Johannesburg’s high-impact accelerated service delivery programme went ahead in Region E on August 19, bringing visible progress to several suburbs and townships, despite the absence of Executive Mayor Dada Morero, who was unable to attend due to a family emergency.

Standing in for the mayor, ANC Chief Whip Sithembiso Zungu led the programme through Sandown, Rivonia, Wynberg, Gallo Manor, and parts of Sandton.
The Region E drive forms part of the City of Johannesburg’s broader accelerated service delivery programme, which is being rolled out across multiple regions in an effort to fast-track infrastructure repairs and improve daily living conditions for residents.

Read more: High-impact service delivery drive in Region E

The day’s activities included inspections of road repairs after major pipe bursts in Sandown, progress checks on the Rea Vaya bus rapid transit infrastructure, and on-site engagements with commuters and traders at the busy Sandton Gautrain taxi rank.

In Rivonia and Gallo Manor, city officials met with residents concerned about mushrooming informal trading, and assessed delays in the long-stalled bridge construction. Road rehabilitation work in Wynberg also came under review.

Also read: Morningside Manor residents fed up with service delivery failures

Zungu said the city was determined to keep momentum, despite the mayor’s absence. “This programme shows that service delivery is not about personalities, but about commitment to the people. We are serious about tackling the issues that affect residents’ daily lives.”

While residents welcomed the intervention, the Rivonia Wide Residents Association (RWRA) appealed for a closer working partnership with the city, to address challenges that, they say, are eroding property values and discouraging long-term investment.

Association chairperson Paul Muller stressed that the community is willing to take responsibility and contribute resources, but needs stronger collaboration with city departments. “We want to forge a partnership. We want to sign agreements with the city departments so we can work hand in hand. Our residents have invested heavily in their homes, and when properties are abandoned or neglected, it hurts the whole community. Rates are being paid, taxes are being paid, but property values are dropping.”

He said that they are a mixed community, with people from every background living there, and most of their wealth tied up in their houses. “If we don’t act together, the decay will only worsen. That’s why we have even started cleaning up abandoned properties ourselves: mowing lawns, planting grass, painting walls, just to make them presentable. We’re asking the city to see us as partners, not problems.”

Muller added that residents are determined not to let Rivonia slide into neglect, and that a united approach between the city and the community would be the best for everybody.

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