JoburgCAN, an initiative of OUTA, has formally requested an extension for submissions on the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) from the City of Johannesburg (City), aiming for an extension until at least 30 April 2024.

According to Julia Fish, the Manager at JoburgCAN, the request stems from various complaints received from communities across the City regarding inefficiencies in the public participation process (PPP). “Concerns have been raised about meetings being held outside of community areas, inconvenient timing (mostly on weekdays in the afternoons), lack of availability of presentations, difficulties in following audio, and the denial of hybrid meeting access in public meetings. These issues underscore the need for an extended and more comprehensive PPP before the matter is brought to council for adoption”. 

Fish said that civil society and community organisations invest significant effort in providing detailed and considered responses to these programmes. Accordingly, the City is expected to facilitate effective communication, engagement, and responsiveness to resident concerns throughout the process. Additionally, there is concern regarding the inclusion of the overhaul of the Rates Bylaw policy within this process. JoburgCAN advocates for either a separate PPP for this policy review or an extended timeframe, as residents require adequate time to analyse, process, and respond meaningfully to the extensive documents provided.

In accordance with Sections 21 and 25 of the Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000, along with Chapter 4 of the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003 (MFMA), the City considered and endorsed its draft 2024/25 IDP, draft Medium-Term Budget, draft Rates Policy, draft Rates Bylaws, proposed Rates Tariffs, and proposed tariffs for trading services and other services at the Ordinary Council meeting on March 19, 2024. These documents were made available for public participation and comment until 22 April.

“Chapter 4 of the MFMA mandates public participation as a legal requirement of the Integrated Development Plan, budget, and tariff process. Unfortunately, disruptions, technical difficulties, and postponements have marred the regional meetings, impeding effective engagement. Moreover, the timeline provided, with only one weekend day following the last public meeting, amounts to a mere 21 working days since the ordinary council meeting where these documents were tabled for comment,” said Fish.

JoburgCAN is an initiative of OUTA and was established to improve service delivery, engage in local government affairs, and foster community within the City. JoburgCAN represents affiliates and supporters residing in all seven regions of the City. As a properly established community-based organisation, JoburgCAN acts in unity and on behalf of its affiliates and supporters.

More information

A soundclip with comment by Julia Fish, the Manager at JoburgCAN, is here.

JoburgCAN's letter to the City of Joburg is here.

More about JoburgCAN is here.