JOBURG thanks voters and employees for participation in the electoral processes.
The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) would like to express its deepest appreciation to residents, the IEC and City employees who participated in the recently ended local government elections.
The City would like to assure residents that the absence of a clear majority by any party in Johannesburg does not mean a halt in services. City Manager Trevor Fowler said the provision of services continues apace without interruptions. He announced that the inaugural council meeting for the new term of office will be on August 16.
In preparation for the inaugural council meeting there will be a mock council sitting at a venue to be confirmed on Thursday, August 11 at 10:00.
The City Manager will preside over the commencement of the Council until the election of the Speaker. Thereafter the newly elected Speaker will preside over Council which will elect the Executive Mayor and Chief Whip. A handover report as well as an induction and orientation programme for councillors will be tabled for noting along with the Integrated Development Plan for the 2016/17 financial year.
“As political leaders negotiate the formation of a new municipal government, work is being done, services are delivered and the important task of restoring our people’s dignity through world-class services continues apace,” said Fowler.
The orientation programme, which will take place over three days from August 22, will also deal with legislation guiding municipalities and general governance issues in the legislature including the Municipal Finance Management Act. The second Council meeting is planned for September 8.
Should political parties currently in negotiations not come to an agreement on a coalition government, a minority government could be constituted by either the leading party or a coalition of parties without the majority. A minority government can only pass resolutions with the support or concurrence of other members/parties in Council. This enables a majority on specific issues.
Fowler said whatever way the coalition negotiations went, residents of Joburg should rest assured that this would not affect the provision of services.
Fowler thanked CoJ officials and residents who assisted the IEC to manage and co-ordinate a free, fair and violence-free election. “This is a testament of the maturation of our democracy. The City appreciates many who helped manage this intricate and delicate process. These are unsung heroes and heroines operating far from the media spotlight,” noted Fowler.
The CoJ’s support to the IEC included coordinating and managing the election results centre at the SABC in Auckland Park. Staff in both the CoJ regions and the Results Centre worked in excess of 36 hours and showed a high commitment to ensuring that elections ran smoothly.
The City provided 81 results co-ordinators for verification of results slips and 36 data capturers for scanning and capturing of results.
The Joburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) availed 2 635 officers to provide security and logistical support. In instances where there were queries, JMPD were obliged to physically collect information or the Presiding Officers and bring them to the Results Centre.
The City’s Disaster Management team coordinated a service delivery centre and assisted in re-erection and stabilising of tents that had been blown over by strong winds.
A number of power outages were experienced on Election Day, in both Eskom and City Power supply areas. Outages were attended to in the shortest time possible to ensure that elections were not disturbed.
In preparation for elections, JRA, Pikitup and City Parks provided cleaning and maintenance of voting stations and surrounds.
Statement courtesy of Nthatisi Modingoane.
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