In an effort to restore its tarnished reputation, the Johannesburg branch of the African National Congress (ANC) is adopting strategies originally championed by the community organization Operation Dudula, which focuses on evicting illegal foreign nationals from buildings across the city. This initiative coincides with the lead-up to next year’s local government elections, as the ANC aims to regain favor among voters.
As political contenders across Gauteng announce their mayoral candidates amid significant public interest, the ANC is swiftly moving to address the contentious issue of illegal immigration within Johannesburg’s buildings. The campaign has been spearheaded by Executive Mayor Dada Morero and his team, informally dubbed the “bomb squad,” which includes ANC veteran Snuki Zikalala. The strategy has been rebranded as the “clean city campaign,” likely to mitigate any backlash from the ANC’s regional allies on the continent.
Illegal immigration has emerged as a critical concern for the ANC, as public sentiment reflects frustration over perceived inaction regarding the issue. Morero acknowledged the challenges posed by undocumented immigrants, stating, “Undocumented immigrants are one of the main challenges the city faces.” To tackle this, he noted the strengthened collaboration among local authorities, including the Johannesburg Metro Police Department and the South African Police Service, aimed at improving law enforcement and safety in the Central Business District (CBD).
This renewed focus on immigration status marks a significant aspect of the ANC’s initiative, with Morero emphasizing that the city will engage in consultations to verify the residency and legal status of occupants in city buildings. Among the prioritized sites for eviction is the Florence Nightingale building in Hillbrow, which is currently occupied by illegal residents amid concerns over safety and legality. The building is set for expropriation and redevelopment, maintaining its heritage status while transitioning to new private ownership.
Leading this rejuvenation efforts, the “bomb squad” aims to enhance service delivery and urban renewal ahead of the crucial elections. Members are committed to ensuring visible improvements in city services, with one team member expressing confidence in Morero’s ability to address the city’s pressing needs for a better quality of life.
With the political landscape heating up, the ANC is bracing for competition from other parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA), which is fielding prominent figures such as Helen Zille, and the Patriotic Alliance (PA) with Kenny Kunene. As the ANC prepares to finalize its own mayoral candidate through a selection process, the pressure mounts to show voters tangible improvements in governance and service delivery.
This proactive approach signifies a potential shift in how the ANC engages with pressing municipal challenges, notably immigration and urban renewal, and could serve as a turning point as they work to connect with constituents leading up to the elections.