in the poem, the author examines how the city of Johannesburg has become a "deception and lies" place where people just exist to keep money in their pockets. The author also critiques the effects of

"Johannesburg" by Lesego Rampolokeng presents a captivating and somber depiction of Johannesburg's city life. Its vivid imagery portrays a dismal urban landscape, where dreams die, and people live only to support the economic machine of the city. The poem's rich images powerfully carry its themes of disillusionment, corruption, and societal challenges. the first four lines evoke the image of deceit and treachery deeply ingrained in the city's foundation. The phrase "Paved with judas gold" utilizes biblical allusion to signify dishonesty and betrayal, painting the city in a sinister and untrustworthy light. The line "Dreams come here to die" further intensifies the city's dreariness by implying that people's aspirations and ambitions are crushed upon entering this malignant environment. Lines 5 through 8 illuminate the harsh reality of city life. The dense and aggressive traffic is personified as the "sick / Vein of life," displaying a sense of rapid movement that disregards humanity or compassion. The speaker then relates the flow of traffic to the "eternal time bomb," creating a stark contrast between humanity's frantic pace to their demise, and the ever-looming possibility of self-destruction. In lines 9 through 14, the speaker delves into the act of hiding vulnerability and fear. The people are described as "Swaggering to disguise / Our staggering heart-treads," emphasizing the necessity of hiding one's true feelings in order to survive in this hostile environment. Furthermore, the imagery of being "recession whipped" and forced into the "repression machine" reflects the fact that the residents of Johannesburg are, in many ways, subjugated by the city's powerful economic forces. The image of wealth disparity in lines 15 through 18 offers a critique of the lavish "glass towers" where economic prosperity resides. While these opulent structures symbolize wealth and success, they ultimately serve as "vaults of death" - a place where it's impossible for the majority of citizens to achieve security, symbolizing the inaccessibility of the "green pastures of wealth." This image reinforces the idea that wealth can have a sinister side, resulting in disparity and division within society. "Jo'burg my city" highlights that even the residents' existence is filled with lies, and life is reduced to a mere drive to survive instead of living (lines 20 through 25). The city's residents are dedicated to keeping the money belt spinning, reminding readers that the cycle of struggle will continue for those who are not wise enough or lucky enough to escape. Rampolokeng's portrayal of people as "pawns of evil hand or ogre eye" suggests powerlessness and insignificance (lines 28 and 29). The closing lines of the poem describe the fate of the citizens, either to be pushed to the fringes of society or fully succumb to the city's harsh realities. This state is aptly summed up as being "On the fringe / Of our own insanity." Overall, the imagery in "Johannesburg" by Lesego Rampolokeng effectively conveys the challenges and despair evident in the experiences of people living within the city. The poem presents a powerful commentary on societal struggles, establishing a compelling picture of life in Johannesburg where dreams die amidst the unrelenting pace of city life.