ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2025 STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
In his 2025 State of the City Address delivered on 8 May, Executive Mayor Dada Morero reaffirmed the City of Johannesburg’s commitment to tackling service delivery challenges, with a focused spotlight on previously underserved areas like Ivory Park. He highlighted tangible infrastructure investments, improved water and electricity interventions, and a broader urban renewal strategy aimed at uplifting the township. “Ivory Park is not forgotten,” the Mayor assured, as he unveiled plans for job creation, crime prevention partnerships, and upgrades to critical services like sanitation and road maintenance.
Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Cllr Dada Morero, delivered the 2025 State of the City Address on 8 May 2025. The Mayor outlined strategic interventions to tackle service delivery, infrastructure, and economic challenges in the City — with key takeaways for communities in KAE under Region A.
Here are the highlights relevant to our area:
INFRASTRUCTURE & ELECTRICITY
- Ivory Park & Kaalfontein named among the 8 most underserved areas in Johannesburg that will receive targeted infrastructure investment.
- The City allocated R3.03 billion in the Medium-Term Revenue Expenditure Framework for areas including Ivory Park/Kaalfontein, Diepsloot, Orange Farm, and Soweto.
- Electrification of Informal Settlements will receive R296 million, including projects in Ivory Park. This will improve access to legal and safe electricity.
WATER & SANITATION
- Joburg Water is receiving the largest capital allocation to build resilience in water supply.
- Upgrades and large-scale water interventions will benefit Ivory Park through improvements in water infrastructure and security.
HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT
- Ivory Park is among areas targeted for the formalisation of informal settlements, with R396 million allocated to upgrade over 20 informal settlements including Ivory Park, Orange Farm, and Zandspruit.
- The Grand Central Mega Housing Development near Midrand is set to deliver 83,000 mixed housing units, a first in the country.
YOUTH, JOBS & ECONOMIC GROWTH
- The City is partnering with the Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industry to promote innovation and entrepreneurship hubs that will benefit areas like Ivory Park.
- Bulk buying and digital tools will be introduced to help township traders reduce costs and create up to 50,000 jobs. While Soweto and Orange Farm are initial pilots, this model may soon include Ivory Park.
- The Presidential Support Package and Service Delivery War Room are contributing to a noticeable reduction in service delivery protests, particularly in Region A.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR IVORY PARK & KAALFONTEIN
- Improved roads, water, and electricity
- Legal electricity for informal settlements
- More classrooms and formalised school support
- Youth employment and business support
- Relief for overburdened infrastructure
Mayor Morero said:
“We must all play our part so that we can have a functional City that is vibrant, liveable, and resilient. We must move together. In 2024 we reimagined the City. In 2025, we must see our City as the city of choice. By working together we must ensure that no one is left behind.”
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Stay tuned to KAE News for more updates and localised feedback on how these city-wide announcements are impacting your community.
