OUR CITY NEWS: Lukhona Mnguni and Rise Mzansi’s pitch for a Joburg that belongs to everyone

Lukhona Mnguni, the leader of Rise Mzansi, seeks to transform Johannesburg into an inclusive city through reliable services, safer communities, and improved infrastructure. However, he acknowledges that this transformation may take 10 to 15 years to fully materialize. Mnguni emphasizes that the coalition partners involved in the process must prioritize residents' needs over political deals.

During a recent encounter, Fikile Mbalula, the ANC secretary-general, walked into a restaurant just as Mnguni was discussing the potential coalitions that could decide the next mayor of the city. Mnguni jokingly remarked that the mayor was already present in Tashas at The Marc. Their meeting highlighted the serendipitous nature of political encounters in Johannesburg.

Mnguni describes himself as a spiritual individual who believes in the concept of serendipity, arguing that such moments occur for a reason. He also identifies himself as a "villager caught in urban trappings," a phrase that reflects the diverse realities residing within Johannesburg. This contrasts starkly between the affluent Maboneng precinct and the neglected Kwa Mai Mai, located right opposite it.

Mnguni's political agenda centers on whether Johannesburg can function as a unified city rather than a collection of neighborhoods where access to safety, opportunity, and services depends on geography and income. He recognizes migration's significant role in shaping the city's dynamics, with Johannesburg historically built by migrants from various continents. He believes tensions between South Africans and migrants are rooted in competition for jobs and the inadequate provision of public services.

In terms of migration, Mnguni supports immigration enforcement and documentation requirements for traders while urging the Johannesburg Metro Police Department to refrain from criminalizing poor people and forcing informal businesses into unsustainable locations. He advocates for replacing the outdated hostel model, which has historically failed due to poor living conditions, violence, and political control. Instead, he proposes better housing solutions to address the city's housing crisis.

Mnguni's broader plan for Johannesburg, known as Rise Mzansi, focuses on spatial justice by ensuring better-located housing to bring people closer to jobs and economic opportunities. He also emphasizes making streets safer, cleaner, and more functional for residents and informal traders. The campaign pillars address these issues more directly, promising a minimum standard of municipal services in every ward and focusing on infrastructure reliability, particularly water and electricity networks.

Mnguni believes that Johannesburg's existing systems have been severely damaged, leading residents and institutions to adapt by working around broken systems rather than expecting their repair. He argues that a government led by him would immediately tackle Johannesburg's adjusted budget, demand transparency in bid evaluation and adjudication, and prioritize water infrastructure investment. He stresses the need to reduce water leaks and improve waste management systems.

While acknowledging the city's deep-rooted decline, Mnguni remains optimistic that Johannesburg can turn around within five years. He believes that residents, despite losing faith in the governing authority, still have hope and support for the city. Mnguni's vision extends beyond infrastructure and finances, emphasizing the importance of residents' associations in rebuilding the city's systems.