Internal Newsletter
In the Loop Issue No.
41 July 2017
What’s inside:
Jozi women reach their summits
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12
23
Contents
Arts, Sports & Culture
13
Women’s rights celebrated at major event
Top quality leaders join Joburg’s executive team
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How women experience Joburg as an employer
5
Mayor takes personal charge of billing crisis
15
Petunia conquers Kilimanjaro for Mandela
6
People’s chamber transforms Jozi skies
16
Meet Ntsako, the power behind safety at substations
7
Using Jozi SME Hubs to grow the economy
17
A bold and driven eco-warrior
8
JRA getting rid of motorists’ ‘sinking feeling’
18
Time to spring in new looks at the office
9
Strong female line-up will keep the feet of jazz fans tapping
19
Tidy up your finances this spring
20
Tears and joy as Joburg warriors tackle Comrades
21
Theatre-on-wheels adds zest to marketing
22
Joburg Ballet opens new world for kasi kids
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King Kong to blast on to local stage after 60-year ban
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Message from the Executive Mayor
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10
Champions’ factory in heart of Soweto
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#JoburgPools get a facelift, in time for season
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Jozi crime-fighters learn new skills in China
King Kong to blast on to local stage after 60 year ban A
brand new production of the legendary South African musical, King Kong, will hit the Mandela Theatre stage in mid-September. This is the first time that local audiences will be able to see this blockbuster show since it was first staged in 1959 – before it went global, launching the international careers of future musical legends such as Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Kippie Moeketsi and Jonas Gwangwa. Set in Sophiatown, King Kong the Musical, tells the story of a boxing champion in the 1950s, Ezekiel Dlamini, who was better known among fans under his ring name of “King Kong”. After a meteoric rise his life degenerated into drunkenness and gang violence and he killed his girlfriend in a fit of anger. Three months after he was sentenced he was found drowned in a dam on the prison farm. King Kong made theatre history because it was the first South African production to play before multi-racial audiences despite the severe restrictions imposed by apartheid laws. It then went to London’s West End for a 200-performance run.
Acknowledgements
Cover Credits
Editor: Thomas Thale - thomasth@joburg.org.za
This edition of In the Loop celebrates the careers and achievements of many women in the City of Johannesburg.
Contributor: Luyanda Lunika - luyandal@joburg.org.za Mongadi Mafata - OupaMa@joburg.org.za Thabiso Makosa - thabisomak@joburg.org.za Yoliswa Nel – yoliswan@joburg.org.za Portia Seemise – portiasee@joburg.org.za Ntombi Shilubane – ntombish@joburg.org.za Tshepiso Tshabalala – khantsho.tshepi@gmail.com Gugu Zwane – gugulethub@joburg.org.za Photography: Enoch Lehung - enochl@joburg.org.za
During Women’s Month we report on a dedicated eco-warrior, a lady who is charged with safety at electricity substations and Petunia Mashatola, a Joburger who recently reached the summit of Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain peak.
Makeba and Masekela became global icons but were banned from performing in South Africa for the next 47 years. The musical’s brilliant composer, Todd Matshikiza, died in exile at a young age. • Bookings for King Kong – the Musical have already opened at the Joburg Theatre.
Powerful voice for Women’s Month Milked Voice is an acclaimed debut piece by Joburg-born Slindile Mthembu. It comes to both the Joburg and Soweto Theatre stages during Women’s Month and follows the story of a singer from the township who wants to grow. The artist sets out on a journey to find her calling, fed up with those who “milk her voice” for their own benefit. The production was first staged at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival and received a Standard Bank Ovation Merit Award. The artist is accompanied by a live four piece jazz band and critics described it as “a reflective journey” to portray the times artists are living in. • Joburg Theatre, 9-13 August; Soweto Theatre, 16-20
• Gone Native is a compelling play that focuses on how two young South Africans in the 1950s were able to fall in love against incredible odds. It tells the story of an Afrikaner women, Regina Brooks, who fell in love with a black policeman, Richard Khumalo and moved to stay with him in Dube. (Soweto Theatre, 8-20 August).
Quick previews:
• For one performance only the celebrated jazz muzo, Herbie Tsoaleli will stage his production of African Time, which won the award for “Best Jazz” at the 2013 SAMA show. African Time is described by critics as “a gift that is inspired from the soil and soul of Africa.” (Soweto Theatre, 29 July). • Die ATKV-Tienertoneel is na meer as ‘n halfeeu steeds die belangrikste vertoonvenster vir jong teatertalent. Leerlinge van verskeie hoërskole in Gauteng neem deel aan die weeklange streeksfees by die Roodepoort-teater (7 – 12 Augustus).
July 2017
In the Loop – 23
Message from the Executive Mayor
Arts, Sports & Culture
Joburg Ballet
Message from the Executive Mayor
opens new world for kasi kids
In the majority of cases women still bear the brunt of poverty, abuse and underdevelopment. Unemployment is the root cause of most of South Africa’s woes and among women joblessness has almost reached 40%. Thus, my administration is commited to undo the legacy of underdevelopment, bad planning and failure to create a growing City economy which can help ease the plight of women.
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rowing up in Soweto, many children have been forced to gravitate towards football. But the City of Joburg is now giving children from disadvantaged communities more options… and its efforts seem to be paying off.
As we celebrate Women’s Month, we must reflect on the situation faced by thousands of women - many of whom also face the grim prospect of violence and spousal abuse.
Instead of chasing after a ball and getting their legs kicked and bruised by opposing teams, some children are embracing the worlds of “frozen lakes” and “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”. These kids are no longer being taunted by their friends and called kgomo – cow, in Setswana – for their lack of talent on the soccer field. Many young people are now stepping into a whole new world with infinite possibilities thanks to the City of Joburg and Joburg Ballet. The City has ensured that the children’s vocabulary is enriched with new terms such as devant, meaning front, derriere, meaning back, or arabesque, which is when the dancer’s body is supported on one leg, with the other leg extended directly behind the body with a straight knee. Established in 2001 by the South African Ballet Theatre, Joburg Ballet’s Satellite Schools provide a safe and structured environment for children to grow socially, become familiar with the joy and benefits of classical ballet and expose them to potential career opportunities within the art itself. Joburg Ballet’s aims are to give these children a solid classical ballet training should they wish to pursue a career in professional dance, as well as to offer them exposure to other careers in the sector such as lighting design, arts management and costume design.
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Working with the Joburg Ballet Satellite Schools has been a rewarding experience. The progress of the children is evidence of the hard work and commitment from the dedicated teaching staff. The work from all parties is truly commendable and we can only get better from here,
Currently, more than 200 children are receiving lessons in Alexandra, Soweto and Braamfontein/Hillbrow. For those who are clearly talented, the Joburg Ballet School’s accelerated programme offers a perfect platform whereby children between the ages of six and 10 can take part in the auditions. The programme takes throughout July and August. For more information on auditions and bookings for classes, please contact Chele by sending an e-mail to keke@joburgballet.com or calling
011-877-6903/6897
Building our future on the rock of women Colleagues, During my first year as Mayor of Johannesburg I have had numerous opportunities to interact with the citizens of our City through visits to communities, discussions with residents and meetings where we discussed the future direction of Joburg. In many instances I was distressed by the extent of the decay and the neglect that have been festering in large parts of Joburg, especially in the inner city and in informal settlements.
To address this, the Department of Safety recently launched its Women’s Safety Campaign, aimed at teaching women how to protect themselves in case of a threat to their safety. The City distributes whistles and leaflets which communicate safety tips. We also urge women to travel in groups, to report suspicious vehicles and crime, to blow their whistles when they feel endangered, to share their travel plans with friends and family and to not accept lifts from strangers. Should residents feel endangered, they may proceed to the nearest police station or petrol station where there are lights and cameras, and contact SAPS (10111) or JMPD (011 375 5911 or 080 075 3342). It is quite clear that in our project to turn Johannesburg around and create a growing and inclusive economy, women must be prioritised.
Our vision for Johannesburg is that of a caring city, which provides a host of opportunities for people to build a better life. This will be a city where the poor have a decent safety net. Where people are provided with decent living conditions. Where everybody is treated with the dignity that is enshrined in our Constitution. We will also work with law enforcement and agencies in the criminal justice system to ensure that crimes committed against women receive priority attention. As leaders we have a duty to ensure the wheels of the criminal justice system are turning and that those who commit heinous crimes against women are prosecuted.
Honouring ordinary women More than 60 years ago, women from Johannesburg were prominent in the struggle against some of the most notorious elements of the apartheid system. The names of the leaders of the Women’s March in 1956 are well-known and the City has honoured their contribution through the naming of streets and public facilities. However, we should not forget the role played by thousands of ordinary women – mothers, grandmothers and young people – who participated in the March and who depend on us to change South Africa for the better. They are rocks on which the future of Johannesburg is being built. Herman Mashaba Executive Mayor City of Johannesburg
Use the QR code reader on your smartphone to scan these barcodes.
says programme coordinator Keke Chele.
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Another primary focus of the programme is to teach children from previously disadvantaged backgrounds valuable etiquette and leadership skills through the art of dance, as well as access role models.
22 – July 2017
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www.instagram.com
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www.linkedin.com/ profile/view?id=2453 26835&trk=tab_pro
In the Loop – 3
Arts, Sports & Culture
Good Governance
Top quality leaders join Joburg’s executive team I
am happy to announce that the City’s senior leadership core has been significantly strengthened with new appointments to fill executive management positions. “The new executive team will lead the City in meeting its objective to provide clear and decisive leadership to the administration and deliver quality services to the residents of Johannesburg.” says Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba. August marks exactly one year since the election of our political leadership and the appointment of a Mayoral Committee from a coalition of political parties. The creation of a professional public service is one of our top 10 priorities. Our residents deserve a City which serves them
with the highest standards delivered by a civil service that is dedicated and proud. The new executive directors and group heads were appointed following an extensive recruiting and interviewing process and bring with them a wealth of practical experience in local and provincial government, the private sector and academia. Further appointments will be made in the coming months and the high-level review process to determine the shape of Johannesburg’s future organisational structure remains on track.
“I wish them Godspeed in their new journey.”
Theatre-on-wheels adds zest to marketing T
he mobile truck from Joburg City Theatres can now add value to clients who want to market their products and services to communities in the City. The theatre-on-wheels can add creative flair for companies or organisations wanting to sell exciting and interesting concepts to audiences. The large truck – designed by Mercedes-Benz and built by Serco – is a comprehensive theatre, consisting of a fully equipped stage (10 metres wide x 5 metres deep), complete with dressing rooms, a sound system and lighting. The truck, which is often booked by companies and organisations that wish to grow brand awareness, serves as a technically advanced and mobile marketing tool.
Dr Refik Bismilla is one of Joburg’s most experienced public servants who often acted as City Manager since he joined the administration in 2001. He studied at Dublin University in Ireland before returning to South Africa as a specialist in surgery, obstetrics and paediatrics at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. Dr Bismilla has been appointed as Executive Director: Health.
The new Executive Director: Economic Development, Ms Tembeka Mhlekwa, has extensive experience in all spheres of government – national, provincial and local. She worked at the National Department of Trade and Industry and in the Western Cape Department of Economic Development before taking on the role of Head of the Department of Economic Development in Tshwane.
Ms Lindiwe Patience Hleza is the new Group Head of GRAS – Group Risk Advisory Services. She knows the City’s administration very well, having served as chief financial officer of Pikitup in the past, before a stint as Chief Audit Executive in Ekurhuleni.
The new Group Head: Legal and Contracts, Mr Mafoane Isaac Mogashoa will join the City in mid-August. He is a seasoned legal professional who served in senior positions in the province of Limpopo, including a stint as Chief Director in the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs.
Mr Moses Metileni brings solid academic and professional experience to his new job as Executive Director: Housing. He holds three Master’s degrees and is currently working on his doctorate. An urban and regional planner, Mr Metileni has worked at the Gauteng provincial government and served as Head of Policy at the City’s Housing Department prior to his new appointment.
The mobile stage was recently hired out to various government entities and private companies that participated in the 2017 Youth Month exhibition held at the Nasrec Expo Centre. Young people were introduced to theatre through edutainment programmes on the mobile stage. These programmes spoke directly to the issues faced by the youth and it was all presented in a fun and engaging way that encouraged youngsters to participate. Jozi FM this year also used the mobile theatre truck in celebration of its Mother’s Day programme. The radio station is a frequent client and the mobile stage is also used for the Jozi FM Walk for Life event, an annual community development initiative. The walk offers opportunities for people to participate in 4km and 8km walks, starting and finishing at Elkah Stadium in Soweto. The objective of Walk for Life is to promote healthy living in Soweto and surrounding communities, as well as raise funds for Mandela Day Projects in the area. The mobile stage functions as an innovative brand activation tool that fosters public participation on the day of the walk. Organisers of Walk for Life use the truck to demonstrate aerobics on the stage before and after the walk, as well as to entertain the masses with music, presentations and speeches.
The company has used the mobile theatre truck on several occasions to market its products and services to various local communities. The mobile stage was also used at the opening of Meat World at the Valley View Retail Centre in Noordheuwel, Krugersdorp where a music festival was held to promote the brand. The truck was well received and the entertainment was enjoyed by the community of Krugersdorp.
The Joburg City Theatre’s mobile truck brings the following marketing benefits: • Identify areas of high population density with sufficient space for the truck to add value to activations. • Conceptualise edutainment programmes that talk directly to communities for various government entities and private companies • Sell exciting and interesting concepts to identified clients People or companies interested in hiring the truck can contact lindiwe@joburgtheatre.com
or
011 877 6800
Among the other clients that frequently hire the mobile stage truck for marketing purposes is Dogan Exhibitions and Events.
4 – July 2017
In the Loop – 21
Good Governance
Arts, Sports & Culture
Tears and joy as Joburg warriors tackle Comrades I
t was a dramatic day punctuated by joy, agony and tears as 47 runners from the City of Joburg tackled the 2017 Comrades Marathon, a gruelling 86.7km up run from eThekwini (Durban) to Mgungundlovu (Pietermaritzburg). Runners from the city had mixed fortunes on the day with nine experiencing heartbreak after failing to finish the race. For the 38 who crossed the finish line, the painful journey had a happy ending. They were battle-scarred, but they brought home coveted medals. The star performer from the city was George Manamela from the JMPD. He crossed the finish line in 7:20, earning himself another silver medal in addition to the three he already has. The first Joburg lady home was Wendy Mangena from Revenue Department, who finished her eighth Comrades in 10:15. Manamela attributes his success to hard, solitary training. “I train on my own, covering an average of 130km per week. I also do a lot of hill training in Bassonia,” he says. Mangena, who normally runs alone in Alberton at 4h30 in the morning, says she found this year’s race tougher because her training had been disrupted after she had been scared off by two guys acting suspiciously one morning in March.
Defying the odds “One of them reached for something in his socks. It could have been a knife. I decided to change the direction of the route I had planned to take.” Mangena stopped running in the morning that day. Still she defied the odds to finish tops among the Joburg ladies. Another star performer was Kenneth Chiloane from City Power, who finished in a decent 10:48 after cycling for 10 days from Cape Town and arriving in Durban just in time to line up for Comrades. From January the athletes run daily, first to lose weight, then to gain fitness and, finally, to push themselves beyond what they thought possible. They also need to run a qualifying marathon that determines seeding at the Comrades.
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Our residents go to hell and back to resolve issues,” he said. We have to be a more responsive and caring government than our predecessors.”
ohannesburg billing system will receive priority attention from Executive Mayor, Herman Mashaba, who says he will take personal charge of the process to resolve the lingering crisis. Over the next few weeks, Mayor Mashaba will lead a highpowered panel from the city during billing open days to be held in the various regions.
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Since taking office his administration has analysed the full magnitude of the billing crisis. It inherited a billing system where levels of corruption and mismanagement flourished. For years the system has failed residents and treated them with contempt.
These sessions, which include presentations and exhibitions by various departments and entities of the city, aim to improve mutual understanding between the city and ratepayers and to resolve queries that might have been outstanding for years.
Mayor Mashaba says a programme to regionalise the billing system and reduce the time gap between consumption and payment for services resulted in many account holders receiving two bills in a single month. Those who did not pay both accounts were unfairly placed in arrears and charged for pre-termination notices.
In his acceptance speech shortly after his election in 2017 Mayor Mashaba undertook to put a lid on the City’s burgeoning debt which was caused by flaws in the billing system that prevented ratepayers from settling their dues.
While conceding that Comrades is not for everyone, Mangena maintains that “everyone can do 5km or even 10km to stay fit and healthy”. • Entries for the 2018 Comrades Marathon open on 1 September.
Mayor takes personal charge of billing crisis This is “an unacceptable treatment of our residents” says Mayor Mashaba who announced five steps to address the situation: Team Joburg results for Comrades 2017 Name
Entity /Dept
Time
Name
Entity / Dept
Time
George Madumetja Manamela Mthetheleli Mako Netswa Ngwenya Abraham Sonqishe Steve Lekalakala Oupa Mphuthi Dominic Zondo Thabani Mhlongo Mjeqezeni Khanyile Derrick Oliver Thomas Thale Mziwamadoda Reuben Skosana Wendy Mangena Jacob Motsoane Sontaga Mathole Cynthia Mkhabela Thomas Chauke Mondisa Dlamini Makgotso Mafafane
JMPD Joburg Market Group Comms Pikitup City Parks JMPD GCSS Joburg Market JMPD City Power Group Comms Group Finance Group Finance JMPD EMS JMPD JMPD EMS JMPD
7:20 7:57 8:02 8:41 8:46 8:47 8:53 8:54 8:54 9:28 9:37 10:02 10:15 10:18 10:22 10:31 10:38 10:39 10:43
Maria Thekiso Tshepiso Sennelo Kenny Chiloane Musawenkosi Ngcungama Sbusiso Langa Lloyd Marlowe Nokuthula Petunia Radebe Rudi du Plessis Conrad de Buys Sepitle Ntsoane Jeffrey Zikalala Malefetsane Ramalebo Kagisano Mokwena, Wandile Zwane Mahlodi Ramakgapola Johan Kotze Andrew Golele Alexia Nthabiseng Mathibe
City Power Sports and Recreation City Power JMPD CRUM JMPD Joburg Market City Power City Power JMPD JMPD EMS Transport Soc Dev JRA City Power JMPD JMPD
10:45 10:47 10:48 10:54 10:55 11:21 11:26 11:31 11:35 11:40 11:40 11:42 11:43 11:43 11:44 11:54 11:54 11:56
2016 2020 – September – July 2017
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The City will reverse the costs relating to termination of all residents who were in good standing with the City prior to February 2017 – and who have been put in arrears. This will be reflected in their September statements.
Open Days will be held in all regions across the city on Saturdays. Officials will be available to assist residents with billing-related problems.
A service provider will start working on “a full diagnostic investigation” to determine the root causes of all billing inaccuracies. This will form the basis for the City’s implementation of a solution and Mayor Mashaba will communicate regularly on progress.
4 All key vacancies in the Finance Department will be filled as a matter of urgency. This includes a Group Chief Financial Officer, a Group Information Technology Officer, and Heads of Revenue and Accounting. All these positions will be filled “with the very best talent available in the industry” by the end of 2017.
5 Primary attention will be given to the resolution of billing queries logged at the revenue call centre. The current turnaround time, lack of feedback and poor customer care is unacceptable, according to Mayor Mashaba. The Department must turn this situation around and ensure billing queries are addressed faster and with more focus on the care of residents.
Mayor Mashaba says he apologises to residents for the manner in which they continued to suffer from the billing crisis. He will now take personal charge of the situation. “This City will be a caring City, one that will put its residents ahead of all else.”
Inthe theLoop Loop –– 55 In
Employee News
Good Governance
People’s chamber transforms Jozi skies P
erched at the top end of the historic Rissik Street the new Council chamber offers a panoramic view across the heart of the ever-changing inner city. The circular design of the building pays tribute to the African tradition of a lekgotla in which hierarchy flies out of the window when councillors deliberate as equals on the agenda of the day. Many City employees complained of the dust and noise during the construction period. However, a recent tour of the chamber confirmed that it was well worth the inconvenience and that Joburg now boasts a truly world-class facility. The chamber has been designed in such a way that it provides seating capacity for 361 councillors and 158 seats in the gallery for the public and media. This is 80 seats more than is currently required, to cater for future expansion. The state-of-the-art audio-visual and delegate system is fully
Tidy up your finances this spring
programmable and completely customisable to be updated in line with any future changes in the way that the Chamber operates. 500 jobs were created from the surrounding communities during construction. The shape is that of a transparent drum – a cylindrical structure enveloped entirely by a glass façade with vertical glass fins covering the curved outer skin of the building. The glass envelope creates an uninterrupted visual link between the indoor and surrounding outdoor spaces. This allows the outside world to have a visual connection with the building’s occupants, which is symbolic of a constant dialogue between the public and elected representatives.
Evaluate your current financial situation
A tour of the building presents a fascinating trip through the City’s history with steel and gold plates on the walls and floor, collected crafts and photographs placed in spaces and Ndebele fusion wall art at the entrance.
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Opened by Executive Mayor, Cllr Herman Mashaba, earlier this year, the building has already collected a fair share of accolades: • It was awarded the 5-Star Green award, which recognises excellence in environmental design and leadership.
Are you still on the right track to what you want to achieve? Look at the goals you’re setting and first make sure they’re SMART — or specific, measurable, actionable, realistic and timely.
• The JPC was also shortlisted for Innovative Excellence in development by the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA).
Take the time to set up some sort of organizational system. It can be a filing cabinet; it can be a digital folder on your computer.
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Do you know the status of every single credit card you’ve ever had? Do you know where your tax returns from the last seven years are? Can you dispute an incorrect charge on an account because you keep up with all statements and can locate the right one?
Arabia Property Awards.
Remember, there’s no such thing as one right way to budget your money. The perfect budgeting system is one that you can stick with and makes sense to you.
pring is a season of renewal. Plants that had been hibernating during the winter season are now coming to life in glorious colour. It’s also the ideal time to do a little spring cleaning with your finances too.
Organise your financial life
• The Joburg Property Company that managed the construction of the chamber took honours in the Public Services Development category during the Africa &
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Reconnect with your financial goals and priorities
You can’t take action or work to ‘clean up’ your financial situation if you’re unsure of what it actually looks like — from the big picture down to the details. Start with the basics: ensure you’re operating with a budget, you have a system to track your finances, and you’re living within your means.
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Prune away those unnecessary costs Lifestyle inflation is a hard thing to avoid, and it’s a trap most of us fall in to at one point or another. This spring, take a look at your spending and your expenses. Have any ‘wants’ wormed their way into the ‘needs’ category?
Re-examine your investments, insurances and other issues As life changes, so do your financial needs. If you experienced any major life changes in the last year, your insurance may simply be outdated. Update policies as necessary and make sure beneficiaries are listed correctly.
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If so, clean them out and put them back where they belong. Understand the difference between luxuries and what you truly need to live a comfortable, happy life (within your means). Stop trying to keep up with the Mthembus and the Mokoenas.
You can also do a check on your credit report. Even if you think you have great credit, or aren’t worried about credit at all, it’s important to look at your report on an annual basis so you can make sure everything is correct. If there’s a mistake, you’ll need to talk with one of the three credit bureaus to resolve the error.
The open air piazza encourages Joburg residents to come together and enjoy the various elements that have been built for their enjoyment such as the outdoor gym, the children’s playground and a large chess set.
6 – July 2017
Out of the dust and noise, the new chamber now watches over Joburg with dignity. The JPC can be congratulated for a job well completed and the wish that the City will continue to garner more accolades.
In the Loop – 19
Economic Development
Employee News
Using Jozi SME Hubs to grow the
economy Time to spring in new looks at the office S
easons change all the time, but do our dress codes also undergo changes along with the shifting calendar? Often we hear of the saying “out with the old, in with the new.” In this case, we say it to welcome spring. Following a full three months of coats, jerseys, and boots, it is now time to bring out colours, dresses and apparel to fit the warmer weather. For many, dressing up for work in winter sometimes does not feel inspirational and this is because choosing the appropriate clothing says a lot about your personality and character.
Spring is the season where flowers blossom; it is the season for entering fertile fields; a beautiful season. How we dress for work can be a reflection of this. Dressing for work does not have to be dull. Spring allows us to add some colour to our wardrobe – the season calls for it. There is a lot to consider when thinking of office wear in spring and this can include the position you hold, your sector of work, your budget and your personal preferences. Whether your dress code is business formal or even casual, you still have to look professional in whatever you choose to dress in.
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hen the new administration took office a year ago it made its mission to boost entrepreneurship and tackle unemployment in Johannesburg. In his 2017 State of the City Address Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba said: “Government has to be in tune with the people they serve. Too many of our residents remain without the dignity of work.” Johannesburg today has 862 000 unemployed people, with an unemployment rate of over 30%. “The youth of our city are the greatest causalities of this crisis, facing an unemployment rate of over 50%,” he said. That is why the City is pumping more resources into the Jozi SME Hubs, which are providing business solutions to Joburg residents. In line with the Mayor Mashaba’s 10-Point Plan, the City aims to achieve a minimum of 5% economic growth in Johannesburg by 2021.
There are plans to expand the hubs from the current seven to 12 by the end of the 2017. Through the Jozi SME Hubs, Joburg residents like Julie Nongila have been benefitting immensely. Nongila says she reached out to the SME Hub when she realised that women in the construction industry she is passionate about are few and that it would be somehow difficult for her to make her mark.
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I wouldn’t have achieved the things I have without the help of the SME Hub. The business advisers at the hub went out of their way to ensure that I navigate the business maze. So I’m glad that more hubs are being planned so that a bigger reach can be realised, says Nongila.
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The Soweto Jozi SME Hub has also assisted Tebogo Ngoasheng of Nceku Distributors with consultations, office space and a business plan review. Among other services on offer, the Jozi SME Hubs help business people with access to free internet, access to meeting and training rooms and funding facilitation. Residents interested in finding out more about the Jozi SME Hubs can visit http://jozismehub.co.za
or pop in at any of the hubs:
T o p 1 0 pract i c al t i ps:
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Waist coats instead of big furry coats can also be a nice add on;
Maybe consider shorter dresses and skirts with bright colours as opposed to the dull black and navy items we have been wearing throughout winter;
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When wearing suits, you can liven them up with bright accessories that will bring out the colour in your outfit;
Bright colours like yellow and green are a good match with neutral colours like white or grey;
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If you will be wearing jeans to work, you can add a blazer on top to have the “professional” appearance but at the same time still have the causal look;
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Not everyone is comfortable with wearing heels to work, and wearing a pair of nice pumps or flats that match with your outfit will do;
Linen-cotton or chiffon can be an option for a spring office attire, mainly because during this season the weather is warm and linen is light;
Floral or printed patterns always work well in spring;
Try dressing up in layers such as a light jacket or cardigan;
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Serious business does not have to be associated with serious-looking attire. Being visual and professional is the way to go these days;
Working out the appropriate dress codes should not be complicated but should rather embrace one’s personality and comfortability. The idea of dressing for work should not change who you are but should rather bring out the best within yourself to do exceptionally well at the office.
18 – July 2017
• Jozi SME Hub Central 59 Marshall Street, Marshalltown,Telephone: (011) 833 0340 • Soweto Empowerment Zone Chris Hani Road, Diepkloof, Soweto Telephone: (010) 492 3792 • Alexandra Motswedi Centre 17 Arkwright Avenue, Wynberg, Alexandra Telephone: (011) 440 7887 • Poortjie Community Centre Corner Kubheita Street and Foreman Street, Poortjie Telephone: (010) 492 3790 • Diepsloot Riversands 12 Incubation Drive, Riverside View, Extension 15, Midrand Telephone: (010) 492 3791 • Randburg Atrium Terrace, 272 Oak Avenue, Randburg Telephone: 086 101 9218 • Roodepoort Civic Centre 100 Christiaan de Wet Road, Florida Park Telephone: (011) 761 0423 All of these centres can be reached through the e-mail address –
info@jozismehub.co.za
In the Loop – 7
Employee News
Service Delivery
JRA getting rid of motorists’ ‘sinking feeling’
Years later, driven by passion, determination and ambition Shalin has lived up to her dream to be the best in her field. She is an extraordinary environmental health practitioner, who loves being challenged professionally.
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I am the first of four girls so I had to set an example for my sisters. I’m really interested in getting out there and making a difference. I am a go-getter and I am very passionate about research. I love environmental health to bits
MMC Makhuba says the City has fixed 117 488 potholes in the past year. This is an increase of 22% -- 26 945 – more than the number of repairs done in the comparable period in 2015/16. This was achieved despite several torrential downpours experienced during the summer rainy season which damaged roads across the City and caused a proliferation of potholes.
Shalin says with pride.
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She commended the JRA staff responsible for the maintenance of roads who worked overtime, on evenings and weekends to conduct the repairs.
Taking her field by storm
Need for long-term solutions
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oburg is winning “the war on potholes” with significant improvements being reported in the number of gaping ruts filled in the past year. Cllr Nonhlanhla Makhuba, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Transport says the success can be attributed to the allocation of resources from the City’s budget and the excellent work done by the Johannesburg Roads Agency. This followed a commitment by Executive Mayor, Herman Mashaba, that the City has declared “a war on potholes” and the assurances that additional funding would be allocated to fast-track the repair of failing road surfaces. Potholes are among the biggest sources of frustrations for city residents and featured prominently in criticisms levelled against the previous administrations by observers and the media. The JRA has developed a Find & Fix App to make it easier for road users to report potholes and notify the City about other traffic-related irritations such as missing manhole covers, weeds growing on the road and defective traffic signals. Through the App, that can be downloaded from wwwjra.org.za the public can take pictures of a pothole, locate its position, report it and get notified when it is fixed.
13 428 117 483 22% R60-million 8 – July 2017
She has broken many stereotypes in the ‘gender wars.’ Despite being in a male-dominated field, she took her department by storm and became the best achiever that she was destined to be. Shalin says “my field is dominated by males but I managed to prove my woman’s worth.”
The R60-million allocated were also utilised to appoint contractors to supplement internal capacity in dealing with the backlog. A further R28-million has been provided to recruit road maintenance staff for the JRA and address the 40% shortage in capacity. MMC Makhuba says the City’s interventions have made an impact on the quality of roads and the safety of the public. However, these are short-term fixes. The long-term solutions require the resurfacing and reconstruction of roads to improve the overall condition of the City’s network. The road network is ageing and has not been sufficiently maintained over many years. This means that potholes will continue to develop during each new rainy season and it is the intention of the City to gradually increase the budget for long-term solutions.
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I want to thank the residents of Johannesburg for their continued patience and support as we work towards improving the City’s infrastructure and building a better Johannesburg, says MMC Makhuba.
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Joburg roads in numbers:
Already she has received numerous awards for her work. She scooped the Employee of the Year awards in 2010 and 2016 and was the second runner-up at the Khanyisa Service Excellence Gauteng Provincial Awards.
A bold and driven
eco-warrior “
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e fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.”
This is the philosophy that Shalin Bidassey-Manilal lives by each day. Every day she tries to live a limit-free life. When Shalin sets her mind on something she applies the tenacity of a bull terrier and the ingenuity of a jackal to get the job done. Ever since she joined the CoJ’s Environmental Department, Shalin has displayed the ability to make people sit up and marvel at her work ethic.
She is not just excelling in her work but academically as well. In May this year Shalin obtained her Master’s degree in environmental health from the Tshwane University of Technology. She is now finalising her research proposal and getting ready to pursue her PhD studies. Her work includes raiding hijacked buildings alongside the JMPD and SAPS officers within her jurisdiction, which is in Region F of Johannesburg. “We go to buildings where there are high possibilities of drugs and crime. We sometimes do night operations where we work until the early hours of the morning and I co-ordinate that team” says Shalin. As dangerous as that may sound, Shalin says “I’m really passionate about what I do. I love the challenges that come with the job and I take obstacles in my stride”. Apart from being the top achiever professionally and academically, Shalin is a devoted wife who loves baking and enjoys reading.
For Shalin this means all the pieces in life’s jigsaw puzzle have started to fall into place. It all began several years ago in the north of Durban, where Shalin dreamt of being the best environmental health practitioner she could be.
the length in kilometres of the City road network managed by the JRA. - the number of potholes fixed by the JRA in the past year. - the percentage improvement in potholes repaired. - the amount utilised for pothole repair material and equipment.
In the Loop – 17
Human and Social Development
Employee News
Meet Ntsako, the power behind safety at substations Room for more female engineers According to Ntsako women are not well represented in this field and there are only three female colleagues in the protection department. Although Ntsako’s responsibility is to ensure that substations are safe for technicians and the equipment is safe, angry residents who confront City Power officials during power failures always make her and her team feel unsafe.
Strong female
line-up will
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Together with other female engineers at City Power she is breaking the stereotype that the electricity industry is for men only. This team of women makes sure that all substations are adequately protected and safe for technicians to work in the substations. Ntsako started working for the power utility back in 2008 as a dispatcher. Then, in 2013, she joined the protection department. The mother of two girls says she found the department a bit challenging at times as it is male-dominated and sometimes women have to constantly prove themselves in the industry.
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Sometimes men look down on you thinking maybe you do not know anything, but sometimes they are softer on you and want to assist because you are a woman.
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She says her day starts by checking if there are any reports of faulty substations in the city as a whole. In such cases City Power’s Control department, which monitors all substations on a 24/7 basis, sends out an alert. The root cause of the outage is then investigated and Ntsako and her team ensure it is safe for technicians to work and restore power in the substation. In a case where the contractors are building a new substation the protection department oversees the safety aspects and gives approval if the substation meets the required standards. “We check the drawings and everything that the contractors are doing, but only on the protection side,” she says. 16 – July 2017
Headlining this year’s show is South African songstress Thandiswa Mazwai. Other female acts include the versatile Maleh and the multi-talented Brenda Mtambo. Joining them are American jazz artist Nnenna Freelon as well as Elizabeth Kontomanou from France and the David Murray, Geri Allen and Terri Lyne Carrington trio. Nigerian-based singer, Somi, completes the female acts at the festival.
“Honestly I wouldn’t want to go to a substation alone, but lucky we don’t interact with customers. We only attend to substations. However, we encounter instances where customers come to us when they see a car at the substation,” says Ntsako. She once feared for her life when she had a project meeting in Nancefield and a group of residents gathered outside the venue and demanded answers from City Power representatives about something to do with the budget. Luckily she escaped unharmed. To make technicians feel safer and to curb vandalism of City Power infrastructure, Ntsako feels security should be provided to all substations. It is people like Ntsako we have to thank for ensuring that Joburg’s lights stay on all the time.
ot only do trees bloom in September and people walk with a new spring in their step… jazz lovers will be tapping their feet, nodding their heads and doffing their hats to an explosive sound at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. This time, a stellar female line-up will enliven the 20th edition of Jozi’s annual festival hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre from September 28 to 30.
“It gets a bit scary when residents wait for City Power officials at the gate of a substation and ask questions about power failures. Sometimes they vent their frustration over the lack of power on the officials.”
tsako Mdaka, a protection engineer at City Power never wants to miss a day at work.
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keep the feet of jazz fans tapping
Festival organisers, T-Musicman, never fall short with the inclusion of women in their annual event. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that it is held shortly after South Africa commemorates Women’s Month and they wish to carry over the spirit of celebrating women at the festival.
Marketing Jozi The City is pleased to host a festival that, ultimately, not only highlights women empowerment but also drives community development, cultural economic tourism, destination marketing, social cohesion and positioning the City as a tourism and investment destination of choice. Since inception, the festival has been showcasing emerging, local and international musical talents and brings to the South African audiences leading musicians in the world. The calibre of women included in this year’s line-up fits the narrative.
Expect the best Joy of Jazz is benchmarked line with jazz events in New Orleans, Cape Town and other similar festivals. Over the years, the festival has attracted local and international tourists to Johannesburg and contributed to boosting the local economy through the financial spend on accommodation, restaurants, souvenirs, transportation and job creation. Joburgers are known to diarise the last weekend of September for soul-enriching jazz sounds… and this time around they can expect nothing else but the very best.
The festival also hosted Geleza Kleva workshops in July as a build up to the big event in September. The workshops targeted the youth who want to be in the music industry between the ages of 18-25 (preferably those who are already in tertiary institutions studying towards their qualifications). More local female artists like renowned singer, Sibongile Khumalo, took part in this initiative to give back to younger aspiring female artists who also want to make their mark in the South African music industry.
In the Loop – 9
Human and Social Development
Employee News
Champions’ factory in heart of Soweto He was South Africa’s first black international riding champion and the centre has introduced over 700 children to horses and horse riding. 2010 was a successful year for the centre. The Soweto team became the first mixed team national champions in 2009 and again in 2010. One of the centre’s rising stars was part of the national team that represented South Africa at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in the US.
Petunia conquers Kilimanjaro
For Mandela
Looking for new challenges
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or a couple of years now Petunia Mashatola has been doing her bit for Nelson Mandela Day. This year she climbed a mountain to ensure that the legacy of Africa’s most-admired statesman continues. Petunia didn’t climb just any mountain. She scaled Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, as part of the Trek4Mandela and the Imbumba Foundation’s initiative to raise funds for sanitary towels for young girls. The City-employee, who was born in the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, spent five cold days and nights climbing Kilimanjaro during Nelson Mandela Month to raise funds for young girls at Lintsa Primary School in her home country.
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hen the City donated 11 hectares of veld smack in the middle of Rockville, Soweto, to the Soweto Equestrian Centre 11 years ago, authorities never imagined it could turn out into a champion-making factory. But one man had a vision. He competed at the highest level and left his rivals eating dust. He knew that if he could make it with the meagre resources, the centre would transform the lives of Soweto children and alter the way they looked at horses. For more than a decade, Enos Mafokate, the father of kwaito king, Arthur Mafokate, has been working seven days a week at the centre near the Soweto Cricket Oval. He has always been driven by the spirit of excellence. “One day a child from my centre will represent South Africa at the Olympic Games,” says Mafokate senior. Mafokate has a long and illustrious show-jumping career that even attracted the interest of royalty, with Britain’s Princess Anne dropping by at the centre in 2012. In 1992 he attended the Olympics as a sports ambassador for South African show jumping.
Support needed for survival But Mafokate feels like he’s swimming against the tide at the centre which also doubles up as a rehab facility for children with learning and physical disabilities. “It’s so sad when we go to competition and my children from the centre don’t have places to sleep in. I remember one time having to clean a hall in Stellenbosch so that my children could have a place to sleep in. “We have 15 horses that need to eat every day. The river sands in the area where the children practice show jumping needs to be changed often, but due to a lack of funds, we can’t.
During the gruelling five days, there were moments when I felt like giving up, but the plight of the girls who have to miss school because they can’t afford sanitary towels kept me going.
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“Summiting Uhuru (Kilimanjaro) was an experience. I cried because the feeling was so overwhelming. I also have to thank the porters who guided and supported us every step of the way. They cooked healthy meals and made sure we were hydrated. I drank six litres of water every day,” says Petunia. The mother of 12-year-old, Atlehang, is an adrenalineloving person who started hiking with her husband, Peter, in 2010 and has been hooked ever since. She has since done the gruelling 106km Amashova Durban Classic Cycle race.
She has been skiing, jumped off the Bloukrans Bridge the highest bungee jump from a bridge in the world and done several hiking trails across the country. Petunia says her adventures are a way to travel the world. “Travelling the world gives me an opportunity to appreciate people living in different circumstances and I normally come back refreshed and eager to better my life.” “To keep the momentum going, I’m now training for Telkom 947 Cycle Challenge, which is sponsored by the City,” says Petunia. Next year, she plans to enter and complete the 109km Cape Town Cycle Tour. “I believe in helping other people. Growing up in a rural area made me value life and also understand that my purpose in life is to live harmoniously within society.”
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I believe in charity work and to give back to people more disadvantaged than I am. I took part in Trek4Mandela to spread love to all the young girls, teach them a healthy lifestyle and to stay fit, says Petunia.
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“I used to walk to school under difficult circumstances. That taught me to really appreciate life and have respect for each and every person irrespective of creed and colour.” Petunia will soon be returning to Lesotho to deliver sanitary pads that will last for a year for more than 150 school girls. To help Petunia raise more funds, send an SMS to 42513 to donate R30.
“But my immediate appeal is for us to get sponsorship for my children to attend championships in Durban in September,” says Mafokate as he proudly display the numerous trophies the centre has amassed over the 10 years it’s been in existence. It would be tragic if the centre folds when old age catches up with Mafokate, who has turned 71 but looks 50 years old.
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My wish is for corporates to play a greater role in making sure that the centre is kept alive. The City has provided the infrastructure, now companies need to come on board and ensure we survive, says Mafokate.
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• You can reach Mafokate on 082 330 7030. 10 – July 2017
In the Loop – 15
Employee News
Human and Social Development
How women experience Joburg as an employer
#JoburgPools get a facelift, in time for season
Women’s Day also provides an opportunity to focus on challenges regarding women’s empowerment and gender equality and for organisations to look at measures to address these challenges. To improve women’s experience in the workplace, the City is working on a strategy to combat sexual harassment which seeks to enable women to feel safe in their working environment.
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It is the right of every person to work in an environment where they are able to feel free and safe and not victimised based on what they may be wearing on that particular day. It is critical that we protect our women.
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She adds that the City can improve women’s experience in the workplace by supporting and enabling them to perform all their duties and responsibilities and making it possible for women to be effective and successful in their careers.
Cllr Nazley Sharif, Chairperson of Gender, Youth and the Disabled.
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hether as labourers at Pikitup, drivers at Metrobus and Rea Vaya, technicians at City Power and Joburg Water women are claiming stakes for themselves, even in these traditionally masculine spaces. This Women’s Month, we acknowledge the working experiences of women employed in various parts of the city of Johannesburg. Many are pioneers working in jobs that were traditionally male dominated, but they are leading an improvement in gender representation in their spaces. Spearheading this year’s Women’s Month campaign in the City is Councilor Nazley Sharif, Chairperson of Gender, Youth and the Disabled (GEYODI), a Section 79 Committee which falls under the Legislature. Cllr Sharif says the biggest challenge facing women in the City is dealing with patriarchy and gender stereotypes in the workplace.
“The fact is that politics and leadership roles and positions were historically reserved for men. Changing this norm is difficult especially for women in leadership positions. We must develop a strategy developed on how the City is able to create spaces where women are able to excel and not compete on unfair grounds” adds Cllr Sharif.
14 – July 2017
For Rennelle Ditsela, being a female officer in the Freeway Unit of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department is a challenging experience, one that can only be overcome through dedication. She says it’s difficult for a female officer to juggle the awkward working hours with family responsibilities. “You often have to wake up early and leave your kids unattended.” Of the 2834 uniformed officers in the JMPD, 1829 are males and only 1005 are female. Ditsela, who has been with the JMPD for 10 years, says female officers are also more exposed to attacks in the current climate of abuse. “We are more vulnerable than our male colleagues. But she’s grateful that the JMPD is sensitive to the special needs female officers have in the line of duty. “When you fall pregnant for instance, they take you off the streets. As soon as your pregnancy shows, you are office bound.”
Being female in the JMPD
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t might be time to get your summer body ready. The MMC for Community Development, Nonhlanhla Sifumba and her team are inspecting all 58 pools around the city before the swimming season begins in September.
8 tips to enjoy Joburg pools
This is to ensure all pools meet the safety requirements and run all summer long with no hiccups. The team is visiting 4-6 pools a week.
2. Be courteous and accommodating of your fellow swimmers;
Swimming pools in Joburg offer great opportunities for those that are willing to invest in swimming lessons, lifesaving classes or aerobics swimming sessions for senior citizens. Even better, a pool like the one in the Southern Suburbs, Oakdene, has amazing slip-and-slide facilities which are great entertainment for children, plus, it has a great view of the city for you and your family or friends to sit back and enjoy. The first visit by the team in July started at Linden Swimming Pool, one of seven heated facilities that stay open over the winter season. They then moved to the Oakdene swimming pool, Crown Gardens, Ochse pool, Pioneer Park, Eldorado Ext 4 & 9 and the Robertsham pool with more visits to come over the following weeks. Some of the pools have ageing infrastructure dating back to as far as the 1960s which means some facilities may need more attention than others. The pool at Pioneer Park is the oldest at 100 years with the youngest public swimming place in the city being only 35 years old.
1. Alcohol and chlorine don’t mix well; stay away from liquor when you visit a public pool;
3. Treat the public swimming pool as if it is your own property; report incidents of vandalism, theft and anti-social behaviour; 4. Watch out for children – your own as well as those of others; remember the motto: “every child is my child!” 5. Most of the Joburg pools have trained lifeguards on duty; trust their judgement and experience and obey their instructions; 6. Never run along the edge of a swimming pool or push people in; 7. Take up swimming lessons and learn CPR and emergency procedures; 8. Drowning happens to adults too – “better be safe than sorry!”
MMC Sifumba and her team are proposing the closure of Robertsham pool because of vandalism. The area has drug-related challenge and there are reports that youth battling with drug abuse are stripping the pool infrastructure bare – from doors to shower heads and pipes. But, the better news is that the team has proposed replacing Robertsham pool with a skate park to meet the high demand for skating facilities in the area.
For more info please keep your eyes on #JoburgPools. You can also share your comments and concerns by using the hashtag on Twitter. In the Loop – 11
Employee News
Public Safety
Jozi crime-fighters learn new skills in China
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‘ omen in the changing workplace’ is the theme of the 2017 Women’s Day celebration that will be held on Friday 11 August in the reception area at Metro Centre. Organisers promise a “spectacular event” with various guest speakers, entertainment and “prizes galore.” The aim is to create greater awareness regarding women’s rights and to have a positive impact on the lives of female employees. More than 500 people are expected to attend the event hosted by the Employment Equity and Transformation Office within Group Human Capital Management.
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ong before they boarded their 14-hour flight to Beijing, JMPD officers Lerato Mofokeng and Zingisa Mtobela were told by many people: “You must be careful about what you eat. You might end up tucking into delicious cat or dog stew.” Embarking on their first overseas trip with seven colleagues from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, Lerato and Zingisa say it was an eye-opening experience. Not only did they learn new crime-fighting skills they hope to share with colleagues, they were also exposed to the Chinese way of life.
Take a long walk on the Great Wall Both say the food was healthy, fat free and there was always a variety to choose from. “No, there was no dog or cat meat on the menu. The food looked like it was fried in olive oil.
Although women are currently represented at all occupational levels in the City there is still a need to advance careers through preferential treatment and selection – especially in the most senior levels.
Everything we ate looked and tasted healthy. When we came back from China, people remarked that we looked healthier and slimmer,” both officers say with a laugh.
To address this disparity the EE and Transformation office is identifying and addressing the under-representation of women in their respective Departments. Heads of Departments will be encouraged to identify women candidates with potential to mentor and link them up with Women Development Programmes in order to train, develop and prepare them for promotion in those levels where gender balance does not exist.
During their three-week stay, they were taken to places of interest such as the Great Wall of China, the Emperor’s Palace (not the one next to OR Tambo Airport!) and green tea farms. “We walked along 20km of the Great Wall. It was hectic. The green tea in China is taken without sugar or milk and seems like it’s the national drink as everyone had a flask of the stuff,” says Lerato. Technology plays a major role in crime detection and prevention in China, the two officers claim. “The CCTV system and up to date laboratories are deployed by authorities to fight crime. During our brief stay in China, we didn’t come across a gun-toting police officer. That speaks volumes about the levels of crime,” says Zingisa.
Women’s rights
celebrated at major event
Patriarchy in the work place in still endemic and the City is committed to ensure there is equitable representation within each occupational level. The task of the Employment Equity and Transformation Office is to oversee and monitor departments that make appointments to senior positions to ensure there is adherence to the set gender targets. The City wants to guarantee that all employees work together to ensure that women are treated with respect and dignity. Any form of harassment in the work place and unfair discrimination against women employed by the City are not acceptable.
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Fast Facts about Women’s Day:
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I was blown away at the level of physical activity. Bicycles are the preferred mode of transport in China. At the National Police University, there are no lifts in the residences. Students use steps and after class there’s compulsory physical training for students until supper time, says Zingisa.
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For Lerato, one thing that struck a chord with her was the level of cleanliness in the Chinese cities of Beijing, Shenyang and Hangzhou. “The cities were extra clean and there’s high-vision CCTV that’s on 24/7. We saw people walking freely at night, talking on their cellphones and working on their laptops or tablets without the fear of nyaope boys,” says Lerato. July 2017 2016 2012– –September
Some interesting facts about China: 1. If you don’t own a bicycle, you can hire one for the day for 8 yuan (equal to R15).
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2. Chinese have to have an internal travel document to visit local Chinese cities and if they overstay, authorities intervene. 3. Bottled water is more popular than fizzy drinks. 4. Chinese police have to pass a four-year diploma before they hit the streets.
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National Women’s Day has been celebrated on 9 August as a national public holiday, since 1994.
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The day commemorates the historical event of 9 August 1956 when more than 20 000 women from all walks of life marched on the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the “pass laws” which placed restrictions on the free movement of black people.
The marching women left petitions signed by more than 100 000 people at the office of the then apartheid Prime Minister, J G Strijdom.
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The large crowd then started singing a protest song that was composed in honour of the occasion: Wathint'Abafazi Wathint'imbokodo! (Now you have touched the women, you have struck a rock.)
The march was led by four women with close connections to Johannesburg – Lilian Ngoyi (who was served with an order for “house arrest” in Orlando; Helen Joseph (who lived in Norwood as a union and human rights activist); Rahima Moosa (who helped to organise the mass gathering in Kliptown in 1955 where the Freedom Charter was adopted); and Sophia Williams-de Bruyn (who later served as a Member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.
Johannesburg has recognised the significance of the Women’s March of 1956 by granting the Freedom of the City to the four leaders in 2013 and renaming major streets in the CBD in their honour.
In the the Loop Loop –– 513 In