Despite the rain and chilly weather, Region B residents showed up in large numbers on Tuesday night, 8 April 2025, to participate in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) session and raise issues affecting their communities.
The City of Johannesburg’s Speaker of Council, Cllr Nobuhle Mthembu, officially opened the session at 18:00 at Danie van Zyl Recreational Centre in Newlands. The venue was packed, with residents eager to engage with the city’s leadership on the draft IDP.
Described as “the people’s plan”, the draft IDP provides an opportunity for residents to help reimagine Johannesburg by shaping decisions that reflect their lived realities, needs, and aspirations. Member of the Mayoral Committee for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Cllr Jack Sekwaila, presented the plan to the public.
“This draft IDP is called the people’s plan. That’s why we’re here – for your input,” said Cllr Mthembu. “The weather outside is gloomy, but you still made the time to come – and that means a lot.”
Concerns raised by attendees included hijacked buildings, challenges with water, electricity, and sewer services, as well as potholes, illegal dumping, drug abuse, and the presence of undocumented immigrants.
“Illegal immigration isn’t even mentioned in the draft IDP, yet it’s a major issue in Joburg. What are you going to do about it?” asked one resident. Another added: “How many times are we going to attend IDP sessions without seeing any change?”
Following the meeting, Cllr Mthembu commended the level of engagement and thanked her fellow councillors for their presence. “We concluded our Region B IDP session with robust participation from residents. As the legislature, we’re particularly encouraged by the commitment of three MMCs – Human Settlements’ Cllr Mlungisi Mabaso, Health and Social Development’s Cllr Ennie Makhafola, and Development Planning’s Cllr Eunice Mgcina – who promised to conduct ward-level oversight. We’ll be following up on that,” she said.
She also urged residents to remain constructive during these sessions: ““We create a platform for robust engagement, but please when we go to these engagements no matter how frustrated you are, let’s not deprive most residents an opportunity of participating. We stand up against destruction that we see from some residents in our meetings.”
IDP sessions will continue across all seven regions of the City of Johannesburg, giving every community the chance to have their say. Follow the City’s official social media pages for updates in your area.
Written by Brümilda Swartbooi