President Cyril Ramaphosa rolled up his sleeves in the early morning sun at Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication in Kliptown, Soweto, on Friday, November 14, 2025—not to give a speech, but to pick up trash. Flanked by Executive Mayor Dada Morero and a dozen CEOs from Johannesburg-based firms, Ramaphosa helped clear debris, sweep sidewalks, and load bags of waste into municipal trucks. It wasn’t photo ops. It was a statement. And it came just eight days before the G20 Leaders' SummitJohannesburg Expo Centre. Here’s the thing: this wasn’t just another cleanup. It was the first major public activation of the CEO-City Cleanup Partnership Programme, a bold experiment in shared accountability between government and business. The City of Johannesburg, under Mayor Morero, has spent months convincing private sector leaders that cleaning up their own city isn’t charity—it’s economic self-preservation. And Ramaphosa didn’t just show up. He showed up. The event, confirmed by the Presidency’s media advisory issued on November 13, was deliberately timed to coincide with South Africa’s final push to prepare for the G20. The summit, set for November 22–23, will mark the culmination of South Africa’s presidency, succeeding Brazil. But the mood wasn’t all celebration. Ramaphosa, speaking to reporters after the cleanup, dropped a bombshell: “The G20 Leaders’ Summit will proceed as planned, despite the absence of representation from the United States government.” The U.S. delegation’s non-attendance, though not yet officially confirmed by Washington, has sent ripples through diplomatic circles. No reason was given. No apology offered. Just silence. The implications are staggering. South Africa is hosting the first G20 summit on African soil in over a decade. The world’s top economies are expected to weigh in on debt relief, climate finance, and digital transformation. Without the U.S., the summit risks becoming a regional forum rather than a global one. But Ramaphosa’s team is betting that action speaks louder than absence. That’s why they chose Kliptown—a place where the 1955 Freedom Charter was drafted, where generations have fought for dignity, and where crumbling infrastructure still tells a story of neglect. The cleanup targeted one of Johannesburg’s most symbolic yet neglected spaces. Walter Sisulu Square, once a beacon of anti-apartheid unity, had become a dumping ground for plastic, old tires, and broken street furniture. The City of Johannesburg, working with 17 corporate partners—including Standard Bank, MTN, and Shoprite—has pledged long-term maintenance contracts for the area. “This isn’t a one-day fix,” said Morero. “We’re signing leases with responsibility.” Behind the scenes, the program has already shifted how city services are funded. Private companies are now contributing not just labor, but maintenance budgets, surveillance cameras, and even waste collection schedules. One CEO, who asked not to be named, admitted: “We used to complain about potholes. Now we’re fixing them. It’s cheaper than losing investors.” The move has drawn praise from urban planners and criticism from some opposition parties. “It’s performative,” said ANC councillor Thabo Nkosi. “They’re cleaning a square for cameras while schools still lack textbooks.” But others see a new model emerging. “This is the first time we’ve seen the private sector take ownership of public space without demanding tax breaks,” said Dr. Lerato Khumalo, a city policy analyst at the University of Johannesburg. “That’s revolutionary.” The government has made it clear: the G20 isn’t just about meetings. It’s about perception. And perception starts with sidewalks. The Presidency’s social media channels flooded with clips of Ramaphosa laughing as he wrestled a tangled pile of plastic bags. The hashtag #CleanJHB trended for 72 hours. Even the local taxi unions joined in—drivers donated fuel vouchers for cleanup crews. On Monday, November 17, Minister Ronald Lamola will brief media at the G20 Media Centre in Nasrec on South Africa’s readiness. He’s expected to unveil a new digital platform for real-time tracking of cleanup progress across 12 priority precincts. The goal? To prove that the city isn’t just ready for the world—it’s leading it. But the real test comes after the G20 leaves. Will the CEOs walk away? Or will they keep cleaning?
Why Kliptown? Why Now?
Kliptown isn’t just a neighborhood. It’s the birthplace of South Africa’s democratic ideals. The 1955 Congress of the People, where the Freedom Charter was adopted, took place right here. Decades later, the same streets still lack consistent water supply, proper sewage, and reliable waste collection. The City of Johannesburg has designated Kliptown as a “Heritage and Renewal Precinct,” meaning it’s eligible for special investment. But progress has been slow. The CEO-City Cleanup was designed to change that. By tying corporate reputation to public space, the city turned volunteers into stakeholders. And by having the president show up in work boots—not a suit—it sent a signal: dignity isn’t a luxury. It’s a baseline.What’s Next for the Cleanup Program?
The program is expanding. By December, it will cover 15 additional high-traffic zones, including Hillbrow, Alexandra, and Diepkloof. Each zone will have a “Clean Zone Coordinator”—a private sector appointee responsible for monthly audits. The City is also rolling out QR codes on street furniture that link to real-time reports on waste collection schedules. Residents can report issues via WhatsApp, a system already handling 1,200 reports weekly.
How Will the G20 Be Affected by the U.S. Absence?
Without the U.S., the summit loses its heaviest diplomatic weight. But it also opens space. India, Brazil, and the African Union are expected to take stronger leadership roles. South Africa’s delegation is quietly preparing alternative agendas focused on debt restructuring and climate adaptation—issues that resonate more with Global South nations. The absence may not cripple the summit. It may redefine it.Who’s Paying for This?
The City of Johannesburg has contributed R8.2 million in municipal funds. Private partners have pledged R14.7 million in cash and in-kind services—including waste collection vehicles, security personnel, and digital mapping tools. No taxpayer money was redirected from schools or clinics. Instead, the private sector is investing in brand equity. And for now, it’s working.
Will This Last Beyond the G20?
That’s the million-rand question. The program’s success hinges on accountability. The City has committed to publishing quarterly reports on maintenance quality and corporate participation. If a company signs on but fails to deliver, its name will be publicly listed as “non-compliant.” For the first time, corporate responsibility is being measured—not by profit, but by pavement.Frequently Asked Questions
Why did President Ramaphosa personally join the cleanup instead of sending a minister?
Ramaphosa’s presence was deliberate. With the U.S. absent from the G20, South Africa needed to project leadership through action, not words. By participating in the cleanup, he signaled that governance isn’t just about policy—it’s about presence. His appearance humanized the government’s efforts and pressured private sector partners to follow through on their commitments.
How is the CEO-City Cleanup different from previous government-led cleanups?
Past cleanups were one-off events, often funded by the city alone and led by municipal workers. This program embeds private companies as long-term partners, with CEOs signing formal agreements to maintain specific zones for 12–24 months. It’s not volunteerism—it’s accountability. Companies now have measurable obligations tied to their public image, and the city is tracking their performance publicly.
What impact could the U.S. absence have on the G20 outcomes?
The U.S. typically drives global financial agendas at the G20. Its absence could weaken consensus on debt relief and climate funding. But it may also empower Global South nations like South Africa, India, and Brazil to lead on alternative priorities—such as digital inclusion and informal economy protections. South Africa is preparing a “Global South Compact” to fill the vacuum, focusing on equitable growth rather than Western-led frameworks.
Are residents of Kliptown benefiting from the cleanup beyond aesthetics?
Yes. The program includes a community jobs component: 42 local residents have been hired as “Clean Zone Ambassadors,” earning a stipend and training in waste management. Additionally, new public benches, solar lighting, and water fountains are being installed. The goal is to transform the square from a dumping ground into a community hub—something residents have demanded for decades.
What happens if a corporate partner fails to maintain their zone after the G20?
The City of Johannesburg has created a public “Clean Zone Scorecard,” updated quarterly. Companies that fail to meet maintenance benchmarks will be publicly named and barred from future city partnership tenders. This isn’t just PR—it’s a contractual obligation. The city is also exploring legal mechanisms to enforce compliance, making this one of the most enforceable public-private partnerships in African urban history.
Is this model being replicated elsewhere in South Africa?
Yes. Pretoria and Cape Town have already launched pilot versions of the program, using Johannesburg’s framework as a blueprint. Durban is in talks to join. The national Department of Cooperative Governance is drafting a policy to institutionalize the model across all metropolitan municipalities. If successful, this could become South Africa’s most significant urban governance innovation since the end of apartheid.
Vusumuzi Moyo
I am a journalist specializing in daily news coverage with a keen focus on developments across Africa. My work involves analyzing political, economic, and cultural trends to bring insightful stories to my readers. I strive to present news in a concise and accessible manner, aiming to inform and educate through my articles.
19 Comments
-
Sneha N
November 19, 2025 AT 19:33Oh my goodness… 🥹✨ This is the most beautiful thing I’ve seen all year. 🌿🌍 President Ramaphosa, in his work boots, sweeping alongside ordinary citizens… it’s like poetry in motion. 💫 I’m crying. Not just because it’s clean, but because it’s *human*. 🫶 The way he didn’t speak-he just *did*. That’s leadership. I wish my country had leaders like this. 🇿🇦💛 #CleanJHBForever
-
Manjunath Nayak BP
November 20, 2025 AT 05:41Okay, so let’s unpack this. The U.S. isn’t coming to the G20? Big shock. They’ve been ghosting global summits since 2017. But here’s the real kicker-the CEOs are actually paying for this? Not tax breaks, not subsidies, not loopholes-actual cash and equipment? That’s unprecedented. And they’re being publicly shamed if they slack? That’s not a cleanup program-that’s a corporate accountability revolution. You think this is about trash? Nah. It’s about power. The private sector is finally realizing that if the state can’t maintain infrastructure, they lose customers, investors, and brand value. And Ramaphosa? He didn’t show up to clean. He showed up to reframe the entire contract between power and responsibility. This is the quietest coup in modern African governance. And nobody’s talking about it because it’s too real.
-
Tulika Singh
November 20, 2025 AT 18:22Actions are the only language that doesn’t lie.
-
naresh g
November 22, 2025 AT 05:48Wait-so the U.S. isn’t attending the G20? Really? No official statement? No explanation? Not even a tweet? That’s… unusual. And the cleanup? It’s symbolic, yes-but also structural? They’re installing QR codes? And WhatsApp reporting? And 42 local ambassadors? And corporate contracts? And public scorecards? And legal enforcement? That’s… actually… kind of brilliant? But also… is this sustainable? Or just a G20 facade? I need more data.
-
Brajesh Yadav
November 23, 2025 AT 16:54THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LET CORPORATIONS RUN CITIES!! 😤 The real problem? The government is outsourcing its duties to rich CEOs who care about their brand, not the people. And now we’re supposed to clap? Where were these CEOs when schools had no books? When clinics had no medicine? When kids drank dirty water? This is a PR stunt wrapped in a Freedom Charter flag. 🤡 The U.S. isn’t coming because they see through this. And I’m not fooled. Clean streets don’t feed families. This is capitalism pretending to be compassion.
-
Govind Gupta
November 24, 2025 AT 07:59There’s something quietly powerful about this. Not the spectacle, not the hashtags-but the quiet shift. Companies aren’t giving money. They’re signing leases. They’re auditing. They’re being named and shamed. That’s not charity. That’s responsibility with teeth. And Ramaphosa? He didn’t come to be seen. He came to be part of it. The real win? People who used to feel invisible are now employed as ambassadors. That’s dignity you can’t hashtag. I’m not shouting. I’m just… impressed.
-
tushar singh
November 25, 2025 AT 04:26Man, this gives me hope. Real hope. Not the kind that comes from speeches. The kind that comes from someone rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty alongside you. That’s how change starts. Not with laws. Not with tweets. With sweat. And if the CEOs stick with it? This could be the blueprint for every city in the world. Keep going, JHB. You’re doing something right.
-
Nikhil nilkhan
November 25, 2025 AT 10:33I’ve seen a lot of ‘cleanups’ in my life. Most are photo ops. This one feels different. Not because of the president. Not because of the CEOs. But because of the QR codes and the WhatsApp reports. That’s tech meeting tradition. That’s accountability meeting community. And the fact that they’re hiring locals? That’s not just cleaning. That’s healing. I don’t know if it’ll last-but for now, it’s working. And that’s more than I can say for most government programs.
-
Damini Nichinnamettlu
November 27, 2025 AT 07:15Let’s not pretend this is about Kliptown. This is about global perception. The U.S. is absent. So South Africa is showing the world it can lead without them. Smart. But don’t mistake optics for reform. The Freedom Charter was about justice. Not sweepers. The real test is whether the schools get textbooks next week. Not whether the square looks good for cameras.
-
Vinod Pillai
November 29, 2025 AT 03:11This is nonsense. CEOs cleaning streets? What’s next? Lawyers mopping hospitals? This isn’t leadership. It’s a failure of governance. The state should be doing this. Not outsourcing dignity to corporations who want tax credits. And the U.S. not showing up? Good. They’re the reason the world’s in chaos. Let Africa run its own show. But stop pretending this cleanup is about the people. It’s about branding.
-
Avantika Dandapani
November 29, 2025 AT 19:25I just watched the video of Ramaphosa laughing while trying to untangle those plastic bags… and I cried. Not because it’s perfect. But because it’s real. People are finally seeing each other-not as strangers, not as taxpayers, not as CEOs or councilors-but as humans sharing the same sidewalk. And those 42 ambassadors? They’re not just cleaning. They’re becoming the heartbeat of the community again. This isn’t a project. It’s a resurrection.
-
Ayushi Dongre
December 1, 2025 AT 18:57One might argue that the symbolic weight of Kliptown-birthplace of the Freedom Charter-is being leveraged for diplomatic optics. Yet, the structural innovations-the corporate maintenance contracts, the real-time reporting via WhatsApp, the public scorecards-are not performative. They are institutional. The question is not whether this is symbolic, but whether the mechanisms outlive the summit. If the quarterly reports are transparent, and non-compliant firms are publicly named, then this transcends symbolism. It becomes governance. And in a continent where governance is often synonymous with neglect, that is revolutionary.
-
rakesh meena
December 3, 2025 AT 14:33They’re cleaning. They’re hiring. They’re tracking. That’s more than most governments do. Let’s not overthink it. Just keep going.
-
sandeep singh
December 3, 2025 AT 16:01Who gave these CEOs the right to clean our streets? This isn’t partnership. It’s colonization by corporation. The U.S. didn’t show up because they know this is a facade. The real enemy isn’t litter. It’s the illusion that capitalism can fix what the state refuses to build. Shame on South Africa for letting billionaires dictate public space. This isn’t progress. It’s surrender.
-
Jacquelyn Barbero
December 5, 2025 AT 07:05As someone who works in urban policy, I’m stunned. This is the most innovative public-private model I’ve seen in a decade. The QR codes, the WhatsApp reporting, the public scorecards-it’s all scalable. And the fact that they’re not using taxpayer money? Brilliant. The U.S. absence? It’s a loss, but also an opening. Africa doesn’t need permission to lead. It just needs a platform. This is it.
-
toby tinsley
December 5, 2025 AT 20:59There’s a quiet dignity in this. Not the loud kind that makes headlines. The kind that happens when a CEO picks up a broom and doesn’t take a photo. When the city tracks performance-not praise. When dignity is measured in pavement, not policy speeches. Kliptown was never just a place. It was a promise. And now, slowly, it’s being kept. Not by decree. But by doing.
-
Mark Archuleta
December 7, 2025 AT 04:17Let’s cut through the noise. The U.S. absence is a geopolitical opportunity, not a crisis. South Africa is pivoting to a Global South agenda-debt restructuring, climate adaptation, digital inclusion. That’s the real story. The cleanup? It’s the perfect metaphor. Private sector investment in public infrastructure isn’t charity. It’s risk mitigation. If your city is a dump, no one invests. Ramaphosa didn’t just clean a square. He redefined value. And the fact that they’re publishing compliance data? That’s the real innovation. Accountability as a public good.
-
Pete Thompson
December 8, 2025 AT 04:58Oh please. The U.S. isn’t coming because they know this is a circus. Ramaphosa’s in work boots? Cute. But you think cleaning a square fixes systemic poverty? You’re delusional. This isn’t leadership. It’s distraction. And the CEOs? They’re buying goodwill with R14.7 million while kids die from cholera. This isn’t a model. It’s a marketing campaign dressed as revolution. Wake up.
Write a comment
More Articles
South African Businessman Johann Rupert Takes the Crown as Africa's Richest Man, Dethroning Aliko Dangote
Johann Rupert from South Africa has overtaken Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote to become Africa’s richest man. Rupert's net worth has skyrocketed from $1.9 billion to $14.3 billion, making him the 147th wealthiest person globally. This significant surge places him well ahead of Dangote, who held the title for years.
Inter Miami Set for High-Stakes Showdown Against Philadelphia Union in Saturday's MLS
Inter Miami faces off against Philadelphia Union in a crucial MLS Eastern Conference battle. Despite Lionel Messi's injury, Inter Miami remains favorites, riding an impressive unbeaten streak. Philadelphia, led by top scorer Tai Baribo, aims to challenge them. Other exciting matches include New England Revolution vs. NY Red Bulls and LA Galaxy vs. Orlando City.
Watch Barcelona vs. Manchester City Live: Stream, TV Channel & Start Time for Club Friendly
Details on how to watch the friendly match between Barcelona and Manchester City on July 31, 2024, at 8:00 PM EDT. Broadcasting on ESPN2 and streaming on various platforms, this game is a vital preseason tune-up for both teams. Barcelona aims to recover from last season, while Manchester City looks to maintain its tempo.
Sumit Garg
November 19, 2025 AT 10:37Let’s be honest-this is a distraction. The U.S. absence isn’t an oversight; it’s a strategic withdrawal from a declining multilateral order. Ramaphosa’s cleanup is performative governance dressed in work boots. The Freedom Charter was drafted here, yes-but now the state outsources dignity to corporate PR teams. When your solution to systemic neglect is CEO-led trash collection, you’ve already lost the plot. The real crisis isn’t litter-it’s the erosion of public trust in institutions that can’t even deliver clean water. This isn’t leadership. It’s theater with a sustainability hashtag.