CDE executive director Ann Bernstein joined Power FM to discuss the findings of CDE’s latest Johannesburg Matters report, Joburg Needs Faster Growth, highlighting the impact of failing municipal services on businesses, investment and employment. “Municipal dysfunction, where we are now, it acts as an implicit tax on economic activity. It raises costs while services deteriorate,” Bernstein explained. She criticised the city’s existing state-led economic growth strategy and argued that restoring basic services, tackling corruption and strengthening municipal institutions must take priority. Bernstein also proposed a business and civil society task force to identify new sources of economic growth and develop a practical long-term vision for Johannesburg.