Living & Investing with Jonathan Broekman:
Helen Zille - Johannesburg’s Future, Leadership and the Link to Property Values

Podcast: https://youtu.be/UTdhTnpiEAw

Guest: Helen Zille – DA Federal Council Chairperson
Host: Jonathan Broekman

In this episode of Living & Investing with Jonathan Broekman, Jonathan chats with Helen Zille about the future of Johannesburg, the importance of leadership and why the health of a city has a direct impact on confidence, investment and property values.

With Johannesburg facing challenges around service delivery, infrastructure and public confidence, Helen shares her perspective on what needs to change, why residents play an important role in shaping their city and why successful cities are built through the partnership between leadership, citizens and investment.

Why Johannesburg’s Future Matters

Jonathan:Helen, Johannesburg has experienced a difficult period. Many residents are looking for confidence that the city can recover. How do we get Johannesburg back on track?

Helen:The first thing is that people need to understand that the future of their city depends on the choices they make. A city cannot simply be fixed from the outside. Leadership matters, but so do the decisions made by residents.

The way people participate in shaping their city determines what kind of future they create.

If people want confidence in the future, they need to make choices that support stability, effective leadership and a plan that can actually be implemented.

Why Stable Leadership Matters

Jonathan:You have spoken about the importance of not just winning but winning in a way that allows a government to function. Why is that important?

Helen:Because stability matters.

If a local government is constantly at risk of collapsing because it depends on fragile coalition agreements, it becomes extremely difficult to attract the right skills, make decisions and implement a plan.

A city needs leadership that can make decisions, execute those decisions and give people confidence that there is a clear direction.

Local Government Is Where Life Happens

Jonathan:People often see politics as something distant. How important is that connection?

Helen:Local government is where politics stops being theoretical and becomes practical.It is about whether there is water in your tap, whether the lights come on, whether roads are maintained, whether refuse is collected and whether basic services function.

People should not accept dysfunction as normal. A city’s residents have the ability to influence its future.

Residents Are Not Powerless

Jonathan:Johannesburg has many active communities that have stepped in to improve parks, neighbourhoods and public spaces. What role do citizens play?

Helen:Johannesburg’s greatest strength is its active citizens. There are many examples of residents who have taken responsibility and improved their surroundings. That shows the energy and commitment that exists in this city.

But ultimately, the goal should be a partnership between active citizens and a functional government. Communities should not have to carry the full responsibility for maintaining a city, but their involvement is incredibly valuable.

The Connection Between Cities and Property Values

Jonathan:Many people watching this channel are homeowners and investors. How directly connected are the state of a city and property values?

Helen:They are directly connected. Property values are a consequence of confidence in a place.

When people want to live in a city, when businesses want to invest there and when visitors want to come there, that creates economic activity. That economic activity creates jobs, strengthens the rates base and allows more investment into infrastructure and communities.

A city that works creates confidence, and confidence creates value.

What Johannesburg Can Learn From Successful Cities

Jonathan:You often refer to Cape Town as an example of how a city can develop over time. What lessons can Johannesburg take?

Helen:It is important to understand that cities are not transformed overnight. Cape Town’s success was built over many years through consistent investment, maintaining infrastructure and creating confidence.

When people believe in a city, they want to move there, businesses want to operate there and property demand grows. That creates a positive cycle.

Investment Creates Opportunity

Jonathan:You mentioned the role of investment. How important is that for a city’s broader success?

Helen:Investment creates opportunities far beyond property. When businesses and people choose to invest in a city, that creates economic activity. It allows cities to improve infrastructure and creates opportunities for employment. Tourism is another example. When visitors come to a city, they support businesses and create jobs. 

The difference between a city that works and a city that struggles is often confidence. When people believe in a place, they invest in it.

Looking Ahead

Jonathan:What does Johannesburg’s future depend on?

Helen:It depends on people understanding that they have a role to play. A city is not changed in one day. It is improved every day through decisions, commitment and consistent work.

The future of Johannesburg is ultimately about whether people choose a city that works, a city that attracts investment and a city where future generations want to live. The decision lies in them choosing to get out and vote.

ENDS

This article is based on a podcast conversation with Helen Zille and reflects the views and opinions expressed by the guest. Homes of Distinction accepts no responsibility for the views, statements or claims made during the discussion. 

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