Johannesburg's R89. 4 billion budget faces fierce opposition from councillors
City of Johannesburg debated the R89.4 billion budget for the 2025/26 financial year on Thursday at the council chambers in Braamfontein.
Image: Nhlanhla Phillips / Independent Newspapers
City of Johannesburg opposition councillors on Thursday were critical of several aspects of the R89.4 billion budget for the 2025/26 financial year, saying it ignored the crisis facing the municipality.
Finance MMC Margaret Arnolds tabled the budget, which she said was fully funded, and announced plans to get the country's economic hub back on track.
DA shadow finance MMC Chris Santana said Johannesburg, South Africa's economic heartbeat, is in crisis, and that systemic inefficiencies, misplaced priorities, and a lack of accountability have eroded its potential.
He said infrastructure lies in neglect, leaving the forgotten ratepayers and residents of Soweto, Orange Farm, Lenasia, Roodepoort, Randburg, Sandton, Alexandra, and Diepsloot to bear the burden of the city's failure in delivery.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Santana added that the DA rejected the business-as-usual approach, which places undue strain on residents already grappling with economic hardships.
Instead, the DA has proposed a 0% increase in property rates, which reflects stagnant or declining property values due to infrastructure decay, 12.41% for electricity, 13.9% for water, 4.6% for sanitation linked to property rates for residential users, and refuse removal to balance affordability and service delivery.
On Wednesday, Arnolds announced a 12.5% increase in electricity, reflecting the approved tariff increase of 12.41%, which is passed through from Eskom.
In addition, water and wastewater charges will be up by 11.8%, which Arnolds said was underpinned by an average tariff increase capped at 13.9%, despite Rand Water's 15.3% hike.
The municipality is also increasing refuse removal revenue by 6.4% while property rates, which are the city's second-largest revenue stream, increase by 4.6%.
Santana said the City of Johannesburg should cap employee-related costs at 4.6% in line with inflation and dissolve non-performing municipal-owned entities' boards to curb wasteful expenditure.
He also said councillors' remuneration increases should be reduced to 3%, reflecting fiscal restraint.
Other proposals include maintaining debt impairment at 0% increase by enhancing revenue collection strategies, and also capping other losses at 0% by addressing technical and non-technical losses at City Power and Joburg Water.
Santana said on the basis of these interventions, the municipality would still end up with a surplus of R3.7bn before capital transfers and taxation.
'We reject the network capacity charge for customers not directly supplied by City Power for reliance on its network. This charge, ranging from R70 to R280.30, excluding value-added tax (VAT), requires clarity and public consultation to ensure fairness,' he said.
Arnolds indicated that the controversial prepaid electricity surcharge will remain unchanged at R200 (excluding VAT), which is a deliberate act to protect the poor against rising energy costs.
However, ActionSA councillor Lebo Modukanene said the R200 prepaid electricity surcharge is legalised extortion.
'This flat rate is legalised extortion, it is a poverty tax, it punishes pensioners in Moffatview Old Age Home, whose slips show half their grants spent on electricity,' she said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
John Hlophe challenges court ruling on JSC participation
MK Party Deputy President Dr John Hlophe says he will appeal against the Western Cape High Court ruling that barred him from serving in the Judicial Service Commission. Image: Independent Media Impeached Western Cape judge president and uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party caucus leader in Parliament, Dr John Hlophe, has vowed to appeal the Western Cape High Court ruling, which barred him from representing his party in the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). Reacting to the decision during the party's media briefing on Tuesday, Hlophe in isiZulu, said 'Ngeke sidlale amajaji la sizodlulisa isinqumo (We are going to appeal the decision).' On Monday, the court set aside a decision by the National Assembly (NA) made in July last year to endorse the recommendation of the MK Party to have him serve as one of its six parliamentarians. The party had nominated Hlophe to serve on the JSC, which empowers him to participate in the appointment of judges. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The JSC was due to conduct interviews for the vacant positions of judges, however, the DA, Freedom Under Law, and Corruption Watch filed an urgent interdict to prevent Hlophe from sitting in the interviews. The court granted an interdict. The matter was heard in February by a full bench of judges from outside the division, after the court previously granted an interdict in favour of the DA, Freedom Under Law, and Corruption Watch, preventing Hlophe from participating in the work of the commission pending this matter. The court said the NA had fundamentally misunderstood the nature of its powers to designate members to serve on the body that interviews candidates to become judges. It added that this seriously threatens the independence of the judiciary and his presence on the JSC would prejudice the commission's ability to do its work. 'Through the impeachment of Dr Hlophe, the National Assembly has effectively already determined that his continued involvement in judicial affairs would diminish public trust,' said the court. It said that by Hlophe trying to appeal this judgment in the first part of this case, he has shown disregard for the authority and integrity of the courts. For this reason, it made an order that a judge removed for gross misconduct may never serve on the JSC. In 2021, the Judicial Conduct Tribunal (JCT) found that Hlophe's conduct breached the provisions of Section 165 of the Constitution and his conduct threatened and interfered with the independence, impartiality of the Constitutional Court. Acting on the recommendations of the JCT, the JSC found Hlophe guilty of attempting to influence two justices of the Constitutional Court to violate their oaths of office to rule in favour of former Jacob Zuma in his arms deal case in 2008. The matter was then referred to the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services, which then recommended to the National Assembly to impeach Hlophe. This was eventually approved by Parliament through a vote last year. This meant that Hlophe was stripped of his lifetime title as a judge as well as other perks including lifetime salary. Cape Argus
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
Malatsi's insights on Starlink and South Africa's digital sovereignty
Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi said the country's current cloud market's value is expected to surge to beyond R130 billion in 2028, and that major international players such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are key contributors to this growth. Image: X / IOLGraphics Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, used his address at the Sentech Africa Tech Week to explain the country's approach to its digital sovereignty and the recent gazette he issued to bring the country in line with international best practice. The conference is currently under way at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town and has featured talks by mayco member for Economic Growth James Vos, Sentech CEO Tebogo Leshope, Topco Media CEO Ralf Fletcher, Data and also AI Specialist Manav Daby, among others. Malatsi delivered his address to tech innovators, and leaders where his speech focused on 'South Africa's Strategic Approach to Data Sovereignty'. Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi, right, seen talking to Sentech CEO, Tebogo Leshope, at the Sentech Africa Tech Week taking place in Cape Town. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading He said the country's current cloud market's value is expected to surge to beyond R130 billion in 2028, and that major international players such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are key contributors to this growth. 'This growth does not only represent our increased technological capacity, but it represents jobs for young people, skills development for the future economy, and improved service delivery. 'Looking forward, our strategic approach to data sovereignty will focus on maintaining the competitiveness of the local cloud market, while staying responsive to the rapidly evolving needs and capacities of this sector,' Malatsi said. The conference is currently underway at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town and has featured talks by Mayco Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, Image: Supplied He said he understood that the country's regulatory role is critical for private sector investment. "We are consistently driving to maintain the resilience and relevance of cyber security mechanisms so that we can earn and invest trust in our national digital ecosystem. 'Data sovereignty means little without cyber resilience. Having our data physically located within our boundaries is only one piece of the puzzle. We must also ensure that it is encrypted, it is monitored, and recoverable in the face of threats.' Speaking on the sideline of the conference, Malatsi said the recent policy directive proposal to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) requires it to investigate whether to open up applications for individual electronic communications network services (ECNS) licences. The directive coincided with engagements between Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump during a trip to the US - including controversial suggestions that Elon Musk's Starlink should be given priority in the country. 'The protection of the country's data is sacrosanct, and that is the case for every country in the world. What we equally have to do is ensure that we keep abreast with international best practice in this case. 'We (also) have to ensure that we are properly equipped to respond to the threats that exist in this space, where there are constant efforts by nefarious elements, globally, to intercept state data to gain unauthorised access to it, and to ensure that in the unlikely event that such happens, we can retrieve it promptly, quickly and protect citizens from any potential harm.' Sentech CEO, Tebogo Leshope. Image: Supplied Leshope, who separately was addressing how satellite technology is used for innovation, said: 'Innovation nowadays happens on top of a base… All the other innovations happening on top of satellite technology include connecting cars, connecting human beings and all those opportunities that come with that. 'If you fall behind on the base of it, you won't be able to participate first on the innovation side, and you won't be able to leverage that particular solution. 'So that is how far behind you can become. All the future innovation and development that is going to happen there, which will be to the benefit of your communities, you are going to miss out. Now we can connect our communities far cheaper with those solutions, but if you don't have a base, and you're not part, you lose out on that, and you remain on the most expensive terrestrial options.' Cape Argus
IOL News
6 hours ago
- IOL News
Nation in shock as a mother sells her own child
Keneilwe Shalaba, accused of selling her two-year-old son Kutloano Shalaba, is reported to have given birth to another child while in custody. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers The tragic case of a two-year-old boy allegedly sold by his mother for R75 000 has sent shockwaves through South Africa, reigniting urgent questions about the country's deepening social, psychological, and spiritual crisis. Keneilwe Shalaba, 28, appeared this week before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court on charges of human trafficking and conspiracy to commit a crime. She is accused of selling her toddler son, Kutlwano, last November. The boy's body was discovered last week following the arrest of a traditional healer allegedly connected to the case. According to police, the money — R75 000 — was deposited into Shalaba's bank account on the same day the child went missing. The transaction and the months-long silence that followed left the local community stunned, and the courtroom was packed with outraged residents demanding justice. 'This isn't just a legal case. It's a symptom of a much deeper spiritual and societal sickness,' said one local pastor who joined community members outside the court. The Breakdown of Humanity As more details emerge, so too does the question: how could a mother sell her own child? Experts believe the answer lies not only in poverty and desperation but in a far more unsettling realm — spiritual decay and psychological collapse. Dr Thandi Mokoena, a Johannesburg-based psychiatrist, says the case is emblematic of growing mental health disorders fuelled by drug abuse, trauma, and lack of support. 'We are seeing a breakdown of basic empathy and maternal instinct. Substance abuse is a key factor, but so is spiritual confusion. Many individuals are turning to harmful practices in search of hope or financial gain.' Police believe Shalaba may have been influenced or manipulated by individuals involved in occult practices or ritual trafficking. The involvement of a sangoma (traditional healer) has raised further fears about children being used in ritual killings — a chilling reality that, while rare, is not unheard of in some parts of the country. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ A Nation Under Psychological and Spiritual Siege This case underscores a broader crisis in South Africa — one that goes beyond crime statistics and courtrooms. Many citizens and spiritual leaders are calling it a 'spiritual war' — a collapse of values, mental well-being, and community structures.'Satanism, occultism, and false prophets have infiltrated our towns,' said local activist Lebo Mhlongo. 'People are turning to darkness in search of power and wealth. We are fighting a war for the soul of our nation.' The Department of Social Development has called for stronger protective systems for vulnerable children and mental health support for families. But overwhelmed by widespread poverty, unemployment, and under-resourced police units, progress remains slow. Meanwhile, South Africa continues to wrestle with rising cases of human trafficking. According to 2024 data from the Human Rights Commission, thousands of children are reported missing each year, many believed to be trafficked for labour, sex work, or ritual purposes. Community Outrage and National Shame In court, Shalaba showed no emotion. Her legal team has yet to enter a plea, and the case was postponed to allow further investigation. The sangoma arrested in connection with Kutlwano's death is expected to appear in court later this month. Outside the courtroom, the atmosphere was tense and emotional. 'What happened to that little boy is evil,' one community member shouted. 'We are here because this must never happen again.' A memorial service for Kutlwano is scheduled for this week. ''Community leaders are expected to use the gathering to call for national prayer and murder of Kutlwano Shalaba is more than a criminal act — it is a mirror reflecting the spiritual and psychological battles raging within society.''
