City of Joburg Communities Deserve Better Than Coalition Games

The latest developments surrounding calls for the resignation of Johannesburg MMC for Community Development, Thapelo Amad, are about far more than the future of one political office-bearer. They expose a deeper crisis that has come to define governance in South Africa’s economic heartland.

Whether the allegations against the incumbent are ultimately proven or not should be addressed through proper political and administrative processes. What should concern every resident at the moment is that Johannesburg has once again become consumed by coalition disputes instead of service delivery.

For years, residents have watched mayors come and go, MMCs reshuffled, coalitions collapse and political alliances rewritten. Yet the conditions in many communities remain the same. Parks are neglected, community halls deteriorate, libraries struggle with resources, recreational facilities fall into disrepair and opportunities for young people continue to shrink.

Politics should never become an endless cycle of replacing individuals without addressing the systemic failures that prevent government from delivering.

Community Development is one of the most important portfolios in local government because it touches people’s daily lives. It supports youth programmes, early childhood development, libraries, social cohesion initiatives, recreation, vulnerable communities and neighbourhood facilities. When leadership within such a department is distracted by political uncertainty, the people who suffer most are ordinary residents.

The same is true for Sports, Arts and Culture. These sectors are often treated as optional luxuries when they are, in fact, powerful tools for reducing crime, creating jobs, strengthening communities and giving young people hope. Every neglected sports field, every abandoned community centre and every cancelled arts programme represents opportunities that have been taken away from our people.

Johannesburg deserves leaders who understand that public office is a responsibility, not a reward for political negotiations. Competence, preparation and accountability should determine who leads departments not coalition arithmetic.

The greatest casualty of instability is public confidence. Residents begin to believe that government exists only to serve politicians instead of communities. Rebuilding trust requires leaders who consistently demonstrate professionalism, transparency and measurable delivery.

ActionSA believes Johannesburg can be governed differently. Stable leadership, ethical administration and clear accountability must replace the politics of survival. Departments should be judged by outcomes that residents can see: safer parks, functioning libraries, vibrant cultural programmes, well-maintained sports facilities and communities that feel supported.

As MMC Candidate for Sports, Arts and Culture, I believe investing in these sectors is investing in Johannesburg’s future. Young people who have access to sport, music, theatre, libraries and recreation are more likely to develop skills, confidence and opportunities than those left without safe public spaces.

The current political moment should serve as a wakeup call. Johannesburg cannot continue lurching from one political crisis to another while service delivery stagnates. Residents are not interested in coalition scorecards, they want functioning neighbourhoods and a government that keeps its promises.

The conclusion is simple. Leadership is not measured by titles or political deals. It is measured by whether children have safe places to play, whether artists can build sustainable careers, whether communities have facilities they can be proud of and whether government earns the trust of the people it serves.

Johannesburg’s future depends on leaders who put residents before politics, delivery before drama and integrity before personal ambition. Until that becomes the standard, coalition battles will continue to dominate the headlines while communities continue paying the price. The city deserves better, and its residents should demand nothing less.

ActionSA Logo: Features a stylized “A” in green, white, and black.