The government has dismissed claims that Johannesburg’s recent clean-up operations are motivated by the upcoming G20 summit, maintaining that the event has simply accelerated ongoing service-delivery efforts rather than prompted new ones.
During a briefing on South Africa’s state of readiness for the summit, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola urged the public to view the improvements as part of a sustained strategy instead of a short-term response to global scrutiny.
He drew comparisons to concerns raised ahead of the 2024 national elections, when some believed the end of load-shedding was politically timed. According to the minister, the continued absence of power cuts more than a year later reflects a long-term commitment rather than electioneering.
Service Delivery Commitments Beyond the Summit
Lamola emphasised that the Gauteng government had used the momentum of the G20 preparations to improve service delivery and expressed confidence that these gains could be maintained beyond the summit.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi echoed this view, explaining that departments were instructed to use existing budgets for the current clean-up and infrastructure maintenance work. No additional funds were allocated specifically for the G20.
Lesufi said teams had focused on repairing street lights, fixing traffic signals and attending to potholes as part of routine service-delivery operations. He added that weekly review meetings would continue after the summit to ensure progress does not stall.
Joburg CBD Clean-Up Intensifies
In the Johannesburg CBD, mayor Dada Morero has been driving efforts to restore lighting and address unregulated street trading. The campaign aims to tackle lawlessness and improve safety and order in the inner city.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed these initiatives, describing them as part of a broader plan to rejuvenate Johannesburg and improve conditions for both residents and businesses.
He noted that cities worldwide often undergo similar preparations ahead of major international events, but stressed that the work underway in Johannesburg is intended to have lasting impact beyond the G20 summit or any political timelines.
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