On Day 2 of the Reside Summit, a robust panel discussion moderated by Marius Muller (SoHo Properties) brought together Angela Rivers (JPOMA), Ben Espach (Rates Watch), Katlego Ditshego (JOSHCO), Sanelisiwe Ngcobo (Ngcobo SN Inc), and Keyuren Maharaj (CityMender SA) to examine the implications of class action lawsuits against municipalities, unpacking their impact on service delivery, accountability, and investor confidence in the urban development landscape.
The key takeaway for JPOMA GM Angela Rivers was that it was great to be part of such a passionate and knowledgeable panel. The message however, is clear: litigation is not the solution, but right now it feels like the only course of action when all other avenues are exhausted. The City of Joburg needs to get the basics right to fix the trust deficit.
On 18 May 2026 Angela Rivers appeared on Newzroom Afrika to discuss the pros and cons of residents maintaining their neighbourhoods where CoJ is failing with service delivery.
“What began as a community initiative to paint street kerbs has evolved into a formal partnership between a residential association and the City of Johannesburg. The Blairgowrie Community Association’s partnership with the city is part of a broader D-I-Y project, where residential associations help restore and maintain public spaces. Residents contribute funding and volunteer labour, while the city provides formal approval, technical support and coordination. Angela Rivers, General manager of the Johannesburg property owners and managers association weighs in”.
