G20 Summit | Joburg mayor on G20 Summit

The article is a transcript of an SABC News interview with Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero during the G20 summit at the Nasrec Expo Centre. The mayor discusses the city's preparations and visible improvements, initiated since November last year to 'reclaim Johannesburg,' leveraging the summit as an opportunity. Key efforts include fixing traffic signals, repairing potholes, road resurfacing, and enhancing service delivery through a high-impact program launched in October after budget approval in June. He attributes delays to his recent election and the need for funding, emphasizing commitment from departments and a pledge to sustain these initiatives beyond the G20, inviting verification on subsequent days. Morero acknowledges a longstanding trust deficit with residents due to past neglect, noting progress in rebuilding confidence via Integrated Development Plan (IDP) sessions, though sustainability remains a community concern. He denies political motivations tied to upcoming local elections, focusing instead on core responsibilities. On inequality, highlighted by the summit's discussions and Johannesburg's stark contrasts (e.g., Diepsloot, Alexandra, Sandton), the mayor outlines plans for local economic development to foster business growth and reduce costs, alongside improving quality of life through affordable, efficient transport like the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. He mentions the recent launch of the 1C corridor on Louis Botha Avenue since November 1, providing 60 buses to the Alexandra bus company despite prior disruptions from violence. The interviewer expresses skepticism about the buses' operation. Addressing heavy rains and drainage issues, Morero explains challenges from illegal dumping, historical corruption in developments, and inadequate infrastructure in older townships, with ongoing investments in stormwater programs in areas like Protea and Orange Farm to clean and protect drains. The host concludes by noting residents' mixed reactions—appreciation for improvements but skepticism about their longevity—amid the summit's success and the city's transformation.