Hundreds of residents filled the Midrand Fire Station on April 18, turning out in strong numbers for the City of Johannesburg’s integrated development plan (IDP) public consultation for Region A.

The session was part of the city’s ongoing engagement around its draft 2026/27 IDP, budget, and tariffs, giving community members a chance to ask questions and influence planning priorities.

Read more: Region A residents slams IDP for not yielding any results

Residents engaged with key municipal entities, including City Power, Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), and Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, raising pressing service delivery concerns and submitting input on issues affecting their wards.

Speaker of Council Margaret Arnolds led the engagement, alongside MMCs, ward councillors, and senior city officials.

Addressing attendees, Arnolds stressed the importance of community involvement in shaping the city’s future. She urged residents to review the draft IDP and actively contribute, noting that public input plays a critical role in determining service delivery priorities and budget allocations.

Also read: How the IDP, budget and tariffs will affect you

Welcoming attendees on behalf of Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe, Ward 94 councillor David Foley highlighted the value of such engagements in strengthening local governance. “These sessions are about listening, understanding, and ensuring that the lived realities of our communities are reflected in city planning. Your voices help shape decisions and influence the direction of development in our city.”

Among the key concerns raised during the session were land invasions along Modderfontein Road, Rabie Ridge, and Mayibuye, deteriorating road infrastructure across wards, illegal dumping, sewer blockages, burst pipes, and the vandalism of streetlights and traffic signals.

Residents also flagged illegal businesses, unregulated building activity, and recurring flooding.

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Speaker of Council Margaret Arnolds addresses residents during the Region A IDP consultation meeting on April 18. Video: Comfort Makhanya #Midrand #RegionA ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

The consultation follows the City of Johannesburg’s 48th extraordinary council meeting, held on March 30 and 31, where the draft 2026/27 IDP, medium-term budget, rates policy, rates by-laws, and proposed tariffs were formally tabled and approved for public participation.

The city has called on residents and stakeholders to submit written comments on the draft plans before the deadline of May 18 at 17:00. Submissions can be made electronically via the City of Johannesburg’s official website.

As the consultation process continues, residents are being encouraged to remain actively involved to ensure that community needs are reflected in the city’s development agenda.

Grab a copy of Midrand Reporter to read more.

Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!