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RISE Mzansi notes that The Presidency, in written reply to a parliamentary question, has claimed "some achievements" as a result of the Presidential Johannesburg Working Group. The reality on the ground in our communities, however, tells a drastically different story. 

RISE Mzansi is deeply concerned by the Presidency's highlighted reforms – specifically "the transfer of the billing function from the City of Johannesburg to relevant entities under the Metro Trading Services Reform programme". These entities are already incredibly inefficient in how they deliver; transferring critical billing functions directly to them will only further complicate matters and deepen the administrative chaos. 

Service delivery dysfunction is fast becoming a permanent feature of life in this city.

As we speak, large parts of Joburg are sitting in filth due to uncollected refuse caused by an ongoing labour dispute between Pikitup and its workers.

Furthermore, despite various high-level interventions, Joburg continues to rush from crisis to crisis. The latest embarrassment includes municipal phone lines being disconnected due to a reported R40-million debt owed to Telkom.

The fate of Joburg will not be changed by working groups or empty assurances from The Presidency – it will only change for the better through the ballot box on 4 November. Residents of Joburg who want a Safe, Clean, and Prosperous City must vote with their feet on 4 November.

Joburg urgently needs new, capable, and ethical leaders who will get the basics right and restore the heart and soul of this magical city.

Issued by RISE Mzansi Joburg Mayoral candidate Lukhona Mnguni