JCA Summit-10: The Fight to Save Joburg Continues Beyond the Elections
JCA to Follow the Money and Hold Joburg's Leaders Accountable
Over 250 civic activists gathered at JCA Summit-10, calling for stable coalitions, ethical leadership and improved services. The JCA launched its Residents’ Call to Save Joburg and proposed a citizen-led Civic Watchdog to follow the money. From the November elections through to 2031, the JCA aims to sustain civic oversight, strengthen ward committees and hold elected leaders accountable.
STATEMENT SUMMARY
JCA Summit-10: Civil Society Commits to Bringing Hope and Change to Johannesburg
Over 250 representatives of civil society organisations and communities gathered in Parkview on 17 October 2026 for the Joburg Crisis Alliance’s tenth summit, committing to sustained civic action to restore accountable governance and reliable service delivery in Johannesburg.
With 75 political parties contesting the forthcoming local government elections and another potentially unstable coalition government anticipated, the Summit called for coalition agreements that prioritise residents over political interests. These should include proportional allocation of leadership positions, transparent agreements, common policy priorities, reduced political interference and mechanisms to resolve disputes.
The JCA launched its “Residents’ Call to Save Joburg”, setting out eight commitments for candidates and ten priority actions against which the new administration's first-year performance will be measured.
Concerned about corruption, organised crime and deteriorating municipal services, the Summit called for an independent commission to investigate criminality, civilian oversight of the JMPD and stronger national law enforcement intervention.
A major outcome was the decision to establish an independent, citizen-led Civic Watchdog to follow the money by scrutinising municipal budgets, expenditure, procurement and contracts. The objective is to expose corruption, waste and mismanagement and establish why billions in municipal revenue fail to translate into reliable services.
The Summit also encouraged residents to participate in ward committees, supported reforms to strengthen their effectiveness and urged volunteers to participate in election monitoring.
Importantly, the JCA is considering a sustained accountability programme beginning on 5 November 2026 and continuing until 2031. Working with communities and partner organisations, it intends to monitor elected representatives and municipal performance throughout the five-year term.
The Summit concluded with a call for residents to vote for ethical leadership on 4 November and remain actively involved in holding the new administration accountable.
The Residents’ Call can be downloaded HERE