New and returning councillors-elect in the City of Joburg Council hit the ground running during a mock council meeting at the Connie Bapela Council Chamber in Braamfontein on Thursday, 11 November 2021.

Excited councillors-elect from different political parties, some stepping into the chamber for the first time, exchanged greetings and pleasantries. They also took photos before they got down to the serious business of the day.

Only after the councillors-elect have been sworn-in will they officially become councillors.

The mock council is an informal meeting held to assist most especially new councillors to understand procedures and expectations of their functions. It is a first step of preparation towards the inaugural and subsequent sittings of council.  The inaugural meeting of council of the City of Johannesburg is scheduled for 16 and 17 November 2021 at the Brixton Multipurpose Centre in Mayfair.

Opening the meeting, the Secretary to Council Vicky Shuping assured councillors that the Legislature will provide them with all the necessary support.

“The agenda for today is a very short one. We will have the welcome address by the acting city manager. The director of Councillor Affairs will explain the process of hiring of councillors so that everyone is in the system. Then we will have a briefing about the orientation of councillors,” said Shuping.

Acting City Manager Floyd Brink officially welcomed the newly elected councillors. “I extend a hearty congratulation to all of you on the successful election to serve as councillors in the City of Joburg. It must have had been difficult for you to campaign and observe the Covid-19 protocols. I’m sure you have been given a lot of paper work to complete and submit.”

Written by Nkosana Lekotjolo

12/11/2021