Ramaphosa expresses disappointment with poor state of Joburg
He said it’s been disheartening to witness the city in disarray during the G20 meetings held in the metro over the past two weeks.
President Cyril Ramaphosa during his visit to Gauteng in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, on 6 March 2025. Picture: X/GautengProvince
JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his disappointment with the poor state of Johannesburg.
He said it’s been disheartening to witness the city in disarray during the G20 meetings held in the metro over the past two weeks.
Ramaphosa made the remarks on Thursday morning at the city council in Braamfontein, where he met with Mayor Dada Morero, alongside Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
The G20 Summit is being hosted in South Africa in 2025, with Johannesburg specifically chosen to host the leaders’ summit later in the year.
International delegates have been in the city for ministerial gatherings of G20 member states.
Ramaphosa said it has been unpleasant to welcome international dignitaries to Johannesburg.
“In the one or two meetings of the G20 that I attended here, it was not very pleasing. The environment that one observed was not a pleasing environment. I say this so that we can improve immensely.”
G20 attendees have experienced Johannesburg’s ruthless traffic, caused by malfunctioning traffic lights at major intersections.
The inner city has also come under the microscope, as it remains in disarray despite efforts to revitalise it.