Johannesburg Defends G20 Summit Readiness

The Gauteng Tourism Authority GTA has defended Johannesburgs ability to host the upcoming G20 Leaders Summit, pointing to its extensive experience in managing major global events.

This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa s March 7 announcement of a Presidential Johannesburg Working Group to address infrastructure challenges in the city.

I have heard today how the ongoing disruptions in water and electricity provision are making the lives of residents difficult. I have also heard how deteriorating road infrastructure including potholes, unsafe bridges, dysfunctional street lights and stolen traffic lights are exacerbating congestion and a sense of disorder, said Ramaphosa, pointing out his observations of the city during the G20 meetings already held there.

I should say that one or two of the meetings of the G20 that I attended here were not very pleasing the environment that one observed was not a pleasing environment.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis subsequently said Cape Town is ready to host the event if Johannesburgs problems proved insurmountable.