Ekurhuleni Mayor to deliver State of the City Address on March 27
There is pressure on the mayor to address claims of a depleted city budget, because of mismanagement and irregular spending.
As Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza prepares to deliver the annual State of the City Address (SOCA) on Thursday, residents are both eager and sceptical about what he will say.
The city has faced persistent service delivery challenges — unreliable water supply, frequent power outages, deteriorating roads, and delayed or absent services have frustrated the public.
Adding to the city’s troubles are allegations that R2m in rates and services went uncollected.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Ekurhuleni SOCA a waste of money – DA
This financial mismanagement has intensified concerns, with many questioning the city’s ability to regain stability.
The mayor’s speech will also be under the shadow of a looming motion of no confidence against both Xhakaza and the speaker Nthabiseng Tshivhenga, spearheaded by the Independent Citizens Movement (ICM), ACDP, and DA.
Although Tshivhenga narrowly escaped a similar motion last month when the IFP withdrew it for further consultation, the pressure remains high.
ICM leader Joe Mojapelo is concerned about the city’s financial management, stating, “We are not meeting set targets for rates collections. In the latest report, we had a shortfall of R2b.”
Mojapelo criticised the mayor for dividing the council instead of uniting the 16 political parties represented.
“We voted for him uncontested because we hoped the ANC would bring stability,” he added.
For many residents, the biggest question is whether the mayor will acknowledge the depth of the crisis and provide concrete solutions. Unreliable infrastructure troubled business owners, already strained by the economic downturn.
“We need real solutions, not just promises. Small businesses are suffering because we cannot afford generators and backup power supply,” said Thabo Mokoena, a local shop owner.
Those in informal settlements and lower-income areas have been particularly impacted.
“For every power and water outage, we are all affected. Sometimes power is gone for days, and that means we lose food. No water means we cannot do day-to-day cleaning and washing or afford drinking water,” shared Nomsa Dlamini, a mother of three.
There is also pressure on the mayor to address claims of a depleted city budget, because of mismanagement and irregular spending.
The public seeks answers – is the city’s financial instability a result of corruption, incompetence, or both?
ALSO READ: Mayor makes many promises in his maiden speech
Last week’s EMPD officers embarking on an illegal strike highlighted the city’s financial struggle.
The protest arose from dissatisfaction over reduced overtime allowances, salary disparities, and perceived inequities compared to neighbouring municipalities.
The city responded by stating the cutbacks are part of cost-cutting measures aimed at stabilising finances, including reducing catering expenses, cutting contracted services, and optimising internal human resources.
As Thursday’s address approaches, the people of Ekurhuleni await a message of accountability, transparency, and a plan for genuine progress.
The mayor’s response will be critical in determining whether the city can reclaim its stability or continue down a path of uncertainty.
