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.

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The mayor of Ekurhuleni Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has announced the approval of nearly 600 jobs as part of the city’s insourcing plan, marking what he described as a “new era” for service delivery.

Speaking at the State of the City Address (SOCA) in Germiston on Wednesday, Xhakaza confirmed the creation of 199 cleaning and supervisory posts, along with 394 security personnel positions, aimed at strengthening the municipality’s internal capacity.

He said the move would reduce reliance on private contractors while improving service delivery and creating employment opportunities.

“We want to report that, just in the area of security, the item being tabled will result in savings. About 394 security guard positions will be filled within the city as a start, so that we cut down on contracted private security services,” said Xhakaza.

“We will reduce outsourcing, employ more people, and build the necessary internal capacity. This is not just about the 394 security guards — it also includes supervisors in selected areas, and we will implement this incrementally over time.”

He added that priority would be given to workers already operating within municipal facilities.

“This project will ensure that we target those who have already been working in this environment first. Those working in various centres must be given an opportunity,” he said.

The decision has been welcomed by both the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and ActionSA.

The EFF in Gauteng described the move as a “historic victory,” noting that it stems from a motion the party tabled on 8 January 2022, which was initially rejected by the ANC.

“The approval of insourcing cleaning and security services reaffirms our unwavering commitment to restoring dignity, job security, and fair treatment for municipal workers,” the party said in a statement.

ActionSA also welcomed the development but raised concerns over what it called unfulfilled commitments made during the mayor’s 2024 State of the City Address.

The party pointed out that a previous promise to insource 290 security guards and 700 cleaners had not been met.

It further criticised significant budget cuts, saying funding for security had been reduced from R140,192,860 to R70,096,430, while the cleaning budget dropped from R113,315,801 to R56,657,900 — both representing a 50% reduction.

“Not only has the administration failed to deliver on its earlier commitments, but it has also slashed critical budgets, betraying the city’s workforce and residents,” the statement reads.

Despite these concerns, ActionSA acknowledged the progress.

“We view this as a hard-won victory, a testament to persistent advocacy. The implementation of this resolution will showcase the benefits of insourcing and pave the way for further reforms under an ActionSA-led administration,” said the party’s Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Xolani Khumalo.

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