The Youth on the Ballot Town Hall, hosted by Eyewitness News (EWN) and VOW FM, brought together mayoral candidates to discuss their plans for creating jobs in Johannesburg. The city's struggles with unreliable services and high crime rates were at the forefront of the discussion. Candidates emphasized that addressing infrastructure and safety challenges is crucial for attracting investment and creating jobs. The event highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle the city's issues. Local Government Elections are set for 2026.
Rise Mzansi's Lukhona Mnguni proposed an infrastructure investment fund to bring together the city, climate equity, and residents. This fund would enable residents to become investors in Johannesburg's development. Mnguni also advocated for a 24-hour economy, citing the need for a safer environment for businesses and students to operate beyond traditional working hours. The party linked the decline in infrastructure to job losses, particularly in manufacturing, due to unreliable municipal services.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) also presented their plans for economic growth. The DA suggested that townships should have infrastructure to support call centers, manufacturing hubs, and creative industries. The EFF proposed greater investment in industrialization and manufacturing in disadvantaged communities. The party suggested redirecting learning and skills-development centers into communities and employing young people through local economic projects.
Crime was a major topic of discussion at the town hall. The Patriotic Alliance (PA) argued that Johannesburg needs greater political will and investment in technology and law enforcement. The PA cited a shortage of Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) personnel and called for greater use of surveillance technology. ActionSA proposed deploying 500 additional JMPD officers every year to improve safety.
The EFF defended its record in the city's public safety portfolio, citing increased police visibility and mobile JMPD stations in crime hotspots. However, other parties challenged this record, arguing that crime remains a major problem. The debate highlighted the need for a safer city to attract investment and create opportunities for young people.
Build One South Africa mayoral candidate Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster also participated in the discussion. The candidates' proposals underscored the importance of a functional city in building a sustainable economy. Parties agreed that a safer, better-functioning city is critical to creating meaningful opportunities for young people.
Ultimately, the town hall discussion highlighted the complexities of addressing crime and economic inequality in Johannesburg. While parties differed on specific solutions, they agreed on the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle the city's challenges. The next Johannesburg administration will need to prioritize these issues to create a safer and more prosperous city.
Key points
- Johannesburg mayoral candidates emphasize the need for a safer city to attract investment and create jobs.
- Candidates propose various solutions to address crime, including increased investment in law enforcement and technology.
- Economic growth and service delivery are critical to creating opportunities for young people in Johannesburg.
