By Mpho Moloi
On Wednesday, 7 May 2025, Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero delivered his State of the City Address (SOCA) at the Connie Bapela Council Chambers in Braamfontein, unveiling a comprehensive turnaround strategy aimed at revitalising the city amidst mounting challenges.
⸻Acknowledging the City’s Challenges
Mayor Morero began by recognising the city’s current difficulties, stating, “The people of Johannesburg legitimately are concerned about the city, the city that they call home. And this is my home too.” He emphasised his commitment to restoring Johannesburg, highlighting issues such as decaying infrastructure, service delivery backlogs, and financial instability exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
⸻Submission of Turnaround Plan to the President
In a significant move, Morero announced that a detailed turnaround plan has been completed and submitted to President Cyril Ramaphosa. This plan outlines strategies to address the city’s pressing issues, focusing on restoring law and order, improving service delivery, and stimulating economic growth.
⸻Key Initiatives and Projects
1. Infrastructure Development
The mayor outlined several infrastructure projects, including:
• Inner City Revitalisation: Upgrading bulk infrastructure, refurbishing abandoned buildings, and installing safe public lighting to restore dignity to the city’s core areas such as Marshalltown, Jeppestown, Hillbrow, and Braamfontein.
• Lufhereng Mixed-Use Development: A flagship human settlement project delivering 30,000 housing units alongside bulk infrastructure and social amenities. • Southern Farms Mega Project: Providing 43,000 subsidised housing opportunities, aiming to create a fully integrated township with mixed-income housing and community facilities.
2. Energy and Water Security
To address energy challenges, the city plans to implement an energy sustainability strategy that reduces reliance on Eskom by integrating new distributed energy generation and storage facilities. Additionally, a R296 million allocation is focused on electrifying informal settlements, providing safe and legal electricity access to thousands of households.
For water security, Johannesburg Water is delivering large-scale interventions to secure the city’s water future, including the construction of the Northern Farms Wastewater Treatment Plant.
3. Economic Growth and Job Creation
Morero aims to achieve an average GDP growth rate of 3% over the next five years through the addition of an economic workstream within the Presidential Support Package. The city is also investing in deprived and marginalised areas, allocating around R3 billion over the medium-term to invest in eight underserved areas, including Diepsloot, Southern Farms, Ivory Park, and Orange Farm.
⸻Governance and Accountability
To ensure effective implementation of the turnaround plan, Morero announced the establishment of a high-powered implementation impact team known as the “Bomb Squad,” led by ANC stalwart Dr. Snuki Zikalala. This team is tasked with removing constraints that hinder the city’s ability to create a better Johannesburg. Additionally, the mayor plans to restructure his mayoral committee by rotating members across all ten portfolios, aiming to align members with roles that match their strengths to accelerate service delivery.
⸻Community Engagement and Partnerships
Morero emphasised the importance of partnerships with national and provincial governments, businesses, labour, and civil society. He highlighted collaborations such as the Jozi My Jozi Consortium, Johannesburg Parks Alliance, and the Inner City Partnership, which focus on transforming underutilised buildings, rehabilitating green public spaces, and improving urban safety and cleanliness.The city is also working with Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa to roll out the “Grow My Business” training curriculum, empowering township-based entrepreneurs in retail and hospitality sectors.
⸻Addressing Public Concerns
In response to public concerns about high electricity tariffs, especially for industrial customers, Morero assured that City Power would provide a relief tariff option to support these major employers. He also acknowledged the need to improve service delivery, stating that the Service Delivery War Room established in March 2025 has led to a decline in service delivery protests and improved collaboration between government departments and state-owned entities.
🔴 Central News Special Edition | Issue 104 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: DA’s Helen Zille Accuses ANC of Using Employment Equity Law to “Shrink Jobs and Punish Business”
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Central-News-Issue-104.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube