Johannesburg, one of South Africa’s economic and cultural hubs, is preparing for a major international event: the 2025 G20 Summit. However, as the city races to fix potholes, streetlights, and other essential infrastructure, the question remains: Is Joburg ready for the G20? What is the current state of Johannesburg’s readiness, examining efforts by Gauteng’s local government and the challenges they face in ensuring the city is primed for the world’s attention?
Johannesburg’s Infrastructure Challenges Ahead of the G20
The announcement of Johannesburg as the host city for the G20 Summit has sparked both excitement and concern. Johannesburg’s infrastructure has faced long-standing issues, with potholes, faulty streetlights, and water leaks disrupting daily life for residents. With the G20 Summit just around the corner in November 2025, Gauteng authorities are scrambling to address these concerns before the international delegation arrives.
For more on the province’s preparations, read our article on how the Gauteng government remains confident Johannesburg will host a successful G20 Summit despite DA concerns.
Quote from Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi:
“We are now ranking each and every municipality in terms of their readiness for us to attend to all this. It’s about ensuring that Gauteng presents its best side to the world during the G20 Summit.”
Gauteng Races to Fix Potholes
Among the most urgent repairs in Johannesburg are the potholes. These long-standing issues have made driving in some areas particularly hazardous, with commuters often forced to navigate deep, dangerous holes in the road. Local authorities have set ambitious goals to repair these potholes before the G20 Summit, committing substantial resources to make sure the roads are in better condition.
The Gauteng government reports that around 70% of pothole repairs are completed on major routes. However, there are still hundreds of kilometres of roads left to address, leaving many wondering if the city will be ready in time.
Streetlights: A Critical Issue
In addition to potholes, malfunctioning streetlights remain a significant issue in Johannesburg. Broken or non-functioning streetlights not only contribute to safety concerns but also paint a poor picture for visitors arriving for international events. Gauteng authorities have focused heavily on fixing streetlights, with repairs now estimated to be between 71% and 91% completed on major routes.
While progress is evident, the city still faces substantial challenges in addressing the full scope of streetlight repairs.
Quote from President Cyril Ramaphosa:
“Some of our meetings in Johannesburg were not very pleasing, especially in terms of infrastructure. We need Gauteng municipalities to urgently improve the environment as we head towards the G20 Summit.”
Stay updated on energy plans by reading our article on how Eskom is boosting power supply to the grid ahead of the G20 Summit.
Government Funding and Commitments
Gauteng’s local government has committed significant resources to improving infrastructure. The province recently announced a R1.5 billion fund to repair crumbling roads in time for the G20 Summit. However, critics argue that this focus on “G20 routes” overlooks the broader infrastructure challenges faced by Johannesburg’s communities.
In a shocking revelation, the Johannesburg mayor has stated that the city needs R200 billion to adequately fix its roads, water systems, and electricity infrastructure. This figure highlights the scale of the challenge ahead.
Political Reactions and Public Criticism
Despite these efforts, there has been criticism from opposition parties. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has accused the government of using the G20 Summit as an excuse to only repair select routes, neglecting widespread infrastructure issues that impact residents daily. DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga labelled the repairs an “admission of failure,” arguing that these issues should have been addressed long ago.
Quote from Solly Msimanga:
“By focusing on roads for the G20, the government is admitting its long-standing failure to manage Johannesburg’s infrastructure properly.”
Community-driven Initiatives
In addition to governmental efforts, several grassroots campaigns are working to complement the city’s initiatives. The “Adopt a Traffic Light” and “Light Up Jozi” campaigns, launched by local community groups, focus on encouraging residents to take responsibility for their surroundings and contribute to a cleaner, more functional Johannesburg. These initiatives highlight the power of community action in addressing urban challenges.
Is Joburg Ready for the G20?
Despite significant progress in fixing potholes and streetlights, many experts remain sceptical about Johannesburg’s overall readiness for the G20 Summit. While repairs on key routes are underway, the city’s broader infrastructure needs remain unmet, and there is concern that the focus on high-profile roads may overlook the needs of Johannesburg’s residents.
Urban Development Expert:
“While the G20 is an important event for South Africa, it should not be the only catalyst for infrastructure improvement. Sustainable urban planning and long-term maintenance are necessary to ensure the city is resilient and functional for all its residents.”
For more on recent leadership changes, check out our article on Lesufi reshuffling Gauteng department heads after forensic reports reveal misconduct.
Long-Term Solutions Beyond the G20
Gauteng’s current efforts to improve infrastructure ahead of the G20 Summit are a step in the right direction. However, experts argue that Johannesburg must invest in long-term solutions, rather than short-term fixes, to maintain a city that works for all its residents. Proactive maintenance, improved urban planning, and regular assessments are vital to the city’s future.
As the clock ticks down to the G20 Summit, Johannesburg is indeed making progress in its preparations. Potholes are being repaired, and streetlights are being restored to functionality. However, the city’s readiness for the global stage remains uncertain. While these repairs are important, they represent only part of a larger need for sustainable infrastructure development across the city.
Gauteng’s government must continue to prioritise comprehensive urban planning and maintenance to ensure that Johannesburg not only impresses during the G20 Summit but continues to serve its residents well into the future.
