Lesufi embarrassed by downtown Joburg

JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng province is cooperating with the City of Johannesburg in an effort to clean up and revitalise the Johannesburg Central Business District.

The CBD has deteriorated significantly over the last few decades.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has stated that restoring order in the city will require a concerted effort from his government, the city, the private sector and inner city inhabitants.

"The Johannesburg CBD is an embarrassment for all of us, but it can be a turning point," Lesufi said.

WATCH: Joburg CBD urban decay addressed slowly

"It's now an area that we have lost control of completely, and there's an urgent need not only to reclaim it, but to direct it.

"It can't be on autopilot and it can't be at the will of criminals."

The inner city has also been afflicted by mountains of waste stacking up, creating an unattractive location for inhabitants, businesses, and investors.

• eNCA's Theodor Mashele reports.