Johannesburg, a city that has long struggled with crime and urban decay, is witnessing a resurgence of hope, particularly through the iconic Ponte Tower. Once notorious for its association with criminal activity, this landmark is now a symbol of transformation in one of the most dangerous cities globally.
Ponte Tower, an architectural marvel completed in 1975, rises nearly 200 meters (656 feet) into the Johannesburg skyline. It was the tallest residential building in Africa at the time of its completion. However, during the 1980s, the tower fell victim to criminal gangs, leading to its deterioration. The building’s hollow core became a dumping ground, filled with rubbish stacked up to 50 meters high. Delight Sithole, a tour guide, recounted,
“The building got hijacked. There were no utilities, so most of the people were actually throwing their trash right inside the building, until it reached the 14th floor.”
He further described the haunting atmosphere, stating,
“There were some dead bodies here, illegal firearms, drugs. The smell, I’m sure it was just horrible, just really like, hell on earth.”
The perception of Johannesburg as one of the world’s most perilous urban environments has deeply affected its residents. Sifiso Zikhali, who collaborates with Sithole at Dlala Nje, an organization focused on community empowerment, emphasized the fear that once enveloped the neighborhood. However, a remarkable turnaround began about 15 years ago following the 2010 FIFA World Cup, leading to renewed interest in housing, which was further bolstered by the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Today, Ponte Tower is approximately 75% occupied.
Challenges Persist Amid Renewal
Despite positive changes, Johannesburg continues to grapple with significant challenges. While prolonged power outages known as load-shedding have lessened, the city now faces an imminent water crisis, threatening the well-being of its residents. Additionally, a devastating fire in the Central Business District (CBD) earlier this year claimed nearly 80 lives, highlighting the ongoing issue of hijacked buildings and the dangers associated with inadequate housing.
Efforts to rejuvenate the area have gained momentum through the work of Ithemba, a property company whose name translates to “hope” in Zulu. Ithemba is spearheading the revival of once-dilapidated neighborhoods, including the area surrounding Jewel City, a flagship residential development. Senior manager Alan Tait remarked,
“The demand is just phenomenal, and that demand is specifically to live in the CBD.”
Currently, Ithemba manages 7,200 properties and anticipates doubling that figure within the next two years.
Community Initiatives and Future Aspirations
As part of its broader mission to enhance urban safety and livability, the JoziMyJozi initiative was launched in 2023, aimed at illuminating dark areas of the city. Bea Swanepoel, CEO of JoziMyJozi, highlighted the program’s goals, stating,
“So the whole aim of JoziMyJozi is to bring hope back to the residents of the city.”
This initiative focuses on visible improvements, including cleaning up main city entrances and addressing urban issues such as potholes and homelessness.
Looking ahead, Swanepoel expressed ambition for Johannesburg to be mentioned in the same breath as other major global cities like London and New York. She acknowledged the long road ahead but remained optimistic about the potential for Johannesburg to set a gold standard for urban living in Africa. The upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg is expected to attract new investments and attention to the city.
As Zikhali stands on the 51st floor of Ponte Tower, he reflects on the progress made by Dlala Nje. He believes the organization is achieving its goals, saying,
“Yes we are, because one of our biggest challenges was to get people coming here. We are now one of the city’s top attractions.”
His optimism encapsulates the collective determination of Johannesburg’s residents to overcome adversity and build a brighter future.