President Ramaphosa Urges Gauteng to Use Expropriation Act to Revitalize Johannesburg Ahead of G20 Summit

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on Gauteng's leadership to leverage the newly passed Expropriation Act to tackle some of the province’s most pressing urban challenges, particularly the state of Johannesburg as the city prepares to host the G20 Summit in November. Speaking to the Joburg city council, Ramaphosa expressed dissatisfaction with the current conditions and highlighted the potential of repossessing neglected properties to alleviate housing crises and improve city aesthetics.

During his compelling address, Ramaphosa pointed out the dire state of numerous city buildings that have been abandoned or unlawfully occupied, suggesting that these could be converted into habitable spaces. This move, he suggested, would not only provide dignified living conditions but also aid in eradicating the sprawl of informal settlements, which mar the city's landscape.

Dear Cyril Ramaphosa stop saying, “If Gauteng falls, Soouth Africa won’t exist”, while on the contrary Gauteng has fallen, under your watch and the ANC cadres. Damn you puppet don’t act if you don’t know Hillbrow! pic.twitter.com/MPDWkQOoay

— Slaughter. (@BafanaSurprise) March 6, 2025

“The environment observed here recently during the G20 meetings was not pleasing. We need to take dramatic steps to revitalize Johannesburg,” Ramaphosa asserted. He added that such transformation aligns with the Constitution and the Expropriation Act, even if it means acquiring properties without compensation.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, speaking with SABC, also touched on the complexities of reclaiming buildings, citing legal hurdles and the poor state of property records. Lesufi detailed the ongoing efforts to recover such properties, including securing court orders needed to navigate the legal framework impeding swift progress.

Criticism has not been absent. Skeptics have voiced concerns, suggesting that this approach might mirror unsuccessful Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies. They argue this strategy might be too optimistic, overlooking potential legal and practical challenges involved in such extensive property reclamation.

As Johannesburg gears up for the global spotlight during the G20 Summit, the pressure is mounting to not only improve its international image but also to make substantial strides towards solving long-standing urban development issues. Ramaphosa’s strategy, backed by the Expropriation Act, aims to catalyze these improvements, setting a precedent that might influence urban policy nationwide.