Internal Newsletter
In the Loop Issue No.
37
March 2017
What’s inside:
Rescue teams ready for emergencies
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14
21
Contents
Arts, Sports & Culture
Lovable bear comes to life on Joburg Theatre stage
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Message from the Executive Mayor
14
City uniting to end TB and HIV
4
Joburg inner city is poised to make a comeback
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Necessary health checks according to your age
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Creative solution for urban decay
16
A Budget for “Joburg’s forgotten people”
6
Municipal courts to give bite to law enforcement
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Let’s observe Human Rights Day with dignity
7
Global innovators to share knowledge with Joburg
18
It pays to be a lifelong learner
8
Joburg remains among world’s leading destinations
19
Watch your money grow with a tax-free investment account
9
Joburg Tourism wants to ‘catch more MICE’ 20
The team that lights the memory of an icon
It tells the stories of a naïve little bear in search of honey, the mates he meets along the way and their hilarious adventures with a young human friend.
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Her passion is heard above the sounds of the birds
The play can be seen from mid-March to the end of April.
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Joburg in pix
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Lovable bear comes to life on Joburg Theatre stage
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Chance for Joburgers to sip wine in summer style
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Soweto bridal festival a runaway success
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How to be water wise during National Water Week
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Winnie the Pooh is a beloved character that appeals to children of all ages. Older people grew up with the stories told by the British author, A A Milne to his young son as he tucked him into bed. Now the characters are brought to life at the Johannesburg Theatre with a production based on the Disney characters.
Fun Facts about Winnie the Pooh The character of Winnie was based on a Canadian bear the family saw in the London Zoo and named after the Canadian city of Winnipeg.
Praise for City’s traffic management, but concerns about congestion
Acknowledgements
Cover Credits
Editor: Thomas Thale - thomasth@joburg.org.za
Joburg’s crack search and rescue team is now even better qualified to respond to local and international disasters. They formed part of a team from Gauteng which qualified according to the high standards set by theInternational Search and Rescue Advisory Group – INSARAG. The Head of the JohannesburgEmergency Management Services, Tshepo Makola, received the accolade on behalf of the team.
Contributor: Luyanda Lunika - luyandal@joburg.org.za Lesego Ngobeni - lesegong@joburg.org.za Mongadi Mafata - OupaMa@joburg.org.za Lesego Montsho - LesegoMon@joburg.org.za Ntombi Shilubane - shilubanentombi@gmail.com Photography: Enoch Lehung - enochl@joburg.org.za
The stories and books have been translated in 29 different languages.
We would like to hear from you… In the Loop continues to grow from strength to strength in reflecting all aspects of the City of Johannesburg and its employees. We value your comments and your feedback on what we publish every month and what you would like to read in your own internal magazine. We want to publish letters and messages from readers and we invite you to write to us at email thomasth@joburg.org.za. Please keep it short and topical – but, by all means, give us your opinion. Thomas Thale – Editor
Mark your calendar for these one-off events Roodepoort Theatre
Sunday 19 March – the Gail Myburgh School of Ballet showcases the talents of young dancers in performances of The Ice Princess, Fields of Colour and Spanish dances. Sunday 26 March – the Rand Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Carel Henn will play classics from the works of Verdi, Rachmaninoff and Haydn. Information and bookings: https://www.roodepoorttheatre.com/
Soweto Theatre
Sunday 26 March – Gospel artist, Canaan Nyathi does a live DVD recording of his forthcoming album, Judah Praise Experience.
Tuesday 28 March – Local actor and stand-up artist, Mortimer Williams, returns to The Fringe for four performances of his cabaret show, The Full Morty. Stand-up comedy meets cabaret in this hilarious show as Morty takes us through stories and songs that demonstrate just what it is that makes the SA male tick… with a few surprises along the way! March 23rd & 26th - Giorgia Fumanti is an Italian soprano, composer, producer and arranger now based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Her music is best compared to that of Andrea Bocelli, Sarah Brightman and Enya. She has sold over 1.2 million copies of her albums so far. Information and bookings:
http://www.joburgtheatre.com/
Saturday 1 April – An Evening with Tshilidzi Buthelezi is an opportunity to listen to one of the most sought-after motivational performers on the music scene. Information and bookings: wwhttp://www.sowetotheatre.com/
Joburg Theatre
Friday 17 March - Kevin Fraser is all set to turn up the bass with his unique and overly sensitive, politically incorrect illustration of life as we know it! This DJ is mixing up all the gluten free drama you need to laugh along with the music and understand the top 10 reasons why you should not over think the side effects of an avocado! Wednesday 22 March – Welsh rock diva, Bonnie Tyler performs some of her most-recognised hit songs such as Lost in France, It’s a Heartache and Total Eclipse of the Heart. Three concerts are scheduled.
March 2017
In the Loop – 23
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Message from the Executive Mayor
Joburg in pix pic 1 Ntombi Mashaba, Nomsa Nsibande, Lebogang Mnisi, Claire Pacariz and Lindiwe Lekasapa were among the staff members of the Joburg Theatre who attended the premiere of Woza Albert. The play by Zakes Mda was staged at the Soweto Theatre.
Message from the Executive Mayor properly execute our duties or stand by idle when their hard-fought rights are trampled upon.
pic 2 South African golfer, Darren Fichardt, won the coveted trophy at the end of the 11th edition of the Joburg Open. Fichardt claimed his 15th Sunshine Tour title and his fifth European Tour victory.
As elected officials and civil servants alike, we should never relax in our vigilance against the exploitation of our residents and the degradation of their human rights.
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An avid golfer, Mayor Herman Mashaba, teed off during the annualJoburg Open, which turned out to be highly successful tournament despite being shortened by abundant rain over the City.
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Human Rights are best protected in a working city Colleagues,
As we approach the celebration of Human Rights Day, we should all reflect on the contributions made by the many people from differing political traditions who created the constitutional democracy which we are all so proud of.
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Joburg Mayor, Herman Mashaba, welcomed guests, players and officials prior to the start of the 2017 Joburg Open. Struggle stalwart and patron of the Golf Development Programme, Andrew Mlangeni, were among the guests of honour.
Staff members from across the city came in their numbers to watch The Mother of All Eating, an anti-corruption play by Zakes Mda, at the Soweto Theatre.
However, the lofty ideals and promise of our constitutionalism will count for little if we who serve the people fail to
Johannesburg is a City bursting with economic growth potential. As government, we must create an opportunity rich environment for realising that potential.
Recent tragic events in our City and Province have shown what can happen to the most vulnerable members of society when political decision-makers and bureaucrats forget that their primary duty is to serve the public.
By acting against crime and grime, providing support to small and medium enterprises through our business hubs and improving the quality of services throughout the City, we will signal that Jozi, particularly the Inner City, is ready for business.
A saddening blemish on the face of our City is that parts of it have become slums where unscrupulous slumlords profit from the misery of many of the poor and the vulnerable people living there.
This will positively encourage honest investors, developers, entrepreneurs and businesses alike back into the Inner City, stimulating economic activity and jobs in the area.
This has happened under all our watch. In response, this administration has made the fight against inner city decay one of the key features in our new approach to governance.
This will also encourage strong investment towards inclusive and safe housing for all segments of the Inner City.
Action against lawbreakers
Lastly, human rights and enduring dignity are best protected in societies that value and actively promote and protect the rule of law.
Bringing about urban renewal within the Inner City first requires concerted action against slumlords and absentee landowners who exploit the vulnerability of residents.
I know Johannesburg can become a shining example of how this can be achieved.
Working together with law enforcement authorities at all levels, we will act against these slumlords and other criminal elements which rob residents of safe, integrated and serviced communities.
During this Human Rights month, I call on all City employees to join hands with the elected leadership in working towards a future based on dignity and opportunity for all.
By ensuring that the law is observed, we will rescue residents living in uncontrolled, unhygienic and often overcrowded premises, unsuitable for human habitation.
Herman Mashaba Executive Mayor City of Johannesburg
Use the QR code reader on your smartphone to scan these barcodes.
www.facebook.com/ CityofJohannesburg
22 – March 2017
An opportunity-driven City
www.plus.google.com/ 1131415161359973 56931/posts
www.instagram.com
www.twitter.com/ CityofJoburgZA
www.youtube.com/ my_videos?o=U
www.flickr.com/ photos/city_ of_joburg/
www.linkedin.com/ profile/view?id=2453 26835&trk=tab_pro
In the Loop – 3
City Parks & Zoo
Good Governance
Support from the top The fact that Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba has listed inner city revival in his Ten Point Plan has elevated the issue even further. Mafune leads a dedicated team consisting of representatives from each department and entity, people who are aware of the reality that the Joburg CBD in many ways represents the entire City in the minds of visitors, potential investors and the media.
Her passion is heard above the sounds of the birds
Region F extends across a large chunk of Joburg – from the bustling downtown, through Braamfontein, past Wits towards the older suburbs of Brixton, Langlaagte and Mayfair, through Turffontein and Rosettenville as far south as Eikenhof; on the eastern side the boundary meanders through Kensington and Bez Valley before turning back to the densely-populated areas of Yeoville, Berea and Hillbrow… more than 200 identified suburbs spread across 19 wards.
Joburg inner city is poised to make a comeback T
he first examples of success in Johannesburg’s efforts to turn around an inner city that has been blighted by urban decay are starting to show. The dedicated focus on law enforcement, the decisive action taken to turn the heat on slumlords and the joint efforts by departments and agencies within the City have already led to visible and tangible improvements. Revitalising an area the size of the Joburg CBD with all its economic and social activity, its transient population and its high levels of poverty and unemployment is not an easy task, says Irene Mafune, the Regional Director of Region F. “But we have started. And we are making progress. And there is both the political and administrative will to achieve results and turn the CBD into an area that can attract investment and business activity and provide a safe living space for people with varied backgrounds and origins that want to be in a dynamic and innovative urban environment such as Joburg.” There are few people better equipped to understand that urban renewal is “a marathon and not a sprint”. As a dedicated and driven public servant with more than 12 years’ experience in the inner city, the Regional Director knows every affected building and passageway; and she regularly walks the streets and alleys with the multidisciplinary Regional team. That is why she emphasises that the difficult tasks of cleaning up the City, refurbishing “bad buildings” and creating a liveable environment needs to be done “precinct by precinct, block by block, street by street”.
4 – March 2017
Each precinct has developed its own character through the decades and urban management can never follow a “one size fits all” approach. Even in the same neighbourhood, an intervention that worked today might not yield the same results tomorrow. For Mafune it is important that she is surrounded by a strong team and has the resources in place to administer this “restless giant” in line with the latest global trends in urban management. The Inner City Roadmap is the product of extensive consultation between the City, stakeholders and civil society and provides a framework for the future growth of the urban core, says Mafune. It is however a “living document” that constantly undergoes changes – very much like the Joburg CBD itself.
Thoko Masina, Joburg Zoo’s Employee of the Year with one of the owls she lovingly cares for.
T
he ear-splitting sounds of birds in symphony interrupt the tranquil atmosphere characteristic of the Johannesburg Zoo on Upper Park Drive, in Parkview. But Thoko Masina is accustomed to these high-pitched noises as she goes about her daily routine each day of the week. Fully-clad in a Joburg Zoo uniform, with the company trademark emblazoned on the top left corner of her shirt, Masina exudes the confidence of a zoo curator and a caring mother. She is the Employee of the Year at the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, nominated by her peers and colleagues in the field of animal conservation and then scooping the award at a glitzy ceremony at the Soweto Theatre. As part of the prize, Masina received a R15 000 cheque and trophy. She says the award motivates her younger colleagues to work even harder. She is not only passionate about her work, but sees it as a vocation and, to some extent, something that will outlive her. “I plan to volunteer here at the Zoo even when I’m retired,” she says, adding that she’ll also volunteer at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Although she planned to retire at age 63, she will now leave the employ of the City aged 60 following an operation on her spinal cord. Masina began working for the City as a gardener at the Westpark Cemetery in 1985 after obtaining a grade 10 certificate. She joined the Joburg Zoo’s 14 years later and has been with the Animal Collection Unit since 2000.
She knows the birds by name The Johannesburg Zoo has an active wattled crane programme, which entails rescuing abandoned cranes from the wild, breeding them and then costume rearing the chicks. Masina is a pivotal part of this programme. She is proud of the fact that she has hand-reared about 25 wattled cranes in her career at the Zoo and knows all of them by name. Through promoting animal conservation, the Joburg Zoo plays a critical role in encouraging safe environmental practices and the sustainable use of natural resources for the benefit of all. “I have a special understanding of wattled cranes,” says Masina, noting that the success of the Joburg Zoo’s breeding programme means the reserve is playing its role as a surrogate parent effectively. Effective breeding is seen as a measure to gauge the comfort and happiness of animals.
Masina starts her day early just after 06h00 and proceeds with her regular activities after attending the daily plenary meeting. Her work involves caring for over 100 species of birds. “This passion for animals is in the family, it’s my fate,” she says She is a married mother of three children and hails from Soweto. She believes the Employee of the Year accolade has renewed her passion for the job.
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These animals need me. I can’t afford to slack off.
”
In the Loop – 21
Good Governance
Employee News
The team that
lights the memory of an icon
“
Generally we light the bridge with the hues of the South African flag but on special occasions we get requests to change colours to suit a particular event. For instance last year, we participated in the Rio Olympics countdown where we lit the bridge with Brazilian colours to mark the 100 days before the start of the global sports festival.
”
He says the process to request that the bridge be lit in a specific way or with special colours is driven by the City’s Events Department which falls under Group Communication.
A proud and dedicated team
Creative solution for urban decay The redevelopment of a crucial part of downtown Johannesburg serves as a prime example of what can be achieved when investors have confidence in the inner city. A major new initiative from local investors, Sky Rink Studios, is leading to the establishment of state-of-the-art facilities for local and international film and television producers on the top of the disused ice rink of the Carlton Centre. Completed in 1973, the Carlton Centre is still the highest building in Johannesburg – and in Africa. Its 50th floor – known as the “Top of Africa” offers a magnificent vista across the rest of the city. The commitment by the city, championed by Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba, to provide infrastructure and improve safety, linked to partnerships with private sector developers are bringing the sparkle into this section of town. Irene Mafune, the Regional Director responsible for the Joburg CBD says the City supported investors by ensuring that applications for plans were approved speedily before investor funding was lost.
After the event has been approved he is contacted with a request to organise the lighting together with the Siemert Road Depot which is responsible for the bridge.
E
rnest Sepharahla has dedicated 14 years of his life as a stakeholder liaison manager at City Power. Ntate Sepharahla, as he is known citywide, works with a team of technicians to light up the iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge. According to Ntate Sepharahla, he works closely with all the City’s departments that come with different requests from event organisers to use the bridge which connects Braamfontein to Newtown and the rest of the inner city. On a daily basis, the Siemert Road depot team led by the Area Manager, Alex Mazibuko, makes sure that the lights on the bridge are fully functional. The team consists of team leaders and senior technicians, Oman Mnisi, Sello Bopape and Conroy Grewe.
He then works with the team from Siemert Road to set up the lighting and do all the necessary checks and tests before the event. This ensures that all the technical aspects are in place for the bridge to be lit up according to the symbolic colours associated with that specific event.
Lasting solutions needed to stop “bad buildings”
“Last October we had a request to light up the bridge in pink to raise awareness about breast cancer,” he says. “We managed to do that without any glitches, thanks to the team on the ground lead by Conroy Grewe, who has 18 years of experience in the electrical field.” Together with his colleagues he is proud to be in the team that is responsible for lighting up the globally famous Nelson Mandela Bridge, built to pay tribute to an icon of the world and a Freeman of the City of Johannesburg.
Strong action against slumlords and illegal occupiers of “bad buildings” in Joburg is a good first step, says Mafune.
Church at the core of improvements Improved by-law enforcement and a commitment by Mayor Mashaba to improve the public environment are helping to stem the tide of urban decay in an area of great cultural and historical significance. A combined effort by stakeholders is creating a safer environment and cleaner streets in the vicinity of St Mary’s Cathedral close to Joubert Park. Consecrated in 1929, the church appointed Archbishop Emeritus, Desmond Tutu, as its first black dean in 1975. The current Dean, Father Xolani Dlwati, was among the many stakeholders who recently met with Mayor Mashaba to address issues relating to urban decay, safety and crime in the area. Pikitup has since improved its clean-up services. The JMPD has increased crime prevention and by-law enforcement and the city is exploring ways of limiting traffic in the vicinity. Mafune says the improvements will have a ripple effect into the rest of the precinct and help attract visitors to the historic cathedral similar to the tourism trends around the world.
2016 2020 – September – March 2017
Successes with law enforcement have been achieved, she says, pointing to a major recent bust on a dilapidated building on the corner of Commissioner and Goud streets that yielded weapons, contraband, drugs and an undisclosed amount of foreign currency. These actions will be supported by effective urban management and the creation of an environment which will attract private sector investment in both commercial and social housing in the inner city. Mafune says the roots of “bad buildings” lie deep in the rapid growth of the inner city and the social and political history of Joburg. - some of the building owners have simply disappeared and can’t be traced; - in other cases unscrupulous landlords are charging exorbitant rent and service charges from poor and vulnerable people without delivering on their promises; Mafune says part of the Joburg’s future strategy might include the acquisition of property – within the confines of the law – and offering it to developers who commit to the City’s objectives for urban renewal and the provision of affordable rental stock.
Inthe theLoop Loop –– 55 In
Employee News
Good Governance
A
s part of the City’s effort to restore law and order in the city, the Department of Public Safety is strengthening the system of Municipal Courts and embarking on a vigorous by-law awareness campaign. The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety, Cllr Michael Sun, says the current five municipal courts will be increased to seven and plans are on the table to have five courts up and running by the end of March. “The City has been working with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, and the National Prosecutions
Team approach will improve system One of the offences that will now be referred to the municipal courts concerns the nuisance of window washers who irritate motorists at busy intersections and in hectic traffic and sometimes cause accidents. By-law enforcement is an issue that cuts across almost all departments in a municipality, with regular inspections and monitoring needed in every area. Because municipal courts come with dedicated prosecutors, it will contribute to a team approach with detailed knowledge of all aspects of by-law enforcement. The court will help the municipality to deal with a culture in which people think they can transgress municipal by-laws with impunity.
Authority to allocate dedicated magistrates and prosecutors to work in these specialized magistrates’ courts. Their focus will be primarily to prosecute and adjudicate on issues relating to the City’s bylaws and other municipal matters,” says MMC Sun. An intensive awareness and educational campaign will also be launched to familiarise Joburg residents on the City’s by-laws. “We want to ensure that our residents are familiar and comply with the City’s by-laws. It will greatly assist our Metro Police Department in their steps to apply and enforce the by-laws” says MMC Sun.
The core function of the Municipal Courts is to prosecute transgressions of: • Traffic regulations; • The municipality’s by-laws and the National Building Regulations; and • The national and provincial legislation enforced by the City.
Watch your money grow with a tax-free investment account
Why municipal courts are great • They ease the burden on the regular courts; • The deliver faster and more streamlined justice; • Their specialist knowledge allows for more successful prosecution; • They allow for better co-ordination between by-law prosecutors and law enforcers; • They complete the legal process in by-law enforcement;
Municipal courts to give bite to law enforcement
Tax-free investments offer the following features: You are not taxed on the growth of this money.
T
o encourage savings, the government has created legislation that allows for tax-exempt investment and savings products.
You are not taxed on any interest or dividends that are reinvested.
Tax-free investments are excellent for long-term savings of five or more years, and the longer you leave your money in a tax-free investment, the more it grows.
You may open more than one tax-free savings account and investment, limited to R30 000 a tax year collectively across them all, with a lifetime limit of R500 000.
Although you can withdraw from a tax-free investment any time, you can’t replace what you take out and still get the “tax free-ness”. All returns on these investments will be tax free. Returns can include growth (or capital gains), dividends or interest. These investments can’t charge any performance fees, and should be structured in a way that avoids speculation or other excessive risks.
You can put up to R30 000 a year (the equivalent of R2 500 a month), and R500 000 over your life
You are not taxed on the growth of this money.
You are not taxed on any interest or dividends that are reinvested.
You are not taxed or penalised when you withdraw money.
You can put in or withdraw money whenever you like (although the longer you leave it, the more you benefit).
6 – March 2017
The limits are per individual and not per investment. Any amount you put into your investment(s) that takes you above the annual or lifetime limit will be penalised at 40% in that tax year. The accumulated value of an investment (what you put in plus growth) can exceed R500 000 There’s no tax on dividends (payments by a company to anyone who owns shares in that company). Dividend tax is a tax normally charged at 15%. There’s no tax on capital gains. Only individuals are eligible for tax-free investments and savings accounts (not trusts or companies). You can withdraw money from tax free investments any time, but once you do, you can’t replace that portion by re-investing. Parents can invest on behalf of their minor child. The minor child will use his/her own annual or lifetime limits. Tax-free investment accounts cannot be used as transactional accounts.
In the Loop – 19
Entrepreneurship
Employee News
It pays to be a lifelong learner I
f you want to get ahead in life, you need to be a lifelong learner. This is defined as “ongoing, voluntary, and selfmotivated” pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons.
Global innovators to share knowledge with Joburg The Global Entrepreneurship Network provides a platform for people in 160 countries to unleash their ideas and turn them into promising new ventures. It is described as “a broad collection of voices” with experience in starting up new ventures and offering advice to nascent business people.
This not only enhances your social inclusion, active citizenship, and personal development, but also self-sustainability, as well as competitiveness and employability. Lifelong learning is “all learning activity undertaken throughout life, with the aim of improving knowledge, skills and competences within a personal, civic, social and/or employment-related perspective”.
The Congress takes place for the 9th successive year and will cover a wide variety of topics, including:
One of the institutions that offer free online training in South Africa
Innovative entrepreneurship education to accelerate the growth of high-potential start-ups;
https://alison.com/free-online-courses/south-africa is Alison, It offers 750 free certificate or diploma courses.
Using the power of data to support emerging businesses and shape public policies that will enable them to flourish;
In the past fifty years, constant scientific and technological innovation and change has had a profound effect on learning needs and styles. Learning can no longer be divided into a place and time to acquire knowledge (school) and a place and time to apply the knowledge acquired (the workplace).
Range of options to choose from Instead, learning can be seen as something that takes place on an ongoing basis from our daily interactions with others and with the world around us. It can take the form of formal learning or informal learning or self-directed learning. Another way of acquiring new knowledge is by watching TEDTalk, which has over 2 400 videos for free on www.TED.com
You can also watch web-based
seminars online. Columbia Business School, Levo League and SAID Business School offer some of the best online careeradvancing webinars. Wits Plus offers evening classes for matured or working students. Go to and search for Wits www.wits.ac.za Plus for courses that suit your needs.
www.Getsmarter.com
offers online courses that will give you a University of Cape Town qualification. Also check out or
www.Lynda.com
With the world changing at break-neck speed, it sometimes won’t help you to do a three-year qualification. One way of upskilling yourself is by doing one-year courses that emphasise practical skills as opposed to more theoretical qualifications.
Municipal-related qualifications If you are still not sure which route to take concerning your studies and personal development, rather settle on a new hobby –
www.Udemy.com
offers a range of online
courses. Another option is to learn a new language. The City has also partnered with the University of Johannesburg to offer municipal-related qualifications for Joburg employees. Talk to your Human Resources practitioner for more information and keep your eyes peeled on CoJ messages for new courses on offer. Finally, reading can also be a way of advancing your expertise on a particular subject. Visit a City of Johannesburg library and sit down with a book that catches your fancy. You never know what might be lurking between the covers.
How start-ups can help to solve global challenges in areas such as food and water; Identifying new trends in the financing of new businesses;
B
udding local entrepreneurs will rub shoulders with global business leaders, investors and policymakers during a four day congress hosted by the City of Johannesburg in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network. The annual event will bring together some 4 000 delegates from across the world to discuss global trends in entrepreneurship and to establish networks that will lead to the growth of new start-up companies.
It is held at the Sandton Convention Centre and the format includes plenary and breakaway session as well as workshops and networking opportunities. Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa, will deliver the keynote address.
Executive Mayor, Cllr Herman Mashaba, who will deliver the welcoming address on 14 March, says the City will benefit from the accumulated experience of some of the most innovative thinkers on entrepreneurship and small business growth.
Mayor Mashaba says the City will use the opportunity to learn from international best practices – but also to convey the positive message that there is a new administration in charge that follows policies that are supportive of small businesses growth and sees it as an important engine for job creation and economic growth.
“Entrepreneurship is at the core of Johannesburg’s new approach to grow the economy of the City and the region,” says Mayor Mashaba. “Innovators and risk takers will spur on our future economic growth and the City will establish an environment in which these entrepreneurs will flourish and create jobs to address unemployment, especially among the youth.”
The Speaker’s List at the GEC Congress in Johannesburg includes a Who’s Who of top entrepreneurs, business leaders and innovators. They include:
www.onlinestudies.com
The Road to Joburg 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
18 – March 2017
Exploring opportunities to tap into the potential of women and youth.
Kansas City, United States of America Dubai, United Arab Emirates Shanghai, People’s Republic of China Liverpool, United Kingdom Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Moscow, Russia Milan, Italy Medellin, Colombia Johannesburg, South Africa
• Mr Jonathan Ortmans, President, Global Entrepreneurship Network • Mr Jabu Mabuza, Chairman of Telkom • Ms Elsie Kanza, Head of Africa at the World Economic Forum • Mr Rishy Jaitly, CEO of Times Global and former vicepresident of Twitter • Ms Ellen Olafsen, Global Specialist at the World Bank • Mr Adrian Gore, Group Chief Executive of Discovery • Mr Victor Hwang, vice-president of the Kauffman Foundation, one of the world’s leading investors in entrepreneurs and start-up companies
In the Loop – 7
Employee News
Economic Development
Joburg remains among world’s leading destinations J
ohannesburg is the only city in Sub-Saharan Africa to be named in the latest rankings of the world’s top 100 cities for tourist arrivals. The most recent report by Euromonitor International relates to statistics gathered in 2015. The Middle East and Africa region have 12 cities in the top 100 ranking, with the majority of ranked cities located in the Middle East and North Africa. 2015 was a turbulent year for the travel and tourism industries. “Terrorist attacks, geopolitical conflicts, economic uncertainty, and health scares including the Zika virus were just some of the factors impacting city arrivals,” says Caroline Bremner, Manager for Global Research for the travel industry at Euromonitor International. Bremner confirms that Johannesburg is the only city from the rest of the African continent that makes it into the ranking. She says top cities outperformed global travel flows, registering growth of 5.5% in international arrivals compared to the previous year, showing the resilience of global cities as travel destinations. Johannesburg registered a growth of 2% percent in 2015 and was ranked 37th. “City populations around the world are growing rapidly, meaning that the future will see more people travelling to and from cities,” Bremner says.
Let’s observe Human Rights Day with dignity
Tracking global trends
The centre serves as a memorial to the six million Jews who were killed in the Holocaust, all victims of Nazi Germany and the estimated 800 000 Tutsi victims of the Genocide in Rwanda; and to teach about the consequences of prejudice, racism, anti-Semitism, homophobia and xenophobia and the dangers of indifference, apathy, and silence to freedom and democracy.
“It is important to note that the Top City Destinations Ranking is not an exhaustive list and that its purpose is to highlight leading cities gleaned from the findings of our annual research programme, with the emphasis on cities, rather than popular holiday resorts,” Bremner explains.
London is the top-ranked city in Europe, ranked third globally, with international arrivals growing just short of 7 percent in 2015, boosted by England’s hosting of the Rugby World Cup in September 2015.
Centre of memory
New York City, the top destination for international travellers in America was hit by the strong US dollar compared to other currencies, but the city still showed slight growth and remained in the top 10.
To this end, the City was instrumental in helping with the construction of the new iconic Centre of Memory, education and lessons for humanity on Jan Smuts Avenue opposite the Four Seasons Westcliff Hotel in Forest Town.
Dubai was named as the top performer in the region, ranking seventh and seeing continued steady growth in 2015 with an 8% increase in inbound arrivals. “The city is benefiting from years of extensive investment in world-leading infrastructure, luxury shopping, hotels and entertainment,” Bremner says. Euromonitor International is a global market intelligence publisher and provides market research reports, statistics and online information systems on industries, countries and consumers. The Top City Destinations Ranking (2015 edition) was constructed from results of the global travel research programme conducted in 58 core countries. It follows Euromonitor International’s methodology and definitions for travel and tourism. The research for this report was undertaken in 2016, and the report was first published in January 2017. City arrivals data was sourced directly from national statistics offices, airport arrivals and hotels for all 58 core countries and 77 additional market insight countries under review.
Cllr Nonhlanhla Sifumba, MMC for Community Development.
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s South Africa marks Human Rights Day on March 21, the political leadership of the City of Johannesburg and all employees within its administration need to remember to always offer efficient and courteous service that’s imbued with dignity, honesty and integrity to all the residents of this beautiful part of the country. Human Rights Day is no ordinary public holiday. You are urged not to throw parties and drink yourself to a stupor. This day affords us the opportunity to reflect on the senseless killing of 69 Sharpeville residents and permanent maiming of others 57 years ago. That is why I call on City employees and the political leadership to continue to strengthen our resolve to jealously guard our rights and those of our fellow residents.
By observing Human Rights Day, South Africa and its people have reclaimed their rightful place among fellow nations of the world. Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 and translated into over 500 languages, states that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. To ensure that the rights of residents of the City of Johannesburg are not trampled, the Office of the Ombudsman was established to ensure, among others, ratepayers do not suffer from acts of maladministration and the Constitutional rights of individual are not infringed. The Office of the City’s Ombudsman also has to assure that the rights of the public to efficient and courteous service, dignity, honesty and integrity in the public administration of the municipality, are investigated properly and dealt with. The freedom we currently enjoy did not come cheap. As servants of residents of the City, let’s ensure that in our dealings with the public, we do so with extreme honesty, courtesy and efficiency. Our residents demand nothing less.
This is the ideal time to take the family on an outing to the Constitution Hill, the Apartheid Museum or Kliptown’s Walter Sisulu Square to remember the sacrifices by a few, which have resulted in the freedoms enjoyed by many today. The City of Johannesburg has also partnered with the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre, which was founded in 2008 to raise awareness of the evils of genocide with a particular focus on the Holocaust and the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
8 – March 2017
In the Loop – 17
Economic Development
Adjustment Budget
Joburg Tourism wants to ‘catch more MICE’
A Budget for “Joburg’s forgotten people”
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oburg is redoubling its efforts to gain a bigger slice of the global business tourism and conference market. Tourism is the largest industry in the world and business tourism is the fastest growing segment within this sector. The City’s vision to position itself as “Africa’s leading business tourism destination” is designed to penetrate this market even further.
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xecutive Mayor Herman Mashaba made his intentions quite clear when he presented his first Adjustment Budget to Council recently… there will be fundamental change in the way the City works. He dedicated the Budget to “Joburg’s forgotten people…” those who do not have the right connections; those whose service delivery issues have been ignored and those whose lives have not improved over the past 20 years. Exactly six months after the coalition government walked into office Mayor Mashaba could already report back on key successes and changed priorities.
Shortening the housing backlog
– designed to improve the efficiency of public transport and the travel experience of commuters – get R14.3-million more. Creating safe and connected communities throughout the City is one our key objectives”.
Responding to health care needs
The pilot programme to extend the operating hours at Princess Clinic was a success. This is now extended to five more clinics – Freedom Park, Hikhensile, Randburg, Zandspruit and Albert Street.
When the new term started the administration inherited 3 100 incomplete housing units that stood empty due to failure in service delivery. More than half of these units – 1 841 – will be completed in the next financial year and R546-million is allocated for their electrification.
Infrastructure at clinics in Florida, Noordgesig and Orchards are upgraded and the Langlaagte Pharmacy Distribution facility gets a much-needed boost. “A new bright light of change, where there was previously only hopelessness and despair, has dawned our City.”
A further R41-million will go towards the electrification of informal settlements such as Kliptown Ext 11, Princess Plot 61, Freedom Square and Ruimsig Portion 77. “Our role is not simply to provide services, but also to advance the dignity of our people.”
Reviving the Inner City
Fixing roads and reducing congestion
An additional 1 500 JMPD officials will be recruited to combat street crime, enforce by-laws and manage traffic congestion through an allocation of R31-million. A rapid response unit is set up to respond to intersections where traffic lights have failed. R60-million goes for pothole repairs and a further R28-million for salaries of workers on this project. Gravel roads in Ivory Park, Doornkop, Lawley, Mayibuye, Tshepisong and Protea South get a long-awaited upgrade to tarred surfaces. More buses will be added to the Metrobus fleet at a cost of R51-million. The Intermodal Transport Facility in the inner city
16 – March 2017
JOSCHCO gets R219-million to purchase buildings that have fallen into decay. They will be converted into low-cost rental housing to accommodate 1 164 families. Joburg’s urban core will no longer be associated with grime because Pikitup will use a R49.2-million allocation to clean up the inner City. “… the Inner City can truly be …. an inclusive, modern and diverse heartbeat of Johannesburg.”
“We should not underestimate the value that business tourism adds to the City’s growth and job creation initiatives,” says Cllr Sharon Peetz, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development.
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Its impact stretches way beyond the industries usually associated with tourism such as hotels or restaurants, shops or transport. Each of these sectors is connected into its own supply chains that move the fuel, maintain the taxis, grow the fruit and vegetables and produce the goods sold in the shopping malls.
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One sustainable job is created for every 17 tourists that arrive in Johannesburg and these jobs have a further ripple effect on families dependent on these incomes.
Statistics compiled by Joburg Tourism shows that business tourists spend five times more than those who visit the City for leisure purposes. One of the objectives is to convince these tourists to extend the length of their stay beyond the days of the conferences they attend – and to encourage them to return for future visits with friends or family. One of the primary areas for growth will be in the MICE market – Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions. A series of global and Africa-wide events have already been lined up for the remainder of 2017 – expected to yield more than 60 000 delegates. The City’s MICE strategy is aligned with national initiatives but Joburg Tourism believes there are huge opportunities to ‘sell the City’ through targeted roadshows and marketing at other global events. The African market is a priority. Currently only 10% of African meetings – excluding government-related conferences – are hosted in South Africa. However, more than half of all visits from countries such as Kenya, Malawi and Zambia are business-related and provide Joburg with a springboard to achieve further growth. In the rest of the world the countries with the biggest percentage of business arrivals are Russia (72%), India (63%), Japan (49%) and Argentina (46%). MMC Peetz says among her priorities are to position Johannesburg as the business destination of choice on the African continent and to create a greater awareness among residents about the value that this sector brings to the City’s economy.
Event
Date
Attendance
Global Entrepreneurship Congress
16-17 March
4 000
The recently established anti-corruption unit, led by General Shadrack Sibiya, gets R38-million. Mayor Mashaba says the results achieved without the required capacity is “quite astonishing.”
Internet Corporations for Assigned Names and Numbers – ICANN
26-29 June
1 480
Trade Fair for Water, Sewerage, Refuse and Recyling (IFAT Africa 2017)
8-16 September
50 000
The City’s Skills Audit is being completed as a priority issue because the City cannot perform “if the wrong people are in the wrong positions for the wrong reasons.” “In this City, corruption is public enemy number one…”
Southern African Fire Services Institute (SAFSI)
1-3 November
2 500
Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI)
1-4 November
500
Expanding the fight against corruption
In the Loop – 9
Economic Development
Health
Necessary health checks according to your age W e all need to minimise our health risks by ensuring that we do timely and live-saving health checks. That way, we ensure there are no breakdowns in the journey of life.
Health tests for
Chance for Joburgers to sip wine in
Body Mass Index exam measures your body fat based on your height and weight. You need to maintain a healthy weight to avoid conditions such as high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and certain cancers.
summer style J
oburgers looking for a place to enjoy the last days of summer can do no better than to spend the first weekend in March at the Soweto Wine and Lifestyle Festival. Back for its 12th year the organisers have found a beautiful new venue, the Soweto Theatre, to showcase the best of South African wines, food, music and arts. Cllr Sharon Peetz, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development says the city supports events that attract visitors. “Supporting signature Joburg events like the Soweto Wine Festival forms part of our mission to continue positioning Johannesburg as one of the world’s leading cities; an all year round global destination, not just in its capacity as the continent's financial hub and leading business and business events destination, but also as a vibrant, cosmopolitan centre for leisure, heritage, the
Highlights of this year’s Soweto Wine and Lifestyle Festival
Blood pressure test. If left uncontrolled, it increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke, even in children.
arts, culture, entertainment, sports and lifestyle.”
Fashion and lifestyle designers will have stalls to introduce visitors to the latest trends in clothing, accessories, apparel,
10 – March 2017
Skin cancer exam. Ask your doctor during your annual physical to check your entire body for abnormalities or changes in skin lesions and moles that could be signs of skin cancer.
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Men and women: Colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy or faecal occult blood test. You should start being screened for colon cancer every year, starting at the age of 50 (unless there is a family history, in which case exams should start at age 40). Men and women: Fasting glucose (blood) test. Starting at the age of 50, men and women should be screened for type 2 diabetes annually with a fasting glucose test (a simple blood test that can be done during your annual physical).
The decision to move the festival into a summer time slot gives organisers and exhibitors a free hand to introduce day-time wine and food tastings, outdoor cook-off activities and visual delights that will excite, delight and educate all.
Men and women: High cholesterol (blood) test. This blood test requires that you refrain from eating or drinking anything but water for eight hours prior.
The festival is well-known across the world for having transformed the South African wine industry, removing old customs and consumer habits and developing a vibrant, well-educated, wine drinking culture in the heart of Gauteng.
Men: Prostate exam and/or prostate-special antigen (PSA) (blood) test. When men turn 50, they should get a physical and/or PSA blood test to check for prostate cancer every one to two years.
It is the brainchild of local oenophiles, Mnikelo Mangciphu, the owner of the Morara Wine and Spirit Emporium and Cape wine master, Marilyn Cooper. They joined forces with Joburg Tourism to create an event that is unrivalled in its vibe and spirit.
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Health tests in your S
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Women: Pap smear. A pap smear is recommended for women between the age of 18 and 70 every one to two years.
Health tests when you are +
jewellery and fragrances before visiting the exhibitions hosted by Joburg Tourism, the Gauteng Tourism Authority and various other exciting destinations in the country.
• It offers an inimitable experience for local food and wine lovers right in the heart of Soweto • It brings together winemakers, chefs, designers, crafters and artists in a single venue • It offers a platform for new producers to introduce their wines to a new generation of consumers • It gives emerging local entrepreneurs the opportunity to interact with some of the most-admired established brands Wine tourism is a growing niche market in South Africa and the Festival is a major opportunity for Joburg to market the City as a dynamic destination for the food, wine and hospitality industries.
all ages
Health tests in your S
More information is available from the website http://www.sowetowinefestival.co.za/
Festival times are: -
Friday 3 March – 18h00 to 22h00 Saturday 4 March – 12h00 to 22h00 Sunday 5 March – 12h00 to 18h00 Parking will be available at the Soweto Theatre but visitors are encouraged to take the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit to Jabulani Mall.
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Health tests in your
40
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Women: Mammogram. Women with a family history of breast cancer should begin getting mammograms, which are X-rays used to detect masses that could be malignant,every two years at the age of 40. If you do not have a family history of breast cancer, regular mammograms should begin at 50.
Men and women: Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that result in optic nerve damage from abnormally high pressure inside your eye. You should see optometrists every two years for a full eye exam, especially if you have diabetes or are near-sighted. Men and women: Bone density test. Everyone over the age of 65 should have a bone mineral density test to check for risk of fracture. The test may need to be conducted earlier if a person is thin or frail and/or a smoker.
In the Loop – 15
Health
Human and Social Development Exhibitions
City uniting to end TB and HIV T
he City has embarked on a wide-ranging campaign to create awareness about TB and HIV and to screen people at clinics and during community outreaches. This initiative will continue till the end of April, and reaches a peak on the 24th March when the City joins the global community to commemorate World Stop TB Day. Dr Mpho Phalatse, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development, says Joburgers must be aware of the fact that TB can be completely cured if patients follow the prescribed treatment for a period of six months. “Testing and treatment for TB and HIV are available for free at all City clinics. We urge communities to encourage families and friends to visit clinics if they notice any TB symptoms.
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It is equally important to provide ongoing support to TB patients and to assist them to continue with the treatment until they are eventually cured,
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says MMC Phalatse, who will be leading the awareness campaign. An important part of this year’s outreach will be to detect “missing patients” who were diagnosed but did not continue with their treatment programme. Special attention will also be given to hostel dwellers and informal settlements as well as vulnerable groups such as miners, the elderly, children, immune-compromised people and health care workers.
Soweto bridal festival a runaway success
Dialogues are taking place with leaders in civil society, churches, the taxi industry and educators in schools.
Did you know? TB is an infectious disease that is spread from person to person through the air. It affects mostly the lungs but can also have an impact on other parts of the body. TB is still the “number one killer” in the country, responsible for almost 40 000 mortalities every year. South Africa has the 3rd highest incidence of new TB cases reported each year in the world – surpassed only by India and China. TB symptoms include a persistent cough that continues for more than two weeks; a fever that lasts for longer than 14 days; unexplained weight loss; drenching night sweats and sudden fatigue among children. The spread of TB can be prevented by covering your nose and mouth when sneezing; by coughing into your elbow; by ensuring your house is properly ventilated; by living a healthy lifestyle, regular exercising and following a balanced diet.
14 – March 2017
There is a strong focus on conversations with family members of individuals who are undergoing TB treatment. All clinics in the City offer free testing and treatment for TB and HIV.
There was also a fashion show on the day to showcase the hottest trends for brides- and grooms-to-be as well as wedding parties and outfits for those looking to attend a friend’s ceremony.
Venue that showcases local talent The grand Soweto Theatre on Bolani Road in Jabulani was built to afford the local arts and culture fraternity a platform to showcase their work and to provide an environment where the community can access the arts in their own time and space. Owned by the City the Theatre was built at a cost of R150-million. It has a 420-seat main venue and two smaller venues that can accommodate 180 and 90 people. The Johannesburg Property Company, custodians of the project envisages Jabulani as a pedestrian-orientated development, with a high-quality public environment focused on a public square and a park adjoining the amphitheatre. Once the entire spatial upgrade is complete, it will comprise 25 000m² of retail shops, 10 000m² of offices and 4 000 mixed-income residential units, 30 percent of which will be for low-income earners.
What the City is doing: Awareness and screening campaigns will be intensified in all wards for four months up to April 2017.
says co-organiser and founder Nonhlanhla Nhlapho. It wants to encourage locals to look in Soweto for service providers and not in other parts of the city.
Nhlapo says organisers ran a survey on the day of the expo and received positive responses. They are planning another event for August at the same venue. “Everything went very well, we got more people than we had hoped for and that is awesome.”
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he Soweto Lenyalo Indaba held recently at the Soweto Theatre was a runaway success and organisers are planning to make it a biannual showcase. The first of its kind to be hosted in a township, the expo attracted fashion aficionados to the grand arts and culture venue in Jabulani.
The number of TB cases in Joburg is on a steady decline since 2011.
Attendees were treated to “Kasi’s hottest talent”, featuring caterers, décor specialists, up-and-coming fashion designers, DJs, live musical performances and photographers.
MMC for Health and Social Development, Dr Mpho Phalatse has identified TB as a priority for the City and will build on the District’s excellent performance which has been recognised as the top performer in Gauteng in 2015.
Exhibits included bridal gowns, wedding décor, wedding cakes, kids fashion for the big occasion and wedding stationary and invitations. Wedding organisers had the opportunity to market their services and information was exchanged on how to organise bridal parties and everything wedding-related.
She says the idea of the Soweto Lenyalo Indaba is to debunk myths about black businesses and their ability to deliver quality wedding services. “It is not fair on those who provide quality services. That is what we want to promote.”
Organisers say more than 30 exhibitors participated in the inaugural event, with over 300 people visiting the expo on the day. Lenyalo is a Setswana word loosely translated as a wedding. The Soweto Lenyalo Indaba is the first wedding expo to be staged in the township and is a local adaptation of the well-established Wedding Expo held annually in the northern parts of Joburg.
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The Indaba aims to restore trust in black service providers,
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In the Loop – 11
Resource Preservation
Resource Preservation
How to be water wise during
Praise for City’s traffic management, but concerns about congestion
M
ohannesburg is getting better at managing traffic congestion… but there are worrying signs that the roads leading into and out of the country’s most densely populated City are getting clogged.
National Water Week arch 13 to March 19 is National Water Week, which seeks to impress on South Africans the value of water.
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As custodians of this awareness week, the Department of Water Affairs encourages all South Africans to be water wise. Water is our single most precious resource.
As one of the global leaders in road navigation systems and traffic research, TomTom has recognised Joburg’s efforts to address congestion with one if its special International awards for 2017. A panel of international traffic experts analysed studies of traffic congestion in 390 cities around the world before concluding that Johannesburg “stands out for its implementation of effective traffic management systems across the city.” Cllr Nonhlanhla Makhuba, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Transport says Johannesburg will continue to introduce measures to reduce congestion and encourage the free flow of traffic in the City.
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Here are some things you can do at home to save water: Shower Bucket. Instead of letting the water pour down the drain, stick a bucket under the faucet while you wait for your shower water to heat up. You can use the water for flushing the toilet or watering your plants. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. Don’t let all that water go down the drain while you brush! Turn off the tap while washing your hands. If it’s yellow, let it mellow. This tip might not be for everyone, but the toilet is one of the most water-intensive fixtures in the house. Do you need to flush every time? Head to the car wash. If you feel compelled to wash your car, take it to a car wash that recycles the water, rather than washing at home with the hose.
Don’t run the dishwasher or washing machine until it’s full. Keep an eye on your bill to spot leaks. If your water bill spikes suddenly, there’s a good chance that a leak is the culprit. Call in a plumber to check your lines to save water and cash! Flush with less. Older toilets use a lot of water. You can reduce your usage by sinking a half gallon jug of water in the toilet tank. Do NOT use a brick, because it will break down and the sediment can damage your tank. Water outdoor plants in the early morning. You’ll need less water, since cooler morning temperatures mean losing less water to evaporation. It’s not a great idea to water in the evenings, since this can promote mould growth.
Cut your showers short. Speed things up in the shower for some serious water savings.
Hand-washing a lot of dishes? Fill up your sink with water, instead of letting it run the whole time that you’re scrubbing.
Choose efficient fixtures. Aerating your faucets, investing in a low-flow toilet, choosing efficient shower heads, and water-saving dishwasher and washing machine can add up to big water savings.
Re-use grey water. Check to make sure that this is legal where you live, but in some areas you can do things like re-route the runoff from your clothes washer and use that water for things like flushing the toilet.
We are keenly aware of the potentially debilitating impact of congestion on economic activity and the quality of life of residents and visitors who have to spend long hours in traffic. Traffic is one of the factors taken into consideration by investors when they take decisions on whether to establish new businesses in a major global city.
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The strategic priority is to constantly improve the quality of public transport such as Rea Vaya and Metrobus and to forge a strong working relationship with the taxi industry and other transport providers. MMC Makhuba also indicated that the JRA has implemented a comprehensive programme to reduce traffic signal outages and reduce the time taken to report and repair faulty traffic signals. The JMPD is also introducing rapid pointsmen response teams to address congestion hot spots when traffic signals are not operating. “Employers also have a role to play,” she adds. “If we could introduce variable working hours, this would also help to spread the load on the roads during peak periods. The City will be raising this with businesses especially in nodes like the inner city and Sandton.”
Cllr Nonhlanhla Makhuba, MMC for Transport.
Improved M1 will bring relief “However, we are doing our utmost to improve the flow of traffic on the freeways and routes leading into the City,” says Cllr Makhuba. The improvement of the M1 freeway, including the rehabilitation of major bridges, will bring further relief and the coming Budget will include additional allocations for road construction and repairs. “Infrastructure development is a major contributing factor to Johannesburg’s improved ranking in the TomTom Traffic Index,” says Megan Bruwer, Project Coordinator for the Smart Mobility Laboratory based in Stellenbosch.
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things to know about the TomTom Traffic Index 2017
Johannesburg is no longer the most-congested city in South Africa. Measured on the TomTom scale it sits at a daily congestion level of 30% percent compared to Cape Town’s ranking of 35%. The worrying trend is that the City has experienced a 3% increase in traffic congestion since the publication of the 2015 survey, compared to Cape Town’s increase of 5%. In global terms Johannesburg is ranked the 70th mostcongested City in the world, while Cape Town sits in the 48th position. Among other world cities that experience high levels of traffic congestion are Mexico City (worst at 66%), Bangkok in Thailand (2nd worst at 61%) and the Indonesian capital, Jakarta (3rd worst at 58%).
Shrink your lawn. Even better: lose the lawn completely.
March 20172016 2012– –September
In the the Loop Loop –– 513 In