FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Al Jama-Ah Johannesburg Caucus Welcomes The Adoption Of The 2026/27 City Of Johannesburg Budget
Date: 29 May 2026
The Al Jama-ah Johannesburg Caucus welcomes and supports the adoption of the City of Johannesburg’s 2026/27 Budget, which was approved by Council on 28 May 2026. We believe this budget reflects a deliberate commitment to protecting the poor, expanding access to essential services, investing in infrastructure, and promoting inclusive development across all communities of Johannesburg.
As a party that advocates for social justice, human dignity, and equitable development, Al Jama-ah carefully assessed the budget and found that it responds meaningfully to many of the pressing challenges faced by residents, particularly those living in historically disadvantaged communities. The City has tabled a total budget of R97.1 billion, including an operating revenue budget of R90.4 billion, an operating expenditure budget of R88.3 billion, and a capital investment programme of R8.8 billion for the 2026/27 financial year. These allocations demonstrate a serious commitment to addressing infrastructure backlogs, improving service delivery, and restoring the City’s financial sustainability.
We are particularly encouraged by the budget’s strong pro-poor measures, which include:
– The continued exemption of the first R300,000 of residential property value from rates.
– A 100% rates rebate for qualifying pensioners.
– The provision of 6 kilolitres of free water to all households.
-The allocation of 15 kilolitres of free water and 50 kilowatt-hours of free electricity to indigent households registered on the Expanded Social Package.
– The expansion of the Expanded Social Package to more than 145,000 households, ensuring that vulnerable residents continue to receive support during difficult economic times.
The budget also places significant emphasis on infrastructure renewal and service delivery. Allocations include approximately R28.3 billion towards electricity services, R21.6 billion towards water and sanitation services, R7.2 billion towards public safety and law enforcement, R5.2 billion towards waste management, and substantial investments in roads, stormwater infrastructure, housing, and township renewal programmes.
Al Jama-ah further welcomes the commitment that 60% of capital expenditure will be directed towards historically marginalised communities, ensuring that development reaches residents in areas such as Soweto, Orange Farm, Diepsloot, Alexandra, Ivory Park, Eldorado Park, Ennerdale, Lenasia and other underserved communities.
The budget also seeks to create opportunities for residents through the provision of 12,250 Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) job opportunities, the construction of 2,500 social housing units, the upgrading of hostels and informal settlements, and the issuing of 2,000 title deeds to qualifying beneficiaries.
Importantly, the budget acknowledges the City’s infrastructure challenges, including an estimated infrastructure backlog exceeding R220 billion, while providing a credible plan for recovery through infrastructure investment, revenue enhancement, improved governance, and the implementation of the Metro Trading Services Reform Programme.
Al Jama-ah believes that responsible governance requires balancing fiscal discipline with compassion and social responsibility. This budget strikes that balance by protecting vulnerable households while investing in the long-term sustainability of the City.
We therefore supported this budget because it prioritises service delivery, promotes inclusive economic growth, strengthens social protection measures, and advances the constitutional obligation of local government to improve the quality of life of all residents.
While challenges remain, the approval of this budget provides Johannesburg with an opportunity to accelerate development, restore public confidence, and build a city that works for all who live in it. Al Jama-ah remains committed to exercising robust oversight to ensure that every rand allocated through this budget translates into tangible improvements in the lives of Johannesburg residents.
Issued by:
Al Jama-ah Johannesburg Caucus
City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality