Mayor’s ‘Bomb Squad’ vs Joburg’s Collapse: Can R200bn Save the City?

Johannesburg needs an estimated R200 billion to repair its collapsing infrastructure—an enormous backlog driven by decaying roads, unstable electricity, and failing water systems. And in response, Mayor Dada Morero is turning to a newly announced “bomb squad” to steady the ship.

This unconventional task team, officially introduced during Morero’s State of the City Address (SOCA) on 7 May, is a “high-powered implementation impact team” tasked with tackling some of the city’s most pressing issues. Led by ANC Veterans’ League president Snuki Zikalala, the squad aims to address potholes, illegal electricity connections, zama zamas, land invasions, dumping, and the rise in undocumented migrants.

Morero didn’t hold back in describing the state of the city: “We need extreme actions to resolve our challenges.” According to BusinessTech, the mayor acknowledged Johannesburg is in a deep crisis, requiring urgent and extraordinary interventions.

Budget gaps and mounting problems

While the “bomb squad” comes with bold intentions, Morero admitted that Johannesburg does not have the money to address the infrastructure mess using its own resources.

The City’s financial position is “not bad,” Morero said, suggesting it can still meet its immediate obligations and repay loans. But there’s no extra room to fund the massive upgrades required. “We’re not happy with the state of our finances,” he said.

According to his estimates, Johannesburg needs R200 billion to get back on track. Roads alone require R16 billion, while City Power faces an R170 billion shortfall for maintenance and upgrades. Joburg Water is battling a R27 billion backlog, with over 60% of its network operating far beyond its lifespan.

Breakdowns are common, and in many areas, infrastructure has simply stopped working. Burst pipes, power outages, and pothole-ridden roads are now part of daily life.

Vandalism, theft, and political battles

Beyond budget issues, Johannesburg faces attacks on its infrastructure from criminal syndicates. Traffic light batteries, copper cables, and solar panels are being stripped at alarming rates, creating chaos on the roads and worsening power cuts.

Meanwhile, the political pressure is intensifying. Just hours before Morero’s speech, the Democratic Alliance filed a motion of no confidence against him and council speaker Nobuhle Mthembu, accusing them of leading the city into “total collapse.”

Professor Mark Swilling of Stellenbosch University warned that financial injections alone won’t be enough. Without addressing mismanagement, corruption, and neglect, Johannesburg’s problems will continue to spiral.

Half a plan and no clear funding

Morero said the city hopes to raise R100 billion over the next five years by turning to private investors and off-balance-sheet mechanisms. But for now, it remains a vague promise without a detailed roadmap.

As the infrastructure continues to fail and political tensions rise, residents are left hoping that this so-called “bomb squad” can deliver more than just headlines.

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