Allow me to begin by thanking the leaders of various political parties that constitute the current administration. These leaders have chosen to heed the call to set aside their differences, abandon grandstanding, and instead pursue constructive collaboration for the sake of the more than 6 million residents of the City of Johannesburg, who deserve to live in a City that works for them.
I therefore wish to thank you all for entrusting me with the responsibility to exercise maximum oversight over the crucial work of the administration.
As we continue to celebrate Women’s Month in South Africa, we are reminded of the incredible strength and resilience of women who have shaped our nation’s history. From the brave women who fought against apartheid to the trailblazers who are breaking glass ceilings in various fields today, we honour their contributions and legacy.
In the City of Johannesburg, we are proud to be part of this legacy. To be elected as a young female Speaker, is a testament to our commitment to empowering women and promoting gender equality.
And as a young woman, I represent a new generation of leaders who are passionate, driven, and dedicated to serving our communities.
Fellow Councillors,
Allow me to thank the City Manager for holding the fort for the past few days. Thank you, CM.
Councillors,
Allow me to set the tone for the work ahead and make it clear that today marks the beginning of a new era. An era focused on restoring our City to its former glory, where service delivery will take centre stage.
This is an era in which we will instil a culture of accountability and transparency, and where, at every turn, we will work together to ensure that the best interests of our residents anchor our efforts.
We are in rebuilding mode, and the residents of Johannesburg simply cannot be expected to wait any longer for the effective delivery of frontline services—from reliable electricity and water to functional traffic lights, refuse removal, and pothole repairs. I have made it clear that rejuvenating the inner city and getting Johannesburg back on track as a hub of investment and opportunity will be a central focus.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It cannot be business as usual. Therefore, I am committed to pursuing every effort to ensure that this Council puts in the hard work needed to deliver a City that functions for its residents.
The residents of the City can be confident that my office will function solely to protect and advance their interests, ensuring that this new administration represents a much-needed shift towards stabilising governance and prioritising service delivery at the top of the agenda.
We must all recognise that the City has deteriorated over the past years, but to save it, we have one option, and that is to ACT NOW!
We must be relentless in driving a sustained programme of action, backed by political will and the abandonment of patronage and wastefulness in the use of resources.
This must be a City where lawlessness is met with swift action, where our bylaws are not merely suggestions but are strictly adhered to and enforced, and ultimately where the safety of our residents is protected.
Mayor, to get this done, you will need to read the riot act to your Executive and Administration! There must be zero tolerance for corruption, mismanagement and ineptitude. Neither the City nor its residents can afford complacency or failure at this critical time.
It is due to the urgent need for action that my top priorities are to:
• Work with the Executive to resolve the billing crisis, ensuring the City has the resources to provide public services.
• Place the rejuvenation of the Inner City at the top of the agenda.
• Tackle corruption, patronage, and wastefulness.
• Ensure strict enforcement of City bylaws, particularly concerning illegal trading and dumping.
• Ensure that accountability is entrenched in a collaborative environment for the effective delivery of services and the restoration of good governance.
And so, fellow Councillors,
I wish to conclude by indicating that my promise to both the residents of Johannesburg and my fellow councillors is that I will be a Speaker who represents all 270 councillors. Robust engagement will be encouraged and fostered, and we will hold each other accountable without compromise.
Let’s work together to Fix our City.
