In The Loop-August 2015 by CITY OF JOHANNESBURG JOBURG

Internal Newsletter

In the Loop Issue No.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inside:

Aug 2015

Contents

Arts, Sports & Culture

Message from the Executive Mayor

Veteran safety officers are ‘simply the best’

Quality infrastructure draws investment into City

Africities - the Road to Johannesburg

10 Things to Know about the EcoMobility World Festival 2015

Agreement on wages set for implementation

Bold steps ‘to turn Sandton transport inside out’

Call on top business leaders to return to their Soweto roots

Massive road construction will bring long-term benefits to City

Policy intends to achieve 50/50 gender targets

Chance for small manufacturers to grow their businesses big Women farmers till new ground to ensure food security

Wear casual clothes to support people with disabilities 19

Joburger breaks through into exciting world of polo

Joburg in pictures

Join the Revolution #72HrsSoweto

Speaker is ‘leading the march’ to move women forward

Dance, opera and humour will delight Jozi audiences

Drive to keep officers in tip-top shape

Chance to run 67km in support of worthy cause

Chance to run 67km in support of

worthy cause

Acknowledgements

Cover Credits

Chief Editor Makhudu Sefara - MakhuduS@joburg.org.za

The Speaker of Council, Constance Bapela, speaks to In the Loop during Women’s Month about her leadership of the legislative branch and her commitment to gender issues.

Editor: Thomas Thale - thomasth@joburg.org.za Contributor: Luyanda Lunika - luyandal@joburg.org.za Photography: Enoch Lehung - enochl@joburg.org.za

race for a great cause… and a race with a difference. These are among the reasons why the Kaya FM 67km Relay has developed into one of the biggest social sporting events on the Gauteng calendar.

In addition to being a great outing for residents to enjoy the early spring weather the Relay also helps to position Joburg as a liveable City where work, play and healthy lifestyles are intertwined, says Mokaba.

The relay which honours the legacy of former President Nelson Mandela, has become so popular that it has been shifted to a new date, 6 September, and a new venue, the Nasrec Expo Centre, to accommodate the expected 12 000 entries.

Things to know about the Kaya FM Relay:

The City of Johannesburg hosts the event which is jointly organised by Kaya FM and the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Although prizes and medals will be given to winners in different categories the emphasis is on participation and teamwork. The corporate sector, organisations, or groups of friends enter teams of ten people – either men, women, or mixed – who run on different legs of the relay handing over batons to their team mates.

•

Each leg consists of 6.7km, giving a combined distance of 67km – to commemorate the years spent in public service by the late President Mandela. The funds raised through the entries go to the Nelson Mandela Foundation which aims to provide library facilities to disadvantaged schools and preserve Madiba’s historical documents as digital archives for future generations.

•

Bongi Mokaba, the Director of Events Management says the City is delighted to endorse an event that contributes to such as great cause. “The entire day is an exercise in social cohesion because it brings together friends, families and colleagues to spend quality time together in a healthy setting.” In the Loop

•

• •

•

• •

•

Entries close on 24 August, or when the maximum number of 1 200 teams have been reached. Entries can be done online at http://kaya67relay.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/entry.pdf Teams consist of 10 runners / joggers who must each compete a relay distance of 6.7km; All team members should belong to the same company or organisation but the rules allow for mixed teams to be entered. There are categories for men, women or mixed teams. All runners must be 18 years or older. There will be gold medals awarded to the winners in each categories and silver medals for the first 67 teams finishing. All participants must be at the Nasrec venue at 07h00 on race day and the first race will start promptly at 08h00. No cooler boxes or private refreshments will be allowed at the venue but there will be a variety of food vendors and kiosks on the day. Entertainment will be provided by Kaya FM DJs and a host of local artists. A supervised kiddies’ entertainment will also be available.

In the Loop – 23

Message from the Executive Mayor

Arts, Sports & Culture

Contents

Message from the Executive Mayor the realities of a modern economy, the onset of new technologies and the pressures to address issues relating to unemployment and lack of skills in society are encouraging many local governments to rethink this model. In Johannesburg, Jozi@Work is a clear demonstration of a city that does not regard its citizens as passive recipients of services, but rather as active participants in the delivery of those services. Through Jozi@Work we are well on our way to changing the way the city does business - creating new neighbourhood cooperatives and micro-enterprises that create jobs for locals in their respective communities.

Dance, opera and humour will delight Jozi audiences Classical ballet on stage before Spanish tour

he Joburg Ballet’s Spring season opens with the sparkling classic, Don Quixote. The cast of local dancers is joined by international stars from China, Ecuador and Australia. Set in Barcelona, Spain, the ballet tells the story of vivacious Kitri and her love for Basilio, a poor young barber. Her father is against the relationship, but love conquers all in the end, culminating in the classical Don Quixote Pas de Deux. The male lead is performed by Cuban-born Jonhal Fernandez, well-known to South African audiences for his performance in The Nutcracker in 2013. The South African season ends in mid-September and the Joburg Ballet will then take the production on a six week national tour to Spain.

“I am an African” celebrated in song Lovers of opera music will be in for a treat when a double-bill production is staged at the Joburg Theatre from 29 August to 10 September. “I am an African” is a selection of songs inspired by a speech made by former President Thabo Mbeki. It will feature a mixture of songs, poetry and dancing with music including Miriam Makeba’s Pata Pata, Circle of Life from the Lion King, Vicky Sampson’s African Dream and Bright Blue’s Weeping. The rest of the performance is a celebration of the classical voice performed by the Gauteng Opera Soloists and guest artists. Among the works to be performed are selections from Bizet’s Carmen, Puccini’s La Boheme and Donizetti’s technical masterpiece, La fille du regiment.

An evening of fun and laughter in Soweto Some of the funniest comics in Mzanzi will be at the Soweto Theatre for a single performance of Getto Laughs on 4 September. The likes of Pure Monate star, Roni ‘Sidepocket’ Modimola, two-time Comics’ Choice nominee, Mashabela Galane, Soweto’s very own Pelepele Mchunu and one of the funniest ladies around, Tshepo Sethosa, will share a stage for an evening of hilarity.

Our new model of service delivery is working Colleagues, Through Jozi@Work and its youthspecific initiatives, the City of Johannesburg is fast turning traditional thinking about the functions of municipalities on its head – as we intensify our innovative approaches to service delivery. For decades local governments across the world were stuck in a traditional model in which a city establishes utilities to deliver basic services to its residents. However,

The City has already simplified procurement processes and reduced red tape without compromising our standards for tendering and financial controls in line with municipal regulatory requirements. Capability Support Agents for these community-based enterprises are also hard at work providing them with the much needed mentoring and advice on what is expected of them in contracted work packages by the City, how to access finance and grow into sustainable businesses. Jozi@Work is not a “quick-fix solution”, but it will make a tangible and lasting impact on the City’s economy with an estimated 40 000 new jobs to be created by the end of the current financial year. And the enthusiasm shown

by communities from Pennyville to Alexandra and from Orange Farm to Diepsloot is a clear indicator that we are on the right track. Over R100-million has already been spent on the roll-out of Jozi@Work contracts and up to 2 357 jobs have been created through the contracting of about 100 community-based enterprises. These are entities that have successfully partnered with the City in the delivery of municipal services in their respective neighbourhoods. Creating awareness, understanding as well as the promotion of transparency and accountability are priorities for the City to ensure that the core objectives of Jozi@Work are met. The programme is not a hand-out, but a hand-up opportunity for those who are ready to embrace the idea of becoming job creators, rather than job seekers. Unfortunately, many people are yet to understand how this concept works, hence we still experience an approach of entitlement to the programme - rather than that of empowerment. Johannesburg has long been known as a city of innovation and new ideas. Through these initiatives – and many more – we are ensuring that we remain at the leading edge of modern thinking about urban service delivery and contribute to a better tomorrow for all the people of Johannesburg. Cllr. Mpho Parks Tau Executive Mayor

Use the QR code reader on your smartphone to scan these barcodes.

Local talent sing in Roodepoort Local soprano, Bongiwe Madlala, will perform the title role in a local production of Madama Butterfly, staged at the Roodepoort Theatre in September. Auditions were recently held for local performers to appear in some of the minor roles and in the choir. 22 – In the Loop

www.facebook.com/ CityofJohannesburg

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 –

Employee News

Corridors of Freedom

Join the Revolution #72HrsSoweto T

he Soweto Wine and Lifestyle Festival returns to the City for the 11th time – but at a new venue this year, the historic Walter Sisulu Square in the heart of Kliptown. Billed as the “Wine Revolution” the three day event kicks off on Friday 4 September at 18h00 and will continue during the weekend, ending on Sunday 6 September at 18h00.

•

Who will attend? The Wine Revolution is the place to be during the first weekend of September. It is expected to attract more than 10 000 visitors and some 500 members of the local and international media.

•

What is there to do? South Africa’s top wineries bring their best products to the show. Visitors can sip, savour and shop at the festival that brings wine, food, music and market vibes together in a celebration of the lifestyle of wine. Celebrity chefs and awardwinning winemakers will give demonstrations on the best way to pair food and wine.

•

Where do I get tickets? Bookings can be done at Webtickets – http://goo.gl/jdh0YV or at the door on the night. Standard tickets for Friday sell for R130 and for Saturday and Sunday the cost is R150. VIP tickets on each of the evenings cost R550 per night. All visitors will get a free limited-edition 11th Festival glass on arrival.

•

Where to get more information? Visit the website at http://www.sowetowinefestival.co.za; or follow the action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sowetoloveswine.

The Festival kicks of Tourism Month in Joburg and promises to be a weekend of fun, fashion, food and wine.

draws investment into City S

uburbs in the western part of Johannesburg are undergoing major changes as the roll-out of the Empire-Perth Corridor gathers momentum.

value of R2-million that will create 32 jobs. The R20-million construction project, to be completed by the end of the year, will include the building of a steel pedestrian over Fuel Road.

The well-known Westdene Dam is being upgraded and the construction of bicycle lanes and pedestrian bridges will link suburbs, increase mobility and improve safety for residents in the area.

The bridge will connect the park next to Kretzschmar Street with the Westbury Rea Vaya station and Kowie Street in Coronationville and provide safe access over a very busy road for pedestrians, explains Ntombi Motsoari the project manager at the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA).

Empire-Perth is one of the three sections of the City’s Corridors of Freedom that is currently under development. The other two are Louis Botha Avenue and Turffontein. Cllr Roslyn Greeff the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Development Planning and Urban Management says the projects are designed to promote the growth of a spatiallyintegrated City and encourage a move towards non-motorised forms of transport. The developments will undo the legacy of apartheid spatial planning and enable people to access job opportunities close to where they live, reducing the need for the use of private cars. The detailed designs for the redevelopment of the Westdene Dam have just been completed. Construction is expected to start in the second quarter of the current financial year, according to Forbes Ncube of Civec Engineering Consultants. The master plan for the area includes an environmental impact assessment, landscaping and urban design in a project to the

4– In the Loop

In terms of the JDA’s enterprise development programme, 30% of the total budget should be set aside for local small, medium and micro enterprises, although the bulk of the highly-specialised work will be subcontracted. Projects such as paving and the upgrading of the public environment create about eight jobs for every R1-million of capital expenditure, says Motsoari.

•

What is new in 2015? In addition to the new venue, this year’s event also introduces the Soweto Street Food Festival. This is an opportunity to “Raise your Glass to Soweto 2015!” Who is organising the Festival? Joburg Tourism joins forces with the Locrate Market to showcase the best in local creativity and products. Over the years it has developed as one of South Africa’s top lifestyle events and markets Soweto as a trendsetter destination and a creative melting pot.

Wine tourism is a growing niche market in South Africa combining lifestyle, food and great wine. This offers a great platform for Joburg to market the city as a dynamic and vibrant destination and for the wine, food and hospitality industries to introduce their products to a new generation of trendy consumers.

Join the conversation at #72hrsSoweto and #SowetoWineFest.

The construction of walkways and cycle lanes is at an advanced stage, says the JDA’s Siya Genu. This includes the building of high-quality pedestrian walkways, upgrades to the storm water infrastructure, the installation of new CCTV cameras, cycle lanes and landscaping. In close vicinity of this project the Campus Square pedestrian bridge is also making fast progress. The concept design for this bridge – at the intersection of Perth Road and the M5, close to the Helen Joseph Hospital – has been completed and the engineers are currently working on the detailed plans.

In the Loop – 21

Economic Development Financial Sustainability

Joburg in pictures

Picture 1: Tshwane Executive Mayor, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa with Joburg MMC for the Environment and Infrastructure Services, Matshidiso Mfikoe at the launch of Africities.

The new Kopanong Precinct will bring all Gauteng departments into the heart of the Joburg CBD.

Picture 2: ??

FULL CAPTIONS PLEASE

Gauteng move shows

Picture 3:

confidence in future of CBD

Chairperson of Pikitup Trish Hanekom, Mrs South AfricaDr. Karen Hendrica and Pikitup MD, Amanda Nair. 3

Picture 4: Vice Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg, Prof Ihron Rensburg with Executive Mayor Parks Tau at the launch of of Digital Ambassadors.

s an expression of its confidence in the Johannesburg CBD, the Gauteng Provincial Government is to invest millions of rands in a state-of-the-art office complex in the inner city to house all its departments.

Picture 5: MMC for Development Planning, Ros Greef with MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, Mally Mokoena at the launch of Africities.

The massive and modern campus, to be known as the Kopanong Precinct, will rise over the next five years in an area bordered by Pritchard Street in the north, Fox and Main streets in the south, Kort Street in the west and Rissik Street in the east.

Picture 6: Former Bafana Bafana Captain, Lucas Radebe, MMC for Health and Social Development, Nonceba Molwele and former Bafana Bafana striker, Marks Maponyane at the Healthy Ageing Conference. 4

The move comes at a time when the City is rolling out its infrastructure development projects to rejuvenate the CBD through the multibillion-rand Johannesburg Inner City Roadmap. The objective is to restore the inner city to its former glory and attract investors. The Kopanong Precinct – “meeting place” in Sesotho – forms part of the Provincial Government’s Central Development Corridor to be bankrolled by a R10-billion public and private investment. It is one of several major infrastructure development projects unveiled by Premier David Makhura during the provincial government’s inaugural Gauteng Infrastructure Investment Conference recently held at Gallagher Estate in Midrand. 5

20 – In the Loop

Why the new development? At present the provincial government’s departments occupy offices in multiple buildings across the city, with some of them split in different office blocks. Premier Makhura said the move to bring all departments under one roof will improve communication and enhance service delivery. What will it look like? The Kopanong Precinct’s plan includes four skywalks linking buildings on the four corners of the enlarged square. Two of the skywalks will be enlarged to form two gateway towers – the Bank of Lisbon Tower and the Corner House Tower. Several buildings, some of which are on the edge of the Beyers Naude Square, will be demolished to make way for the new development. What is the importance? Premier Makhura says it is a demonstration of the provincial government’s desire to remain in the Johannesburg CBD and to “encourage property and business interest and confidence in commercial, retail and inner city residential developments”. What else can be expected? Other projects discussed with potential funders and business leaders during the two-day conference include:

− −

−

Turning Johannesburg into a hub of finance, services, ICT and pharmaceutical industries; Revitalising Kliptown, where the Freedom Charter was adopted 60 years ago, and Alexandra in partnership with the national government and the City; Building 140 000 housing units in Lion Park, Diepsloot East, Fleurhof, Cosmo City, Malibongwe Ridge and Goud Rand over the next five to 10 years; Developing Masingita City, a R3-billion private investment commercial and industrial hub that will create 15 500 jobs during the construction phase and about 10 000 in its full operation. In the Loop –

Employee News

Service Delivery

Joburger breaks through into exciting world of polo

Bold steps ‘to

turn Sandton transport inside out’ Ecomobility aims to turn much of the city into pedestrian boulevards.

ublic transport, cyclists and pedestrians will be given preference on the streets of Sandton during the month-long EcoMobility World Festival 2015 in October. Road use will be changed on some of the streets in the Sandton CBD as well as leading into the district. The City is however taking major steps to ensure that Sandton can continue to function as an important financial district and commercial hub. One of the aims of the EcoMobility World Festival is to give people a preview of a future transport system where public transport, walking and cycling become the modes of choice. The Sandton CBD, one of the busiest districts in South Africa, will be decongested and its streets turned into public spaces where people will be able to move from point to point using public transport, walking, cycling and eco-mobile vehicles.

“We want to decongest Sandton, and turn the streets of the district inside out…” – Executive Mayor Mpho Parks Tau. 6 – In the Loop

“If people do not switch to public transport, walking and cycling … traffic will eventually grind to a halt.” Speaking at an event to launch the Transport Management Plan, Executive Mayor Mpho Parks Tau, said changing the use of identified streets will lead to a certain level of “discomfort” for people entering Sandton but will not create “dysfunctionality”. The discomfort and inconvenience caused by the closures will be matched by the comfort of using public transport, walking and cycling around Sandton. The City is confident that retail businesses will benefit from the closure of the streets as the Festival is intended to attract “feet to the streets” in the form of pedestrians who will attend the various events hosted during the month and enjoy the opportunity to walk around in a car-free environment. A comprehensive Transport Management Plan (TMP) has been drawn up by the City after consultation with local stakeholders including residents, the business community and the hospitality sector, as well as extensive traffic studies.

young Joburger made an important breakthrough in the competitive game of polo when he was named as the 2015 Most Valuable Player at an international event hosted at the Inanda Club. Donono Lethula, who plays for Rockwood, received polo kit worth R25 000 for his performance and skills at the conclusion of the Land Rover Africa Cup.

The competition featured 10 teams from Africa including Kenya, Egypt, Zimbabwe and the defending champions, Ghana. Johannesburg successfully hosted the three day polo and lifestyle event which showcases the equestrian prowess of teams but also enables emerging talent to display their talents.

In the Loop – 19

Service Delivery

Employee News

Wear casual clothes to support people with disabilities Kwatsha says Group Human Capital Management is also busy conducting workshops in departments on sexual harassment to create awareness and sensitivity about the safety of women and men in the work place. City employees have a chance to show their support for people with disabilities by participating in Casual Day on 4 September.

Policy intends to achieve 50/50 gender targets T

he empowerment of women in the City has been given a major boost with the implementation of gender mainstreaming. The intention is to reach 50/50 parity between men and women at all levels, especially in senior and top management. Aurie Kwatsha, the Deputy Director: Employment Equity, Diversity and Disability says gender focal points have been nominated to represent departments on the Gender Forum. They coordinate the gender activities at departmental level and serve as resource persons on gender mainstreaming. The role of the Employment Equity and Transformation Office is to support departments in meeting their responsibilities for the achievement of gender equity and to implement gender action plans.

The theme for the day which is organised by the National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in SA is “Spring into Action.” In exchange for a R10 donation participants receive special stickers showing their support for the initiative and are then also encouraged to wear casual clothing on the day, including an assortment of fun masks, caps and mint-coloured glasses. The City is working closely with organisers of Casual Day because it creates greater awareness of issues concerning people with disabilities, including the City’s own efforts to bring them into the mainstream of activities. Representatives from the organisers will be active in City offices and the Metro Centre in the days leading up to the event and employees are encouraged to participate by buying stickers and the merchandise that can be worn on the day.

Street

During Festival

West Street between Rivonia and Fredman

West Street will be divided into two by a hoarding which will stretch from the corner of Fredman to near the entrance to the Michelangelo Hotel.

Maude Street, west of West Street

Vehicles will be able to access Maude Street at Fifth Street but there will be a cul-de-sac at West. This will give access to local users and more space for walking and cycling.

Maude Street, east of West Street

Maude Street will be a one way from West Street and only vehicles coming up West Street from Fredman will have access.

Alice Street between 5th and West

Residents, visitors and workers will be able to use this street, but it will be narrower, because it will also be used as a transport hub for metered taxis, tuk-tuks and public transport.

Gwen Lane

Gwen Lane can be used by vehicles but they will only be able to turn left at Maude Street. On some weekends, Gwen Lane will be closed for a certain period for festival activities.

Rivonia Street, Fifth Street and Fredman Drive

A public transport loop will be operational along Rivonia, Fredman Drive and Fifth Streets. One of the street lanes will be taken way and the sidewalk broadened.

The EcoMobility World Exhibition and the test track will be located between the Michelangelo and the Gautrain Station.

This will mean that there will be more space for walking and cycling, especially for the cycle lane that is coming down Linden Road from Alexandra.

EcoMobility Footprint Weekday

Casual Day has raised more than R222-million in the past 20 years. The money is distributed to a wide range of charities working to improve conditions for people with disabilities in areas such as employment, transport, training and human rights. For more information visit: http://www.casualday.co.za/

The Gender Forum identifies and addresses the underrepresentation of women in departments, especially at top and senior management levels – but also recognises talented women within the City. The Employment Equity and Transformation Office will then link them with programmes that train, develop and prepare them to fill senior positions in future. Current gender structure of City of Johannesburg core departments: • •

Other key features of the transport arrangements in Sandton during October are:

Top management - 22 men (67%) and 11 women (33%); Senior management (directors and deputy directors) – 277 men (63%) and 163 women (37%);

•

Departments that make appointments to senior positions adhere to the set gender target and have to justify their decisions in cases where women have not been given the opportunity. This pertains to both internal and external appointments.

•

The theme for casual day last year was blue and bling.

18 – In the Loop

An anti-clockwise public transport loop will be operational along Rivonia, Fredman Drive and Fifth Streets. One of the street lanes (nearest to the CBD) will be taken away from mixed traffic and the sidewalk widened. Public transport will receive priority preference for the duration of the Festival. One of the objectives of the Festival is to encourage people to use non-motorised transport options such as cycling. Safe and accessible cycling routes will be in place during October, including a dedicated cycle route from Alexandra to Sandton; and ‘pop-up’ – routes from

•

Rosebank, Parkmore and Benmore. Workers, residents and visitors to Sandton in October are encouraged to leave their private cars at home and make use of a wide range of alternative transport options to gain access to the precinct. Dedicated park-and-ride facilities will be in operation for the duration of the festival. Commuters can park their vehicles at these locations and then use public transport and alternative transport to travel deeper into Sandton.

Regular commuters into Sandton are encouraged to visit the website where updates and additional information will be published – www.ecomobilityfestival.com

In the Loop – 7

Economic Development

Infrastructure

Call on top business leaders to return

their Soweto roots

Massive road construction will bring

long-term benefits to City

ajor construction work has started on the City’s freeways and roads as part of a comprehensive upgrade of road infrastructure. The work forms part of the City’s R10-billion investment in infrastructure over a 10-year period and is intended to ease congestion on the road network and improve access to vital economic growth points including the Joburg CBD. The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Transport, Christine Walters says construction will be done over an 18-month period and will, inevitably, cause temporary inconvenience for commuters. However, it will lead to major improvements to vital economic infrastructure and, over the long term, result in better traffic flows.

Nelson Mandela Bridge: The bridge was opened in 2003 to mark the 85th birthday of the country’s first democratically elected President. It is the largest cable-stayed bridge in southern Africa and won the “Award of the Century” for its design and construction from the SA Institute of Civil Engineers. Upgrades will be done and damage caused by vandalism and corrosion will be repaired.

The Naledi Bridge: Residents of Naledi and Protea live in close proximity but have been separated by a railway line since the 1950s. Construction of a new bridge started in June 2014. On completion commuters will no longer have to take a 10km detour to complete a five minute journey.

Double-decker section of M1: Construction of the M1 which bisects Johannesburg started in 1975. Damage caused by traffic wear and tear and seasonal rain has led to the decision to rehabilitate the freeway, 8 – In the Loop

including the double-decker section near Newtown and the Oxford and Federation bridges.

Low-lying bridges: Many low-lying bridges in the City are flooded during heavy rainstorms, often creating dangerous conditions for pedestrians and vehicles. Among the bridges that will now be raised to above the flood lines are at Diepsloot, Jabulani / Molapo, Kaalfontein, Kinini-Leselinyala, Klipspruit West, Mzilikazi, Slovo Park and Zulu.

The City will call on Sowetans who have become successful as professionals and as entrepreneurs to follow in the footsteps of Richard Maponya and further stimulate the local economy.

The City’s infrastructure upgrade programme in numbers: • • • • • •

10 – the distance of the current detour between Naledi and Protea (kms) 284 – the total length of the Nelson Mandela Bridge (metres) 814 – the number of bridges in the City; 152 000 000 - the amount allocated for the construction and rehabilitation of bridges (rand); 15 000 000 000 – the asset value of Johannesburg’s bridges (rand); 110 000 000 000 – the City’s investment in infrastructure over a 10 year period (rand);

usiness leaders and successful professionals who hail from Soweto are encouraged by the City to return to the community and mentor emerging entrepreneurs and start-up companies. The City intends to work with representative business organisations such as the Black Management Forum to set up structures through which executives can plough their experience and knowledge back into the communities where they grew up. The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, Councillor Ruby Mathang, says there is a growing number of top people who grew up in Soweto and subsequently made their mark in the South African business landscape. “Most of them grew up in poverty but rose to the top because of their tenacity and determination to succeed,” says MMC Mathang. “They set an example for the new generation of entrepreneurs who are now emerging from our townships.” The intention is for Executive Mayor, Mpho Parks Tau and other members of the City’s leadership team to join hands with organised business and set up a structured mentorship

programme. Through a high-profiled event, emerging entrepreneurs will be given opportunities to showcase their business ideas and strike up relationships with established business leaders who can give advice, provide mentorship and invest in their future growth. “Our objective is to ensure young people can grow into active economic citizens within the Johannesburg economy,” says MMC Mathang. The project manager, Kgomotso Mokaba, says the City wants to encourage the growth of a transformed and self-sustained Soweto community. If the initial programme proves to be a success it can be extended to other areas and contribute to the broader Gauteng vision of the revitalisation of townships. The mentorship programme will be combined with a skills development initiative through which more than 300 young people will be offered training in practical competences such as computer literacy, painting, tiling, driving, cooking and catering.

In the Loop – 17

Economic Development

City in Brief

Agreement on wages set for implementation T he new three-year wage agreement reached between the Local Government Sector unions and the

South African Local Government Association (Salga) and will be implemented in September 2015. The agreement is retrospective to 1 July 2015 and employees will receive back pay for the two previous months as well. The agreement signed by SALGA, the SA Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu) under the auspices of the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC) will remain in force in relation to the aspects covered therein until the end of June 2018. Among the main elements of the agreement are: • a 7% increase for all employees with effect from 1 July 2015;

• • • •

increases based on the average consumer price index (CPI) plus 1% in the 2016/17 and 2017/18 financial years – provided this is not lower than 5%; a minimum wage of R6 014.93 per month, annually adjusted according to the CPI formula; increased contribution to medical aid by the employer; a minimum home owner allowance of R700 per month.

Salga, Samwu and Imatu have also committed themselves to conclude a Service Charter for the Local Government Sector as an urgent priority. Details about the wage agreement are available on www.salgbc.org.za and on Jozinet and employees are encouraged to consult Group Human Capital Management should they require further information.

Chance for small manufacturers to grow

businesses big E

Top prize awarded to Soweto-born artist

ne of Joburg’s top visual artists, Turiya Magadlela, has won the 2015 FNB Art Prize. Blank projects. Magadlela’s most recent collection of work, titled Kaffersheet was exhibited at the Johannesburg Arts Gallery. The announcement of the prize was made at the FNB Joburg Art Fair and a selection of her latest work will now be exhibited in a dedicated space at the Fair. The Soweto-based artist matriculated from the National School of the Arts and then continued her studies under Charles Nkosi at the Funda Community College, the University of Johannesburg and the Rijksakademie in Amsterdam. Her connections with the City remains strong and she has also had solo exhibitions at the Ithuba Gallery and Museum Africa. Magadlela uses common cloths, from sheeting to uniforms and pantyhose, in her work and creates abstract compositions by stretching and folding the materials across wooden frames. The FNB Art Prize was established in 2011 to recognise deserving artists. Participating galleries nominate artists for consideration to a panel of judges and the winner receives an award of R100 000.

1. Turiya Magadlela Matla 2013 - 2014 Correctional service issue sheeting, found cloth and acrylic PVA 75 x 75 cm Image courtesy of the artist and blank projects.

2. Turiya Magadlela Umudiyadiya 2015 12 Steel institutional beds, cotton sheeting and correctional service issue sheeting Installation dimensions variable Installation view, Johannesburg Art Gallery Photograph by James Fox. Image courtesy of the artist and blank projects.

their

merging business in the manufacturing sector will have a great opportunity to promote and display their products to the retail industry at a forthcoming exhibition.

ment,” says MMC Mathang. “Through this partnership we are facilitating the growth of SMMEs and enabling them to become part of the broader retail supply chains.”

“This is another initiative by the City to support enterprise development and facilitate access to markets for their products,” says Councillor Ruby Mathang, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development.

Mr Reginald Pholo, the Director of Trade and Investment Promotion says the partnership with MassMart will enable small entrepreneurs to gain market access and achieve business penetration.

In partnership with retail giant, MassMart, the City will host a Supplier Development Day at the Venue. Entrepreneurs will exhibit and showcase their market-ready products to decision-makers and buyers within the MassMart group.

More than 100 exhibitors will showcase their products on the day and the retail buyers will have ample time to visit the various stands and inspect the products. They will also use the opportunity to discuss the quality of products with the entrepreneurs and give them advice and tips on potential areas for improvements.

The selected products will then be displayed on the shelves of the retail business and offered for sale to customers. “We see this as a great opportunity for local manufacturers, especially black-owned and women-owned enterprises, to get exposure for their products within the larger retail environ-

Pholo says the SMMEs will also have the opportunity to benefit from MassMart’s supplier development fund which assists emerging manufacturers to develop and refine their products and gain access to local and international markets.

4. Turiya Magadlela My womb is at fault 3 2015 Pantyhose and canvas 100 x 100 cm Image courtesy of the artist and blank projects.

See Turiya Magadlela’s Imihuzuko at the FNB JoburgArtFair from 11 – 13 September at the Sandton Convention Centre. 16 – In the Loop

In the Loop – 9

Employee AfricitiesNews 2015

Food Resilience

Africities - the Road to Johannesburg ore than 5 000 delegates from local M governments across the continent of Africa will

converge on Johannesburg in November for the seventh Africities Summit. The triennial gathering is the most important forum for decision-makers in local government and thought leaders to discuss the role of municipalities in shaping the future of a continent of 1.1-billion people.

till new ground to ensure food security

emarkable women are taking notable strides to promote urban agriculture and pave the way towards food security in Johannesburg. Women are leading efforts to manage food gardens that provide nutrition and sustenance to children in school feeding schemes and community development programmes. But they are also at the cutting edge of modern methods to cultivate vegetables and enter new markets for flower, herb and mushroom farming.

10 – In the Loop

Johannesburg’s Mayor, Cllr Mpho Parks Tau, often states that “no one in the City must go hungry.” During his tenure the City has promoted the cause of urban agriculture and provided support to emerging farmers through the provision of land, seed, implements and professional advice. This has resulted in the growth of farming cooperatives, both within the inner city and the surrounding suburbs and townships. Urban farming is creating exciting opportunities for enterprising business people – and women are leading the way.

The summit organised by United Cities and Local Governments of Africa – UCLG-A – follows in the footsteps of similar gatherings held in major cities on the continent over the past 17 years.

• Africities 1 – Abidjan – 1998: The inaugural Africities Summit held in the capital of the Ivory Coast, convened around the theme of the essential role played by local governments in the development of Africa. The summit recognised the emergence of an independent voice for local government that cuts across language and cultural barriers inherited from the colonial era and addresses the challenges of regional integration and cooperation in Africa.

• Africities 2 – Windhoek – 2000: The funding of local government to ensure sustainable development was the main area of discussion at the turn of the Century. Delegates attending the Summit in the Namibian capital decided to establish a structure – the UCLG-A -- to represent the unified voice of local governments on the continent.

3 4 5 6 7

• Africities 3 – Yaoundé – 2002: “Speeding up access to basic services within African local governments” was the theme of the conference hosted in Cameroon. The emphasis was placed on the importance of decentralisation and the strengthening of local authorities to increase citizen participation in the democratic processes and the improvement of living conditions.

• Africities 4 – Nairobi – 2006: Six years after the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals by the United Nations delegates met in the Kenyan capital to assess progress made on the continent. The Summit also decided to mobilise the citizens in Africa and different social movements to push towards the attainment of the eight goals.

• Africities 5 – Marrakesh – 2009: The state of the global economy was uppermost in the minds of Africities delegates who convened in Morocco. The Summit helped to build an alliance between local government and economic stakeholders to promote local economic growth and job creation on the continent.

• Africities 6 – Dakar – 2012: Delegates met around the theme “Building Africa from its territories”. This summit in Senegal highlighted the role of local government in building Africa and emphasise its relevance in connecting people to democratic structures which can lead development.

• Africities 7 – Johannesburg – 2015: The theme of this year’s summit is “Shaping the future of Africa with the people.” Discussions will focus on the role played by local government to reach the long-term strategic objectives defined by the African Union in its Agenda 2063.

In the Loop – 15

Employee News

Food Resilience

Veteran safety officers

are ‘simply the best’

he JMPD Academy in Booysens recently reverberated to the sounds of Tina Turner’s all-time classic hit, ‘Simply the Best.’ It was an aptly chosen song for the occasion – the presentation of long-service awards to more than 250 dedicated public safety employees who served the City of Johannesburg with loyalty and commitment over the years. The recipients – 186 from the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and 72 from the Emergency Management Services (EMS) – are, to put it in simple terms, “simply the best.” Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety, Cllr Sello Lemao stressed this in his address:

“You joined the City when you were young and pioneered the way for us to move confidently into the future. We are very proud to be associated with you.”

MMC Lemao said it was a pleasure to recognise the commitment that had been demonstrated “by these men and women, who have served us for so long with exemplary dignity”. It was a moving moment when the first 10 long-serving employees were called to the podium to receive their long-service certificates. Among them was N H Dlamini, who holds the distinction of having served the City for 44 years. He was followed by R Nkosi, S D Mafama and T J Mhlanjane, who had each served more than 40 years. MMC Lemao described the veterans as “unsung heroes” and said he wondered where the City would be without them. “The legacy you leave behind inspires us all to such greatness,” he said. Among the dignitaries present were Public Safety Head Hlula Msimang, JMPD Chief Banzi Nyanda, Cllr Oupa Tolo, the Chairperson of the Public Safety Committee and Discovery Group representative Khethang Malefane.

Working the soil is a calling for Mama Grace At an age when most women start thinking about slowing down 65-year old Grace Nchoe is still going strong and doing what she does best – working the land. Mama Grace, as she is popularly known in Braamfischerville, was one of the women who in 2013 raised their hands in response to the City’s call on residents to use available land for farming and contribute to food security. The founder of Build the Nation she grows vegetables in the garden of the JB Marks Primary School together with five other volunteers. The City provided her NGO with seedlings, seeds, compost, farm implements and advice to produce food for the community.

Her association with the City dates back to 2002 when she started to supply fresh and healthy foods to the Maurice Freeman Centre in Bezuidenhout Valley. Four year later she was honoured by a leading food company for her work in the urban agricultural sector. “People should not go hungry in the City,” says Molefe. “We can overcome food scarcity through urban farming.”

‘Number cruncher’ turns her passion to farming

“This is important, especially for those who have to eat before they take chronic medication, orphaned and vulnerable children and other needy people in the community,” says the mother of five and grandmother of ten.

Earlier this year Mapaseka Dlamini quit her well-paying job to pursue her life’s passion – farming. It was a brave decision, a leap of faith that some people might consider to be foolish. A month later this resourceful young woman secured a five-hectare piece of land on a farm owned by the city near Diepsloot – down the road from where she once used to work. And she has no regrets. “I don’t miss the traffic jams and road rage on my way to work,” she says.

Instead of slowing down she is now preparing to start two new projects, a pig- and chicken rearing enterprise and a scheme to produce mushrooms. She will soon attend an information session on mushroom farming at the University of Johannesburg followed by a three month preparation course.

The Kopanong Farming Holdings is located at the Northern Farm in Diepsloot and is close to upmarket developments in Steyn City, Fourways and Midrand. This provides Dlamini with a ready and growing market for the organic vegetables, herbs and flowers that she cultivates.

“Farming is a calling and God wants me to do this,” says Mama Grace. “At the end of a long day I go home and sleep like a baby knowing that I have done what God called me to do.

The 30-year old Dlamini graduated with a BCom-degree from the University of the Witwatersrand and was well on her way to become a chartered accountant.

Childhood love turned into profitable business Refiloe Molefe traces her love for vegetable gardening back to her childhood when she watched her grandmother and aunt produce enough to feed their families and then share with the community. Today she runs the Bertrams-based Bambanani Cooperative with business associate, Amos Maluleka. Supported by the City, who has given it free use of the land and vegetable tunnels to maximise crop production, Bambanani provides vegetables for local supermarkets and sells its produce at markets in Fourways during the weekends. Molefe is passionate about urban farming. Her day starts at the crack of dawn with a meeting with the ten members of the consortium and often continues into the evening. With her boundless energy and positive attitude she is making a major contribution towards food security in Johannesburg.

Her ‘aha moment’ came when she watched a TV programme on Florah Mochechere who was named as Gauteng Agri Businesswoman of the year. “I knew that was what I wanted to do. I contacted her and asked her if she would be my mentor. For the next six months Dlamini spent every available moment on a farm to gain experience in the cultivation of vegetables, chicken raising and the packaging of eggs. At the end of this period she felt confident to start her own project. The initial stages were tough but she did receive great support and advice from the City’s Food Resilience Programme, especially Tsidi Maponya, the coordinator in Region A. Her spinach and kale are already being sold at the Joburg Market; she started with the production of vegetable juice and sees opportunities opening up in mushroom farming. “The current generation of farmers are mostly males and they are growing old. Young people – especially women -- should get involved in farming. They represent the future of the industry,” says Dlamini.

Through the intervention of the City she recently signed an agreement with a private sector company that will buy 80% of Bambanani’s produce for its canteens. The company also provided support through advice on pest control and nets to prevent birds from accessing the gardens. Newly-installed tunnels will further enable it to increase the rate of production.

14 – In the Loop

In the Loop – 11

Employee News

Human and Social Development

Speaker is ‘leading the march’ to

move women forward

or Speaker of Council, Constance Bapela, every month is “Women’s Month”; every week brings new opportunities to bring gender issues into the mainstream of the City’s activities; every day is used to reach out to women across Johannesburg from all age groups and socio-political backgrounds. Reflecting on her achievements at the helm of South Africa’s most dynamic local government council since 2011, Speaker Bapela recalls some of her interactions with the elderly and with school children as examples of how elected officials can make an impact on the lives of citizens. Her hosting of an annual Christmas party for senior citizens is an event that is close to her heart. “We are what we are today, because of our grannies,” she says. Their contribution to the emergence of a democratic South Africa with the City of Johannesburg at its core, should always be remembered and celebrated. Her efforts to honour the contribution of women to the country’s liberation came to the fore in 2013 with the decision by Council to bestow the Freedom of the City on four leaders of the historic Women’s March in 1956 – Sophie de Bruyn, Helen Joseph, Rehana Moosajee and Lilian Ngoyi. This highest honour that the City can award will, in future, be shared equally among pioneering men and women. But Speaker Bapela’s influence and leadership go beyond symbolism and will impact on the daily activities of the City’s administration. As the Legislative arm of the City, Council must ensure that gender equality receives sufficient attention in all aspects of administration, especially in the participation

of women in ground-breaking programmes such as Jozi@Work and Vulindlel’ eJozi. Despite her rise to one of the most influential positions in local government in South Africa Speaker Bapela remains an activist at heart. A special poignant home for her was when she was recently invited by the Gauteng Government to participate in its 2015 Women’s Month launch at the old women’s jail at Constitution Hill. As a young student in the 1980, Madam Speaker was detained without trial for three years – making her one the longest serving female political prisoners of that era. Today she speaks passionately about her efforts to reach across the political aisles in Council and to establish a Women’s Caucus for representatives of all political parties. This will be followed by the adoption of a comprehensive gender policy which is currently under consideration by Council.But, it is clear that Madam Speaker finds herself most at home when she can address gender issues at grassroots levels. Together with her fellow Councillors, she initiated the “love bag” programme to support women who are victims of family violence. Together with private sector partners, she has launched food gardens at primary schools and donated laptops to further empower young female matriculants at the conclusion of their school careers. Women’s Month 2015 is celebrated under the theme: Women United in Moving South Africa Forward. In the City of Johannesburg, Speaker Constance Bapela remains at the front of this march.

Some JMPD officers have taken healthy living to a higher level by taking up long distance running.

Drive to keep officers in T

tip-top shape

he physical and mental fitness of metro police officers and emergency staff members are being addressed in a new programme launched by the Public Safety Department.

The Department will also encourage EMS and JMPD staff to take out gym contracts at reduced rates and get full value from the benefits offered by gym and healthcare schemes.

A tailor-made health and wellness programme will ensure all JMPD officers, firefighters, ambulance drivers and paramedics are fighting fit and in tip-top physical, mental and emotional condition to carry out their stressful duties.

“We do provide daily free aerobics classes at the JMPD’s facilities in Wemmer, Selby,” says Ndhlovu, “but the fact that members work in shifts and during odd hours across the City often make it difficult for them to attend.” The intention is therefore to offer similar training opportunities at centres in the various regions.

Elgina Ndhlovu, the department’s Director of Stakeholder Management and Compliance says the intention is to create a “holistic wellness” among members of both the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and the Emergency Management Services (EMS). Through the programme the City is enabling members to take charge of their own health, address negative perceptions and prove their detractors wrong. “We are very much in the public eye and often find ourselves as the subject of intense public scrutiny and even the targets of ridicule,” says Ndhlovu.

Ndhlovu says the wellness programme will go beyond physical fitness and also offer members advice and support on issues such as financial and retirement planning. It will also, on a regular basis, provide additional services such as cancer screening, advice on nutrition and awareness about human rights.

“Unfortunately there are widely-held perceptions that some of our members are rude, lazy, overweight, untrustworthy, corrupt and inept. “The City wants to change these perceptions and encourage our officers to challenge negative stereotypes and perceptions.” Ndhlovu says the Public Safety Cluster wants to find resources to roll out six dedicated staff fitness and training centres across the City by the end of the current financial year. The annual Christmas party for the elderly is an event close to the heart of Speaker Constance Bapela.

12 – In the Loop

In the Loop – 13

Economic Development

Call on top business leaders to return

their Soweto roots

to 1. Salukazi DakileHlongwane – founder of Nozala Investments, one of the most successful women-led groups in the country.

2. Basetsana Kumalo – the former Miss South Africa took her media production house to the Johannesburg Securities Exchange.

3. Phuti Mahanyele – grew up in Dobsonville and was named by the World Economic Forum as one of its ‘Global Young Leaders.’

4. Dr Nthato Motlana – a community leader during the 1976 Soweto Uprising later became the ‘father of black economic empowerment.’

5.Richard Maponya – built Soweto’s most lasting enterprises and established the well-known Maponya Mall.

6. Patrice Motsepe – Pick of the Soweto business icons

the founder of African Rainbow Minerals is well-known for his business skills and commitment to charitable causes.

In the Loop – 17