Internal Newsletter
In the Loop Issue No.
12 Feb 2015
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New bridge to provide a safe and convenient link for “Great Walk� pedestrians
Contents
Arts, Sports & Culture
1
Message from the Executive Mayor
12
Ravi Naidoo – focused on development
2
AG gives Joburg a thumbs-up …again
13
Sparkling Bruma Lake returns to pristine condition
3
Bullish Annual Report reflects dynamic Johannesburg
14
City teams up with schools to counter climate change
4
Major achievements mark progress on Top 10 Priorities
15
Joburg takes the fight against drugs and bullying into city schools
5
Jabulani brings new vibrancy and growth for residents and investors in Soweto
16
Action plan in place to address hunger and food insecurity
6
Jozi@Work – first projects given to contractors
17
7
New bridge to provide a safe and convenient link for “Great Walk” pedestrians
Councillor Mogase: The Activist Chairperson who uplifts communities
18
Blinking traffic lights to be history by mid-2016
19
Infrastructure project saves water in Soweto
20
The ‘King’ and the ‘Pop Diva’ to rock Jozi this month
21
Joburg Open set for tee off
8
Joburg takes over broadband
9
Residents get to speak out as rates policy meetings get underway
10
Spark the flame of love on Valentine’s Day in Jozi
11
City moves to make migrants feel at home
Acknowledgements Chief Editor: Makhudu Sefara - MakhuduS@joburg.org.za Editor: Thomas Thale - thomasth@joburg.org.za Contributor: Luyanda Lunika - luyandal@joburg.org.za Lesego Ngobeni - LesegoNg@joburg.org.za Sinenhlanhla Jimoh - sinenhlanhla@joburg.org.za Photography: Enoch Lehung - enochl@joburg.org.za
Cover Credits New bridge to provide a safe and convenient link for “Great Walk” pedestrians Full story on Page 7.
Joburg Open organizing team with the Executive Mayor; Parks Tau, Tournament Promoter; Bongi Mokaba, 2014 Joburg Open winner; George Coetzee and City Manager Trevor Fowler.
Joburg Open set for tee off
T
he manicured greens and lush fairways of the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club are ready to host the ninth annual Joburg Open, in which 210 golfers from across the world will vie for the total prize purse of €1, 3 million euros – (over R15-million rands.) The 2015 leg of the annual golf tournament tees off on Thursday 26, February. In total, 210 golfers from Europe and South Africa will compete in the 72-hole individual stroke-play event. The field will be cut after 36 holes and the top 70 scores plus ties will qualify for the final two rounds. The first two rounds on Thursday and Friday, will take place on both the East and West courses, with all players playing one round on each. The final two rounds on Saturday and Sunday afternoon take place on the East course. Joburg Open provides a great opportunity for local Sunshine Tour players to earn some money and for the winner to secure playing and bragging rights for the next two years on the European Tour. It is the second tournament of the year on the European circuit to stake a claim towards the Race to Dubai and is held annually. The golf tournament was conceived to take the game to a wider audience and is sponsored by the City of Johannesburg. It is different from similar events in that it aims to further the development of golf in previously disadvantaged communities, like Alexandra, where a driving range has already been developed. Executive Mayor Parks Tau says the driving range should not be seen as a legacy of the Joburg Open only, but as an extension of the City’s quest to develop sporting facilities around the municipality. “The Joburg Open is a way for all golfers to increase their rankings and compete on the same footing as some of the best in the world,” says Mayor Tau.
In the Loop
The City has identified strategic sporting codes that it would support and promote, in an attempt to make various sporting disciplines accessible to everyone. The Joburg Open is arguably one of the biggest golf tournaments in the country. About 60 professional golfers will team up with amateurs including politicians, sport personalities, celebrities and business bigwigs in the Joburg Open Pro-Am, which tees off two days before the main tournament. It’s a four ball event, with teams made up of one professional golfer and three amateurs. Tau says he’s impressed the tournament has grown significantly since inception and that professionals were more enthusiastic about participating. “The Joburg Open gives us an opportunity to showcase our facilities and position ourselves as a world-class golf hosting city with all the facilities that we have,” he says. With a €1.3 million prize purse – (over R15-million rands) – to be split between the first 70 winners – spectators can expect to see some exciting and nail-biting golf. “With all our resources and partners, we are working to make this the best organised tournament in the country,” says Bongi Mokaba, the City’s Director of Marketing. Entry to the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club is R50 a day or R100 for the entire tournament. Tickets are available on TicketPro http://www.ticketpros.co.za/portal/ web/ index.php/home/. The tournament will be broadcast live on SuperSport on all four days, for four hours on each day. For tournament news, scores and photos, visit the official website http://www.joburgopen.com/
In the Loopn – 21
Arts, Sports & Culture
A native of Nashville, Tennessee, the city where Elvis recorded some of his greatest songs during a stellar 20-year career, Nathan Belt carved out his own career as a rock performer. Following his first performance on the Mandela Stage last year, a critic wrote:
Message from the Executive Mayor have committed to ensuring that Johannesburg residents feel acknowledged through a refined, shared and comprehensive customer care approach that puts them first.
“He has the looks, he has the moves, he has the voice and charisma that might just make you forget that you are in the 21st Century. Make sure that you put on your blue suede shoes and get ready to shake, rattle and roll, Elvis style, with Nathan Bell.” •
The ‘King’ and the ‘Pop Diva’ to rock Jozi this
•
month
T he music of two of the world’s most famous rock and pop artists, Elvis Presley and Whitney Houston, will be brought to life on stage at the Johannesburg Theatre during February.
In a recent interview, Davids says that the pop diva is her personal idol and inspired her to embark on a solo singing career at the age of 14. The show will include more than 20 of Houston’s most popular tracks, including ‘I Will Always Love You,’ ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ and “Didn’t We Almost Have It All.” •
Also returning to the theatre for the second year in a row, is American rock and roll crooner, Nathan Belt, with his special renditions of songs made famous by the ‘King of Rock,’ Elvis Presley. The show will kick off on 19 February and run till 7 March.
20 – In the Loop
Mhla Salamana, directed by Thando Doni, won multiple awards at the Zabalaza Theatre Festival in Cape Town after it was first staged in 2012. The Soweto production will feature actors, Mkhuseli Tafane, Asanda Rilityana and Aphiwe Menziwa in the main roles.
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Tickets for the Joburg Theatre productions are already on sale and bookings can be done by visiting www.joburgtheatre.com or by calling the direct ticketing line on 0861 670 670.
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South African-born Belinda Davids has made a name for herself across the world in countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Singapore and the USA. Her Johannesburg debut last year was sold out throughout the six week performance period. This time, she started her return to the Mandela Stage on 22 January and will wind up on 15 February with “The Greatest Love of All – the Whitney Houston Show.”
Lovers of theatre can look forward to the staging of the award-winning Mhla Salamana, at the Soweto Theatre during March. The drama tells the story of how a beautiful relationship can go wrong through a series of misunderstandings leading to abuse and family violence.
ck
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Joburg-born, local artist, Elvis Blue, will perform his own brand of music for a single performance on 19 February. The singer, who was the runaway winner of the 2010 Idols South Africa competition, has strong ties with the City and serves as patron of the Rays of Hope project that provides support to child-headed households in Alexandra.
Ti
Special tributes to the musical greats will kick off a year filled with highlights that will also include world-class drama and dance performances later in 2015.
We have furthermore committed to ensuring that all consumers of our services feel valued by listening to their concerns, being sensitive to their needs and accepting responsibility to improve their lives.
Councillor Mpho Parks Tau Johannesburg Executive Mayor
The beginning of a New Year - often than not - presents an opportunity for all of us to change course in how we live our lives in a bid to improve. I would therefore like to ask you to join me in changing course in our approach to delivering services to the people of Johannesburg, who we have pledged ourselves to serve when we joined the City as employees.
I am sure most of us who took a well-deserved break to spend quality time with our loved ones during the recent festive holiday have finally returned to work. The big question though is: are we all ready to serve the citizens of the City of Johannesburg with pride and respect?
I wish to call on each and everyone of you to greet the New Year with zest and eagerness to serve by proudly wearing your “Joburg Ambassador” cap and taking up your position to put the people of this beautiful City first. This speaks to the Batho Pele principle we have all pledged to live by in carrying out our duties. It demands that our mindset be fine-tuned to a customer-centric and high standards approach in serving the people of Johannesburg.
This, after all, is the organisation’s expectation from us all in-line with our Growth and Development Strategy 2040 (GDS 2040). This is where we, the employees of the City,
Some of the key service areas that often upset the people we serve and compromise our reputation as a world class African city relate to our call centre inefficiencies, incorrect
Colleagues,
meter readings and billing, faulty traffic lights, uncut grass, uncleaned lanes and alleyways, as well as lack of by-law implementation. All these are service concerns that can easily be resolved through set timelines and standards. What is stopping us from always informing our customers of planned service interruptions at least 24 hours before? We all need to ask ourselves what is making it difficult to repair a pothole within three days, a traffic light within 24-hours and replacing a missing manhole within three days. All these are easy deliverables and with all of us committed to serve the citizens of Johannesburg with pride and respect, none of these failures by the organization would be making news headlines everyday. Just as our newly launched service delivery campaign called “You Said, We did” rightfully says - we are a City at work. This is purely because all of us have, through the Joburg GDS 2040, committed to deliver and comply with high service standards. This, coupled with accountability, is key to Johannesburg becoming a world class African city that we can all be proud of.
Cllr M.P. Tau
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In the Loop –
1
Service Delivery
Financial Sustainability
redeemed. In addition, the City raised more than R2-billion of new funding in loans and bonds during the year.
MMC: Geoff Makhubo, who is also Second Vice-President of the Metropolis Global Funds for Cities’ Development (FMDV).
AG gives Joburg a thumbsup …again
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Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial year amounted to R5.3-billion – despite an increase of more than 70% in the capital budget.
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The increased capital budget of R7.7-billion demonstrates the City’s commitment to use capital investment as the key tool for improving service delivery and transforming the urban environment.
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The City collected more than 94% of revenue billed – and pending billing issues which featured prominently in previous AG reports were kept to a minimum.
MMC Makhubo says the Annual Financial Statements reflect a stronger financial position for Johannesburg, with total assets increasing by 5% to R66.6-billion. Total income grew by 13% to R39.5-billion, driven largely by revenue generated from the distribution of water and electricity, to consumers in the City. Operational expenditure increased by 10% to R34.6-billion.
Johannesburg has received an unqualified audit report for the second year in a row. “This is a remarkable achievement
During the financial year the City became the first local government in South Africa to list a Green Bond on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE). “The market welcomed this innovation and the 10-year Green Bond of R1.5-billion was oversubscribed to the tune of 150%,” says MMC Makhubo.
“Investors, the business community and city residents can be assured that this is a well-run city, committed to a clean administration and quality corporate governance.”
“We remain committed to the prudent management of the City’s finances,” he says. “Our Financial Development Plan will ensure continued fiscal sustainability and effective planning through judicious borrowing, the generation of annual operating surpluses and the creation of cash reserves to increase the level of spending on infrastructure.”
for the City and the strongest indication yet, that Johannesburg’s finances are in excellent shape,” says the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Finance, Geoff Makhubo.
The Auditor General’s (AG) Report for the 2013/14 financial year forms part of the Integrated Annual Report, presented to the Mayoral Committee at the end of January. The AG’s report came as rating agency Fitch, affirmed the City's rating at 'BBB' with a Stable Outlook. MMC Makhubo, who is also Second Vice-President of the Metropolis Global Funds for Cities’ Development (FMDV), says the achievements in governance are supported by a positive financial performance in a tough and unstable global climate. The City’s Financial Development Plan continues to deliver positive results. This welcome news coincided with the City’s hosting of the FMDV, a funding symposium of municipalities from around the world held from 28 to 30 January. Joburg achieved a surplus of R4-billion which was redirected to the capital budget to accelerate service delivery. The highlights of the financial year included: •
Healthy levels of liquidity were maintained and listed bonds amounting to R663-million were
2– In the Loop
MMC Makhubo commended a number of entities and departments in the City who improved the quality of their audit outcomes during the financial year – most notably, the Johannesburg Roads Agency, the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market – the largest fresh produce market in Africa – and City Theatres, which underwent a merger and restructuring during the year under review. The City continues to work towards a ‘clean audit’ report and special attention is given to resolve the remaining issues raised in the AG’s report – which pertain predominantly to compliance issues and annual targets that were narrowly missed.
Infrastructure project saves water in Soweto
T he upgrading of water infrastructure in Soweto and the installation of prepaid meters are saving Johannesburg more than R220-million a year and have significantly reduced the volumes of water that were wasted in the system. More than 40.5 billion litres of water are being saved through this project every year. The Managing Director of Johannesburg Water, Lungile Dhlamini, says Phase-1 of the Infrastructure Upgrade and Renewal Project – within Soweto -- will be completed by the end of 2015 and will subsequently be extended to other areas such as Orange Farm and Ivory Park. The total value of the project is R1.7-billion, of which R1.1-billion has already been invested since the introduction of the programme in 2004. At the time the City experienced massive water losses in Soweto caused by pipe bursts and leakages, as well as commercial losses because consumption was measured at a flat rate. More than 40% of the water supplied to Soweto was lost through the ageing physical infrastructure or commercial losses. The City then proceeded to replace the old and leaking pipes, repaired internal plumbing at homes and switched to a system of prepaid metering, instead of a flat rate charge. Thus far, Johannesburg Water has successfully replaced 144 kilometres of pipes, installed 131 244 prepaid meters and fixed internal plumbing leaks and secondary mains. The results have been remarkable. Average water consumption in Soweto has dropped from 66 kilolitres per household per month, to only
12 kilolitres – an improvement of 80%. Prior to the introduction of the project, Johannesburg Water purchased 469 billion litres per year from Rand Water of which 129 billion litres – 27.5% -- were supplied to Soweto. About 90% of the water consumed in Johannesburg was billed on a flat rate of R169 per household per month, regardless of the amount of water consumed. The City, at the time, received only 15% of the flat rate payments. Dhlamini says the primary objectives of the project are to change the behaviour of water consumers, encourage conservation of this scarce resource and ensure payment for water consumed through the prepaid metering system. He points to a recent study conducted by the Department of Water and Sanitation which predicts that water demand in the country will outstrip supply by 2020, if nothing is done to conserve the resources. Initial resistance to the introduction of the new system was addressed through an on-going awareness and education campaign, which included public meetings and door-to-door visits. Participating households commit to the project through the signing of a service level agreement with Joburg Water. A success rate of 85% has been achieved for Phase-1. According to Dhlamini, meter tampering and by-passing of the system remain major challenges which result in under recovery of revenue. Penalties in the form of fines are imposed for meter tampering, while education sessions at community level continue to encourage acceptance of the system and changed behaviour. In the Loopn – 19
Financial Sustainability
Service Delivery
City offers exciting training opportunities and funds to IT go-getters
J ohannesburg is looking for 1 000 of its brightest young information technology minds to be part of a new digital intern programme.
Innovative and tech savvy entrepreneurs with great ideas for a digital product that will support communities have also been called on to join the #Hack.Jozi Challenge. •
The City of Joburg Educating Digital Interns (C.O.J.E.D.I) programme is set to award three successful applicants 10-month IT courses on completion. They will be able to choose between courses on industry leading Network Engineering solutions, Website Design and Development, as well as Fibre Optic Development.
Speaking at the launch of C.O.J.E.D.I. Executive Mayor Mpho Parks Tau described it as “part of the foundation phase of developing a smart city”. “This is a programme which will improve IT skills and expertise in Johannesburg. It provides a superb opportunity for some of our brightest minds to learn the skills they will need to be more employable in the near future,” Mayor Tau said. “We are equipping the youth to be Joburg’s innovative professionals and entrepreneurs.” The internship is open to matriculants with mathematics and science as well as applicants with one or two-year diplomas and a serious digital aptitude, who reside in Johannesburg. Those interested in applying for the internship can tweet @CityofJoburgZA and using #COJEDI as tag or use Facebook to motivate why they should participate in the 10-month courses. 18 – In the Loop
The internship programme’s competitive edge is to establish why each of the applicants is the best candidate to turn Joburg into a smart city of the future in the current digital space. It is a platform for the applicants to demonstrate their ambition, motivation, innovation and self-belief. Application for C.O.J.E.D.I programme is now open and more information can be found at http://cojedi.co.za. •
#Hack.Jozi is a boot camp for start-up entrepreneurs who have created a digital product or have a bright idea for a technology solution that can help to solve common problems in their communities.
The City has made R5-million available for #Hack.Jozi and this will be used to support the successful start-ups who present the best ideas. Entering the competition is easy. Applicants have to create a video which explains their product and idea. This clip must then be loaded onto YouTube. The applicant must then visit www.hackjozichallenge.co.za to upload their video details and fill-out an entry form on the website. Interested entrepreneurs have until February 15th to enter. “This programme is all about innovation with a heart. It is about smart business ideas that make a difference in communities across Johannesburg. It is also about driving digital business growth which forms a big part of our economic plans for the city,” Mayor Tau said.
Bullish Annual Report reflects dynamic Johannesburg
A City at work to develop a resilient, sustainable and liveable Johannesburg for all its citizens… this is the picture that stands out from the Integrated Annual Report for the 2013/2014 financial year tabled in Council and released in public at the end of January. The Report provides a comprehensive overview of the City’s achievements – and challenges – during the year under review, including the strong financial performance in a difficult global environment and significant progress in the delivery of essential services to a population that now exceeds 4.4-million. The recurring theme of the Report is “Corridors of Freedom – Re-stitching our city to create a new future,” the far-reaching initiative launched under the leadership of Executive Mayor, Mpho Parks Tau to eradicate the spatial, social and economic inequalities of the past. “The intention is that City residents will live closer to their workplace and be able to live, work and play without having to use private motorised transport, Mayor Tau writes in his introduction to the Report. “Safe, affordable and convenient buses and an environment that makes cycling and walking pleasant and inviting, will reduce the domination of carbon-emitting private vehicles.” Highlighting the fact that Johannesburg accounts for 16% of South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product, the Report describes it as “… a city of innovation and economic dynamism; a city that mobilises the strengths and qualities of its diverse population; and a city that cares deeply for all its residents through its commitment to world-class service delivery for all.”
The global economic recession has left its mark on Johannesburg, but despite this the City’s economy grew by 2.6%. The Economic Growth Cluster continued its focus on economic investment, job creation and sustainable growth. Four regional, sector-based incubators were established to provide support to small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) and cooperatives leading to the creation of almost 1 400 direct jobs by businesses supported by the programme. The extent and quality of service delivery continued to grow during the year, with 99% of all households in Johannesburg now having access to piped water and 98% receiving sanitation above the minimum standards level. Some 2 150 households were connected to the electricity grid and 7 027 new streetlights were installed across the city. The Human and Social Development Cluster made significant progress towards achieving its mandate of improving quality of life and ensuring development-driven resilience for the city. Among its highlights for the year were the assistance given to senior citizens and some 6 000 child-headed households and the establishment of 11 new community-oriented primary care sites. Mayor Tau says the City recognises the need to “nurture our partnerships with stakeholders and communities so that we remain relevant and accessible to them.” The City has the objective to “mobilise the collective energy of the people of Johannesburg, who have brought us this far and continue to enable us to meet the transformation agenda.”
In the Loopn – 3
Know your leader
Financial Sustainability
Also known as Solly, Councillor Mogase was born into a family of political activists in the 1960s, a period of political turmoil following the banning of the ANC and other political formations. “Growing up, I was exposed to different aspects of inequality, and my father, who was a labourer, took time to educate my five siblings and me on the politics of the time and its impact on socio-economic conditions”. But it was during the tumultuous 1980s with the resurgence of resistance politics aligned to the ANC-in-exile that Councillor Mogase fashioned his own political identity. Struck by the poor quality and inferior infrastructure at black schools, he joined the Congress of South African Students (Cosas).
Major achievements mark progress on Top 10 Priorities T angible progress on Johannesburg’s Ten Priority Programmes was made during the 2013/14 financial year,
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in addition to the City’s solid financial performance and increased spending on its capital budget. City Manager, Trevor Fowler, says the 10 Priorities flow from the implementation of the Joburg 2040 Growth and Development Strategy. Among the highlights noted in the Annual Report are: •
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Financial sustainability and resilience: The City’s financial performance has “improved exponentially” in the last few years. It enjoys a healthy financial position with R5-billion in cash and cash equivalents in the bank on a monthly basis. Agriculture and food security: The creation of a food bank, the introduction of food gardens and the establishment of a Food Empowerment Zone in the south of Johannesburg, which are helping the City to reach its annual target of a 20% reduction in food insecurity. Sustainable Human Settlements: The programme is aimed at providing housing for the marginalised and the poor and to service the rental market through the initiatives taken by the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO). SMME and Entrepreneurial Support: The ground work for the City programme, now known as Jozi@Work, was done during the financial year. Through this initiative, people will deliver services themselves in partnership with Government, rather than relying solely on the City to do so. 4 – In the Loop
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Engaged Active Citizenry Programme: A communitybased planning model was introduced which enables the City to engage residents of wards in the identification of local issues that must receive priority attention. Resource Sustainability: The City is linking programmes together to achieve economies of scale that will result in a reduction in wastage of water and electricity. The Waste Minimisation Programme, including separation of waste at source, was launched through five pilot projects. Smart City: A notable achievement has been the establishment of an intelligent operating centre (IOC), that uses available data to predict future trends in the City. Data on crime trends, for example, has enabled the City to deploy its response teams more effectively. Investment Attraction, Retention and Expansion: Johannesburg has become the most visited city on the continent of Africa. Support provided to SMMEs and cooperatives resulted in the creation of almost 1400 direct new jobs. More than R2.6-billion of investment was attracted to the City – surpassing the target by 143%. Green Economy: The City continues with the roll-out of smart meters to monitor and manage electricity usage more efficiently. Citizens were also encouraged to invest in solar energy to generate their own electricity. Safer Cities: Through initiatives such as the IOC the City has achieved a 34% reduction in corruption while the extended utilisation of the CCTV system resulted in lower crime figures.
“The conditions in which black scholars had to study propelled me to get involved in student activism despite the very real risks of getting arrested.” This impulse to improve the lives of people is the one attribute that has stayed with Councillor Mogase over the years.
Chair of Chairs: Councillor Solomon Mogase.
Councillor Mogase: The Activist Chairperson
who uplifts communities
Following the political transition of the early 1990s, Councillor Mogase worked his way up until he was appointed Senior Manager of Housing at Absa Bank. He is part of the team that changed the face of banking by introducing the RDP department, public sector banking and group scheme at a bank that had until then, catered for a white middle class, Afrikaner market. In the private sector, he also worked in consulting, relationship management and marketing and sales, but then Councillor Mogase could not escape his fate of serving the public. He had acquired skills in areas such as marketing, finance, presentation and organisational knowledge, which would later serve him well in tackling the challenges facing local government. “My private sector experience has equipped and, at the same time, propelled me to serve the public.”
W ith his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, Chairperson of Chairpersons, Councillor Solomon Mogase looks business-like as he outlines the work of his portfolio. As Chair of Chairs, Councillor Mogase presides over the Chairpersons Committee, is a member of the Programming Committee, oversees the implementation of policy relating to Section 79 Committees and ensures they perform their oversight responsibility. “It is the oversight and monitoring of the delivery and outputs of any structure of governance that ensures service delivery objectives are adhered to.” What drives Councillor Mogase is his passion for uplifting communities, an attribute he acquired in his formative years as a student activist.
His achievements as Chair of Chairs include structuring the office, helping appoint the Ombudsman, developing a strategic plan for all committees, taking Chairperson on courses in public management and taking part in the review of the Legislature structure. He also ensures that the Executive accounts to Council through performance reports produced by the Section 79 Committees. In addition the Office has assisted the S79 Committees to benchmark local and international stakeholders. Before the end of the political term next year, Councillor Mogase aims to develop a full term report on the performance of the Committees, develop a better tracking system on resolutions taken at council, do public participation on the work of committees, take the legislature to all regions and develop the annual performance of the office.
In the Loop – 17
Economic Development
Food Resilience
Residents and communities who want to grow food for their own consumption, in backyards, on rooftops or in open space are to be supported through access to quality seeds, water, training and advice.
The redevelopment of the single-sex dormitories at the once-infamous Jabulani hostel into family units, at a cost of R487-million, is seen by residents in the area as “a decisive break with an ugly past.”
Small scale farmers and cooperatives who have the capacity to produce food for sale to the public must be given access to land, seeds, implements, training and assistance with pest control. Agri resource centres have been established in each region and small farms within the same areas are linked to the Joburg Market and the commercial food sector through a “hub-and-spoke” support programme. This will enable them to sell their products on a sustainable basis to large buyers such as supermarkets, or directly to people living in communities where no other place to buy fresh food exists.
Action plan in place to address hunger and food insecurity ood insecurity and hunger among communities in FJohannesburg are now being tackled at their roots through a far-reaching strategy that will help small farmers become part of the agricultural production chain. The City has adopted a comprehensive Food Resilience Policy, following extensive community consultation in all Regions and studies of the policies implemented in countries such as Brazil and India. We are committed to an approach that Johannesburg must be “a City where none go hungry,” says the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development, Councillor Nonceba Molwele. “Access to food is a fundamental human right acknowledged in our Constitution and Johannesburg must play its part to realise this.” Recent studies have shown that food insecurity among the urban poor in the most deprived areas of Joburg is standing at 27% citywide and up to 41% in the poorest neighbourhoods. This is measured by the number of people who go without at least one meal between three and 10 days a month. MMC Molwele says the newly adopted food policy builds on earlier initiatives by the City and is based on a number of primary interventions.
16 – In the Loop
Food banks are currently supporting needy families with food parcels to address the needs. Recipients must be registered in terms of the City’s Expanded Social Package and priority attention will be given to vulnerable senior-headed and child-headed households. A network of food-for-waste sites will be established and managed by Pikitup where residents can receive a set quantity of food in return for a specific amount of recyclable waste. Fresh basic food will be made available to all people of Johannesburg through the establishment of markets, close to where they live and ‘people’s restaurants’ where affordable prepared meals will be sold.
The upgrading of Bolani and Koma roads, which includes the construction of pedestrian walkways and cycle lanes, are also contributing to making the Jabulani Precinct an urban centre of the future. “We are now having our own Sandton on our doorstep,” says Phumzile Maseko, a long-time Soweto resident.
Jabulani brings new vibrancy and growth for residents and investors in Soweto apid developments in recent years have turned the R Jabulani Node into Soweto’s own central business district, with the attractions and vibrant activities to rival any other part of Joburg.
The Go Jozi - Healthy Lifestyle Campaign, the City’s campaign to promote healthy lifestyle and good dietary habits among Johannesburg’s citizens, will be accelerated and integrated into the broader Food Resilience Strategy.
Often referred to by residents as “Sandton in Soweto”, the Jabulani Node has been transformed into a modern and vibrant urban space that is beautifully changing the once dreary-looking Soweto skyline.
The key features of GoJozi are its emphasis on exercise, weight loss initiatives and cooperation with restaurants and retailers to promote healthy meal options.
Councillor Ruby Mathang, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, says the precinct has played a strategic role as a catalyst for development in Soweto. The success of initiatives such as the Jabulani Mall has sparked interest from other developers looking at opportunities to introduce further retail expansions.
“There is so much development in the area. It is unbelievable to think that only 20 years ago this area was an open veld, save for the amphitheatre. We now have a mall, a hospital and a theatre and the extension of Rea Vaya has added a convenient and rapid transport system.” Thanduxolo Mendrew, the CEO of the Johannesburg Development Agency says Jabulani has started to flourish in 2006 and is now taking its rightful place as Soweto’s CBD. This view is supported by Alan Dinnie, the senior manager: Property Development at the Johannesburg Property Company, who is excited about the prospects for future retail and related development in the area. The City’s investments in public spaces, transport and the built environment create a more attractive environment for investors and also attract growing numbers of visitors and residents who now regard the Jabulani Node as a primary destination. “There are ample opportunities to not only strengthen the community services sector and modern housing stock in Jabulani but also grow opportunities in the retail and tourism arenas,” says Dinnie.
The node is one of the signature projects of Johannesburg’s approach to use Transit-oriented Development (TOD) as a stimulus to attract investment and improve the quality of life of Soweto residents. It currently consists of 25 000 square metres of retail shop space, 10 000 sqm of office space and 4 000 mixed-income residential units, 30% of which have been earmarked for low-income earners. The growth of the R320-million Jabulani Mall, the newlyopened 300-bed provincial hospital, trendy townhouse complexes and the ultra-modern Soweto Theatre – the first of its kind in the township – are among the reasons why perceptions about Jabulani, once known for its high crime rate, are changing fast.
In the Loop – 5
Jozi@work
Safety will help to turn the youth into valued adults who can play a constructive role in society. The programme is an initiative of the Department’s public information, education and relations unit (PIER). Members of the SAPS addressed the youth on bullying behaviour which, according to education officials, is on the rise in South African schools. The young learners were told that bullying does not only take the form of physical aggression but can also include mental intimidation and harassment on social media.
Joburg takes the fight against drugs and bullying into city schools Jozi@Work – first projects given to contractors The roll-out of Jozi@Work packages to registered
cooperatives and other community-based enterprises has begun. This is after the City of Johannesburg finalised the contracts of the capability support agents (CSAs) who will be overseeing the roll-out of the co-production programme designed to empower community members to partner with the City to boost the delivery of services in their own neighbourhoods. The CSAs are the pivotal link between the community based entities and the City, which has work-package contracts valued at just over R1-billion under the Jozi@Work programme. Spokesperson for the Johannesburg Executive Mayor, Phindile Chauke says: “The inclusion of the CSAs in the Jozi@Work programme is to ensure that the community enterprises are properly trained to deliver quality services, while also mentoring them to eventually become sustainable businesses.” “Monthly Jozi@Work Regional Forums are already underway. This is where the different departments and 6 – In the Loop
High School learners in Johannesburg are benefitting
from an innovative programme launched by the Department of Public Safety to create a greater awareness about personal safety and the dangers associated with social crimes.
entities of the City inform the community-based entities about work packages that can be contracted to them,” Chauke says.
The first outreach was launched at the Blue Hills High School in Diepsloot in mid-January, shortly after the start of the 2015 school year.
“Once contracted, the small enterprises are matched with a relevant CSA which performs the role of supervising contractor,” she says.
The awareness programme, which enjoys the support of the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety, Councillor Sello Lemao, brings together experts from the department, the JMPD, the SA Police Service and nongovernmental organisations in a joint effort to inform the youth about issues such as substance abuse, bullying and human trafficking.
“Although the procurement processes have been simplified and bureaucratic red tape lowered, the community enterprises are still expected to register as legal entities.” “This is important because the City must still adequately account for all its expenses and procurement processes. This is also why there is a network of CSAs to provide technical and developmental assistance to the communty-based companies,” she says. Some of the work that is set to be contracted to communitybased companies under Jozi@Work include packages in the energy, water and waste sectors. Greening services, maintenance and agriculture, as well as waste collection and recycling are among other packages that will be available under the programme.
Members of the SA National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) spoke in great details about the dangers associated with substance abuse, especially dagga and nyaope. School authorities in Gauteng have recently expressed serious concerns about the rise in the usage of nyaope in the province and have blamed the drug for anti-social behaviour among learners and bad results in examinations. Human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of young people are other issues that can be addressed by providing young learners with more information. The JMPD’s Community Outreach Unit gave talks on these subjects. During the 2010 Soccer World Cup the City launched a comprehensive campaign to counter human trafficking and it has been at the top of the Department’s list of priorities ever since. Learners were told how to identify anti-social behaviour at early stages and to take pro-active steps by reporting it to the JMPD, the SAPS or organisations such as SANCA. The spokesperson in MMC Lemao’s office, Thabo Rangwaga, says the success of the Diepsloot outreach will be evaluated and decisions taken on how to extend the programme to other schools in Johannesburg.
At the Diepsloot venue more than 350 learners in grades 8 to 10 participated in the six day programme. MMC Lemao says the City has decided on this approach because young people are increasingly being confronted with a range of social crimes and the temptations to become involved in such illegal activities are often difficult to resist. Education and awareness strengthen knowledge about these issues and also create respect for the law and law enforcement agencies. He hopes that such programmes
In the Loop – 15
Corridors of Freedom
Resource Resilience
T b e he a tw th in nd ee ree cl th n m ud e t o e pa he nt th rt C h e: ici ity pa pa , G rt tin re ne g en rsh sc B ip ho ei ol ng s s
objective is to develop the schools to the point where they meet the “Greenest Schools” standards as defined by the international Eco-Schools programme.
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City teams up with schools to counter climate change Schools in and around Johannesburg have joined the
efforts to promote responsible environmental practices and counter the impact of climate change. The City of Johannesburg is partnering with non-governmental organisation, Green Beings, in the Climate Proofing Project which intends to turn schools into eco-friendly institutions with an integrated learning curriculum. The pilot project involves the promotion of the usage of biogas, the establishment of food gardens, the retro-fitting of energy saving light bulbs and the introduction of waste recycling units and solar water heaters. Rain water collection initiatives were also started at the participating schools. The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Councillor Matshidiso Mfikoe, says the project contributes to broader efforts to reduce the City’s vulnerability to climate change such as measures to reduce water and energy consumption in households and buildings. “It is encouraging to see that school children are at the forefront of the battle against climate change challenges,” she says. “They are the future custodians of the world and have to take up the baton at an early age to ensure they inherit a city that is free of carbon gas emissions.” The project is being implemented in the five schools that were the best achievers in the Bontle Ke Botho Clean and Green Competition and five other schools that excelled in the first phase of the Climate Proofing Competition. The 14 – In the Loop
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establishment of 10 food gardens, each with an irrigation system and a composting site;
provision of 60 two-bin separation systems and six waste recycling units;
New bridge to provide a safe and convenient link for “Great Walk” pedestrians
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installation of 10 rain water collection units at the schools;
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allocation of 10 biogas units with tanks, piping, materials and tools;
T he new pedestrian and cycle bridge linking Alexandra and Sandton across the M1 highway will promote the
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retrofitting of energy-saving light bulbs;
growth of a spatially integrated Johannesburg and encourage a move towards non-motorised forms of transport.
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supply of 20 solar water heaters, gas cylinders and stoves.
The project also provides schools with the opportunity to involve local communities in growing vegetables and harvesting rain water. More than 1 000 fruit trees will be planted at schools in each region. Among the benefits of the project is the transfer of knowledge and best practices to young learners that will contribute to the protection of the environment and the mitigation of climate change through a reduction of an over-dependency on coal and the introduction of renewable energy- generation. The schools project fits in with similar initiatives launched by the City such as the “e thoma ka Wena” (It starts with you) campaign in Cosmo city where residents were mobilised to become active citizens and clean up the environment. This initiative was a partnership between the City’s Department of Environmental Health, Pikitup, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo and the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and formed part of National Clean-up Week.
The bridge with its striking, modern design is the centrepiece of a broader initiative to create more safe and convenient opportunities for walking and cycling in Alex. In total, more than 30km of new pavement and dedicated cycle lanes are being constructed. These will be supported by upgrades to the public environment, street furniture, better lighting and traffic calming measures in the adjacent streets. Councillor Christine Walters, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport, says the “Great Walk” bridge fits in perfectly with the City’s Corridors of Freedom master plan, intended to undo apartheid spatial planning and improve communities’ access to economic and job opportunities. It also promotes the “complete street” concept – a modern global trend in urban design – where the road network and transport systems are regarded as social infrastructure that serves the entire community, rather than, predominantly, the private transport user. A decisive shift towards public transport will also contribute to the City’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. “Great Walk” refers to the fact that an average of 10 000 pedestrians walk or cycle the roughly 5km distance
between Alex and Sandton on a daily basis. The vast majority of them travel along Rautenbach Avenue and Roosevelt Streets in Alex. They then cross the M1 – often under dangerous conditions – at the Grayston interchange. When completed in 2017, residents will be able to access the bridge at No 3 Square in Alexandra and walk or cycle across the highway to Linden Street in Sandton. This will not only provide pedestrians and cyclists with safe and conducive infrastructure but also improve traffic flows on Grayston Avenue. MMC Walters says the envisaged new bridge is a good example of how the City’s long term transport and spatial development plans fit together. It forms part of Phase 1C of the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit programme, which serves the north-east quadrant of the City linking the CBD with Alexandra, Sandton, Randburg, Greenstone, Ivory Park, Rabie Ridge and Midrand. It will also offer improved linkages to the Gautrain and connect seamlessly with the newly expanded Pan African shopping centre on Watt Street. The new taxi rank development provided by the JDA along Watt Street will have a ‘look-and-feel design’ similar to that of a BRT station. “Our objective is to create better connections between different modes of public transport – buses, trains and taxis – and to vigorously promote the concepts of walking and cycling through the provision of safe and accommodating infrastructure for all Joburgers,” says MMC Walters. In the Loop – 7
Smart City
Employee News Green Initiative
Located close to the city’s eastern entrance from OR Tambo International, Bruma Lake achieved a wellearned reputation as a place for relaxation and shopping at small shops and flea-markets located along its banks.
The Council took a decision to cancel the contract and delegated City Manager, Trevor Fowler to fast track its conclusion. A proposed transition arrangement, which included the City entering into a settlement with Ericsson of not more than R1.2 billion and taking over the network, was also discussed by the Mayoral Committee before being forwarded to Council for a decision when it opened on January 29.
Through the years, however, severe pollution has disturbed the pristine environment, resulting in a heavy build-up of sludge from washing powders, motor oil, sewage, litter and other debris flowing into it from the Jukskei River.
Chauke says: “The option of taking over BWired as a Municipal Owned Entity was chosen as the ideal mechanism to operate the network because it provides for enhanced private sector participation whilst remaining focused on the delivery imperatives of the City.”
Joburg takes over broadband T he City of Johannesburg’s take-over of the Broadband Network Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) it had outsourced to Ericsson SA has begun. Spokesperson for the Johannesburg Executive Mayor, Phindile Chauke says the takeover process begun this month after the Council accepted a Mayoral Committee proposal to enter into a settlement with Ericsson last month. The takeover comes after a full audit of the network was conducted late last year to establish the amount of resources, capacity and expertise required for the transition. “A team of experts has been on standby to drive the takeover since the cancellation of the Ericsson contract was proposed last year. Where additional capacity needs arise, the City will be utilizing its existing database,” Chauke says.
“This is in line with the City’s objectives to lower costs and increase access to telecommunications services for residents - thereby stimulating economic development and improving service delivery in Johannesburg,” she says. Chauke adds that the network is set to become a platform for the City to realise all of its Smart City objectives. She adds: “It will also particularly boost the expansion of the high-speed COJFreeWifi currently live and accessible along the Rea Vaya BRT T1 route stations between Thokoza Park in Soweto and Ellis Park East in Doornfontein.”
The lake turned into a polluted eyesore and the foul smell emitted from its water drove away customers and visitors.
Sparkling Bruma Lake returns to pristine condition B ruma Lake, one of the best known leisure and entertainment landmarks in Joburg, is regaining its former glory and is ready to attract more visitors and business to its waterfront. The first phase of a R65-million project to rehabilitate the Lake has just been completed and residents are already able to enjoy the remainder of the summer season at a clean and odour-free Bruma, says the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Councillor Matshidiso Mfikoe.
It became a massive source of frustration for many small business owners and residents living close to Bruma. There were also serious concerns about the longterm environmental impact on the area and the health of residents living in its vicinity. The City commissioned several studies and considered a variety of engineering solutions to save Bruma. However, a decision was taken eventually to let nature take its course to restore the surroundings to their natural order. This has been achieved through filling the lake and reinstating the stream by reshaping the lake basin. MMC Mfikoe says the best way to improve water quality is through self-flushing and the creation of an ecological habitat that restores the natural linkages between the upstream and downstream areas. In June 2014 work started on phase 1 of the rehabilitation project. This involved the draining of the lake and the drying of the silt that has been deposited over many years. The Jukskei River was diverted from the centre of the lake, giving way to the construction of a channel. A significant milestone was achieved on 10 December 2014, when the channel was completed and the Jukskei was again allowed to flow unimpeded through the newly completed water way.
She says: “Preparations for the takeover followed a decision on July 31 last year by Council to terminate the BOT contract with Ericsson due to a breach of contract. When the decision was made, none of the various political parties and ordinary members of the public represented in the house objected to the cancellation.”
“This is expected to relieve pressure resulting from potential flash floods during the rainy season,” she says.
Ericsson was granted the contract in 2010 and the company had ceded it to CitiConnect Communications and operator BWired when the City established that several breaches had been committed during the roll-out of about 900km of fiber optic cables for the Johannesburg Smart City programme.
The City expects that a revitalised Bruma Lake will again attract more business and visitors to the neighbourhood in the vicinity of the busy Eastgate shopping centre and the new China Town development in Cyrildene.
Phase 2 which involves further landscaping, will start at the end of January and is expected to be completed by the middle of the year. Some sections of the Lake will be converted into a recreational park.
Background: The artist’s impression of Bruma Lake once completed. 8 – In the Loop
In the Loop – 13
Employee News
Employee News Not only is Naidoo a developmental economist, he is also a firm advocate of blending optimism with pragmatism – this means having high aspirations whilst accepting that you can only start from where you are. As Executive Director: Economic Development, Naidoo is at the coal face of the City’s efforts to ensure that Johannesburg is economically viable, attracts investment and creates sustainable job opportunities for its growing population.
Region
Date
Venue
G
3 February
“The world is a network of major cities. Johannesburg is the key economic hub of Southern Africa. When the World Bank compares South Africa to the rest of the world, it looks at Johannesburg and benchmarks it against other major cities,” he says.
Ennerdale Civic Centre, Corner Katz and Smith streets
G
4 February
Eldorado Park, Don Mateman Hall; Link Road
G
5 February
Lenasia Civic Centre; Rose Avenue
A
9 February
Midrand Fire Station
Residents get to speak out as rates policy meetings get underway
A
10 February
Diepsloot Youth Hall, Ingonyama Drive
A
11 February
Lord Khanyile, Ivory Park Hall, Midrand
B
12 February
Riverlea Recreational Centre, Cnr Colorado Drive and Avon Street
Joburg residents will have ample opportunities to comment on, and influence rates and tax policies at a series
C
16 February
Roodepoort Civic Centre, Christiaan de Wet Road
B
17 February
Marks Park Pavilion Hall, Judith Road, Emmarentia
E
18 February
Marlboro Recreation Centre, Cnr Zinia and Islamabad Drive
F
19 February
Eureka House, Wemmer Pan, Marborough Road, Springfield
E
23 February
Ernest Ullman Park Recreational Centre; Alna Street, Gallo Manor
F
24 February
This process will then be followed by a second round of public consultation in April and May during which the new proposals, with the feedback incorporated, will be presented.
Mondeor Recreation Centre; Cnr Dayleford and Columbine Avenue (starts at 19h00)
E
25 February
This is an important process through which the City encourages residents to participate in determining rates and taxes for the next year. Ratepayers are invited to get involved and have their say during a series of meetings which are open to all members of the public.
Altrack Hall, East Bank Avenue, next to East Bank High in Alexandra
Public comments on the City’s rates’ policy can also be sent to the Department’s e-mail address at: ratescomment@joburg.org.za
“Already, the city stands out compared to others in terms of economic offerings and employment opportunities. If Johannesburg was a country, based on its economic size, it would rank above two-thirds of the rest of the world. This economic agglomeration, which acts as a gravitational force attracting investment, is a ‘plus factor’ for the city.” However, size does not, on its own, guarantee investment pull. The City must still deliver on infrastructure and other key services.
Ravi Naidoo, City of Johannesburg’s Executive Director: Economic Development.
Ravi Naidoo – focused
on development T
“ wenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” This quote, by Mark Twain, is what inspires Ravi Naidoo every morning when he starts his day as the City of Johannesburg’s Executive Director: Economic Development. With over twenty years of top-level policy and developmental experience, Ravi Naidoo has his mind set on pushing the boundaries of development institutions, getting them to undertake new initiatives or approaches to improve South Africa’s state of development.
12 – In the Loop
Some meetings in Regions C, D and F were held in January and the remainder of the schedule is as follows: (with one exception, all meetings will start at 18h00)
This is where the expertise, skills and knowledge of professionals such as Naidoo, who joined the City in his current position in early 2014, comes in. Naidoo holds a master’s degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, where he graduated top of his class. Naidoo has vast experience in the policy development arena, having worked previously as head of the COSATU research think tank, then as coordinator for Cabinet’s Committee on the Economy and, finally, as group executive for the Development Bank. In these years, he tackled many difficult projects such as the turnaround of the Unemployment Insurance Fund, reform of the pension fund legislation, creating new incentive schemes (such as the successful film and television incentive), reforming social security (including the introduction of the child support grant), and – most impactful on the country’s future – leading the “Health Roadmap” process that saw South Africa dramatically increase its life expectancy after the AIDS denial years. “My plan and intention are to drive a strategic programme that will assist the city to have a bigger economic impact.” “The objective is to get the City performing well on key priority programmes and services. By so doing, the rest of the country will benefit,” says Naidoo.
of public meetings to be held in all regions in the coming weeks. The public process will, eventually, culminate in the 2016 City Budget speech to be delivered by the Member of the Mayoral Committee, Councillor Geoffrey Makhubo. The city reviews its rates policy on an annual basis to determine categories of properties to be rated according to a proposed tariff. The public consultation process takes place in terms of a two-step process. During the current round of public consultation, residents and ratepayers are informed about the existing rates and then invited to provide feedback and comment.
In the Loop – 9
Human & Social Development
Employee News
Irelationship t is the time of year to rekindle an old passionate loving or, perhaps, to strike out on a new adventure of love and affection as Valentine’s Day arrives in Jozi on the 14th February. Loving couples of all ages use the celebration of this day, associated with romance and passion to strengthen relationships and to display affection, through gifts and romantic outings to favourite destinations. Valentine’s Day 2015 will build on this popular tradition and the City of Johannesburg will pull out all stops to make this, a memorable event for couples who choose to visit some of the most romantic destinations managed by the City. •
The Joburg Zoo, in partnership with Café Fino is hosting its annual Valentine’s Dinner for couples looking for an exotic destination to help light the spark of love. The Candlelight Dinner for two includes a three course meal, welcome drinks and ice cream as well as a complementary box of chocolates.
Following the dinner, couples can enjoy a Moonlit Tour at the Zoo which includes a close, but safe encounter with the Zoo’s Animals of the Amazon, such as reptiles, primates, amphibians and exotic fish species. Visitors are required to pre-book a table no later than Wednesday 11 February and to pay a booking fee of R620. For more information and bookings, the Zoo can be contacted at 011 646 2000, the website: www.jhbzoo.org.za or on Facebook @TheJohannesburgZoo. •
For the more traditionalist Valentine lovers, the Pioneer Park Musical Fountains offer a great opportunity to spend a delightful and romantic evening. The venue at Wemmer Pan offers something for just about everyone including a musical fountain, boat cruises and ample space to enjoy a well-maintained nature reserve in the heart of the big city.
The entrance fee is R40 for adults and Valentine guests will be welcomed with cocktails sponsored by Remy Cointreau. Guests may bring along their own picnic baskets but no alcohol is allowed at the venue on the corner of Rosettenville Road and 11th Street in La Rochelle.
City moves to make migrants feel at home T he City’s Migration Helpdesk is working with the Johannesburg Migration Advisory Committee (JMAC) to assist foreign nationals settle in the City.
The two structures were instrumental in assisting foreign shop owners displaced by the recent outbreak of violence and looting in Soweto. The seven helpdesks were set up in line with the City Support Strategy, to tackle issues of poverty, inequality and social exclusion affecting migrants.
It is named after Saint Valentine, one of the earliest martyrs of Christianity who sent his love a note signed “Your Valentine,” on the night before he was executed by the Roman authorities.
To ensure that migration is addressed and that migrants are included in city planning, the City of Johannesburg had in 2009 through the Human Development Directorate established the JMAC.
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It first became associated with romantic love in the Middle Ages when lovers started to demonstrate their affection by sending greeting cards and confectionary.
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In the United States of America, more than 190 million Valentine Cards were sent through the mail system in 2014– in addition to the billions of love messages exchanged through e-mails, social media and direct contact.
Chaired by the Executive Mayor, the JMAC is a broad- based stakeholder forum comprising representatives of labour, international agencies, government departments and human rights organizations to collaborate in crafting long-term City-based solutions. One of the key outcomes of this engagement was the development of the City of Johannesburg policy on Integrating Migrants.
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10 – In the Loop
Most countries in the world celebrate Valentine’s Day as a popular, but not official, holiday on 14 February – with a notable exception of Brazil where festivities take place on 13 June.
The policy is premised on the understanding that successful integration requires a two-way process that involves both new arrivals and local people. New residents should integrate into communities through actions such as learning local languages, understanding the social-cultural context of the host society and complying with legislative frame works. Local residents are expected to show tolerance and
facilitate the process of integration by breaking down barriers. Addressing residents at the height of the Soweto attacks on foreign shop owners, Executive Mayor Parks Tau said the City is conscious of the fact that it attracts a large number of migrants from various cultures and nationalities across Africa who come to the City in search of economic advancement and a better life. Mayor Tau, accompanied by Premier David Makhura, listened to the experiences and concerns of community members who appealed for tolerance and social cohesion and as well as job creation programmes to curb unemployment and poverty. Mayor Tau said the City had already started a far-reaching initiative to address these pressing issues through the launch of Jozi@Work which offers opportunities to cooperatives and community-based enterprises to deliver services such as grass cutting, the clearing of illegal dumping and the fixing of street lights in their own neighbourhoods. Among the practical steps taken by the City to facilitate the integration of migrant communities are the establishment of a skills database, community education and awareness campaigns, the hosting of joint cultural and sports activities, language training and the establishment of networks on social media. Following his visit to Soweto, Mayor Tau called on communities to work with government and law enforcement agencies “to build safe environments for our children and other vulnerable groups in our society.” In the Loop – 11