After Herman Mashaba was unveiled as ActionSA’s mayoral candidate for the City of Johannesburg, promising a hardline campaign to reverse urban decline and restore service delivery ahead of the upcoming local government elections he outlined five priorities to focus one he’s elected.
Speaking in Soweto on Saturday, Mashaba framed his return as a fight to “take back the city,” declaring that Johannesburg is in crisis due to corruption, failing infrastructure, crime and economic decline. He launched Operation Fix Joburg, a recovery plan built on five priorities aimed at stabilising the metro and rebuilding public trust.
1. Fixing the basics
Mashaba said neglected maintenance and deteriorating infrastructure lie at the heart of the city’s collapse.
His plan prioritises urgent repairs to water, electricity, roads and sewer networks, with a focus on preventative maintenance and targeted emergency interventions where systems face the greatest risk. He pledged to accelerate pipe replacement and road resurfacing and to publish progress targets to ensure accountability.
2.Ending corruption and improving governance
Mashaba described corruption as a central driver of service delivery failures.
He plans to reinstate a dedicated anti-corruption unit, enforce lifestyle audits for senior officials, blacklist corrupt contractors and publish major tenders for public scrutiny.
The proposal also includes restructuring municipal entities such as City Power and Joburg Water by consolidating them into the city administration to improve oversight and accountability.
3.Restoring law and order
Addressing crime and lawlessness forms the third pillar of the plan.
Mashaba pledged to recruit 2,500 additional Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department officers over five years, reclaim hijacked buildings and intensify efforts against cable theft, illegal connections and organised crime.
He also proposed strengthening municipal courts to ensure enforcement of by-laws and restoring order in the inner city.
4.Reviving the economy and attracting investment
Mashaba said economic recovery depends on restoring financial stability and making the city business-friendly.
He promised a full financial health audit within the first 100 days in office and a 72-hour turnaround target for business permits and licensing.
Plans include relaunching the inner-city revitalisation programme, releasing city-owned properties for redevelopment, supporting small businesses and attracting private investment to stimulate job creation and affordable housing.
5.Delivering dignity and equitable services
Mashaba said the ultimate goal is restoring dignity through reliable services and fair resource allocation.
He pledged to redirect spending toward frontline services, accelerate housing delivery, insource key municipal services such as cleaning and security, and ensure consistent service delivery across all communities.
Mashaba said voters face a clear choice between continued decline and experienced leadership with a track record of delivery. He urged residents to support ActionSA’s plan, saying Johannesburg’s recovery is essential to South Africa’s broader success.
“Johannesburg must be fixed,” he said. “And together, we can restore it.”
Mashaba will have to beat DA’s Hellen Zille and Patriotic Alliance Deputy President Kenny Kunene to become the mayor a position he held for three years between 2016 to 2019.
