About this website
Johannesburg is a city of immense potential – a city of gold, innovation and opportunity. But, for too long, it has been plagued by mismanagement leading to decaying infrastructure and a profound erosion of public confidence in local government. "How to Fix Joburg" is a platform dedicated to changing that.
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From potholes to power cuts, waste management to water shortages, these essays attempt to explain the root causes of the multiple crises that Johannesburg faces. But this isn’t just about identifying problems. This collection of essays offers practical, cost-effective and achievable solutions that are grounded in the principles of classical liberalism: solutions that are colour-blind, pro-poor and pro-growth.
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These essays are for everyone who hopes for and believes in a better Johannesburg. Whether you are a resident tired of service delivery failures, a business owner frustrated by red tape or a public official who wants to make a difference – you will find thoughtful ideas, data-driven analysis and a vision for a city that works for all.​
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Let us reimagine and rebuild Johannesburg, one solution at a time.
About the author
"How to Fix Joburg" is written by Richard Wilkinson, an attorney who has worked as a senior advisor to Cilliers Brink, the former Mayor of Tshwane, and Tania Campbell, the former Mayor of Ekurhuleni.
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His insights are drawn from firsthand experience and from interviews with current and former public representatives and government officials. Richard is committed to offering solutions that are both principled and practical, rooted in a deep understanding of Johannesburg’s challenges and opportunities.
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Richard was educated at the University of Cape Town where he obtained undergraduate degrees in commerce in law. He later read for postgraduate degrees at Oxford University and Cambridge University. "How to Fix Joburg" is Richard's second collection of essays. His first collection of essays, entitled "School Capture", is available here.