A rejuvenated Johannesburg provides an opportunity for economic growth and strengthening of our domestic capital. Such growth should as far as is possible provide for job security, create sustainable jobs, provide infrastructure to benefit the majority of our people who suffer from brutal poverty. While we do not agree with their move, and indeed we should do everything in our power to stem the tide, it would be imprudent for us as government or anyone to simply challenge business to remain in the city without attending to the factors compelling such moves. The central challenge facing all of us therefore is to find solutions to the many factors contributing to the exodus. We must create safer conditions for all key stakeholders in the revitalisation of the city to play the role expected of them to bring back high economic activity in the city.
Crime is obviously one of the factors contributing to the decline of the city of Johannesburg.
As government, working together with the law enforcement agencies, communities, business and labour we must commit ourselves to rid Johannesburg of the scourge of crime that threatens all citizens of our beautiful city. It is our view as government that iGoli 2002 is an important and innovative initiative that deserves the support of all of us. We also have to move beyond support for the initiative to a stage where we commit ourselves to doing our outmost to make a success. This is not to say that there are no areas that may need to be ironed out. It just means that we must isolate those areas that require further attention by the local government in order for the plan to succeed.