Johannesburg is on a mission to transform its inner city, tackling old problems head-on to enhance life for all residents. The focus is on revitalising the inner city, ensuring reliable water and electricity, and fostering economic opportunities. This ambitious undertaking relies on strong partnerships between the City of Johannesburg, businesses, and the community. Concerns about basic services like water, power, safety, and affordable housing are being addressed, with the city aiming for tangible daily improvements.
Inner City Revival: New Opportunities, More Investment
The City of Joburg launched a comprehensive plan in April 2025 to rejuvenate its inner city. The vision involves transforming old, dilapidated buildings, particularly those declared unsafe, into modern, secure spaces for businesses and families. This strategy includes renovating abandoned properties and leasing them out, which is expected to attract investments, stimulate the economy, and create jobs. Councillor Nomoya Mnisi, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, emphasised the importance of collaboration with property owners and investors, highlighting the inner city's significant potential. The Joburg Property Company (JPC) is instrumental in unlocking this value, with projects like the refurbishment of the old M.O.T.H Building underway.
Fresh Starts: Thousands of New Homes on the Horizon
Beyond the city's direct efforts, the Gauteng government initiated its own plan last August to revitalise the Joburg CBD. This includes a substantial private-sector project to construct 100,000 new apartments, specifically targeting young professionals. These modern living spaces will be strategically located near key urban centres. The broader plans encompass areas such as Bellevue East, Joubert Park, Yeoville, and Braamfontein, aiming to restore their safety and vibrancy. The City of Joburg is also divesting some properties to private investors and actively seeking more public-private partnerships. The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) is spearheading efforts to strengthen inner-city precincts, improve accessibility, and enhance urban aesthetics through new investments and collaborations.
Sorting Out Services: Water, Power, and Smooth Roads
Effective service delivery is fundamental to these urban renewal efforts. Residents continue to face challenges with water, electricity, and waste management. While Eskom is currently not implementing load shedding across South Africa, load reduction still affects some parts of Gauteng. Johannesburg is committed to resolving these service delivery issues, prioritising sustainable development and improved infrastructure. Community engagement is a key component to ensure all voices are heard.
In a significant development for water infrastructure, the City of Joburg and Joburg Water officially opened the upgraded Brixton Tower and Reservoir in April 2026. This R300 million project features a new 26 megalitre reservoir, a two megalitre elevated water tower, and a powerful pump station. This upgrade significantly increases water storage and aims for a more consistent supply across Johannesburg. Executive Mayor Dada Morero attended the inauguration. The new system boosts reservoir storage from 20 to 46 megalitres and tower capacity from one to three megalitres. Despite these improvements, Level 1 water restrictions remain in place across Johannesburg, prohibiting garden watering between 6 AM and 6 PM during summer and the use of hosepipes for cleaning paved areas.
Furthermore, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced in February 2026 a R760 million investment to address water infrastructure challenges. Premier Lesufi noted that the issue stems from old pipes, leaks, and high demand rather than a lack of water. This funding will be disbursed in phases. The city's 2026/27 budget, totalling R97.1 billion, prioritises infrastructure, transport improvements, and urban regeneration. A substantial R1.8 billion is allocated to roads and stormwater, with an additional R570 million for capital investment. This will lead to better roads, upgraded gravel roads, improved stormwater systems, and enhanced public transport networks, including Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) and Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN) routes, aiming for smoother commutes across the city.
Community Power: Building a Better Future, Together
Community-led initiatives are playing a crucial role in the revitalisation process. The Johannesburg Inner City Partnership (JICP) has been active for over 30 years, focusing on enhancing public spaces and waste management through community-centric approaches. The City of Joburg's Growth and Development Strategy 2040 envisions a resilient, liveable city with infrastructure supporting a low-carbon economy. It also aims to alleviate poverty, protect vulnerable households, and promote inclusive opportunities.
The Corridors of Freedom (COF) programme, launched in 2013, is a flagship Transit-Oriented Development initiative designed to expand public transport networks, thereby increasing economic and social opportunities. This programme has channelled investments into improving public spaces, social services, housing, and integrating commercial and residential developments. Additionally, a project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), which began in 2020, has installed solar power in public housing units, such as the Tshedzani Phase 3 social housing project in Roodepoort. This initiative supports urban residents and contributes to climate change mitigation. The 'Building a Resilient and Resource-Efficient Johannesburg' project, which commenced in 2017 with $8 million from GEF, focuses on enhancing housing, energy efficiency, waste management, and access to municipal services, with 172 units in Tshedzani 3 now equipped with solar water heaters, solar panels, batteries, energy-saving lights, and water-saving devices.
Youth on the Rise: Shaping Joburg's Destiny
The City of Johannesburg is actively engaging its youth through Stakeholder Engagement Sessions, providing a platform for young people to discuss critical issues such as jobs, education, skills, entrepreneurship, and community involvement. These sessions highlight youth unemployment as a major concern, with calls for more visible and effective programmes. Councillor Loyiso Masuku confirmed that the Youth Directorate's budget will prioritise skills development, entrepreneurship, mental health, and combating substance abuse, alongside facilitating youth integration into the economy. The city is committed to incorporating youth perspectives into its development plans.
Areas like Soweto have also undergone significant renewal, including the rebuilding of FNB Stadium and improved road infrastructure connecting it to the Joburg CBD. Upgrades have also been implemented around Vilakazi Street. These collective efforts from government, the private sector, and communities demonstrate a strong commitment to creating a more equitable and liveable Johannesburg.
