Johannesburg, a city with a history marred by violence and decay, is rising from its troubled past with remarkable transformation. This resurgence is being symbolized by the once-infamous Ponte Tower, a landmark that has now become a beacon of the city’s renewed vitality. Standing tall at 200 meters, Ponte Tower was once the tallest residential building in Africa. Built in 1975, it dominated the skyline and became a symbol of hope for many, but by the 1980s, it had fallen into the hands of criminal gangs, leading to its descent into disrepair and lawlessness.
For years, Ponte Tower was a symbol of Johannesburg’s struggles, with its hollow core filled with garbage, dead bodies, illegal weapons, and drugs. Delight Sithole, who now leads tours through the building, remembers the grim state of the building during its darkest years. “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,” Sithole recounts. At that time, the building was more associated with fear and danger than with anything positive.
In the 1980s, Johannesburg earned its reputation as one of the most dangerous cities in the world. The crime rates, rampant corruption, and disinvestment from the city left much of its infrastructure in ruins. People avoided certain neighborhoods due to gang activity, and the local economy struggled. For many, Johannesburg became a symbol of urban decay, violence, and poverty. But in the last 15 years, the tides have turned.
The city’s turnaround began slowly but surely in the wake of South Africa hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2010. The World Cup brought not just global attention, but also major infrastructure investments, kicking off the beginning of Johannesburg’s regeneration. The city’s iconic properties, such as Ponte Tower, were part of this recovery. Despite its checkered history, Ponte Tower began to see new life, with the building’s transformation reflecting Johannesburg’s rebirth.
Today, almost 15 years after its renovation, the building is thriving, with around three-quarters of its units now occupied. Once a ghostly, crime-infested structure, Ponte Tower is now a place of pride, its residents enjoying the spectacular views of Johannesburg from above. But the story of Johannesburg’s revival does not end with Ponte Tower.
The city is still facing significant challenges. Despite the advancements, crime continues to be a major issue, and the lingering effects of years of corruption and disrepair are still felt in various parts of the city. Power cuts, also known as load-shedding, which plagued Johannesburg for years, are no longer a problem. However, the looming water crisis remains a critical concern, and a building fire in the Central Business District in 2023, which tragically claimed the lives of 80 people, has further highlighted the city’s ongoing struggles with building hijackings, unsafe living conditions, and poor urban management.
Yet, there are rays of hope. The property sector, particularly in Johannesburg’s Central Business District (CBD), is booming. Real estate companies like Ithemba are leading the charge in transforming the once-neglected areas into thriving, modern neighborhoods. The company, whose name means “hope” in Zulu, is bringing new life to Johannesburg’s urban spaces by investing in residential developments and turning derelict properties into vibrant communities.
One of Ithemba’s major successes is the Jewel City development, located in what was once a diamond-dealing district. Senior manager Alan Tait shared the excitement surrounding the project’s progress. “The demand is just phenomenal,” he said, noting that the company now leases 7,200 properties, with plans to double that number in the next two years. The Jewel City project is a prime example of how old, rundown areas of Johannesburg are being brought back to life, providing modern housing and creating jobs in the process.
This revitalization is not just about property development. Johannesburg’s recovery is also rooted in community-driven efforts. One of the driving forces behind the city’s transformation is JoziMyJozi, a grassroots organization dedicated to making visible improvements across Johannesburg. The initiative’s projects, such as lighting up key city areas, restoring the Nelson Mandela Bridge, and cleaning up major entrances to the city, have all contributed to a sense of optimism and pride among residents. “The whole aim of JoziMyJozi is to bring hope back to the residents of the city,” says Bea Swanepoel, the CEO of the organization. By tackling issues like homelessness, potholes, and poor infrastructure, JoziMyJozi is helping to pave the way for a safer, more sustainable Johannesburg.
Johannesburg’s transformation has not gone unnoticed. With the upcoming G20 Summit later this year, the city is set to receive even more attention and investment. The event is expected to bring a new wave of foreign interest, giving the city a global stage to showcase its growth and resilience. And for the people of Johannesburg, this is an opportunity to prove that they can indeed overcome the legacy of crime and decay that once defined their city.
Back at Ponte Tower, Sifiso Zikhali, a member of the Dlala Nje organization, looks out over Johannesburg from the 51st floor. He’s proud of how far the city has come and is optimistic about its future. “Yes, we are succeeding. One of our biggest challenges was to get people to come here. We are now one of the city’s top attractions. This is our city, and whatever we face, we need to find a solution for it,” he says.
While Johannesburg has a long way to go before it reaches the levels of cities like London, Paris, or New York, its progress over the past decade proves that change is possible. With continued investment in infrastructure, urban renewal, and community-driven projects, Johannesburg is positioning itself as a global city of the future. From its rise from a crime-ridden hub to a beacon of hope, Johannesburg is showing the world that it is capable of great things—and that its best days are still ahead.
Stay ahead with the latest news on global innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship, business, and tech. Join us on WhatsApp or Telegram for real-time updates. Have a report or article? Send it to report@theinnovationtimes.com.
Follow us on X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest and Facebook for more insights and trends
