JCA calls to reverse Councillor and Executive Management Salary Increases to fund service delivery crises
Financial Distress Deepens as Leadership Rewards Itself
Johannesburg is facing severe financial strain — yet, at the 36th Ordinary sitting of the Council, councillors have approved salary increases for themselves while withdrawing a critical Adjustment Budget at the last minute. With the City owing billions in outstanding staff payments, struggling entities like Joburg Water short of funds, and City Power mired in instability, these decisions signal a troubling lack of urgency and accountability. The crisis in service delivery cannot wait for the next election cycle; leadership must act now to reverse salary hikes, restore financial discipline, and prioritise residents over political interests.
Joburg Is Broke — So Why Are Salaries Going Up?
At the 36th Ordinary Council meeting on 26 February 2026, the City of Johannesburg withdrew its 2025/26 Adjustment Budget at the last minute because councillors received it only the night before.
Yet, despite failing to table the budget, Council approved salary increases for political office bearers. The Executive Mayor will now earn R1 650 039 per year, and Deputy Mayor Loyiso Masuku R1 332 597.
This comes as the City faces deep financial distress.
A City Under Severe Strain
If Johannesburg were a private company, it would likely be bankrupt.
Senior management salaries have risen by an average of 22% since 2022, with some executives earning over R4 million annually. At the same time:
The City owes employees R10.4 billion in outstanding notch increases dating back to 2016.
Unions are threatening strike action if up to R2 billion is not paid by March 2026.
Joburg Water is reportedly short of R691 million to pay creditors, including small contractors.
Despite this, councillors approved pay increases and an additional Deputy Mayor position.
Governance Must Change
The crisis extends beyond salaries. City Power, widely reported to be mired in corruption and financial mismanagement, urgently needs credible leadership following the resignation of its executive director in February 2026. A transparent appointment process with independent oversight is essential.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana recently warned that funds are not being used for their intended purposes and threatened intervention. The Council’s recent decisions reinforce those concerns.
What Must Happen Now
The Joburg Crisis Alliance is calling for:
Immediate reversal of executive and councillor salary increases.
Renegotiation with unions linking salary adjustments to performance and accountability.
A transparent process to appoint competent leadership at City Power.
Johannesburg’s service delivery crisis is too severe to delay action until after the next elections. Leadership must prioritise residents — not political salaries.