The leadership of Joburg have failed the residents
Johannesburg Deserves Better Than Coalition Chaos
Johannesburg is facing a serious leadership and governance crisis driven by political infighting, allegations of corruption, coalition instability, and a failure to prioritise residents’ needs. As an election year begins, residents are watching closely and will judge political parties by their conduct, integrity, and commitment to putting the city first.
Leadership Has Failed the Residents of Johannesburg
Johannesburg is facing a full-blown leadership and governance crisis. A city already under strain is being pushed further into instability by political infighting, poor accountability, and self-serving decision-making at the highest levels.
The arrest of the Acting CEO of JOSHCO, the looming motion of no confidence against Mayor Dada Morero, and ongoing political manoeuvring within Council are not isolated incidents. Together, they reveal a leadership consumed by coalition deals and power struggles rather than the urgent needs of residents.
While politicians fight for control, the city is grinding to a halt. Infrastructure is collapsing, basic services are unreliable, communities feel increasingly unsafe, and the local economy continues to weaken. Residents are paying the price for leadership that has lost sight of its core responsibility: serving the people of Johannesburg.
The Joburg Crisis Alliance warned that unchecked coalition chaos would lead to this moment. As early as 2023, civil society called for national intervention, recognising that Johannesburg’s crisis has serious implications for the country as a whole. A crisis in Joburg is a national crisis.
As we enter an election year, political parties must be judged not by their promises, but by their conduct, integrity, and willingness to put the city first. Johannesburg’s residents are watching—and they will respond at the ballot box.
Johannesburg deserves better. It deserves leadership that puts people before politics.
Join the movement for a better Joburg.