Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has acknowledged the city’s severe infrastructure decay and financial instability, which have contributed to a massive service delivery backlog, including critical housing shortages.
The MMC for Human Settlements Mlungisi Mabaso outlined the city’s aggressive plans to address the crisis, including multiple large-scale housing projects expected to deliver over 200,000 housing opportunities. Among these is a newly launched development set to yield 43,000 units, alongside another potential 800,000-unit project announced by the mayor.
Mabaso emphasized that the city is prioritizing applicants from 1996 and 1997, many of whom remain unallocated. Additionally, the municipality is acquiring inner-city properties to convert into affordable and social housing.
To fast-track progress, a presidential working team has been established to help resolve bureaucratic delays, including permit approvals and funding allocations from national government. Infrastructure upgrades—such as reservoirs, substations, and sewage plants—are also underway to support new developments.
While timelines vary, some projects will take up to 10 years to complete. Mabaso stressed that the city aims to exceed its current delivery of 3,000 units per year, targeting 5,000 annually to mitigate the backlog.
The crisis demands “unusual interventions,” Mayor Morero stated, as the city seeks private investment and expedited solutions to its housing and infrastructure challenges.
