Hundreds of residents gathered at the Brixton Multipurpose Centre on Thursday, 23 April 2026, calling on the City to fast-track service delivery projects during Region F’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) engagement session.
The session was led by Council Speaker Cllr Margaret Arnolds alongside Cllr Matthew Cook, Chairperson of the Section 79 Finance Committee. They were joined by Deputy Executive Mayor Cllr Loyiso Masuku and several Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMC), including Cllr Sthembiso Zungu; Cllr Eunice Mgcina, Cllr Jack Sekwaila, Cllr Ennie Makhafola, Cllr Mlungisi Mabaso, Cllr Nomoya Mnisi, Cllr Thapelo Amad, Chair of Chairs, Cllr Adolph Moremi and ward councillors.
Cllr Arnolds stressed the importance of community participation in shaping the City’s development agenda. She noted that the draft 2026/27 IDP seeks to promote inclusive engagement and provide residents with an opportunity to raise service delivery concerns directly with officials.
Acting Executive Mayor and MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services Cllr Jack Sekwaila highlighted several infrastructure milestones, including the Murray Park upgrade, which is 80% complete, the Turffontein Clinic currently at 70% completion, and the near completion (95%) of the medium voltage network renewal project.
“The People’s Plan is about prioritising basic services, taking ownership together, and transforming our city collectively,” Cllr Sekwaila said, noting that while Johannesburg delivers services at scale, it continues to face challenges such as unemployment, poverty and inequality.
Residents, however, voiced frustration over what they described as slow progress and persistent service delivery failures.
A resident from Fordsburg in Ward 58 said issues raised in previous meetings remain unresolved. “We continue to raise concerns about the lack of maintenance in retirement homes, illegal buildings, water outages, sewage overflows and deteriorating roads, but nothing changes,” the resident said.
Similar frustrations were echoed by a Ward 59 resident from Joubert Park, Nompumelelo Khumalo, who highlighted the need for a local clinic, citing overcrowding at nearby facilities. Concerns were also raised about deteriorating infrastructure at the taxi rank, unsafe open excavations following repairs, and recurring water leaks.
Deputy Mayor Cllr Masuku acknowledged the seriousness of the issues raised, particularly the need for improved healthcare access. She said the City is working to address service delivery challenges but noted that some projects require support and funding from national and provincial government.
“We acknowledge the challenges and are embarking on an aggressive drive to address as many issues as possible,” Cllr Masuku said, adding that illegal electricity connections continue to hinder planning and service delivery efforts.
Residents are encouraged to submit comments by clicking here by 18 May 2026.
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