Is Jozi Headed for Big Change?

Is Johannesburg heading for big change? Adding impetus to President Cyril Ramaphosa's intervention for a Potemkin-like clean-up ahead of the November G20 summit in our city, there's another dynamic.

- Martin Williams

If council does not pass the adjustment budget tomorrow, it risks falling foul of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), which could result in the dissolution of council.

The city would then be placed under administration.

The person with the authority to take this step, Gauteng Finance MEC Lebogang Maile, has given mayor Dada Morero an extension to comply with the MFMA.

"If the municipality fails to adopt an adjustment budget by 18 March 2025, no further extensions would be granted," he said in a letter to Morero.

Morero asked for an extension after last week's council meeting collapsed in disarray when it seemed unlikely the budget would pass.

There's no telling what wheeling and dealing has been going on to secure the required 136 votes tomorrow.

Councillors' self-interest may play a role. All, including the mayor and MMCs, lose their jobs if council is dissolved. Turkeys don't vote for Christmas.