Nearly 500 Soweto residents converged at the Dhlamini Multipurpose Centre in Region D for the City of Johannesburg’s final Integrated Development Plan (IDP) session.
Led by Speaker of Council Cllr Nobuhle Mthembu and acting Mayor Cllr Margaret Arnolds, the meeting provided a platform for locals to express their concerns and influence development priorities.
Residents highlighted pressing issues such as:
- Inadequate stormwater drainage and street lighting
- Crime and limited healthcare access
- Disputes over housing allocation (including allegations of foreign nationals occupying RDP houses)
- Digital exclusion for elderly residents accessing Expanded Social Package benefits
- Youth unemployment, and the prevalence of foreign-owned spaza shops.
Resident Sylvia Kiviet called for local shopping centres and ATMs, saying, “We shouldn’t have to travel to Jabulani Mall for cash withdrawals”.
Cllr Arnolds outlined key priorities for Region D, including:
- Infrastructure upgrades (water, sewage, stormwater)
- Public space improvements
- Investment in early childhood development, and
- The establishment of GBV support centres.
Cllr Arnolds urged residents to pay their municipal bills, emphasising, “Your rates and taxes enable service delivery”. She reassured residents, “The City will not remove free 6,000-litre water allocations or increase electricity surcharges. Disregard misleading reports.”
Other Members of the Mayoral Committee, including Cllr Loyiso Masuku, Cllr Kenny Kunene, and Cllr Mlungisi Mabaso, were also present and pledged to address the concerns raised.
The City has already engaged with businesses, people living with disabilities, and other regions as part of its comprehensive effort to involve communities in shaping local development priorities.
Cllr Mthembu stressed the significance of public participation, noting, “Your input ensures the IDP, budget, and tariffs reflect community needs”.
Written by Mongadi Mafata