Joburg approves R59bn budget
THE City of Joburg has finally approved its R59 billion budget for 2018/19 in its third attempt, after weeks of inter-party differences delayed the process.
The DA-led Joburg coalition government managed to pass the budget after the EFF, which had rejected the budget due to hefty tariff increases, finally came on board after its recommendations to have the tariffs reduced were heeded.
“After engagement between the political parties in the council over the past few weeks, it was decided to reduce the water and electricity tariffs.
“By conceding that, the council has achieved a caring and sensitive approach to household income, which is under strain as a result of decisions taken by the national and provincial governments,” said mayor Herman Mashaba.
The tariffs approved would enable the city to generate revenue that would improve its communities, he added.
“We’ve taken the decision to deprioritise non-essential elements and cut unnecessary expenditure, and redirected these savings to address our service delivery infrastructure backlog.
“Through the implementation of the proposed tariff increases, we will work harder to improve access to quality water, electricity, sanitation and refuse services in our city.”
Mashaba said it was the first time that Joburg had split public consultation into a listening tour, and engagements with the draft budget.
“Over 9 500 residents formed part of the Integrated Development Plan outreach process, with the city receiving close to 3 500 written and electronic submissions,” he said.
“I would also like to thank my caucus for their unwavering support and dedicated hard work; and the EFF for their vigorous engagement with our administration.
“I would also like to acknowledge the African Independent Congress, who broke ranks with the ANC and supported this budget, as a testament to their commitment to change in Johannesburg.”
Mashaba announced yesterday he had suspended MMC for health and social development Mpho Phalatse. This was after weekend reports claimed Phalatse had declared her support for Israel on the city’s behalf.
“I was disappointed by the remarks, not as they relate to her personal beliefs; I will defend with my life the right of any South African to express personal beliefs,” Mashaba said. “My disappointment stemmed from the attribution of those sentiments to the City of Johannesburg on a matter of such an emotional and sensitive nature.”
Mashaba said his administration had been “clear to the international community that Joburg’s agenda was focused on the myriad challenges its residents face”.
“The work of international relations is not our focus. Our focus has to be our residents and addressing their historical neglect,” he said. “The conflict in the Middle East is complex and requires a sensitive approach, recognising this same complexity is mirrored in our own diverse city,” he said.
Phalatse was suspended pending a probe into the full and proper context in which those remarks were made.