City of Johannesburg demonstrated that inclement weather would not deter its efforts in fostering a cleaner and safer environment. On Wednesday, Mayor Dada Morero, accompanied by his Mayoral Committee Members, initiated a powerful law enforcement and cleanup operation in the heart of the inner city.
This initiative targeted various unlawful activities, including illegal trading, rampant littering, and unauthorized electricity connections, as well as the troubling issue of building hijackings. In the course of the operation, several non-compliant shops—predominantly foreign-owned—were shut down, underscoring the municipality’s zero-tolerance stance on violations of city regulations.
Leading one of the teams was Mayoral Committee Member responsible for community safety, Mgcini Tshwaku, who encountered numerous businesses failing to meet compliance standards. “They have never come to the city for assistance on anything, no papers for anything, so this shop is going to have to close,” Tshwaku declared. His resolve captures the spirit of the operation: “This is an effort with the mayor; we are here to clean the city, so we are warning all those who don’t comply to make sure that they do so.”
The campaign further included the dismantling of illegal electricity connections in the Maimai area, contributing to the city’s fight against lawlessness. The persistent litter problem within the Central Business District (CBD) was notably identified as a significant factor fostering disorder in South Africa’s economic hub. The authorities have urged everyone earning a livelihood in the area to take part in maintaining its cleanliness.
“Those who are in the inner city, either as residents or workers, including taxi drivers and public transport owners, we appeal to you to help us clean the city. It starts with you by ensuring that you pick up litter and do not dump waste anywhere,” Mayor Morero emphasised. His message was clear: the city’s success relies on the collective effort of those who live or work there.
Morero continued to underscore the importance of community involvement: “You yourselves, as residents of Johannesburg, particularly in the CBD, please contribute towards achieving this. We will not achieve it alone. The city will do its utmost to ensure that the cleaning happens. However, at times you come back to find it as if nothing was done because filth is thrown all over the city, so please help us.”
The mayor’s plea for law-abiding behaviour was not just a call to action but a heartfelt appeal for solidarity in sharing the responsibility for a cleaner and safer Johannesburg. As the rainy season continues, the hope is to witness a shift in the attitude of residents, ensuring that their shared environment becomes a priority for all.