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“As the host of the State of the City Address (SOCA) on Tuesday 6 June 2023, which is the first of two key city events that sets the tone for the second event, Budget Speech on 13 June 23, I am responsible for hosting the executive mayor on the day and preparations are underway for this very important public event when residents get to hear what new projects, programmes and initiatives are planned for them”, says Councillor Colleen Makhubele the Speaker of Council.

The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Councillor Kabelo Gwamanda will deliver his maiden State of the City Address on Tuesday 6 June 2023 at 10am from the Connie Bapela Council Chamber at the Metro Centre in Braamfontein.

The SOCA is usually preceded by some pomp and ceremony in the form of a parade by members of the JMPD and SAPS brass band. This all takes place at the Saluting Diaz on the Piazza.

In attendance and dressed to the nines are VIP guests from government, the private sector as well as ordinary residents that have been invited. After the wreath laying ceremony, the procession makes its way into the council chamber. A minute’s drumroll signals everyone to be seated before the Speaker and his entourage enter the chamber.

Speaker Makhubele says, “This is a huge moment for the Government of Local Unity that works together to ensure political harmony that will reflect itself in the Mayor’s Address as we direct our energies towards a cleaner, safer, caring and accountable city. 

The Speaker’s role is to welcome and acknowledge the mayor, councillors, guests and the media before indicating the business of the day as being one item on the agenda which is the state of the city address.

No discussions are allowed unlike during an ordinary council meeting and barring any interruptions by political parties, she will ask the Executive Mayor to step to the podium and tell residents what “new projects and programmes are envisioned for them”.

Councillors will have the opportunity to debate the SOCA on Wednesday 7 July 2023 at 10am in the Council Chamber.

The speech should take between one and a half to two hours and depending on what resonates with councillors, they will clap, cheer or boo with the media capturing every moment.

Continuing she says, ‘We have successfully completed our Integrated Development Planning (IDP) process where residents have complained about service delivery, expressed their needs for better living conditions, employment and safety amongst many other needs. These are analysed, considered and accordingly budgeted for in a final IDP document which is approved by Council”.

The Office of the Speaker comprises of the Chair of Chairs, Chief Whip and Section 79 committee members who listen attentively to the speech because they have an important oversight role over the executive mayor and the mayoral committee.

“My office ensures that the mayoral committee, city manager and officials implement what has been promised to residents. We do this through regular meetings, site visits, financial reports and monitoring”, says Speaker Makhubele.

Submitted by the City of Joburg