Connect with us

411

Joburg Residents Confront Crises in Urgent Meeting: Calls for Action and Accountability

Published

on

Johannesburg residents gathered at the Brixton Multipurpose Centre this past weekend for a crucial discussion about the city’s worsening crises. The event, led by the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation under the theme “Save Joburg,” saw over a hundred community members voice their concerns about various pressing issues affecting the metro.

Key Issues Discussed:
The city’s residents highlighted several ongoing problems, including poor waste management, frequent load shedding by Eskom and City Power, water cuts, and the deteriorating state of infrastructure. One of the most concerning issues raised was the neglect of the Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG), which some residents believe has been abandoned for too long.

Proposals for Change:
Some residents proposed extreme measures to force action. A minority suggested boycotting the payment of municipal rates as a form of protest. However, the majority called for increased transparency and accountability from the City to ensure better service delivery for the people.

Michael Kerr, a resident from Yeoville, pushed for the declaration of a state of emergency in response to the ongoing water crisis, which has left many residents without reliable access to water. Themba Zulu from Orange Farm suggested a sit-in at the City Council and Provincial Legislature to amplify public pressure on elected officials to address these issues urgently. He also emphasized the importance of active participation in government processes, particularly meetings concerning the Integrated Development Plan (IDP).

Voices of Concern:
Prominent figures at the meeting, including journalist Ferial Haffajee, underscored the severity of the city’s water crisis. Haffajee noted that the city had experienced 1,377 water cuts on a single day in July and 1,400 in September — a situation that points to a failing infrastructure. The impact of these cuts, she argued, is felt deeply by residents and businesses alike.

Nishan Bolton, Director of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, was outspoken about the city’s need to address its governance and corruption issues. “The mission is clear: to save Joburg from collapse, corruption, bad governance, and the absolute downward spiral financially,” Bolton said, adding that meaningful change would require the involvement of the city’s people, with millions coming together to apply direct pressure on decision-makers.

David Fleminger, chairperson of the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation, also took the floor to draw attention to the dire state of JAG. He criticized the neglect of the art gallery and questioned the city’s commitment to its heritage sites. “Repairs to the JAG are long overdue, but the Heritage Act mandates public participation prior to any work being conducted,” Fleminger explained.

City’s Response and Call for Peaceful Protest:
In response to the grievances expressed, City Speaker Nobuhle Mthembu acknowledged the residents’ frustrations. While she welcomed peaceful protests, she urged against joining the proposed ratepayer boycotts, citing previous protests and their impact on the city’s services, such as the Pikitup workers’ strike last year.

The “Save Joburg” meeting brought much-needed attention to the escalating crises in South Africa’s economic hub. The city’s residents continue to demand a solution to the ongoing issues, with many hoping that their collective voice will pressure the authorities into immediate action. As Johannesburg faces increasing challenges, community unity and determination may be the key to turning the tide.

Oringinally sourced on groundup

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com