Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi apologises to President Cyril Ramaphosa after his disappointment with Johannesburg’s poor infrastructure ahead of the G20 summit.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has formally apologised to President Cyril Ramaphosa for the deteriorating state of Johannesburg. This comes after Ramaphosa expressed his disappointment during his recent visit to the province, particularly in light of South Africa hosting the G20 presidency this year.
Ramaphosa’s Disappointment with Johannesburg’s State
During his oversight visit to Gauteng, Ramaphosa criticised the state of Johannesburg, pointing out infrastructure failures such as malfunctioning traffic lights, potholes, and poor service delivery. The President highlighted that his experience during previous G20 meetings in the city was “not very pleasing.”
Despite this, he assured Gauteng leaders that they have an opportunity to improve before the final G20 summit in November. The province will play a key role as most G20 meetings are scheduled to take place in Johannesburg.
Lesufi’s Apology and Action Plan
In response, Lesufi acknowledged the province’s shortcomings and apologised to Ramaphosa. He admitted that Johannesburg’s infrastructure is struggling and emphasised that efforts are already underway to address these concerns.
“We need a leniency programme that can be enjoyed by all. And that’s the approach that we are taking,” Lesufi stated.
He explained that government teams are already working to fix infrastructure problems, install CCTV cameras, and coordinate efforts between local and provincial authorities to enhance service delivery.
Government’s Commitment to Improvement
Lesufi also pointed out that past events, such as the BRICS Summit, placed restrictions on government interventions, limiting their ability to manage Johannesburg’s infrastructure. However, with the G20 summit approaching, he assured that the province is taking the necessary steps to leave a lasting positive impression on international visitors.
Key Challenges in Johannesburg
Some of the most pressing issues plaguing Johannesburg include:
- Traffic light failures leading to increased congestion
- Potholes and road damage affecting transportation
- Deteriorating public spaces due to poor maintenance
- Inconsistent waste management and garbage accumulation
As Gauteng prepares for upcoming international events, Lesufi has pledged to restore Johannesburg’s infrastructure and ensure that the city represents South Africa well. The province’s response to these challenges will be closely watched, with the G20 summit serving as a major test of their efforts.
Also read: Cape Town Bids for G20 as Joburg Falters – Mayor Urges Ramaphosa to Relocate Summit
