Crisis in Johannesburg: Will Ramaphosa's new group bring change?

IN a move that has been a long time coming, President Cyril Ramaphosa has finally announced the establishment of a Presidential Johannesburg Working Group to tackle the spiraling crises seen in the country’s economic hub.

On Saturday, the Joburg Crisis Alliance (JCA), which has been at the forefront of demanding change, welcomed this development with a mix of relief and skepticism.

“We maintained that the city was in a crisis and that it was unable to arrest the downward spiral on its own,” the JCA said in a statement, vindicating their persistent calls for intervention since November 2023.

The alliance’s efforts, including a series of summits and submissions from residents, have culminated in this announcement. However, as Neeshan Balton, Director of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, emphasized, “The mission is clear: to save Joburg from collapse, corruption, bad governance, and the absolute downward spiral financially.”

Johannesburg—also known as Egoli, the city of gold—is facing unprecedented challenges. The economic hub’s infrastructure is crumbling, with severe issues in water, electricity, and road maintenance.

Water shortages have become commonplace due to a staggering 46% loss through leaks and failing infrastructure. The city’s water network is in critical condition, with 22 reservoirs leaking beyond acceptable rates and more than 6 700 leaking pipes identified. This crisis is exacerbated by Johannesburg Water’s vehicle fleet operating at a mere 55% capacity, limiting repair capabilities quite significantly.

The electricity situation is equally dire. The municipal electricity provider, City Power, is overwhelmed by theft, vandalism, and ageing infrastructure, leading to frequent power outages. The city’s electricity grid is fragile, with a backlog of R170 billion for maintenance and upgrades. This has pushed businesses and households to seek alternative power sources, further straining the economy.

Road infrastructure is also deteriorating rapidly, with less than 6% of the city’s 902 bridges in good condition. An estimated R16 billion is needed to restore the crumbling road network, but funding constraints have led to severe neglect.

The JCA got a brief moment to shine at a stakeholder engagement, where they submitted comprehensive reports from their summits and 336 resident submissions. Ramaphosa’s assurance that stakeholders would be part of the working group is a step in the right direction, but the JCA remains cautious. “Nothing less than significant improvements in service delivery, improved governance, bold action against corruption, and financial recovery will help to save Joburg,” it said.

As Johannesburg teeters on the brink, with water crises, infrastructure decay, and rampant corruption, the key question remains: Will this new initiative be enough to turn the tide? Only time will tell if the city’s leaders will finally listen to the voices of its people.

In the meantime, residents continue to face the harsh realities of living in a city on the edge. Water shortages persist, with the DA calling for a state of emergency to address this basic human right. The JCA’s fight is far from over, as they have indicated that they will continue to push for real change, not just promises.

As Balton aptly put it: “If we want to shut down the city tomorrow, we must know why we want to shut it down and what we hope to achieve.” The people of Johannesburg are done waiting; they demand action, not words. The question now is whether the city’s officials will rise to the challenge or continue down the path of complacency. The clock is ticking.