The executive and administration of the City of Joburg have missed the Annual Report tabling deadline, which is a legal deadline. They are attempting to dodge accountability and must face an investigation and the consequences.
This is not accidental as they continuously show a persistent lack of audit cooperation, a lack of transparency, and a consistent pattern of tardiness. Despite concerns being raised, there has been no improvement.
This is just another attempt to conceal information, asking the question of what the City’s leadership is hiding?
The Annual Report must be scrutinised, commented on, and adopted by Council by the end of March 2026. The MMC for Finance has indicated that the AG’s report will only be provided by or after the end of February 2026. This raises serious concerns that the complete report may not be available in time for proper review and approval.
The Municipal Finance Act (MFMA) requires that there be an investigation done, disciplinary action taken, and the required financial statements and reports are tabled in council, yet this has been ignored.
In line with this section, the Democratic Alliance (DA) demands that the Speaker:
- Arrange for the Finance S79 Committee to investigate the reasons for the failure and take the necessary steps to ensure the AG report and financial statements are tabled before the end of February;
- Request that the MPAC Committee take the appropriate steps to ensure disciplinary action is taken against the Accounting Officer; and
- Refer the Mayor and the MMC for Finance to the Ethics Committee for dereliction of their fiduciary duties.
The DA will continue to fight for good governance and accountability on behalf of the residents of Johannesburg.