Johannesburg, once notorious for its high crime rates and urban decay, is experiencing a revival that brings a glimmer of hope to its residents. The transformation is particularly evident in iconic structures like Ponte Tower, which has undergone a remarkable turnaround since its darkest days in the 1980s when it was overrun by criminal gangs and filled with debris. Standing at nearly 200 meters, Ponte Tower was once the tallest residential building in Africa but fell into disrepair, leaving it associated with crime and neglect.
Delight Sithole, who leads tours of Ponte Tower, recalls the building’s grim past, describing it as a site of fear and despair. "There were dead bodies, illegal firearms, drugs. The smell was horrible," he said, reflecting on the building’s history. However, this narrative began to shift around 15 years ago, following the Fifa World Cup hosted in South Africa, which sparked renewed interest in the area. Today, the building is approximately three-quarters occupied, as people have begun to return post-COVID, seeking to reclaim their city.
Despite these positive developments, Johannesburg continues to grapple with significant challenges. Crime remains a pressing issue, even as recent statistics show some improvement. The city has also faced crippling power outages known as load-shedding, which have recently subsided, but a looming water crisis threatens to create new hardships for residents.
In the wake of a devastating fire in 2023 that claimed nearly 80 lives in the Central Business District, the issue of hijacked buildings—structures overtaken by criminal elements—has come to the forefront. This tragedy has underscored the urgent need for urban renewal and safety measures in the city.
One of the entities spearheading this revival is Ithemba, a property company whose name means "hope" in Zulu. Ithemba is actively involved in redeveloping areas like Jewel City, a neighborhood that has seen a resurgence in demand for housing. Senior manager Alan Tait noted that the company currently manages 7,200 properties and anticipates doubling that number within two years. Jewel City, which launched just as the pandemic began, has quickly filled up as restrictions eased.
Community initiatives are also playing a crucial role in Johannesburg’s revitalization. JoziMyJozi, established in 2023, aims to enhance safety and visibility in the city by illuminating dark areas, such as the Nelson Mandela bridge, which has become safer for pedestrians. Bea Swanepoel, CEO of JoziMyJozi, emphasized the importance of showing residents tangible improvements to restore their faith in the city.
The organization has also initiated the Gateway Project, aimed at cleaning up the ten main entrances to Johannesburg, addressing issues ranging from potholes to homelessness. Swanepoel expressed optimism about the city’s future, stating, "We have a long way to go, but it’s not impossible. We need to be the gold standard for cities in Africa."
As Johannesburg prepares to host the G20 later this year, the event is expected to attract new investments and further attention to the city. With community leaders and organizations working tirelessly to address the city’s challenges, there is a growing sentiment that Johannesburg can reclaim its place as a vibrant urban center. Sifiso Zikhali of Dlala Nje, an organization promoting local tourism, believes their efforts are bearing fruit. "We are now one of the city’s top attractions," he remarked, highlighting the resilience and determination of Johannesburg’s residents to overcome their struggles and build a better future.