Service delivery will not be compromised – City manager

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The City of Johannesburg would like to assure local residents that the absence of a clear majority by any party in Johannesburg does not mean a halt in the delivery of public services.

Johannesburg City manager, Trevor Fowler said the provision of public services continues without interruptions. He announced that the inaugural Johannesburg Council meeting for the new term of office will be held on 16 August.

“As political leaders negotiate the formation of a new municipal government, work is being done, services are delivered and the important task of restoring our people’s dignity through world-class services continues,” Fowler said.

The orientation programme, which will take place over three days from 22 August, will also deal with legislation guiding municipalities and general governance issues in the legislature including the Municipal Finance Management Act.

The second Johannesburg Council meeting is planned for September 8.

According to Fowler, should political parties currently in negotiations not come to an agreement on a coalition government, a minority government could be constituted by either the leading party or a coalition of parties without the majority.

A minority government can only pass resolutions with the support or concurrence of other members and parties within the council. This enables a majority on specific issues.

Fowler said that whatever way the coalition negotiations went, residents of Johannesburg should rest assured that this would not affect the provision of public services.

Fowler thanked City officials and residents who assisted the IEC to manage and coordinate a fair and violence-free election. “This is a testament [to] the maturation of our democracy. The City appreciates many who helped manage this intricate and delicate process. These are unsung heroes and heroines operating far from the media spotlight.”