Internal Newsletter
In the Loop Issue No.
20 Oct 2015
What’s inside:
Change the way you move
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12
22
Contents
Arts, Sports & Culture
3
Message from the Executive Mayor
13
Sandton streets come alive
4
Shaping the future of Africa
14
City Briefs
5
Q & A with Mayor Tau on Ecomobility
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Growing confidence in City’s anti-fraud actions
6
16
Planning Awards
7
Top Joburg mall turns to the sun Massive road construction will bring long-term City carries positive message to Paris
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Well-earned retirement waiting for City stalwarts
8
Bua le-Sechaba – Councillors talk to residents
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Connecting with the City is getting easier at 0860-JOBURG
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Eldos residents beat the heat at public pool
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Free Wi-Fi becomes ‘a walk in the park’ for Sowetans
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Creating jobs out of waste through Jozi@Work
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Joburg in pictures
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13 things to know about disability management in Joburg
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FAST steps to prevent stroke
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Removing the stigma about mental health
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Sleeping Beauty will wake up Joburg audiences
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Joburg ready for 10th hosting of top golf event
T
he Joburg Open, one of the most prestigious tournaments on the South African and European golf tours, will be hosted by the City in January for the 10th time next year.
9. The European Tour is expanding rapidly into countries such as India, Thailand, Malaysia and China – opening up new opportunities to market Johannesburg to golf tourists from the Far East, Asia and the Middle East.
“It has proven its value as a highly successful event to market Johannesburg to a huge international audience says Bongi Mokaba, the Director: Events Management who has seen the Joburg Open grows into a global tournament that will be broadcasted to television audiences in 35 countries.
10. The South African golf industry generates revenue of more than R30-billion a year. Joburg wants to increase its share of the estimated 54-million golfers world-wide looking for new destinations to play the game.
18 reasons to follow the action
11. The Pro-Am tournament hosted prior to the main tee-off, attracts business people, celebrities and City leaders who will relish the opportunities to play with top golfers.
1. The tournament takes place from 14 to 17 January 2016 – placing it close to the end of the competitive European Tour. 2. It is again hosted at the iconic Royal Johannesburg &
12. A group of prominent business people from India will be among the overseas visitors participating in the Pro-Am and spending time in Johannesburg.
City Briefs
Acknowledgements
Cover Credits
Chief Editor Makhudu Sefara - MakhuduS@joburg.org.za
The EcoMobility World Festival 2015 will point the way towards the future of urban transport. During October, streets in the Sandton CBD will be closed for regular traffic and the emphasis will be placed on walking, cycling and public transport. As an avid cyclist, Executive Mayor, Mpho Parks Tau, is setting the example.
Editor: Thomas Thale - thomasth@joburg.org.za Contributor: Luyanda Lunika - luyandal@joburg.org.za Photography: Enoch Lehung - enochl@joburg.org.za Corne du Plesis - info@enroc.co.za
Joburg ready for 10th hosting of Kensington Course –rated among the top-20 golfing venues in South Africa.
13. Money raised during the tournament will be donated to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital.
3. The prize money of Euro 1.5-million is shared among all players who make the halfway cut – with the winner walking away with the sought-after trophy and more than Euro 200 000.
14. The tournament is designed to further the development of golf in previously-disadvantaged communities. Players will conduct training and development classes at the Alexandra driving range.
4. More than 200 golfers from across the world will tee off for the first round, with the top-70 scores at the halfway mark, qualifying for the final two rounds. 5. Johannesburg was the first City in the country to host its own golf tournament, with the initial event taking place in 2007. 6. Sponsorship has been secured to host the Joburg Open for at least the next three years. Among the top line sponsors are BMW, the Hilton Hotel Group, Primedia and The Pro Shop. 7. The tournament will be broadcasted during prime-viewing time in 35 countries – providing Johannesburg with great opportunities to market the City, its rich culture and world-class facilities. 8. Executive Mayor, Cllr Mpho Parks Tau calls this “a valuable opportunity to showcase the City as a world-class golf and leisure destination.” In the Loop
top golf event
15. South African golfers have won the tournament six times over the first nine years. It has launched the careers of some of the greatest names in local golf such as Charl Schwartzel, Branden Grace and George Coetzee. The defending champion is Andy Sullivan from England. 16. Last year saw the appearance of some of the rising stars in local golf, among them, Thabo Maseko, Makheta Mazibuko and Musiwalo Nethunzwi. 17. The Johannesburg Open is the only tournament in South Africa where the top-3 placers will get direct entry into The British Open, the world’s most prestigious tournament. 18. Spectators can follow the action on the fairways and greens for only R50 a day, with free entrance for pensioners and children under 16. In the Loop – 23
Message from the Executive Mayor
Arts, Sports & Culture
Contents
Message from the Executive Mayor people to explore the possibility of implementing a sustainable transport system in Johannesburg.
Sleeping Beauty will wake up Joburg audiences T
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SABC3 actor and dancer, Nicole Fortuin, will be transformed into the sleeping beauty, Princess Aurora-Adora.
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Candida Mosoma recently vowed audiences with her stunning performance in the lead role of smash hit musical, Sister Act. She is playing the part of the Good Fairy Floradora Daisy.
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Prince Harry Hunkador the Handsome is portrayed by Christopher Jaftha, an accomplished stage and TV actor and the most recent addition to Top Billing’s line-up of presenters.
he end of the year means “Panto Time” for Joburg theatre lovers! The wildly popular Sleeping Beauty will come to life on the Mandela Stage at the Joburg Theatre from 7 November to the end of December, offering audiences the sheer magic of pantomime mixed with spectacle, contemporary music, outrageous puns and acerbic social commentary.
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This is the 15th time that acclaimed writer/director Janice Honeyman brings the festive pantomime to the stage and the first return of the Sleeping Beauty production since 2002.
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Veteran panto actor, Tobie Cronje, returns to the Joburg stage after a two-year absence to play the role of Dame Nora Nursery.
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The choreography is done for the first time by rising star, Paul Modjadji, who is in the top 1% of applicants from Africa to participate in President Barack Obama’s Mandela Fellowship Programme.
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Janice Honeyman is a multi-award winning director with a long association with the Joburg Theatre and the Market Theatre. She promises that “Sleeping Beauty will bring the pure magic of pantomime once again to Joburg.”
Last year the pantomime drew an audience of more than 65 000 people during its run. This year more than 30 000 tickets have already been sold! Producer Bernard Jay says “this has to be the most exciting – and certainly most romantic – cast we have ever managed to bring together for a Joburg Theatre pantomime.
Timothy Moloi performed at the opening ceremony of the 2010 World Cup and just completed a highly acclaimed Tribute to Luther Vandross at Gold Reef City. He will be in the role of Sir Poensface Ponce-a-Lot.
The rest of the cast represents a Who’s Who of talented actors, comedians and dancers with delightful character names such as Kakkamella Khakibos, Maaikie Mouse, King Daffy Dum Doodle and Queen Dolly Dum Dilly.
On the other hand, the Africities Summit also looks to find sustainable solutions to urban challenges by creating a platform for local government leaders to define appropriate shared strategies to improve living conditions of people. It also seeks to contribute to the integration, peace and unity of Africa from the grassroots.
Africities Summit a “bridge” to sustainability Colleagues, In a few days’ time some 15 000 local government leaders, academics and commentators from countries across Africa are set to gather in the City of Johannesburg for the 7th Africities Summit. The Summit taking place in our city from November 29th comes shortly after we have hosted the EcoMobility Festival 2015 throughout the month of October to mark Transport Month. The Festival enabled the city and its
Prior to the Festival, Heads of State from 155 countries met at the United Nations in New York to discuss and agree on a new set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that will serve as a global roadmap to end poverty and build a dignified and sustainable life for all. The SDGs are a clear call for us all to work together to share prosperity, empower communities and heal our planet for the benefit of future generations. During my recent visit to the Vatican I supported the urgency expressed by mayors of 30 global cities at a meeting convened by Pope Francis. It was agreed at this meeting that local governments have a key role to play in addressing world concerns related to climate change and modern day slavery. This is why post the Africities Summit local government leaders from the African continent and elsewhere across the globe will be looking forward to heading to Paris for the UN Climate Change Conference, also known as COP21.
It is at this conference where countries will be outlining what they have achieved in the fight against climate change and their future plans to keep global warming below the set target of 20C. Until then, the focus is on the Africities Summit where a roadmap that defines the developmental agenda of cities on the continent will be completed. The Summit will also see various cities share good practices and best experiences on how to address some of our biggest challenges related to urbanisation, migration, conflict resolution and underdevelopment. The need for a shared approach among African cities has never been greater and Johannesburg intends to offer leadership in this regard. We feel privileged to host the Africities Summit as it also provides us with a forum to showcase the work done in Johannesburg to mitigate the impact of climate change and invest in innovative projects within the green and blue economies. Furthermore, the Summit is an opportunity for African cities to speak in one, clear voice from within the continent to the rest of the world. It is an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to serve our people by involving them in decision-making processes and in new models of service delivery.
Cllr. Mpho Parks Tau Executive Mayor
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Providing additional style to this year’s production will be nine youngsters from the Joburg-based dance academy, Art of Motion. Their dancing skills in ballet, traditional dancing, hip hop and Latin American styles will be integrated into the Sleeping Beauty storyline. www.facebook.com/ CityofJohannesburg
22 – In the Loop
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In the Loop – 3
Health
Africities
Shaping the future of Africa T
he socio-economic transformation of the African continent will dominate the agenda of the five-day Africities Summit, hosted in Johannesburg from 29 November to 3 December. The Summit, organised by United Cities in Local Government – Africa (UCLG-A) will be attended by more than 5 000 delegates from all over the continent and beyond. Executive Mayor, Mpho Parks Tau, says Africities is an important opportunity to promote discourse, dialogue and debate on African cities.
Signs of potential mental illness • Consistently feeling sad or down;
For African Cities to survive and prosper in the 21st Century we need to work closely with our constituencies and remain committed to serve our people by involving them in decision-making processes, says Mayor Tau.
• Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate; • Excessive fears or worries or extreme feelings of guilt;
The Africities Summit takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre.
• Extreme mood changes of highs and lows;
The easiest way to navigate your way through Africities is by downloading its mobile application from the Apple iStore or Google Play. The app will enable you to register for the summit, get updates and follow proceedings on the go.
• Withdrawal from friends and activities; • Significant tiredness, low energy or sleeping problem; • Detachment from reality including paranoia and hallucinations; • Inability to cope with daily problems or stress. • Alcohol or drug abuse; • Major changes in eating habits; • Changes in the sex drive; • Excessive anger, hostility or violence; • Suicidal thinking.
Executive Mayor Cllr Mpho Parks Tau, hosted members of the diplomatic corps and leaders in local government at an event to launch the Africities Summit.
Highlights of the Africities Programme:
Johannesburg’s place in global events:
Day 1 Welcoming Addresses by the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Cllr Mpho Parks Tau, Gauteng Premier David Makhura and the Minister of Cooperative Governance, Pravin Gordhan; Keynote speech by the President of the African Union Commission, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma; Official Opening by the President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma; Thematic sessions on: Which possible future for African Local Government? Day 2: Sessions on cooperatives, poverty alleviation, entrepreneurship, youth and women; Day 3: Sessions on smart cities, safer cities, migration and environmental issues; Day 4: Plenary session on: “Shaping the Future of Africa with the peoples” Election of the new Board of the UCLG-A Meeting of Mayors to draft resolutions Day 5: Political dialogue between Ministers, Mayors and African institutions; Adoption of Declaration and resolutions
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4– In the Loop
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What is Africities? – Representatives from local government in Africa, thought leaders, academics and activists meet at the Summit every three years to discuss shared challenges and areas for cooperation in developmental local government. Who is UCLG? – United Cites and Local Government is an umbrella organisation for cities and local government throughout the world. It was founded in 2004 and has its headquarters in Barcelona, Spain. More than 1 000 cities on all five continents belong to UCLG.
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What is Agenda 2063? – At the 50th Anniversary of the African Union in 2013, member states adopted a vision and action plan to direct the development of the continent over the next five decades.
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What is the SDG? – The United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals at its meeting of Heads of State in September 2015. The SDGs are a set of 17 goals aimed at lowering global poverty, hunger and inequality and addressing environmental challenges.
Removing the stigma about mental health M
ental health month – October 2015. Mental illness is one of the most-misunderstood conditions in the world and, therefore, often goes untreated.
Organisation has determined that nearly 12% of the global population – about 450 million people – will experience some form of mental illness that requires diagnosis and treatment.
The City is creating a greater awareness about mental health issues through campaigns and health education at facility levels and in the community. The topic is also discussed at youth dialogues that take place within the regions.
This can include some conditions that show dramatic behaviour – but in most cases involving depression or anxiety, the patient either does not recognise the symptoms or try and “cope with it” on their own.
The MMC for Health and Social Development, Nonceba Molwele, says the City is adopting a modern approach to mental illnesses by integrating treatment and counselling programmes into the primary health care service. More and more medical professionals and nurses are receiving training on how to identify the symptoms of mental illness and how to advise patients on treatment.
“Our message during Mental Health Week is that people, including our employees, should seek advice and treatment. You cannot just ‘pull yourself out of depression.’ It needs treatment that can include a combination of advice, counselling and medication,” says MMC Molwele.
“There is help available at the local health facility in your area,” is MMC Molwele’s advice to patients. The clinic is the first port of call and the staff there will take decisions on whether to refer people to hospitals or to the large number of NGOs and crisis centres that offer support on specific conditions. A primary element of the awareness programme is to remove the stigma attached to mental illness. The World Health
There are huge concerns about the mental health conditions that go unnoticed and untreated, especially among the youth and young adults. Failure to address the issue often leads to other health concerns such as alcoholism, drug abuse and suicide. MMC Molwele says as an employer, the City wants to support its employees who show signs of mental illness. Many of the conditions have a negative impact on work performance and productivity and invariably lead to higher levels of absenteeism. In the Loop – 21
Green Economy Financial Sustainability
Health
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The City of Johannesburg supports World Stroke day, an international event to create awareness about the symptoms and treatment of stroke.
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A stroke happens when a blood vessel that carries oxygen to the brain is either blocked by a clot, or ruptured. Parts of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs and some brain cells never recover.
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Stroke is the third biggest cause of death in the country and a leading cause of adult disability. One in six people will have a stroke in their lifetime – that is more than eight million South Africans. An average of 240 people in South Africa suffers a stroke every day. A quarter of them – 60 – die of a stroke. The majority survive but may suffer some form of residual disability. The effects of stroke can be devastating and include brain damage which manifest as weakness or paralysis, sensory disturbances, pain, speech problems and memory loss. Know the symptoms of stroke – sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body; loss of speech or trouble understanding language; loss of vision in one or both eyes or blurred vision; trouble walking, loss of balance or dizziness; sudden severe headache without cause. Symptoms depend on the side of the brain affected by the stroke.
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Call for professional help as soon as possible. Knowing the symptoms and getting the patient into the correct treatment can save a life and prevent brain damage.
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Reduce your risk of stroke by treating conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, irregular heartbeat and diabetes.
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Most strokes can be prevented by lowering the blood pressure through wise lifestyle choices, maintaining a healthy weight, stopping smoking, cutting down on salt in the diet, eating more fruit and vegetables and exercising.
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If already on treatment for high blood pressure/hypertension, ensure that you take your treatment regularly and attend follow-ups as advised by a health professional.
12
Q&A
with Mayor Tau on Ecomobility
Information is given at all City health facilities. Healthy lifestyle campaigns are conducted in all the regions to educate communities on healthy lifestyle choices. Health screenings are also done during these campaigns to identify those at risk and refer them for appropriate treatment. The FAST Song: If someone has a stroke near you, The FAST song tells you what to do.
F-A-S-T FAST F-A-S-T FAST The letter “F” it stands for face, If one half droops, no time to waste. The letter “A” means an arm that’s weak, The letter “S” means it’s hard to speak.
Why did you move your office to Sandton during the Festival and what have been the most important experiences?
The letter “T” means it’s time to phone, Call right away and don’t be alone.
This was done in the interest of living out what we are calling on others to do and to get first hand insight into commuter experiences and concerns about public transport services in the City of Johannesburg.
Learn the song to show you care And help end stroke each time you share. Face – Arm – Speech – Time – FAST. Listen to the song on YouTube – https://www.you tube.com/watch?v=TdQI3THY-R0&feature=youtu. be, or create your own tune.
It is amazing how, when we launched the Festival, there was mention of “some discomfort” that will be felt due to the event, but all I have personally experienced was convenience, minimum travel time and cost saving. There was also a health benefit as I had to walk some distance from my house to a bus stop, from a train station to my office. There was no competing with other vehicles in traffic congestion to get to my destinations.
You are known to be a cyclist. What are the benefits of cycling for the environment and healthy lifestyles? I started cycling at the beginning of 2014 with just a 5km ride and I have not looked back. It is a great way to keep healthy and fit, as well as make your individual contribution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One can either cycle as a form of recreational activity or as a mode of transport. The cyclists I meet on the roads, who wish to cycle more often, are mostly concerned about safety issues. The city is currently addressing these through the introduction of cycle-friendly infrastructure in the form of cycling lanes and policing them. Towing away of cars that park on these lanes has begun and a hefty fine is attached to this.
I will certainly be using more of the variety of transport alternatives available in our city beyond the EcoMobility Festival.
FAST steps to prevent stroke
Tell us about your experience using public transport such as Rea Vaya and Metrobus. It was quite an experience switching from bicycle to a train, into a bus and catching a taxi to move around the City of Johannesburg. My wife Pili also came out in support of ecomobility and used public transport, including a taxi from our home in the south. I have cycled more than 60km and the ride from my house to the Park Station in the inner city is just over 20km. One of the things that I have been doing is trying out different cycling routes to work to find the most suitable one. Cycling worked out much easier towards the Joburg CBD. The challenge begins when you are entering the inner city – where there were a number of cars to compete with for the road.
20 – In the Loop
I have also been on a Metrobus from the south, and caught a link bus to Sandton at Gandhi Square. Although there were slight delays on our way to the Joburg CBD, these were resolved from Gandhi Square. During the bus trips I met people again that I have not seen in a very long time. I also got feedback from other commuters about what needs to be improved on the Metrobus system as well as concerns about ticketing. These are often related to the introduction of new routes and are certainly being addressed. I also used the Rea Vaya system to get to meetings and always had to make sure I do not get into a wrong bus. At some point I had to ask other commuters for assistance to catch the right bus. I also received feedback on the Rea Vaya customer service from commuters, which is also getting attention.
In the Loop – 5
Employee News
Green Economy
S
olar power as a green source of energy is gaining in popularity in Joburg with City Power working closely with property developers and mall owners to include renewable energy into the power mix. The Clearwater Mall in Strubens Valley is the latest major shopping centre to install solar power as part of the efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Johannesburg. The mall has also reduced its future power costs by investing in a solar power system. In consultation with City Power the mall has introduced a photovoltaic (PV) system on their rooftop with sufficient power to meet almost half of the day time energy needs of the complex. Largest single rooftop installation The Mall now has Africa’s largest rooftop solar PV system with the capacity to produce about 7 700 kWh of electricity per day. Paul Vermeulen, responsible for Demand and Supply Side Management at City Power says the PV system consists of an array of solar panels that generate power from the sun and transform this into electricity that is compatible with, and can be connected to, the supply from the grid. Once installed, the PV panels require little maintenance and carry no additional fuel-related costs. The only present drawback is that it cannot generate electricity during the
evening peak power usage periods or when there is a thick cloud cover over Johannesburg. At these times, the system then reverts to conventional power from the grid. However, Vermeulen says, the installation of the unit at Clearwater Mall is a major step forward for the uptake of renewable energy by curbing its dependence on conventional electricity generated by the burning of coal. Massive savings through solar The introduction of solar power is saving the mall and City Power a significant amount of fossil fuel-derived electricity. It reduces the power-related costs to the owners and their tenants and cuts down on carbon dioxide emissions within the City, says Vermeulen. On this project City Power handled the safety commissioning together with Solareff, who were contracted to install the system by the owners of the mall, Hyprop Investment Limited. The CEO of Hyprop Investment, Pieter Prinsloo, says the latest expansion of the solar system has tripled the generation output, making it the largest of its kind in Africa. The company’s investment at Clearwater Mall is the first step in its roll-out of “green shopping centres” in other parts of Gauteng. Vermeulen says he expects more owners of malls and large buildings to switch to solar power. Two major banks in the inner city have already installed PV systems and a further 40 applications are awaiting final approval.
Top Joburg mall turns to the sun
6 – In the Loop
13 things to know about
management Dindisability isJoburg ability awaren ess D
isability month throws the spotlight on people living with disabilities and challenges us to think seriously about our attitudes and our performance in empowering colleagues with disabilities.
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Disability is the consequence of an impairment that may be physical, cognitive, mental, or sensory – or a combination of these.
The Constitution of South Africa guarantees all people – including people with disabilities – the same human rights.
About 1% of City employees are people with disabilities and Joburg is making steady progress to meet the national target of 2%.
The City is committed to integrate people with disabilities into the mainstream of its activities.
It is working towards the elimination of all unfair discrimination against people with disabilities. Measures are being put in place to eliminate any stigmatisation.
Programmes are offered to employees to increase awareness about disability issues.
The City wants to foster an appreciation about the rights of people with disabilities to be treated with dignity and respect.
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Joburg employees are challenged to have a positive attitude towards colleagues with disabilities and to integrate them into the mainstream of departmental responsibilities, but also in social interaction.
November is National Disability Rights Awareness month and Johannesburg is participating in activities under the theme: “Together we move South Africa Forward to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities.
The City will host roadshows and awareness programmes during this period to sensitise employees about policies, equal access and the elimination of discrimination in the work place.
Universal access to buildings and facilities for staff with disabilities is an ongoing priority.
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At most City buildings there are dedicated parking spaces for employees with disabilities and when buildings are modified it includes the erection of special toilets and ramps designed to improve access.
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The Rea Vaya Bus Rapid System is designed to improve access to people with disabilities including evenly paved environments near stations, access ramps for people in wheelchairs and station platforms that are level to the doors of buses.
Issues that are currently being addressed are heavy doors inside buildings that form barriers to people in wheelchairs “But, my that nothing and crutches, and message the provision of is documentation and information Braille and on audio scripts. beats ineducation.”
In the Loop – 19
Green
Service Delivery
Connecting with the City is getting easier at 0860-JOBURG
W
hen you make the call, they will answer…often within 15 seconds after the phone started ringing. They will be efficient, helpful and always, always polite. And in almost all cases they will resolve your query and provide you with the correct information to find your way through the maze of the City’s services and activities.
In July 2014 customers had to wait for 70 seconds before a call was answered. In August, this was reduced to only six seconds. Back then, 13 207 calls were abandoned, meaning customers simply did not want to hang-on any longer. Two months ago this dropped to a mere 863 calls. Almost 80% of queries are resolved on the spot, without the need to be referred to Departments and city-owned agencies.
Ms Ednah Molewa, the Minister of Environmental Affairs, with Mr Paul Mashatile, former Minister of Arts and Culture and Joburg Mayor, Parks Tau, at COP17.
City carries positive message to Paris J
Fiona Read, the Deputy Director of Joburg Connect calls the call centre agents who serve as the first point of contact with the public “the city’s unsung heroes.” There is a team on duty 24 hours a day; 365 days a year. And they need a comprehensive knowledge about the City and its activities. “Why is my monthly bill suddenly so high? Where is the closest clinic in my area? How do I get to the nearest Rea Vaya station? When does the Zoo open?”. Having joined the City in 2001 Read is in a great position to reflect on the improvements in performance, especially since the introduction of the Revenue Step Change initiative in 2013. And her observations are backed up with solid statistics – graphs, figures, tables – that indicate an upward trend across all the major deliverables.
Calls received July 2014 November 2014 March 2015 June 2015 September 2015
127 500 94 705 90 353 81 987 72 303
Calls answered 112 998 88 932 87 532 77 139 70 565
But statistics tell only half the story. The biggest source of pride at Joburg Connect is the positive feedback received from satisfied customers sending e-mails and letters to praise the attitudes of the call-service agents. It compensates a bit for the rude and obnoxious behaviour they sometimes have to endure from irate callers. Read attributes the improved performance to leadership, training and strong management systems. Each and every agent receives feedback on performance, calls are monitored and assessed, and individual targets for every day are set based on historical data and statistics. So, if you are wondering whether there is a leak on your property which pushed up your monthly water bill, or simply want to find out what is showing at the Joburg Theatre this week… you are welcome to call 0860 JOBURG.
Abandoned calls 13 207 5 773 2 821 4 848 1 738
Abandoned rates 10.38% 6.42% 3.18% 6.06% 2.63%
Average waiting time (seconds)
Service level
70 41 17 36 13
88.77% 95.34% 97.85% 95.33% 98.37%
… and the clients express their appreciation. It is such a great pleasure to talk to someone who is friendly, willing and helpful. You really are doing a great job for the City of Joburg.” – Pamela Wilton. Thank you once again for all your assistance and patience. You were very, very helpful.” – Noluthando Ngobese. “I have been extremely pleased with the quick turnaround time and simplified process in my change of account.” – Thomas Selmer-Olsen.
18 – In the Loop
ohannesburg’s Executive Mayor, Councillor Mpho Parks Tau, will take a strong message to Paris in December when he leads the City’s delegation to the agenda-setting COP21 Summit on Climate Change.
Two Johannesburg projects have been selected for the C40 Cities Awards. The Green Bond is a finalist in the Finance and Economic Development category and the Corridors of Freedom project in the Sustainable Communities category.
COP 21 has been described by the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon as one of the most important global conferences ever held. “The future of the earth hinges on what is going to be decided in Paris,” he says.
It is at these forums where the Johannesburg Declaration on EcoMobility in Cities, signed at the World Festival hosted in Sandton in October, will be presented.
Mayor Tau will be one of more than 750 global leaders meeting in the French capital in the first week of December. Johannesburg will also have a strong representation at the “1 000 Mayor’s Summit” which brings together metropolitan decision-makers from across the globe.
“As cities we are not going to Paris to say that climate change is too complex to solve,” says Mayor Tau. “We are going there to table solutions.” The core of the message in the Johannesburg Declaration is that urban transport must be transformed to address climate change. The transport sector is already responsible for 16% of global greenhouse gas emissions and accounts for 27% of global energy consumption.
Why is COP21 important? • • • •
COP21 stands for “Conference of Parties” and is the 21st global conference on climate change since it was first hosted in Berlin in 1995. The most important global treaty on climate change – the Kyoto Protocol – expires in 2020 and Paris is seen as “a last opportunity” to reach a new, binding agreement. According to the organisers, emissions, carbon pollution and global temperatures continue to rise. 2014 was the hottest year in the 135 years of record-keeping. COP21 wants countries to take steps to ensure the rise in global temperatures is kept below 20C.
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What does South Africa expect to achieve at COP21? •
How is Johannesburg leading on climate change? • •
Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit uses Euro V buses equipped with the most modern technology to reduce emissions; 70 eco-friendly buses using a mixture of CNG/biogas (70%) and diesel (30%) are already being used by
Metrobus. This fleet will soon grow to 190; The Corridors of Freedom initiative aims to increase urban densities, encourage people to live closer to transit corridors and switch to public transport; The City plays a leadership role in the C40 Cities Climate Group – a global coalition to find sustainable solutions for urban climate issues.
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An agreement on global reductions in emissions to avert dangerous climate change; Equal priority to be given to both “adaptation” and “mitigation”, as already adopted by the National Development Plan; Provision for sufficient means and resources to support actions towards adaptation and mitigation. In the Loop – 7
Employee News
Imbizo
Well-earned
retirement waiting for City stalwarts
public. “You must always remember to greet people,” he says. “It helps you to start things off on the right foot and provides a strong foundation for the future.” His parting words of advice to the City are that it must listen to the concerns of staff in an honest and fair manner and communicate the decisions that were taken to the organisation. There is little doubt his colleagues and co-workers will miss the man who was always known for his professionalism, reliability and trustworthiness.
A career of service to City and citizens is drawing to a close If there is someone who knows every nook and cranny in city-owned buildings in Johannesburg, every pipe that leaks and every toilet that must be fixed, it is Jan van Eeden. On the eve of his retirement after four and a half decades of service to the City the father and grandfather remains effusive in his praise for his employer. “The City is vibrant workplace filled with opportunities,” he says.
Bua le-Sechaba – Councillors talk to residents O
versight over service delivery in the City is on an upward trajectory through regular visits to communities undertaken by elected councillors.
speed with the delivery of services and to suggest corrective measures that can be taken. Similar visits were also undertaken in Kya Sands and Zandspruit.
The Bua le-Sechaba campaign is being rolled out in a number of informal settlements to examine the quality of services delivered by the City and measure their impact on communities.
Electricity was identified as the biggest challenge in Zandspruit and the City intends to address this through a combination of off-grid power sources that include solar geysers, LED lights and regular electricity.
Portfolio committees – also known as Section 79 committees – have the responsibility to monitor the delivery and the outputs of the Mayoral Committee. “They hold the executive to account and fasten the pace of delivery,” says the Speaker of Council, Constance Bapela.
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An increase in the number of protest actions in Johannesburg is an indication of gaps in service delivery.
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Spending on the capital budget by departments is low in the early stages of the financial year.
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Councillors can accurately assess the quality of service delivery within communities.
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Areas of concern are identified and interventions are considered and discussed.
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The programme supports the principle of robust oversight and holds the Executive to account.
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8 – In the Loop
Through this oversight programme Council has confirmed that about 95% of the City’s Budget had been implemented to address service delivery issues. They also identified the most prominent factors that influence revenue to be population growth, revenue collection, the state of the economy and unemployment.
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In recent days councillors paid a visit to the Zenzele section of the Zandspruit informal settlement to bring themselves up to
Councillor Solly Mogase is the Chair of Chairs with the responsibility to coordinate the activities of the Section 79 committees. He says Bua le-Sechaba – Talk to the Nation – is a great tool to ensure the provision of services does not only speak to quantity, but also to quality.
“We are encouraged by the work done by oversight committees in ensuring that departments adequately account for their finances,” says Speaker Bapela. “So far all departments are adhering to their allocations and any deviations in programmes that are picked up during visits will be referred to the relevant oversight committee.” • Oversight visits to Regions A and C have already been concluded and similar meetings are scheduled for Regions B, D, E, F and G in November.
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number of City employees with more than four decades of service will soon retire. Their contributions will be sorely missed and colleagues will remember their professionalism and devotion to duty. Jan van Eeden and Amos Mauwane both joined the City in 1970. They enter retirement with great memories and sage advice to their colleagues.
Keep on improving your skills, is Mauwane’s advice. For 45 years Amos Mauwane has been a well-known presence at vehicle testing stations around Johannesburg. Now, on the eve of his well-earned retirement his main message to fellow employees is to keep on learning and improve your skills all the time. “Nowadays people have to be multi-skilled and able to adapt to a fast-changing environment,” says the man who started his career in 1970 as a pit assistant at the Langlaagte Testing Station. He remained there for 29 years before being transferred to the Drivers Card Section as an administration clerk. Since 2011 Mauwane has been back as a pit-assistant at the Weigh Bridge.
He joined the ranks as an apprentice plumber in Smit Street in 1970 and gradually took on more responsibilities as he also built on his qualifications and skills. For 12 year, between 1974 and 1986 he was responsible for maintenance and plumbing on all council buildings before being promoted to foreman plumber. Since 1991 Van Eeden has served as building inspector operating from the Civic Centre in Braamfontein, the Randburg offices and the Roodepoort Civic Centre. His colleagues describes him as “the man who will work the proverbial ‘extra mile’ when it comes to his work.” His friendly and helpful attitude has earned him the respect of both those who worked with him and the public he served. Having worked within the City during many years of change and transitions Van Eeden cautions his colleagues to take their jobs seriously and take care of the tools and vehicles they use to perform their duties. He would dearly like to see the City creating more opportunities for tradesmen to do their apprenticeships. And his passing words after a lifetime of service are: “Thank you Joburg. I am proud to be an employee and citizen of this City.”
Described by his colleagues and peers as “a man who will be dearly missed,” he says “if you want to stay current and add value as an employee you need to be adaptable and keep your skills up to date.” The married father of two children and grandfather of five strongly believes in good human relations among colleagues who share the same work space as well as members of the
In the Loop – 17
Social Development
Employee News
Amien is exceptionally proud of some of the Eldo learners who have started with basic swimming lessons at the pool and subsequently progressed into the competitive ranks of Gauteng Aquatics. Fourteen-year-old Sidleigh Plaatjies, could barely stay afloat when she joined the swimming programme at Goud Street in early 2014. Through dedicated coaching and teaching, she has mastered all the swimming styles and won a bronze medal at a recent championship gala. Luke Thumdran is one of the rising stars in junior swimming and recently represented Central Gauteng at the South African nationals. There, the 15-year old from Eldorado Park Ext 4, won gold in four items in freestyle, butterfly and the individual medley event.
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Eldos residents beat the heat
at public pool
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Planning Awards 5
Colleagues at the Department of Development Planning were recently recognised for exceptional achievements. Member of the Mayoral Committee, Cllr Roslynn Greeff and Executive Director, Yondela Silimela, were there to hand over the prizes.
1: Maria Seodisa - Inspirational Colleague 2: Piet Concar - Leader of the Year 3: Retha van Wyk - Outstanding Performer 4: Team of the Year - Spatial Information Section 5: Long Service Awards for Employees with over 40 years
Checklist before you jump in
Member of the Mayoral Council for Community Development Councillor Chris Vondo says the pool is a valuable asset for the community of Eldorado Park. The pool was recently refurbished and since its reopenin it continues to attract more visitors.
Swimming pools are built and maintained for the enjoyment of all city residents. Visitors to these public facilities are encouraged to follow the basic rules of water safety and good behaviour.
During the pool season – from September to April – the pool is open from nine in the morning to five in the afternoon for recreational swimmers.
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Haroon Amien, the acting superintendent, supported by supervisor, Mitch Albant and the life guard, Manual Jeaven, offers water safety and basic swimming lessons. Special instruction classes for the elderly take place in the afternoons.
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Four primary schools in the neighbourhood – Delrado, Eldorado Park, Goud Park and Park Dale – use the pool in the mornings for swimming lessons and advanced training. Gala tournaments between the schools are organised on a monthly basis – building up to a final championships in March where teams representing each pool in the Region compete for trophies and medals.
7: Rowena Chetty - Star of the Year
16 – In the Loop
The Goud Street pool in Eldorado Park is a hive of activity and on a particularly hot day, it can attract up to 980 people hoping to cool off in the crystal clear water. Goud Street is one of 46 pools across the City that has opened for the summer season.
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6: Sandy Nyembe - Excellence in Customer Service
8: Given Mukondeleli - Outstanding Newcomer
he hot summer days have drawn communities across the city to the cool and inviting waters of municipal swimming pools.
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Don’t drink and swim. Alcohol is prohibited at public pools. Be courteous and respectful towards your fellow swimmers; Report incidents of vandalism, theft and anti-social behaviour; Watch out for all children and ensure your child is always supervised by an adult that can swim; Trust the judgement and experience of the lifeguards on duty and obey their instructions; Never run along the edge of a swimming pool or push people in; Take up swimming lessons and learn CPR and emergency procedures;
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In the Loop – 9
Smart City
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Employee News News Employee
Free Wi-Fi becomes ‘a walk in the park’ for T
Sowetans
ladi Park in Soweto has become the first park in the City to be connected to free Wi-Fi. This is another step forward for the City’s plans to roll-out 1 000 Wi-Fi hotspots over the next few months.
Nelana says the development of the new park in Ward 21 coincided with the installation of broadband infrastructure in the vicinity by Brightwave Technologies. The company then donated the Wi-Fi infrastructure at Tladi Park.
The Tladi initiative is a collaboration between Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo and Brightwave Technologies, a specialist provider of network infrastructure that delivers high-speed broadband access in urban areas.
“We welcome the opportunity to support the City’s efforts to make broadband and internet access more widely available to residents and visitors to Johannesburg,” says Mr Charles Mwaura, the Chairman of Brightwave Technologies. “Tladi Park falls within our area of coverage and we see the donation as the start of a process to reach all underserved communities in Johannesburg. “
City Parks and Zoo is creating parks that stimulate community cohesion and enable citizens of all ages to derive meaningful value from their visits, says the Managing Director, Bulumko Nelana.
A growing number of parks in Joburg now offer free outdoor gyms, play equipment and areas away from streets where children can play in safety. The intentions are to increase the time residents spend at the parks and promote healthy lifestyles. The introduction of free Wi-Fi in parks is the next step. The introduction of a Wi-Fi mesh in Braamfontein is already a success and has changed the way in which Joburgers connect to the wider world of information. A similar model will be used at parks.
The company has already installed 400 Wi-Fi hotspots in Soweto neighbourhoods such as Diepkloof, Dlamini, Meadowlands, Mofolo and Phiri. Nelana says plans are well underway to install and activate more Wi-Fi hotspots in other parks in the City. In some areas the high-speed fibre network is already in the ground and Wi-Fi broadband connection will be easy to achieve. “This programme is aligned with the vision to develop a smart city and use cutting-edge technology to improve service delivery and enhance the quality of life of citizens,” he says.
Free Wi-Fi Four downloads for your mind: • • • •
The City of Johannesburg intends to roll-out 1 000 Wi-Fi hotspots by the end of 2016. More than half of all libraries and clinics are already connected to the free Wi-Fi network. Taxi ranks and high-volume public spaces such as sports stadiums, shopping malls, universities and train stations are receiving priority attention. Joburgers can access the free Wi-Fi through laptops, tablets and enabled mobile phones. You can download up to 100MB per day – for free – on each of the devices.
Growing confidence in City’s anti-fraud
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he City’s concerted efforts to combat fraud and corruption are yielding positive results. “There is a growing awareness about fraud among both employees and residents in Johannesburg,” says Sinaye Nxumalo, the Head: Group Risk & Assurance,” and a realisation that there will be consequences for people who step out of line.” “We enjoy strong support from the Executive Mayor, the Mayoral Committee and the City Manager,” says Nxumalo. “They have a strong commitment to good governance and firmly believe that employees must be accountable for their actions. Their support is enabling us to step up our efforts to deal effectively with fraud and corruption.”
Hot tips lead to arrests Since the beginning of May this year 44 people have been arrested and are currently being charged on various allegations of fraud and corruption. Nxumalo says the City’s Anti-Fraud Hotline – 0800 002 587 – is an important tool used by the public to report illegal activities and fraudulent activities. This service is monitored by an external agency – Deloitte – which reports to her office on a daily basis. Complainants have the choice to remain anonymous or to provide their particulars to the Hotline. All information is treated in strict confidence and employees can have the assurance that they enjoy full protection in terms of South African legislation pertaining to “whistle-blowers.”
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Confidence reflected in statistics The bulk of complaints directed towards the Hotline concern illegal electricity and water connections but there are also allegations made regarding fraud, corruption, unethical business practices and irregularities in the procurement processes. The statistics of the past year show a quarterly average of between 250 and 400 cases that are reported to the Hotline. Nxumalo ascribes this trend to a greater awareness about the system – but also a growing confidence that fraud and corruption are thoroughly investigated in the City.
Securing convictions against offenders Issues relating to the City-owned entities are referred to them but other issues receive the immediate attention of the Group’s internal audit and investigation units. The City is working closely with law enforcement agencies such as the SA Police Service, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation – Hawks – and the National Prosecuting Authority to build water-tight cases against suspected offenders that will eventually lead to successful convictions. Nxumalo says another element of the Group’s work is to take pro-active steps to strengthen systems and identify areas where corruption and fraud are more likely to occur. Departments and areas in the City where cash changes hands between the public and officials – such as the JMPD, vehicle testing stations, Revenue and Community Development – are especially at risk. Regulations and systems are constantly reviewed and adapted to ensure the City stays ahead of people engaged in fraudulent and corrupt activities.
Anti-Fraud Hotline
0800 002 587 10 – In the Loop
In the Loop – 15
City Briefs
Jozi@Work
High praise for quick response to bridge
emergency
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ohannesburg’s management of the Sandton Bridge collapse in October has earned high praise from the media and commentators. Executive Mayor, Mpho Parks Tau, and senior members of his executive team were on the scene of the accident on the M1 highway within minutes and stayed there throughout the night while the rescue efforts were underway. Mayor Tau announced a full investigation into the cause of the accident and expressed his condolences to the families of the two people, Adrian Doodnath of Mount Edgecombe and Siyabonga Myeni from KwaNongoma in KwaZulu Natal who lost their lives when the scaffolding fell onto cars on the highway. A total of 21 other people sustained injuries with three who were admitted to the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital with severe trauma.
for their swift response to the incident. She said the decision to provide free public transport services to affected people was “an act of proactive leadership.” Media commentator, Justice Malala, named “Mayor Tau and the Johannesburg team” as “Winners of the Week” on his weekly programme, “The Justice Factor.” He said the City has set an example on how to manage a major incident and communicate to the public. Mr Pravin Gordhan, the Minister of Cooperative Governance, said the way the City responded “shows it is well run. We have shown a great amount of efficiency and carefulness in the way that we have managed this incident.”
“The accident was, indeed, very tragic as not only lives were lost but people were badly injured and traumatised,” he says. “We wish everyone well in their physical and psychological recovery”.
Creating jobs out of waste through Jozi@Work
The National Minister of Transport, Dipuo Peters, commended the City of Johannesburg and the Gauteng provincial government
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ithin six months of signing up for the Jozi@Work programme, a group of enterprising Joburgers have established a thriving business that offers work to more than 40 formerly unemployed people in Chiawelo.
Another team is responsible for street sweeping and cleaning up at busy intersections and around the Chiawelo Clinic. Ngobeni regularly drives around in the area to check for illegal dumping sites that might contain recyclable material.
The newly-established co-operative, Thinti’ Afrika, now cleans litter bins and removes illegal dumping sites in Chiawelo. The recyclable materials are sorted and sold to generate income for the company and its employees.
He says his team is making a valuable contribution to cut down the volume of waste going to landfill areas in Johannesburg. They are also involved in education programmes at schools and within communities to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal dumping and the benefits of recycling.
Tertius Ngobeni, Director of the cooperative says he immediately recognised the potential of the programmes offered by the City’s Jozi@Work programme. A graduate in Economics from the University of Johannesburg, he formed a co-operative with five other members between the ages of 24 and 32, Andile Moloi, Mbekezile Khumalo, Mxolisi Meyiwa and Thulani Mtetwa.
City moves to
improve billing accuracy
A new regionalised billing system has been introduced which will improve billing accuracy and increase operational efficiency. From 1 December, customers will be billed at regional level. With the new system, customers will have the option to choose their own due dates to settle accounts, between the 15th and last day of the month. 14 – In the Loop
This move will reduce the number of estimated bills and create a platform for shorter turnaround times on the resolution of queries from customers, says Kgamanyane Maphologela, the Director of Customer Communications and Stakeholder Management at Group Finance.
All of them were unemployed at the time but they pooled their resources and registered their company. After attending an information session on Jozi@Work hosted by the City, they applied for a work package and was selected by Pikitup as one of nine entities to perform recycling and clean-up operations. Ngobeni says Thinti’ Afrika now employs 43 staff members, including 19 females. All of them are young people who were formerly unemployed. The employees serve as eco-guides who are active on the streets every day to collect recyclable material from the Pikitup bins. A regular working day starts at 07h30 in the morning when staff members are provided with refuse bags and assigned a specific street to be cleaned. The collected waste is placed in light delivery vehicles and a truck and then transported to a sorting area.
He is grateful to the City for giving them the opportunity to become involved in a creative job creation programme such as Jozi@Work. His future plans include the opening of a buy-back centre for recycled refuse. By expanding the size and scope of the business Thinti’ Afrika will be able to retain its employees and enable them to plough their earnings back into the operations and generate more income. Jozi@Work “is working” • • • •
10 co-operatives have been established in Zondi since March 2015; A further 59 co-operatives will be rolled out during the 2015/16 financial year; Pikitup’s Jozi@Work programme is operational in the inner city and some areas serviced by the Avalon Deport; More than 300 change agents were trained after the initial round of roadshows.
In the Loop – 11
Joburg in pictures
Joburg in pictures
1 1: Many young Joburgers had their first experience using public transport during the EcoMobility World Festival. Sara Steedley and Chiara Mzizi of the Rodean School, Reneiloe Motsitsi and Tatiana Re’my from Redwood took the opportunity to explore Sandton by foot.
Sandton streets
2: Hollywood star and environmental activist, Danny Glover, attended the opening of the EcoMobility World Festival 2015 and also met with Mayor Mpho Parks Tau. 3: Anna Horne, Marilyn Cohen de Villiers, Pequilia Nkale and Thabiso Madihlaba each won a Fiat 500 at the Joburg Shopping Festival
come alive
4: The search for the “healthiest Kota” in Joburg has ended. Pictured at the event are Bongani Nyathi, runner-up, Wandile Zwane, Executive Director of Social Development, Thato Molotsane, the winner, Rose Mabe and Simon Motsusi from the Food Resilience Unit and third-placed, Lindiwe Nonyukela. 5. Mayor Mpho Parks Tau with SA DJ Black Coffee.
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In the Loop – 13
Internal Newsletter
In the Loop Issue No.
20
Oct 2015
What’s inside:
Change the way you move
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