Internal Newsletter
Help us craft the City of Johannesburg’s Rates Policy for 2016/2017
DIEPSLOOT 7 March 2016: 18:00 - 20:00 Diepsloot Youth Hall Ingonyama Drive, Diepsloot IVORY PARK 8 March 2016: 18:00 - 20:00 Ivory Park North Hall, Ivory Park Region B EMMARENTIA 2 March 2016: 18:00 - 20:00 Marks Park, Pavillion Hall Judith Road, Emmarentia Region C ROODEPOORT 15 February 2016: 18:00 - 20:00 Roodepoort City Hall Corner Dieperink & Berlandina Streets, Roodepoort BRAAMFISCHERVILLE 16 February 2016: 18:00 - 20:00 Braamfischerville MPCC Loerieblaar Avenue Braamfischerville COSMO CITY 14 March 2016: 18:00 - 20:00 Cosmo City MPCC Angola Drive, Cosmo City
Region D PROTEA GLEN 20 February 2016: 10:00 - 12:00 Protea Glen Library Milkhood Street Protea Glen Ext 2 ORLANDO EAST 27 February 2016: 14:00 - 16:00 Orlando East Community Hall Orlando East DLAMINI 5 March 2016: 10:00 - 12:00 Dlamini Hall Koma Road, Soweto Region E SANDRINGHAM 3 March 2016: 18:00 - 20:00 Jabula Recreation Centre Hibiscus Hall Corner Anne Street and Athlone Ave Sandringham
Feb 2016
HILLBROW 29 February 2016: 18:00 - 20:00 Hillbrow Recreational Centre Corner Clarendon King George & Pretoria Streets, Hillbrow MONDEOR 1 March 2016: 19:00 - 21:00 Mondeor Recreational Centre Corner Dayleford Road and Columbine Avenue, Mondeor Region G ORANGE FARM 17 February 2016: 18:00 - 20:00 Orange Farm MPCC 15825 Link Road Orange Farm Ext 4 ENNERDALE 18 February 2016: 18:00 - 20:00 Ennerdale Civic Centre Corner Katz and Smith Street, Ennerdale, Ext 9
SANDTON 10 March 2016: 18:00 - 20:00 Ernest Ullman Park Recreational Centre 1 Alna Street, Gallo Manor
ELDORADO PARK 22 February 2016: 18:00 - 20:00 Don Mateman Civic Centre L4046 Link Road, Eldorado Park Ext 5 LENASIA 23 February 2016: 18:00 - 20:00 Lenasia Civic Centre 1 Rose Avenue, Lenasia Ext 1
Voting time ahead for City’s youth
City of Johannesburg Group Finance: Property Unit
a world class African city
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Region F SPRINGFIELD: 25 February 2016: 18:00 - 20:00 Eureka House 92 Marlborough Road, Springfield
ALEXANDRA 9 March 2016: 18:00 - 20:00 East Bank Hall Cnr Springbok and Impala Street Alexandra
66 Jorissen Street Jorissen Place Braamfontein
Issue No.
P.O.Box 1049 Johannesburg South Africa 2000
0860 Joburg 0860 572874
What’s inside:
Region A: MIDRAND 24 February 2016: 18:00 - 20:00 Midrand Fire Station Cnr First and Smuts Streets, Midrand.
In the Loop
Join us at a public meeting to review the current Rates Policy. This annual process ensures that resident’s voices are heard so that the Policy remains sustainable and the related tariffs are equitable and affordable. The 2015/2016 Rates Policy and Tariff Schedule is currently available on the City’s website (www.joburg.org.za) for review. You may also forward your comments in writing before 15 March 2016 by fax: 086 447 7567 or by email to ratescomment@joburg.org.za.
Are you a Joburg ratepayer?
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Contents
Arts, Sports & Culture
3
Message from the Executive Mayor
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Another global ‘first’ scored by City Power
4
‘The City is in good hands,’ is the message from the Annual Report
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New life skills offer ‘exit strategy’ for young women
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Election time ahead for City’s young leaders
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Global studies point to Joburg’s role as Africa’s leading city
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Familiar faces to residents about to leave the service
19
From Australia to Zambia in pursuit of gold on the greens
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Joburg in numbers…
6
Top 10 priorities reflect City’s rapid progress
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City Parks stimulates growth in green jobs through enterprise development
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Development to breathe new life in dormant City precinct
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Partnership injects R120-million in greener Corridors
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Full speed ahead for Corridor development
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Drill your way to quality water
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Leading from the front on healthy eating
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Quick Guide to Voter Registration
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Always and Forever – a tribute to a velvet voice
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Exercising your way to a healthy life
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MOOVs break down barriers to learning
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Keep our storm water system free from pollutionCity opts
Acknowledgements
Cover Credits
Editor: Thomas Thale - thomasth@joburg.org.za
South African voters will go to the polls later this year to elect local goverment representatives. In Johannesburg 2016 is also the start of a new term of office for the Student Council.
Contributor: Luyanda Lunika - luyandal@joburg.org.za Photography: Enoch Lehung - enochl@joburg.org.za Mariola Biela Paul David
Exercising your way to a healthy life Doreen Zimbizi
I
t is just past 06h25 when I arrive at the Metro Centre piazza in Braamfontein. Technicians are already setting up music equipment a few metres from the main entrance of the City of Johannesburg’s headquarters. Across the piazza Councillor Nonceba Molwele is kitted out in her gym outfit and ready to get going. The MMC for Health and Social Development, an early riser, is waiting for City employees to arrive for
the first open-door staff training session of the year. This is part of Executive Mayor Parks Tau’s Go Jozi Healthy Lifestyle Programme, which the MMC is championing. A few minutes later the music starts pumping. Several women – and some men – take part in the aerobics class run by energetic trainers in distinctive blue T-shirts. During the next 90 minutes more people join the high-energy workout, including Council Speaker Connie Bapela and Corporate and Shared Services MMC Mally Mokoena. The exercise session is now a regular feature of City life with classes offered every Friday morning. “Exercising is good for everyone,” says MMC Molwele enthusiastically. “You start your day on a positive note and you feel energised after a session. Rose Bhuzu, the Go Jozi coordinator, says 11 training instructors have been contracted for six months to conduct sessions which include cycling, aerobics and walking in all the regions.
lifestyle Exercise healthy The National Healthy Lifestyle Day will be celebrated on 22 February.
February 2016
In the Loop – 23
Message from the Executive Mayor
Arts, Sports & Culture
Contents
Always and Forever –
• The ballet and dance season reaches a climax in April with a performance of Giselle by the Joburg Ballet Company;
a tribute to a velvet voice
• Opera lovers can look forward to the staging of Mozart’s Magic Flute, accompanied by the German Rhine Philharmonic Orchestra in May.
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• The highlight of the year promises to be “Forever Jackson” in June, marking the 30th Anniversary of the King of Pop receiving a Grammy for his video album, Thriller.
lmost 20 years ago legendary crooner, Luther Vandross, made a pilgrimage to South Africa and sang to a sell-out crowd at Ellis Park – one of the first African-American artists to visit the City following the democratic transition.
Message from the Executive Mayor programme is one of several designed to promote a culture of entrepreneurship in Johannesburg. The programme launched in September 2014 has already begun placing municipal work contracts valued at about R3-billion in the hands of community-based enterprises across the City.
Sadly, the superstar songwriter and performer passed away after a severe stroke in 2005. But his legacy lives on in evergreen songs such as Here and Now, Dance with my Father and Endless Love – his duet with Mariah Carey. A tribute to the “King of Croon” – Always and Forever – will be staged on the Joburg Theatre stage for four performances only – from March 31 to April 3.
Through Jozi@Work, the City has created an opportunity for communities to partner with the municipality in the delivery of municipal services as organised and legal community-based enterprises.
Joburg’s own “man with the velvet voice”, Timothy Moloi, will perform the songs that made Vandross a legend and won him eight Grammys and a spot on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Soweto-born Moloi shot to international prominence when he performed at the 2010 World Cup Opening Ceremony at Soccer City and was recently seen in the leading role in the popular Christmas Pantomime, Sleeping Beauty. He will be backed by some of the country’s leading musicians and vocalists, Tia Herman, Lelo Ramasimong and Kurt Herman along with the Voices Unlimited Gospel Choir. Novels and dramas that are among the set works for high school learners will come to life on stage at the Soweto Theatre during March. This is a great opportunity for matriculants and teachers to watch the set works being performed by actors with an understanding of the nuances of the text. Nothing but the Truth, written by John Kani, is a gripping play about the dynamics between South Africans who conducted the struggle against apartheid from inside the country and those who returned after spending time in exile.
Photo: Mariola Biela
Animal Farm is a classic novel from the pen of British author, George Orwell, and depicts a society in the grips of a totalitarian regime.
Joburg steadfast on socio-economic transformation Colleagues, As the current term of office draws to a close with the looming 2016 Local Government Elections, it is an opportune time to reflect on the key focus of the current administration of the City of Johannesburg – socio-economic transformation of our communities.
This is a well-developed and sustainable programme which offers entrepreneurship opportunities to the economically excluded in the City. In just eight months Jozi@Work has created opportunities for more than 300 community basedenterprises across the full range of the City’s contracting and services– a remarkable milestone for a municipality using a developmental approach to govern. A similar initiative is the City’s
Vulindlel’ eJozi programme, which
is well on its way to connect 200 000 unemployed youth with various opportunities and basic skills that include jobs within scores of private sector companies. Already, up to 100 000 young people have registered for the programme to gain workexperience opportunities, basic skills upgrades in mathematics and language.
What will be Hot in 2016?
Innovative programmes that the City has put in place to improve lives include the co-production initiative Jozi@Work. The
Always and Forever is one of the many highlights of an extraordinary varied year of musicals, dance and performances at the Joburg Theatre.
Use the QR code reader on your smartphone to scan these barcodes.
The programme also consists of a range of digital vocational skills training opportunities that are linked to workplace and enterprise demand. These are delivered through the new Massive Open Online Varsities (MOOVs) – learning centres that are currently opened throughout the City. To further demonstrate the City’s commitment to the development of entrepreneurs in Johannesburg, up to 4 681 SMMEs were supported – against a target of 1 000 SMMEs – in the 2014/15 financial year alone. In addition the City facilitated business transactions valued at R3.26-billion in the same period. Certainly every socio-economic development programme undertaken by the City of Johannesburg needs to be expanded to impact even more residents and areas. I will be leading the City’s leadership to all our seven regions in the next couple of weeks to assess first-hand the impact of all these interventions in communities as we look to pave the way to sustain these empowerment initiatives post the end of our term. We are looking forward to receive community suggestions on where and how the City can improve its implementation in future - in line with our service delivery campaign drive, #YouSaidWeDid.
Cllr. Mpho Parks Tau Executive Mayor
• “Poetry Dot Slam” – workshops and stage performances for budding wordsmiths are held on the third Sunday of every month at the Cas Coovadia Studio… culminating in the South African National Poetry Slam in June. • The Mzanzi Music Ensemble is an 18 piece orchestra with 12 voices dedicated to celebrating South African music classics from the past and present. Led by musical director, Prince Lengoasa and featuring saxophonist, Barney Rachabane the Ensemble will perform from 2 to 6 March.
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Photo: Paul David
22 – February 2016
In the Loop – 3
Elections 2016
Good Governance
‘The City is in good hands,’ is the
message from the Annual Report J
ohannesburg’s financial and governance performances remain on upward trajectories. For yet another year the City’s performance – measured against any indicators – has improved. “The City is in good hands,” was the upbeat assessment of the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Finance, Cllr Geoffrey Makhubo, when he released the Annual Report for the 2014/2015 financial year. And the facts and numbers contained in the 400 page comprehensive analysis bear him out… another unqualified audit opinion, growing revenue collection rates, an improved ability to spend the budget, stronger cash reserves and the highest national short-term ratings in the country… in a difficult climate where most other institutions have suffered downgrades. “We can look back on this period with a considerable sense of achievement, when we consider the strides we have made since the introduction of democratic local governance,” says MMC Makhubo.
Clean audits The achievements in governance are best reflected in the report of the Auditor General. The number of municipal entities who have received a clean bill of health has grown to six – Joshco, Joburg Theatres, the Johannesburg Roads Agency, Pikitup, the Johannesburg Property Company and the Johannesburg Development Agency.
Positive response from citizens Despite the challenging economic times the City has a revenue collection rate of 92%. The City will continue with its credit control measures – but also make it easier for residents to pay for services through user-friendly payment channels and alternative arrangements for those who experience cash-flow challenges.
Confidence by investors Johannesburg’s sound credit record has attracted investors and the City successfully raised R3.3-billion in long-term borrowings to fund its infrastructure investments. Despite the global economic woes the two most important ratings agencies – Fitch and Moody’s – maintained and affirmed their long-term positive outlook for the City. “The recent positive rating action serves as an endorsement to our prudent management of the City’s finances,” says MMC Makhubo. “We said we will put the City in a healthy financial position … and we did. As we reach the end of the term of office, we say we have indeed established a solid financial foundation. Today is better than yesterday and tomorrow will be better than today.”
“This is a firm indication of the dedicated leadership which drives governance, compliance and strategic financial management in the City,” is MMC Makhubo’s assessment of this achievement.
Growing and growing Capital spending has increased by 38% from R7.3-billion in the previous year to R10.1-billion. The better news is that the city has managed to spend 94% of this record capital budget. Capital investment is a key tool for improving service delivery and transforming the urban environment.
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The City’s leadership will now embark on a roadshow to potential and existing investors to inform them about the City’s performance. The Annual Report notes that it has successfully raised R3.3-billion in long-term borrowings to fund infrastructure investments.
Quick Guide to Voter Registration C
itizens of Johannesburg will go to the polls in a few weeks’ time to elect their representatives on Council for the next five years. The polling date has not yet been determined – but in terms of the Constitution it will have to be between 18 May and 16 August 2016. The main focus now is on voter registration. This is especially important for new voters who have turned 18 since the last poll – and people who recently changed address.
Four Easy Steps to Voter Registration
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As a South African citizen you must make sure you have a green, bar-coded ID book; a smartcard ID; or a valid temporary identity certificate.
Check whether you are on the voters’ roll and in which ward you are registered. This can be done through a number of easy options:
The weekend of Saturday 5 March and Sunday 6 March has been set aside for a massive voter registration drive. The spokesperson for the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Kate Bapela, has called on Joburg residents to use this opportunity to check their details on the voters’ roll to ensure they are able to make their crosses on Election Day. Some changes have been made to the boundaries of wards in the City and new polling districts were added by the Municipal Demarcation Board. You are only allowed to vote within the ward and at the voting station that you are registered.
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• Call the Electoral Commission Contact Centre on 0800 11 8000 between 07h00 and 21h00; • Contact the IEC via webchat --www.elections.org.za – Twitter --- @IECSouthAfrica – Facebook --- IECSouthAfrica – or email – info@elections.org.za; • Download and use the voting station finder app on the IEC website – www.elections.org.za • Dial *120*IEC# (*120*432#) • Send an SMS with your ID number for 32810 to receive confirmation. Calls to this number cost R1.00.
Diarise the dates of 5 and 6 March to check up on your registration details if you are still uncertain, or to register in a new ward if you have moved or recently turned 18. Details of the voting stations in Johannesburg will be published in the media or through the electronic options prior to this weekend. It can take up to 7 days for your registration application to be processed.
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Follow the election process through the print and electronic media. Announcements will be made about the polling date, the voting stations and the final date of voter registration.
@IECSouthAfrica www.elections.org.za 0800 11 8000
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www.facebook.com/IECSouthAfrica
info@elections.org.za 32810
Group Financial Officer, Reggie Boqo, City Manager, Trevor Fowler and the MMC for Finance, Cllr Geoffrey Makhubo, addressed the media at the release of the Annual Report.
4 – February 2016
In the Loop – 21
Good Governance Financial Sustainability
Employee News
Familiar faces to residents about to leave the service
Joburg
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in numbers…
familiar figure for many residents of Soweto is about to retire after 44 years of dedicated service to the City and the community. Brian Macozoma worked in various administrative positions in the City – ending his career at the Tladi offices of the Housing department. He first joined the City in Zola in 1972 and, subsequently, also served the public at Chiawelo, Protea and Senoane. During his tenure with the City Macozoma grabbed the opportunities presented to him to improve his skills and qualifications. With only a Standard 8 behind his name when he joined he attended various courses offered by the Subsidised Education Scheme to the point where he obtained a degree. It is therefore no surprise that his parting advice to colleagues is to “go to school, continue to study and do not expect favours from others” when carving out your careers. He is looking forward to spend his retirement year in the company of Edith, his wife since 1982. “I had a great opportunity to work with colleagues at the City and to impart my knowledge and experience to many of them who have joined in recent years,” he says. “Trust only on God. Be prepared for change and treat all people with respect,” are the wise words of wisdom from a veteran who have served the City with great distinction.
Leaving a huge gap at City libraries Visitors to the Johannesburg public library services have, through the years, become well-acquainted with the professional and efficient services of Ingrid Surgeon, who will soon call it a day after a career of 43 years. In this period she has experienced immense changes in the management of libraries and in the accessibility of the City services to all its citizens.
Johannesburg is leading the country through the implementation of its Public Access to Internet and Libraries – PAIL – system to provide the public with free access to electronic resources and the wider world of knowledge. Surgeon lists the introduction and expansion of new technologies as among the highlights of her career which was spent predominantly at the Southdale library. Personally she has gained tremendously from the opportunities to gain computer and technical skills and to use technology to keep up to pace with the rapid changes in information services. She is excited about the way in which the City libraries have become more accessible and user friendly through the years.
“Libraries have cut their strict systems and come up with innovative ideas to invite the public in and create an environment in which people want to use our services to access knowledge,” she says. Her advice to the many colleagues who have crossed her path at the library service is to be more pro-active and polite to the public. “Team work produces the best results and we can reduce much conflict in the work place through building personal relationships with colleagues,” says Surgeon.
3 8% 11%
– the number of consecutive years in which the City received an unqualified audit opinion;
What the Critics say…
– the increase in revenue, generated largely from the distribution of water and electricity;
– the increase in the City’s net assets position;
Johannesburg’s excellent Annual Report drew favourable comments from the media houses that cover the City’s affairs. “A marked decrease in crime as well as a better credit rating are among the City’s major improvements…” – Business Day.
85.1%
– the percentage of residents satisfied with waste removal services;
94%
– the spending on the record R10.8-billion capital budget;
2 496
– the number of jobs created in the first few months of Jozi@work;
4 681
– tthe number of small and medium enterprises supported by the City;
8 818
– the reduction in incidents of crime reported in the City;
“The City of Johannesburg is getting its act together in improving the quality of lives of people in the City…” – Power FM. “Six municipal entities receive clean audits…” – North Eastern Tribune & Alex News “Good news for Johannesburg: crime down, rating up…” – BD Live “The past year was a good year for the City as they achieved a number of important highlights…” – SABC Morning Live “The City of Johannesburg spent R9.5-billion of its approved Capital Budget…” – Independent Online “City of Joburg ends 10-year billing crisis and reports significant revenue increase…” – 702 Talk Radio “Improved performance from Joburg entities…” – Jacaranda FM
20 – February 2016
28 248
– the number of employees of the City;
37 579
– the average number of daily passengers on the Rea Vaya BRT;
61 871
– the number of electricity smart meters installed during the year;
R3.9billion
– the surplus achieved, despite a difficult economic climate;
“Joburg is winning the war on crime…” – The Citizen
Satisfaction on the rise Client satisfaction with Johannesburg’s service delivery continues to grow. The independent surveys conductedshow an increasing number of stakeholders that are satisfied with the quality of delivery across the spectrum of services.
In the Loop – 5
Employee News
Good Governance
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“Changing my diet and exercising resolved a lot of my health problems. I am proof that it can be done. I also save a lot of money because I no longer have to buy remedies and junk food,” she says. “Today I feel much healthier.”
ohannesburg progress in implementing the Growth and Development Strategy – Joburg 2040 – is reflected in its latest Annual Report.
She believes that the people of Joburg have no excuse not to exercise. “We have built outdoor gyms in their neighbourhoods. You can walk or exercise in your house using your furniture as props. There is no excuse for being unfit.”
The GDS 2040 – adopted in 2011 – identified Top Ten Priority Programmes to develop a sustainable and resilient City. City Manager, Trevor Fowler, says the GDS is “Johannesburg roadmap to the future. It sets out the City’s long term vision and we are able to measure our progress against the implementation of the Top 10 priority programmes”.
The City is also promoting several initiatives under the Go Jozi Healthy Lifestyle Programme. Already 132 schools have signed up for the programme and the plan is to roll it out to more than 250 schools by June this year. “If we start these programmes in schools, the children will get used to the discipline. We will raise a healthy generation,” she says.
• Priority 1 – Financial Sustainability and Resilience: The City maintained its credit rating and improved its liquidity position to the point where it held R4.9-billion in cash and cash equivalents. More than 91% of revenue billed were collected and the debtors book decreased by 21.4%.
The City is also lobbying the food industry in Johannesburg, including restaurants and hotels, to include health foods in their menus.
• Priority 2 – Agriculture and Food Security: More than 5 500 people benefited from the City’s food programmes during the year. Some 6 160 orphans and vulnerable children were supported through the City’s basket of services. A growing number of emerging farmers are receiving support through technical advice and access to markets.
To combat the rising cost of vegetables MMC Molwele encourages residents to grow their own produce. “I have veggie patch in my backyard with carrots and spinach. Everyone can grow vegetables. Let’s do away with all those bad eating habits,” she says. City Manager, Trevor Fowler.
Top 10 priorities reflect City’s rapid progress emerging enterprises by providing assistance to 4 681 SMMEs and facilitating business transactions to the value of R3.26-billion. • Priority 5 – Engaged and Active Citizenry: Free Wi-Fi was rolled out to 100 locations including clinics, public libraries, theatres and the Braamfontein precinct. Service Level Standards were introduced to promote good governance and this programme is being fast-tracked and monitored. • Priority 6 – Resource Sustainability: The City achieved a 15% reduction in waste going to landfills. Close to 62 000 electricity smart meters were installed and non-revenue water losses were reduced to 35.8%. • Priority 7 – Smart City: The LAN upgrade of 68 priority City buildings was completed leading to improved network availability and performance. Priority 8 – Investment Attraction, Retention and Expansion: Some 52 000 job opportunities were created through the Expanded Public Works Programme – EPWP. The introduction of Jozi@Work created almost 2 500 new jobs among emerging contractors within months of its launch. •
Group Chief Financial Officer, Reggie Boqo.
• Priority 3 – Sustainable Human Settlements: More than 675 kilometres of road were resurfaced and 11.6 km upgraded from gravel roads. Significant progress was made in the development of social housing with 446 units completed during the year. • Priority 4 – SMME and Entrepreneurial Support: The City far exceeded its targets of supporting small and
6 – February 2016
• Priority 9 – Green Economy: The number of passengers making use of the Rea Vaya BRT grew to an average of 37 579 per working day. As part of its programme of environmental projection some 890 hectares of infested land were cleared of alien and invasive species. • Priority 10 – Safer Cities: The City recorded a 9.55% reduction in “common crime” reported pointing to the success of crime-prevention interventions and the ward-based policing plans.
Leading from the front on healthy eating W
hen Executive Mayor Parks Tau launched the Go Jozi Healthy Lifestyle Programme back in 2012, Councillor Nonceba Molwele knew that as MMC for Health and Social Development, she would have to lead the initiative from the front. But weighing 75kg at the time, she was keenly aware that she would not be a good example for a programme that seeks to keep conditions such as diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure at bay if she did not change her own ways. The programme, with the objective to improve expectancies in the City encourages residents to eat healthy, exercise regularly, run, cycle or walk to keep the body in shape. MMC Molwele knew that to be a champion of the programme she had to dump her own bad eating habits and hit the gym to lose excess weight. On her return from a visit to New York she had a health scare that landed her in the doctor’s consulting rooms. Her doctor threw the book at her, telling her in no uncertain terms that she was overweight with an unacceptable Body Mass Index (BMI). Her excuses for not exercising were no longer justified. At the end of that consultation, the doctor drew up an eating plan for her and ordered her to start exercising. MMC Molwele then started reducing her carbohydrates intake, cut down on sugar and controlled food portions. The impact was immediate. She started exercising five days a week and ate healthy.
In the Loop – 19
Jozi@work
Employee News
From Australia to Zambia in pursuit
of gold on the greens H
er prowess on the bowling greens has led Nici Neal to represent South Africa in competitions as far afield as Zambia and Australia. Now the assistant director at Specialised Services has her eyes firmly set on some of the ultimate achievements in this highly competitive sport – gold at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games and, perhaps, at the World Bowls Championships.
She recently returned from the Champion of Champions tournament in Queensland, Australia where she lost in the finals of the individual competition and was awarded the silver medal. The annual tournament attracts the best players from more than 50 countries who are members of the International Federation for the Sport of Bowls. Neal says she grew up in a bowling family and started competing at provincial and national levels when she was in her early twenties – in stark contradiction to the outdated image of the sport as “marbles for old people” The truth is exactly the opposite. South Africa has a rich bowling tradition; the sport is thriving among young people and the number of black participants is increasing every year. One of her provincial playing partners, Morgan Muvhango, has captured a South African singles title and was also strongly in the run for honours in Australia. For Neal success has been the product of hours spent on the practice greens. She spends every available moment at her local club, Leases, in Roodepoort and most weekends are devoted to training camps or local competitions. Her husband, Andrew, is also a competitive player and her biggest supporter. Neal recalls that she reached her first finals at the South African Championships in 2000 – but the title eluded her for almost a decade and a half until she won the honours in 2014. Her consistent performances led to Protea colours in
18 – February 2016
2012 and she has since represented the national team in both singles and pairs competitions. One of the proudest moments of her sporting career came last year when both the men’s and women’s teams dominated the competition at the annual African States tournament held in Zambia.
“I would like to participate in bowls for many years to come,” she says. “It is a competitive sport but it also offers great opportunities for socialising among people of all ages and background.” But one of her top priorities now is to participate at the Commonwealth Games to be held in Brisbane, Australia in 2018. Lawn bowls is one of the core sporting codes of this international festival and Neal wants to be part of the South African team that is determined to improve on its five gold medal haul achieved at the Glasgow Games in 2014.
Five Facts to Know about Bowls 1. It is one of the oldest competitive sports in the world and its origins can be traced back to as early as the 13th century; 2. It is mostly played outdoors on grass or artificial turf – known as bowling greens; 3. Competition for both men and women takes place in singles, pairs, triples and fours; 4. The objective is to roll weighted – or biased – balls across the green so that they stop close to a smaller ball – the jack – on the opposite end. Points are awarded for the balls closest to the jack and a typical game is played over 21 ends. 5. World-wide the sport is growing in popularity – also among disabled participants, including the blind.
City Parks stimulates growth in green jobs through enterprise development
H
Dlova says there is a strong emphasis on the capacity building and training of participants in the programme. This training is provided by the JCPZ Skills Academy, which focuses on technical aspects and external service providers who add courses on basic business development practices. Opportunities to participate in the training programmes are advertised in the media and through the JCPZ website. The City focuses primarily on registered cooperatives – comprised of a minimum of five members – because of their potential to benefit families and broader sections of the population.
Recognised qualifications Successful applicants attend a 2-3 month training programme which consists of a mixture of classroom activities and on-the-job experience with JCPZ teams in the field. At the completion of the course they are provided with a NQF-2 qualification. Dawn Govender the EPWP Manager says one of the objectives of the programme is to broaden the pool of qualified people in the City who can participate in the Jozi@Work programme.
An enterprise development programme initiated by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) is achieving success in bringing marginalised local communities into the mainstream of economic activities.
JCPZ offers no guarantees for work – but the training and experience they gain from the programme will enable them to stand a bigger chance of being awarded opportunities offered by Jozi@Work at regional level.
Mzwanele Dlova the General Manager of Enterprise Development and EPWP at JCPZ says the company has ring-fenced a budget of R32-million during the current financial year for the Jozi@work programme aimed at creating opportunities for the procurement of goods and services from disadvantaged communities. . This budget represents 30% of contracted services, 30% of repairs and maintenance as well as 15% of capital projects.
Opportunities for business growth “Every participant leaves our programme with a set of skills that equips them to work in the green and horticulture sectors,” she says. “We want to see micro-enterprises and cooperatives grow into larger businesses that can eventually successfully tender for bigger contracts from JCPZ and in the private sector,” says Govender.
The services cover a broad spectrum of activities relating to the responsibilities of JCPZ, including: -
horticultural services – grass cutting, tree pruning, weeding, litter picking and grave digging; infrastructural services – paving, bricklaying, and plastering; repairs and maintenance – painting, installation of park furniture and maintaining equipment at playgrounds;
About 60 micro-enterprises in the City will benefit from the programme and a total of 550 sustainable jobs will be created through this initiative. This initiative will build on the success of 2015 during which some 222 jobs were created.
In the Loop – 7
Economic Development
Corridors Of Freedom
Development to breathe new life in dormant City precinct Underutilised
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aterson Park in the north of Paterson Park is an open public space but Joburg is at the core of an not sufficiently utilised as a community Recreation exciting redevelopment project facility, says Liana Strydom, the centre Assistant Director of Regional that will lead to a greener An integrated sports and will be Planning. Amenities within the environment, more open established to accommodate both precinct include a children’s spaces and recreational indoor and open-air leisure activities as playground area, sporting well as social facilities for the community. Green amenities such as a library. Plans facilities, a multiare in place for development an indoo r sports centre, a swimming pool, purpose recreation tennis courts A Precinct Plan for and soccer field to accommodate centre and a war 5-a-side competitions. The Plans for the northwards Paterson Park has been JDA has already completed the upgr memorial. ading of the multi-purpose extension of Paterson Park drafted following recreation centre and will be deve loping the rest of the facilities envisage a revived river a study of the area over the next two years. The objec tive is also that course, a demarcated route and its potential schools in the precinct will be able for joggers and cyclists, a skate to use for development. the new facili ties for sporting park and improved access for activities, says Strydom. pedestrians. The intention is to turn Cllr Ros Greeff, the park into a safe and accessible the MMC for green space for residents and a link Developbetween the surrounding ment Conservat ion suburbs. a world class African city
Mixed-use
The heritage value of the old farmhouse on 13th Street will be retained and become an integral part of the development. The site has the potential to be turned into a guest house, a conference facility or limited office facilities.
The Rea Vaya station in Orchards offers potential for a mixed-use residential and commercial development. This will include ground retail opportunities, residential units, a sculpture Housing garden and market space. This development potential will require the relocation of the existing City depots and storage A new township facilities. development, Victoria Extension 3, has been approved and identified for residential growth by the Johannesburg Property Company. Affordable, high to medium density housing opportunities will be created. These sites are close to existing and new public transport as well as retail and social facilities.
8 – February 2016
Planning says the Corridors of Freedom initiative is opening new opportunities for growth in parts of the city that have been dormant for decades.
The intention is to establish growth nodes along transport corridors and provid new housing opportunities that are linked to community facilities, retail centres and green spaces. The extension of the Rea Vaya BRT along Louis Botha Avenue is focusing attention on the north-east of the City and the potential of suburbs such as Orange Grove, Norwood and Orchards. Paterson Park serves as an important green lung and accessible public space for residents in this area.
Global studies point to Joburg’s role as Africa’s leading city J
ohannesburg will emerge as the undoubted leading city in Africa by the end of the next decade as economic growth trends keep pace with the expected rise in the population. Three independent studies published by international and local think-tanks in recent weeks point to the leadership position that Johannesburg will occupy within the African continent over the next 15 years. •
Oxford Economics, based in the United Kingdom predicts that Johannesburg will be the biggest city in Africa in terms of gross domestic product – GDP – by 2030, surpassing other contenders such as Cairo, Luanda, Lagos and Cape Town. The 750 largest cities in the world were studied during the survey.
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International Consultancy Company, PWC, included Johannesburg among its study of 27 “Cities of Opportunity.”
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The Global Cities Initiative – GCI – concludes that the Gauteng City Region, with Johannesburg at its core, will remain the top destination in sub-Saharan Africa for
greenfieldforeign direct investment. GCI is a joint project of the Brookings Institution in the USA and JP Morgan Chase. The three studies share a common appreciation for the fact that the future of the globe will increasingly be dependent on the ability of urban areas to generate economic growth and job creation to accommodate the rise in population figures. A similar conclusion was reached by the Africities Conference hosted by Johannesburg in December. The report by Oxford Economics expects Johannesburg to almost double the size of its GDP over the next 15 years – from the current US$ 100-billlion to $196-billion in 2030. It predicts that the growth in the number of middle-income households in Africa will be “impressively strong” – albeit from a low current base. One of the factors measured in the report is the expected growth in demand for consumer goods, most notably clothing and cars. Johannesburg will grow into the 18th largest consumer market for vehicles in 2030 – ahead of maturing global cities such as Istanbul, Rio de Janeiro, Bangkok and Sydney.
Challenge
Joburg’s Response
Youthful population: In 2030 African cities “will be overwhelmingly young” compared to urban areas on other continents, according to Oxford Economics. Millions of young people will have to be absorbed into the urban labour force.
Programmes such as Vulindlel’ eJozi and Jozi@Work are designed to equip young people to compete more effectively in the modern economy. The focus is on skills development, training and the matching of available skills with opportunities in the labour market.
Demand for infrastructure: Rapid urbanisation will put pressure on cities’ ability to provide roads, power and water networks and housing.
Joburg has launched a R100-billion investment in strategic infrastructure. The Corridors of Freedom initiative will bring people closer to economic opportunities in the core city and reduce the costs of transport.
Diversification of economic activities: Cities will have to reduce their dependence on the primary sectors such as mining and increasingly switch towards the financial and services sectors of the economy.
The GCI Report singles out the quality of the region’s services sector as “a major competitive advantage” and refers to Johannesburg as “the entrepreneurial heart” of the region and the continent.
In the Loop – 17
Corridors of Freedom
Human and Social Development
I
t is election year in the City – not only for public representatives in the Metro, but also for the Johannesburg Student Council which brings together young leaders from schools across the City. The Student Council has, through the years, grown into an important forum to prepare young Joburgers for leadership positions now and later on in their lives, says Brenda Andrews, the programme manager in the Office of the Speaker. In addition to discussion and debating issues of topical interest the Student Councillors are also involved in charity projects and promoting of educational programmes that are aligned with the City’s broader healthy lifestyles and anti-drug messages.
Some 60 schools in the City – from Midrand to Orange Farm – participate in the Student Council. In the coming weeks each school will elect two representatives through internal processes. Learners who are currently in Grades 10 are eligible and they will serve a two year term of office. At the end of March the new councillors attend a leadership camp that will be hosted by the Speaker of Council, Cllr Constance Bapela. At the conclusion of the camp a 10-member Executive Council is elected, including a Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Speaker and members responsible for portfolios such as health, safety, environment and youth affairs. Andrews says the poll will be managed by the Independent Electoral Committee – giving the young people an early experience of how democratic processes are conducted in broader society.
Partnership injects
R120-million in greener Corridors A
far-reaching partnership between Johannesburg and the Global Environment Fund will inject R120-million into green initiatives in the City and accelerate the Corridors of Freedom Programme. Executive Mayor Mpho Parks Tau, says the GEF-funding will contribute to the funding of programmes in the fields of food security, public transport and social housing in line with the Growth and Development Strategy 2040.
Why was Johannesburg selected? Johannesburg is the largest and fastest-growing city in South Africa and more than 70% of major businesses in the country have their headquarters in the City. This concentration of economic activities has an impact on the environment, especially through the high levels of carbon emissions. The Chief Executive of the GEF, Naoko Ishii says Johannesburg is leading the way to find solutions through low-carbon transport initiatives and equitable development. Cities like Johannesburg are becoming increasingly important and the GEF is “extremely excited” with the partnership, she says.
Which projects will benefit the people of Johannesburg? The aim of the partnership is to fund initiatives that have already been identified as priorities in the City’s GDS2040. Among these are: • Food Security – the focus will be on efforts to enable peri-urban farmers to increase their productive capacity, without pushing up food prices for consumers. • Public Transport – projects will support initiatives that promote a shift towards public transport but also explore ways to enhance the production and usage of clean fuels for all public transport. • Social Housing – it will look at the investments the City is making and ensure that social housing stock is built using sustainable and low-carbon footprint methods, without making the units unaffordable; • Evidence-based Planning – this programme will build information, databases and indicators that will support sound decision-making and planning.
What will its contribution be towards the Corridors of Freedom? The Corridors programme is a spatial intervention by the City to transform the apartheid urban landscape and direct future development towards transit corridors. It also offers the City the opportunity to bring about urban innovation in the fields of energy and a low carbon footprint.
Election time ahead for City’s young leaders Executive Mayor, Mpho Parks Tau, hosted the Chief Executive of the Global Environment Fund, Naoko Ishii, at an event where an investment of R120-million in green initiatives was announced.
Who is the Global Environment Fund?
What will the City’s role be in the partnership?
The GEF is a global alternative asset manager with more than $1-billion in assets under control. It invests in businesses or projects that offer cost-effective solutions to environmental and energy challenges. Since its establishment in 1990 it has provided funding for ground-breaking projects in countries such as India, China, Argentina and Malaysia.
Johannesburg is the executing agency and will implement project activities. The United Nations Environment Programme – UNEP – and the Development Bank of Southern Africa – DBSA – will act as implementing agencies and provide technical support to the City.
The information and experience gathered from the project will be made available to the rest of the country through partnerships such as the South African Cities Network to support the growth of more sustainable cities. 16 – February 2016
In the Loop – 9
Employee News Human and Social Development
Corridors of Freedom
Full speed ahead for Corridor development
New life skills offer ‘exit strategy’ for young women Y
oung women from across Johannesburg are benefitting from opportunities offered by the City to improve their life skills and equip them to play a more productive role in society. Some 40 young women between the ages of 18 and 35 have been selected in each of the seven Regions to participate in the nine month-long programme, leading up to a graduation ceremony at the end of August 2016.
The City is working in partnerships with NGOs, academic institutions and local business communities to develop the curriculum and offer the tuition.
Themes
Content
Women Development
- emotional skills; - self-esteem and confidence; - role of women in society; - interpersonal relationships; - spiritual well-being; - parenting skills.
Women and Health
- sexual health; - teenage pregnancy, prostitution, HIV/Aids, contraception; - balanced diet, exercise and nutrition; - substance abuse; - emotional health, stress relief, depression and anxiety;
Women and Safety
- gender-based violence; - human trafficking; - safety measures and self-defence;
Economic Development
- career planning; - compilation of CVs and interview skills; - financial management; - leadership
General Development
- visits to historic and interesting places; - etiquette; - style, makeup and dress.
“Our aim is to send well-groomed and confident young women into society with the capacity to sustain themselves and make an impact within their families and communities,” says the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development, Nonceba Molwele. “We raise their self-confidence and provide them with a set of life skills that offer them an ‘exit strategy’ from their current situation,” she says.
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The City’s Women Empowerment Policy is designed to bring gender issues into the mainstream of activities and empower women who have been unfairly prejudiced in the past.
ajor construction is well underway in the Westbury-Perth Corridor of Freedom that will accelerate the growth of this important development axis.
will improve the safety of school children who have to cross the busy road on a daily basis. The project also includes the building of a community park and an outdoor gym.
Johannesburg’s new partnership with the Global Environmental Fund will inject further resources into the Corridor. The US-based Fund has announced at a meeting with Executive Mayor Mpho Parks Tau that it will invest R120-million to support sustainable development initiatives in the City.
A similar bridge near the University of Johannesburg is also in the planning stages and work will start in July. The JDA has budgeted R60-million for this project which also includes the provision of taxi bays and a pedestrian walkway.
Its impact will initially be strongly felt in areas such as Westbury, Martindale, Bosmont and Sophiatown but the objective is to extend the corridor development deep into Soweto. Its proximity to the University of Johannesburg and the Helen Joseph Hospital will also lead to the provision of important transport-related infrastructure, easing congestion pressures in suburbs such as Melville and Richmond.
Bridge will make roads safer for kids Siyabonga Genu, the Senior Development Manager at the Johannesburg Development Agency – JDA – says work has already been undertaken in the corridor, including the construction of dedicated bus and cycle lanes and ultra-modern bus stops. The construction of a R24-million foot bridge near the Westbury Rea Vaya is well-underway and about 30% completed. “This is part of the non-motorised transport project started in October 2015,” says Genu. The bridge is a priority because it
10 – February 2016
What does the programme intend to achieve? • •
Strong support among the community Calvin Cass, a local community liaison officer says residents are responding positively to the developments.
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The bridge will make this crossing safe for children and bus commuters. We are securing the future of our kids through development,he says.
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The Westbury-Perth Corridor is a great example of a development that meets the objectives of the Corridors of Freedom Initiative to address the spatial injustices of apartheid and bolster sustainable growth. It will bring local residents closer to economic activities, work opportunities, schools and places of leisure.
Carina van Zyl, Head of the Sub-Unit for Women and the Elderly, says surveys have shown a strong need for practical programmes and information about life skills and career options that are available to young women.
Promote women’s self-empowerment; Advance their economic status through skills development; Minimise exposure to poverty and unemployment; Ensure they take their place as equals in society; Improve women’s health through access to basic and reproductive services; Enhance their quality of life.
Participants in the programme must have at least a Grade 10 certificate, be unemployed and registered on the City’s Extended Social Package – Siyasizana – programme. They attend classes within the region twice a week and evaluation about their progress is done on a regular basis.
Van Zyl says the intention is to establish a Young Women’s Network in each region. This will enable the City to follow the future development of participants in the programme, but also for them, in turn, to provide support and act as role models for other young women in the community.
Jackie van Schalkwyk is a civil engineering graduate who is working as an intern on some of the Corridor projects. “People are very excited about the improvements associated with the new developments,” she says. “The school kids are curious and often stop by to ask questions. I am glad that I am inspiring some of them to study engineering in the future.”
In the Loop – 15
Service Delivery
Resource Resilience
this pro-active approach to risk management in the organisation’s business processes, says Tefu. The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) recently conducted an analysis of processes at City Power to determine how risk management decisions are made and what interventions are implemented to address identified risks. Last year the SABS continued with an extensive stage 2 audit which led to the most recent ISO qualification. Tefu says alignment with the ISO standards gives City Power, “a great level of comfort, but also a desire to continuously improve and challenge ourselves to meet and exceed high standards.” “City Power is a trendsetter within Johannesburg and now serves as a source of reference for utilities in other municipalities who aspire to the same high standards,” he says.
Another global ‘first’ scored by City Power C
ity Power continues to raise the standards for safety, health and risk management and is receiving global recognition for its achievements. The City’s power utility has scooped the prestigious International Standards – ISO – Accreditation and Certification for the third year in a row. Following its certification for ISO 14001:2004 for Environmental Management and OHSAS 18001:2007 for Occupational Health and Safety Assessments Series, City Power held on to these certifications for three successive years without a major disruptive incident. It went on to add the ISO 9001:2008 for its Quality Management System. The cornerstone of continuous improvement for the organisation is the ISO 31000:2009 for its highly regarded Enterprise Risk Management System. Joe Tefu, the General Manager for Safety, Health, Environment and Quality – (SHEQ) – at City Power says utilities and manufacturing enterprises across the world strive to achieve the high ISO-standards which is an indication that products and services are safe, reliable and of good quality. City Power is the first municipal-owned entity in the country to achieve four of the top certifications: • • • •
ISO 31000:2009 for its Enterprise Risk Management System; ISO 9001:2008 for its Quality Management System; ISO 14001:2004 for Environmental Management; and ISO 18001:2007 for Occupational Health and Safety Assessments.
City Power’s success can be attributed to a decision taken by the Managing Director, Sicelo Xulu, to establish a Risk Assurance and Compliance Department (RAC) and to imbed
14 – February 2016
The ISO Award is the latest in a long line of awards received by City Power in recognition of its safety and risk management record. Amongst the other awards are: • • • •
A four-star platinum rating from the National Occupation Safety Association for an effective SHEQ System and its accident-free record; Accolades from the SA Productivity Awards system for outstanding achievements; A Green Award in 2011; An SABS President’s Award for the effective integration of the SHEQ and management systems.
Drill your way to quality water J
ohannesburg Water is embarking on a city-wide campaign to promote the value of boreholes to mitigate the impact of the crippling drought. “The City is looking at innovative ways to save water and boreholes drilling is an important part of this mix – together with the harvesting of rain and ground water and recycling,” says the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Councillor Matshidiso Mfikoe. The City has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Borehole Water Association to encourage residents to consider drilling for water as an alternative. According to the Managing Director of Johannesburg Water, Lungile Dhlamini, there are already 13 500 boreholes in the City. Golf clubs, schools, churches and office parks are prime candidates for drilling which can cost anything between R30 000 and R50 000. Although the initial costs of drilling and installing pipes and pumps may be high there are many long-term benefits in getting your water straight from the ground and consumers can better manage their water consumption.
Fast Fact: Joburgers are among the highest consumers of water in the world. The global average is 175 litres per person, per day. In South Africa it is 235 litres – and in Johannesburg it grows to 300.
Dhlamini advises would-be borehole owners to employ registered professional companies to sink the shafts and install the electric pumps. The Borehole Water Association of Southern Africa can provide professional and independent advice on technical issues and reputable companies. It can be contacted on 011 447 0853 or info@bwa.co.za
Benefits of drilling a water borehole •
Saves cost – it will cut down on your water bills in the long term because it is significantly cheaper than water coming from the main supply;
The average depth at which water is struck in Johannesburg is 65 metres, but this varies in different parts of the city. Water depth and rock formations determine the ultimate costs of drilling the borehole.
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Perfect pressure – a borehole delivers water required for it usage;
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Avoid price hikes – you will not be affected by future price increases;
Dhlamini says a quality borehole that is well-maintained is an asset that can last for up to 15 years. It also increases significantly the value of the property. There are very little ongoing costs associated with the borehole – provided it is sunk well and properly maintained.
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Improved quality – water directly from the ground is mostly of high quality;
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Locally sourced – it comes from underneath your property and no energy is wasted on transportation. In the Loop – 11
Service Delivery
Smart City
H
idden out of sight of Joburgers is a vast network of pipes and channels that carry the overflow of water away from highways, suburban roads and residential areas.
MOOVs break down barriers to learning
For many residents it is a case of “out of sight; out of mind.” They hardly pause to think about how their activities have a negative impact on the storm water system. But when it gets blocked or starts to overflow it becomes a priority which requires the immediate attention of the City. Mpho Kau, the Acting Managing Director of the Johannesburg Roads Agency, urges residents to be more aware of the consequences of their actions and their potential impact on a very delicate ecosystem. The plastic paper bag carelessly thrown out of the car window may end up blocking a drain, causing an overflow and damage to property. The powerful detergents that are flushed down a household sink may end up in a river and pollute the soil. Leaves, sand, grease and waste accumulate within the network leading to blockages and floods over time. During heavy rains more dirt is washed down the storm water system and ends up in rivers, dams and lakes affecting the entire downstream ecology with potentially detrimental effects for human and animal health.
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Why is MOOV important for the City?
Through computers located at participating libraries these students now have free access to the global world of knowledge and education. Once logged on they can download course material and listen to lecturers giving them the guidance, advice and feedback needed to get a recognised qualification in web design and IT-related fields.
MOOV slashes the costs of education. All you need is access to the Internet through computers. This is offered at libraries and the smart city initiatives that rolled out high-speed fibre and free Wi-Fi to many areas that were not connected in the past.
very day of the week some 2 000 young Joburgers enter through the doors of libraries in the City to participate in an innovative skills development programme that offers them a gateway to future success.
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This is the world of Massive Open Online Varsity – MOOV – the new wave of distance learning through technology and access to online educational resources.
“We are breaking down all the traditional barriers to high-quality learning, says Bernard Ngosi, the programme manager of Vulindlel’ eJozi, the youth empowerment initiative implemented by the City in partnership with the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator. “There are no entrance requirements for participants. There are no fixed times during which you have to study. And we operate in public spaces such as libraries and community centres. “If you are prepared to put in the effort – we will help to take you to the highest levels of learning,” says Ngosi.
What is a MOOV?
Massive Open Online Varsities are established world-wide in response to the needs of young people who want to continue their post-school studies, but don’t have the financial means to attend universities or colleges. In Johannesburg the concept was introduced by Executive Mayor, Parks Tau in his 2015 State of the City Address. Since then MOOV labs have been set up in Orange Farm, Johannesburg Central, Alexandra and Westbury. It is envisaged that by end of March 2016 the MOOV would have been rolled out at 13 libraries. 12 – February 2016
Studies show that only 13.2% of Joburg residents have a post-matric qualification. This limits the ability of young people to find a job or eventually establish a business that can create employment opportunities.
Which courses are offered through the MOOVs?
Global technology giants such as Google and Wix.com have come on board as partners. Students can now consult free course materials in the fields of web design and computer science. This will soon be broadened further to include business courses, financial management and engineering.
How do you access the MOOV?
Prospective students register for courses and book computer time at any of the participating libraries. This gives them access to the online content. They can follow course material presented by globally-recognised lecturers, receive and complete assignment and get evaluated online.
Kau says the JRA is putting in place a comprehensive plan of action to reduce flood risks in Johannesburg caused by damage to the roads and storm water infrastructure. The project will include removal of debris, rubble and vegetation from existing storm water channels and the replacement of damaged kerbs and inlet covers. “Healthy storm water drainage systems contribute to the quality of life of people in densely-populated urban areas,” says Kau. “Every resident can contribute to the health of the system by refraining from pollution and by taking care of what is washed down their drains.”
• Storm water and other roadsrelated issues can be reported to the JRA on 0860 562 874 ; through hotline@jra.org.za or at the @MyJRA Twitter handle.
Keep our storm water system free from pollution
Part of the practical experience consists of designing websites for NGOs or emerging companies in the City. At the end of the course the students receive a recognised qualification.
What is the future of MOOVS?
MOOVs are closely linked with the Vulindlel’ eJozi programme – a partnership between the City and Harambee Youth Accelerator. This is an initiative to link job opportunities in the private sector with the available skills of young people in the City. MOOV-participants are placed on the Vulindlel ‘eJozi database. “MOOV is a brilliant opportunity offered by the City,” says Joseph Matloa, one of the first participants who now mentors students at the MOOV-centre located at the Johannesburg City Library. “It is opening the doors to learning and enabling young people with no prospect for conventional tertiary education to access knowledge and acquire a qualification.” In the Loop – 13