Speaker of Council, Cllr Vasco da Gama;

The Executive Mayor, Cllr Mpho Phalatse;

Chief Whip of Council, Cllr Tyrell Meyers;

Chair of Chairs, Cllr Colleen Makhubele;

Members of the Mayoral Committee; Esteemed fellow Councillors;

Leaders of Political parties;

Acting City Manager, Mr. Tiaan Ehlers;

Members of the media;

Distinguished guests; and And most importantly, those whom we have been elected to serve: the Residents of the City of Johannesburg.Good morning.

Honourable Speaker, before continuing I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the African National Congress Caucus and the loved ones of late Cllr Mpho Moerane. It has been a difficult start to this new term, we have buried 3 councillors. And it has been a difficult season for the ANC: they have buried 2 mayors and a former mayor in less than 12 months. Cllr Mpho Moerane was a dedicated councillor, a devoted son, a loving husband, and a doting father. He will be missed by friends and colleagues of all walks of life and all political persuasions.

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