Region B residents engage on 2025/26 draft IDP
Residents from region B voiced their frustrations, from service delivery to illegal land occupations, at a recent public engagement meeting, but with the draft IDP deadline looming, the city wants more voices at the table.
Danie van Zyl Recreation Centre hosted residents of region B for a public engagement on the City of Johannesburg’s draft 2025/2026 integrated development plan (IDP) and budget. Despite a turnout of 470 attendees, officials noted a worrying lack of direct feedback on critical issues, such as tariffs.
Read more: VOX: Residents speak out on Citys IDP and budget plans
Speaker of council Nombuhle Mthembu applauded residents who spoke up at the meeting regarding the issues in their wards, however, she stated that it could have been more constructive. “We had 470 people in attendance, because a draft IDP proposal was presented, but I only heard one or two comments about tariffs,” she said. “This is a people’s plan. If communities don’t engage, how can we make informed decisions?
“Those comments are going back to council, however, if we do not have a lot of residents speaking out, and addressing such issues, it is a concern. That is why we always advise the residents to go through the draft IDP. It is a proposal. We want to hear what you have to say.”
Mthembu urged residents to submit their feedback before the plan is tabled before council in May, emphasising that meaningful participation is essential to democratic governance. “Our communities must be active participants. Executives cannot make decisions in isolation.”
Despite the speaker’s concerns, several residents and stakeholders made their voices heard on key service delivery and infrastructure issues affecting their wards.
Ward 117 representative Christo Morolong commended the city for facilitating public participation, calling it a vital pillar of democracy. “It is the people’s will and the people’s document. It’s good when the city comes and hears the views of residents. Frustrations and grievances are being laid out by the people of Johannesburg.”
Also read: IDP consultative process exclusionary in Region B
Elaine Holmes, from Ward 99, highlighted the lack of municipal investment in her area, citing decaying water and electricity infrastructure, illegal occupation at Emma Park, and pollution of the spruit running through Darrenwood Retirement Village. Holmes called for revitalisation of parks and public spaces, and increased social support for displaced individuals.
Service delivery inefficiencies were also sharply criticised by EFF Member of Parliament and Rosebank resident Carl Niehaus. “I live in an affluent suburb, but when a water pipe bursts, it takes two to three days to fix. That’s unacceptable,” he stated. Niehaus called for real-time breakdown monitoring systems and better fund management to improve service delivery.
As the city moves towards finalising its IDP and budget for 2025/2026, officials continue to urge residents to participate actively in the process to ensure that their needs are accurately reflected in municipal planning. Feedback on the draft can be submitted until the plan is officially tabled in May.
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