The City of Johannesburg has concluded a successful three-day CEO–City Clean-Up Campaign, a collaborative effort between government, business leaders, civil society, and local communities to restore dignity, improve cleanliness, and accelerate urban renewal across key neighbourhoods.

The coordinated campaign forms part of the City’s broader push towards sustained precinct management and improved service delivery ahead of major international events, including the 2025 G20 Leaders’ Summit.

Day 1: Corporate leaders join hands with City teams

The campaign officially began with a strong show of support from the business community, as several CEOs and senior executives from partner companies joined City officials and residents for a series of high-impact clean-up activities. Day One focused on hotspot areas requiring urgent intervention, with teams clearing illegal dumping sites, pruning overgrown vegetation, and repairing damaged public infrastructure.

Executive Mayor Cllr Dada Morero highlighted the importance of the partnership model, saying the City was “deepening its collaboration with the private sector to ensure Johannesburg becomes a cleaner and more investor-friendly environment”. Participating CEOs noted that the clean-up was not only an act of civic responsibility but also a meaningful step in strengthening confidence in the city’s economic prospects.

Day 2: Hillbrow clean-up marks turning point

The second day of the campaign moved to Hillbrow, one of the most densely populated and historically challenging precincts in Johannesburg. City entities, volunteers, and private-sector partners joined forces to sweep streets, remove refuse, scrub pavements, repair lighting, and clear stormwater drains.

The Hillbrow clean-up drew additional support from Members of the Mayor Committee and CEOs who walked through the precinct with community representatives, observing areas earmarked for longer-term revitalisation. Their presence underscored the campaign’s message: that Johannesburg’s renewal requires both consistent municipal action and collective ownership across society.

Community members applauded the effort, noting visible improvements and appreciating the renewed sense of safety and pride brought about by the clean-up. The City reaffirmed that the Hillbrow intervention would feed into sustained urban management plans extending beyond the campaign’s three-day duration.

Day 3: President Ramaphosa leads Kliptown Clean-Up

The final day culminated in Kliptown, Soweto, where President Cyril Ramaphosa joined the CEO–City Clean-Up Programme at the City’s invitation. He was welcomed by acting Gauteng Premier Lebogang Maile, Minister of Trade and Industry Parks Tau, Mayor Morero, senior government officials, CEOs, civil society leaders, and residents.

The President and the Mayor planted a commemorative tree at Walter Sisulu Square, symbolising the City’s long-term commitment to renewing Kliptown, a precinct of profound historic significance. They also lit the eternal flame at the Freedom Charter Building before addressing stakeholders.

During a Q&A session, the President emphasised that the clean-up demonstrated Johannesburg’s readiness to host the upcoming G20 Summit and highlighted the strong partnerships driving precinct improvements. He noted that more than 40 heads of state and over 60 leaders of international organisations had confirmed their attendance, reaffirming Johannesburg’s global relevance.

President Ramaphosa commended the City’s collaboration with the private sector, NGOs, and the Gauteng Provincial Government, stating: “A great deal of work is now happening to restore Johannesburg to its former glory. This is not a flash in the pan – it will continue even after the G20. Cities around the world prepare themselves before major summits, and we are doing the same, not only for the G20 or upcoming elections, but for the people of Johannesburg and the businesses that rely on this city.”

Mayor Morero reiterated the City’s focus on long-term precinct management, community well-being, and investment attractiveness. “This initiative embodies our unyielding commitment to restoring dignity, order, and pride across every neighbourhood.”
Acknowledging the significant challenges faced by the City, including crumbling infrastructure, urban decay, and disorder, the Mayor stressed that these issues “cannot be solved by government alone”. The campaign serves as a clarion call for shared accountability and collective action from all who live, work, and invest in Johannesburg.

The City of Johannesburg extends its appreciation to all CEOs, partners, and residents who participated across the three days. The campaign marks a meaningful step towards building a Johannesburg that works, grows, and serves all its people.