Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi Calls for United Efforts to Improve Safety and Revitalize Johannesburg for G20 Summit
As Johannesburg gears up to host the G20 summit in 2025, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has voiced his concerns over the high crime rates that he believes could undermine the city’s international standing and the safety of visitors. Speaking at a recent media briefing marking his first 100 days in office, Lesufi highlighted the urgent need to curb crime and improve public safety ahead of the event, which is expected to bring numerous global leaders, industry heavyweights, and delegates from the world’s largest economies to Johannesburg.
Lesufi emphasized that he does not want international guests to feel threatened while exploring the city, underscoring the importance of ensuring that the summit serves as a positive showcase of South Africa’s capabilities. “If people come here, we do not want them to be scared to walk around and enjoy our parks. We just have to invest in fighting crime,” he stated. His comments come as Gauteng’s Central Business Districts (CBDs), particularly in Johannesburg, face challenges due to crime and deteriorating infrastructure.
Addressing Violent Crime and Safety Concerns
Lesufi admitted that crime in Gauteng has been a personal concern, keeping him “awake at night” due to recurring incidents of violent crime and the high levels of extortion and kidnapping affecting residents and businesspeople alike. These challenges come at a time when crime statistics, although stabilizing, still paint a concerning picture. According to Lesufi, the province has not yet achieved enough progress in fighting crime; however, new centralized strategies are being introduced to bring together local, provincial, and national resources in a concerted effort to bolster security measures.
“We are putting all the cars, staff, everything that is with local government, provincial government, and national government in one pot, and having the national police lead us on how best to deal with things,” he noted, illustrating the commitment to more cohesive and impactful crime prevention efforts.
Revitalizing Gauteng’s Central Business Districts
In addition to improving security, Lesufi and Gauteng authorities are also focused on revamping the state of Johannesburg’s CBDs. Many areas in the city centre have suffered from neglect and disrepair, which Lesufi acknowledged as another barrier to creating a safe, welcoming environment for both locals and visitors. With a coordinated effort involving local municipalities, the government plans to begin the revitalization process in Johannesburg, setting a blueprint for similar improvements in other areas of the province.
According to Gauteng MEC for Environment Sheila Mary Peters, specific measures are also being implemented to ensure that public spaces remain clean and visually appealing in preparation for the summit.
A Global Stage for Economic Cooperation
The G20 summit represents a significant opportunity for Johannesburg and South Africa, bringing together heads of state, banking leaders, and influential industry figures from across the globe. The event’s focus on economic cooperation will allow South Africa to highlight its role in the international economy. For Lesufi and Gauteng officials, the summit underscores the importance of addressing crime and revitalizing the city to ensure that Johannesburg leaves a positive impression on the world stage.
With heightened efforts to address crime and improve the city’s infrastructure, Johannesburg is preparing to not only host a successful summit but also to strengthen its reputation as a world-class destination.
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