​​The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), the City of Johannesburg’s infrastructure development agency, is forging ahead with Phase 6B and Phase 7 of the Jabulani Node, one of the City’s signature projects for using transit-oriented development as a catalyst to accelerate socio-economic development by revitalising a neighbourhood for residents, commuters, businesses and visitors.

The Jabulani development is being undertaken in seven phases and is currently at Phase 6B and Phase 7 of development. Phase 6B, currently at 40% completion, entails the development of a community and recreational environment for people of all ages consisting of a Jabulani Community Facility and a Safa Safe Hub.

This community facility will consist of a multipurpose hall with a basketball court, changing rooms and tiered seating, a library, counselling facilities, offices and meeting rooms, which aligns with the JDA’s principle of creating public spaces which are creatively designed and move towards greater adaptability and multiplicity of use to ensure their longer-term sustainability. The Safe Hub will consist of changing rooms, internal and external entertaining spaces, a kitchen and coffee bar, workshops, computer/IT rooms, a training centre and other amenities.

Phase 7 includes the construction of Molapo Bridge, extending and upgrading an existing pedestrian bridge at Inhlazane train station, the building of a new pedestrian and vehicular bridge over a railway line and new approach roads and public environment upgrade and is now at 42% completion. 

“The main objective behind all these developments is to create a safe, attractive, livable environment that encourages owners to upgrade their buildings, improve social cohesion and encourage further investment in the area,” said Anthony Ngcezula, JDA’s CEO.

Phase 6B and Phase 7 of the Jabulani TOD development will supplement the various developments that have taken place in the area. These include, Jabulani Views, Jabulani Mall and the Soweto Theatre, – all of which are conveniently located next to the main BRT route running through Soweto and connecting with Johannesburg’s CBD.

Member of the Mayoral Committee for Development Planning in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Lawrence Khoza, expressed delight at the resumption of the delivery of key projects that are critical for improving the quality of life for the residents of Johannesburg.

“The Jabulani TOD places emphasis on precinct-based development, working with stakeholders to enhance areas and address local challenges and needs in a sustainable way through the JDA’S capital investments,” said MMC Khoza.

He said the projects were important for the City, and also for social integration and economic inclusion.

“Our people get to see the dividends that our democracy promises. That should be the case with all areas in Johannesburg. We know that there were delays as a result of the national lockdown. It was important for us to formulate a recovery plan to ensure that these projects are finished within reasonable time in order for us to focus on other projects. We are very happy to see development and infrastructure being brought to our people,” said MMC Khoza.