President Cyril Ramaphosa has stated that placing the City of Johannesburg under administration would not be in the best interests of its residents. Responding to a question from Build One South Africa (BOSA) MP Mmusi Maimane, who asked why the city hadn’t been placed under administration, Ramaphosa explained that such a process would involve a lengthy legislative procedure and would not immediately address the city’s pressing challenges.
“We are seeing new energy from all stakeholders, including academics and young people,” Ramaphosa said, noting that the situation in Johannesburg requires collaboration rather than administrative intervention.
The city is grappling with persistent problems such as dilapidated infrastructure, malfunctioning traffic lights, water shortages, and a struggling power supply, all of which have worsened over the years. Despite these challenges, Ramaphosa expressed confidence that the newly established Presidential Johannesburg Working Group (PJWG) would address these issues effectively.
Ramaphosa emphasized his belief in the group’s potential, citing his experience with similar challenges in the City of Ekurhuleni, which saw significant improvements under coordinated efforts. He also mentioned that meetings with financial institutions, including banks that are eager to support the city’s revival, were already underway.
“There is a keen interest from the banking sector to work with the city’s government to revamp Johannesburg and ensure that service delivery meets the expectations of its residents,” Ramaphosa added.
While acknowledging the severity of the city’s decline, Ramaphosa remains optimistic. He believes that, with all stakeholders involved, Johannesburg has the potential to return to its former glory.
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