In The Loop-July 2015 by CITY OF JOHANNESBURG JOBURG

Internal Newsletter

In the Loop Issue No.

17 July 2015

Bravery of Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heroes celebrated

Contents

Arts, Sports & Culture

Message from the Executive Mayor

Action to promote breastfeeding for infants

Quality infrastructure draws investment into City

Awareness campaign to combat hepatitis

10 Things to Know about the EcoMobility World Festival 2015

12 000 years of service to City recognised by Pikitup

Joburg summit to discuss role of local government in Africa

‘Clean and green’ buses take to city’s streets’

18 7

Experts in ‘grey power’ meet in Joburg to discuss ageing

New directions to turn region into economic powerhouse

Joburg in pictures

True legacy of Mandela is celebrated through transformation

Joburg’s arts and culture scene sizzles

Taking the “first steps to future success…”

Superb music and edgy comedy will entertain Joburg audiences

Junior Council uniting youth across the City 23

Fun and food for family at fabulous fair

Rescue heroes honoured for their skills and bravery

Switched on leadership ensures bright future for Joburg

Soweto entrepreneurs and craftspeople sell their wares at the monthly fair.

Acknowledgements

Cover Credits

Chief Editor Makhudu Sefara - MakhuduS@joburg.org.za

Members of the City’s Emergency Management Services are honoured for their role in the rescue of people who were trapped in a collapsed building in Orlando.

Editor: Thomas Thale - thomasth@joburg.org.za Contributor: Luyanda Lunika - luyandal@joburg.org.za Photography: Enoch Lehung - enochl@joburg.org.za

The team has been nominated for the annual Centrum Guardians Award.

Fun and food for family at fabulous fair F

or the ultimate feast of the senses, make sure you don’t miss the monthly Soweto Art and Craft Fair at the Soweto Theatre in Jabulani. Held on the first Saturday of every month, the fair brings together the extraordinary talents of locally based craftsmen and creative artists under one roof for a supreme showcasing of the best Soweto has to offer. Held in partnership with the Soweto Theatre, the fair has been in existence since 2013 and has seen a steady increase in the numbers of both visitors and participating artists. Soweto Theatre Marketing Manager, Robert Motseko, says visitors to the fair are spoilt for choice as there is a wide and diverse range of handmade and locally-produced goods on display. The Soweto Art and Craft Fair is home to more than 25 Soweto-based artists and craftspeople, where they showcase their wares, which range from exquisite paintings and sculptures to high fashion and home decor.

In the Loop

“The diverse range offers something for everyone and caters for all tastes, making this monthly fair the perfect place to source gifts or just to enjoy a day out with the family,” says Motseko. He says the Soweto Theatre is proud to be in partnership with the fair. “We are immensely proud of the partnership we have forged with the Soweto Art and Craft Fair. It is an ideal family friendly outing with live music, featuring local performers, providing fun and entertainment for all. “Besides the fashion, arts and crafts, we also have delicious food stalls offering a delectable range of products to eat. Families regularly enjoy lunch, purchased from one of the stalls, while sitting on the grass embankments and listening to local musicians,” he says. Safe and secure parking is also available. Entrance is free and doors open at midday until 19h00. To keep up to date with all that's happening at the fair, go to Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/sacfmarket In the Loop – 23

Arts, Sports & Culture

The family-friendly Sister Act drew packed audiences to the Joburg Theatre in recent weeks but it will be followed by the somewhat more edgy comedy of Mortimer Williams.

Message from the Executive Mayor towards the people of Johannesburg in the fields of infrastructure, housing, transport, health care and public safety.

The versatile Williams has a long association with the theatre, starting his career in children’s productions and eventually branching out into musicals, TV drama and stand-up comedy.

Our mandate has not changed; but the way in which we deliver services is undergoing a process of fundamental transformation. Increasingly, we are using digital processes as the tools to redefine the way in which the City conducts its business.

“The Full Morty” is described as “the perfect combination of talent, charisma and devilish naughtiness to provide the perfect entertainment for guys and girls of all ages.” The show will be staged between 4 and 23 August and tickets are available on Computicket. Medical doctor-turned-funny man, Riaad Moosa, will host a one night only performance at the theatre on the 22nd August.

Load shedding has been the bane of many residents and businesses in Johannesburg. The national electricity network is currently under severe strain and this has had an impact on many households, industry and enterprises across the City.

Lovers of fine music will have much to choose from among the productions at the Soweto Theatre during the month.

Superb music and edgy comedy will entertain Joburg audiences W ith the winter holidays behind our backs Joburg’s theatre productions will, in August, focus on more mature audiences with some great comedy acts and a strong offering of excellent music performances.

Johnny Clegg is one of Joburg proudest export products and spent his formative years studying at Wits before taking the musical world by storm with ‘Juluka’, and his later group, ‘Savuka’. He has sold more than five million albums world-wide and received a host of honorary doctorates and awards – including the Order of Ikhamanga from the South African government – for his music and contribution to the country’s democratic transition. Clegg will be on the Mandela Stage in the Joburg Theatre for a single performance on the 18th August joined by a number of the country’s top performing artists. The proceeds of the night will go towards the fight against TB. 22 – In the Loop

Cula Mzanzi is a triple bill of three short operas written by three South African composers: Bongani NdodonaBreen wrote “Hani”; Peter Klatzow composed “Words on a Broken String” and Martin Watt wrote “Tronkvoël”. All three works will be performed from 7 to 9 August. One week later, on the 15th August, Bheka Mthethwa will be on stage with a gospel-oriented show, “Supernal Sounds”, which also includes some jazz, classics, rock and fusion music. The Soweto Opera Quadro consists of four classicallytrained members with the abilities to bring the house down with their thrilling performance and vocal pyrotechnics. Elliot Koena, Edward Mabunda, Luvuyo Mgweba and Bokang Sehau formed their quartet in 2003 and have since performed at festivals and on stages across the country and abroad. They will perform for three shows on the 21st August as part of celebrating Women’s Month. The morning and matinee performances will be for students and elderly people while the evening show will be open to the general public.

Innovation boosts Joburg’s competitive edge and efficiency Colleagues, The future of cities is increasingly dependent on innovation. It generates fresh ideas and fosters new skills required to participate in the 21st Century economy. Today, new waves of innovations are changing the way people interact with the City and equally so also determine the way in which the City responds to its citizens. As a developmental local government institution, the City remains keenly aware of its primary responsibilities

In recent months we announced the introduction of load limiting technology through smart meters that warn and, eventually, cut off excessive consumption while enabling responsible citizens and enterprises to continue with their lives unaffected during Stage 1 load shedding. In the field of public safety the expansion of our CCTV network, linked to an integrated Intelligence Operations Centre, enables us to keep a watchful eye on suspicious criminal behaviour and respond more effectively and speedily during an emergency. The newly launched green fleet of Metrobuses also carries technology which monitors driver behaviour and increases the safety of passengers. Our pilot programme to introduce digital patient records at the Slovoville Clinic in Slovoville has cut the average waiting time for patients from 45

minutes to only 10. We look forward to extend this soon to more of our clinics. Vulindlel’ eJozi, our programme which is designed to break down barriers to a variety of opportunities for the youth through skills training, job placements and further education, is supported by a digital platform. Young people can now register for this programme on their phones and trigger a digital induction and assessment process. All these – and many more – initiatives, demonstrate the innovative thrust of the City to invest in a digital technology backbone that is now available through the 900 kilometres of high-speed fibre. This provides the basis on which we could roll out universal free access to the COJWi-Fi and the internet. But providing raw access to this infrastructure does not take us very far without citizen activation. In recent days we announced the first winners of our Hack.Jozi challenge, a plan that will see the emergence of new digital entrepreneurs that will use their skills and ideas to further improve the quality of interaction between the City and citizens. Johannesburg, the smart city, has earned a well-deserved reputation for its ability to introduce innovations in a way that it delivers services to residents. There is no doubt that we intend to continue to be in the lead with digital innovations that look to improve the lives of the people of Johannesburg. Cllr. Mpho Parks Tau Executive Mayor

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In the Loop –

Arts, Sports & Culture

Economic Development

Two internationally-claimed exhibitions are on display at the Johannesburg Art Gallery. Close to Dali brings together original drawings and multiples by some of the most influential artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. It also features work done by Mexican photographer, Alinka Echeverria, titled: The Road to Tepeyac.

Quality infrastructure draws investment into City

Joburg’s arts and culture scene sizzles

Jinvestment ohannesburg’s ability to continue attracting and business is largely dependent on the

Joburg is often referred to as “a melting pot of cultures.”

quality of its economic infrastructure and the revitalisation of its urban environment. The Gauteng Infrastructure Investment Conference held in Midrand drew a wide range of private sector investors to focus on the economic potential of the region and to discuss opportunities in areas such as energy, ICT and broadband and Inner City Regeneration. Cllr Ros Greeff, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Development Planning, says this was an opportunity for Johannesburg to highlight achievements in building a sustainable and resilient City and transforming the spatial economy of the region. The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) is leading the efforts to attract investment into the City through the upgrading of public spaces and the regeneration of underperforming neighbourhoods. Thanduxolo Mendrew, the MD of the JDA says the Inner City Transformation programme is one of its key initiatives and is closely linked to the Corridors of Freedom. The objective is to build an inner city that is functional and liveable with a strong focus on mobility and transport. Some of the best-known landmarks in the inner city are being redesigned and rejuvenated to address urban management issues and create more amenable spaces for residents, visitors and potential investors. • Park Station is the busiest transport interchange in Gauteng and a vibrant link for commuters who switch between rail, bus and taxi modes of transport. Through the years it has also grown into a very active informal trading environment, but this, inevitably, created problems relating to congestion. 4– In the Loop

Street markets in the vicinity of the Joburg Arts Gallery and the Rea Vaya station have already been upgraded and the current focus is on the upgrading of linear markets along King George and Noord Streets. Over time Park Station will grow into a true “gateway to Africa” where people can celebrate the City’s diverse cultures and sample some of the local cuisine. • The Westgate Station is strategically located at the intersection of the fast-growing Newtown precinct, the old Chinatown and the upgrades already completed on Diagonal Street. It is surrounded by large parcels of vacant and underdeveloped land and the JDA is working closely with private sector owners of these properties to upgrade infrastructure, improve lighting, paving and landscaping. Pikitup’s Selby Depot will, in time, be relocated and the existing land redeveloped as a residential node with surrounding retail space. • The redevelopment of Hillbrow is high on the JDA’s agenda says Mendrew. A design plan for the precinct was drawn up and work has already started to upgrade the public environment along selected streets. The intention is to turn Hillbrow into a hub for the creative industries and the JDA is talking with Telkom to establish an enterprise hub close to the iconic Hillbrow Tower. Within the rest of the inner city the JDA has played a strategic role to invest in public infrastructure that contributes to the creation of a favourable environment for private sector investors. The Main Street Mall and the upgrading of streets in the Maboneng Precinct are examples of such investment while the city formed a partnership with Wits University to develop Braamfontein into an education and technology hub.

In the coming months, the City will live up to this reputation with the hosting of a number of vibrant and diverse cultural events at some of its epic venues, museums and galleries. From jazz to photography; indigenous art to cultural heritage…You name it, Joburg has got it. • The programme kicks off in August with the much-anticipated unveiling of the Democracy Monument on Beyers Naude Square in central Joburg. The event will take place to coincide with Women’s Day and also celebrate the renaming of streets in the city to honour struggle veterans and Freemen of Johannesburg, Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophie de Bruyn. • August 9 – Women’s Day – will also mark the opening of the Jane Plotz Photographic Exhibition at the Bensusan Museum in Newtown to honour the work of a pioneering photographer that captured the vibe of the city in the early part of the 20th century. • The focus on the visual arts continues on August 29 when the Museum Africa Auditorium hosts a Dialogue on Women in Photography. Ali Khangela Hlongwane, the City’s Deputy Director of Culture, says the events are designed to promote access to museum and galleries, foster social cohesion and raise awareness about the rights of women and their contributions to culture in Johannesburg. • The arrival of Spring in September will see Museum Africa become home to the traditional art market.

According to Hlongwane, the collection of indigenous arts and crafts on display will focus attention on the importance of traditional cultures and their ability to contribute towards sustainable economic development. • For three days – from September 11 to 13 – the Sandton Convention Centre will host the FNB Joburg Art Fair, showcasing more than 50 exhibitions of contemporary and modern galleries from eight countries. • On Heritage Day, September 24, the City will launch the Mooki Street Heritage Precinct in Orlando East, an important cultural and heritage gateway in the region. The Joy of Jazz returns to the Sandton Convention Centre in September for another show-stopping three days of the best in local and international jazz music. • The last quarter of the year will see the hosting of several must-attend events, including the launch of JoburgPedia and the unveiling of several heritage plaques. A photographic exhibition, 2015 Year of China in South Africa opens at the Bensusan Museum on 1 October. • International Remembrance Day is a global event on 8 November to pay homage to men and women who died for their countries in world conflicts. Held annually at the Cenotaph in Harrison Street, the event will pay tribute to South African soldiers, both black and white, who participated in military campaigns. • The Johannesburg Arts Gallery will be celebrating “100 years of commentary through art” with a special exhibition on November 10 and host the Gerald Sekoto Holiday Programme to celebrate the Day of Reconciliation on December 16.

In the Loop – 21

Economy FinancialGreen Sustainability

Joburg in pictures Picture 1: Executive Mayor, Mpho Parks Tau, was among a select group of global leaders in local government who attended a meeting at the Vatican City, hosted by Pope Francis. Cllr Tau participated in the two day event arranged by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences to discuss the challenges of modern day slavery and climate change. He called for higher levels of social cohesion to address issues relating to xenophobia against migrants in urban communities.

seamless transport system where people can switch from the Gautrain to Metrobus and Rea Vaya, to taxis, to cycling and walking in one, integrated network. 6. The Mayor likes the idea “We want to show the world that an ecomobile future is possible and that public transport, walking and cycling can be accessible, safe and attractive…” Cllr Mpho Parks Tau, Executive Mayor of Johannesburg.

Picture 2: Johannesburg’s new Ombudsman, Adv. Siduduzo Gumede, took office in recent weeks. Adv. Gumede, centre, was welcomed at a function attended by the City Manager, Mr Trevor Fowler, Executive Mayor Cllr Mpho Parks Tau, Adv. Dali Mpofu and the Deputy Public Protector, Adv. Kevin Sifiso Malunga.

Picture 3: The Office of the Ombudsman was established in line with the City’s commitment to transparency, accountability and good governance.

7. You can have your say A number of EcoMobility dialogues will be hosted from 5 to 9 October where members of the public can join international experts and activists to discuss the role of transport in climate change and what it will take to achieve an ecomobile future.

10 Things to Know about the EcoMobility World Festival 2015 2

1. It is coming to Sandton in October Joburg will be the second major world city to host this global event in partnership with Local Governments for Sustainability. In 2013 it attracted more than 600 delegates from 40 countries to join the million residents of Suwon in South Korea for a month of car-free activities.

Attending the function to welcome Adv. Siduduzo Gumede were Cllr Mally Mokoena, the MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, Ms Busi Ngwenya, Mr Wilson B Nkosi and Ms Tilly Michaels. Picture 4: The new Johannesburg Ombudsman will act as an interface between the City administration and the public and be a “neutral facilitator of last resort.” Among the guests at his welcoming were senior City officials, Ms Toivo Mohapi and Ms Vicky Shuping as well as Adv. Gcwali Twala.

2. Take a look at your future Residents and visitors will get a glimpse of a future city where public transport takes precedence and infrastructure is in place to encourage walking and cycling.

Picture 5: Youth leaders in the City recently participated in a Student Council Conference in Magaliesburg. Among the participants were Ms Brenda Andrews, Manager: Civic Education in the Office of the Speaker, Student Council alumnus, Mr Wade Manning and Mr Darren August who delivered a motivational talk. Picture 6: Leading from the front: City Manager, Trevor Fowler, the City’s First Lady, Philisiwe Twala-Tau and Gauteng Premier, David Makhura joined thousands of walkers at the Discovery 702 Walk The Talk.

8. It is not ‘all talk and no play’ Sandton in October will be a real fun place to be. Pop-up parks, restaurants and food stalls and entertainment stands will be located on the roads that are being closed for normal traffic. Members of the public will be able to take a ride on ecomobility vehicles that are used in other cities in the world such as tuk-tuks, pedicabs and electric vehicles. 9. You can bring your friends. The streets of Sandton will be alive with activities and opportunities for leisure throughout October. Sporting activities such as action soccer and action netball will be hosted and daily walks and cycle rides for the whole family will take place to encourage healthy living. 10. The future starts… now Sustainable transport can help to mitigate climate change and reduce carbon emissions. The decisions we take today – as both government and private residents – will determine the future for coming generations. For more information visit www.joburg.org.za or www.ecomobilityfestival.org or watch the documentaries at www.theurbanidea.com

3. It is all about the bike… and the legs. Parts of the Sandton CBD will be sealed off for private vehicles during the festival and the streets will be turned into pedestrian - and biker friendly environments. 4. Joburg is showing the way The City has already initiated the construction of dedicated cycle lanes and improved sidewalks across Johannesburg. A 5-kilometre development in Orlando, Soweto, is completed; the route linking Alexandra with Sandton and a 20km stretch in Ivory Park will be finished in 2016.

20 – In the Loop

5. Seamless rides are possible Safe public transport alternatives are vital to the success of an ecomobile future. The City is working to develop a In the Loop –

Economic Development

Good Governance

Urban regeneration: A start has been made to regenerate the central business districts of areas such as Eldorado Park, Lenasia, Ennerdale and Orange Farm as well as the resuscitation of industrial areas in Eldorado Park, Anchorville, Nancefield, Ennerdale and Orange Farm.

Building on existing strengths: Johannesburg will host the 7th Africities Summit on Local Government organised by the United Cities in Local Government (UCLG Africa) in November. The summit is held every three years to look at issues affecting urban and economic development in African cities with a particular focus on finding ways to share best practice, new innovations, and experiences and explore possible solutions.

“We have a very young population and huge tracts of agricultural land, which means we have a huge potential for economic growth,” says Padiachee. The CBDs are growing and Lenasia is experiencing industrial growth with the establishment of some factories.

Joburg summit to discuss role of local government in Africa

M ore than 5 000 representatives from cities and local governments across the continent will attend the 7th Africities Summit in Johannesburg in November.

Africities is an event organised by United Cities and Local Governments in Africa (UCLG-A), an umbrella body that unites municipalities, discusses issues of shared interest and make proposals on how to address common challenges. It links 2 000 cities with more than 100 000 inhabitants as well as 40 local government associations, thus representing the interests of 350-million African citizens. Executive Mayor, Cllr Parks Tau, says the Africities Summit “has developed into the premier showcase for developmental innovations by local governments and cities on the continent.” This year’s theme is: “Shaping the Future of Africa with the people: the contribution of African local authorities to Agenda 2063 of the African Union.” Agenda 2063 was adopted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the 50th Summit of the African Union in 2013. It sets out a roadmap for African development over the next five decades and envisages how a united continent can contribute towards Africa having a greater say in global affairs.

The week-long event at the Sandton Convention Centre will consist of a number of thematic sessions during which local government leaders, academics and civil society organisations will discuss issues such as: • How can Africa respond to the impact of globalisation and the structural imbalances it created? 6 – In the Loop

• What steps should be taken to accelerate the movement towards democratisation in Africa, especially at local level? • What can be done to improve regional cooperation between countries and local government on the continent? • What are some of the best practices employed by cities in Africa and how can these experiences serve as examples for other cities? Mayor Tau says for African cities to survive and prosper in the 21st Century, city governments must work closer with their constituencies. African economies are growing at an average of 6% rivalling those of East Asia. This growth is driven by natural resources, a vibrant services sector, rising private investment, increased exports and improved agricultural production. However, Africa is still lagging behind on achieving the Millennium Development Goals targets, particularly on poverty, job creation and food security. “We must send out a clear message that as African cities, regions and local authorities, we remain committed to serving our people by involving them in decision-making processes,” says Mayor Tau. “This will ensure that as governments we are not disconnected from our people.” • Employees and residents of Joburg can join in the discussion preceding the event and follow proceedings through Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Africit%C3%A9s/272 748922823607?fref=ts and Twitter https://twitter.com/Africites

Regional Director, Mickey Padiachee, directing the resurgence of Region G.

Padiachee views the opening of the Orange Farm Mall and the creation of opportunities and jobs for emerging entrepreneurs and residents as important developments in the region.

into economic powerhouse Addressing the weaknesses: Among the biggest drawbacks are the lack of infrastructure and the absence of a reliable public transport system. Investor confidence is in short supply because of the high number of informal settlements. Padiachee’s objective is to “redefine and repackage” the region’s profile.

He is optimistic about the Jozi@Work and Vulindlel’ eJozi programmes which, he says, have the potential to economically empower and create jobs for the residents – especially the youth – on an unprecedented scale. In the short term, the region is to spend R11-million to roll out 17 development projects over the next six months.

Grabbing opportunities: The intention is to package the land into incentive schemes and create five-year tax rebate holidays to attract property developers. There is also room for growth in the agricultural sector and an opportunity to build a bio-fuel plant.

In the Loop – 19

Human and Social Development

Economic Development

Regular exercises contribute to healthy ageing.

Experts in ‘grey power’ meet in Joburg to discuss ageing

The Orange Farm Mall contributes to economic opportunities in Region G.

New directions to turn region Just eight months into his tenure as the administrative head of Region G, the 50 year-old Mickey Padiachee, faces one of the most daunting tasks he has ever confronted in his career in local government. Among the challenges that keep the former Randfontein City Manager awake at night is the region’s inability to create quality and sustainable jobs and to stem the tide of residents leaving the area for the Johannesburg inner city in search of better economic and educational opportunities. But the fact that he has lived in Lenasia, the region’s most well-developed and biggest urban neighbourhood, for most of his life, means Padiachee has first-hand knowledge of the challenges facing the more than 800 000 residents of this economically marginalised area. The reality that Region G has the highest poverty index in Johannesburg and a total of 54 informal settlements – between Naturena in the north and Orange Farm in

18 – In the Loop

the south – does not faze this administrator who describes himself as “an activist at heart.” He wants to reverse the situation by creating conditions that would bring investments into the region so it could become economically viable and grow from strength to strength. Since he took over the reins Padiachee has initiated a number of sector-based mini-summits involving agriculture, retail, wholesale and home-based industries in a bid to turn the region around. These will culminate in a bigger economic gathering during which all the role players and interested parties will try to find solutions to the region’s socio-economic woes.

lobal trends in the care of older people in society will be under the spotlight at the World Congress on Healthy Ageing hosted in Johannesburg in early August. Councillor Nonceba Molwele, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development, says the congress at the Sandton Convention Centre will bring together medical professionals, academics, care givers and legislators from across the world to discuss the wide range of challenges associated with a rapidly ageing population. “People across the world now live longer than they did in the past,” says MMC Molwele. “This is a reason to celebrate because it shows that ‘cradle to grave’ health care programmes are achieving results.”

The well-known exercise expert, Prof Tim Noakes, a recipient of the Order of Mapungubwe, is among the keynote speakers. Other well-known participants are Dr Yen Choo, who heads research into stem cells in the United Kingdom, Prof Suresh Rattan head of the Laboratory of Cellular Ageing in Demark, Prof Sean Davison of the Department of Biotechnology at the University of the Western Cape and former soccer great, Marks Maponyane. MMC Molwele says she is confident that the Johannesburg conference will lead to new perspectives on ageing and global changes in the way in which society utilises the life experience and knowledge of elderly people as a vital social resource.

“However, it does lead to specific health challenges and we must ensure we provide the necessary facilities and train our health care professionals to meet the unique needs of older people,” she says. The central theme of the Johannesburg conference, which is supported by the World Health Organisation, is “Bridging the Ageing Divide.” The programme includes lectures, discussions and presentations on a number of issues relating to ageing, including medical, psychological and social aspects as well as the benefits of exercise, diet and current research into treatment.

Councillor Nonceba Molwele, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development. In the Loop – 7

Employee News

Opinion

True legacy of Mandela is celebrated through transformation

lobal icon Nelson Mandela once declared his intention “to drive his cattle through the main streets of Johannesburg,” to demonstrate his fondness for the City which has been “the place of our political birth.” Such was the affection of the Father of South Africa’s democracy to the City where he first arrived as a young man of 23 that he wanted to invoke a long-standing custom traditionally afforded to people who receive the Freedom of a City. Eighteen months after his untimely departure, Joburgers joined the rest of South Africa – and, indeed the world – in commemorating Nelson Mandela’s legacy during the month of July. As we celebrate the annual Mandela Day by contributing to good causes, or joining fellow Joburgers for 67 minutes of service to the community, it is a good opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of his legacy to our country and City. Nelson Mandela was not a saint or a leader without flaws or shortcomings. He never saw himself as someone who should be afforded preferential treatment because of the leadership positions he held or his legendary status in the eyes of millions across the world who followed his example.

prepared to sacrifice his life – for his opposition to oppression and discrimination and his commitment to a just and equitable society. He preached – and practiced – reconciliation after his release from prison but never ceased to identify injustices and devote the remainder of his public career towards the eradication of inequality and the economic emancipation of his people. Under his leadership and guidance South Africa underwent a process of fundamental political and social transformation including the dismantling of the legal edifice that created and bolstered the apartheid system. The processes initiated by him and his fellow leaders in the liberation struggle are not yet completed. True followers of the Mandela legacy will recognise the need to continue the work his generation started. It is in this spirt that the City of Johannesburg – the place where his public career started and concluded – continues to honour his legacy through the fundamental transformation of our urban landscape.

His was a life of public service especially during the 67 years that he spent in the public eye – first as a young political activist in the ANC Youth League, then as a prisoner of conscience on Robben Island and in Pollsmoor prison and later as the first democratically-elected president of a reborn South Africa.

Our youth-oriented programmes and the Jozi@Work programme recognise the fact that Madiba saw citizens of a democratic South Africa as active participants in shaping their future. Initiatives such as the Corridors of Freedom honour his commitment to create an inclusive society where every citizen of Johannesburg can call this place a home and has the symbolic right to “drive his cattle through the main street.”

But Nelson Mandela was never a mere “do gooder” or a person without profound political convictions or social conscience. He went to prison for 27 years – and was

This is the true legacy of Nelson Mandela which should inspire us to contribute positively towards society, not only during July 2015, but through our entire lives.

8 – In the Loop

‘Clean and green’ buses take to city’s streets J

oburg commuters can now travel in eco-friendly buses driven by well-trained and safety-conscious drivers. The first 70 ‘clean and green buses’ – of an eventual fleet of 190 vehicles – have arrived on the streets of the City. The new fleet confirms the commitment made by Executive Mayor, Mpho Parks Tau, that “the green revolution has started” in Johannesburg. Through this initiative the City is setting an example for the transport industry and laying the foundation for the growth of a local biogas industry. ‘New Beginnings’ Metrobus will have a new fleet of 190 new buses operating by mid-2016. The first batch of 70 is already on the streets, branded in the new colours that are similar to those of the Rea Vaya BRT because “we want to demonstrate that this is also quality public transport and that Metrobus is part of an integrated transport system in the City of Joburg”, says Lisa Seftel, Executive Director of Transport in the City. The Metrobus logo will still be clearly identified on the side and back. Cleaner fuel The new buses, and the rest of the existing Metrobus fleet, are progressively converted to run on a mixture of CNG/ biogas (70%) and diesel (30%). Compressed natural gas (CNG) is safer for the environment because it is lighter than air and disperses quickly when released. Better for the environment Transport is the source of 73% of all greenhouse gas emissions in Johannesburg. By switching to biofuels for the buses, and converting a large portion of its vehicle fleet, the City is taking an important step to shift to a low-carbon economy, as envisaged in the 2040 Growth and Development Strategy.

Starting a ‘green revolution’ The Metrobus initiative is the start of a far-reaching process. New Rea Vaya buses will also be fitted with the new technology and the City is in talks with the taxi industry to convert their vehicles. A first filling station with CNG pumps is already operational in Langlaagte. Plugging into local knowledge The City is working together with the University of Johannesburg and the Vaal University of Technology to make the programme a success and search for further innovation. The intention is to make Metrobus a Centre of Excellence for green public transport. Growing our own fuel Future innovation will include research on the production of biogas from landfill sites and the growing of crops on mine dumps and empty pieces of land that can be harvested and converted to fuel. Improving safety The introduction of the new fleet is accompanied by a new training programme for Metrobus driver to enable them to master advanced driving skills and techniques. Vehicle tracking technology in the buses will monitor driver behaviour and send alerts about erratic driving techniques that may endanger the lives of passengers. Creating jobs and supporting industry Large portions of the manufacturing and conversion work is being allocated to local companies that create jobs and increase the skills levels of their workers, including Daimler-Benz (chassis), Busmark (refurbishing), Vehicle Gas Solutions (conversion to dual fuel), Natural Gas Vehicles (CNG production) C-track and Geotab (tracking technology).

In the Loop – 17

Human and Social Development

Employee News

mentorship as an avenue to identify talent and to develop a new generation of leadership within the organisation. According to Vallabh the initiative can draw on a database of experienced and inspirational women who are prepared to share their own life experiences and give advice to young girls. Many of them are professionals and they range in ages between 28 and 73.

Some of the future leaders who participated in the recent Mentoring Walk. Pikitup Managing Director, Amanda Nair, with some of the recipients of long-service awards.

12 000 years of service to City recognised by Pikitup

Taking the “first steps to future success…” T he Mentoring Walk is designed to bring together women with experience -- as ‘mentors’ -- and rising

youth leaders -- as ‘mentees’ -- for a process of information sharing and relationship building.

“ en and women of steel…” is how MMC Matshidiso Mfikoe described the dedicated Pikitup employees who recently received long-service awards from the City.

than 12 000 years of service to the City of Johannesburg and its residents. Nine of the employees started working for the City as far back as 1973.

The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Environment and Infrastructure Services was speaking at an event held at the Orlando Stadium where some 670 staff members with more than 12 years’ experience were recognised.

Dr Trish Hanekom, the Chairperson of the Pikitup Board commended staff members for their loyalty towards the City and said they enabled the utility to “deliver on our mandate in keeping the City clean and deliver service to its citizens.” Their efforts will contribute towards Pikitup’s endeavour “to be the leading waste company in Africa.”

Between them the recipients have accumulated more

Hema Vallabh, the local initiator of the Global Mentoring Walk, says the informal and relaxed setting within which the mentoring takes place, sets it apart from other programmes and contributes to its effectiveness. “For many young people our walks represent the first steps to success in their later lives,” she says. The first meeting between mentor and mentee takes place during a casual walk in a park or a public facility. This helps to build a relationship of trust and enables both participants to share opinions, concerns and life-skills advice.

“They all share a passion to contribute towards the growth of our community and to ‘pay forward’ from their own experiences,” she says.

Potential mentees can apply to become part of the programme and a group of 50 is selected from the applications. The organisation then takes great care in matching the profiles of mentors and mentees and to identify relationships that might achieve the best potential outcomes. Vallabh says the intention is that the Mentoring Walk should not be a once-off encounter. Depending on the quality of the interaction, the relationship will grow and the mentors will continue to be a source of advice and support to the young mentee.

• More information about the programme is available on the website: www.thepassionateprofessional.org on Facebook: ThePassionateProfessional or Twitter: @PassionateProf

The City of Johannesburg is a partner in this programme and one of the Mentoring Walks was hosted in Marks Park. With the celebration of International Women’s Day in March, Johannesburg was one of 73 cities that took part in this global event. During Youth Month, a group of 50 young girls participated in the walk through Constitution Hill where they not only learned about the historical significance of the venue but also had the opportunity to interact with their mentors. Zanele Nkosi from the Department of Community Development says the City has grasped the opportunity to become involved in the programme and a number of employees participated in the events that have already been held. She says the City is serious about the concept of

16 – In the Loop

Helma Vallabh, centre, the facilitator of the Mentoring Walk in conversation with participants. In the Loop – 9

EmployeeHealth News

Human and Social Development

A Source of virus

Members of the Johannesburg Junior Council during a recent leadership conference.

Junior Council uniting youth across the City S

ix months after its inauguration, the Johannesburg Junior Council can already look back on a very successful term and progress in its efforts to address issues facing the youth in the City. Junior Mayor, Innocent Marubini, says the Council is reaching out to schools across Joburg to unite young people coming from different backgrounds - but with a shared stake in the future of the country. The 16-year old Marubini – the youngest Junior Mayor since the inception of the Student Council in 2007 – says they are participating in a number of projects which can make a difference in the lives of young people. Among the highlights that he mentions are: • A “shoebox programme” through which all councillors collected stationery, clothes and small gifts over the Christmas period. The students collected more than 300 gift boxes which were distributed to three orphanages in Eikenhof, Eldorado Park and Alexandra. This project was in collaboration with the office of the First Lady of Johannesburg, Ms Pilisiwe Twala-Tau. • A Mayoral priority programme to collect books for school libraries. Marubini says he was fortunate to have councillors visit his own school, the Vuwani Secondary School in Chiawelo, where a handover of books will be done later in the year. • Participating in the launch of the City’s Healthy Lifestyle campaign at the Ponolopele Secondary School in Ivory Park. The campaign encourages schools to serve only healthy foods in tuck shops and to promote physical activity among learners. 10 – In the Loop

Brenda Andrews, the programme manager in the Office of the Speaker says the Student Council has achieved tremendous success. Officials involved with the project will now embark on a process to assist Metros in Gauteng to create similar programmes. The Johannesburg Junior Council consists of some 100 members drawn from 56 schools within the City. At the start of their two-year term of office, the councillors participate in a leadership programme which culminates in the election of a 10-member Executive Council. In addition to a Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Speaker the portfolios are aligned with that of the Johannesburg Mayoral Committee with a dedicated focus on issues such as health, safety, environment and youth affairs. Marubini says the Council is an important platform for social cohesion among young Joburgers and a forum for leadership development. “I am grateful for the opportunities I receive to meet with young people from across all communities, to listen to their views and to share a mutual respect for the opinions of other people,” he says.

Viral Hepatitis - Overview Type of Hepatitis B C D

feaces

blood/ blood-derived body fluids

feaces

mucous membrane

feacal-oral

Route of transmission

feacal-oral

mucous membrane

Chronic Infection

yes

Prevention

pre/post exposure immunisation

pre/post exposure immunisation risk behaviour

pre/post exposure immunisation risk behaviour modification

ensure safe drinking water

Awareness campaign to combat hepatitis T he ‘good news’ about hepatitis is that it can be prevented. And it can be cured. The ‘not so good news’ is that many people are not adequately informed about the potentially debilitating disease that affects the liver and therefore do not take the necessary precautions or seek treatment. The City of Johannesburg is joining the global community to raise awareness about the group of viral diseases known as hepatitis. It affects hundreds of millions of people and, if untreated, can cause acute and chronic liver disease. “Close to 1.5-million people world-wide die from hepatitis every year,” says the World Health Organisation (WHO), “fatalities that can be prevented.”There are different types of viral hepatitis – A, B, C, D and E – with types A and B considered to be the most common. Poor sanitation and lack of clean water are the primary causes of most of forms of hepatitis, especially A, which places communities living in informal settlements, particularly at risk. In Johannesburg the vaccination of all children under the age of two is part of the City’s comprehensive immunisation programme.

Although his term of office has given him a taste of life in the public eye, his first priority is to complete high school before continuing his studies in the actuarial sciences.

All newly-appointed employees of the City are also screened for hepatitis and vaccinated if required. Their condition is then monitored to determine whether they require further treatment.

We may yet see him on the political scene in future years… after all he is inspired by the words of the former US politician, Senator Robert Kennedy:

A growing cause of concern is the prevalence of the more virulent forms of hepatitis among the youth, mostly caused by drug use and unsafe sexual practices.

“There are those who look at things the way they are and ask why… I dream of things that never were and ask why not?”

The sharing of needles among drug users often lead to the spreading of the disease and it can also be transmitted by having sex with a partner who has hepatitis.

Mary Daka, Deputy Director: Public Health, says accurate information is the best way to combat the disease. Awareness and prevention programmes form part of the City’s health promotion activities. This is especially done during youth events where information about hepatitis is shared as part of education on drugs and substance abuse. Another priority for the City is to look after the well-being of health care professionals. The risk of transmission following a single needle stick injury may be as high as 30% compared with 0.3% for HIV. Using sterile, single-use syringes can greatly reduce the risk to both medical staff and patients. Great care is taken to ensure all health care workers – including porters, cleaners and maintenance staff – who might come into contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected patients are vaccinated, adequately informed about the risks and monitored.

Typical signs of hepatitis: • • • • • •

Flu-like symptoms, including fever Jaundice – a yellow discolouration of the skin, dark urine and pale stools; Loss of appetite; An enlarged and tender liver; Abdominal pain and tenderness; Nausea and vomiting.

If any of these symptoms persist, it is wise to visit a City clinic and consult a medical professional.

In the Loop – 15

Health

Employee News

medicines prescribed by doctors or health care workers. Dr Bismilla says information about the benefits of breastfeeding, and the dangers of infant formula, is given to pregnant mothers at clinics across Johannesburg as part of the City’s maternal and child health programmes.

Why ‘Breast is Best’ for a baby’s health. Fact 1: Breast milk is the best source of perfectly balanced nutrient for newborns. They can digest it easily and it helps to protect babies against illnesses such as diarrhoea, allergies and chest infections. The importance of breastfeeding is explained to young mothers during visits to clinics in the city.

Action to promote breastfeeding for infants T he importance of breastfeeding in reducing infant mortality and ensuring long-term health will again be highlighted by health care professionals in the City in August. World Breastfeeding Week is an international outreach programme supported by the World Health Organisation and celebrated in more than 120 countries. The South African Government – and the City – have identified breastfeeding as one of the most important priorities in their maternal and child health programmes. “Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a child’s life is the most effective way to ensure its health and prevent the development of conditions such as obesity, asthma and allergies at later stages,” says the Executive Director of Health, Dr Refik Bismilla. The City strongly supports the National Government’s approach of “exclusive breast feeding.” This means giving the baby only breast milk with no supplementary feeding of any type – no water, juice, animal milk, infant formula or solid foods – except for vitamins or

14 – In the Loop

Emergency rescue workers who responded to the incident at the Orlando Towers.

Rescue heroes honoured for their skills and bravery

Fact 2: Breastfeeding reduces infant mortality. If mothers initiate breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, then 22% of babies who would have died within their first month could be saved. This is equivalent to saving the lives of almost one million children a year, world-wide.

IWednesday t is 07h00 on a cold winter’s morning in Soweto: 24 June 2014. The Johannesburg Emergency

Fact 3:

For the next 24 hours fire fighters, K9 units, paramedics, urban search and rescue workers, as well as medical professionals will work tirelessly to ensure those pinned beneath the rubble can make their way to safety and recover the remains of those who perished.

More than half of the deaths of children under the age of five can be linked to malnutrition. This deadly cycle can be broken by the promotion of the correct breastfeeding practices. Fact 4: Breastfed babies have a lower risk of becoming obese, diabetic, having cancer and heart disease later in life and less likely to develop asthma, allergies and rashes. Fact 5: Breastfeeding is good for the health of mothers. Studies have shown that mothers who breastfeed have lower risks of developing breast and ovarian cancer or suffer from bone loss later in life. Fact 6: Breastfeeding is the ideal way for a mother to bond with her baby as the newborn feels her warmth and hears her heartbeat and breathing. It also provides frequent eye and voice contact.

Management Services (EMS) receive an urgent report that an old building at the Orlando Towers has collapsed. A team from the Jabulani Fire Station is immediately dispatched to the scene.

This month the courageous actions of the 24-hour rescue team has been recognised by the Centrum Guardians Project, an initiative set up to honour the contributions of emergency services across the country in saving lives and creating safer communities. The EMS team arrives on the scene and immediately realises that they will have to evacuate the building – the size of a football field – as it was unstable and unsafe. They do an initial reconnaissance, calling out in the hope that people who are trapped under the rubble might hear them. People reply to their calls in hysterical voices. Three victims respond initially and later they hear the sounds of a fourth… and a fifth person. By now, the heavy duty rescue vehicle and the first members of the Urban Search and Rescue crew have arrived on the scenes. Officers Mucavele, Mnguni and Netshituni take charge to assess the situation and assign the highly-qualified rescue workers to enter an unstable structure to conduct the search. By 10h00 a full-scale rescue operation is in progress. To get to the survivors the technicians have to drill through a concrete floor, cut through one meter wide steel beams and move massive blocks of rubble.

One survivor is found trapped under concrete and steel. The rescuers have to crawl for hours through the rubble to reach him. They stabilise his situation and insert a drip into his arm. Five Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedics are on standby and teams from Ekurhuleni, the West Rand and Rescue SA also arrive to render assistance. The fifth victim is located deep underneath the rubble and it soon becomes apparent that his life can only be saved if his arm is amputated. EMS contacts the Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital and a trauma surgeon and medical team are dispatched to the scene. Space has to be created for the surgeon to perform the amputation. It takes four hours to dig a big enough hole for the emergency surgery while ALS members take turns to talk to the patient and keep his condition stable. By 03h30 the next morning the last survivor is freed and taken to hospital. The EMS crew is sent home to take a much-needed rest. They would be back five hours later to continue searching. Eventually, eight more bodies would be retrieved over the next four days. • The team from the Johannesburg Emergency Management Services that participated in the rescue consisted of: Andries Mucavele, Fana Mnguni and Paul Chetty (Divisional Chiefs); Calvin Netshilongwe and Molato Tshabalala (Platoon Commanders); Matsoso Maje, Maxwell Radebe and Lawrence Ramarumo (Rescue Technicians); Jacques Malan, Enos Netshituni and Freddy Morukhu (Station Commanders). Watch the dramatic re-enactment of the rescue performed by EMS on the website http://www. centrumguardian.com/stories/24-hour-rescue-team/ and vote for the City team to be named winners of the 2014/5 Centrum Guardians award. The votes of the public count 50% to the final score and is supplemented by an assessment of a panel of experts drawn from emergency rescue services and the media. In the Loop – 11

Employee News

The City Power team walked away with the top awards at the African Utility Week function recently hosted in Cape Town. Managing Director, Sicelo Xulu was named as Executive of the Year.

City Power MD, Sicelo Xulu, was named as Executive of the Year at the recent African Utility Week 2015. He was presented with the award by the MD: Resources at Accenture, Mr Brett Grobbelaar.

Switched on leadership ensures bright future for Joburg H

e has been hailed as the “man who keeps Joburg’s lights burning,” but Sicelo Xulu is reluctant to take personal credit for what he describes as a combination of “leadership vision” and “teamwork on the ground.” At a time when the country experiences some of its ‘darkest hours’ – both literally and figuratively – Johannesburg is proving to be an exception, through the introduction of innovative methods to shield businesses and residents from the worst impact of load shedding. As an electrical engineer with a Master’s degree from the University of Johannesburg, Xulu knows the power business inside out and has been leading City Power as Managing Director since 2010. He took over at a time when public perceptions about power utilities were at their lowest ebb. The combined impact of billing queries, ageing infrastructure, power cuts and Eskom’s load shedding created a ‘perfect storm’ situation which the City had to overcome to win back the confidence of consumers. “I fully understand the frustration of households and businesses when they have to deal with power cuts and load shedding,” says Xulu in his 4th floor office at the City Power headquarters in Selby. “People are dependent on a reliable supply of electricity and they take it personally when the lights go out.” 12 – In the Loop

Keeping the dynamo turning But for Xulu and his team it is more than dealing with the frustrations of individuals being unable to switch on a light or turn on the stove. It is, more importantly, about Johannesburg’s role as the economic dynamo of a region and its ability to attract and retain investment. “The business and industrial sectors take decisions on whether to make new investments or expand their facilities, based on the quality and reliability of infrastructure,” he says. A consistent source of electricity remains at the top of the list of priorities and this has a ripple effect on economic growth and job creation. The first step in the confidence building process was to address the billing issues through the City’s step-change programme. The next was to use technology available through “smart meters” to provide solutions that can ensure long-term beneficial results for the City. This is combined with a comprehensive roll-out of photo-voltaic solar panels in new residential developments. Xulu describes it as “out-of-the-box thinking,” the ability to look at conventional solutions in an unconventional way. And he credits Executive Mayor, Parks Tau, for his vision and unstinting support for efforts to turn the power supply situation in Johannesburg around.

The power that can be saved exceeds that which is generated by the City’s Kelvin power station. But Xulu’s own contribution has not gone unnoticed by his peers who recently named him as the African Utility Executive of the Year. The SA Institute of Electrical Engineers honoured him with its Young Achievers’ Award in 2006 and he was recently elected as President of the Association of Municipal Electricity Undertakings (AMEU). In addition to his membership of various professional associations and councils he serves as a Director of the South African National Energy Association. The Mangosuthu University of Technology presented him with its Corporate Leadership Award in 2012.

Ever the engineer Xulu has the facts and the figures, the megawatts and the number of households connected to the grid through smart meters at his fingertips. And these figures are, indeed impressive – 92 000 smart meters already installed, saving the city more than 200 megawatts in power. This will grow to 150 000 meters and, eventually, 330 000 installed in households alone.

Communication is top priority Technology is important and the City’s introduction of “load limiting” – where household consumption is controlled remotely during peak hours – is widely regarded as a leading innovation in the world. But for Xulu, communication with the consumers of power is even more important. Organised business and industry is consistently kept informed about City Power’s plans to address the current challenges in power generation and Xulu has an open-door approach towards the media to ensure residents of Johannesburg are adequately informed. “Our success is highly dependent on our ability to change behaviour and consumption patterns among our clients,” he says. This will enable the City to keep the lights burning, despite the medium term threats posed by load shedding and, eventually, also benefit all consumers through lower monthly electricity bills.

In the Loop – 13