Executive Deputy Mayor and Member of the Mayoral Committee for Finance Cllr Loyiso Masuku today, 27 May 2026, tabled the City of Johannesburg's R97.1 billion Medium-Term Budget for the 2026/27 financial year, outlining plans to strengthen service delivery, rebuild infrastructure and drive inclusive economic growth.
Cllr Masuku said the City has a responsibility to restore confidence through responsible governance and sound financial planning. “Our responsibility is to ensure that hope is not undermined by poor planning, weak governance and infrastructure decline. This budget is designed as an economic tool to support growth, expand access to essential services, and maintain both existing and new infrastructure."
The budget is guided by the theme “Foundation for the Future: Your City, Our City", which reflects the need for collaboration in rebuilding Johannesburg.
“We must build together because no government can rebuild Johannesburg alone," said Masuku, stressing that investment made today would help prevent greater challenges in the future and secure a sustainable city for future generations.
She acknowledged mounting pressure on the City's revenue base, with the revised revenue collection rate declining to 86% from 88.6%. She said challenges such as illegal connections, billing inefficiencies and revenue leakages continue to affect the City's financial sustainability.
To strengthen collections, the City has introduced several interventions, including automation of revenue management systems and improved customer engagement through initiatives such as the “Walk the Floor" programme, aimed at improving public confidence and service experience.
The budget provides for R90.4 billion in operating revenue and R88.3 billion in operating expenditure, resulting in a projected R2.1 billion surplus before taxation and capital grants. The City has also allocated a capital budget of R8.8 billion for 2026/27, with R25.3 billion planned over the medium term to support infrastructure investment and service delivery.
Masuku said a key priority would be directing investment towards historically underserved communities.
“Through this budget, 60% of our capital investment will be directed towards historically marginalised areas to improve infrastructure and access to services," she said.
Public safety and community wellbeing remain key focus areas, with R7.2 billion allocated to public safety, including the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Emergency Management Services and Disaster Management.
Key municipal entities will also receive substantial investment. Johannesburg Water has been allocated R21.6 billion in operating expenditure and R6.4 billion for capital projects, while City Power will receive R28.3 billion in operating expenditure and R6.7 billion in capital investment to improve infrastructure reliability.
Masuku said the budget reflects the City's commitment to building a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable Johannesburg.
Written by Tinyiko Barbara Ngobeni
27/05/2026
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