GOOD Statement by Matthew Cook,
GOOD National Chairperson and City of Johannesburg Councillor
07 May 2025
Today’s Joburg State of the City Address, delivered by Executive Mayor Dada Morero, was a masterclass in political spin, grand visions, ambitious timelines, and lofty ideals. But the people of Johannesburg know better. They live the truth daily, with a city in deep and visible decline.
While the Mayor speaks of a City of Johannesburg that works for all, the reality is a city that barely works at all. From decaying infrastructure and collapsing service delivery to worsening inequality and ongoing political instability, the promises made today are difficult to reconcile with the lived experience of millions of residents.
Yes, we heard about “revitalising the inner city,” “smart mobility,” and “mega investments.” But we’ve heard this all before. In the meantime, the streets are dark, potholes grow deeper, water interruptions last longer, and refuse continues to pile up. The administration cannot continue to sell pipe dreams while basic services remain a daily struggle.
The only suggestion that hinted we were in a state of crisis was the Mayor’s introduction of a COJ Bomb Squad needed to remove constraints on the City’s ability to create the Joburg we want to see.
Johannesburg is hosting G20 events this year, an opportunity that should be a source of pride. Instead, we risk becoming a cautionary tale for global investors. What message does it send when our economic hub can’t keep the lights on, the taps running, or the roads drivable?
There is little accountability, even less urgency, and a disturbing prioritisation of prestige projects over practical needs.
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