GOOD Statement by Matthew Cook,
GOOD Councillor and Chairperson of the S79 Finance Committee in the City of Johannesburg
28 January 2026
The GOOD Party welcomes the City of Johannesburg’s decision to make Council and Section 79 Committee documents publicly accessible via the City’s official website.
This is a long-overdue step toward restoring transparency and public trust in local government, following sustained public frustration over the difficulty of accessing Council records.
Access to Council agendas, reports, and approved minutes is not a courtesy; it is a legal requirement.
The Municipal Systems Act, the Promotion of Access to Information Act, and the City’s own Standing Rules and Orders are explicit that Council records must be accessible to the public and the media.
This move simply brings the City back into alignment with its statutory obligations.
As Chairperson of the Section 79 Finance Committee, I have consistently maintained that effective oversight depends on public visibility, not secrecy.
Residents have a right to see how decisions are made, how money is spent, and how executive authority is exercised.
Publishing Council and committee documents strengthens democratic accountability and reinforces the principle that local government exists to serve the people, not to shield itself from scrutiny.
GOOD will closely monitor the implementation of this decision to ensure it is meaningful, consistent, and timely. Transparency must be the norm, not selectively applied. Johannesburg’s residents deserve open governance, clear information, and a city that does not hide its work behind closed doors.
Media Enquiries: media@forgood.org.za