National Treasury's decision to withhold Johannesburg's funding sent a clear message that years of financial mismanagement and weak governance could no longer be ignored. While the City has now met the minimum conditions required for the release of those funds, Treasury has made it equally clear that continued compliance will be closely monitored.

For residents, this is about far more than budgets and grant allocations. It is about whether Johannesburg can restore financial discipline, pay its creditors, maintain critical infrastructure and deliver reliable services.

We welcome Treasury's firm oversight, but real success will not be measured by revised recovery plans or media briefings. It will be measured by whether residents begin to experience meaningful improvements in service delivery and whether those responsible for years of decline are finally held accountable.

Because confidence isn't restored through promises. It's restored through performance.

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