Key Takeaways:
- Johannesburg is facing similar challenges to other cities around the world, including aging infrastructure and immigration issues
- Former mayor Amos Masondo believes the ANC can retain power in the city despite negative polls
- Masondo emphasizes the need for strong leadership and a return to the party’s roots to address the city’s challenges
- He does not believe Johannesburg has decayed, but rather is in need of regeneration and renewal
- Masondo opposes the idea of Helen Zille becoming the next mayor, citing her party’s opposition to progress and black leadership
Introduction to the Challenges Facing Johannesburg
Amos Masondo, one of Johannesburg’s earliest mayors after democracy, has weighed in on the debate over what is needed to address the complex challenges in the city. Masondo, who served as mayor from 2000 to 2011, has been credited with major infrastructure projects in Joburg, including transforming townships such as Soweto and Alexandra. He believes that Johannesburg is facing the same challenges as other cities around the world, and that the city needs strong leadership to address these issues.
The Need for Strong Leadership
Masondo emphasizes the need for leadership that is about influence and good influence. He believes that the ANC collective has done a fairly decent job, but that the party needs to return to basics to return as a winning party after the local government elections. This includes building a strong organization that is able to reach out to voters and is rooted in the ideas and values of the Freedom Charter. Masondo also stresses the importance of service delivery and being in touch with the people in urban and rural areas. He believes that the ANC must consolidate the work it has done since taking power in Johannesburg and build on it to take the city to greater heights.
Addressing the Issue of Decay in Johannesburg
Masondo does not believe that Johannesburg has decayed, but rather that it is "ageing" like other cities around the world. He attributes the decline of the old CBD to the movement of businesses to areas such as Midrand, Sandton, and Rosebank in the lead-up to 1994. He believes that this decline can be reversed through partnerships and regeneration efforts, including dealing with issues of abandoned buildings, crime, and related problems. Masondo also notes that his predecessor, Isaac Mogase, had engaged with business leaders to try to persuade them not to leave the Johannesburg CBD.
The Challenge of Immigration
Masondo also addresses the issue of immigration, which he believes is an international problem that can be managed. He notes that the arrival of foreign nationals in the Johannesburg CBD after 1994 brought with it a range of problems, including crime and drugs. However, he believes that this issue can be addressed through proper registration and management of foreign nationals. Masondo notes that cities around the world, including those in America, London, and Paris, are grappling with the same problem, and that the key is to find a way to manage it effectively.
Opposition to Helen Zille’s Mayoral Bid
Masondo is opposed to the idea of Helen Zille becoming the next mayor of Johannesburg, citing her party’s opposition to progress and black leadership. He believes that the DA is fundamentally opposed to the advancement of the lives of the poor, and that Zille’s leadership would not be in the best interests of the city. Masondo notes that he has worked with Zille in the past and is familiar with her limitations and those of her party. He believes that it would not be a good idea for someone like her to lead a complex city like Johannesburg.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Masondo’s comments highlight the complex challenges facing Johannesburg, including aging infrastructure, immigration issues, and the need for strong leadership. While he believes that the ANC can retain power in the city, he emphasizes the need for the party to return to its roots and focus on service delivery and the needs of the people. Masondo’s opposition to Zille’s mayoral bid reflects his concerns about the DA’s policies and their potential impact on the city. Ultimately, the future of Johannesburg will depend on the ability of its leaders to address the city’s challenges and work towards a brighter future for all its residents.
