Ward 106 councillor Chris Santana calls on residents to engage in budget consultations
Residents in Fourways are being encouraged to take an active role in shaping the City of Johannesburg’s 2026/2027 budget, following its recent tabling in council at the end of March.
Ward 106 councillor Chris Santana has called on the community to participate in the public consultation process for the city’s 2026/27 budget proposal.
He highlighted the importance of understanding how proposed increases could affect households and businesses across the area.
The draft budget, which is now open for public comment, outlines anticipated tariff adjustments and spending priorities for the upcoming financial year.
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Residents in suburbs such as Fourways, Witkoppen, and Craigavon are being urged not only to review planned infrastructure projects but also to interrogate the reasoning behind proposed increases.
Public participation sessions, including regional development plan (RDP) engagements, form part of the consultation process. These platforms allow residents to raise concerns, ask questions, and provide input before the budget is finalised.
“Meaningful participation goes beyond simply noting service delivery commitments. Instead, residents should examine whether the increases are justified and whether the budget reflects value for money in terms of service delivery, maintenance, and long-term development.”
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For growing communities like Fourways, where infrastructure pressure and service delivery challenges remain ongoing concerns, the budget process presents an opportunity for residents to influence how funds are allocated.
Mikayla Swazi, a resident in Fourways, said: “I think increasing rates will be unfair because, looking at the current state of where the economy is going, salaries we are earning might not be enough to ensure that we can afford the rates. It’s expensive already.”
Residents are encouraged to attend scheduled meetings, submit written comments, and engage with ward structures to ensure their voices are heard.
Active participation is expected to play a key role in shaping a budget that responds to the needs and priorities of the community.
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