Concerns Grow Over Johannesburg’s Readiness for G20 Summit as DA Calls for Action
Natalie Nyathi
With the G20 Summit set to take place in Johannesburg in November 2025, the city’s readiness to host the event is under intense scrutiny. The Democratic Alliance (DA), a prominent opposition party, has voiced serious concerns about Johannesburg’s capacity to welcome world leaders, citing widespread service delivery failures, governance instability, and financial mismanagement. These concerns come despite assurances from the city’s mayor that Johannesburg is prepared.
DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga has been a vocal critic, highlighting the city’s struggles with crumbling infrastructure, unreliable services, and safety issues. Msimanga pointed out problems such as potholes, malfunctioning traffic lights, and illegally occupied buildings as evidence of the city’s decline. He questioned whether Johannesburg could present itself as a “world-class African city” to international delegates given these challenges. The DA leader also criticized the lack of a permanent city manager, viewing it as a sign of administrative instability. Msimanga stated that Johannesburg is not in a functional state to welcome world leaders.
The DA’s concerns echo those of President Cyril Ramaphosa, who in March expressed dissatisfaction with Johannesburg’s state and urged officials to address the city’s problems. Ramaphosa highlighted issues such as water shortages, crime, and infrastructure decay as hindering service delivery. He stressed the importance of Johannesburg presenting itself as a world-class city for the G20 summit.
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has faced criticism for initially suggesting that routes used by G20 representatives would be prioritized for repairs and improvements. This sparked outrage from residents who felt it implied they were “second-class citizens.” Morero later backtracked, stating that the entire city was the focus of infrastructure development. Despite these challenges, Morero has expressed confidence that Johannesburg is ready to host the G20 Summit. He noted that the city has already hosted several G20 meetings and is prepared for top international events.
In response to the concerns, the South African government has allocated a significant budget for summit preparations. Efforts are underway to improve key routes and infrastructure, and showcase the city’s cultural heritage. A presidential task team was also formed to address the city’s service delivery challenges.
As the November summit approaches, the pressure is mounting on Johannesburg to address its shortcomings and ensure a successful event. The G20 Summit, themed “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” is a critical platform for South Africa to advocate for African development and global economic cooperation.
