City’s inaugural Council sitting set

15 August 2016

 

The inaugural sitting of the City of Johannesburg’s Council for the 2016-2021 term of office has been moved from August 16 to August 22.

 

The sitting was moved after consultation with political party leaders who attended last week’s Mock Council - an informal meeting to orientate new councillors - at the Joburg Theatre.

City Manager Trevor Fowler says the leaders of political parties that had contested the August 3 municipal elections were currently negotiating coalitions in order to constitute government and have indicated that they need more time. No political party won an outright majority to form a government in the City of Johannesburg and parties have 14 days in which to conclude negotiations on the formation of a coalition government for the City.

Fowler, who will be the presiding officer, says part of the agenda on August 22 will be the swearing in of all 270 councillors, the election of Speaker of Council, Executive Mayor and Chief Whip of Council. Fowler says the mayoral portfolio committees, members of the Mayoral Committee, election of chairpersons of committees, including Chair of Chairs and approval of members of various Section 79 committees will be announced at the second Council meeting, which is planned for September 8.

“In the meantime, the City continues to function and services are rendered. There should not be panic about possible lapses in governance.”