The South Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo: Gallo Images / Sowetan / Vathiswa Ruselo) 
1. High Court Precinct to get an upgrade
A giant statue of Carl Von Brandis, the first magistrate of Johannesburg, guards the western edge of the beleaguered High Court precinct on the corner of Von Brandis and Pritchard Street in the CBD, writes Bridget Hilton-Barber.
Although there’s a daily influx of hundreds of lawyers, judges, and court officials who work in and around here, the precinct is in a state of disrepair due to insufficient maintenance and a backlog of cases that has overwhelmed the court’s resources and infrastructure.
The Deeds Office recently relocated from the nearby 31-storey Marble Towers due to persistent occupational health and safety issues, and the precinct is surrounded by a chaotic and informal migrant trading area as well as unoccupied buildings, such as the old Southern Sun building, formerly the Johannesburg Sun and Towers, which has been abandoned and empty for over two decades.
But now the High Court precinct is set for revitalisation due to a landmark tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
The MoU was signed on 7 November, 2025, by Professor Maurice Radebe, chairperson of Jozi My Jozi, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi and Deputy Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala.
The MoU specifically aims to address longstanding maintenance and safety issues affecting court users, legal practitioners, and surrounding communities, and to make the court a more dignified and welcoming space. The agreement also aims to unlock state-owned properties for accelerated development and convert underutilised land for the public good.
“The signing ceremony for us represents an absolute motion of confidence for the CBD of Johannesburg,” said Jacob Mamabolo, MEC for Infrastructure Development, while Professor Radebe said the MoU was “a significant milestone in our journey and a deepening of purpose”.
“It’s more than bricks and mortar,” explained Jozi My Jozi CEO, Bea Swanepoel, “it’s about access to justice, dignity, and vibrant community renewal for all who live, work, and visit the city. It’s a true Public-Private Partnership – government and Jozi My Jozi coming together for progress that you can see and feel. We’re restoring pride and functionality in Joburg’s heart for current communities and future generations.”
Join us… share your hopes and ideas for a renewed city.
2. Traffic chaos for G20 weekend
If you can, stay home. Or here’s the list of road closures and alternative routes.
3. Joburg Bridge is falling down
Joburg’s 900-plus bridges have not been visually inspected in nine years, and the city admits their condition would have deteriorated since the inspection revealed that more than 700 needed rehabilitation and upgrading — 68 urgently, Yvonne Grimbeek reported in the Sunday Times (paywalled but well worth a subscription).
The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) says the exact number of bridges in poor condition will be determined during the next inspection in this financial year.
We would like road engineers and transport experts to help us think through what this means for our safety. Please contact us here if you can help.
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/EDITORS_CHOICE_Bridges_18ab1000-1000x640-1.jpg "The underside of the bridge on CR Swart Drive in Johannesburg. (Photo: James Oatway)")
4. Clarification and apology: BBC: Up to 700 buildings derelict and abandoned.
target="_self">A City held hostage, the BBC reported, “There are hundreds of derelict, or abandoned buildings, many of which are hijacked by criminals. We’ve been able to identify the location of 102. But according to some reports, there are up to 700.” We reported the hijacked number as 700 and apologise for the error
5. No expense spared for G20 – no pennies for water crisis, says Dr Ferrial Adam
The G20 theme may be ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability’, but for Johannesburg residents those words are empty if they do not start with water — Water Solidarity, Water Equality, Water Sustainability.
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ED_584995-1.jpg "Johannesburg residents protest against the water crisis outside Johannesburg Council Chambers on 1 November 2025. Thy demanded an urgent action to end what they describe as a ‘human rights and economic emergency’ caused by the worsening water crisis. (Photo: Fani Mahuntsi / Gallo Images)")
Joburg ‘Person of the Day’
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/lufuno-matidza-tour-guide.jpg "Tour guide Lufuno Matidza. (Photo: Bridget Hilton-Barber)")
Soweto tour guide Lufuno “Lulu’’ Matidza stands outside the Eyethu Heritage Hall in Soweto, once a famous cinema, now a funky venue, writes Bridget Hilton-Barber.
From immersive art and music tours in Soweto to authentic adventures in the inner city, Matidza showcases the energy and diversity of Jozi. She is one of the pioneers of the new Soweto Art Mile which is a fabulous taste of the contemporary art scene there and includes galleries, art centres, jazz lounges, murals and more. She’s also the founder of Straat-Afford, a thrift boutique shop selling fabulous second hand and vintage clothing at affordable prices.
Picture of the day
“Getting a close shave. At Jozi my Jozi’s recent Dignity Day at the Constitutional Court, an unhoused gentleman got a free haircut. People could apply for IDs, go shopping or find support.” - Bridget Hilton-Barber
Heard recently
- “I’m so passionate about this city... When you dive into the details, into how interesting it all became, it gave me a different love and passion for the city.” — Kennedy Tembo, a self-described “corporate dropout”.
- “We’re as ready for the G20 as we’ll ever be,” — Dada Morero, Executive Mayor.
My go-to spot for
... "a fancy drink and wood-fired pizzas." - Gemma M
Tip us off! What’s your favourite spot? Tell us why – or suggest something else here.
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-19-143022.png "Octo Bar | The Leonardo. The Leonardo, 75 Maude St, Sandown, Sandton. Photo: Legacy Hotels & Resorts")
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