Joburg Councillors Face Backlash After Approving Salary Increases

Johannesburg, South Africa — The City of Johannesburg is facing heated criticism after councillors approved significant salary increases for themselves and executives during a chaotic virtual council meeting. This decision has drawn public ire, especially as the city grapples with service delivery challenges and crumbling infrastructure.

Salary Hike Details: What’s Changing?

Under the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers Act, the new salary adjustments will affect various leadership roles within the council. Here’s a breakdown:

• Executive Mayor: R1 585 052 (previously R1 501 351)
• Speaker: R1 280 117 (previously R1 212 520)
• Executive and Mayoral Committees/Council Whip: R1 205 851 (previously R1 142 175)
• Chair of Oversight Committees: R1 170 478 (previously R1 108 670)
• Part-Time Councillors: R593 610 (previously R562 265)

This hike adds R4.2 million to the city’s annual salary budget. Critics argue this money could address pressing community needs, such as infrastructure repairs and improving basic services.

Chaos in the Council Chambers

The extraordinary council meeting was held online and riddled with disruptions, including:

• Technical issues like connectivity problems and frozen video feeds.
• Delays in confirming quorum, which took nearly two hours.
• Interruptions from councillors complaining about procedural issues and making irrelevant comments.

Speaker Nobuhle Mthembu eventually streamlined the voting process by allowing caucus leaders to submit block votes.

Political Parties Split Over Decision

The salary hike has revealed divisions among political parties:

• FF Plus: Firmly opposed, citing poor service delivery and misplaced priorities.
• DA: Abstained, questioning the ethical implications of approving raises during financial struggles.
• ActionSA: Previously against increases but supported this year’s adjustment, sparking surprise.
• ANC and EFF: Displayed mixed reactions, with some members opposing the hike.

FF Plus caucus leader Cornelis Boer noted that the R4.2 million could fund 58 new maintenance jobs, such as roadside grass trimming and stormwater drain clearing.

Public Backlash Intensifies

Residents have expressed frustration, citing the city’s deteriorating infrastructure, erratic power supply, and unreliable basic services. Many view the salary hike as a sign of leadership disconnected from the realities faced by citizens.

Social media platforms have been abuzz with calls for accountability, with residents urging councillors to prioritize service delivery over personal benefits.

While the salary hikes have been approved, the backlash underscores the mounting dissatisfaction with Johannesburg’s municipal leadership. As residents demand action, all eyes remain on the city council to address the growing governance challenges.