From Orange Farm to the leafy northern suburbs, all communities will receive equal services. This was an emphatic statement from the new City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor Cllr Mpho Phalatse.
The residents of the City had waited with bated breath to hear the plans of the new government following the success Local Government Elections in November.
Mayor Phalatse delivered an acceptance speech at the Connie Bapela Council Chamber in Braamfontein on Thursday, 2 December where she spelt out her vision. This was the second council meeting since the elections.
“As executive mayor, it is my fervent hope and vision to rebuild Joburg as the city of opportunity – where anyone from any background can realise their potential and enjoy a quality standard of living. I believe that this vision can restore hope to all residents of our great city,” said Mayor Phalatse.
Last week, Joburg successfully swore in 270 councillors and elected Vasco da Gama as the new Speaker of Council and Cllr Tyrell Meyers as the Chief Whip of Council.
Top on the list of the mayor’s seven priorities for the City is “quality services to all residents”.
“This is non-negotiable. All residents deserve quality services and must get them – there are no excuses for not keeping the lights on and the tap running. There can be no economic growth without getting the basics right,” added Mayor Phalatse.
Other priorities are a safe and secure city; a caring and supportive city; a pro-business and pro-jobs city; an integrated and inclusive city, an efficient and well-run city; and an innovative and smart city.
She called for unity and committed to working with all the 18 political parties represented in council.
“I look forward to working together with all of you to realise this dream of building a better Joburg.”
Leaders of political parties promised to support the mayor and also to hold the executive accountable.
Cllr Phalatse said in time, she will announce her new mayoral committee and unveil plans to make her priorities a reality. Councillors attended the meeting virtually while others were in different city venues.
Written by Nkosana Lekotjolo
3/12/2021