad.

05:43:33SesothoThank you, Speaker. Kana ke Councillor mang?

05:43:36Councillor Ntshidi, but you can't speak to him. You have to speak to me.

05:43:38Ntshidi? Yeah, through you, Speaker. I just needed clarity on the name. On Rule 72, Speaker, why is he alleging

05:43:47Sesothogore we are eating and drinking? We are fasting. Thank you, Speaker.

05:43:55Councillors, what is happening today, vele? What is happening?

05:44:04Councillor Zigebe, I hope it's got nothing to do with Israel, Palestine or food.

05:44:13Through you, Speaker. You cannot reject a budget and come here and be disheartened. You can't.

05:44:21isiZuluLemali siyithathephi ngoba awuyifunanga, marn?

05:44:23isiZuluYeka mani i-debate mani, Councillor Zigebe.

05:44:29Councillor Ntshidi, you are left with one minute.

05:44:35Speaker, with that one minute, I will urge these councillors to unite this time around and push back the frontiers of poverty. I thank you, Speaker.

05:44:52isiZuluBayajabula.

05:44:54Councillors, let's unite and support. Councillors, all those in of this motion, please raise your hands. In favour, the yeses.

05:45:15That they already voted.

05:45:20Councillor Christians, we are already voting.

05:45:24Thank you, Madam Speaker. I hear you've spoken, but we're following the wrong process. Madam Speaker, before we even go to a count, you have to ask those in favour say yay or nay. From that, you make a decision,

05:45:36We did that after the proposer.

05:45:37No, Madam Speaker. You asked, Madam Speaker, the first, Madam Speaker, the first question is, do we agree with the motion to then debate it? It's not on the count, Madam Speaker, and you're constantly doing the wrong process. The first one is, do we agree with the motion?

05:45:55Councillor Christians, you are out of order. We did that when we started. All those in favour of this motion, please raise your hands.

05:46:59Okay, councillors, you can lower your hands. All those against this motion, please raise your hands.

05:49:29Okay, councillors, you can lower your hands. All those that are abstaining, please raise your hands. Mhm?

05:50:54Councillors, you can lower your hands.

05:51:39Okay, councillors, the results are as follows. All the councillors that abstained is 55. All those in support of this motion, 36. All those against this motion, 134. The motion does not pass.

Item 59: changes in membership of Section 79 committees

05:52:26Councillors, we're now on item 59, and that is changes in membership of various Section 79 committees.

05:52:40The first speaker for item 59 is from the DA, Councillor Rahn.

05:52:48Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have no speech for the item. I'm in support.

05:52:55Sorry, Councillor Rahn, I'm struggling to hear you.

05:52:57Thank you, Madam Speaker. I said I have no speech for the item. I'm in support of this item. Thank you.

05:53:01Okay. Then we move over to ActionSA, Councillor Durand.

05:53:18Good day, Speaker, councillors, Mr. Mayor, all protocol observed. I rise on item... Sorry, Speaker.

05:53:33I rise on item 59. ActionSA notes the changes.

05:53:38Thank you, Councillor. EFF, Councillor Mogapi.

05:53:48Councillor Mogapi.

05:53:54isiZuluAkekho.

05:53:55Absent.

05:53:56isiZuluKhuluma wena, Councillor.

05:53:58You can use any mic there.

05:54:17Thank you, Speaker. We approve the item.

05:54:22Whip of Council, Councillor Zungu.

05:54:28Thank you, Speaker. Speaker, I rise to table the report in terms of membership change and also to request council to note the report. Thank you.

05:54:41Thank you, Chief Whip of Council. The recommendations 59.3, is the item agreed to? Thank you, councillors.

Items 1 to 50: first-quarter performance and oversight reports noted

05:55:11Councillors, we revert to the first item on recommendations, reading them from item 1 to 50 consolidatedly. Item 1 is a performance assessment report for the Community Development Department for the 2024/25 financial year for the period July to September 2024, read together with item 2, which is a performance assessment report for the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo for the 2024/25 financial year for the period July to September 2024.

05:55:41Also read with item 3, which is a performance assessment report for the Johannesburg City Theatres for the 2024/25 financial year for the period July to September 2024, and the above items read together with item 4, which is an oversight report of the Section 79 Community Development Committee on the 2024/25 first quarter performance assessment report of the Department of Community Development, Joburg City Theatres, Joburg City Parks and Zoo financial year for the period July to September 2024.

05:56:11Also item 5, which is a performance assessment report for the Group Corporate and Shared Services Department for the period 24 to 25 financial year for the period July to September 2024, also read with item 6, which is an oversight report of the Section 79 Corporate and Shared Services Committee on the 2024/25 fourth quarter budget and performance assessment report of Group Corporate and Shared Services for the period April to June 2024.

05:56:39Also item 7, which is a performance assessment report for Development Planning Department for the 2024/25 financial year for the period July to September 2024, read with item 8, which is a performance assessment report for the Johannesburg Development Agency for the 2024/25 financial year for the period July to September 2024, and both items read with item 9, which is an oversight report of the Development Planning Section 79 Committee on the 2024/25 first quarter budget and performance assessment report of the Development Planning Department

05:57:09and the Johannesburg Development Agency for the period July to September 2024.

05:57:25And we move to item 10, and that's the performance assessment report for the Economic Development Department for the 2024/25 financial year for the period July to September 2024, read with item 11, which is the performance assessment report for the Johannesburg Tourism Company for the 2024/25 financial year for the period July to September 2024, read with item 12, which is a performance assessment report for the Johannesburg Property Company for the 2024/25 financial year for the period July to September 2024, read with item 13, which is a performance assessment report for the Johannesburg Market

05:57:57for the 2024/25 financial year for the period July to September 2024, and all items above read with item 14, which is an oversight report on the Economic Development Section 79 Committee on the 2024/25 first quarter performance report of the Department of Economic Development, Johannesburg Property Company, Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market, and Johannesburg Tourism Company for the period July to September 20...

05:58:2124 and also item 15 which is a performance assessment report for the Environment and Infrastructure Services Department for the 2024/2025 financial year for the period July to September 2024, read with item 16 which is a performance assessment report for the City Power Johannesburg for 2024/2025 financial year for the period July to September 2024, read with item 17, that's a performance assessment report for Johannesburg Water for the 2024 financial year for the period July to September 2024.

05:58:50And also item 18 which is a performance assessment report for Pikitup Johannesburg for the 2024/2025 financial year for the period July to September 2024 and all items read with item 19 which is an oversight report of Section 79 Environment and Infrastructure Services Committee on the 2023/2024 first quarter performance assessment report of the Environment and Infrastructure Services Department, Pikitup, Johannesburg Water and Johannesburg City Power for the period July to September 2024.

05:59:22And we move to item 20 which is a performance assessment report for group finance for the 2024/2025 financial year for the period July to September 2024, read with item 21 which is a performance assessment report for the Group Information Communication Technology Department for the 2024/2025 financial year for July to September 2024 and both read with item 22 which is an oversight report of the Section 79 Finance Committee on the 2024/2025 first quarter performance assessment report of the Group Finance Department and Group Information Communication Technology Department for the period July to September 2024.

05:59:59Move to item 23 which is a performance assessment report for the Health Department for the 2024/2025 financial year for the period July to September 2024, with item 24 which is a performance assessment report for the Social Development Department for the 2025 financial year for the period July to September 2024 and both read with item 25 which is an oversight report of the Health and Social Development Section 79 Committee on the 2024/2025 first quarter budget and performance assessment reports of the Health Department and Social Development Department for the period July to September 2024.

06:00:33Move to item 26 and that's a performance assessment report for the Human Settlements Department for the 2024/2025 financial year for the period July to September 2024, read with item 27 which is a performance assessment report for the Johannesburg Social Housing Company for 2024/2025 financial year for the period July to September 2024 and both items read with item 28 and that's the oversight report of the Human Settlements Section 79 Committee on the 2024/2025 first quarter performance assessment report of the Department of Human Settlements and Johannesburg Social Housing Company for the period July to September 2024.

06:01:10We move to item 29 which is a performance assessment report for the Public Safety Department for the 2024/2025 financial year for the period July to September 2024, read with item 30 which is an oversight report on the Section 79 Public Safety Committee on the 2024/2025 first quarter performance report of the Department of Public Safety for the period July to September 2024.

06:01:50Item 20 is a performance assessment report for the Group Finance Department for 2024/2025 year for the period July to September 2024 read with item 21 which I'm sorry.

06:02:34Apologies councillors, we're on item 31 which is a performance assessment report for the Transport Department for the 2024/2025 financial year for the period July to September 2024, read with item 32 which is a performance assessment report for the Johannesburg Roads Agency for the 2024/2025 financial year for the period July to September 2024, read also with item 33 which is a performance assessment report for the Johannesburg Metropolitan Bus Services for 2024/2025 financial year for the period July to September 2024,

06:03:04also with item 34 which is a performance assessment report for the Metropolitan Trading Company for the 2024/2025 financial year for the period July to September 2024 and lastly read with item 35 which is an oversight report of the Transport Section 79 Committee on the first quarter performance assessment report of the Transport Department, Metrobus, Johannesburg Road Agency and Metropolitan Trading Company for the period July to September 2024.

06:03:31And we move to item 36 which is a performance assessment report for the Office of the City Manager for the 2024/2025 financial year for the period July to September 2024 read with item 37 which is an oversight report of the Governance Section 79 Committee on the first quarter performance assessment report of the Office of the Chief Operating Officer,

06:03:57Office of the City Manager, Group Strategy Policy Coordination and Relations, Group Governance, Citizen Relations and Urban Management, Group Communication and Marketing, Group Legal and Contracts, Group Risk and Assurance Services, Group and Forensic and Investigation Services for the period July to September 2024.

06:04:18We move to item 38 which is a performance assessment report for the Office of the Ombudsman for the 2024/2025 financial year first quarter for the period July to September 2024, read with item 39 which is an oversight report of OCO on the 2024/2025 first quarter budget and performance assessment report of the Legislature of the City of Johannesburg, Office of the Ombudsman for the period July to September 2024,

06:04:46read with item 40 which is a performance assessment report for the City of Johannesburg Legislature Department [inaudible] 2024/2025 financial year first quarter for the period July to September 2024 and the above items read with item 41 which is an oversight report on OCO on the 2024 [inaudible] quarter budget and performance assessment report on the Legislature of the City of Johannesburg for the period July to September 2024.

06:05:12And we read item 42 is the first quarter on the oversight activities of the Petition Standing Committee for the period July to September 2024. Also item 43 is an oversight report of Section 79 Corporate and Shared Committee oversight visit to 22 Smith Street in November 2024. Item 44 is a Section 79 Environment and Infrastructure Services Committee's oversight visit to Victoria Park garden site and Randburg separation at source on the 5th of November 2024.

06:05:47Item 45 is a Section 79 Environment and Infrastructure Services Committee oversight to Johannesburg Water Randburg Depot construction on the 5th of November 2024. Item 46 is a feedback report from Section 79 Finance Committee and Municipal Public Accounts Committee on the attendance of the CIGFARO mSCOA workshop from the 4th to the 6th of December 2024.

06:06:12Item 47 is a background paper identifying issues from communities that relate to the credit control and debt collection policy from Group Finance.

06:06:27Item 48 is an oversight report on the HSD Section 79 Committee at Randburg Clinic Region A on the 16th of September 2024. Item 49 is an oversight visit report of the HSD Section 79 Committee at Rabie Ridge Clinic Region A on the 16th of September 2024. And lastly, item 50 which is an oversight visit report of the HSD Section 79 Committee to Drug Treatment Centre in Region C which is Golden Harvest House on the 16th of September 2024.

06:07:14Councillor Meyers.

06:07:18Thank you, Speaker. I think we must just commend the Secretary of Council to have read all those items up without getting tongue-twisted, so very well done to him.

06:07:31Hey, Councillor Meyers. Councillors, these reports or items are for noting from number one all the way to item 50. Do we as the house Councillor Santana.

06:07:47Ah, Councillor Santana. You can come through, Councillor Santana.

06:07:50Thank you, Speaker. Not all the reports are for noting because there are recommendations, so we need to approve all the recommendations. Not all of them are for noting.

06:07:59Councillor Santana, from the report we got from the Whip of Council, item 1 to 50 are for noting. Chief Whip? That's the report we got here in front of everyone. Item 1 to 50 for noting.

06:08:22So that's the report I received from the Chief Whip of Council. We'll continue. Councillors, item 1 all the way to item 50. As the house, do we note these reports?

06:08:36Noted.

06:08:38Thank you.

Item 53: public participation on social development policies under review

06:08:44Councillors, we move to item 53. It's a request to undertake public participation for social development policies under review.

06:08:58The first speaker is from ActionSA, Councillor Johnson.

06:09:08Speaker, I withdraw my speech.

06:09:13Noted, Councillor. UDM, Councillor Zigebe.

06:09:21Eh, we note the report.

06:09:26Thank you, Councillor. EFF, Councillor Ndou.

06:09:31Thank you, Speaker. As the EFF, we note the report.

06:09:39Thank you, Councillor. ANC, Councillor Mphaho.

06:09:46Thank you, Speaker. Um, as ANC, we note the report. Thank you.

06:09:57Thank you, Councillor. Is MMC Makhafola here? If she's not, who's going to be standing in for her? MMC Tshwaku.

06:10:09Noted. Thank you very much, Speaker. We note the report, accept it. Thank you.

06:10:25Thank you, MMC. Item 53, the recommendation is on page 53.4. Is the item agreed to?

06:10:32Agreed.

06:10:34Thank you, Councillors.

Item 60: register of financial interests of councillors; move to in-committee

06:10:38Uh, Councillors, on item 60, that is the progress report on the development of a register of financial interest of councillors, financial year 2023/2024.

06:10:57Member in charge, Councillor Mnyameni.

06:11:10Uh, thanks very much, Speaker. Uh, Speaker, we'll then request item 60, it will be is not in-committee, but items 61 and items 62 that will be in-committee, it will be clubbed together. Can I proceed with item 60?

06:11:36Okay, should we proceed with item 60 then for in-committee, obviously, uh, people in the gallery will have to excuse us.

06:11:42Yes. Yes.

06:11:46Okay, Member in charge, we don't have any speakers. The recommendation, Councillors, are on pages 60.7 to 60.8. Is the item agreed to?

06:11:55Agreed.

06:11:58Thank you, Councillors. I would like to ask all our visitors and guests upstairs if they can excuse us, so that we sit as councillors for the in-committee.

06:12:08Not now, because item 60 is not in-committee. Speaker, sorry, I said item 60 is not in-committee. They can remain here.

06:12:16isiZuluEh, siyi valile i-60 angithi ngama-recommendation.

06:12:19Now we are going to 61 and 62.

06:12:21Oh, it's fine.

06:12:28Member in charge, what is happening?

06:12:37Our IT team, please make sure the system is also off as we are going to begin with our in-committee.