Joburg Mayor deploys ‘Bomb Squad’ to rescue city before G20 summit
by Phishego Mathipa
With just months to go before Johannesburg hosts the prestigious G20 Summit, the city’s mayor, Dada Morero, has launched an urgent and symbolically charged initiative to address long-standing service delivery failures. On Wednesday, 5 June 2025, at a press briefing held in Soweto, Morero introduced a high-level intervention team dramatically dubbed the “Bomb Squad” to lead the city’s turnaround effort.
The task team, spearheaded by ANC veteran and former Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) head Dr Snuki Zikalala, includes former Johannesburg city manager Prof Trevor Fowler and ex-Chief Operations Officer Gerald Dumas. The trio brings extensive governance and operational experience, and their mission is clear: identify and “neutralize” the critical issues threatening Johannesburg’s infrastructure and image.
“In military terms, a bomb squad identifies and safely neutralises explosives to prevent catastrophic outcomes. Likewise, our Bomb Squad will dismantle the obstacles obstructing Johannesburg’s progress,” Morero explained.
Cleaning the City of Johannesburg to restore its pride and name as the City of Gold. Also preparing for the upcoming G20 Summit
image: City of Joburg on X
The launch of the Bomb Squad comes as part of a broader campaign to restore Johannesburg’s status as a world-class African city before global leaders arrive for the G20 Summit. The initiative will complement efforts by the Johannesburg Presidential Support Working Group (JPSWG), a national-level task force focusing on aligning local reforms with broader government priorities.
South Africa’s economic powerhouse has faced growing criticism in recent years over worsening infrastructure, intermittent power and water supply, and ineffective municipal services. The Bomb Squad’s immediate priorities include fixing potholes, enhancing waste management, restoring water systems, and improving safety in key precincts.
Political analysts view the formation of the squad as both a practical response and a symbolic gesture, signalling intent to local voters and international observers alike. However, not everyone is convinced. Some civic groups have raised concerns over transparency and long-term impact.
“Task teams have come and gone. What Joburg needs is sustained investment in governance and basic services, not just crisis-response squads,” said Nkele Mofokeng, a community activist from Soweto.
Despite the skepticism, Mayor Morero remains hopeful. “The Bomb Squad is a break from the paralysis that has plagued our administration. We are doing this not just for the G20, but for the people of Johannesburg,” he said.
As preparations for the summit intensify, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the Bomb Squad can deliver meaningful change or if the initiative will be remembered as just another political detour.
