7.5 C
London
Friday, May 8, 2026

South Africa’s biggest city is broke, leaked letter to Johannesburg’s mayor reveals

Damning missive

Johannesburg risks a total service collapse as South Africa’s finance minister prepares to axe the city’s national funding over ignored financial warnings.

By
Leanne de Bassompierre
, Carien du Plessis

This aerial view shows the Johannesburg skyline on 29 May 2024. © Céline CLERY / AFP

This aerial view shows the Johannesburg skyline on 29 May 2024. © Céline CLERY / AFP

Johannesburg has for decades been known as South Africa’s economic locomotive and a city built on gold. But it has visibly declined in recent years, with regular water and power cuts, potholes and urban decay. 

- Advertisement -
Latest news
- Advertisement -
Related news
- Advertisement -