President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep disappointment over the deteriorating state of Johannesburg, particularly as the city plays host to key G20 meetings ahead of the 2025 G20 Summit.
The president, speaking on Thursday morning at the Johannesburg City Council in Braamfontein, did not hold back in his assessment of the city’s condition. He addressed his concerns directly to Mayor Dada Morero and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, highlighting the urgent need for improvement before the main G20 leaders’ summit later in the year.
Johannesburg’s Decline on Full Display
Ramaphosa’s comments come after two weeks of G20 ministerial gatherings in Johannesburg, during which international delegates got a firsthand look at the city’s infrastructure challenges, traffic congestion, and inner-city decay.
“In the one or two meetings of the G20 that I attended here, it was not very pleasing. The environment that one observed was not a pleasing environment. I say this so that we can improve immensely,” said Ramaphosa.
His remarks reflect the growing frustration among residents and visitors alike, who have long complained about Johannesburg’s poor service delivery, failing infrastructure, and crime levels.
Traffic Woes and Infrastructure Failures
One of the major issues highlighted during the G20 meetings was Johannesburg’s chaotic traffic situation. Many delegates struggled with the unreliable transport system and were forced to navigate major intersections where traffic lights were either broken or non-functional.
These traffic light failures have been an ongoing issue in the city, often resulting in gridlocked roads, long delays, and increased frustration for motorists. Despite previous promises from city officials to address the problem, little progress has been made.
Inner-City Neglect and Safety Concerns
Beyond traffic congestion, Johannesburg’s inner-city decay was also on display during the G20 meetings. The city, once regarded as the economic hub of Africa, has struggled with issues such as:
- Illegal dumping
- Dilapidated buildings
- High crime rates
- Lack of visible law enforcement
Efforts to revitalise the inner city have been slow and inconsistent, with many buildings occupied illegally and large parts of the metro falling into neglect.
The G20 gatherings put this urban decay under the international spotlight, raising concerns about whether Johannesburg is prepared to host world leaders later in the year.
A Call for Urgent Action
Ramaphosa’s frank assessment of Johannesburg’s decline has put pressure on local government officials to take immediate action in cleaning up and fixing the city.
With just a few months to go before the G20 leaders’ summit, the City of Johannesburg will need to fast-track efforts to:
- Repair malfunctioning traffic lights
- Improve road infrastructure
- Enhance public safety measures
- Address waste management issues
The president’s words signal a clear directive that Johannesburg’s current state is unacceptable, especially as the city prepares to welcome some of the world’s most powerful leaders.
Will Johannesburg Rise to the Challenge?
As the economic heart of South Africa, Johannesburg’s global reputation is at stake. The G20 Summit is a high-profile event that could either showcase the city’s potential or further expose its governance failures.
Residents and business owners will be watching closely to see if city officials take action following Ramaphosa’s criticism. With time running out, the question remains: Will Johannesburg be ready to welcome the world?
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