JOHANNESBURG is facing a massive urban explosion as people from all over flock to a city known in the past to offer golden opportunities. By 2030 the city’s population is set to reach 11.5-million.The Oxford Economics Global Cities 2030 study showed this could have serious consequences for our city’s citizens, and our already overstretched resources and infrastructure. If not managed properly with the right planning, rapid urbanisation will overwhelm the city’s ability to provide a quality standard of living.The future of the South African economy lies in our cities, so we must take their future seriously. In India — a good peer comparison —— McKinsey research estimated that cities could generate 70% of net new jobs created by 2030, produce about 70% of India’s gross domestic product (GDP), and drive a near fourfold increase in per capita incomes across the nation.This reinforces my belief that Johannesburg needs new leadership and a fresh vision based on economic inclusion. A compe...
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