Joburg Adjustment Budget Fails as DA Blames ANC for Council Chaos and Financial Mismanagement

The City of Johannesburg faced yet another political showdown as the council failed to pass the adjustment budget on Thursday, 21 August 2024. The meeting, which descended into chaos, was adjourned before a vote could take place, leaving the city’s financial plans in limbo. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has squarely blamed the African National Congress (ANC) for the debacle, accusing the ruling coalition of mismanagement and unsustainable financial practices.

Council Meeting Descends into Chaos

The council meeting, intended to amend the city’s annual budget, was marked by heated political disputes. Just as parties were preparing to vote on the adjustment budget, the meeting was adjourned due to the escalating tensions. This failure to pass the budget has left the city’s financial future uncertain, with critical infrastructure projects and service delivery potentially at risk.

DA’s Stance on the Adjustment Budget

Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, DA regional leader, strongly criticized the proposed adjustment budget, calling it unsustainable and built on deceptive financial projections.

“The Democratic Alliance firmly rejects this Adjustment Budget, which exposes the ANC/EFF/PA/ActionSA coalition’s continued mismanagement of Johannesburg’s finances. This budget is built on deception, with inflated revenue projections, reckless cuts to critical infrastructure—especially water infrastructure spending—and an unsustainable borrowing plan that will sink the city further into debt,” Kayser-Echeozonjoku stated.

The DA leader emphasized that the budget’s reliance on unrealistic revenue forecasts and cuts to essential services would only exacerbate the city’s financial woes.

Implications for Johannesburg

The failure to pass the adjustment budget raises serious concerns about the city’s ability to manage its finances effectively. Key areas such as water infrastructure, service delivery, and debt management are likely to be impacted, further straining an already struggling metro.

The DA has called for greater transparency and accountability in the city’s financial planning, urging the ANC-led coalition to prioritize the needs of Johannesburg’s residents over political interests.

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