​The postponement of the Council meeting was due to the strain on the network in the Council precinct, which could not cope with the influx of connectivity at the same time from the same venue. 

In view of the technical difficulties the Chief Whip of Council convened a meeting of all the political parties and they resolved to recommend to the Speaker of Council to consider postponing the sitting and reconvene the meeting within seven working days in a bigger venue that could accommodate all councillors in line with the Level 1 Regulations relating to gatherings. The Speaker acceded to this request.

Subsequently, the Speaker indicated that a new date for Council will be set and the public will be advised accordingly.

In accordance with Section 29 of the Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (Act 117 of 1998), the Speaker of Council has advised on the new date for the Extra-Ordinary Council meeting to be held as follows:

Date:     7^th and 8^th October 2020, respectively

Venue: Gallagher Estate, Midrand

Time:     10:00 AM

The public is therefore advised on the upcoming Extra-Ordinary Council meeting in line with Rule 42 of the Standing Rules and Orders of Council, 2016, which provides that-

1. Council and all Committees of Council shall be open to the public and media subject to Section 20(1) of the Systems Act and any other applicable legislation.
2. The Presiding Officer shall make every effort to facilitate access including the relocation of a meeting to an appropriate venue, especially with respect to access for disabled persons and the anticipated interest in the Committee's agenda. Access may however be restricted in terms of the relevant sections of the Health and Safety Legislation.

The Extra-Ordinary Councill meeting will be held in line with Directive 6.7 of the Regulations issues by the Minister on 3 July 2020 under Gazette No. 43503  which permits normal face -to -face Council and staff meetings to  be  conducted where necessary, subject to strict adherence to all COVID-19 public health and containment prescripts especially those relating to gatherings, physical distancing, health and safety.

In compliance with the amended Regulation relating to gatherings, the meeting will be limited to 50 percent of the capacity of the indoor venue to be used with a maximum of 250 persons.

 Due to the Regulations on gatherings as amended, a limited number of persons may be accommodated at the venue.

Moreover, the upcoming Extra-Ordinary Council meetings will be live streamed on media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.

The members of the public are therefore encouraged to be part of the council meetings by viewing the proceedings of Council on the aforesaid media platforms.

Issued by the City of Johannesburg

Spokesperson for the Speaker of Council: Sipho Masigo, 068 040 9431

For all media queries, send an email to siphomasi@joburg.org.za