JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG – As the November 4 local government elections approach, BOSA Johannesburg mayoral candidate Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster has outlined a comprehensive strategy to transform the metro, emphasizing the urgent need for stable coalition governance, spatial justice, and aggressive economic expansion. Currently serving as a Member of Parliament alongside party leader Dr. Mmusi Maimane, she steps into the fiercely contested race with a steadfast commitment to revitalizing the city’s economic engine.
A Deliberate Acceptance and a Pragmatic First 100 Days
Accepting the nomination was not a hasty decision for Hlazo-Webster. She revealed that the process required months of deep reflection, prayer, and careful consideration of the grueling demands of the role, noting that she takes the serious responsibility of the nomination very lightly.
Acknowledging the city’s frustrating history of a “revolving door” of mayors who frequently fail to complete their terms, she stated her first 100 days in office would deliberately avoid the trap of assuming everything is broken. Instead, her immediate priority will be identifying and strengthening existing functional systems within the municipality before implementing new changes.
Rescuing Coalition Politics
A major theme of her campaign is stabilizing coalition governments, which she argues are currently being crippled by political infighting. Drawing on her studies of coalitions globally and across the continent, she noted that partnerships often fail because politicians beg for positions rather than negotiating a clear program of action.
She insists that successful coalitions must be driven by an agreed-upon mandate, specific deliverables, and a shared mission. Furthermore, she stressed the critical need to appoint highly skilled individuals to critical roles, starting with the appointment of a competent City Manager.
Spatial Justice and the Corridors Project
When identifying immediate opportunities for the city, Hlazo-Webster highlighted the underdeveloped transit corridors project. She views these corridors as vital “low-hanging fruit” that can connect disparate parts of the metropolis. Expanding this infrastructure is essential for directly addressing historical spatial injustice, improving transport efficiency, and creating new economic opportunities across the city.
Beyond the Gold Rush: A Modern Tech and Trade Hub
Moving past the city’s historical identity rooted in the gold rush era, Hlazo-Webster envisions a modern African metropolis capable of competing on the global stage. However, she cautions that opportunity cannot be built on dysfunction; the city must become fundamentally functional first. Her forward-looking economic blueprint includes:
- Continental Trade: Establishing the city as the premier gateway for national and cross-border trade into the rest of Africa.
- The Digital Economy: Aggressively developing the tech sector, asserting that the city has the potential to surpass Nairobi and claim the title of Africa’s “Silicon Valley.”
- Manufacturing and the Arts: Realizing the city’s untapped manufacturing potential while empowering the entertainment and media sectors by streamlining production permits and improving access to public spaces.
- Township Economies: Fostering scalable enterprises within townships, supported by the right infrastructure to ensure economic activity is spread more evenly.
Reclaiming the CBD and Housing Solutions
Addressing the stark contrast between affluent areas like Sandton and marginalized areas like Alexandra, she emphasized the need to build a unified, non-racial economy based on shared values.
On the housing front, she pointed to the severe congestion in informal settlements, townships, and hostels, contrasted with the proliferation of derelict, hijacked buildings in the inner city. Her solution involves launching public-private partnerships to create affordable housing for young, upwardly mobile residents. Concurrently, she promised strict law enforcement to reclaim and reform hijacked buildings, citing the urgent need to eliminate severe health and safety hazards, curb illegal activities, and restore human dignity.
Immigration, Law Enforcement, and Accountability
Addressing recent nationwide marches concerning illegal migration and strained public resources, Hlazo-Webster invoked the proverb that “scarcity creates hunger.” She placed the blame squarely on nearly two decades of national government failure to secure borders, grow the economy, and deliver safe public health and security.
While demanding national accountability, she confirmed that at the municipal level, her administration will strictly enforce bylaws. This includes rigorous verification of trading permits to ensure efficiency, and uncompromising enforcement of laws regarding illegal activities and immigration across the board.
National Leadership Continuity
Finally, addressing how her mayoral bid affects her national duties, Hlazo-Webster confirmed she will retain her position as the party’s national deputy leader. She expressed full confidence in the party’s deep bench of talent to manage national operations, specifically highlighting the capabilities of leaders like Ayanda Ali in the provincial legislature, Roger Solomon, and various other provincial figures who will continue to steer the growing party.