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We have today written to the Speaker and Chief Whip of Council with regards to the Executive Mayor’s fitness and health with regard to his ability to not only attend the postponed SOCA debate and Budget Speech and debate but also his various other commitments to Council and the City.

As the Democratic Alliance we empathise with what is obviously a difficult time for him however his conspicuous absence at other public and council engagements prior to these important council meetings, as the Speaker herself has expressed concern about, is also a concern to the residents of Joburg and the DA.

We are all distressed about the current state of the City and what has been a tumultuous time for our residents and as such would like clarity on whether he is being treated in hospital, has submitted a medical certificate and how severe the situation is with reference to his ability to not only attend the continuation of the SOCA debate but also the extremely important Budget speech and debate and his other commitments in Council .

The DA will insist that the Joburg Caucus is kept abreast of the situation and that the public is made aware of their first citizens capability to hold office and fulfil his duties is upheld.

Issued by Cllr Leah Knott - Chief Whip DA Caucus, City of Johannesburg