Ramaphosa Warns Johannesburg to Fix Infrastructure and Crime Ahead of G-20 Summit

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a stern warning to officials in Johannesburg, urging them to resolve the city’s pressing infrastructure and crime issues ahead of the Group of 20 (G-20) summit in November. The event, the first of its kind to be held in Africa, will bring together leaders from the world’s largest economies, and Ramaphosa emphasized that Johannesburg must present itself as a world-class city.

A City in Crisis

Johannesburg, Africa’s richest urban center, has been plagued by years of mismanagement, with power frequently changing hands between shifting political coalitions. Residents face crumbling roads, frequent water and electricity outages, a lack of basic services, and rampant violent crime. These challenges have tarnished the city’s reputation and raised concerns about its ability to host a high-profile international event like the G-20 summit.

During a meeting with leaders from Gauteng province in the Johannesburg city council chambers, Ramaphosa expressed his dissatisfaction with the city’s current state. “The environment that one observed was not a pleasing environment. I say this so that we can improve immensely,” he said.

A Call for Urgent Action

Ramaphosa stressed that local officials must act swiftly to address these issues. “If we do not move with speed to address the critical challenges identified, we risk undermining the progress we have made thus far,” he warned.

The president also highlighted the importance of demonstrating that Johannesburg is a suitable venue for the G-20 summit. “Local officials will need to demonstrate over the coming months that I hadn’t made a mistake in choosing Johannesburg as the venue for the G-20 gathering,” he said.

Gauteng’s Response

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi assured Ramaphosa that the provincial and local governments are committed to addressing Johannesburg’s shortcomings. A dedicated team has already been established to lead the improvement efforts.

“We are not dealing with these issues specifically for G-20,” Lesufi said. “We need a legacy program that can be enjoyed by all South Africans, and that’s the approach and the orientation that we are taking.”

Cape Town’s Offer

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, whose city is widely regarded as South Africa’s best-run metropolitan area, extended an invitation to Ramaphosa to relocate the G-20 summit to Cape Town. The tourism hub, controlled by the Democratic Alliance, boasts a thriving central business district, reliable infrastructure, and excellent conferencing facilities.

“This is a city with a thriving central business district, offering working traffic lights, neat roads and sidewalks, unmatched natural beauty, and excellent conferencing infrastructure,” Hill-Lewis said in a statement.

He added, “As South Africans, we absolutely want to see Joburg rise to be the world-class African city it should be, but if the challenges prove insurmountable between now and the November G-20 summit, you can count on Cape Town to perform ‘country duty’ and host a successful summit.”

The Road Ahead

As Johannesburg prepares to host the G-20 summit, the pressure is on to address its infrastructure and crime challenges. The event represents a unique opportunity to showcase South Africa on the global stage, but it also highlights the urgent need for effective governance and investment in the country’s largest city.

For now, all eyes are on Johannesburg as it works to transform itself into a city worthy of hosting world leaders. Whether it can rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher.

President Ramaphosa’s warning to Johannesburg officials underscores the importance of addressing the city’s challenges ahead of the G-20 summit. With Cape Town waiting in the wings, Johannesburg must act swiftly to prove it can host a successful and world-class event.

As South Africa prepares to welcome global leaders, the spotlight is on Johannesburg to demonstrate its potential and secure its place as a leading African city.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com