Local government elections are held every five years. A mixed electoral system is utilised whereby half the seats in local and metropolitan councils are derived utilising a Proportional Representation system where voters vote for a party, and the other half through the Constituency (ward) system where ward councillors are elected by residents in each ward. The elected Municipal Council then elects a mayor and a deputy mayor. The mayor may then appoint an executive or mayoral committee, made up of councillors.

Electoral Commission of South Africa. 2016. 2016 Municipal Elections Handbook. Electoral Commission: National Office.

Republic of South Africa, Cooperative Governance Traditional Affairs. 2024. Understanding the local government.

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• Community Development
• Development Planning
• Economic Development
• Environment and Infrastructure Services (EISD)
• Health
• Human Settlements
• Public Safety
• Social Development
• Transportation
• Citizen Relationship and Urban Management
• Group Audit
• Group Corporate and Shared Services
• Group Finance
• Group Forensic and Investigation Services
• Group Governance
• Group Information and Communications Technology
• Group Risk Assurance Services
• Group Strategy, Policy Coordination and Relations

Municipal Entities

• City Power
• Johannesburg Development Agency
• Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market
• Johannesburg Property Company
• Johannesburg Social Housing Company
• Johannesburg Roads Agency
• Johannesburg Water
• Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
• Metrobus
• Metropolitan Trading Company
• Pikitup
• Joburg City Theatres
• Joburg Tourism Company

Johannesburg Integrated Development Plan 2024-2025

The council has the following structures:

1. The Executive Mayor – who heads the council
2. An executive or mayoral committee – meets regularly to co-ordinate the work of council and make recommendations to council.
3. A speaker – who chairs council meetings
4. Council meetings – where the full council meets to make decisions
5. Committees – where a few councillors meet to discuss specific issues

All municipal, legislative and executive powers are vested in the metropolitan council, however, metropolitan councils may decentralise powers and functions.

Republic of South Africa, Cooperative Governance Traditional Affairs. 2024. Understanding the local government.

• Financial and business services
• Retail and wholesale trade
• Community and social services 
• Manufacturing sector

City of Joburg website. About the City. Available: https://joburg.org.za/documents_/Pages/Key%20Documents/SDBIP%20IDP%20and%20Budget/links/Budget.aspx (13 September 2022)

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