Internal Newsletter
In the Loop Issue No.
38
April 2017
What’s inside:
Mayor names 9 priorities for growth
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Contents
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Message from the Executive Mayor
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Arts, Sports & Culture
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Massive vaccination drive to keep flu at bay
Mayor declares priorities for next 4 years
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Donating blood saves lives
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Targets set to bring entities back into City fold
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Employees urged to give their honest opinions
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Change of guard redefines City IDP process
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How to navigate your way in an open plan setting
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Investors keen to plough money into inner city regeneration
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New CEO reignites JOSHCO’s spark
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New broom for Pikitup
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Need to save money? Grow your own veggies
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Cooking Easter treats for your family
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Joburg’s biggest exhibition is back for another year
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How many funeral policies do you need?
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Millions more to fix gaping potholes
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Explore the wild side of Joburg this holiday season
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Joburg in pix
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From the serious to the sublime at Joburg theatres
From the serious to the sublime at Joburg theatres Rock classic takes aim at controversial topics Conflict between communities, gang violence, inner city decay and poverty are issues familiar to Joburgers in 2017. A new production of a provocative rock musical looks at these themes from a current perspective and is bound to challenge the perceptions of audiences at the Joburg Theatre.
Now local director, Byron Bure, is bringing RENT to local audiences with a ten day run at the Joburg Theatre, starting in April. Cast members include award-winning graduates from the director’s own Academy of Theatrical Arts and the universities of Pretoria and Cape Town.
RENT, the Musical shocked New York theatregoers when it
Bure says the show will challenge South Africans “to turn towards one another and to choose love and respect” in an often fractured society.
was first staged on Broadway in 1996. Based on Puccini’s classic opera, La Bohème, it tackles issues of homelessness, gay relationships, drug addiction and HIV and AIDS in a fearless way
Ensure you have your ducks in a row before going on holiday
Local TV stars take to city stages
City Goodies up for grabs in Freedom Month Video Competition
Acknowledgements
Cover Credits
Editor: Thomas Thale - thomasth@joburg.org.za
Joburg’s Executive Mayor, Herman Mashaba, has identified nine priority areas for future growth, job creation and quality service delivery. He was joined at the Annual General Meeting of City Entities by the City Manager, Dr Ndivho Lukhwareni and Mr Mahomed Moosa, the Audit Manager: Gauteng at the Office of the Auditor General of SA. At the AGM Mayor Mashaba provided an overview of the plan to bring entities back into the City’s fold.
Contributor: Luyanda Lunika - luyandal@joburg.org.za Lesego Ngobeni - lesegong@joburg.org.za Mongadi Mafata - OupaMa@joburg.org.za Lesego Montsho - LesegoMon@joburg.org.za Ntombi Shilubane - shilubanentombi@gmail.com Gugu Bukhali – gugulethub@joburg.org.za Photography: Enoch Lehung - enochl@joburg.org.za
Theatre buffs can look forward to the staging of two acclaimed classical plays at the Soweto and Joburg Theatres during April.
We would like to hear from you…
The Soweto Theatre will host a production of Tartuffe – “the Imposter” – written by the French master of comedy, Moliere.
In the Loop continues to grow from strength to strength in reflecting all aspects of the City of Johannesburg and its employees. We value your comments and your feedback on what we publish every month and what you would like to read in your own internal magazine. We want to publish letters and messages from readers and we invite you to write to us at email thomasth@joburg.org.za. Please keep it short and topical – but, by all means, give us your opinion. Thomas Thale – Editor
The South African production of Tartuffe is directed by local actress, Sylvaine Strike – seen on screen in movies such as District 9 and Winnie Mandela – and was made possible through the support of the French Institute of South Africa and Alliance Française. • It can be seen at the Soweto Theatre from 5 to 8 April and later make its way to the Joburg Theatre.
Sit back and enjoy timeless classics A dozen of the world’s most talented crooners are making their debut on the Joburg Theatre stage with a stunning production of The Tenors – Live in Concert. Johannesburg forms part of the show’s global tour following sell-out performances on Broadway, in London’s West End, Italy and Ireland. The concert features a feast of feel-good favourites that have been made popular by legends of swing, pop and rock. Highlights include music written by Tina Turner, The Beach Boys, Queen, Simon & Garfunkel and Billy Joel. The Tenors is a live production featuring 12 guys who take their audience on a musical roller coaster with outstanding vocal performances. • Booking at the Joburg Theatre is essential for The Tenors which starts its three week run on 3 May.
April 2017
The Caucasian Chalk Circle is a masterpiece written by German playwright and poet, Bertolt Brecht, more than 70 years ago but which still has major relevance for contemporary South African audiences. The stellar cast includes Mzanzi’s own Aubrey Poo (Muvhango), Izak Davel and Mimi Mahlasela (7de Laan), Nyeleti Ndubane (Generations) and Simpho Mathenjwa (eKhaya). • The play will be performed at the Joburg Theatre from 5 to 23 April.
In the Loop – 23
Message from the Executive Mayor
Joburg in pix pic 1
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Welsh rock star, Bonnie Tyler – known for her rendition of Total Eclipse of the Heart – performed to sold out audiences at the Joburg Theatre. She was accompanied by her manager, Matt Davis, during a meet-and-greet prior to the show.
The City hosted an investor roadshow to increase awareness about economic opportunities in Joburg. Local business leader, Mr Lungelo Nomvalo was in deep discussion with City Manager, Dr Ndivho Lukhwareni.
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The Annual General Meeting of City Entities was attended by all Members of the Mayoral Committee, including Cllr Michael Sun (Public Safety) and Cllr Sharon Peetz (Economic Development).
At the investor roadshow were Ms Luanda Tlhotlhalemaje, City of Joburg Treasurer, Ms Khomotso Letsatsi, Mr Rob Moody and Ms Peggy Sue Khumalo.
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MMC Mpho Phalatse (Health & Social Development) and MMC Nonhlanhla Sifumba (Community Development) were at the AGM of City Entities.
Ms Molebo Mothibe and Mr Remo Moyo attended the investor roadshow in the company of top City officials, Ms Khomotso Letsatsi (Treasurer) and Mr Reggie Boqo (Group Chief Financial Officer).
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Message from the Executive Mayor In the intervening years our freedom has matured to the point where last year the citizens of Johannesburg decided to place their trust in the ideas, experience, knowledge and leadership of a coalition of political parties best equipped to take the City into yet another new era. Seven months after this transition it has become clear that our city is on the right track. We have applied the brakes on reckless spending. We have come down hard on fraud and corruption. We have initiated a vigorous process to replace vital infrastructure.
Freedom Month to be celebrated by all Colleagues,
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This month we are celebrating 23 year since South Africans enjoyed their first opportunity to cast their ballots in a free and democratic elections. The words of former President Nelson Mandela after he exited the voting station on 27 April 1994 still rings true…
”We are starting a new era of hope, reconciliation and nation-building.”
But, most of all, we have started to turn Johannesburg into a city of economic opportunity for all. Political freedom is of limited value to citizens if it is not accompanied by the capacity to become employed, to establish businesses, to grow enterprises and contribute to the quality of life of your families. This is one of the primary reasons why we are singling out corruption as the greatest danger facing our democracy and undermining our freedom. Corruption takes money that could be spent on opportunities for the poor and waylays it to the pockets of the powerful and well-connected.
Johannesburg is a city built by migrants and we are proud to celebrate the rich diversity of our cultures. We continue to assist migrant communities to integrate into our society and will soon establish a special committee to advise us on how to work towards our goal of a peaceful and inclusive Joburg and combat xenophobia. We will also continue to act against crime, lawlessness and illegal occupation of buildings. The overwhelming majority of residents support our actions.
Keep safety in mind during Easter Many of our colleagues will take to the country’s roads during the coming Easter period. Our best wishes accompany you and we urge you to take care while travelling. Within the City we have initiated a number of projects in recent weeks to improve the quality of transport infrastructure and facilitate the movement of traffic. I am convinced that this will greatly contribute to all residents of Johannesburg and visitors to our city to experience a safer and more enjoyable Easter.
Crime knows no nationality Similarly the national government has failed to address the high unemployment and crime rates in South Africa. Crime knows no nationality, race or ethnicity.
Herman Mashaba Executive Mayor City of Johannesburg
Citizens from many countries, especially in Africa, are coming to Johannesburg in search of opportunities and they, too, are becoming victims of crime.
Use the QR code reader on your smartphone to scan these barcodes.
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www.facebook.com/ CityofJohannesburg
22 – April 2017
www.plus.google.com/ 1131415161359973 56931/posts
www.instagram.com
www.twitter.com/ CityofJoburgZA
www.youtube.com/ my_videos?o=U
www.flickr.com/ photos/city_ of_joburg/
www.linkedin.com/ profile/view?id=2453 26835&trk=tab_pro
In the Loop – 3
Employee News
Good Governance
Cooking Easter treats for your family E
aster is a time of religious reflection and pilgrimages for the spiritual. It is also a time to reconnect with family over long weekends as meat sizzles on the braai and drinks overflow on the stoep.
Just make sure the braai stand has been cleaned of last year’s meat burns. Marinate your meat, fill up bowls with lovely green salads and keep the drinks chilled. But above all, do it responsibly. Don’t dare drink and drive.
We have assembled some mouth-watering recipes to whet your appetites so that you have a meaningful and bellyful Easter with friends and family.
Happy Easter, folks.
Niçoise salad recipe by Chef Tshidi (For 2 people)
Lamb Braai Chops in Curry Marinade
Ingredients − 50g cherry tomatoes − 100g French green beans − 50g diced potatoes, cooked and spiced with Season All Grind instead of salt and pepper − 5g or 3 x anchovy fillets − 2.5g capers − 5g stoned black olives − Olive oil − Balsamic vinegar
Ingredients − 2 - 2.5 kg lamb chops − 30 ml oil − 2 onions chopped − 10 ml garlic flakes rehydrated in boiling water for a few minutes and drained − 30 ml curry powder − 15 ml turmeric − 15 ml steak & chops spice − 300 ml brown vinegar − 250 ml smooth apricot jam − 4 bay leaves torn
Mayor declares priorities for next 4 years T
he City has identified nine priority areas to improve residents’ experience of Johannesburg, grow jobs and achieve improved quality in service delivery.
Priority 6: Eliminate corruption and strengthen clean governance in the City. The newly created Anti-corruption Unit will play a prominent role in achieving these objectives.
Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of City Entities Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba said the priorities were identified at a Lekgotla attended by the leadership in the Executive and Legislature. The administration’s 10 Point Plan was distilled into a set of tangible objectives to be achieved during the next four years.
Priority 1: Improve service delivery and performance through out all departments and entities. Joburg must become consumer centric, resolve long-standing billing issues and fast-track service delivery, especially to poor communities. Priority 2: Promote investment and economic development so as to achieve a minimum growth rate of 5% by 2021. The City will create an enabling environment for small business and young entrepreneurs to flourish and create permanent jobs. Priority 3: Revitalise the inner city, combat and eliminate crime and implement a new plan that focuses on by-law enforcement and visible policing in both the inner city and informal settlements. Priority 4: Fast-track housing delivery, address the legacy of income and spatial inequalities and promote an efficient public transport system. City-owned buildings will be converted into affordable, low-cost housing and offer commercial space for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Priority 5: Become a responsive government that is capable of addressing the needs of residents. The ‘Service with Pride’ campaign will ensure employees embrace the idea that the civil service is a calling. This campaign goes hand-in-hand with a skills audit to ensure the right people are serving in the right positions.
4 – April 2017
Priority 7: Enhance financial sustainability. The City will improve its financial management practices, cut down on unauthorised and wasteful expenditure and investigate irregularities disclosed in the annual financial statements. Priority 8: Improve the City’s ability to preserve its resources for future generations. This will include interventions to mitigate against water shortages and electricity constraints and speed up investment in infrastructure. Priority 9: Make Johannesburg a smart city that supports innovation and meet the demands of the new digital age. This will include the provision of free Wi-Fi throughout the City and closer cooperation with academic and research institutions. Mayor Mashaba has announced the names of boards that will oversee the reintegration of city entities back into the City.
The new chairpersons are: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Ms Lael Bethlehem – City Power Mr Dawood Coovadia – Johannesburg Development Agency Mr Patrick Corbin – Johannesburg Property Company Ms Doris Dondur – Joburg Market Mr Nkopane Maphiri – Joburg City Theatres Ms Yolisa Mashilwane – Metrobus Mr Leapeetswe Molotsane – Metro Trading Company Mr Edgar Neluvhalani – Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo Mr Bhekisisa Shongwe – Pikitup Ms Getty Simelane – Johannesburg Water Mr Sipho Tshabalala – Johannesburg Roads Agency Prof Bhekisipho Twala – Johannesburg Housing Company
Method − Cut cherry tomatoes in halves − Blanch, refresh and drain French green beans − Cook potatoes and cut them in cubes Plating − Arrange diced potatoes − Lay French green beans over potatoes − Lay anchovy on top of beans − Decorate all this with cut cherry tomatoes, capers and stoned olives − Grind Season All spice over − Dress the salad with balsamic vinegar and olive oil − Garnish with micro greens (miniature salad leaves)
Instructions − Fry the onions in the oil for about 4 minutes until they are soft and golden but not brown. − Add the garlic flakes, curry powder, turmeric and steak and chops spice and fry for another minute. − Stir in the vinegar and jam and heat until boiling. Boil for 10 minutes. − Remove from the heat and let the marinade cool down to room temperature. Add the torn bay leaves to the marinade and pour over the meat. Toss to coat and then, cover and marinate for 24 hours. Braai for about 8–10 minutes on hot coals. − Baste during cooking. Left over marinade can be thickened by boiling for 5 -10 minutes until reduced and served as extra basting before serving.
In the Loop – 21
Good Governance
Employee News
Targets set to bring entities back into City fold “
The City is committed to consult very broadly with all stakeholders – including employees, organised labour and residents, says Maduka. We are also making use of external consultants who are experts in their fields to advise us every step of the way.
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Need to save money? Grow your own veggies
The City has set out a timetable with specific milestones to be achieved that will lead to the reintegration of the entities:
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ired of eating stale fruit and veg from the supermarket? No money for a seven colours meal on Sunday? Constantly getting sick as a result of a compromised immune system? Then it’s time to start growing your own food. You don’t need a farm to start a vegetable patch. Even if you are living in a townhouse with little space to manoeuvre, you can start there and then. The late herbalist Margaret Roberts was fond of saying that working in the garden is far more therapeutic than visiting a shrink or going to the gym. If you don’t believe her, try it out for yourself. Aspirant growers who have limited space can start with pot plants. Beans, tomatoes and spinach are some of the delectable veggies that are just as comfortable growing out of a pot or in the ground. Instead of throwing away the water you rinse your dishes with, use a bucket and then water your budding veggies with it. If you have lawn, use your bath water to water the lawn. Your friends will laugh behind your back that your lawn smells of luxurious bath soaps. Don’t throw away your vegetable peels. Start a compost heap and throw all your biodegradable material there. From time to time add a bit of soil when the heap starts to smell. In no time you will have compost and your veggies will love you for it. Growing vegetables is not rocket science. Involve the whole family. Make it a time to bond and an exploration treat for the children. Grow what you eat. It’s no use growing pumpkin and you can’t bring yourself to eat it. April is the perfect time to grow beans, beetroot, radish and spinach. If you are not sure what to do, ask established gardeners for help, talk to your garden shop and do some online research. Websites like www.seedsforafrica.co.za and www.organicseed.co.za are packed with information to get you started on the road to success.
2016 2020 – September – April 2017
Here’s how to prepare the soil before planting: 1. Dig out the top 20-30cm of soil and keep aside. 2. Then dig out a further 20-30 cm of the subsoil and keep separate from the topsoil. 3. Now fill the dug-out areas with organic matter such as dry leaves, manure or grass clippings. 4. Water the organic matter. Replace subsoil. 5. Then replace the topsoil. 6. Now add a thick layer of compost. 7. Rake neatly into the shape of the bed Watering your veggies is very important and should be done at least 3 times a week for about 25 minutes, if there has been no rain. When you have your first harvest, the taste will assure you that it was worth all the hard labour.
Target date
Stage completed
April 2017
Appointment of external advisers.
May 2017
Start of feasibility studies on the economic, financial and operational implications for the City.
November 2017
Completion of job analysis.
March 2018
Signing of transfer agreements with existing entities.
April 2018
Approval of organisational structures by Mayoral Committee and Council.
Mr Bryne Maduka, Executive Director: Group Governance
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he process to reintegrate Johannesburg’s entities back into the City is in motion. There is a clearly defined timetable in place and everything is on track to achieve this target within 20 to 24 month. “This is a Mayoral priority and we are all geared to ensure the transition process takes place speedily and without any hitches,” says Bryne Maduka, the Executive Director: Group Governance. His department’s responsibility is to protect the interest of the shareholder – the Executive Mayor and Mayoral Committee – and to enable them to take the required decisions based on the best possible information. Maduka says the integration of entities is part of a much broader process which also involves a full institutional review. In terms of legislation a newly elected administration has one year in which it can bring about changes to the organisational design, including the structure of departments and the portfolios of Members of the Mayoral Committee. This stage of the process is expected to be completed by August. The integration of entities such as City Power, Joburg Water, the Market and the theatres will take slightly longer to achieve.
June 2018
Start of process regarding staff placements.
September 2018
Project evaluation.
Maduka says the eventual reintegration of the entities will bring a number of benefits for residents of Joburg. It will speed up the decision-making processes and cut out complicated governance structures that hinder or delay service delivery. Accountability for delivery sits with the Executive Mayor and his Mayoral Committee who have been given a mandate by City residents to implement its programme of action. The current model is too cumbersome and has become unmanageable. For residents it will mean shorter turnaround times in dealing with interruptions to service delivery while Mayor Mashaba has projected that the City will be saving up to R18-million a year on salaries for non-executive board members. The decision to integrate entities was taken in line with proven best practice. There is a country-wide trend among metro municipalities to bring entities back into City structures, says Maduka.
Inthe theLoop Loop –– 55 In
Employee News
Good Governance
Change of guard redefines City IDP process
New broom for Pikitup
A Johannesburg that works, is a South Africa that works Pikitup’s flagship projects:
Joburg is serious about attracting investors and entrepreneurs. The City plans to support 15 000 small, micro and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs in order to turn Joburg’s fortunes around. Five new SME Hubs will be established and the City endeavours to support six locally developed technologies to tap into home-grown talent. To achieve 5% economic growth and reduce unemployment by 20% over five years, Joburg intends to facilitate R8.5-billion value of investment and/or business transactions.
Pikitup has implemented several projects, which are designed to assist it in delivering on its strategy to reduce the amount of waste generated in our City. These include:
Grime leads to crime Food for waste
Joburg is serious about tackling illegal dumping and curb the flouting of City by-laws by increasing Pikitup and JMPD shifts. To rid the City of grime, an additional shift for Pikitup has been implemented and a total of 2 500 illegal dumping spots were cleaned. Ten garden sites were upgraded and two new sorting buy-back centres established. The recruitment of 1 500 additional Metro Police officers has been initiated and a programme to safeguard residents and monitor by-law infringements was launched.
Pikitup provides 108 individuals across the City with food packages. In exchange, they are required to keep designated areas clean. Through this project, it encourages recycling as a viable means of income generation in poorer communities. To date it has successfully piloted this project in Orange Farm, and converted five illegal dumping sites into community food gardens. The project is run in partnership with the City’s Community Development department.
Joburg is serious about service delivery Seven of the City’s clinics now boast extended operating hours to ensure access to health resources is within reach of the residents. The City established a “First-Line Response Team” of crack units to isolate water leaks and burst pipes within two hours, and continues to replace ageing infrastructure with 100km of water pipes in the current financial year.
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he winds of political change that blew in August 2016 ushered in a new coalition government focused on serving the people of Johannesburg with renewed vigour. The legislature is this month hosting a series of Integrated Development Plan meetings to consult communities on city priorities. A total of 30 Ward Cluster IDP meetings and 8 regional summits will be held, enabling the city to be responsive to community needs, says Speaker of Council, Cllr Vasco Da Gama. “Only through continuous and frequent public and private engagements with all the City’s stakeholders can Johannesburg be able to feel the pulse of communities and respond timeously to their needs. IDP consultations offer the City an opportunity to report back to communities on the projects it has undertaken and to solicit community input on what to prioritise.”
6 – April 2017
It will address the billing crisis by holding a “billing indaba” with residents of the City.
Joburg runs a responsive and pro-poor government The City of Johannesburg is responding with increased urgency especially to the plight of the poor in the City. It is in the process of making a comprehensive and transparent housing list public to ensure that housing opportunities are allocated fairly. The City is also prioritising the formalisation of informal settlements by increasing the delivery of housing. Identified land has to be serviced before any human settlements are built.
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esidents and Pikitup officials are looking forward to May 1 when Lungile Dhlamini takes over as the new Managing Director to steer the organisation and return the shine to the inner city. Dhlamini, who has been acting MD for the past six months, promises to implement a “micro approach” in dealing with cleanliness within the City instead of having a “one-size-fits-all” strategy. He will be taking up a post previously held by Amanda Nair, who was fired in September 2016 by the Pikitup board. He says the new strategy will enable the municipal-owned entity to improve the service delivery performance culture within the City. “As the acting managing director for the past six months, I had a privilege of working with the board and management to look at the new business model. We are going to have a micro approach in dealing with cleanliness within the City instead of having a one-size-fits-all model.
Separation @ source Pikitup provides residents with recycling bags on a weekly basis. These can be collected, or dropped off at Pikitup Garden Sites, found across the city. It works with co-operatives and small enterprises to collect and sort the recyclable waste collected from households and businesses. These initiatives create additional jobs, businesses and income for the unemployed residents within the City. You can play your part by putting recyclable materials (paper, plastic, cans, bottles and electronic waste) in allocated bins in public places, stores and garden sites.
“I am looking forward to taking over responsibilities at Pikitup. I intend to resolve challenges like I did at Johannesburg Water where I have been successful,” says Dhlamini. Dhlamini, who has been MD of Joburg Water for five years, is a University of Cape Town engineering graduate and has a certificate in municipal finance management. He also had a stint as an executive director in the City of Cape Town.
Waste management Residents of Johannesburg produce in the region of 6 000 tons of waste per day, most of which is directed to the City’s four active landfill sites. Pikitup has implemented a waste minimisation strategy.
In the Loop – 19
Economic Development
Employee News
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#BuildingNewJozi
The company’s core mandate is to provide affordable and safe rental units for the city’s residents. But we’ve had cases where long-term tenants have demanded title deeds from the city in the mistaken belief that the duration of their tenancy entitles them to title deeds, says Ngcezula.
Investors keen to plough money into inner city regeneration
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nthony Thamsanqa Ngcezula, who joined the City on March 1, has hit the ground running after his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the Johannesburg Social Housing Company. The 49-year-old Port Elizabeth-born Ngcezula led an anti-fraud and –corruption blitz in Soweto and quelled tempers in Alexandra just a few days into his new job. “A perception exists of JOSHCO that it’s a corrupt and fraudulent entity. If you look deeper, you find people masquerading as JOSHCO officials and offering some of our units for sale. They conduct their business on street corners and take cash payments.”
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JOSHCO has received a R219-million cash injection in the new financial year to buy inner city buildings and convert them into liveable spaces for 1 164 families.
Executive Mayor, Herman Mashaba has invited the private sector to invest heavily in downtown Joburg in an effort to regenerate the area and help the City achieve a 5% economic growth rate.
Ngcezula says JOSHCO plans to play a crucial role in the regeneration of the inner city. “We need to bring our people closer to work and economic opportunities, amenities and transport corridors. That’s what JOSHCO is planning to focus on.” “We must procure buildings, offer 24-hour biometric access systems and beautify the inner city so that residents feel good about where they live,” says Ngcezula. The company is also in the process of investing heavily in community development programmes around its projects. The emphasis will be on establishing sport facilities, staging cultural events, conducting financial literacy classes and starting food gardens so that “we don’t just provide roofs over people’s heads but engage in a sustainable relationship with our tenants”. JOSHCO has also embarked on an educational campaign because Ngcezula feels it’s important to talk about the company’s mandate to residents of the city.
18 – April 2017
roperty and business investors are keen to plough billions of rands into the revitalisation of the Johannesburg Inner City, once initiatives to improve the precinct are showing results.
The new CEO says JOSHCO can only achieve its lofty goals if all its employees play their part. “We need to inculcate a culture that allows for time efficiency, enhanced accountability, high performance and discipline within JOSHCO.”
Things you don’t know about the new JOSHCO CEO 1. He’s an early riser. He wakes up at 4.30am to exercise and meditate. 2. During his varsity days, he was known as DJ Delite and won an MTN Radio Award. 3. His family is still in the Eastern Cape and he sees them twice a month. 4. He holds two master’s degrees (in pure mathematics and in business administration). 5. He obtained some of his qualifications in the UK and USA. 6. He spent 20 months at the helm of the Housing Company of Tshwane. 7. He’s the founding CEO of Port Elizabeth-based Imizi Social Housing. 8. Before getting into the social housing space, he managed two banks in the Eastern Cape.
Ann Steffny, Convenor for the Johannesburg Inner City Partnership (JICP), a forum for Inner City investors, says the municipality needs to improve basic service provision, general administration, including billing and approval of plans and expand incentives for investors. “The City needs to fast-track the approval of legislation that will enable City Improvement Districts to be set up. This will lead to partnership agreements on issues such as the management of parks and green spaces and ensure more efficient law enforcement and the better management of street trading.” To date, the inner City property market has received a share of some R10-billion in investment that was used to provide 45 000 new apartments, housing about 250 000 new tenants. Another private sector investor has spent R500-million to construct a portfolio of 2 100 housing units including transitional, communal and social housing over the past three years. Three Social Housing Institutions, including JOSHCO are currently managing 11 266 units with an estimated investment value of R3-billion. A further 1 617 housing units are earmarked to be built before 2018.
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We’re working extremely hard with the City of Joburg on all of these issues. Through this partnership we will improve the environment for investment during the next year and lay the foundation for the future she says.
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New CEO reignites JOSHCO’s spark
Steffny says property investors are interested in renovating and restoring buildings for commercial and residential use – providing a wider range of housing options. They are also keen on the upkeep and management of parks and green spaces, infrastructure upgrades in public spaces and the development of green and urban farming initiatives.
#BuildingNewJozi to revitalise CBD Mayor Mashaba is set to announce plans to launch an extensive rejuvenation project which will claim the Inner City from slumlords and address bad and hijacked buildings as well as crime and grime. Titled #BuildingNewJozi, the project urges community members, particularly those residing in the CBD to report bad or hijacked buildings so the City can take swift action to revitalise streets and enhance service delivery. #BuildingNewJozi is intended to expose fraudulent and corrupt activities that impact negatively on residents living and working within the inner city, improve lives, living conditions and opportunities and create a clean, safe and liveable city. Infrastructure development and the revitalisation of the Johannesburg Inner City are mayoral priorities designed to promote economic growth and investment. In the Loop – 7
Employee News
Economic Development
Interior design and furniture brands will have the opportunity to exhibit their products at the Design Pavilion with the aim of promoting locally produced products and services while making good design accessible to all. A showcase on South Africa will be focused on innovative state-owned entities across a host of different areas and themes from the public sector that include SMME developments and private sector corporate social investment projects. The outdoor activities will showcase camping equipment, caravans, 4x4s as well as quads and bikes for consumers who love and enjoy outdoor adventures.
Joburg’s biggest exhibition is back for another year
How to navigate your way in an open plan setting N
ew to the world of work? Here are some handy tips to help you settle in, especially in an open plan environment.
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he Rand Show is back in town.
Johannesburg’s biggest consumer exhibition and the City’s heritage trademark that just keeps evolving is perhaps the best offering in Joburg this Easter. The city and its entities will take pride of place at the Rand Show, with stalls promoting awareness of the many services offered by the city. The Rand Show is a multi-faceted event offering something for wide-ranging audiences and providing a myriad of options to visit for every individual. From navigating families on a journey through themed shows to catering for individual interests, the Rand Show continues to offer its visitors more to enjoy every year. It is also a great space for men, women, the young, the old and individuals from various cultural groups to meet in their thousands at one location. Visitors can expect themed shows around fashion, beauty and wellness. This zone will be focused on the latest health and beauty trends and products from an array of exhibitors who offer an all-round experience for the body, mind and soul. The science and technology zone will focus on innovative technologies that will assist businesses to reimagine and reinvent their brands across a host of different areas and themes that include education and innovation.
8 – April 2017
• This year’s Rand Show opens up doors of opportunities for both the exhibitors and consumers to gain more from the event. The show kicks off on 14 April and goes on for 10 days until 23 April. Gates will open daily at 09h00 and activities continue till 19h00 at the Joburg Expo Centre in Nasrec.
City departments and entities will have a prominent presence at the 2017 Rand Show. This is a prime opportunity to inform visitors about services offered by the City.
Among the highlights will be: • The Housing Department will inform residents about how to apply for RDP houses.
Keep the noise levels down. Everyone around you is trying to focus, so try to keep it as quiet as possible. Adjust the ringer settings on your phone, and don’t make calls in a loud voice. Take conversations (especially extended ones) away from the work area. If you want to listen to music while you work, do so with headphones.
Keep the smell level to a minimum. Nobody is going to put any restrictions on what you bring for lunch, but remember that foods with strong smells, such as tuna fish or eggs, can make colleagues a little uncomfortable. Keep the perfume or cologne to a minimum (people with allergies might have trouble breathing).
Don’t be a distraction. In addition to noise and smells, remember that actions can be a distraction as well. Try to keep fidgeting – including tapping your foot on the floor or hand on the desk – to a minimum.
This should assist the many City of Johannesburg employees who spend large parts of their working day in an open plan office.
Respect a person’s need to work. Just because everyone is sitting out in the open doesn’t mean everyone is available at all times. People are under deadlines and are trying to focus. Don’t just approach somebody for conversation – work related or otherwise – without first asking whether he or she is busy.
Be hygienic. You’re in close quarters with your colleagues, so be clean and hygienic. Dispose of your tissues properly, and keep hand sanitiser on your desk to stop germs from spreading. Above all, don’t come to work sick. Nobody wants a sick officemate, especially if you’re sitting two feet away.
Don’t steal supplies. Pens, sticky notes, paper, staplers – these and other supplies are important to keep on hand. But when you run out, go to the supply closet and restock your desk.
• City Parks and Zoo will educate the public about the importance of taking care of the environment. • Joburg Tourism will profile the City as a preferred destination for tourism, leisure and shopping. • The Joburg Roads Agency will publicise its JRA Find&Fix App that can be used to report potholes, broken traffic lights and missing manhole covers. • The Transport Department will promote road safety during the busy Easter period. • Joburg Water will promote water saving initiatives. • Public Safety will create awareness about its winter safety campaign.
Keep your desk organised. A messy desk is distracting and unprofessional. In addition to being an eyesore for others who share your space, clutter can be stressful.
Be productive. We all have a tendency to get side-tracked at work. We check Facebook. We answer a personal call. We try to sneak out a little early. And even though you might not like the lack of privacy, your office behaviour is on full display for your colleagues. They know when you’re not being productive.
Be flexible and open-minded. Working in an open environment means less privacy, and even though we all try to respect one another, problems will always arise. Close quarters means a stronger sense of teamwork. Impromptu meetings will inevitably happen. Whatever happens, don’t be rude.
In the Loop – 17
Personal finance
Employee News
Employees urged to give their honest opinions A
city-wide employee survey will be launched in the coming weeks to gauge the opinions of all who work in departments and entities. The anonymous Employee Satisfaction Survey will
ask questions from employees on how they feel about management and issues related to their work place and the City’s organisation.
Top 10 questions about the survey
9. What will the City do with the information?
1. When is the survey being conducted?
The results will be analysed in a scientific manner and compared to similar surveys conducted in the past. This will give the City a firm indication of whether it is making progress as an “employer of choice” and what policies or management interventions are required to address areas highlighted in the survey.
The survey will run for an entire month through April/May 2017.
2. How can I participate? You can answer the questions electronically via an internet link that will be circulated through e-mails or through links on the intranet or entity websites.
3. Can I access the survey through other devices? Yes, in addition to computers you can also use any internet accessible device such as cell phones, computer pads or IPad. Type in the following URL http://cojsurveys.joburg.org.za/ surveys/GroupEmpSurv20171.htm?path=/surveys/
4. I don’t have personal access to a computer or device in my work place… what do I do? There will be standalone computers provided at most City offices. You can also complete and submit hardcopy questionnaires. Speak to your line management or human resource officials.
10. Will my opinion count? Yes, the responses of every participant carry equal weight. Once the data has been analysed reports will be submitted to the Mayoral Committee and Council and all departments and entities will be required to provide feedback to employees through the respective line managers.
I
f it’s not an SMS, it’s a call in the middle of an important meeting: a call centre agent telling you that your conversations with them are recorded and you’ve been chosen for the best funeral policy this side of Limpopo. Despite your pleas that you already have life and funeral cover, the call centre agent will persist. And you are left wondering how many lives you have as only cats boast nine.
1. You will not have to add more pressure on your own personal finances. 2. The cover amount is usually paid out within 48 hours after the claim is received along with all the required documents.
COJ Group Employee Satisfaction Survey 2017
3. If the funeral costs are less than the amount paid out then the rest of the money can be used for other familly needs like groceries, rent, school fees and transport.
1. A person who chooses to have funeral insurance has no control on how the money will be spent.
6. How long will it take me to complete the questionnaire?
Make yourself heard as employees We want to know what you think about Employee issues in your organisation! All City Administration and Municipal Entity employees, you are requested to please complete the CoJ Group Employee Satisfaction Survey.
2. Some companies offer very low interest rates. 3. The pay-out may not be enough to cover all funeral costs.
This can be done as follows:
7. Will my colleagues or bosses know how I answered the survey?
• Electronically via an INTRANET link on your organisation’s IT network, or on the Internet website address to be sent to you via your email.
No, we guarantee you absolute anonymity. You will not be required to provide your name or employee number and no one will be able to trace the responses or opinions back to you.
Assistance and / or questionnaires can be arranged by calling your Human Resources office
Any successful organisation wants to measure the opinions and attitudes of its employees on a regular basis. The City wants to know if you understand where you fit into the organisation and what your honest opinions are about your work environment, management other critical issues.
16 – April 2017
4. Your family can focus on a new way of life, without having to worry about any financial burdens. 5. Only a few health questions to answer. 6. Fewer or no cumbersome forms to fill in.
Disadvantages of a funeral policy:
Human resource officials should be able to assist employees with the translation of questions or any clarification where required.
8. Why do you need the information?
You need to tread carefully when it comes to funeral policies as they normally mature after your death. It makes no sense to have more than one funeral policy, if you really need to have one. You also need to tell your next of kin who has you covered so that they know which doors to knock on when you’re dead.
Advantages of funeral policies:
We have answered your questions… we encourage you to answer the City’s.
5. What about colleagues who might have language or literacy difficulties?
You should not have to spend more than 20 to 25 minutes answering the questions. The first section consists of administrative questions required to analyse local issues; the second sections will ask your views on the work environment, policies, procedures and management.
How many funeral policies do you need?
• On hard copy paper questionnaires or digital disk version provided by your line management (or during facilitated sessions in your work places).
at the following phone number: _____________________________________. Please submit within the dates hereunder.
Opening date: _______________________________ Closing date: _______________________________
4. Some insurance companies are billed. This means that some of these policies cost more than the cost coverage of the funeral. 5. Might not be able to get a pay-out (or only limited) for the first two or three years. 6. Funeral insurance does not enjoy favourable tax treatment unlike any other financial instrument such as retirement annuities.
The important thing when looking into any type of funeral insurance is to check all of the details really carefully and weigh up all of your options. Funeral insurance can make a world of difference to your loved ones but make sure that you know exactly what you’re paying for. There is no point expecting a R10 000 funeral pay-out while your family has organised a R50 000 funeral with helicopters and other fancy items. In the Loop – 9
Service Delivery
Health
Donating blood saves lives A
number of City of Joburg employees have become regular blood donors and the common reason for this is that they want to save lives. Dimakatso Moerane, who is based at Land Use at the Metro Centre, has been a regular donor for the past 14 months. “I am not scared of needles and decided to do it to save lives,” says Dimakatso. Mayor Herman Mashaba donned overalls and protective gear when he launched the City “war on potholes” in Midrand and Ivory Park. He was joined by the MMC for Roads, Cllr Nonhlanhla Makhuba and the MD of the Joburg Roads Agency, Dr Sean Phillips.
Paul Mulaudzi has been donating blood for the past four years after he was convinced that “by donating, I’m renewing my
blood and new blood cells are formed”. The fitness fanatic says it’s a win-win situation for him. Occupational Health Sister Nompumelelo Sithole agrees that donating blood has its benefits such as new blood cell regeneration. Sister Mpumi says out of the 46 people who presented themselves at the recent blood drive, only 31 donated. The other could not do so because of high blood pressure and low iron levels. In November last year, 37 City employees donated blood.
Millions more to fix gaping potholes T
he City’s “war on potholes” includes an additional commitment of R88-million to repair failing road surfaces and tackle the backlogs that have accumulated in recent years. Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba joined City officials in the streets of Ivory Park and Midrand recently to highlight his initiative to prioritise the repair of potholes. He emphasised the fact that this is “a short-term fix to ensure the safety of road users” but the long term solution lies in the resurfacing and reconstruction of roads.
4.What resources are required? The JRA is responsible for a total of 13 428km of roads. There is an estimated backlog of R3.5-billion for road surfacing and R2.3-billion for road reconstruction. The additional R88-million allocated in the 2016/17 budget represents a good start. The intention of the City is to increase the budget for these activities over time. 5. How will the repairs be tackled?
Seven questions about potholes 1. What are the City’s challenges around potholes? The Joburg Roads Agency experiences high volumes of backlogs during the rainy season and sudden downpours. The current backlog on pothole repairs is 4 710 and the issue is exacerbated by a 40% shortage in maintenance staff. 2. How are potholes formed? Water gets into the structural layers of the road – beneath the tarred surface – and start washing out particles of the rock. This often results in the collapse of the structural layer at a specific point, especially after heavy rains. 3. How can this be countered? If the top layer of tar is in poor condition water is more likely to get into the structural layers and create potholes. On old roads, which have not been well-maintained, damage is also caused by high traffic volumes, especially from heavy trucks. The best way to address this is to resurface the road and fix the structural layers.
10 – April 2017
A contractor has been appointed to assist with the repair of potholes while additional staff members are being recruited by the JRA. Pothole repair teams are working overtime – including on weekends – to do the repairs.
Who qualifies to become a blood donor?
Can I donate if I haven’t eaten?
You need to be between the ages of 16 and 65, weigh more than 50kg and lead a sexually safe lifestyle.
By not eating, your chances of having a reaction after donating are greatly increased. You need to take something to eat (a light snack) four hours before donating.
6. What is being done over the longer term?
What blood group is needed the most?
The JRA will conduct a city-wide inspection of all roads every two years. This will provide a scientific basis for decisions on which roads must be prioritised for reconstruction and resurfacing.
Group O Rh negative blood can be transfused to anyone, so these donors are referred to as “universal donors”.
7. Is the City achieving successes in the “war on potholes?”
To help save lives. One unit of blood can save up to three lives. Every unit of blood once tested and deemed safe for transfusion is separated into, red blood cells, platelets and plasma.
Between April 2015 and February 2017 there were 37 450 reports of potholes logged through the JRA’s integrated citizen communications channels. Of these 32 740 were resolved – at a rate of 87.4%. Mayor Mashaba says the time taken to repair potholes remains a challenge, but the JRA is working to improve turnaround times.
Why should people donate blood?
So how does it work then? If you are donating blood for the first time, your red blood cells won’t get used. Your plasma gets quarantined until your next donation. If all tests come back negative after your second donation, the quarantined plasma from your first donation will be used. Once you have made three donations and your blood still tests negative for sexually transmissible diseases, all the components of your blood gets used.
How often must I donate blood? People can donate blood every 56 days. A regular donor is someone who has made three or more donations in a year.
Who receives blood? • • • • •
Patients undergoing surgical operations Patients with cancer or leukaemia Children with severe anaemia Accident victims Women; to treat haemorrhage as a complication of pregnancy
Can you get AIDS from donating blood? No. All needles and finger-prick lancets are sterile and used once only. After use, each lancet and needle is placed in a special medical-waste container and incinerated.
How much blood is taken at one time? About 480 ml. In the Loop – 15
Health
Human and Social Development
Massive vaccination drive to keep flu at bay T
he City of Johannesburg plans to stop sniffles and sneezes in their tracks with the rollout of a massive H1N1and H3N2 flu vaccination campaign during the coming winter season.
Dr Daka urges residents to take precautions by improving their personal hygiene, eating healthy, exercising, managing stress and getting enough sleep.
The campaign – which kicks off at the end of April and runs until June – is aimed mainly at children between six months and five years, pregnant women up to two weeks post-delivery, patients with chronic conditions such as lung and heart diseases, people living with HIV, patients with compromised immune systems and people older than 65 years.
“Residents must take responsibility for their own health by ensuring they do not spread the flu bug. If they feel feverish or they sneeze or cough a lot, they need to go to their nearest clinic to have that checked as quickly as possible.
Explore the wild side of Joburg this holiday season A
pril is holiday season, and the last chance to enjoy the outdoors before the onset of winter. For a great outing for young and old, the Johannesburg Zoo still offers the best value for money in town. It’s a spot where education and learning are mixed with fun and enjoyable activities.
“One of our aims is to effectively improve the health of our residents and the flu vaccination campaign is one of the steps towards achieving that goal,” says Cllr Mpho Phalatse, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development.
• Holiday Fun at the Zoo offers kids an outdoor adventure with a range of fun activities from games, arts and crafts to animal feeding and observing their behaviour from close range. The fun gets going on 3 – 7 April and 24 – 28 April – and the entrance fee is R80 per person
• For more adventurous souls eager for an encounter with nocturnal animals in their turf at night, the Zoo offers exhilarating Open Moonlight Tours. Hurry to make your booking for this exclusive tour into the belly of our urban forest. The tours are confirmed for 26 April, 25 May and 29 June. The entrance fee for the programme that starts at 17h15 is R105.00 but it includes a night-time bonfire, tea, coffee, marshmallows and hot chocolate.
This year the City’s premier tourist destination is, again, pulling out all stops to provide its visitors with unique experiences that offer them important information about the role of nature and animals within our environment, while keeping them thoroughly entertained. Booking for all events and tours is essential. More information is available at the website:
www.jhbzoo.org.za;
f
@JoburgParksZoo
@TheJohannesburgZoo
“They can also prevent the bug from spreading by constantly washing their hands. They must cover their mouths when they sneeze or cough and stay in well-ventilated areas,” says Dr Daka.
To prevent infections, the health department has urged residents to: All the clinics across the City’s seven regions will administer the influenza vaccine. City health officials will also visit old age homes, chronic care facilities and rehabilitation centres around Johannesburg to give residents the flu jab.
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A total of 25 500 flu vaccines will be administered at all of the City’s 81 clinics to the most vulnerable and healthcompromised residents to ensure that when winter sets in, they are protected against flu and other opportunistic diseases, says MMC Phalatse.
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The City’s Public Health Deputy Director; Dr Mary Daka says though the vaccine will not completely stop residents from coming down with flu, it will help minimise the severity of the infection.
14 – April 2017
Avoid touching the mouth and/or nose; Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly; Avoid close contact with people who might be ill; Reduce the time spent in crowded places, if possible; Improve airflow in living spaces by opening windows; Practise good health habits, including adequate sleep, nutritious food and physical activity.
In the Loop – 11
Employee News
Human and Social Development
Ensure you have your ducks in a row before
City Goodies up for grabs in Freedom Month Video Competition
going on holiday E
aster holidays are around the corner and this means City employees will be visiting friends or family in far-off place.
It is important to pack roadside equipment in case of an emergency. This should include warning triangles, a torch, a tow rope, a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit. Have emergency contact numbers programmed on your cellphone.
Before embarking on long journeys, get your car serviced and ensure that everything works from bonnet to boot. When you are on the road, always obey the rules of the road. Not only will you be preserving your life, you’ll also be saving those who don’t follow the rules.
To make your rand stretch, opt for self-catering cottages or apartments as they are much cheaper than hotel rooms. They come equipped with a kitchen and braai so you can save hundreds by bringing groceries and cooking for your family instead of paying expensive hotel prices or eating out.
Plan your route beforehand and identify designated areas where you can stop to put in petrol and take a rest. Remember to stop every 200 kms or every two hours to refresh and stretch your legs.
Alternatively you can look into home swapping. houseswap.co.za advertises safe house swapping across South Africa. The idea here is that you trade homes with a family in another area for a week or two rather than paying hotel costs. Home swapping is often a great way to explore new cities, meet new people and save a lot of money.
Make sure you have printed out your holiday destination booking confirmation. The last thing you need is to be told you haven’t booked when you paid that deposit.
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Do keep to the speed limit, don’t overload and don’t be distracted by CDs, food or cellphones while driving. Make the front seat passenger work for you.
It’s amazing how drivers overtake on a solid white line or on a blind rise or corner. Don’t do it.
April 2017 2016 2012– –September
2 1
Take the time to research whether taking alternative routes instead of toll roads is in fact cheaper. Remember you need to take the extra petrol and wear and tear on 3 your car into account as alternative routes are longer than toll roads. The Automobile Association has a rates calculator that you can use to calculate a per kilometre rate for your specific car, as well as detailed information on South African toll roads and fees.
A
pril is Freedom Month. It is also a month with two really long Weekends which will see many employees taking a break from the world of work. Many will chill at home, some will take to the road to visit family in the rural areas or go on holiday. What does Freedom Month mean to you? How will you be spending upcoming long weekends? Video yourself answering these questions and stand a chance to win City of Joburg memorabilia. Winning videos will also be shared online. Your video must not be longer than 30 seconds WhatsApp your video to 0609750928 before 21 April to be in line for the City prizes on offer.
Wishing you Happy Holidays
Family vacations are something we all look forward to. You get a well-deserved chance to unwind and reconnect with your loved ones – and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In the the Loop Loop –– 513 In