The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Dada Morero, has officially launched the CEOs-City Clean-up Campaign; a bold and collaborative initiative aimed at restoring dignity, order, and pride across Johannesburg through joint action between the City, business leaders, and community stakeholders.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in the City’s ongoing efforts to revitalise Johannesburg’s urban environment and strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors. It is a visible demonstration of the City’s commitment to turning collaboration into meaningful, sustainable progress on the ground.
“The launch of the CEOs-City Clean-up Campaign marks a formidable and transformative journey for our City,” said Mayor Morero.
“This initiative embodies our unyielding commitment to restoring dignity, order, and pride across every neighbourhood in Johannesburg. The City has faced significant challenges, and I acknowledge the frustrations caused by crumbling infrastructure, neglected public spaces, and escalating disorder.”
The launch was attended by members of the mayoral committee, ward councillors, managing directors and chief executive officers of City entities, Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration Pinky Kekana, chief executive officers from the private sector, and various community stakeholders.
More than 70 CEOs and business leaders from some of South Africa’s most influential companies have pledged their support by rolling up their sleeves and working alongside City leadership to clean and rejuvenate Johannesburg. This collective effort highlights the shared responsibility of all who live, work, and invest in the City.
Johannesburg’s inner city continues to face numerous challenges, including hijacked buildings, illegal trading, the proliferation of informal structures, urban decay, and homelessness. Addressing these complex issues requires coordinated and sustained action from all sectors of society.
The Johannesburg Bomb Squad, a task-oriented coordination team within the City, will lead the practical implementation of clean-up interventions and ensure the sustainability of these efforts through strategic partnerships.
“Johannesburg stands at a defining moment in its renewal journey,” Mayor Morero added. “The challenges of service delivery, urban decay, and eroded public confidence cannot be solved by government alone. This campaign is a clarion call to action for everyone who cares about our City.”
The CEOs-City Clean-up Campaign represents more than a one-day campaign; it is a long-term commitment to building a cleaner, safer, and more liveable Johannesburg. Through this initiative, government and business are working together to rebuild trust, strengthen accountability, and drive inclusive growth, reclaiming Johannesburg’s position as the economic and cultural heartbeat of South Africa.
“Together, we are re-establishing a foundation of cooperation that will unlock a cleaner, more resilient, and globally competitive Johannesburg; the city we imagine and the nation deserves. Every small action counts and together, we can make a big difference,” Cllr Morero concluded.
Written by Dudu Lushaba