City of Joburg’s financial collapse demands urgent action – Maimane

Mmusi Maimane, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Appropriations, has expressed grave concern over reports detailing the City of Johannesburg’s deteriorating financial situation.

Maimane said the issue threatens the city’s ability to provide essential services and maintain financial stability.

Reports reveal City Power’s alarming R16.3-billion negative bank balance, posing a significant risk to service delivery and overall financial sustainability.

The primary driver of City Power’s financial challenges appears to be its inadequate revenue collection, resulting in a substantial R3.9-billion shortfall.

Maimane said this must be addressed as a matter of national urgency, stressing that South Africans cannot continue to pay taxes without receiving adequate basic services in return.

 “This must be addressed as a matter of national urgency. South Africans cannot be expected to continue paying rates and taxes while receiving little to no return in basic services,” said Maimane.

 “Municipalities are the engine rooms of basic service delivery for