Residents of Johannesburg are eagerly anticipating insights into the City’s financial stability and its ability to sustain essential services in the forthcoming budget speech. Council Speaker, Cllr Colleen Makhubele, and Chief Whip of Council, Cllr Sithembiso Zungu, say preparations for the annual budget speech are at an advanced stage, recognising the pressing need for residents, communities, and businesses to gain clarity on the City’s financial trajectory. Dada Morero, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Finance, will present the budget speech on Tuesday, 13 June 2023 at the Constance Bapela Council Chamber.
Cognisant of the standing rules and orders of council and the legislative requirements, the Speaker has convened the council meeting to provide an overview of the proposed 2023/2024 budget by the Executive Mayor, Cllr Kabelo Gwamanda, through the MMC of Finance.
Cllr Makhubele says the budget presentation will unequivocally convey the Government of Local Unity’s (GLU) principles and convictions to the residents of Johannesburg.
“In his State of the City Address (SOCA), the Mayor highlighted the grave picture of the conditions of which our residents and our stakeholders find themselves in,” she says.
However, he also outlined several initiatives aimed at enhancing service delivery.
Cllr Makhubele says the budget, as mandated by law, must align with the SOCA.
It is anticipated that this budget will convert GLU’s aspirations and visions into tangible investments.
She adds that the budget will translate GLU’s objectives and plans into concrete monetary terms, providing comprehensive details on the capital and operational budget for 2023/24, along with revenue collection strategies.
Cllr Makhubele says residents can expect a fiscally responsible budget from the Government of Local Unity.
“We trust that it will reveal our understanding of our communities and their needs as we have interacted during the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) process. We are confident that the budget will exemplify our steadfast commitment to responsible stewardship of our diverse and dynamic communities.”
Written by Sascha-Lee Joseph
12/06/2023