• The arrogant, uncaring and insensitive handling of the electricity surcharge and tariff increase by the City and ongoing widespread electricity outages across the City;

• The contemptuous and disdainful press statement issued by the Executive Mayor labelling Johannesburg residents who raised their concerns about the electricity surcharge as “stooges”;

• Intermittent water supplies since 2023 and prolonged water cuts in recent weeks despite public assurances by Joburg Water that water supply is being managed adequately, resulting in street protests in different parts of the city;

• The admission by the MMC Finance that the city needs to loan an amount of R2.5 billion from Agence Française de Dévelopement (AFD) to cover budget shortfalls;

• The virtual collapse of services in terms of road maintenance, cleanliness and the provision of affordable housing; and

• The tragic assassination of a lead investigator into corruption in the city.

The JCA believes that the Executive Mayor and his Mayoral Committee must be held accountable for these and other critical lapses in service delivery to the public. We do not believe that Councillor Gwamanda and his team has the requisite skills and capability to resolve the deepening governance crisis in Johannesburg. Further, the Mayor and his Mayoral Committee seem to lack genuine concern for the well-being of Johannesburg and its residents. Hence, our call that Mayor Gwamanda must resign and that a new leadership must be installed in the city.

The JCA demands:

• The resignation of the Executive Mayor and the Mayoral Committee; 

• A review of the recent pre-paid electricity tariffs; 

• An end to unplanned water cuts and emergency water provision to under-serviced communities; 

• An end to unplanned electricity load reduction; 

• Decisive and consistent measures in combatting corruption and protecting whistle-blowers and investigators; and

• Open, transparent and proper consultation with civil society, business and labour in the governance of the city. 

Our call for change in the leadership of the city is not made in favour of any political party. We hold the view that whoever assumes leadership in the City must be held to account, irrespective of which political party they represent. 

The Joburg Crisis Alliance will continue to promote active citizenry for positive change. It therefore calls on civil society organisations, residents’ associations, clubs and societies, faith-based organisations and all concerned residents of Johannesburg to gather at the Joburg Metro Centre on Saturday, 27 July 2024 at 10:00am, to demonstrate against the current deteriorating situation and to demand positive change in the city of Johannesburg.

Statement by the Joburg Crisis Alliance co-convenors
Neeshan Balton
Ishmael Mkhabela

Organisations supporting this statement:
Ahmed Kathrada Foundation
Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse
Action for Accountability
Defend Our Democracy
Johannesburg Inner-City Partnership
Rivonia Circle

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