Johannesburg’s Road to Recovery: Can South Africa’s Largest City Be Rebuilt?

South Africa has launched a major presidential intervention to rescue its economic powerhouse, Johannesburg, from a severe decline. The city, once a beacon of post-apartheid innovation, now grapples with crumbling infrastructure, rampant unemployment, and a deep crisis of public trust. In March 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the two-year presidential intervention led by the Johannesburg Working Group to stabilize the city, focusing on urgent service delivery and long-term structural fixes. However, experts caution that success hinges on sustained collaboration across government levels and active citizen oversight. According to them, the path forward requires rebuilding a capable administration, stabilizing chaotic coalition politics, and restoring financial health. This ambitious effort represents a critical test for the nation, aiming to put Johannesburg on an upward trajectory ahead of the next local elections.

The Conversation