The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Kabelo Gwamanda, delivered his maiden State of the City Address (SOCA) at the Constance Bapela Council Chamber on June 6.
“It is with humility and determination that I now share with you the current state of our progress, acknowledging that we find ourselves at a performance level of 66% at the end of the third quarter. While this number may not meet our initial expectations, it is essential to recognise the significant strides we have made despite the challenges we inherited,” said Gwamanda.
He noted that upon assuming office, the leadership was faced with a fragile state of finances that demanded immediate attention. It necessitated aligning the priorities and rebasing the budget to lay the foundation for sustainable growth and development.
He said that by diligently reviewing the budget, re-evaluating expenditures and generating more revenue, the city has taken steps to ensure that all funds are utilised efficiently and effectively. It has also engaged in extensive consultations with stakeholders, listened to the needs of communities, and allocated resources accordingly.
“This rigorous process has allowed us to realign our priorities, focusing on key areas such as infrastructure development and refurbishment, actively engaging with our citizenry, and facilitating job creation opportunities.
Although progress has been steady in the three months of the Government of Local Unity (GLU), we acknowledge that there is still work to be done,” said Gwamanda.
Spatial inequality
Importantly, he said Johannesburg continues to battle a number of developmental challenges.
This includes the persistence of spatial inequality with disparities in access to services and opportunities visible across different areas, unemployment which is threatening the livelihoods of many residents, a lack of affordable housing that has led to the proliferation of informal settlements, and the increasing rate of crime and gender-based violence.
He also mentioned transportation inefficiency which limits mobility and economic productivity and highlighted gaps in service delivery, which affects access to water, sanitation, energy, and waste management.
Electricity crisis
Gwamanda said load-shedding also remains one of the biggest threats to the safety, security, economy and livability of the city.
“Providing reliable and sustainable power supply to our residents and businesses in the city is one of the foremost priorities of the government of local unity (GLU) and receiving our urgent attention through City Power.”
Integrated Development Plan
In terms of the water challenges, Gwamanda said that the current infrastructure challenges contribute to water shortages within the city.
With regards to 2023/24 Integrated Development Plan, Gwamanda noted the concerns of residents that were raised throughout the regions across the city. In Region F, he noted a request for the upgrade of recreation and sports centres, one being the Xavier Multipurpose Centre.
“These issues remain high on my agenda, and I will continue to work with the mayoral committee and the city administrators to find sustainable, long-term solutions to the infrastructure problems. Joburg Water is investing to build and upgrade the bulk water infrastructure,” he said.
Crime
Gwamanda also pointed out that the city is hard at work finding ways to create jobs, empower women and fight the rising crime rate.
He said that to tackle high levels of crime, the Public Safety Department, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, is dedicated to reducing crime and promoting safety throughout the city.
“Fighting and defeating crime is a top priority for the GLU. To bolster our efforts in fighting crime, we plan to recruit approximately 2 000 crime wardens.
“Through the multidisciplinary operation led by Public Safety, we will restore the rule of law in the inner city and ensure the safety of all who live or work there.
“We have since introduced a new initiative and partnership with the private sector that will give our JMPD access to over 5 000 smart CCTV cameras to allow us to monitor, track and trace crime suspects and perpetrators across the city,” he explained.
The city will, this year, finally heed the call for a restructured and capacitated Youth Directorate, to consolidate and enhance youth development.
Additionally, the mayor noted that guided by the GDS 2040, intergovernmental relations are critical to the operationalisation of the city’s 11 strategic priorities which will take the city a step closer to being a world-class African city.
The current 11 priorities are good governance, financial sustainability, energy mix, sustainable service delivery, infrastructure development and refurbishment, job creation and opportunities, safer city, active and engaged citizenry, sustained economic growth, green economy, and smart city.
“Through the district development model, ours is to ensure that we work closely with the provincial and national spheres of government to create synergy and coordination in resolving the challenges that face our city; from our fight against crime to our ability to provide reliable and sustainable water supply,” he said.
Taking action
Gwamanda said the GLU is committed to taking a proactive approach in addressing the challenges facing the city. Through strategic planning, collaboration, and citizen engagement, the city is laying the foundation for a brighter future.
“Together, with the collective efforts of the capable MMCs, residents, businesses, and civil society, we will create a legacy that reflects the hopes, dreams and aspirations of all the inhabitants of Johannesburg.”
