City of Joburg tables R89.4 billion budget and boosts capex spending to R8.7 billion

By Thebe Mabanga

The City of Johannesburg (COJ) on Wednesday tabled its R89.4 billion Budget for the 2025/26 financial year, increasing capital expenditure to R8.7 billion by using part of its surplus.

Alongside infrastructure upgrades, the budget prioritises the upgrading of informal settlements and improved governance, with a strong focus on tracking service delivery performance.

“Today we do not merely present a budget. We present a vision forged in the fire of public participation, grounded in the demands of our people, and propelled by the spirit of renewal,” Joburg MMC for Finance, Margaret Arnold, told councilors and special guests.

“This is not a technical exercise. This is a political moment. And in this moment, we choose clarity over chaos, equity over excuses, delivery over delay.”

Arnold announced that the City’s operating revenue is projected at R84.8 billion, with operating expenditure at R80.7 billion.

This results in a projected surplus of