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Said in Council

Wednesday, 27 May 2026 · 1 h 21 min · 1 video · 2021–2026 council

Budget Speech

AI draft.Written by AI from the livestream and not yet checked by a person. Use the timestamps to check anything before you quote it.

The day at a glance · 24 chapters over 81 minutes: budget and finances 58 min, services, housing and development 7 min, procedure 6 min, other business (no topic tag) 6 min, governance and appointments 4 min; 4 decisions. Each block is a chapter, as wide as its time, coloured by its strongest AI topic tag; click one to jump to it.
00:00:05 Notice of meeting and opening00:00:39 Cllr Kunene raises private security parking complaint00:02:39 Welcome and acknowledgement of guests00:05:06 Applications for leave of absence00:07:04 Request to acknowledge Helen Zille00:09:23 Call to the budget speech and order in the chamber00:11:16 Budget speech: acknowledgements, city context and service backlogs00:23:42 Budget speech: tabling of the 2026/27 budget figures00:24:51 Budget speech: Metro Trading Services Reform00:27:37 Budget speech: tariffs and rebates00:33:30 Budget speech: financial turnaround framework and implementation00:36:01 Budget speech: revenue recovery and Debt Relief Programme00:39:00 Budget speech: workforce and politically facilitated agreement00:40:31 Budget speech: trade-offs of a funded budget00:45:31 Budget speech: alternative funding, maintenance and investment attraction00:48:01 Budget speech: electricity, water and waste services00:53:01 Budget speech: roads, inner city and township renewal00:57:35 Budget speech: safety and law enforcement01:00:00 Budget speech: community upliftment, governance and cost containment01:05:19 Budget speech: political remarks, tributes and coalition governance01:09:26 Budget speech: conclusion and appeal ahead of 4 November elections01:14:59 Presentation of budget book and singing in the chamber01:17:40 Point of order on belt and singing01:19:20 Speaker's thanks and adjournment
‖
  • Governance and appointments
  • Budget and finances
  • Services, housing and development
  • Other business (no topic tag)
  • Procedure: roll call, apologies, breaks
  • Decision (4)
  • ‖Adjourned or paused (1)

Chapters, decisions and procedure are AI drafts from the livestream; topic tags are AI judgments (a chapter with several shows its strongest). Services, housing and development covers water, electricity, roads, housing, waste, safety, health, planning and community facilities.

Summary

Deputy Executive Mayor and MMC for Finance Masuku tabled the City's 2026/27 budget of R97.1 billion, described as the last budget of the political term. 00:09:23 00:11:16 00:23:42 01:19:20 Debate and consideration of reports, including a financial turnaround framework, were deferred to 28 May 2026 at 10:00, and the Speaker adjourned the meeting after the speech. 00:33:30 01:19:20

The budget comprises operating revenue of R90.4 billion, operating expenditure of R88.3 billion and a capital budget of R8.8 billion rising to R25.3 billion over the medium term. 00:23:42 Proposed increases include 9.1% on average for electricity (8.63% for households), 6.2% for Pikitup and 3.6% for property rates. 00:27:37 Cllr Masuku said the city anticipates writing off up to 50% of debt on qualifying accounts before 30 June 2026, and committed to directing 60% of capital to historically marginalised areas. 00:36:01 01:09:26

Earlier, Cllr Kunene's remarks about Helen Zille during a complaint about private security parking caused disruption; the Speaker warned Cllr Da Rocha he could be removed and asked Cllr Kunene to write to her. 00:00:39

Singing broke out after the budget book was presented, and Cllr Echeozonjoku raised a point of order alleging Cllr Kunene had started whipping in the house; the ruling's outcome is not clearly stated. 01:14:59 01:17:40 Interjections accused the Speaker of bias, which she denied, and a microphone failure and 35 apologies were also recorded. 00:05:06 00:07:04 01:17:40

AI draft from the record of this sitting (Claude Opus 5.5), checked against the chapters; every sentence links to the moment. Report an error

This week in council: Council approves R97.1 billion budget, 139 for, 92 against; KfW loan 181 yes, 44 no

In brief

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01

Chapters

24

What was discussed, in order. Click a time to watch.

  1. 00:00:05

    Notice of meeting and opening

    The 37th ordinary meeting of the City of Johannesburg council, the budget speech sitting, was notified for 27 May 2026 at 12:30. The budget speech debate and consideration of reports were set for Thursday 28 May at 10:00 in the Constance Connie Bapela Council Chamber. The Speaker opened proceedings.

    ArnoldsAIC

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  2. 00:00:39

    Cllr Kunene raises private security parking complaint

    Cllr Kunene told the Speaker that he and MMC Mabaso are made to park their private security outside, while a civilian's private security is allowed inside. His remarks about Helen Zille caused disruption. The Speaker warned Cllr Da Rocha, declined a response from Cllr Avant-Smith, and said she would deal with the matter and asked Cllr Kunene to write to her.

    KunenePAArnoldsAICDa RochaDAAvant-Smith

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  3. 00:02:39

    Welcome and acknowledgement of guests

    The Speaker welcomed office-bearers, the City Manager, the Secretary to Council, officials, the media and residents. She also acknowledged guests including Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng MPL Bandile Masuku, the ANC PMC chairperson, business representatives, a royal delegation and the Junior Student Council.

    ArnoldsAIC

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  4. 00:05:06

    Applications for leave of absence

    Parties tabled apologies and late-arrival and early-departure requests. The DA, UDM, IFP, EFF, ANC and PA each gave their lists. The Speaker asked whether the apologies were noted.

    ArnoldsAICMaseraDAZigebeUDMMakhubaIFPNdlelaANCSimonsePA1 unidentified

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  5. 00:07:04

    Request to acknowledge Helen Zille

    Cllr Sifumba asked the Speaker to acknowledge the presence of Helen Zille. The Speaker explained that parties ask for recognition of guests in the gallery.

    SifumbaDAArnoldsAIC

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  6. 00:09:23

    Call to the budget speech and order in the chamber

    The Speaker invited Deputy Executive Mayor and MMC for Finance Masuku to the podium. There was singing in the chamber, and the Speaker asked caucus leaders to keep their members seated and avoid disruption.

    ArnoldsAICLoyiso MasukuANC

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  7. 00:11:16

    Budget speech: acknowledgements, city context and service backlogs

    Cllr Masuku tabled the 2026/27 budget on behalf of the Executive Mayor, describing it as the last budget of the political term. She gave service coverage figures and said the combined infrastructure backlog is over R220 billion. She reported non-revenue water losses of 44.7%, electricity losses of 27% and a revised collection rate target of 86%.

    Loyiso MasukuANC

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  8. 00:23:42

    Budget speech: tabling of the 2026/27 budget figures

    Cllr Masuku tabled a total budget of R97.1 billion. It comprises operating revenue of R90.4 billion, operating expenditure of R88.3 billion, a surplus of R2.1 billion and a capital budget of R8.8 billion rising to R25.3 billion over the medium term. She named electricity, water and wastewater, property rates and refuse as key revenue drivers.

    Loyiso MasukuANC

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  9. 00:24:51

    Budget speech: Metro Trading Services Reform

    The speech explained the Metro Trading Services Reform, approved by council on 31 July 2024 and developed with National Treasury. It outlined five reform conditions, the incentive grants available (up to R27.7 billion over the medium term for performance-linked incentives) and what ring-fencing of trading services means for the budget.

    Loyiso MasukuANC

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  10. 00:27:37

    Budget speech: tariffs and rebates

    Tariff principles and proposals were presented: electricity up 9.1% on average (8.63% for households), Pikitup up 6.2% and property rates up 3.6%. Johannesburg Water's increases are driven by an 11% Rand Water bulk cost increase. The speech also covered free basic services, pensioner rebates and Expanded Social Package support for over 145,000 households.

    Loyiso MasukuANC

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  11. 00:33:30

    Budget speech: financial turnaround framework and implementation

    A financial turnaround framework with six pillars was tabled for council approval. It is supported by sweeping arrangements reform and a phased revenue sharing agreement beginning with Joburg Water on 1 July 2026. The speech called for a City Manager-led implementation tracker with measurable dashboards, and for support of the provincial COGTA turnaround strategy.

    Loyiso MasukuANC

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  12. 00:36:01

    Budget speech: revenue recovery and Debt Relief Programme

    The speech set out revenue enforcement through the Revenue War Room and the Debt Relief Programme. More than 9,000 applicants have applied. The city anticipates writing off up to 50% of debt on qualifying accounts before 30 June 2026, and the programme closes at the end of November 2026.

    Loyiso MasukuANC

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  13. 00:39:00

    Budget speech: workforce and politically facilitated agreement

    Cllr Masuku defended the politically facilitated agreement budget allocation, which addresses historic salary disparities. She said engagements with National Treasury and Minister Godongwana would continue while fiscal discipline is maintained.

    Loyiso MasukuANC

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  14. 00:40:31

    Budget speech: trade-offs of a funded budget

    The speech named key trade-offs: ring-fenced national grants of about R5 billion, loans of R3.5 billion (39.9% of the capital budget), the end of cross-subsidisation and creditor settlements to Eskom and Rand Water. It gave cash cost coverage as 9.8 days and said the budget is funded through salary attrition, collection alignment and contracted services reductions.

    Loyiso MasukuANC

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  15. 00:45:31

    Budget speech: alternative funding, maintenance and investment attraction

    The speech said the budget supports alternative funding through development banks, public-private partnerships and private co-investment. Maintenance and repairs spending rises from 7% to 8%. It cited investment attracted, including a R5.4 billion Microsoft data centre and R7 billion in waste-to-energy partnerships.

    Loyiso MasukuANC

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  16. 00:48:01

    Budget speech: electricity, water and waste services

    Allocations were presented for City Power (R28.3 billion operating, R6.7 billion capital), Johannesburg Water (R21.6 billion operating, R6.4 billion capital) and Pikitup (about R5.2 billion operating). The speech set a target to cut non-revenue water from 226 to below 185 megalitres per year in 2026/27, and mentioned a KfW loan of 200 million euros.

    Loyiso MasukuANC

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  17. 00:53:01

    Budget speech: roads, inner city and township renewal

    The budget allocates R1.8 billion for roads and stormwater operations and R570 million for road capital investment. The speech listed inner-city projects and township renewal programmes such as Orange Farm, Jabulani and Lufhereng. It stressed inclusive development across areas including Alexandra, Diepsloot and Soweto.

    Loyiso MasukuANC

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  18. 00:57:35

    Budget speech: safety and law enforcement

    The budget allocates R7.2 billion to JMPD visibility, bylaw enforcement, emergency services, CCTV, public lighting and disaster management. The speech highlighted attacks on infrastructure by syndicates, cable theft and illegal mining, and said enforcement would be stepped up.

    Loyiso MasukuANC

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  19. 01:00:00

    Budget speech: community upliftment, governance and cost containment

    Targets were given for household connections, social housing, title deeds and over 12,000 EPWP jobs. The speech presented a R409 million social development budget and governance measures including consequence management, interim financial statements and cost containment. City Power targets electricity losses of 25% and the debt collection rate target is 86%.

    Loyiso MasukuANC

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  20. 01:05:19

    Budget speech: political remarks, tributes and coalition governance

    Cllr Masuku criticised past DA-led administrations, thanked the Executive Mayor and paid tribute to the late Geoff Makhubo, Jolidee Matongo and Mpho Moerane. She defended the ANC-led Government of Local Unity and spoke of the challenges of coalition governance.

    Loyiso MasukuANC

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  21. 01:09:26

    Budget speech: conclusion and appeal ahead of 4 November elections

    Cllr Masuku concluded with commitments to R8.8 billion capital investment in 2026/27, protection of core services and directing 60% of capital to historically marginalised areas. She contrasted the ANC-led path with opposition coalitions ahead of the 4 November 2026 local government elections.

    Loyiso MasukuANC

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  22. 01:14:59

    Presentation of budget book and singing in the chamber

    The budget book was presented to the Executive Mayor. An interjection asked for it to be opened, and singing broke out in the chamber, with councillors disrupting proceedings until the Speaker restored order.

    ArnoldsAIC1 unidentified

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  23. 01:17:40

    Point of order on belt and singing

    Cllr Echeozonjoku raised a point of order, alleging Cllr Kunene had started whipping in the house and that dangerous weapons are not allowed. The Speaker asked whether other men in the room were wearing belts and moved on. There were further interjections that the Speaker was biased, which she denied.

    EcheozonjokuDAArnoldsAIC

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  24. 01:19:20

    Speaker's thanks and adjournment

    The Speaker thanked MMC Masuku for presenting the last budget speech of the term. She reminded councillors that debate and consideration of reports would follow the next day at 10:00. She thanked guests and the media and adjourned the meeting.

    ArnoldsAIC

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02

Promises

22

Commitments with a date, an amount or a 'we will'.

On 5 November 2026 (when this page was built): 2 overdue, 0 due in the next 30 days, 16 with no date. Overdue first; dates are AI readings of what was said; tap or hover a label for how. All promises.

03

Decisions

4

What council approved, rejected or put off.

  • 00:00:39

    Private security parking complaint raised by Cllr KuneneSpeaker to rule and follow up

    The Speaker said she would deal with the issue and asked Cllr Kunene to write to her, without allowing debate.

  • 00:09:14

    Applications for leave of absenceApologies noted

    The Speaker asked whether the apologies from the parties were noted and moved to the budget speech.

  • 01:19:20

    2026/27 budget speech and financial turnaround frameworkTabled; debate deferred

    Deputy Executive Mayor Masuku presented the R97.1 billion budget, with debate and consideration of reports (including the turnaround framework) to follow on 28 May 2026 at 10:00.

  • 01:20:22

    37th ordinary council meeting (budget speech)Adjourned

    The Speaker adjourned the meeting after the budget speech.

04

Attendance and conduct

37

Who was away and why, as said in the chamber.

Apologies read out 35

Arriving late (3)
Harris, Ponsonby, May
Bereavement (2)
Nomoya Mnisi, Kaldine
Ill health (8)
Maureen Mnisi, Shackleford, Roberts, Mphefo, Nyembe*, Jabulani Ngwenya, Nhlapo, Mgaga
Leaving early (6)
Andrew Stewart, Meyers, Chame, Landis, Mogapi, Mbambala
Party business (11)
Crichton, Sekhu, Mazibuko*, Ncube, Kamela, Ramaru, Stuart Marais, Kreusch, Gwamanda, Koma, Makhafola
Other reason (1)
Van Der Merwe
Private business (3)
Moloisane, Neuren Pietersen, Seerane
Family responsibility (1)
Mkasi

* Name as heard; not matched to exactly one councillor.

Warned or stopped by the chair 1

  • 00:01:43

    Da Rocha: The Speaker warned the councillor that he could be removed during the disruption.

Sound or equipment problem 1

  • 00:08:15

    A microphone was not working and the speaker was told to use another.

05

Transcript

187

Every line, linked to the video.