By Thapelo Molefe
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero is expected to outline plans to address Johannesburg’s worsening service delivery and financial challenges when he delivers the 2026 State of the City Address (SOCA) on Wednesday.
The address comes as residents continue to complain about water shortages, electricity outages, potholes and deteriorating infrastructure across the city, with growing scrutiny from National Treasury over the metro’s finances.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana recently intervened over a controversial R10.3 billion wage agreement between the city and the South African Municipal Workers’ Union, warning about Johannesburg’s worsening financial position.
Godongwana raised concerns about the city’s debt levels and cash flow problems, while Eskom has threatened to reduce or interrupt electricity supply to some bulk supply points over debt said to have climbed to R5.2 billion.
The city has also faced criticism over multimillion-rand salary packages at municipal entities, including the Johannesburg Property Company and City Power, amid concerns about service delivery failures and rising governance costs.
Morero has in recent weeks intensified operations targeting illegal activities in the Johannesburg CBD, including businesses accused of employing undocumented foreign nationals, as part of broader efforts to restore order in the inner city.
The mayor is expected to use Wednesday’s address to convince residents that his administration is regaining control of the troubled metro ahead of the upcoming local government elections.
For the first time, the State of the City Address will be held at St Mary’s Cathedral in Johannesburg’s inner city instead of the traditional Metro Centre venue.
The city said the move forms part of efforts to reconnect civic leadership with the heart of Johannesburg while highlighting the proposed Archbishop Desmond Tutu Precinct as a symbol of renewal, inclusion and urban transformation.
According to the city, hosting the event at the historic cathedral reflects Johannesburg’s commitment to inner-city regeneration and people-centred public spaces.
In a message ahead of the address, Morero described Johannesburg as “a city of resilience, innovation and opportunity” and said the city was investing in safer communities, reliable services and economic growth.
“As we build a foundation for the future, we are investing in safer communities, reliable services and a growing economy that works for all,” Morero said.
