Johannesburg street blast underlines urban decay in 'New York of Africa’

 A general view of a damaged road in Johannesburg on July 20, 2023, following an unexplained explosion that occurred during rush hour on July 19, 2023.

What you need to know:

  • For Johannesburg, nicknamed Jozi by its residents, who often report a love-hate relationship with Africa's most developed and richest megalopolis, it was a stark reminder that 140 years after it mushroomed from a tent city housing alluvial gold miners, the city is in desperate need of a major infrastructure — and socio-economic — renewal programme.