The City of Johannesburg is poised for transformative change as the MMC for Finance, Margret Arnolds, unveiled her maiden budget of R89.4 billion on Wednesday, a historic financial commitment that she elucidated as more than mere numbers—it is a declaration of intent from Johannesburg’s coalition government to fulfil its promise to the citizens.
Arnolds articulated a vision for the future, asserting, “Today we do not merely present a budget – we present a vision forged in the fire of public participation, grounded in the demands of our people, and propelled by the spirit of renewal.” She reinforced that this budget is a political statement fostering clarity, equity, and prompt delivery of services in a city grappling with a myriad of challenges.
Described as the “2025/2026 People’s Budget,” Arnolds underscored its responsiveness to the aspirations of residents, businesses, and the broader municipality. “This is our collective response to the call for The Joburg We All Want. We are rebuilding investor confidence and restoring hope,” she stated, aiming to unite the city in the face of economic difficulties.
- Operating Revenue: R84.8 billion
- Operating Expenditure: R80.7 billion
- Projected Surplus: R4.1 billion (before taxation and capital grants)
- Capital Budget: R8.7 billion (R26.2 billion over the medium term)
The driving forces behind the city’s revenue generation are predominantly focused on essential services:
- Electricity: R25.6 billion
- Water & Wastewater: R20 billion
- Property Rates: R18.1 billion
- Refuse Removal: R3.3 billion
- National Fuel Levy: R4.57 billion
Arnolds’ budget comes in a climate where political parties are fiercely positioning themselves as champions of the poor. She described the budget as a “fully funded, pro-poor and pro-growth budget—an instrument of transformation, and a roadmap to resilience” during an address that highlighted the mounting economic pressures faced by Johannesburg.
“This budget is tabled at a time of profound urgency,” she stated, recognising the stark contrasts within Johannesburg, where hope and opportunity coalesce with daunting challenges. She emphasised the significance of public participation in shaping this budget, revealing that around 20,000 voices contributed through extensive dialogue facilitated by the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). “It is a budget born from listening,” she confirmed.
As the largest economy in Africa, Johannesburg embodies the hopes of millions. “The resilience of our people— from Zandspruit to Orange Farm, from Hillbrow to Roodepoort—tells us this is not a city in decline. It is a city demanding rebirth. And this budget is the start of that rebirth,” Arnolds proclaimed, positioning her fiscal strategy as a promise of renewal and regeneration amidst dire economic circumstances.