The Democratic Alliance (DA) has criticised the Gauteng provincial government for what it calls “cosmetic service delivery fixes” in Johannesburg ahead of the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit.
DA provincial leader Solly Msimanga said the Lesufi administration’s rush to restore water and electricity supply, patch potholes, and clean up streets before world leaders arrive is an insult to Joburg residents who’ve endured months — if not years — of basic service failures.
“Water and electricity outages have long frustrated residents across Gauteng. Potholes are as common as daybreak, and many street and traffic lights haven’t worked for months,” said Msimanga. “Now, because foreign dignitaries are coming, the government suddenly wakes up. What about the people of Joburg who live with this every day?”
The G20 Leaders’ Summit will take place later this month at the Nasrec Expo Centre in the south of Johannesburg — the final major event under South Africa’s presidency of the global economic bloc.
While the province has shifted into overdrive to guarantee uninterrupted utilities and infrastructure during the summit, the DA says these efforts are temporary and politically driven.
“It’s a slap in the face to residents who need lasting solutions, not quick fixes for cameras,” Msimanga added.
Joburg has been hit by recurring water shortages, rolling blackouts, and deteriorating roads — issues the DA argues stem from mismanagement and poor planning by both the provincial and municipal governments.
As the city prepares to host some of the world’s most powerful leaders, opposition parties and residents alike are questioning whether the improvements seen this month will last beyond the summit’s closing ceremony.