Internal Newsletter
In the Loop Issue No.
22 Dec 2015
“Joburg. It’s about You! City of Joburg New Year’s Eve Countdown! Ziyaduma. ” Celebrating Joburg, the world class African City with its diverse and cosmopolitan culture. Reflecting the diversity and cultural richness of the the City of Joburg and its people with various genres including jazz, afropop, hip hop, reggae, kwaito, kwasa and house. Featuring vibrant African music and the SADC region, thus paying tribute and reflecting the people of Jozi in all its magnitude and greatness. 2 Stages 1 st stage: Main Stage, Mary Fitzgerald Square, featuring live performance bands and top shelf DJs. 2 nd stage: Newtown Park, featuring DJ’s and a countdown of the major hits of 2015. House Band featuring hits of the decade.
Selaelo Selota Femi Koya (Nigeria/SA with Pan African Band) Vusi Nova
Big Nuz Professor Jimmy Dludlu and friends
Soweto New Year’s Eve concert Black Motion Uhuru Pro Kid
Slick Angel DJ Zinhle The Muffinz
Event Staging at 6:30pm onwards until early part of 2016
What’s inside:
Spreading the festive cheer
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12
15
Contents 3
Message from the Executive Mayor
4
The Year that was… Jozi looks back on eventful 2015
5
Eagle-eyed cameras keep watch over Joburg streets
6
City, Wits turn Braamfontein into Joburg’s own Silicon Valley
7 8
Arts & Culture 9
Celebrate the festive season in safety
10
Active measures to ensure safe festive season for all
11
Crime fighting campaign shows quick and strong results
12
COP 21 Climate Conference
13
Joburg in pictures
Celebrate your way into 2016
14
Work on ‘bridges to Joburg’s future’ under way
Christmas comes early for kids and seniors
15
Queen to spread its Magic to Jozi crowds
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heir legions of die-hard fans – and many critics – simply call them, the “Greatest band in the history of Rock. “We Are the Champions” is used as an anthem by sports teams across the world and the sounds of “We Will Rock You” are often heard as a prelude to the start of a major crowd-pulling event. Bohemian Rhapsody is, without a doubt, one of the most-listened-to six minutes in music history. The name of the group is Queen and a tribute to its music will be staged at the Joburg Theatre from mid-January to early February. The international cast members of Queen – It’s a Kinda Magic have been touring London, Singapore and Australia over the past few weeks before making their way to the Joburg stage. Fast Facts about Queen:
Acknowledgements
Cover Credits
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In a 15-year period, starting in 1970, the group sold more than 200 million albums and had 18 Number One hits on the British Charts.
Chief Editor Makhudu Sefara - MakhuduS@joburg.org.za
The 2015 festive season started on a high note for children and senior citizens who were touched by the generosity of the Joburg Property Company. The elderly were treated to a lunch in Alexandra while some 120 children from a day-care centre attended a fun-filled party in Meadowlands.
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The group’s live concert in Hyde Park in 1976, drew a crowd of more than 150 000 people – at the time the largest ever music performance.
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Tanzanian-born lead singer, Freddie Mercury, has been named among the Top 20 Best Artists in History by Rolling Stone Magazine.
Editor: Thomas Thale - thomasth@joburg.org.za Contributor: Luyanda Lunika - luyandal@joburg.org.za Photography: Enoch Lehung - enochl@joburg.org.za
WISHING YOU A CH R I S T M AS
& A HAPPY NEW YEAR
Tickets for It’s A Kinda Magic are available at the Theatre and from Computicket. Seats are limited…but the fans will be dancing in the aisles, anyway.
Joburg music lovers can dance into the New Year to the rhythms of some of the country’s top performing artists at the Soweto Theatre.
to in n eto ow w td So un in Co 016 2
MERRY
Queen to spread its Magic to Jozi crowds
Countdown is a co-production with Jozi FM and Soweto TV and will see the likes of Lira, RJ Benjamin and Kedibone Mulaudzi share two stages at the theatre with DJs, comedians and groups such as The Muffins and The Rhythm Sessions.
Free tickets can be obtained from the Soweto Theatre – but space is limited for this party that will start at 14h00 on December 31… and carry on well into 2016.
ns ge tio ta es n s qu d o ep re De plo ex
Voices of Kilimanjaro is a musical play that creatively explores the complex nature of and asks searching questions about – xenophobia. Written by locally-born playwright and actor, Bekezela Vusi Mhlongo, the production will be staged at the Joburg Theatre between 16 and 20 December.
Described as a “potpourri of music, dance, poetry and acting,” Voices of Kilimanjaro tells the story of a family grappling
with issues of tolerance, peace and social cohesion in the post-apartheid South Africa.
In the Loop
In the Loop – 15
Message from the Executive Mayor
Service Delivery
Contents
Welcome
M1 PHASE CONSTRUCTION CLOSURE OF THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY: REDUCE FROM 3 TO 2 LANES PER DIRECTION
Message from the Executive Mayor
Work on ‘bridges to Joburg’s future’ under way
M
ajor upgrades to vital sections on the M1 and M2 freeways leading into the City have started. The R210-million construction project will give Johannesburg’s transport infrastructure a new lease of life and enable it to meet traffic demands into the future.
However, our leadership in international forums does not detract from our primary commitment to serve the citizens of Johannesburg to the best of our ability. As elected representatives we have received a mandate from the people of the city to “build better communities” as defined in the Growth and Development Strategy 2040.
Upgrades to the freeway network are managed by the Johannesburg Roads Agency, the City’s entity responsible the development and management of roads and storm water infrastructure.
The entire project is expected to be completed by the middle of 2017. Construction activities will have an impact on traffic patterns – Which parts of the freeway would be especially during morning and afternoon peak periods – and most affected? commuters are advised to plan their journeys and to budget for more travel time. Repairs will be done to the M1 overpass bridges – the double decker sections
Five Questions about the Upgrade Answered:
– between Carr and Anderson streets in the city centre. Work will include rehabilitation and structural repairs, asphalt surfacing, expansion joints, drainage systems and new road signs. The Federation and Oxford bridges will also undergo major facelifts. A 2km section of dual carriage freeway between Rockridge and Federation Roads will be rehabilitated and the existing storm water drainage system in the area will be replaced.
We continue to build a better City Colleagues, The festive season lies ahead of us and with that the opportunity for many of our colleagues working in the city and the residents of Johannesburg to relax, take a break from normal activities and spend quality time with family and friends.
Why is the project being undertaken now? The rehabilitation of Johannesburg’s ageing roads infrastructure cannot be delayed any longer, says Mpho Kau, the Acting Managing Director of the JRA. The M1 and M2 are the primary access routes into the City and carry commercial traffic, private cars and public transport such as buses and taxis, that are vital to the growth of southern Africa’s most important economic hub. “The long-term benefits of a world-class M1 freeway and bridge network will far outweigh the temporary inconvenience during the rehabilitation phase,” says Kau.
What will be the impact of construction activities on traffic? The construction activities will, inevitably, result in lane closures and traffic delays on the highways and some connecting roads. Sections of the carriageways will be closed during peak construction periods. Commuters are advised to take special caution during night times and on weekends when construction will continue to meet the project deadlines. “The JRA will strive to keep disruptions to a minimum and all construction will be accompanied by traffic management and signage to keep road users informed,” says Kau. “We urge commuters to be patient, remain courteous and obey the traffic signs and instructions of officials at all times.”
2015 proved to be an exceptional year for the City of Johannesburg. It was a period during which we not only confirmed our role as a world-class African city, but also made an imprint on global affairs through our hosting of international conferences and events.
As public servants, the employees of the various departments and entities in the City are responsible for the implementation of the GDS and its programmes. It is through your collective actions that we provide water to communities, keep the lights burning and look after the health and welfare of our children, the elderly and vulnerable communities. This is also extended to protecting the lives and property of residents and stimulating entrepreneurship and job creation through innovation. The indications are there that we are making progress on all fronts. The year 2015 started with another unqualified audit report which reflects the quality of our financial management and corporate governance. It concluded with the report by the South African Cities Network which lauded Johannesburg’s achievements in “doing the basics right.” These independent assessments of our progress indicate that Johannesburg is, indeed, on its way to become – in the words of the GDS2040 – “a city that provides real quality of life; a city that provides sustainability for all its citizens”. However, it should also inspire us to work even harder, do even better, and go even further to
exceed the expectations of our citizens and residents. I want to use this opportunity to thank each and every person connected with the City of Johannesburg for your contribution towards our success over the past 12 months – from elected councillors to the employees of our city-owned enterprises; from senior management to our officials who interact with members of the public on a daily basis and, thus, project the image and reputation of our city. I want to extend congratulations to the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Finance, Geoff Makhubo, and his team for the successful management of the Green Bond which scooped the prestigious C40 Cities Award 2015 in Paris during the COP21 gathering earlier this month. The oversubscribed Green Bond has raised R1.458 billion in the last financial year. In the coming days Johannesburg will celebrate the festive season and events that are of specific cultural and religious significance. While you enjoy the festivities and the holiday break, spare a thought for the members of our security and emergency services who will remain on active duty throughout this period. I trust that you will all enjoy a safe and festive holiday period and return to work in 2016 with a new commitment to build an even better Johannesburg. Cllr. Mpho Parks Tau Executive Mayor
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Where do the funds come from? Where can I get more information? The City will be spending about R1.4-billion on this project during the 2015/16 financial years. This forms part of the R10-billion investment in infrastructure over the next decade envisaged in the 2040 Growth and Development Strategy.
14 – In the Loop
Details about progress with construction and road closures are available on the Johannesburg Roads Agency’s website – www.jra.org.za. Road and storm water issues can be reported to the Customer Call Centre on 0860 562 874 or hotline@jra.org.za. Follow the activities on Facebook and Twitter @MyJra.
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 – 3
Joburg in pictures
Good Governance
The Year that was… Jozi looks back on eventful 2015
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July
– City Power introduces steps to soften the impact of load shedding on residents; the first 70 buses of the new energy-efficient fleet arrive; global experts on ‘grey power’ meet in Johannesburg for the World Congress on Healthy Ageing; the Gauteng Infrastructure Investment Conference focuses attention on the revitalisation of the inner city; and Joburgers commemorate the legacy of Nelson Mandela through their participation in community- building activities.
August
– the City announces details about its R10-billion investment in infrastructure over a ten year period; female farmers take the lead to promote urban agriculture and food security; Council Speaker, Constance Bapela launches a Women’s Caucus across the political aisles and emerging manufacturers grab the opportunity to show their skills at a Supplier Development Day.
September
– The Mayoral Committee gives the go-ahead for the implementation of programmes in the “blue economy”; the Johannesburg Roads Agency introduces a new system to keep track of the City’s transport infrastructure; city employees graduate from the Adult Education and Training programme and the sporting fraternity gear up for the annual OR Tambo Games.
October
– Joburg residents start to “move in different ways” during the EcoMobility World Festival hosted in Sandton; the Bua le-Sechaba campaign reaches out to communities to examine the quality of service delivery; the City’s anti-fraud and anti-corruption measures yield positive results and emergency and rescue services receive high praise for their response to the M1 bridge collapse.
November
– The City gears up to host the 7th Africities Summit for local government leaders on the continent; mega housing projects in seven nodes gather momentum; the winners in the multi-million rand Green City Startup Challenge are announced and the 16 Days Campaign focuses attention on action to prevent violence against women and children.
December
T
his was the year of innovation and ingenuity. A year that introduced Joburgers to the concepts of a “blue economy,” and “load limiting” to mitigate the impact of the dreaded power cuts. A year of record budgets and multi-billion rand investments in infrastructure. A year in which the City changed the way it moves.
– Special measures to protect the lives of citizens and their property during the festive season are announced while the CCTV camera system in the inner-city demonstrates its value in crime-fighting; construction starts on the upgrading of bridges and infrastructure on the highway and Joburgers prepare to send-off an eventful 2015 in style.
January
– The publication of the Annual Report highlights the progress the City is making with the implementation of the Top Ten Priority Programmes; plans are unveiled for the construction of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge linking Alexandra and Sandton across the M1; the Jabulani node is transforming the skyline of Soweto and the first work packages of the Jozi@Work programme are allocated to community-based entrepreneurs.
June
May
April
March
– 2015 kicks off on a high note with the Auditor General reporting on a second successive unqualified audit for the City; the food resilience programme moves into extra gear with support given to urban farmers and food banks that provide support to needy families; the rehabilitation of Bruma Lake is underway and the world’s top golfers arrive in the City to participate in the Joburg Open.
February
And In the Loop was there to cover the events and offer our readers a comprehensive and vivid picture of the world class African City.
– The “Green Revolution” hits Johannesburg as the City starts converting its vehicle fleet to run on eco-friendly fuel; an announcement is made on R20-million investments in the upgrade of Kliptown, in anticipation of the 60th anniversary of the Freedom Charter; Revenue and Shared Services reach out to residents during open days and the venerable Johannesburg Arts Gallery celebrates its Centenary. – Work starts on the construction of the new Metro Centre and Council Chambers to create an inclusive and vibrant public space for citizens and employees; Johannesburg’s first Ombudsman takes office; 20 interns with disabilities join the City for on-the-job training at various departments and music legend Johnny Clegg returns to the Joburg Theatre stage to celebrate 21 years of democracy. – Executive Mayor, Mpho Parks Tau delivers his State of the City Address under the theme: “Today is better than yesterday; tomorrow will be better than today”; the speech contains a number of innovative programmes within the “blue economy”; announcements are made on urban redevelopment in Westbury and the Health Department rolls out a city-wide vaccination initiative. – A record budget of more than R52-billion is presented to Council by Finance MMC Geoffrey Makhubo; Youth Advisory Centres are launched to provide information about training and job opportunities to young people; a growing number of Joburgers connect to free Wi-Fi and the City’s Twitter account celebrates 100 000 followers.
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5
1. British royal, Prince Harry, visited the Jozi Youth Entrepreneurs Exhibition in Newtown. Mayor Parks Tau used the opportunity to inform the royal visitor about initiatives such as Jozi@Work and Vulindlel’ eJozi. 2. Johannesburg received one of the 2015 Kamoso Awards to recognise its achievements in creating employment opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme – EPWP. Pictured are: Rae Davids, DDG for Infrastructure Development in Gauteng, Bokaba Maluleka, EPWP Head in the City’s Economic Development, Beauty Kutumane, Gauteng coordinator for EPWP, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza, Gauteng MEC for Infrastructure Development, Shadrack Thothela, EPWP Coordinator in the City, Rosemary Mfolo, Community Development and Dumisani Tinghitsi of Economic Development. 3. Johannesburg Health Department was named as the best-performing District TB Services in Gauteng. Treatment, counselling and advice on TB and related illnesses are provided at all the City’s hospitals, clinics and health facilities. 4. Four of South Africa’s culture legends were honoured with the Siyabakhumbula Award in Sandton, Music icon, Jonas Gwangwa, received his recognition from Mayor Parks Tau and the MMC for Community Development Cllr Chris Vondo. 5. Pioneering novelist, Miriam Tlali, Nobel Prize winner, Nadine Gordimer (posthumously) and poet laureate, Keorapetse Kgositsile also received the award. A family member of Ms Tlali accepted the prize on her behalf.
4– In the Loop
In the Loop – 13
BREAKING NEWS
COP 21 Climate Conference
Smart City Financial Sustainability
Eagle-eyed cameras
keep watch over Joburg streets T
he languid calm of a sweltering Hillbrow afternoon is suddenly interrupted. An exchange of words between rival taxi operators has boiled over into a full-blown scuffle. Fists are flying. The tension hangs thickly in the air.
Executive Mayor Mpho Parks Tau attended the COP 21 Climate Conference in Paris where he shared the stage with other world leaders such as the former Mayor of New York City, David Bloomberg, the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo and the Mayor of Mexico City, Miguel Ángel Mancera.
Africities
Johannesburg played host to the 7th Africities Summit which brought together leaders in local government and academics from across the continent. The five day conference presented a great opportunity to discuss issues that are of great important to cities such as migration, food security, poverty alleviation and youth development.
Within seconds the information is relayed to the JMPD liaison officer sharing the vast control room at Penmore Towers in the downtown CBD. A roaming patrol vehicle is dispatched to the scene. Trained officers intervene and emotions are calmed before the incident burns out of control.
Operation Buyis’ iJozi is in full swing. The successful handling of the Hillbrow incident is but one example of the success achieved by law enforcement officials since the introduction of CCTV cameras, says the spokesperson of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, Chief Inspector, Wayne Minnaar. In partnership with technology provider, Omega Risk Solutions, the Joburg CBD is covered by a protective network of closed-circuit television cameras. On a 24/7 basis potential hotspots of crime are being monitored, suspicious activities identified and the required law enforcement resources deployed to combat the crime.
As the system gets extended into other areas adjacent to the CBD such as Doornfontein, Berea, Hillbrow and Langlaagte, its effectiveness will also continue to grow. Contact crime such as assaults, theft from vehicles and pickpocketing are also showing a sharp decline. Each operator at the nerve centre sits behind a monitor that displays the detailed information from 15 cameras that are placed at strategic locations on street corners and roof tops. The operators are trained to detect suspicious behaviour and can easily zoom into a specific location. Once an incident is observed the information is provided to management staff sharing the space in the control room and they are in radio contact with officers on the ground. All footage are recorded and safely kept in a digital format should it be required as evidence in the prosecution of offenders.
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411 – the number of CCTV cameras already installed and monitored.
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180 – the average number of incidents recorded and responded to per day.
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21 – the number of suspects caught on camera and prosecuted since the introduction of Buyis’ iJozi in September.
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8 760 – the number of hours in a year that the CCTV system is supporting law enforcement activities in Johannesburg.
Several of the top leaders in Africa attended the Africities Summit. The keynote address was delivered by the Chair of the African Union Commission, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. The Minister in the Presidency, Jeff Radebe and the Premier of Gauteng, David Makhura, were also among the speakers. Cllr Nonceba Molwele, the MMC for Health and Social Development was elected as a vice-president of the Network for Locally Elected Women of Africa – REFELA – an organisation that facilitates the participation of women in local government and communities.
12 – In the Loop
In the Loop – 5
Crime fighting by the numbers:
Africities puts spotlight on local government
Law enforcement officials from the JMPD and the SAPS are already on their way to the scene of the fracas. An alert operator sitting in front of an over-sized computer monitor has detected the incident from the images beamed by a CCTV camera located on the corner of Kotze and Pretoria Street.
The success of the operation is reflected in the figures. “There has been a rapid reduction in the incidence of serious and violent crimes in the Joburg inner-city over the past five years,” says Minnaar. “We hardly see crimes such as bank robberies, ATM bombings or armed holdups in areas covered by the cameras anymore.”
Public Safety
Smart City
City, Wits turn Braamfontein into Joburg’s own Silicon Valley
Crime fighting campaign shows quick and strong results I
n the first 60 days since its launch the City’s new anti-crime operation has already nabbed a number of dangerous criminals and is putting the screws on armed robbers, vehicle thieves and the owners of dangerous buildings.
F
ormer nightclubs are turned into meeting rooms where creative technology ideas can be churned out. Warehouses that stood empty for years will house row upon row of computer labs. And retail stores that have closed their doors are given new leases on life as development pods. The Tshimologong Precinct in Braamfontein is gradually developing into creative cluster for the information communication and technology sector and a hive of activity for tech-savvy young minds to test their ideas and create new enterprises within this fast-growing industry. Like Silicon Valley in the south of San Francisco, Braamfontein will in time have a dense concentration of electronics and computer companies. The “Tech-in-Braam” programme is a partnership between the City, the Joburg Centre for Software Engineering at Wits and the private sector to develop a precinct dedicated to skills training, job creation and enterprise development in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) field. Half a block along Juta Street in Braamfontein – between Station and Henri – has been earmarked for this redevelopment. Within this space there are five buildings owned by Wits that are currently being renovated to be the new technical heart of South Africa. Tshimologong means “place of new beginnings” in Sesotho and the concept is the brainchild of Prof Barry Dwolatzky from the Department of Software Engineering at Wits. Private sector sponsorship are being sought to fund the development which also enjoys the enthusiastic support of the City of Johannesburg. Executive Mayor Councillor Mpho Parks Tau describes it as “a digital enterprise zone that is sparking the imagination of the continent.”
6 – In the Loop
The intention is to create a hub space where people with tech skills and ideas can get together, brainstorm ideas and pool their talent and skills through workshops and informal discussions. The availability of free Wi-Fi and the speed offered by the City’s new broadband infrastructure will accelerate the process. When operational the precinct will be accessible at all hours of the day and night and training courses will be offered to people who want to improve their skills. Tutors from Wits will be available to teach courses or to act as mentors to new entrepreneurs who intend to turn their ideas into start-up businesses. The partnership has already led to the introduction of a number of exciting projects: •
The Hack.Jozi Challenge where residents were invited to propose ideas on how ICT and apps can resolve challenges within their communities. The winners received start-up funding worth more than R1.5-million to turn their ideas into viable projects.
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The Fak’ugesi Festival was an opportunity for people who are passionate about ICT to showcase concepts and exchange ideas on how digital innovation can promote links between technology, the arts and critical thinking.
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At the Agile Africa Conference professionals in the software development industry and leading thinkers in ICT shared their experience and advice with students on how to turn ideas into viable solutions.
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In July students on the Wits campus were handed pizza boxes containing invitations to the DizSpark campaign – a series of weekend events hosted in Braamfontein where participants received practical advice and support to develop their own apps.
Buyis’ iJozi – Bring Back Joburg – is a joint campaign by a number of City departments and municipal-owned entities to increase visible policing, reduce crime and create a safe environment in the inner-city. Launched on 1 September the campaign will remain running till the end of June 2016. In the first two months it has been responsible for 21 arrests, including three dangerous fugitives wanted for serious crimes such as armed robbery, fraud and theft of vehicles. According to the spokesperson of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, Chief Inspector Wayne Minnaar the operation, jointly conducted with the SAPS, has also led to a crackdown on four ‘bad buildings’ and the closure of four illegal taverns. “Buyis’ iJozi has made a significant difference in the CBD since its launch,” says Minnaar. “Whoever works or lives in the inner city should feel safe and walk freely without being obstructed on the sidewalks,” says Minnaar.
and water usage. And we are clamping down on illegal dumping and littering – a big problem in the city,” he says. “We urge residents and informal traders to keep the city clean and help us to control illegal dumping and littering.” Minnaar says the operation will also monitor congested taxi ranks, especially over weekends and public holidays. In addition, places of entertainment and restaurants will come under intense scrutiny to ensure City by-laws are complied with. JMPD officers, accompanied by officials of the South African Revenue Service, will also clamp down on people selling counterfeit goods. JMPD’s Top Tips for Joburgers during Festive Season • • • •
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; Make sure your windows and doors are closed at night; Be wary of strangers when withdrawing money from ATMs; Refrain from drinking and driving and make alternative transport arrangements when you have exceeded the alcohol limitations.
JMPD officers, accompanied by members of the SAPS, recently raided a ‘bad building’ in the inner city. About 300 people were taken to the Johannesburg Central Police Station for questioning. During this operation 21 people were arrested and charged with various crimes. Minnaar says Buyis’ iJozi will be intensified during the festive season, especially in the Johannesburg Station-Noord Street precinct. This area is heavily congested during the year-end period as thousands of people pass through it on their way to board buses, taxis and trains to various parts of the country and neighbouring states. “The objective is to reduce crimes such as smash-and-grabs, handbag snatching and pickpocketing. We also focus on dilapidated buildings to prevent illegal electrical connections In the Loop – 11
Human and Social Development
Public Safety
Celebrate
Square will begin at 16h00 and continue till 05h00 on New Year’s Day. The SABC will broadcast live from Newtown throughout the evening and into the morning.
your way into 2016
• How to get there Festival-goers are encouraged to use public transport, buses, taxis and Rea Vaya to come into Newtown. There will be limited parking available at the Newtown Junction and a shuttle service will be active between the Oriental Plaza and the festival areas.
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Security will be provided throughout the day by the SA Police Service and private agencies while the JMPD will be responsible for traffic management.
oburgers can prepare themselves for the biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations ever with performances by top artists in Newtown and Soweto led by a large carnival procession worming its way through the streets of Hillbrow. The City is preparing itself for more than 30 000 participants dancing into 2016, says Bongi Mokaba, the Director Event Management.
Active measures to ensure safe festive season for all D
The programme will start with a Carnival in Hillbrow on the afternoon of 31 December. Executive Mayor, Mpho Parks Tau, will deliver his festive message from the back of a mobile stage, before the procession moves towards Braamfontein and the main activities near Mary Fitzgerald Square. “This is the best and safest way to bid farewell to 2015 and welcome the New Year,” says Mokaba. “We encourage all Joburgers to join us at the two stages in Newtown or to participate in the festivities hosted at the Soweto Theatre. • The Carnival Some 300 dancers and performers clad in colourful costumes will make up the main procession. They will be split up into four groups to entertain the crowds at Newtown in the afternoon before the main acts take to the stage.
ecember is a period of rest and relaxation for many Joburgers – but the City’s emergency and law enforcement officials will not reduce their vigilance.
activities,” says MMC Lemao. This campaign will, in the coming months, be extended to all the Regions in Johannesburg.
The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety, Councillor Sello Lemao, says the festive season safety campaign will see a step-up in activities by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and Emergency Management Services (EMS).
• Public safety – JMPD officers will maintain a visible presence at public spaces that draw large crowds during the festive season – especially shopping centres and malls, parks, restaurants and shebeens. Joburgers are encouraged not to relax their vigilance during the festive season, to be on the lookout for suspicious activities and to alert the JMPD.
“Safety is a collective responsibility that is shared between the citizens themselves and the law enforcement agencies,” says MMC Lemao. “The primary objective of our campaign is to change the attitudes and mind sets of Joburgers. The level of collaboration between residents and our safety services determine the success of our crime prevention operations.
• Road safety – Strict enforcement will be done to apprehend road users who exceed the speed limit or disregard the rules of the road. Residents and visitors should prepare themselves for stop-and-search operations where vehicles will be checked for roadworthiness.
“We are building a partnership between the police and communities so that we can, together, address issues of crime and lawlessness,” he says. “Activation” is the name of the game, for MMC Lemao and, in the coming days, he will be leading a door-to-door campaign in Riverlea, Fleurhof and other parts of Region B. JMPD officers will be joined by community and religious leaders as well as youth and faith-based organisations to visit homes, speak to families and discuss issues that are relevant to community safety such as substance abuse, gang-related activities and domestic violence. “We are visiting areas where we have seen a rise in crimes such as muggings, theft and housebreaking. We want to encourage communities to support our law-enforcement
10 – In the Loop
• Pedestrian safety – MMC Lemao says the City is very concerned about the high rate of fatalities among pedestrians on Johannesburg’s roads. He cautions people not to walk on or cross the highway, to wear bright or reflective clothing and not to venture on to roads when they have consumed alcohol.
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• The Route The Carnival procession will start 14h00 in Pretoria Street in Hillbrow. From there it will move along Catherine Avenue, Kotze Street – where Mayor Tau will address the crowd – Claim, Wolmarans, Melle, De Korte, crossing the Nelson Mandela Bridge in Bertha, to Carr, Miriam Makeba and Rehana Moosa streets towards the Mary Fitzgerald Square. The public will be able to watch as spectators from the sidewalks or balconies of the buildings on the route; but are also encouraged to join the dancers and performers through Hillbrow and Braamfontein to the main festivities in Newtown.
• The Line-up Some of the country’s top performing artists and DJ’s will entertain the crowds from early evening to well into the morning of the New Year. Among the artists that have already confirmed are: - Black Coffee - Arthur Mafokate - Mafikizolo - DJ Shimza - Busiswa - New York-based Tortured Soul - Victor Masondo • Lighting up the sky A ten-minute professional firework performance will herald in 2016. The display will be set up on the bridge of the M1 motorway – and parts of the freeway will be closed temporarily during the afternoon for preparations and during the show. • Soweto show The Soweto Theatre offers an alternative Countdown festival with performances by Kira, The Muffins, RJ Benjamin, The Rhythm Sessions and Kedibone Mulaudzi. Entrance to the show that starts at 14h00 is free and tickets can be obtained from the Theatre.
• The Stages Performances will be spread out across two stages – at Mary Fitzgerald Square and Newtown Park. The Newtown stage will be live from 18h00 to 02h00 while performances on the
• By-law enforcement – Strict action will be taken against people who transgress the City’s by-laws pertaining to illegal dumping, noise pollution, drunkenness in public and anti-social behaviour in public spaces. Despite the current dry season that is experienced in Johannesburg residents are cautioned about the dangers associated with heavy rain which might result in flash floods.
MMC Lemao says the crime prevention activities will be buttressed by strict law enforcement. There will be a “zero tolerance” approach towards crime and contraventions of the by-laws and traffic rules and we will not hesitate to prosecute people who endanger the lives of fellow residents, he says.
In the Loop – 7
Public Safety
Human and Social Development
Christmas
Celebrate the festive season in safety
comes early for kids and seniors
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afety, respect and consideration towards fellow human beings and animals should be the attitude of Joburgers when they celebrate during the coming festive season. New Year celebrations are often accompanied by fireworks which may pose a risk to the health, safety and well-being of family members, neighbours and pets. The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety, Cllr Sello Lemao, has called on residents to exercise restraint when celebrating and to observe the city’s by-laws when handling fireworks during the festive period. “December is a period during which many Joburgers take time off from their hectic schedules and enjoy the holidays in the company of family and friends,” says MMC Lemao. “Members of diverse cultural and religious traditions also celebrate days of special significance during the month. “My plea is for tolerance and respect for the law – and to keep the safety of children, vulnerable people and animals uppermost in the mind when celebrating,” he says.
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Crackers and fireworks should only be handled by responsible adults and kept out of reach of children;
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Fireworks cannot be used within 500 metres of a petrol station, school, old age home or hospital and may not be fired inside any building;
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It is illegal to set off fireworks in any place where animals are present;
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Written permission is needed for fireworks’ displays – except on special cultural and religious days such as Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
The months of December and January are of special significance to members of diverse cultural and religious communities within Johannesburg.
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hristmas cheer and sumptuous food were in abundance when the Johannesburg Property Company hosted massive parties for the elderly and youngsters to start the festive season on a high note.
• Hanukkah is celebrated by members of the Jewish faith in the first week of December. It commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and is marked by the lighting of the nine-branched candelabra, the playing of music and the reciting of special prayers.
At a luncheon in Alexandra about 200 senior citizens were celebrated and honoured for the contribution they have made in shaping the city of Johannesburg. JPC employees opened their hearts and donated food hampers while a number of ward councillors also attended the event which forms part of the company’s corporate social investment initiatives. At the Day-by-Day Centre in Zone 3 Meadowlands the lives of more than 120 children were brightened at a noisy and energy-filled party. A clown in a colourful outfit was on hand to dish out oddly-shaped balloons and a face-painting stand became a beehive of activity.
Makhosi Tisani, the JPC’s Executive Manager: Corporate Services, says the parties reflect the company’s commitment to give back to the community. “We want to bring joy to the elderly and young children during this time of happiness and festivities,” he says.
Smartly packed Christmas presents adorned the tables and the young guests mingled, ate a lot of sweets and showed the latest dance moves on the floor of the Bapedi Hall.
• Children from the inner city relished the opportunity to get onto jumping castles, play street soccer and listen to local musicians at a party in Joubert Park. The event was a great opportunity to raise awareness about safety issues and substance abuse among the young ones.
8 – In the Loop
Do’s and Don’ts of fireworks
• Christmas is one the most significant days on the Christian calendar celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. It has been commemorated on 25th December for almost a thousand years and gave rise to some important traditions such as the exchange of gifts, Christmas trees and lights, church services and the singing of carols. • January 1 has been observed as the beginning of the New Year in most western traditions since the adoption of the Gregorian Calendar in 1752. It is usually accompanied by celebrations and fireworks as people count down the last seconds of the old year and wait for the clock to announce the start of a fresh new period.
In the Loop – 9