Internal Newsletter
In the Loop Issue No.
15
Is the City delivering? Be part of the Budget Speech.
May 2015
On Tuesday, 26 May 2015, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Finance in the City of Johannesburg, Councillor Geoffrey Makhubo will be delivering the Annual Budget Speech at 11:00 as delegated to him by the Executive Mayor Councillor Parks Tau. Your voice was heard through the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) process. The City is now ready to allocate budgets in response to your needs.
Speech Analysis:
Radio
Station Frequency
Kaya FM Power FM Ukhozi FM Lesedi
95.9 98.7 91.5 88.4 or 88.8
Listen to the live broadcast of the Speech from 11:00 on the following Community Radio Stations.
Radio Live Broadcast Radio
Station Frequency
Radio
Station Frequency
Alex FM
89.1
Thetha FM
100.6
Eastwave FM
92.2
Lenz FM
93.6
Eldos FM
87.6
Rainbow FM
90.7
Jozi FM
105.8
Voice of Wits (VoW) FM 90.5
Radio Today
AM1485
UJ FM
95.4
TV Live Broadcast Soweto TV Channel 251 on DSTV
Don’t miss out.
cityofjoburgza official page of city of Johannesburg www.joburg.org.za
“Today is better than yesterday; tomorrow will be better than today.”
Contents
3
Message from the Executive Mayor
4
City lights keep shining despite load shedding
Arts, Sports & Culture
13
Protect our children against fire and burns, urges EMS
14
City in pictures
5
Broadband transforming Joburg into 21st Century city
15
JoburgTV makes its debut on City screens
6
Big highway upgrade to improve access to Joburg
16
Nurses on the frontline of healthcare delivery in the City
7
New ideas and innovations dominate Mayor’s SOCA speech
18
Joburg warriors ready for Comrades
State of the City Address 2015 in pics
19
Running to fulfil his dream
10
Social cohesion can build a united city among diversity
21
Statues can unite people and celebrate shared future
22 11
Housing and Transport are priorities in the redevelopment of Westbury
Local and international dance stars set to delight Joburg audiences
23
Search is on for Joburg’s next big comic
8
12
Get your flu shot… and stay healthy this winter
Search is on for Joburg’s next big comic T
Acknowledgements
Cover Credits
Chief Editor Makhudu Sefara - MakhuduS@joburg.org.za
The 2015 State of the City Address was an opportunity for joy and celebration of the City’s achievements. Executive Mayor Parks Tau and Members of the Mayoral Committee joined the choral group Imilonji KaNtu on stage to lead the singing.
Editor: Thomas Thale - thomasth@joburg.org.za Contributor: Luyanda Lunika - luyandal@joburg.org.za Photography: Enoch Lehung - enochl@joburg.org.za
This edition of In the Loop reports on the highlights of the Mayor’s address and gives a pictorial overviewof one of the most important events on the City’s annual calendar.
revor Noah’s breakthrough in America has sparked global interest in the South African comedy scene and Soweto will, this month, host an event to find the hottest new artist. On Sunday 31 May the country’s top up-and-coming comedians will battle it out on the stage of the Soweto Theatre to be nominated for this year’s Savanna Newcomer Award. Twenty new faces will have exactly five minutes each to do a stand-up routine and endure the withering criticism of professional judges and a feisty audience.
visuals. This production, directed by Makhaola Ndebele and choreographed by Sonia Radebe will be on stage at the Theatre from 21 May. Musicians featured in this original work include vocalist Ammara Brown from Zimbabwe, the Soweto Theatre Music Tutorial Choir, Thandi Ntuli, Amaeshi Ikechi and Lungile Kunene. Bookings for all these events have already opened and more information can be found at www.sowetotheatre.com.
The votes collected on the night will be tallied and taken into account when decisions are made for the best Newcomer at the South African Comics Choice Awards to be hosted at Montecasino in August. Many well-known stand-up artists in Johannesburg such as Deep Fried Man, Dillan Oliphant and Loyiso Madinga first caught the eye of audiences at the Soweto Theatre Event. Tickets are available from Computicket and the doors of the theatre will open at 14h30 for the pre-show party attended by many of Joburg’s top celebs. The Soweto Theatre will also provide the backdrop for the annual Soweto Fashion Week that takes place from 27 to 30 May. Both established and new designers will showcase their summer and autumn collections on the runway during the week which has been named as among the Top 10 events in the City by Joburg Tourism. Colour Me Human is a theatre experience celebrating our collective humanity through movement, music and
In the Loop
In the Loop – 23
Arts, Sports & Culture
Message from the Executive Mayor The reason for Johannesburg’s progress can be attributed to a number of factors. I have been privileged to serve with colleagues who provide visionary leadership and strategic direction. We are fortunate to attract some of the most dedicated public servants in the country to lead our administration and shoulder the responsibilities for the implementation of policy.
Local and international dance stars set to delight Joburg audiences Councillor Mpho Parks Tau Johannesburg Executive Mayor
Dance and ballet lovers in the City will be spoilt for
choice in coming days when the Johannesburg Theatre puts on two world-class productions. International dance stars will share the stage with local talent to entertain city audiences. A highlight of the June season will be the return to the local stage of Joburg-born Andile Ndlovu who will perform the title role in the world premiere of Spartacus in Africa, a new ballet created by acclaimed local choreographer, Veronica Paeper. Ndlovu began his training in Latin American and ballroom dancing at the age of 10 and later switched to the classical disciplines as part of Ballet Theatre Afrikan. He is currently in his fifth season with the Washington Ballet Company and is also starting to make a name for himself as a choreographer. Alternating with him in the role of Spartacus will be a rising star of American ballet, Brooklyn Mack, who made history by becoming the first African-American dancer to win a gold medal at the world’s oldest ballet competition in Bulgaria. The female lead role will be alternated between four South African dancers, Lara Turk, Casey Swales, Simone Botha and Elzanne Crause, a well-known cast member of the Joburg Ballet. A cast of 35 professional dancers as well as 60 student dancers, selected after 22 – In the Loop
nationwide auditions, will perform in the supporting roles. Spartacus in Africa takes the well-known tale of rebellion against slavery and oppression and places it in an African setting. The opening night on June 4 will be a red carpet gala event and the large-scale production will be accompanied by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of British conductor, Paul Hoskins. The performance will run till 14 June and tickets are already available online and from the Joburg Theatre. The production will then move to Cape Town but its place on the Joburg Theatre stage will be taken by another international performance of note, the Geneva Ballet’s version of Romeo & Juliette. The Swiss-based company brings together 22 highly skilled dancers from across the world to put on a contemporary interpretation of a classical piece. During its Joburg run, from 17 to 21 June, the company will celebrate the 100th performance of this production. •
Local funny man, Loyiso Gola, will be on stage for a ‘one-night-only’ performance on 24 June. Tickets for this stand-up comedic classic are only available at Computicket.
Throughout the City – in departments and entities – we have men and women who understand their role of service to the residents, the communities and the stakeholders who live and work in this dynamic city.
The extent of our investment in the future of Johannesburg will again be visible in the coming days when we present our new Budget – which will include significant expenditure on infrastructure such as roads, bridges, storm water systems and houses.
The progress that I could reflect on during SOCA was recognition of the work done by all of you who serve our City. The optimistic future scenario I sketched was based on my optimism that you will continue to do so with dedication and commitment to the tasks at hand.
We are also a City that is rewiring itself for the digital age to unleash the potential and creativity of our youth, and utilise the solutions generated by them to improve the quality of life of all our citizens.
A distinguishing feature of Johannesburg is our commitment to innovation and creativity. Not a single day at the City should be dominated by a “business as usual approach” to administration.
This is a City that innovates to solve problems; that harvests power from waste; that makes paper from rubble; that turns fruit and vegetable trimmings into bread. We are using the power of innovation to address the challenges that confront urban environments across the globe.
Yes, we are fully committed to the back-to-basics approach to service delivery. We must make sure that the robots work, potholes are filled, water is delivered, refuse is collected and the electricity supply is connected.
I thank you for your contributions to the success of Johannesburg in recent years. And I call on you to continue serving this great City to make tomorrow better than today.
Furthermore, to ensure that our provision of these basic services is
Mpho Parks Tau Executive Mayor
Colleagues, In my 2015 State of the City Address I committed our administration to lead the efforts that will ensure that “tomorrow will be better than today.” This is no unattainable promise. It is based on our track record over the past 14 years since the introduction of democratic local governance. For the overwhelming majority of Joburgers “today is better than yesterday.” We can sustain this momentum into the future.
sustainable, we, as a city, need to be equally aggressive in driving the socio-economic transformation of Johannesburg. This is why we require your support in ensuring the successful implementation of our flagship programmes such as Corridors of Freedom, Jozi@Work, Smart City and the suite of Blue Economy projects.
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In the Loop –
3
Arts, Sports, Culture
Good Governance
Mayor Tau says the coal-fired Kelvin power station can provide 7% of Johannesburg electricity needs at 200 megawatts. The City is currently engaging with the private sector to secure investment in Kelvin to push up its capacity to at least 600 megawatts. Johannesburg is committed to the ‘back-to-basics’ approach where service delivery meets the expectations of citizens. It continues to re-invest in infrastructure to improve standards and reduce maintenance backlogs. “We have listened carefully to residents about their service expectations and captured these as Council-approved standards. Service delivery agreements and shareholder compacts were signed with each municipal entity.” City Power Managing Director, Sicelo Xulu, addresses a media conference to inform the public about the measures taken by Joburg to limit the impact of load-shedding. Also attending are the MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Matshidiso Mfikoe, Executive Mayor Parks Tau and Dr Frank Chikane, the Chairman of the Board of City Power.
City lights keep shining despite load shedding
Johannesburg is now able to reduce the impact of load shedding on residents and business through its introduction of new technology and increased generating capacity from the Kelvin Power station. This is the message from the City’s Executive Mayor, Mpho Parks Tau’s 2015 State of the City Address. The City’s investment in smart meters over the past number of years now enables it to “dramatically reduce the extent of load shedding through our load limiting system,” he says. This system enables business and home-owners to reduce their own electricity usage to avoid rolling blackouts.
Following the transition to democratic local governance the City “inherited a financial wasteland of failing local councils.” Despite these “shaky foundations,” Johannesburg now consistently attracts and retains high investment grade ratings from international rating agencies. Developmental urban government must, however, do more than merely delivering competent services, says Mayor Tau. “We must innovate to transform the conditions we govern, to ensure that tomorrow will be better than today.”
Statues can unite people and celebrate shared future
S tatues and heritage sites in the City can contribute to a greater understanding of history and build higher levels of social cohesion among communities.
“They should be recognised for their ability to heal communities – and bring them together – rather than as symbols of pride and power,” says the MMC for Community Development, Cllr Chris Vondo. He welcomes the current nation-wide dialogue around the significance of statues and memorials because it reflects a mature society that is dealing with its past, drawing lessons from its history to shape a new social order. Given the sharply divided history of South Africa it is inevitable that some monuments or statues may be regarded as controversial. However, the answer is not to remove or vandalise them, but to explain their context and create more visual symbols that celebrate events and traditions that were underrepresented in the past. Eric Itzkin, the Acting Director: Arts, Culture and Heritage, says the City’s approach is to make existing sites more accessible to the public and explain their historical context; to create more memorials that commemorate Johannesburg’s contribution to the struggle for liberation; and to create public spaces where the City’s shared future, following the democratic transition, can be celebrated.
4– In the Loop
The plaque at the entrance to the Petrus Molefe Eco-Park in Dhlamini.
•
A second area of focus is to commemorate the contribution made by Joburgers in the struggle for freedom and democracy.
The Hector Pieterson Memorial occupies a central place in Soweto and forms part of a greater heritage precinct where important events such as the adoption of the Freedom Charter in 1955 and the 1976 Soweto Uprising are commemorated. One of the unsung heroes of the struggle, Petrus Molefe, is honoured with an Eco-Park and memorial named after him in Dhlamini, Soweto. A striking artwork pays tribute to the first cadre of Umkhonto we Sizwe who gave up his life in action against the apartheid regime.
Examples of all three traditions are being found across the City and more are added on a regular basis. •
The first approach is to embrace memorials that would have been divisive in the past and to rededicate them in a manner which reflects the diverse experiences of different communities.
An example of this is the Cenotaph at the Beyers Naude Square in Harrison Street which was originally designed to commemorate only soldiers who fought in the First World War (1914 to 1919). It was subsequently rededicated in memory of all fallen combatants, including those who lost their lives in the struggle for national liberation.
The Weinberg Family Monument pays tribute to activists in the struggle for freedom.
•
Other recent innovations have been the ongoing installation of solar panels and the introduction of ripple control which allows the city to remotely manage power usage in specific areas. “The City can reduce power from the grid by 25% without blackouts from areas served by City Power,” he says. Stage 1 load shedding announced by Eskom has been avoided on a number of occasions because of the savings achieved through load limiting.
The well-known Miners’ Monument in Rissik Street reminds people of Joburg’s mining heritage and celebrates the working people who built the City and contributed to the prosperity of the country.
The Miner’s Monument in Rissik Street, erected in1965.
The third element is to provide public art that celebrates the democratic transition and Johannesburg’s efforts to bridge the spatial and racial divides of the past.
The Weinberg Family Monument in Savoy Estate was developed in 2014 and commemorates the contribution of political and social activists to the quest for justice and freedom. The Weinberg family – Mark, Violet and daughter Sheila -- were all imprisoned and banned for their political convictions. In the Loop – 21
Good Governance Financial Sustainability
Employee News
Broadband transforming Joburg into 21st Century city
Joburg’s investment in broadband infrastructure is transforming the City and has already resulted in
Running to fulfil his dream W
improved safety for residents and employees, a reduction in waiting times at clinics and better traffic flows.
hen he was growing up on a farm in the Free State, he was always running – to school, from the shops, to the neighbours and from the fields.
He started taking part in some of the City’s athletics events, including the Johannesburg Employee Race and the OR Tambo Games.
His friends thought he was chasing the wind but Hlasa Vincent Seng had a dream.
“I won all the events I took part in. I’ve lost count of the number of trophies I’ve won over the years,” he says. His big national breakthrough came at the Loskop event where he walked away with the R10 000 first prize and a major trophy.
The long-distance athlete, who works as a driver in the Citizen Relations and Urban Management Department, is aiming to become one of South Africa’s top runners – and he is well on his way to achieving that. Last month he won the 50km Loskop Marathon, one of the country’s premier road races, following hot on the heels of top placings in the Soweto Marathon, the Two Oceans and the City-to-City races. The 33-year-old Seng has been running since he was a little boy while herding his grandfather’s cattle on the farm Tapelfontein. He turned professional in 2000 and his career really took off after he moved to Johannesburg where he was employed as a general worker at the Dobsonville Swimming Pool. 20 – In the Loop
He is appreciating the support he gets from the City through time off for training and running and the encouragement he receives from the Regional Director of Region C, Mulamuleli Dlot. “I’m now eyeing a major overseas race,” says Seng, who is a member of the Johannesburg Metro Police Club. “I’m planning to establish an athletics club in Protea Glen, Soweto, for children. We need to take them off the streets – away from drugs,” he says.
Executive Mayor, Councillor Parks Tau, says the City regards digital access to be as important as access to water and electricity. It is determined to change the fact that more than 50% of the 4.8 million people in Johannesburg currently have no regular access to the internet. Johannesburg’s commitment to innovation is transforming the way the City is run in the 21st Century, he says. The newly-established intelligent operations centre is linked to upgraded CCTV cameras that can recognise faces, number plates and suspicious behaviour. This enables the City to prevent crime more effectively and link criminals and their vehicles to specific locations and incidents. In partnership with the private sector a new “digital patient system” is being tested at the Slovoville clinic. This will cut the time patients are waiting in line from an average of 45 minutes to less than 10 minutes. Mayor Tau says 75% of Johannesburg’s traffic lights are already on a remote monitoring system which automatically detects and reports a fault. This results in quicker response and repair times.
The new broadband network will also create opportunities for residents to improve their access to educational opportunities. Only 13% of City residents have qualifications beyond high school. Fast and affordable broadband will now give residents access to online courses offered by tertiary institutions across the world. Together with Wits University the City has established the Tshimologong precinct in Braamfontein where the focus is on support for digital start-up companies. Through the same partnership the City is running the “Hack.Jozi” competition with prizes for digital entrepreneurs who can develop innovative apps to improve service delivery.
The numbers reflect success in service delivery in 2014/15: • • • • • •
attracted R1-billion in investment and business transactions; 96% expenditure on capital budget – a total of R7.3-billion; 1 000 quality social housing and rental places; 323 kilometres of roads resurfaced; 42 kilometres upgraded from gravel to surfaced roads; 5% reduction in the number of deaths caused by fire and pedestrian accidents.
In the Loop –
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Employee News
Good Governance Department / Entity
Name
Big highway upgrade to improve access to Joburg Key sections of the Johannesburg highway system will soon be upgraded to world-class standards – but none of these roads will be tolled. This is the assurance given by the Executive Mayor, Councillor Parks Tau, in his 2015 State of the City Address. “It will be e-toll quality roads, without e-tolls,” he says. A capacity assessment will be undertaken on the M1 and M2 network, criss-crossing the City, as well as the Soweto Highway. This will indicate the extent of the upgrades required as well as potential innovative solutions that can be introduced to address congestion. Repairs on the Double Decker section of the M1 and the Oxford and Federation bridges will start in the first quarter of the next financial year. Mayor Tau calls on road users to be patient while construction takes place and to “explore public transport alternatives.” He says the City’s landscape has been transformed as part of the inner city renewal project. Precincts such as Braamfontein, Maboneng, Marshalltown and Newtown feature prominently in international travel guides. In some cases the city has actively developed these precincts and, in others, “zoned and planned with an open mind, allowing the private sector to apply its creativity.” This urban revitalisation is attracting business back into the inner city. The well-known food chain, Nando’s has moved its international headquarters back to Lorenzville, “bringing R75-million worth of investment back with them.” 6 – In the Loop
Mayor Tau says the City has reached a resolution on how to accommodate informal trading in the inner city as ‘a properly regulated activity’ which can exist with other demands on the bustling space of the CBD.
Fraud hotline leads to arrests The City’s fraud hotline is proving its value leading to arrests and successful prosecution of offenders. During the past 18 months there have been 43 arrests relating to illegal connections, fraud and corruption. Those arrested include officials, contractors such as meter readers and groups who operate in syndicates and network. Since its establishment in October 2012 the fraud hotline – 0800 082 587 – has received more than 2 600 tip-offs says Mayor Parks Tau. The calls are referred to the respective departments and entities to investigate and respond.
17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56.
Elliot Manyosi Ute Morisse Maria Thekiso Thokozani Mkhize Warren Michael Mahlodi Ramakgapola Tshepiso Sennelo Dominic Zondo Jabulile Cengimbo Rudi du Plessis Makgotso Mafafane Winsley Masinga Johannes Morobane Cynthia Mkhabela Oupa Mphuthi Musa Ngcungama Austin Budeli Robert Khoza Sibusiwa Cyprian Langa Thabisile Maloka Penny Mlungwana Lettah Mogotsi Katekani Ndlevi Hilario Ngwenya Selby Rasoesoe Mthokozisi Ncube Spiwe Bembe Kenneth Chiloane Mondisa Dlamini Petros Hlengwa Chris Maboya Sydney Mack George Manamela Kedibone Maponyana Eric Mathole Jacob Mkhabela Thokozile Mkize Thulani Mpangase Mbali Msibi Yolani Saule
Pikitup City Power City Power Florida Library Joburg Market JRA Sports and Recreation Group Human Capital Pikitup City Power JMPD Housing Housing JMPD JMPD JMPD JMPD Pikitup CRUM Region D City Power JMPD Housing JMPD Group Communications Joburg Water Revenue: Legal City Power City Power EMS Development Planning Core Joburg Water JMPD JMPD EMS JMPD Florida Library Joburg Water JMPD CRUM: Urban Management
Number of Comrades completed 5 5 4 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Derrick Oliver from City Power, a veteran of 31 Comrades, including 1 silver, 5 Bill Rowans and 23 bronze medals (High achiever)
Thomas Chauke from JMPD will be going for his 29th Comrades finish.
Several employees have been dismissed following disciplinary hearings. Mayor Tau says the new Office of the Ombudsman will “provide a critical independent voice for the service users of the city” – much the same as the Public Protector does for government-at-large.
In the Loop – 19
Good Governance
Employee News
New ideas and innovations dominate Mayor’s SOCA speech Joburg warriors ready for Comrades O n 31 May, over 50 runners from the City will line up for the Comrades Marathon, dubbed the ultimate test
marking the 90th edition of the ultimate human race.
of human endurance. They are warriors of the road, ready for the gruelling 89km up-run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. With bodies trimmed by months of high altitude training and a never-say-die attitude, they will join some 18 000 runners from across the world on this epic journey
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.
The Joburg runners range from veterans such as Derrick Oliver and Thomas Chauke who have been running for some three decades to at least 25 novices who will attempt the ultra-distance for the first time. They come from all departments and entities and will share a special bond of achievement and comradeship after completing the race.
Department / Entity
Name
Derrick Oliver Thomas Chauke Bonolo Mofokeng Kagisano Mokwena Abraham Sonqishe Malefetsane Ramalebo Willie du Plessis Brian Samaai John McWilliam Jacques Gouws Thomas Thale Nduduzo Hlongwa Sidney Mphahlele Martha Mokoena Steve Lekalakala Wendy Mangena
18 – In the Loop
P
City Power JMPD Transport Transport Pikitup EMS City Power JRA City Power City Power Group Communications City Power City Power Joburg Water City Parks Development Planning
Number of Comrades completed 31 29 18 16 15 13 12 11 9 7 7 6 6 6 6 5
aper from building rubble, bread from fruit trimmings, fuel from organic waste and electricity from underground water pipes… are among the innovations announced by Executive Mayor Parks Tau in his 2015 State of the City Address.
The City’s investment in maintenance programmes to prevent unaccounted for water has achieved measurable results. “We have maintained the same water reserve margin for several years, despite our increasing population,” says Mayor Tau.
In line with the broad theme “Tomorrow will be Better than Today” Mayor Tau places great emphasis on the City’s investments in innovation and modern technology to ensure Johannesburg occupies a leadership role among global cities.
A new initiative will be to collect 250 000 tons of rubble from illegal dumpsites and turn it into stone paper used for packaging, containers and shopping bags. This will “unlock the value in such rubble and subsidise the cost of removing it”. Organic waste will be diverted to bio-digesters to harvest gas for fuel and energy.
The objective is “to use smart innovation to solve complex problems,” he says. Blue Economy initiatives where resources are continuously used and turned into new products and new materials have the potential to create opportunities for entrepreneurs and solve many of the city’s energy and health challenges. One innovation which attracted public and media attention during the speech is the introduction of turbines within the City’s underground water network. The energy generated by the water flow through the pipes will be converted into electrical power to keep the lights burning. Incentives will be given to households, office buildings and commercial sites to install low-flush toilets and water-saving urinals. Mayor Tau cautions though that the demand for water will outstrip supply unless there are changes in behaviour and consumption to save this scarce natural resource.
Mayor Tau says the City is looking at ways to introduce fruit trimmings from the Joburg Market as a flour replacement for bread-making. This will not only result in healthier bread but also create new entrepreneurial opportunities for communities. Micro mushroom farms “will turn nutrition into viable businesses for thousands of community-based operators.” Johannesburg will, in October, host the international EcoMobility Festival where the emphasis will be on sustainable transport alternatives. During this week-long event in the Sandton CBD the City will highlight its investments in the Rea Vaya rapid bus network and the introduction of dedicated cycle lanes and pedestrian walkways. The City’s innovations represent “a new approach to energy, roads, water management and waste processing”, says Mayor Tau. They also open opportunities for large sectors of the community “to make money and improve their basic living conditions.” In the Loop – 7
“Today is better than yesterday...
Employee News
State of the City address 2015
In addition to her duties at the Klipspruit West clinic the single mother of two also found time in her busy schedule to complete a degree in Nursing Science.
The State of the City Address 2015 was an opportunity
for Executive Mayor Mpho Parks Tau to set out the city government’s vision and programme of action for the coming year. In a wide ranging speech Mayor Tau referred to the City’s unequalled record of delivery and lifted the veil on new programmes that will confirm Joburg’s reputation for innovation and creativity.
Executive Mayor Parks Mpho Tau and his wife, Pilisiwe and behind them MMC for Public Safety Sello Lemao.
Accurate record-keeping is a key ingredient of a successful primary health care system. Refilwe Makwe is a “tracer.” His job is to pore over the health records of the patients who have visited the clinic to check whether the treatment is continuing. This is especially important for small children who must follow a rigorous vaccination programme or those patients who receive TB medication or anti-retroviral drugs. “Backsliders” are identified and, if required Makwe will make house-calls to remind patients about the need to come to the clinic for follow-up visits. By lunchtime the nursing staff has already attended to more than seventy patients and new arrivals continue to come through the doors at regular intervals. It is “a fairly quiet day” remarks Zwane but she instinctively knows that they will be busy beyond the official closing time of 16h00.
Speaker of Council, Cllr Constance Bapela, opened the event hosted at the Civic Centre in Braamfontein. Among the guests were councillors and a wide range of leaders from business, labour, political organisations and civic society. #JoburgSOCA was trending for 10 hours on the day of SOCA.
A baby is getting weighed as part of a general health check-up available to infants and young mothers at City clinics.
“No patient waiting in the queue is turned away,” she says.
Ms Tilly Michaels, Freeman of Johannesburg, Ms Sophie de Bruyn, Ms Pilisiwe Twala-Tau and Ms Ellen Tau.
International Nurses Day celebrates health workers Nurses in Johannesburg do a tremendous job to provide healthcare to a growing population, despite shortages and very heavy workloads. “Our nurses form the vital link between people in communities and the healthcare system,” says the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development, Nonceba Molwele.
Executive Mayor Mpho Parks Tau, Council Speaker Constance Bapela, Mrs Pilisiwe Tau and Deputy Minister in the Presidency Obed Bapela.
Simelele Mnenge receives a thorough examination from Nurse Charlotte while his mother, Andisiwe, looks on.
Quite often they are the only healthcare professionals who interact directly with patients who visit clinics or hospitals. Their professionalism and dedication determines the quality of health interventions in the City. There are currently 384 professional nurses employed by the City with a further 66 nursing assistants and 18 enrolled for study. This leaves a shortfall of 202 professional nurses. This year the City celebrated International Nurses Day on 15 May with a seminar at The Lakes Hotel and Conference Centre in Benoni. The global theme was: Nurses: A Force for Change: Care Effective, Cost Effective.
Cllr Ursula Lichaba and Ms Caroline Mutsharini.
8 – In the Loop
Scilar Shanie has his broken finger examined and strapped by Bridgette Mokoena before he is referred to the Chiawelo Hospital for advanced treatment.
Executive Mayor Mpho Parks Tau and Council Speaker Constance Bapela arrive at SOCA led by senior managers in the JMPD and Emergency Management Services.
In the Loop – 17
...and tomorrow will be better than today”
Employee News
Nurse Charlotte Zwane, prepares her consulting room at the Klipspruit West Clinic prior to the arrival of patients seeking medical advice and treatment.
While the waiting room at the clinic starts to fill up, Matshidiso Nhlapo, Manager: Clinics, explains procedures and dispenses important health information.
Members of the Mayoral Committee at the 2015 SOCA – MMC Mally Mokoena (Corporate and Shared Services), MMC Chris Vondo (Community Development) and MMC Nonceba Molwele (Health and Social Development).
Director: Stakeholder Management Busisiwe Ngwenya and Deputy Director of Legal Services, Adv. Ernest Chipu also attended the SOCA event.
The Group Head: Citizen Relationshiop and Urban Management, Ms Vicky Shuping with singer and entertainer, Yvonne Chaka Chaka.
Members of the Mayoral Committee at the 2015 SOCA – MMC Mally Mokoena (Corporate and Shared Services), MMC Ruby Mathang (Economic Development) and MMC Christine Walters (Transport)
Nurses on the frontline of healthcare delivery in the City IJoburg. t is just after 07h30 on an early-winter’s morning in The doors of the Klipspruit West Clinic have just opened and some 40 early patients are filing in to take their places on plastic chairs in the sparsely-furnished but very neat reception area.
Charlotte Zwane, a professional nurse with 14 years’ experience and her colleagues are ready to attend to the members of the community who are in need of treatment for minor or chronic illnesses. There are community health workers on hand, reception and support staff, a ‘tracer,’ and three other professional nurses who will attend to the medical needs of more than 170 patients over the course of the next nine hours. Together, they form the core of the City of Johannesburg’s clinic system which provides free basic medical services, treatment and advice for all residents. “Most of our patients are regular visitors who come here for treatment and check-ups or to collect medicine,” explains Zwane. In many instances they assist mothers during the ante-natal stages and continue to follow the health of the children throughout childhood and into their teenage years. Andisiwe Mnenge and her two sons are among the early birds in the queue. Two year old Simelele has his weight and temperature assessed and Zwane checks his health record and vaccination history. Free vaccinations against preventable childhood diseases such as polio, measles, tuberculosis and hepatitis B are among the primary health services offered at city clinics.
Long waiting time, aggravated by staff members who are attending training courses, is the most common complaint raised by patients at the clinic but there is widespread praise for the professionalism of the staff and their caring approach to healthcare. Time waiting in line is, however, never wasted. Robert Raath, an enthusiastic community health worker from LoveLife uses every available opportunity to offer advice on healthy lifestyles, hygiene and services that are available at clinics and hospitals in the City. Later in the morning he would do the rounds at schools in the community to talk to learners about issues such as drug abuse, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV and Aids. Twelve year old Scilar Shanie arrives in obvious pain accompanied by his concerned mother and grandmother. The active youngster fell in the playground of Saint Ives Primary School and the teachers suspected that he might have broken a finger. He is immediately rushed to the emergency room of the clinic and examined by nurse Bridgette Mokoena. She is worried there might be a small fracture, straps the finger properly and gives the family a referral note for X-rays and more detailed treatment at Chiawelo Hospital. According to Zwane the clinic is, however, able to treat most of the patients they attend to and the professional nurses are also qualified to dispense medicine. She received her training at Chris Hani Baragwanath and joined the City’s health department in 2009.
Guests at the 2015 SOCA could sample healthy bread baked as part of the Go Jozi Healthy Lifestyle Programme. Executive Mayor Parks Tau met with the breadmakers who learned their techniques from Mexican entrepreneurs.
16 – In the Loop
In the Loop – 9
Employee SmartNews City
Opinion
communicate more effectively to residents, resulting in a better understanding of the services that are available to Joburgers.
The most recent Census has shown that 48% of our 4.8-million residents – almost every second person that you meet on the streets of Johannesburg – were not born in our City. Our diversity creates the building blocks for social cohesion and community growth.
For City employees it means visual material that can be used during induction or to provide vital information about issues affecting the work environment.
The events of the recent weeks during which residents from outside the borders of our country were attacked – even killed – in our streets, their shops razed and their belongings looted, do not represent the true character of our great city.
The new fibre-optic broadband network offers the technology infrastructure while state-owned signal distribution company, Sentech, is responsible for the satellite broadcasting of the content.
As an administration we deplore the actions of those who manipulate genuine challenges experienced by the residents of Joburg. We will continue to grapple with issues such as unemployment and homelessness through the implementation of our corrective and developmental strategy - GDS 2040. Both the Executive Mayor and Members of the Mayoral Committee were visible in our streets to condemn the criminality; to call for calm and rationality and to provide leadership to residents as we refocus to make Joburg a liveable city.
Modingoane says JoburgTV will not compete with commercial stations but will provide objective and unbiased information about City events to its audiences. “In a fast moving world people want reliable information about issues that affect their lives directly,” he says. “New technology offers access to new information platforms and as a ‘smart city’ Johannesburg has to communicate to citizens through these mediums that are relevant to their lives.”
Social cohesion is one of the cornerstones of the policies and programmes of the City. It is highlighted and reflected in many community-based cultural development initiatives. We are humanising the cityscape through public art, memorials and monuments and animating our creative city through live arts, culture, sports and library programmes. Chris Vondo; Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development.
Social cohesion can build a united city among diversity J
ohannesburg is -- in its origins and history -- a “city of migrants.” As one of the youngest metros in the world it has its roots in the gold rush of the late 1800s. The lure of a better life in the City attracted miners from Pondoland, Mozambique, Malawi and Australia; shopkeepers from Gujarat and Lithuania; traders from Bangladesh and Somalia. We owe our strength to a melting pot of cultures. We are proud of the fact that we are living in one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. We see diversity not as a challenge, but as an opportunity to grow a unique, world-class African City. 10 – In the Loop
Our commitment to social cohesion is best demonstrated in our Corridors of Freedom Programme through which the City is creating a society where people from different walks of life can share the same space and live in harmony. We are healing our city and reclaiming it from its divided past. The tragic events of the recent past must spur all well-meaning and freedom-loving Joburgers into action. Again, the City has taken the lead with the introduction of pro-active measures – a joint operations centre to respond quickly and effectively to reports of attacks and looting; a special hotline -- *134*422# - which members of the public can use to alert the City or report activities that may be linked to xenophobia. In the coming weeks we will take this further through discussions with communities, political parties, church and cultural groups to find lasting solutions to issues that may aggrieve people on the ground. This will take the form of a month long programme of dialogues, public performances, arts exhibitions and book readings as well as sports activities to celebrate Africa Month. During this period the diverse communities that make up the social fabric of our City will speak with a single voice and recommit all of us to a united and cohesive Johannesburg.
Many modern cities such as Barcelona in Spain and London have introduced similar municipal TV stations and the results show that this has resulted in a deepening of democracy and higher levels of stakeholder participation.
JoburgTV makes its debut on City screens J
oburgTV has arrived on the scene and is set to change the way the City communicates with employees and residents for the better. In future City employees will be able to view important information about issues that affect them such as conditions of employment, medical and leave benefits, through the visual content on Joburg TV. The State of the City Address on 6 May was a trial run for the new service and the coming Budget speech will be broadcast live to selected viewing areas. These sites will be gradually expanded to cover offices, clinics and customer service centres. Nthatise Modingoane, Deputy Director: Communications, says a dedicated TV channel will enable the City to
During the initial stages programming will consist of existing content from the archives of the City and Municipal-owned Entities that will be edited into 90-minute packages and “looped” throughout the day. Public events such as the State of the City Address, the Budget and city-wide summits will be carried live and it will also include programming on the City’s flagship initiatives such as Jozi@Work, the Corridors of Freedom, Rea Vaya and the Green and Blue Economy projects. Information about upcoming events or messages regarding service delivery interruptions in specific areas will also be broadcasted through the channel.
Where to watch JoburgTV during the initial stage: • • • • • • •
8th Floor, Metro Centre; 11th Floor, Metro Centre – Group Communications; Council Chamber Wing; Randburg Customer Service Centre; Thuso House, Braamfontein; Jabulani Customer Service Centre; Langlaagte vehicle testing station.
In the Loop – 15
Joburg in pictures
Corridors of Freedom
Housing and Transport are priorities in the redevelopment of Westbury French Ambassador, Elisabeth Barbier, Director of French Development Agency (AFD) in SA, Martha Stein-Sochas, CEO of AFD, Anne Paugam, Joburg Executive Mayor, Parks Tau, Finance MMC Geoffrey Makhubo and City Manager Trevor Fowler at the signing ceremony for a loan to develop infrastructure in the city.
R esidents of Westbury can look forward to a comprehensive redevelopment programme that will double the number of available housing opportunities and improve access to transport and social infrastructure.
City receives award
A precinct development plan is currently being drafted and will be presented to the community through a consultation process, says the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Development Planning and Urban Management, Councillor Ros Greeff. The Johannesburg Development Agency is working together with urban design and town planning consultants, Iyer Urban Design and Local Studio to finalise the plan. A core focus area of the plan is the construction of dedicated bicycle lanes and pedestrian walkways on some of the most important streets in Westbury. Special facilities for pedestrians will be built on Kretzchmar Street and Steytler Road while a cycle lane will also be added in Dowling Avenue. The developments will be accompanied by infrastructure upgrades such as the planting of trees, landscaping, street furniture and new signage.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development Chris Vondo and Executive Mayor Parks Tau celebrating with Miss SA 2015 Liesl Laurie.
MMC Greeff says Westbury will serve as an example of what the City wants to achieve with its Corridors of Freedom initiative. The intention is to use transport corridors such as the Rea Vaya routes as the catalyst for development and to densify the population through the provision of quality accommodation. Member of the Mayoral Committee for Corporate and Shared Services Councillor Mally Mokoena with newly crowned Miss SA 2015 Liesl Laurie. 14 – In the Loop
The City of Johannesburg received an award for its successful hosting of the Rand Show 2015.
A new pedestrian bridge will be built across the busy Fuel Street and the better transport infrastructure will
also improve linkages with the neighbouring suburbs of Newclare and Coronationville. The cycle and pedestrian lanes are connecting the social facilities such as schools, old age homes, green spaces and the newly redeveloped Westbury Clinic. The Executive Mayor, Councillor Mpho Parks Tau, recently turned over the first sod for the R25-million healthcare centre that will add 80 consultation rooms and dedicated facilities for pre-natal care, testing and counselling services. Access to housing is a major priority for the community of Westbury as many of the existing flats have fallen into disrepair. The precinct plans provide for these three-storey flats to be remodelled with improved outside staircases and the introduction of designs to improve privacy for residents. Tahira Toffah, an architect and urban designer at Iyer Urban Design says there are many sections of underdeveloped space within Westbury that can be utilised for new residential development. The intention is to connect the new flats to the existing accommodation so as to create residential blocks with shared courtyards at the centre. The projection is that the new medium-density residential development will over time double the population of Westbury and that the construction of transport infrastructure, community facilities and new retail development will be able to support this population growth.
In the Loop – 11
Human & Social Development
Health
Get your flu shot… and stay healthy this winter
C ity employees are urged to get flu shots at the start of the winter season and vaccinations will be offered to people with specific health conditions at the Metro Centre Occupational Health Clinic.
Mary Daka, Deputy Director: Public Health says a massive city-wide campaign to stop the H1N1 flu virus in its tracks through vaccination was rolled out at the end of April and runs until June. A total of 35 663 flu vaccines will be administered at the 83 clinics across the City with a special focus on the most vulnerable and health compromised residents. Charmaine Ndou, Deputy Director: Workplace Wellness says vaccinations will be available to employees throughout the months of May and June. The flu jabs will be administered at the Occupational Health Clinic of the Metro Centre, Block B, 2nd Floor and subsequently also at some of the municipal entities. The free service will be available to pregnant women, people with lung and heart diseases, people living with HIV, people with compromised immune systems and elderly employees over the age of 65. Councillor Nonceba Molwele, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development says the vaccination campaign forms part of the broader efforts to improve the health status of City residents. In addition to the services at the clinics, health workers will also visit old age homes, chronic care facilities and rehabilitation centres in the City to give the jabs. 12 – In the Loop
Daka says the vaccine will not completely prevent all residents from coming down with flu, but it will help to minimise the severity of the infection. Employees and residents should take responsibility for their own health through personal hygiene, healthy eating habits, exercise, stress management and getting enough sleep. Should they develop a fever or show symptoms such as excessive sneezing or coughing they are urged to visit the nearest clinic for a check-up.
The following tips will help to prevent you from catching the flu bug – or spreading it around – this winter: • • • • • •
Cover your mouth when you sneeze and cough; Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water – especially after you have sneezed or coughed; Avoid close contact with people who are already ill with flu; Where possible, reduce the time you spend in crowded places; Improve the airflow in living spaces by opening windows; Follow good health habits, eat nutritious food, get involved in physical activities and get adequate sleep.
Protect our children against fire and burns, urges EMS
There are some easy steps households can take this year to protect the lives and health of all residents, especially children:
“Look after the safety and welfare of our children this winter!” is the message of the City’s Emergency Management Services as residents gear up for the coldest months of the year.
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Fires caused by negligence or illegal electricity connections are the biggest concerns of the EMS which will soon start its annual door-to-door safety campaign in townships across the City.
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“We have managed to bring down the number of widespread shack fires in recent years because of our pro-active approach to safety,” says the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety, Sello Lemao. “But, we are not going to relax our vigilance this winter.” During the safety campaign the City will focus on practical tips for households to reduce the likelihood of fires. Jozi Safety kits containing 25 litre buckets that can be filled with water, solar powered lights, smoke detectors and burn dressings will be among the products distributed during the door-to-door visits. MMC Lemao says most deaths or serious injuries are caused by fires or smoke inhalation… and in many instances they are preventable. Children are often the unfortunate victims of the negligent or thoughtless actions of adults who fail to follow the most basic safety precautions. Robert Mulaudzi, the spokesperson of EMS says the dropping temperatures inevitably lead to people lighting more fires or turning on heating appliances. An additional concern this year is the impact of load-shedding on communities. Faulty electrical appliances may become “live” when the power is switched back on and residents might not initially notice it when they cause short-circuits.
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matchboxes and lighters must be stored out of reach of youngsters; candles should not be lit close to curtains, drapes, bedding, paper or other flammable material; no burning candle should be left unattended; never hang clothes on a heater; all heaters, stoves, irons and other appliances that are not in use should be switched off – or, better still, unplugged to save electricity; it is wise to invest in a battery-operated smoke detector; paraffin should be stored in child-proof containers.
Mulaudzi says it is important for every household to have a safety check plan and that children are taught from an early age where the escape routes are and what action to take during an emergency. The City’s emergency numbers, 112 and 10177 should be memorised and stored on cellphones for easy access. “EMS is always on standby to assist in emergencies, but we need the cooperation of Joburg residents to take basic precautions and refrain from dangerous practices,” he says.
Burns Awareness Week is observed during May to inform the public about the danger associated with fires and hot household objects and the steps that can be taken to prevent injuries. Hospitals and clinics in South Africa annually treat more than 15 000 burn victims and in more than 85% of the cases the patients are younger than six. Remember – burn injury can happen in seconds… but can change a person’s life forever.
In the Loop – 13