Mayor Dada Morero’s Vision at SOCA 2025

In his 2025 State of the City Address (SOCA), the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Councillor Dada Morero, delivered a bold and hopeful vision for the future of Africa’s economic powerhouse. Under the theme “The Joburg We All Want,” Mayor Morero outlined a series of transformative initiatives aimed at building a more inclusive, modern, and resilient city — starting with a renewed focus on infrastructure and service delivery.

Laying the Foundation – One Road at a Time

Among the key highlights of SOCA 2025 is the City’s ambitious multi-year infrastructure programme, spearheaded by the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA). At the heart of this programme is a commitment to “building better roads”, a core pillar of the Mayor’s vision to connect communities, enhance mobility, and stimulate economic growth.

The programme includes:

The rebuild of Lillian Ngoyi Road, a critical artery that supports local commerce and daily commutes.
Tarring of township roads, addressing long-standing service delivery backlogs and promoting equity in historically neglected communities.
Upgrades to stormwater systems, ensuring that Joburg is better prepared to handle climate change-related weather extremes and prevent flooding.

“This is about dignity, safety, and accessibility,” Mayor Morero said. “Every Joburger deserves smooth roads, efficient transport, and infrastructure that works — no matter where they live.”

Strategic Partnerships and Global Collaboration

In an exciting development, the City of Johannesburg is also proudly serving as a co-host of the U20 2025 Summit, a critical gathering of urban leaders from G20 cities. This opportunity positions Joburg on the global stage, opening doors to international partnerships, innovation, and shared solutions for urban challenges.

The Mayor emphasized the importance of collaboration across all spheres of government, the private sector, and civil society in making his vision a reality. “Our development agenda is people-centered, inclusive, and forward-looking. We are building a world-class African city that leaves no one behind.”

A Call to Action: #TheJoburgWeAllWant

SOCA 2025 is more than a speech, it’s a rallying cry. Using hashtags like #JoburgSOCA2025 and #TheJoburgWeAllWant, residents are encouraged to engage, share their aspirations, and become active participants in shaping their city.

With a renewed commitment to service excellence, infrastructure renewal, and public accountability, Mayor Morero’s administration is charting a path toward a transformed Johannesburg, a city that works, a city that grows, and a city that cares.