Vice-Chancellor of SOAS University of London, Adam Habib. Picture: Nhlanhla Phillips/Independent Newspapers
In a refreshing turn of events, Professor Adam Habib, the former Vice Chancellor of the Witwatersrand University and the current Vice-Chancellor of SOAS University of London, has expressed his admiration for the significant improvements seen in Durban following a challenging few years.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Habib highlighted his positive experiences during his recent summer break in South Africa, where he visited Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg.
"Spent summer break in SA - Durban, Cape Town and JHB. I am utterly astonished at the turnaround in Durban.
“From the hedges on the roads being cut, to security on its beaches, to the cleanliness of its city centre which I visited, what a turnaround. Shows you cities can be turned," wrote Habib, reflecting on the strides made by the eThekwini Municipality.
Spent summer break in SA - Durban, Cape Town and JHB. I am utterly astonished at the turnaround in Durban. From the hedges on the roads being cut, to security on its beaches, to the cleanliness of its city centre which I visited, what a turnaround. Shows you cities can be turned!
— Adam Habib (@AdHabb) January 4, 2025
Durban has faced numerous challenges over the past couple of years, particularly stemming from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which devastated the tourism sector and resulted in numerous business closures.
Additionally, the unrest that shook the country in July 2021 and devastating floods in April 2022 led to the deterioration of the city’s infrastructure, notably its water and sanitation services.
This turmoil resulted in the city's loss of its coveted Blue Flag status due to contamination concerns in its beaches.
However, Habib's recent comments suggest a turnaround is in progress. He also took a moment to commend Cape Town for its efforts under the leadership of Helen Zille, while simultaneously delivering a critical perspective on the state of Johannesburg.
"Johannesburg is broken. This is a city in terminal decline manifested in its dark streets in the nights, the filthy public spaces, its failures in water delivery and other municipal services, and its security challenges.
“But it is in this state because of its politicians and officials,” he asserted.
CT under Zille & Durban now show that cities can be turned around. But it requires political will & trained officials. Fire the incompetent & corrupt. If JHB is to turn, its politicians need to go. Either they voted out or national govt needs to put the city under administration.
— Adam Habib (@AdHabb) January 4, 2025
Habib further stressed that for cities to successfully turn around, like Cape Town and now Durban have, a combination of political will and competent administration is essential.
"Fire the incompetent and corrupt. If JHB is to turn, its politicians need to go. Either they voted out or national government needs to put the city under administration,” he advised.
The professor's sentiments resonated strongly with South Africans online, as citizens echoed his praise for Durban's improvements.
X user @KKajani123 wrote: "Totally agree Prof, Family spent 6 Days in Durban, cleanliness and my goodness ALL THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS WORK, and lots of visible policing - on bicycles, horseback and cars, not like in Joburg, east rand and Tshwane it's a mess ... big ups to Mayor Cyril Xaba."
Totally agree Prof, Family spend 6 Days in Durban, cleanliness and my goodness ALL THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS WORK, and lots of visible policing- on bicycles, horseback and cars, not like in Joburg, east rand and Tshwane its a mess...big ups to Mayor Cyril Xaba https://t.co/AYlJ42CDi0 pic.twitter.com/e1Ejkby2Lz
— Karel Kajani (@KKajani123) January 5, 2025
Another user, @Thanda_Zee, noted: "I saw that transformation in June last year when I visited Durban👏🏽 It shows that cities get into ruin because of the people who are in charge and corruption."
I saw that transformation in June last year when I visited Durban👏🏽 It shows that cities get into ruin because of the people who are in charge and corruption https://t.co/7dJkNdOAWe
— Thandazile Shezi (@Thanda_Zee) January 6, 2025
While @DaveWessels commented: "Yes, unbelievable @AdHabb! We spent time up the South Coast and the improvement since we were last there is brilliant … and the beaches were packed. So good for the local economy."
Yes unbelievable @AdHabb ! We spent time up the South Coast and the improvement since we were last there is brilliant.
— Dave Wessels (@DaveWessels) January 5, 2025
… and the beaches were packed. So good for the local economy. https://t.co/bY206sZTZ7
As discussions about the state of South African cities continue, Habib’s comments not only shine a light on the potential for change but also serve as a poignant reminder of the need for effective governance and accountability in urban management.