2012-04-23: Joburg responds to issues of vulnerable groups

2012-04-23: Joburg responds to issues of vulnerable groups

THE Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Councillor Parks Tau recognises that women, youth and People with Disability are most affected by poverty

and inequality. He said this during the City's first consultation on the 2012/16 draft IDP and 2012/13 Budget outreach Process at the Civic Centre in

Braamfontein on Wednesday 18th April 2012.

The consultation process was attended by the Speaker of Council, Councillor Constance Bapela, Members of the Mayoral Committee, Women, People with

Disability (PWDs), Youth and the City's management.

The draft IDP is the City's strategic planning document which will enable the City to address some short-term challenges as well being able to steer the

City towards its long-term goal of the Joburg 2040.

Addressing the participants, the Executive Mayor Tau said the participation of the youth, women and PWDs in the formulation of the IDP is critical. To this

end, the City takes into consideration their needs when planning its initiatives.

In addition, MMC for Economic Development, Councillor Sello Lemao said youth development is about the creation of opportunities for all. This includes

skills development, job creation and self-development. He added that, "the City has a Young Entrepreneurship Strategy in place to assist the youth to become

entrepreneurs".

Challenges raised by the vulnerable groups included, domestic violence, discrimination on employment and equity for the PWDs disabled, crime in Joburg and

surrounding areas, hijacked buildings and skills development for women.

Through our strategy documents and plans, the City seeks to address challenges facing various stakeholders within the City.

Further Regional consultations by Members of the Mayoral Committee will take place from the 21st April to the 05th of May 2012 in all the city's seven

regions.

Outcomes of these discussions will be tabled in May 2012 during a Council meeting. These discussions will influence budgets and other City structures.

For more information contact:
Nkhensani Makhobela
Group Communication, Marketing and Tourism
City of Johannesburg
Tel: +27 11 407 6431
E-fax: +27 11 381 9982
Fax: +27 11 339 5704
Mobile: 082 461 7075
e-mail: nkhensanima@joburg.org.za