JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng — Fixing Johannesburg must become a national priority to prevent severe consequences for South Africa’s broader economy, according to a newly launched report by the Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE). With the November 4 local government elections approaching, CDE Executive Director Ann Bernstein emphasizes that restoring effective governance, infrastructure, and service delivery in the country’s primary economic hub is absolutely critical to driving future growth and investment.
The CDE is releasing a series of eight documents leading up to the election to highlight the stakes for voters. Bernstein stresses that the choice made at the ballot box will dictate the city’s trajectory for years to come, urging residents to use their vote to demand accountability rather than expressing frustration through street protests.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by historical voter apathy. Using the Riverside area—where the ANC recently chose to launch its manifesto—as a case study, the CDE points to the 2021 local election results. Despite the ANC securing 36% of the vote, followed closely by the DA at 33% and ActionSA at 11%, a staggering 53% of the 21,800 registered voters in the area did not show up to vote. This high rate of abstention signals deep-seated despondency among the electorate, even in areas where political parties claim progress has been made.
According to the CDE’s research, Johannesburg’s decline is directly tied to a decade of political and administrative dysfunction. The city has seen nine different mayors and eight different administrations over the last ten years, with no mayor completing a full term. Bernstein warns that continuing this pattern will be disastrous for both city residents and the national economy.
To reverse this trend, the CDE argues that Johannesburg requires a “reforming mayor” equipped with integrity and a clear diagnosis of the city’s challenges. This leadership must be prepared to make bold decisions to root out corruption, overhauling a procurement system currently plagued by a lack of transparency and “jobs for pals” mentalities.
Bernstein noted that persistent infrastructure failures, such as City Power breakdowns and exploding substations, as well as water service issues, are not the result of intrinsic or technical limitations. Instead, they are direct consequences of poor governance.
Turning the city around will require more than just political will; it will demand collaboration. The CDE recommends that the next administration partner with experienced, non-partisan turnaround managers, the private sector, active civil society organizations, and both provincial and national government entities.
The economic stakes are exceptionally high. Johannesburg serves as the most important gateway to the global economy, housing more than 70% of South Africa’s corporate headquarters, major universities, and a concentrated pool of national talent. Bernstein posed a stark question: if South Africa cannot fix Johannesburg despite these immense resources, can the country truly be fixed?
The political landscape remains a significant hurdle. The CDE notes that both the ANC and opposition parties are currently fragmented, complicating coalition building. The organization points out that the constitution is not well-equipped to manage modern coalition dynamics, which has occasionally allowed very small parties to secure the mayoral office multiple times. However, Bernstein highlighted that stable, effective coalition governance is achievable, citing successful examples in Cape Town and Midvaal.
To further detail these challenges, the CDE is rolling out targeted research, including a report on the city’s budget released this week, and an upcoming analysis of Johannesburg’s criminal ecosystem to be published in two weeks.
The economic contrast between major metros further highlights the urgency of reform. While Johannesburg has experienced job losses over the past year, Cape Town successfully added 90,000 jobs in the same period.
As the November 4 elections draw near, the CDE’s ultimate appeal is to the electorate: voters must carefully evaluate the candidates and prioritize electing a capable, stable political leadership that genuinely cares about the city’s future above all else.