Mayor Dada Morero has outlined his vision to restore Johannesburg as a “world-class city” during his first State of the City Address, titled “The Joburg We All Want.” The plan focuses on infrastructure development and investment, aiming for 3% economic growth in the medium term.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi praised the address, calling it a “sound roadmap” for the city’s recovery. However, critics question whether the plan can deliver tangible results ahead of next year’s elections.
Julius Kleynhans, Executive Manager at OUTA (Organization Undoing Tax Abuse), expressed skepticism, calling the plan a mix of “political rhetoric and urgency.” He highlighted concerns over funding, administrative capacity, and the city’s ability to execute projects, citing the unresolved Lilian Ngoyi Street repairs two years after a gas explosion as an example of systemic failures.
Morero emphasized enforcing bylaws and improving revenue collection, but Kleynhans argued trust in local government remains low due to inefficiency and corruption. The mayor’s proposed “bomb squad”—a task force led by former Gauteng Premier Snuki Zikalala—aims to unblock bureaucratic bottlenecks, though critics fear it may add another layer of red tape.
With Johannesburg facing a R200 billion infrastructure backlog, Kleynhans stressed the need for professionalized administration and accountability. “For as long as service delivery fails, economic growth won’t happen,” he said. He also said that 3% growth is “impossible”.
As the city grapples with crumbling infrastructure and waning investor confidence, Morero’s plan faces an uphill battle to turn promises into progress.
