20 April 2018, Joburg Theatre, Johannesburg – City of Johannesburg AGM

This morning marked the annual AGM of the City of Johannesburg, with a keynote talk by Executive Mayor, Councillor Herman Mashaba, outlining the year that has been, challenges endured and achievements made. Mayor Mashaba noted he is perhaps more satisfied than happy, given the work that still lies ahead in revamping the City of Johannesburg.

Amongst a ten-point plan leading up to 2021, manifesto focus points were reviewed, namely – creating more opportunities and jobs; making local government responsive; providing better service delivery; stopping corruption; providing meaningful redress and making communities safer.

Mayor Mashaba made special note to give credit to coalition partners and the EFF for supporting and defending the priorities set forth, to rid corruption and create clear direction for the year ahead, in which the the City is now geared to perform.

Most notable was the introduction of a new program – Diphetogo – a Sotho word meaning transformational change. The aim of Diphetogo is to use limited budget to bring about real change through investment in community centres, providing sustained growth, driving job creation, improving conditions of our roads, improving clinics, improving safety & continuing to rid the city of corruption.

City Manager, Ndivhoniswani Lukhwareni gave credit to the Joburg Property Company (JPC) saying, “…whatever we need, whenever we need it, you have the information at your fingertips. We know that you are burning your energy to make this city a better place.”

Referring to the focus on inner city development, Lukhwareni also made note that, “While the backlogs are huge, the Mayor is resorting to innovative ways to overcome this. Asking private sector to help him convert bad buildings into housing for students & low income residence.”

The outlook is one of positivity, with a vision of a renewed inner city in which the people will be able to rent accommodation for R800 to R2000 per month, resources will be preserved for future generations, finances will be stabilised and the City of Johannesburg will be transformed into a Smart City.

In closing, the Mayor made reference to the budget speech, taking place on 25th May 2018, stating that it will be a “… budget that will speak to the residents. I run a government on behalf of society.”