THE 7-MINUTE
MANIFESTO
Simple on the surface. Deep underneath. This page sets out the main operational pillars contained in the IMSTAYING IMS local-government plan.
A Local Government Operating Plan
The campaign framework focuses on infrastructure restoration, public safety, community empowerment, local economic development and measurable municipal performance.
IMSTAYING IMS describes its approach as an operational blueprint intended to connect municipal commitments to clearly defined actions and measurable outcomes.
Three Main Areas of Focus
Select each pillar to review the measures described in the IMSTAYING IMS campaign framework.
01 | Basic Services & Infrastructure Restoration
Restore Core Municipal Infrastructure
IMSTAYING IMS proposes ring-fencing municipal maintenance budgets across key service sectors so that infrastructure maintenance funding is protected and directed toward essential municipal services.
The campaign proposes ending political deployment in technical engineering positions and appointing certified utility engineers using merit, qualifications and measurable performance criteria.
It also proposes an immediate and transparent technical audit of major electrical substations and water distribution centres across Johannesburg to identify critical infrastructure risks and maintenance backlogs.
The plan emphasises preventative maintenance, infrastructure reliability and clearly assigned technical responsibility for essential municipal systems.
02 | Spatial Safety & Community Empowerment
Safer Streets & Community Infrastructure
IMSTAYING IMS proposes connecting commercial zoning and municipal licensing decisions more closely to local public-safety conditions and surrounding spatial safety risks.
The plan proposes direct capital investment in solar-powered pedestrian lighting and safer movement corridors around taxi ranks, transport hubs, township pedestrian routes, schools and other high-traffic public areas.
The campaign also proposes stronger cooperation with Community Policing Forums, verified neighbourhood organisations and relevant law-enforcement structures in protecting municipal infrastructure and improving local safety.
Any expanded funding, guarding, enforcement or policing functions would need to operate within applicable constitutional, policing and municipal law.
03 | The Macroeconomic Engine: Rebuilding the City of Gold
Performance-Led Municipal Management
The campaign proposes reframing the Executive Mayor's office around operational execution, infrastructure stabilisation and local economic development.
IMSTAYING IMS describes this as a performance-led management model in which the mayoral office is assessed against the delivery of municipal operations and measurable city outcomes.
The plan proposes clearly defined milestones, visible performance indicators and regular measurement of progress against municipal commitments.
Its stated principle is simple: promises are easy, but progress must be measurable.
From Policy to Measurable Delivery
Diagnose
Identify infrastructure failures, maintenance backlogs and service-delivery gaps.
Implement
Set defined municipal actions, technical responsibilities and project priorities.
Measure
Track progress against visible milestones and service-delivery outcomes.
What the Plan Focuses On
The operational plan connects its three main pillars to the everyday municipal functions that affect residents.
Measurable Milestones
The campaign states that municipal commitments should be translated into measurable milestones so residents can compare stated targets with actual progress.
This includes tracking infrastructure restoration, service-delivery performance, municipal projects and accountability commitments over time.
Promises Are Easy. Progress Must Be Measurable.
We are not asking you to trust a slogan. We are asking you to judge the plan — and then hold us to it.