The Collapse of Johannesburg: A Warning for South Africa’s Cities

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It may be a decaying city but one can only admire its vibrant people. Photo: Pexels.

Johannesburg, once a thriving hub of commerce and culture, has become a case study in urban decay.

The prolonged closure of its main public library, shuttered for over four years due to structural issues and mismanagement, stands as a stark symbol of the city’s decline. Similarly, the Johannesburg Art Gallery, once among the finest in South Africa, now suffers from severe neglect, with experts warning it cannot withstand another season of rain without significant repairs.

Dubbed the “City of Gold” for its roots in the mining industry, Johannesburg grew rapidly into South Africa’s economic powerhouse. Today, its central business district (CBD) struggles under the weight of crime, corruption, infrastructure collapse, and socio-economic pressures. Why did Johannesburg fall so quickly, and could other cities in South Africa face the same fate?

A Fragile Foundation

Johannesburg’s vulnerability lies in its history as a mining town. It was built on gold, not on long-term urban planning. When the mining industry declined, so too did the city’s economic engine. The rapid urbanization of the apartheid era created a fragmented city, with wealth concentrated in suburbs like Sandton and Randburg, while Johannesburg Central was left to grapple with poverty and inequality.

The city’s infrastructure—its roads, water systems, and public spaces—was designed for a smaller, wealthier population. When millions moved into Johannesburg from rural areas and other African countries, the city could not cope. Overcrowding, informal settlements, and failing services became the norm. Meanwhile, businesses and middle-class residents fled to the suburbs, taking much-needed tax revenue with them.

Why the Suburbs Survived

Johannesburg’s suburbs, such as Sandton, Randburg, and Roodepoort, tell a different story. These areas have fared better due to their economic resilience, better governance, and the ability to attract private investment. Sandton, in particular, has become the financial heart of South Africa, housing the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and multinational corporations. Wealthy residents fund private security and maintain infrastructure, creating an insulated bubble of relative stability.

In contrast, Johannesburg Central is plagued by mismanagement. Corruption, cadre deployment, and political instability have turned the city center into a cautionary tale. Frequent changes in leadership have led to inconsistent policies and poor service delivery, leaving the inner city in freefall.

A Warning for Other Cities

The story of Johannesburg is not unique. Other South African cities face similar vulnerabilities.

• Durban (eThekwini): This coastal city struggles with high crime, corruption, and decaying infrastructure. Recent floods exposed its lack of disaster preparedness, further straining resources.

• Bloemfontein (Mangaung): Known for political instability and administrative inefficiencies, Bloemfontein faces rising unemployment and service delivery protests.

• Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha): The city suffers from high unemployment and economic stagnation. Like Johannesburg, it is experiencing increasing pressure from urbanization and migration.

• Cape Town: While Cape Town is often seen as better managed, it is not immune. If political stability falters or socio-economic inequalities deepen, it could face similar challenges.

The Path Forward

Johannesburg’s collapse is a wake-up call for South Africa. Cities must prioritize governance, infrastructure maintenance, and equitable urban planning to avoid a similar fate. Addressing corruption and promoting merit-based leadership are crucial steps. Cities must also invest in inclusive growth, ensuring that economic activity benefits all residents, not just those in wealthy suburbs.

If left unchecked, the cracks in Durban, Bloemfontein, and Port Elizabeth could widen into full-scale collapse. Johannesburg’s story is not just about a city in decline—it’s a warning for the nation.