The Kiffness shows Johannesburg decline
Musician David Scott shared a video comparing Johannesburg in 2010 to 2026, highlighting infrastructure decay.
Musician David Scott, known as The Kiffness, has released a video showing the rapid deterioration of Johannesburg over 15 years. The 38-year-old artist used Google Street View images from 2010 and 2026 to illustrate the city's decline, comparing well-maintained streets then to neglected buildings and rubbish-strewn roads now.
Scott shared the video on X after a Polymarket report claimed Johannesburg was on the "brink of a total collapse" due to water shortages from damaged infrastructure. He stated his intention was to show how a functioning city can become derelict quickly, warning other major global cities of a similar fate if they do not act.
Johannesburg voters will elect councillors on Wednesday, November 4, during local government elections. A Polymarket poll indicates Helen Zille has a 57% chance of becoming the next mayor, with her campaign focusing on restoring basic services, infrastructure, financial management, and combating crime and corruption.
Why it mattersJohannesburg residents face deteriorating infrastructure, neglected public spaces, and potential water shortages.