In the loop March 2014 by CITY OF JOHANNESBURG JOBURG

Internal Newsletter

In the Loop Issue No.

March 2014

Joburg leads on green issues Accolades for C40

Productivity

INSIDE

Joburg Performance

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Contents 3

Message from the Executive Mayor

Joburg leads on green issues

Welcome Celebrating our Democracy

Joburg is financially strong

Productivity improvement project to move Joburg toward 2040 vision Joburg wins accolades for its hosting of C40

World Mayors rave about Joburg

Many benefit from JMPD recruitment

Meetings Africa cements Joburg as a premium business destination

Resounding success for Joburg Open as it joins the big league

Skills audit to make Joburg a city with smart workers

Time to hit the road and stay healthy

Mayor joins in the ride for freedom

New appointments

Rea Vaya routes extend Corridors of Freedom

Joburg salutes top matric achievers

C40 visitors enjoy Joburg hospitality

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Message from the Executive Mayor The dawn of a new year is always a time to take stock, set new goals and face the future with renewed vigour. I hope we feel reinvigorated to face up to the challenges and opportunities of 2014 – the year we celebrate the 20th anniversary of our democracy and hold National and Provincial elections. This year will be one of political excitement and celebration of our democracy. It will be a milestone for us to look back at our performance of the past 20 years, celebrate our undeniable achievements and recommit ourselves to do even more to improve the lot of our people. As a city we have much to look forward to, much to be proud of, but also a lot of challenges to face up to. The year started on a high note as we hosted mayors from cities across the world for the C40 Mayors Summit. This gathering of world leaders in climate change has reinforced our standing as a host of world class events. The continued expansion of the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit system is giving residents access to effective and affordable public transport system and nodes, enabling them to travel safely between home and work place, cutting down on costs and travel time. Through this system, we are creating the Corridors of Freedom, bridging the gap between home, work and play. Our performance over the last financial year has been impressive, resulting in a clean Audit Report from the Auditor General which is a cause for celebration. Credit must go to all staff members for your individual and collective contribution to upholding our reputation as a financially accountable city. Through your efforts as employees of the City, we have continued to uplift communities by improving services in areas such as housing, health, food security and inner city regeneration. The standard has been set and expectations raised. Residents of the City look up to us to do even more to improve their lives. We must strive to keep up the good work we have done. Let’s get working.

IEC ready for South Africa’s biggest elections yet It’s all systems go for the 2014 National and Provincial Elections which will be held on 7 May 2014. The voters’ roll for the 2014 National and Provincial Elections was closed when President Jacob Zuma proclaimed the electionday, meaning that you can no longer register to vote. The President has also declared the day a public holiday. The elections will see some 25 million registered voters go to the polls to vote for a political party of their choice. Advocate Pansy Tlakula, Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission says the commission is ready to run smooth elections. “With a record number of voters – and record number of young voters – registered and ready to vote, we have laid the best possible foundation for a successful election in May.”

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Welcome

elcome to our first edition of 2014, a year of National and Provincial Elections – and also one that heralds 20 years of our democracy. As a City, we've had a hectic start to the year, hosting C40, the Joburg Open and the Freedom Ride. In many ways, these events epitomize our growing stature in the international arena and the bright, green future that we as a City are forging for future generations. This bumper edition of In the Loop reports on these epochal events. We provide an in-depth coverage of our historical hosting of C40, an event that put Joburg at the forefront of global efforts to combat climate change. By all accounts, the City was hailed for its hospitality and for its cutting edge projects to reduce Green House Gas emissions. We also report on our successful hosting of the Joburg Open, a golfing tournament that

Acknowledgements

Chief Editor: Nabintu Petsana – bintu@joburg.org.za Editor: Thomas Thale – thomasth@joburg.org.za Design & Print: Catgraphics – carenl@catgraphics.co.za Photography: Enoch Lehung – enochl@joburg.org.za

now ranks as a qualifying event for the Open Championship. This year, the tournament also raised funds for the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital – an appropriate gesture in memory of our global icon and Freeman of the City, Nelson Mandela. We take this opportunity to say Rest in Peace Tata. We also bring you the story of our Executive Mayor and some Members of the Mayoral Committee mounting their bikes to take part in the inaugural Freedom Ride. Their efforts resonate with the message of C40 – that we must make more use of non-motorised transport to reduce emissions. Besides, it's a healthy thing to do. We hope that you are inspired to emulate their example. We also report the good news that the City has obtained an unqualified audit opinion – a crucial endorsement of our efforts to practice good corporate governance by the Auditor General. We say halala to all those who helped make this possible.

Nabintu Petsana, Group Head of Group Communications and Tourism

We bring you in the loop regarding the Productivity Improvement Project and the Skills Audit, two processes the City is undertaking to ensure that we have the requisite skills to increase our productivity and to work smarter. Your participation in these projects will help the City understand its strengths and shortcomings – and take remedial action to be an even better employer and provider of services to the ratepayers. We wish you a happy year ahead.

Cover Credits C40 Mayoral Summit Executive Mayor, Mpho Parks Tau with C40 Chair, Eduardo Paes

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Productivity Improvement Project to move Joburg towards 2040 vision T

he project to measure and improve levels of productivity across the City of Johannesburg is on track and is soon to be rolled out to the rest of the City. The aim of the project is to make all departments of the City, Municipal Owned Entities and individuals working for the City more productive, says Councillor Mally Mokoena, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Corporate and Shared Services. The Productivity Improvement Project has been piloted at five sites since March 2013: These are two departments (Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and Emergency Management Services), two business units (Citizen Relationship and Urban Management and Revenue) plus one Municipal Owned Entity (Pikitup). "At these pilot sites, the study determined the productivity baseline, indicators and recommended departmental interventions," MMC Mokoena says. Over a three year period, the project will measure the productivity of the City of Johannesburg as a whole.

"It is focussed on the organisation, departments and individual employees." Last year, the City appointed Productivity SA, a public entity dedicated to measuring and improving productive capacity of South Africa, to start measuring the productivity of the City, its entities and its workers with a view to making it more productive and more competitive. The study will complement the performance management system of the City to make sure that we have a high performing organisation in order to realise the Joburg 2040 vision of creating a liveable, sustainable and resilient City. It will build efficiency and productivity through strong leadership and delivery by example â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with demonstration of 'appropriate leadership and delivery by example' expected of all those who work within and deliver for the City, regardless of level or institutional base". MMC Mokoena says Productivity SA will "assess and improve our productivity and then make recommendations for line managers to consider". This year, the project will be rolled out at Municipal Owned Entities (MoEs)

High productivity will continue to make Joburg a better place to live in impacted by the revenue stream of the City, including City Power, Joburg Water, Johannesburg Roads Agency, the Zoo and City Parks, MMC Mokoena adds. Productivity SA will have identified the productivity baseline before the end of June. "Our target is to cover all other departments and MoEs by December 2014," says MMC Mokoena. In 2015, the project will spell out and start implementing interventions for all indicators identified. For the next six weeks, says MMC Mokoena, the City will conduct a survey on how employees perceive productivity in the City. MMC Mokoena asked for all employees to cooperate by filling in the questionnaire.

High productivity will enable the City to achieve its objective of a sustainable, resilient and liveable Joburg

The findings and recommendations of the survey will be communicated in the near future. "For the City to be productive, we need a competent workforce," MMC Mokoena says. "The City must invest in developing the workforce to have the required knowhow."

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Joburg wins accolades for its hosting of C40 JOHANNESBURG has been hailed as a successful host of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group Mayors Summit. Former New York Mayor and outgoing C40 Chairperson Michael Bloomberg thanked Johannesburg for its hospitality. "The hospitality of this City is something none of us will be able to forget." Mayor Bloomberg has been appointed by United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki Mun to serve as his envoy on cities and climate change. The global network, which met from 4 to 6 February at the Sandton Convention Centre, welcomed three new members from the African continent, the cities of Cape Town, Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Nairobi in Kenya, bringing the number of C40 members to 66. Joburg became the first African city to host the C40. Other African

cities that belong to C40 are Addis Ababa, Cairo and Lagos. Joburg Executive Mayor, Mpho Parks Tau, welcomed the inclusion of more African cities on the C40 network, saying

“cities know what sustainability means on the ground, in every home, along every highway and every street, in every building and every recreation area.” – Christiana Figueres

"this expansion will stimulate direct action for mitigation, adaptation at local government in Africa, acknowledging that Africa carries a disproportionate burden that climate change has on the poor and developing world". Johannesburg used the summit to showcase 14 of its climate change projects, including the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit system, Gautrain, a green school in Phomolong, Soweto, climate proofing of urban communities in Cosmo City and the Robinson Deep Landfill greenhouse project. Mayor Tau told guests that Johannesburg has taken a decisive step towards transit-

Minister in the Presidency, Trevor Manuel and Mayor Mpho Parks Tau taking part in a panel discussion at C40

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oriented development. "Through this, we want to promote the use of public transport, bicycling and walking, and reduce our dependence on public transport use." Eduardo Paes, Mayor of Rio de Janeiro and new chairperson of C40 commended Joburg for its achievements. "Your achievements can be used in other cities”. Mark Watts, Executive Director of the C40 tabled a landmark research report which indicated that C40 cities have stepped up actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The report provides compelling evidence that C40 cities are taking significant actions – such as implementing rigorous energy efficiency regulations for buildings, bus rapid transit lines, or flood risk mapping – to reduce carbon emissions and climate risks. "Since 2011, the number of climate actions taken by cities has almost doubled from 4700 to 8000. The scale of individual climate actions has also increased," Watts said. The C40 Summit, which took place under the theme 'Towards resilient and liveable megacities – demonstrating action, impact and opportunity,' included plenary sessions on topics such as adaptable and resilient cities; building liveable cities; and socioeconomic development of emerging megacities. Mayors, senior municipal officials and sustainability and technical experts shared ideas and experiences, forged new partnerships, and addressed unique problems and challenges faced by cities when confronting climate change.

Joburg Mayor, Mpho Parks Tau flanked by outgoing C40 chair, Michael Bloomberg and Eduardo Paes, new chair of C40 and Mayor of Rio de Janeiro

C40 also used the Summit to launch a programme providing support to cities. The Summit underscored the key role played by cities in tackling climate change in a statement to the global community. In addition, over 35 C40 mayors signed a letter urging the UN's Open Working Group (OWG) on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to include a specific urban goal among the SDGs. During the Summit, Bloomberg, newlyappointed UN Special Envoy for Cities and Climate Change, emphasized that cities are at the forefront of tackling climate change. He said progress made by cities in reducing emissions "should encourage national governments to make an increased effort at UN climate talks to agree on a new carbon reduction treaty." While acknowledging progress made by cities in combating climate change, Christiana Figueres Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change bemoaned the lack of

Leaders of the megacities of the world met at the Sandton Convention Centre to forge a green future for cities of the world progress in integrating efforts of cities with those of national governments. "Cities have progressed in their efforts to address climate change. Of course, cities do this in a more granular way than national governments, because cities know what sustainability means on the ground, in every home, along every highway and every street, in every

building and every recreation area." She suggested collaboration through: using international metrics, setting targets and monitoring progress; greening the current finances of cities; and opening the door to commercial funding and private investment that benefits citizens, while increasing resilience and decreasing emissions.

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World Mayors rave about Joburg Mayor Michael Nutter, City of Philadelphia When you see what Executive Mayor Parks Tau has done here in Joburg, when you think about what former mayor Michael Bloomberg has done in New York and what’s happening in Rio de Jeneiro with Mayor Paes – these are some of the great mayors around the world.

Mayor Didas Massaburi, City of Dar es Salaam We can learn from the Johannesburg strategy to accommodate the private sector taxis and buses within the framework of public transport through the BRT.

Mayor Gregor Robertson, City of Vancouver Mayor Parks Tau is very modest; the people of Johannesburg are to be commended for their commitment to tackling climate change and really investing in the future of the City. I’ve been incredibly surprised to see the progress made here. We tend to think the more affluent cities are the ones that can afford to take the action but in Joburg you just see commitment across the board, at all levels, whether it’s a tour of the new parks in Soweto or the green school that’s being built. It’s a commitment that’s much deeper and recognises the threats – there are very real threats with climate change,

Mayor Annise Parker, City of Houston We had the opportunity to visit Soweto to look at the park transformation on the former dumpsites, how they are using reeds in water catchment areas to clean water. All of these things I’ve seen in other cities, but the scale here is impressive.

Matthew Pencharz, Senior Advisor on Environment and Energy to the Mayor of London I’ve never seen BRT in action before I saw it yesterday. We have new developments in London, but BRT is much quicker and cheaper to install than the tramlines and the underground.

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Many benefit from JMPD recruitment F

ifty cadets have started training at the JMPD Academy after surviving the grueling selection process which started in December 2013. The successful candidates will now undergo a rigorous 18 months training programme before joining the ranks of the Metro Police.

Director Ndhlovu says the survivors were then given a numeracy test in which they had to score a minimum of 80%. After all the counting was done, only 50 men were left standing. Well, four ladies made it too, but Director Ndhlovu is not happy with this low number.

According to Elgina Ndhlovu, Director of the academy, 50 recruits were selected from the thousands of applications received. This is JMPD's way of creating jobs whilst making the roads of the City safer.

But Director Ndhlovu is happy that the recruits are mostly youngsters eager to serve and protect. "The age bracket for recruits is 18 to 35 and I am glad to say now the youngest candidate at the academy is 20 and the oldest is 33 years of age."

In the first stage, about 10 000 candidates who reside in the City were shortlisted, "as the advert had stipulated that candidates should only be coming from the City of Johannesburg", says Director Ndhlovu, adding that the academy used the ENATIS system to verify the residential addresses and drivers licenses of all the applicants. The next stage of the elimination saw candidates being put through their paces to assess their fitness levels. They put on their shorts, tights and running shoes and took to the athletic track for the race to be Joburg's finest. Male candidates had to run 5km in 30 minutes whilst females had to cover the same distance in 40 minutes. Most of the candidates were found wanting and only 1800 candidates made the cut. After displaying their athleticism, the surviving candidates had to demonstrate that they could also count.

The JMPD is now checking the criminal records of the remaining candidates and, says Director Ndhlovu, those who are found to be convicted criminals will be dismissed. "They have been made aware that if they are affected, they will fall off and there is no two ways about it. Most young people don't take convictions for drinking and driving seriously, and in many cases, it affects their chances of being employed." According to Director Ndhlovu, there is a system in place that allows the academy to have four intakes a year, subject to approval. But she emphasizes that the JMPD will not take on people who are not driven. "We are not looking for job seekers, we are looking for young people that are passionate about policing." Director Ndhlovu says those candidates who complete the 18 months of training will obtain two diplomas accredited by both the South African Police Service and Road

Traffic Management Corporations (RTMC). "They will get these diplomas, one from the academy and one from the Safety and Security Sector Training Authority (SASSETA)." Director Ndhlovu expresses confidence that the recruitment process was transparent and fair.

"I can stand firm and proudly say the process was fraud and corruption free and all our directorates, Human Resource, Emergency Management Services, SAPS and Internal Affairs were involved in the process right from the outset." The JMPD Academy is responsible for recruitment training. The academy also offers other courses for officers to advance themselves. "Some of our members have obtained degrees in their respective fields. At the moment we do in-service training, professional development, driver training and advance driving for certain ranks within the policing department."

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Joburg leads on green issues

Towards a compact City

he City of Johannesburg has developed catalytic projects to address areas in which it is vulnerable, including low population densities, high private transport usage, high transport costs, food insecurity, extreme weather and migration. Speaking on the final day of the C40 Mayoral Summit, Members of the Mayoral Committee said the City is taking steps to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

Councillor Rosslyn Greef, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Development Planning said communities around the cities were scattered around. Only poor areas like Alexandra were densely populated because of poor apartheid planning. To address this problem, said Councillor Greef, the City has come up with the following interventions: • Mass Public Transit Corridors to ferry commuters en-masse while reducing emissions on the road • Transit Oriented Development built along public transport corridors • Priority Area Implementation • Inner City Regeneration targeting crime and grime to stimulate economic activity • Alternative Rental Stock along the Corridors of Freedom to accommodate people who can't buy property • Alleviation of Living Environment Deprivation to uplift communities Mitigating and adapting to extreme weather patterns Councillor Matshidiso Mfikoe, MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services predicted a hotter and more humid Johannesburg in future. "Models suggest that temperatures for Johannesburg may increase by around 2.3ºC by the near future (2056 - 2065) and by around 4.4ºC by the far future (2081 - 2100). There is a substantial risk that Johannesburg will experience an increase in annual rainfall characterised by a higher frequency of storm events and a longer rainy season."

Delegates to the C40 Mayoral Summit were impressed by the Cosmo City Climate Proofing Project which has seen solar geysers being installed in homesteads across the area

In response, the City is to develop an early warning system in conjunction with the South African Weather Service. According to Councillor Mfikoe, other steps taken by the City to mitigate the risks include: • Maintaining storm water drainage systems • Developing a heat wave response plan • Expanding the five existing Automatic Rainfall Stations • Recording the cause of mortalities • Determining floodlines, taking into account climate modeling information

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Fixing transport in the City

Councillor Walters left no doubt about the City's commitment to a green future. "We are determined to go green. The political will is there. The market and the private sector must come to the party." She added that the City was now starting with construction on Phase 1C of the BRT system, which will go from the inner city to Sandton and Alexandra, along Louis Botha Avenue.

Ensuring food security

The City is also acting decisively to make it easier, cheaper and safer for residents to get around. Councillor Christine Walters, MMC for Transport, said there is currently a 50/50 split between the usage of private vehicles and public transport, and the City wants to get more people to use public transport. Councillor Walters said the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system is the backbone of the City's transit oriented development. The BRT forms the hub of the Corridors of Freedom. Along this corridor, added Councillor Walters, the City will provide rental stock to create sustainable communities closer to places of economic activity. Through the Bus Rapid Transit system, the City is also making it cheaper to commute, after recently reducing the fares of people travelling between 25km and 35km by 8% from R12.50 to R11.50 and for people travelling more than 35km by 12% from R14.20 to R12.50. "We hope to decrease the price to a standard fare of R8. But it is up to the City treasury."

For Councillor Nonceba Molwele, MMC for Health and Social Development, one of the key challenges facing the City is food security, which is threatened by climate change. According to MMC Molwele, 42% of the Joburg residents are food insecure. "Citywide research project on food insecurity in Johannesburg have found such food insecure pockets in the most deprived areas of the City, with a finding of 42% food insecurity." As a result, poor communities eat more starch. She said she would like to see people buying from farmers and depending less on starch. She said climate change threatens farming in the City. "The water supply problem may affect the quality and quantity of food, leading to diseases which may increase morbidity and mortality." Councillor Molwele expressed concern that Joburg is not able to produce its own food. "The vast majority of Joburg's food is grown outside of the City, which means the price of fuel directly affects the price of food (since it must be transported) which is also affected by floods, drought, hail and heatwaves in major farming areas outside Joburg." In response, the City has set up an Urban Agriculture programme to stimulate small scale farmers by giving them logistical support. "This is aimed at increasing the availability and reducing the cost of fresh, healthy food, particularly in deprived areas," said Councillor Molwele. The City has also developed the Access to Food programme to provide temporary food relief on a conditional basis. Through this programme, people who receive food parcels are required to get them from subsistence farmers through the local agri-resource centre. This gives the farmers access to a market for the food they have not eaten, thus providing them with income.

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Joburg is financially strong The quest by the City of Johannesburg to be a high performing, productive, efficient and smart organisation is within reach.

control. “This is the clearest indication yet that our Revenue Step Change Programme and our efforts to clean up the quality of data on the billing system are achieving positive results. The City collected 92% of revenue billed and intends to improve this to 97% in the coming financial year.” He added that the net assets of the City had improved by 13% to R30.4 billion, indicating that the City is in an excellent financial position. “Improved liquidity management enabled the City to increase its cash and cash equivalents by 143% to R5.4 billion. The debt to revenue ratio stands at 38.77%. This is significantly down from 41.24% in the previous year.”

The recent report of the Auditor General, giving the City an unqualified audit, positions Joburg as a well-run City which adheres to high standards of corporate governance. An unqualified audit report means that the AG does not have any reservations concerning the financial statements that were submitted to him.

of corporate governance and financial controls,” MMC Makhubo added.

Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Finance, Geoffrey Makhubo says the unqualified audit is one of the key indicators to show that the governance and the financial position of Johannesburg are in excellent shape. “The Auditor General’s Report will give Joburg residents, the business community and investors the assurance that this is a well-run City which adheres to the highest standards

It also reveals progress made by the City in providing services to its residents over the past 20 years, confirming that the Joburg of today is a much better place to live for the majority of residents than it was in 1994.

In his report, Chief Financial Officer Reggie Boqo showed that the City had received total revenue of R35 billion in the last financial year.

According to the MMC, the AG found that billing issues and problems with uncollected revenue, two problems that have haunted the city in recent years, are now under

“The findings of our last financial year gave us hope for the clean audit in the next financial year “clean audit here we come.” “The City is financially in good shape,” he added.

The Annual Report reveals that despite the financial meltdown, the City managed to record a cash surplus of R3.4 billion, money that can now be channelled towards Capital projects.

Chief Financial Officer, Reggie Boqo, MMC for Finance, Geoffrey Makhubo and City Manager, Trevor Fowler

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Committing to

a promising fu

ture

Highlights • The City collected 92% of billed revenue and generated a net surplus of R3.4 billion. The City has set a target of increasing this to 97% by 2016. • The spatial renewal of the City through the introduction of the Corridors of Freedom which will bring people living on the edges closer to economic opportunities and create a more just and equitable Johannesburg.

Celebrating 20 ye ars of Democracy

• Despite the 37% growth in population, 98% of households now have access to piped water and the sanitation backlog has been reduced to less than 5%. • A total of 3 307 new households were electrified and City Power installed 5 343 new public lights. • The quality of drinking water received a 99.9% rating from the Department of Water Affairs, earning it the coveted "Blue Drop" status. • The City exceeded its target of creating jobs through the Expanded Public Works Programme, creating 36 588 employment opportunities.

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Resounding success for Joburg Open as it joins the big league T

he courageous George Coetzee came from behind to become a surprise winner of the Joburg Open 2014. The 27 year old from Pretoria scored six under par 66 at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington East to finish 19 under par overall, three shots ahead of countryman Justin Walters, Jin Jeong of South Korea and Tyrrell Hatton who were all tied for second spot on 16 under par. Besides being R3 million richer, Coetzee will get to play in the Championship Open in July alongside Walters and Jeong. This is because the Joburg Open is now part of the inaugural open qualifying series in which the top three finishers who are not exempted in the top 10, get the ticket to play in the Championship Open. The City dedicated the tournament to aiding the fundraising efforts for the construction of the Nelson Mandela

Childrens Hospital. Both local and international players and members of the public were urged to make generous pledges and donations to assist in realising Madiba's dream. The tournament saw 210 golfers tee off in both the East and West Course, making this tournament the biggest in the world with prize money of 1.3 million Euros (about R15 million). Coetzee started strongly on the final day, coming from behind to overtake the round three co-leaders, Thomas Aiken and Justin Walters. "Sometimes it's a little easier when you come from behind and I guess I was able to be a bit more aggressive out there. You also need a bit of luck on your side on the day to win a golf tournament and I had luck on the 15th hole today when I hit a drive that should have gone in the water. But it did not and I was able to put my

next shot on the green and make par," said the delighted Coetzee. The Executive Mayor Councillor Mpho Parks Tau heaped praise on the winner. "Let me take this opportunity to congratulate George, I think he is a deserving winner. Every time we host the Joburg Open, we look out to see which one of the South Africans can win it. We are very happy that George has won it and I think he is one of the role models of South African golf. Congratulations once more." Mayor Tau welcomed the inclusion of the Joburg Open in the Championship Open. "I think the fact that the European Tour, Sunshine Tour and the City of Joburg have become partners to the extent that this tournament has been recognised as qualifying series for the Championship Open is a privilege to us, the City of Joburg. It shows our commitment to this tournament over the past eight years is yielding the results we wanted."

Mayor Mpho Parks Tau congratulates winner of the Joburg Open, George Coetzee

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Time to hit the road and stay healthy It is time to get off the couch, put on your shorts and hit the gym to shed those extra kilos. Join in operation hlasela mafutha (fat attack) by watching your diet and exercising. Be part of the Johannesburg Healthy

Lifestyle drive and get your waistline trimmed. The Healthy Lifestyle habits like exercising and eating correctly from an early age are basics to preventing diseases like diabetes, hypertension and other chronic illness in adulthood.

According to the World Health Organisation, "the health and welfare, present and future, of children of school age are greatly conditioned by the kind of food provided and by maintaining a healthy weight". It's never too late to get active. And remember, you are what you eat.

Joburg invites communities to the fitness craze The City of Johannesburg is promoting healthy eating, education and active living at all its regions as part of the Go Jozi initiative. The campaign kicked off at Polack Park in Newclare, with locals invited to take part in a fun-filled day of play and exercise. Throughout this year, the City will be encouraging communities to eat healthy and exercise regularly to maintain physical fitness and mental health. Communities are also encouraged to practice good hygiene and avoid health hazards such as smoking and drinking to prevent diseases. Activities lined up include aerobics, health screening (for Diabetes, Hypertension, Cancer and HIV), exhibitions and kiddies activities. "This initiative provides an ideal opportunity to find out about the wide range of exciting programmes and services the City of Johannesburg and other organisations offers to the community," says Councillor Nonceba Molwele, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development Department in Johannesburg. Joburg's Growth and Development Strategy among other key outcomes addresses the issue of Healthy Living. By 2040, the City of Johannesburg aims to achieve substantially enhanced quality of life for all. It envisages development initiatives that enable self-sustainability, improved health and life expectancy.

Green Parks have encouraged community members to get off of their couches and join in the fitness craze

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New Rea Vaya routes extend Corridors of Freedom Construction of Phase 1C of the City of Johannesburg Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit system (BRT) has started, linking the central business district with the historic township of Alexandra and Sandton. 16 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; In the Loop

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irector of marketing and communications at Rea Vaya, Benny Makgoga says it's all systems go with plans to extend the reach of fast and affordable transport to citizens of the City. Phase 1C is expected to be complete by 2016 and buses will run down Louis Botha Avenue to Alexandra, creating yet another Corridor of Freedom. This will lead to extensive revitalisation and generation of areas along this route, as has been the case with Phase 1A and Phase 1B. Suburbs like Hillbrow, Berea, Yeoville, Orange Grove, Marlboro and Wynberg leading to Alexandra will receive much-needed attention during construction. This includes the upgrading of roads, building of pedestrian bridges, pathways for cycling and walking, beautification of road islands and kerbs. The Phase 1C plan foresees the building of three multi-modal interchanges at Sandton, Westgate and Pan Africa Square in Alexandra, to enable Rea Vaya passengers easier access to Gautrain and Metro Rail stations, Metrobus, mini bus and metered taxis. Construction of Phase 1C follows hard on the heels of the launch of Phase 1B in October 2013. The east-west route opened after a long delay, largely due to negotiations between the City of Johannesburg, taxi associations affected by operations of Rea Vaya along the route and the Public Utility Transport Corporation (Putco). The commissioning of Phase 1B trunk route saw the opening of new complimentary and feeder services. Two feeder routes, F6 and F8, and one complimentary route, C5, opened on 11 November 2013. On 13 January 2014, Rea Vaya launched feeder routes F7, F9 and F10 in Soweto and Amalgam. Greymont feeder route (F8) travels between Greymont and Westbury station to connect the main trunk route, whilst the Lea Glen feeder route (F6) travels between Lea Glen along Main Reef Road to Bosmont station to connect the main trunk route. The C5 complimentary route starts from Ontdekkers and Conrad to connect the main trunk route (T3) at Helen Joseph station to Library Garden station.

"We will be opening more feeder routes on 17 February 2014. F11 will see feeder buses linking Yeoville to the Joburg CBD, and F12 which will see buses running between Parktown and the Joburg CBD," says Makgoga. Other complimentary routes opening soon include C4, linking Cresta and Windsor to the Phase 1B main trunk route; C6 linking Dobsonville to Orlando Stadium; and the extension of the C2 route which will now run all the way to the University of Johannesburg Soweto campus from Ndingilizi in Dobsonville. "This route will come in handy for students," Makgoga says. Makgoga says of particular note about these routes is that Phase 1A and 1B connect a series of schools, hospitals, universities, police stations, libraries, golf courses, recreational facilities and industrial areas. "These are what we call Corridors of Freedom which ensure all residents have easy access to recreational facilities, shopping centres, institutions of learning and medical facilities, among other things." The main trunk route for Phase 1B, running from Soweto through Noordgesig, Pennyville, Riverlea, Bosmont, Coronationville, Newclare, Westbury, Westdene, Melville, Auckland Park, Parktown and Braamfontein into the CBD, passes through key public hospitals such as Rahima Moosa, Helen Joseph and Charlotte Maxeke, as well as educational institutions like the University of Johannesburg, Wits University, Milpark College, Parktown Boys High School and Barnato Park High School. The Corridors of Freedom, composed of six priority corridors, were revealed by the executive mayor for the City of Johannesburg, Councillor Mpho Parks Tau, during his State of the City Address in May 2013. He said these corridors will ensure "a free and united Joburg", resulting in significant social and cultural interaction among residents. "Phase 1C will see more places of interest, schools, recreational facilities and industrial areas being included as part of the Corridors of Freedom," says Makgoga.

BRT is connecting people to places

In the Loop â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 17

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C40 visitors enjoy Joburg hospitality Delegates to the C40 Mayoral Summit were treated to a gala dinner hosted by Mayor Mpho Parks Tau at the Apartheid Museum. They learnt about the apartheid past as they toured the museum. But later, guests made it a night to remember as they danced the night away, enjoying the best of Joburg hospitality.

18 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; In the Loop

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Meetings Africa cements Joburg as a premium business destination

Over 1 000 hosted buyers, among them foreigners loaded with dollars, went on a spending spree at the Sandton Convention Centre when Meetings Africa got underway from 24 to 26 February. There were bargains to be had as 260 exhibitors displayed their products, arts and crafts. Meetings Africa offers delegates an opportunity to contract and to engage. Buyers and exhibitors get an unparalleled platform to build or renew relationships, which in turn contributes to the growth in tourist arrivals, stimulating economic growth. Deputy Minister of Tourism, Tokozile Xasa, described the event as a major milestone in South Africa’s tourism calendar. “Meetings Africa has established itself as the most valuable and exciting business events tradeshow on the African continent. It is the ideal platform to do business as well as to take our business events hosting status as a continent to the next level of prominence and success.” Countries such as Nigeria, Zambia, Namibia and Mozambique showed off their major attractions at the event. Other visitors came from as far afield as Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, India, Kenya, United Kingdom and the USA. Meetings Africa, known as the lekgotla of the tourism business, is an excellent place to showcase conference and event venues, incentive travel destinations and various industry support services across the City. Welcoming guests to the event, Executive Mayor Mpho Parks Tau expressed delight that Meetings Africa had, once again, decided to hold its annual exhibition at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. “It is equally true that all roads still lead to Johannesburg in 2014, when we celebrate South Africa’s 20th Year of Freedom. In this period, Johannesburg has gone from strength to strength as the economic hub of a united, democratic country; a regional generator of opportunity, technology and knowledge; also as one of the most

sought after tourist destinations on the continent of Africa. It is an increasingly global player on issues that confront communities across the world, such as climate change, poverty, food security and the sustainable use of limited natural resources,” said the Mayor. Tours around the City proved to be a big attraction for delegates. The tours, held just before and after the conference, catered for different types of buyers and exhibition owners, says Pumla Ntsele, Deputy Director of the Convention Bureau of Joburg Tourism. “The tours have proven to be quite popular with delegates in the past years and this year was no exception,” she says. Tours for incentive buyers for example, focused on cultural activities and sites, museums and places of interest such as the Lion Park. “Exhibition owners were taken to places such as the Gallagher Estate, The Expo Centre in Nasrec and the Coca-Cola Dome,” said Ntsele. In addition, the Convention Bureau team, used Meetings Africa 2014 as a platform to reinforce Joburg’s credentials “as a vibrant and culturally diverse all year round destination for business events, lifestyle and leisure, the arts, culture, heritage, music, fashion, retail, sports and mega events”. Ntsele said the strategy was to support the growth of the meetings industry in Africa and Meetings Africa 2014 would be aligned to this goal. Also, there is a special focus on the media at this year’s event. A high level media panel discussion will form part of the Meetings Africa 2014 programme. As host, Joburg Tourism used the event to tout the City as “the ideal sightseeing destination”, a leader in exhibitions with all the necessary facilities for the business event industry. During the event, Joburg City Parks donated and planted 50 fruit trees to a beneficiary organization as part of a larger city effort to promote greening initiatives, reduce carbon emissions and contribute to the growth of resilient and sustainable communities.

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Skills audit to make Joburg a city with smart workers T

he City of Joburg is undertaking a skills audit project to identify and map an accurate skills profile of the City's workforce across Levels 1 to 6 in order to determine: • what skills its workforce has, and • what skills are needed to fulfil its mandate and to realise the vision set out in the: Integrated Development Plan, Service Delivery Budget Implementation Plan and Growth and Development Strategy (GDS).

The skills audit questionnaire has been sent to all affected employees and line managers in Levels 1 - 6.

In the long term, says MMC Mokoena, everyone will be more competent in their roles.

Participation in the skills audit project and attending the recommended training is compulsory for all Levels 1 - 6 employees, says MMC Mokoena.

Employees had until 14th of February 2014 to submit the skills audit questionnaires. The results will then be analysed and recommendations made to address the skills gaps identified.

The GDS says developing knowledge and skills to adapt and plan for change, in this inter-connected, unpredictable and globalised world is "the central challenge for Johannesburg and other cities worldwide".

The results of the skills audit will serve as a great input to the City's planning process and the optimisation of the City as a metropolitan municipality and creating a learning culture. Most importantly, the skills audit is for developmental purposes and will assist in the process of identifying the training and development needs of employees, adds MMC Mokoena.

This is a 180-degree skills audit, which means that it will gather information through self-assessment, as well as through assessment by the employee's Line Manager, says Councillor Mally Mokoena, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Corporate and Shared Services.

He called on all employees to be truthful in their input as it will benefit them and the City. "For people who do not have required qualifications, relevant training will follow, depending on the gap/s identified. The training could be in the form of short courses or more long term."

In future, before signing off applications for further studies or training, the City will ensure that it is in line with the recommendations of the audit, MMC Mokoena adds. The City allocates 1% of its payroll for training per annum, says MMC Mokoena. Employees in other levels will also be audited later. Increasing the skills base of the City will help improve its productivity and capacity to deliver says MMC Mokoena.

A skilled workforce will improve the City’s capacity to deliver service

20 – In the Loop

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Mayor joins in the ride for freedom

oburg Mayor, Mpho Parks Tau was in good form as he rode his bicycle from the City centre to Soweto, along with 5 000 other cyclists in the inaugural Freedom Ride on Sunday.

Mayor Mpho Parks Tau had some words of encouragement for cyclists before the Freedom Ride got going

The ride started at the Nelson Mandela Bridge in Braamfontein, and went past sites of historical significance, including the route of the Rea Vaya bus and one of the City’s Corridors of Freedom, the Newclare Cemetery – where Walter and Albertina Sisulu are buried, the Bill Jardine Stadium, the Orlando Stadium, the Hector Pieterson Memorial and the Mandela home on Vilakazi Street in Orlando West. The riders then made their way back to the Nelson Mandela Bridge. The ride attracted a cross section of Joburg residents – the young and old, across racial and gender lines. Mayor Tau said the City’s support for the Freedom Ride is designed to promote healthy living, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote a cleaner environment and build cohesion and unity between different communities. MMC for Social Development, Councillor Chris Vondo said the Freedom Ride was in memory of City freeman, Nelson Mandela, who passed away last December. “We will ride in honuor of what Madiba stood for, freedom for all. We want this to be a Madiba moment.” MMC Vondo called on all residents to be active. “It is the commitment we made in our Growth and Development Strategy (GDS) because we want Joburg to be a cycling community.” As part of its commitment to safety, the City has started constructing dedicated lanes for cyclists. The ride also aims to raise awareness about cycle safety and bicycles as a form of transport and recreation.

MMC Vondo and Mayor Mpho Parks Tau cut the ribbon to set the Freedom Ride in motion

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New appointments Njokweni Reginald Boqo: Chief Financial Officer Njokweni Reginald Boqo has been appointed Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the City. Njokweni Reginald Boqo, new Chief Financial Officer

Boqo is a Chartered Accountant with years of experience in Financial Management, Developmental Finance, Corporate Governance, Risk Management, Infrastructure Finance and Investments, Portfolio Management and Financial Advisory. Until recently, Boqo was the Executive Director of Inca Portfolio Managers which offers Portfolio Management and advisory services, mainly for local government. In this capacity, he was responsible for viability and financial project assessments for various municipalities. He also served as a board member and chairperson of the Board Audit and Risk Committee of the Central Energy Fund. Boqo chairs the Audit and Risk Committee of CEF, a private company involved in the search for appropriate energy solutions such as oil, gas, electrical power, solar energy, wind and renewable energy source for South Africa, the Southern African Development Community and the sub-Saharan African region. He is also the Chairman of the Board at Mmabana Arts Culture and Sports Foundation. After completing his B Com in Accounting from the University of North West, Boqo went on to do B Compt Hons in Accounting Science through the University of South Africa. He qualified as a CA in 2002 and completed a course in Mastering Finance, Finance Strategy and Valuations with the Gordon Institute of Business Science in 2007. As CFO of the City, Boqo will be administratively in charge of the treasury and budget office and will provide leadership for the City’s strategic planning and budget process.

Nyanda in command of JMPD Zwelibanzi Velaphi Nyanda is the new Chief of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD). As former head of the National Security section of Crime Intelligence and former Director of Crime Intelligence in the South African Police Service, Nyanda has a wealth of experience in matters of safety and security. He has also headed up the Technical Support Unit of Crime Intelligence. Zwelibanzi Velaphi Nyanda is the new Chief of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department

In the late 1980s, Nyanda had to abandon his B Comm studies at Wits to join Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) as resistance to apartheid intensified. He received military training in Angola before he was deployed in Botswana and in Swaziland, where he spent two years in jail after being arrested for his clandestine activities. On his return to the country in 1991, he was deployed in the Natal Midlands as Regional Second-InCommand of MK (Commissar). He started his career in conventional policing when he went to Egypt for Police Operations Training at the Police Academy in Cairo in 1990. He was later sent to Zimbabwe for Army Officers’ Training at the Zimbabwe Army Staff College in preparation for integration into the South African National Defence Force. On his return and after bridging training in the South African National Defence Force, he was placed as a Company Commander in an Infantry Battalion from 1994 to 1999. He was then transferred to Defence Headquarters where he worked in the Strategic Planning Section. The following year, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and worked as a Project Officer in the Procurement Division. Nyanda holds a Secondary Teachers’ Diploma from the University of Zululand, (Ongoye). He has also completed a course in Intelligence Operations Management. He is currently enrolled for an LLB Degree with the University of South Africa (UNISA) As Chief of the JMPD, Nyanda will give strategic direction to the department and lead efforts to make the City safer.

22 – In the Loop

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Joburg salutes top matric achievers They defied the odds and managed to get good grades in the matric class of 2013. Now the top 20 matriculants from poor schools across the City have received accolades from the City. On Friday 31 January, the top achievers from some of the City's poorest schools were given red carpet treatment; and presents in the Council Chambers. Executive Mayor, Mpho Parks Tau and MMC for Corporate and Shared Services Mally Mokoena, handed out laptops, cellphones, goodie bags and R10 000 cash to assist each student register and buy books to study at any tertiary institution of their choice.

He also cautioned learners to be responsible in exercising the freedom they will now enjoy away from home. "Now that you are going to university, you are not only getting the freedom to stay and study alone in your rooms, but you are now facing the real challenges of tertiary life that might lead you astray. You have to stay focused and know what you are there for, which is to study. This is the beginning of a long journey."

The pass rate of the various schools range from 90 percent to 100 percent. Mayor Tau urged the learners to make use of the opportunity they have to pursue higher education.

The following are the top 20 achievers who were recognised: Khulekani Madi, Sinethemba Phakathi, Comfort Mampa, Sharon Mabaso, Bridgette Phiri, Pakiso Selepe, Thakasani Zwane, Priscilla Remekwa, Refiloe Megagane, Silindile Sibusa, Mxolisi Khanye, Nozuko Nyilika, Luyanda Mehlwana, Thabang Motlong, Gift Njilo, Nhlanhla Nene, Sibusiso Xaba, Zandile Mbonxa, Stanley Mathebula and Alinah Nchebeleng.

"Some of us become jealous because we didn't get the same level of opportunities. As a result, we are still studying even now."

MMC Mokoena also called on the students to study hard. "You must study for yourselves, for your parents and familiesâ&#x20AC;?.