When mayor Dada Morero initiated Johannesburg’s extensive clean-up campaign earlier this year, it sparked the ongoing debate: is this just a political spectacle or an authentic city improvement? Johannesburg, the leading economic hub of Africa, contributes about 16% to South Africa’s GDP and 40% to Gauteng’s economy. It is at a critical crossroads, confronting governance challenges, ageing infrastructure and urban decay that threaten its competitiveness and the well-being of its 5.6-million residents.
Nonetheless, history demonstrates that urban decline is not unavoidable. Cities around the world, once deemed beyond hope, have made remarkable recoveries, offering valuable insights for Johannesburg’s path forward. The timing of this debate is crucial considering South Africa’s current political situation, especially since Johannesburg recently hosted the G20 Summit.
The Government of National Unity (GNU), formed after the ANC’s lowest-ever 40.18% vote share in the 2024 elections, operates through complex coalitions with the DA (21.81%) and smaller parties. This political makeup introduces considerable uncertainty for long-term urban planning, prompting an essential question: is coalition governance capable of supporting the multi-decade efforts needed for urban transformation? Think about New York City in 1975, teetering on the brink of financial ruin with more than $13bn in municipal debt, essential services breaking down and more than 2,000 murders each year.
Read Full Article on TimesLIVE
[paywall]
President Gerald Ford’s notable refusal to support the city seemed to confirm that America’s largest metropolis was doomed. However, it took three decades of institutional reform, guided by six mayors from both political parties, to begin the path to recovery. Mayor Abraham Beame (1974-1977) accepted federal oversight and implemented strict fiscal discipline.
Edward Koch (1978-1989) prioritised stabilising city finances through disciplined budgeting. David Dinkins (1990-1993) launched transformative community policing initiatives. Rudy Giuliani (1994-2001) reduced major crimes by 70% and pioneered public-private partnerships.
Michael Bloomberg (2002-2013) furthered these achievements by expanding rezoning initiatives and transit infrastructure. This shows that successful urban transformation depends on coalition partners maintaining institutional stability across electoral cycles, a particular challenge for Johannesburg’s Government of Local Unity, which often negotiates mandates rather than outright winning them. Medellín, Colombia, experienced a remarkable transformation in only 12-15 years, compared to New York’s three-decade recovery.
In the early 1990s, Medellín had the highest worldwide homicide rate, with 381 murders per 100,000 residents. Mayor Sergio Fajardo (2004-2007) introduced ‘social urbanism’, channelling resources into marginalised communities via library parks, the Metrocable cable car system connecting hillside settlements to the metro, and healthcare facilities. Importantly, his successors Alonso Salazar (2008-2011) and Aníbal Gaviria (2012-2015) continued these initiatives despite representing different political parties.
In 2013, the Urban Land Institute recognised the city as the “Most Innovative City”. Property values increased, business investments grew, and tourism became a key sector.
[/paywall]
