BIG IDEAS
A CITY THAT THINKS BIG While steadfast in its commitment to effectively provide services on the ground, the City of Ekurhuleni’s current administration also has ideas for projects of a grander nature.
BOTANICAL GARDEN It is widely accepted that natural green spaces increase quality of life and provide people with a greater respect and understanding of their natural environment. The City of Ekurhuleni’s quest to establish world-class botanical gardens within its municipal area is well under way. During the preliminary design and consultation phase, the City has earmarked Gillooly’s Farm for this project. The City is set on pursuing the idea of its own botanical garden because it will have significant benefits for the residents of Ekurhuleni, as well as a positive impact on the environment. Botanical gardens devote their resources to the study and conservation of fauna and flora, providing opportunities for learning, research and the overall maintenance of healthy living. The City is also pursuing the possibility of establishing a zoo for recreational, tourism and educational purposes, among others.
FORMULA 1 RACE TRACK Formula 1 motor racing is among the most viewed sports across the globe, with approximately 1.77 billion viewers across the world, with almost all grand prix races funded through public-private partnerships or exclusively through private funding. At a cost of around R5.4 billion, the City of Ekurhuleni believes the addition of a Formula 1 grand prix track would be an excellent addition to the region. Carefully constructed alongside other sideline events and opportunities, the construction of this race track and
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hosting a grand prix in Ekurhuleni has the potential to inject approximately R25 billion into the economy over a five-year period. Immediate benefits from the investment will include the creation of 9 000 permanent and temporary jobs per annum. Other benefits will include the promotion of Brand South Africa, increased investor confidence in the local, continental and global economy, the stimulation of trade and exports, and social cohesion through its socio-economic impacts.
The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Abraham Lincoln
