Tshwane, Joburg mayors say EC floods devastation sign of urgency in addressing municipalities issues

JOHANNESBURG - The Tshwane and Johannesburg Mayors said the devastation from the Eastern Cape floods is a sign of the urgency in addressing challenges faced by municipalities, including poor infrastructure and disaster preparedness.

Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya and Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero are currently hosting their counterparts from elsewhere in the world, with talks entering a second day in Tshwane on Friday.

This is part of the African Mayors’ Assembly and U20 Sherpa Meeting, where delegates are set to influence policy for local government.

Their policy directives will form part of South Africa’s recommendations to global leaders at the G20 Leaders Summit later in 2025.

Morero said local government cannot continue to bear the brunt of shortfalls on a global scale.

“African cities are on the frontlines of climate disruption, yet least responsible for its causes.”

Moya said the Urban 20 meetings must find consensus on climate financing, among solutions to other common issues.

“The conversations that we have here must bear fruit and in this case, we must be able to prevent the loss of lives, when we can do something about it.”