Joburg Mayor Morero promises to return dilapidated Walter Sisulu Square to its former glory
Located in Kliptown, Soweto, the square is both a national and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The square was damaged during the July 2021 unrest and now lies in a run-down state.
The Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown, Soweto, on 25 June 2025. Picture: Sphamandla Dlamini/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has promised to return the dilapidated Walter Sisulu Square to its former state by June next year.
Located in Kliptown, Soweto, the square is both a national and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It is where the Congress of the People took place in 1955 and the Freedom Charter was adopted.
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The square was damaged during the July 2021 unrest and now lies in a run-down state.
[WATCH] This is the dilapidated state of the Walter Sisulu Square, a National and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kliptown, Soweto.
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) June 26, 2025
The ANC is today holding an event here to commemorate the 70th anniversary since the adoption of the Freedom Charter. TCG pic.twitter.com/DcL6KFNzcV
Dada Morero, Johannesburg Mayor & ANC Regional Chaiperson, said money has been put aside to refurbish the dilapidated Walter Sisulu Square. TCG pic.twitter.com/LdkvDgdoHS
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) June 26, 2025
Speaking during an African National Congress (ANC) event at the square on Thursday, Morero said that money had already been set aside for its refurbishment.
"That also includes the overall Kliptown development and not just the square. So that plan will then be unveiled. We have been engaging with communities in Kliptown so that we can unveil that plan to them but there is a commitment by the current government to deal with the development of Kliptown, including the square. Hopefully by next year’s celebrations, it will look proper."