The December holiday season is a time for family, memories, and laughter, and you are extremely fortunate to be able to spend it with your loved ones. Gifts, food, and drinks should be incidental because spending time with family and friends has never been more important than it is right now.

Here are some Christmas greetings from Joburg's newly appointed Mayoral Committee (MMC).

• Cllr Belinda Echeozonjoku: MMC for Development Planning

Cllr Echeozonjoku will be spending Christmas with her family while visiting different markets in the City and enjoying the festival of lights at the Joburg Zoo. She says the festival of lights is impressive, but the infusion of cultures with all the Christmas markets available across the City makes Joburg a Christmas City.

“I wish all our residents a Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year. Remember, our Covid numbers are still high. Stay safe, wear your mask, and stay away from crowded places.”

• Cllr David Tembe: MMC for Public Safety

Cllr Tembe says the sense of community is most palpable during this season and that’s what he enjoys about Joburg.

“While many people might have gone to other provinces for the holidays, the festive cheer is never missing in this City. I especially appreciate the shared joviality and celebration among residents of Joburg during this season.”

He says, as the MMC of a department that never takes a break, he does not have the luxury of resting during this period. “Therefore, I will be, for the most part, monitoring the safety network in the City.”

“The Public Safety Department will be working hard to ensure we are all safe during this season. Let us work together with law enforcement officers and always strive to stay on the right side of the law. Please let us celebrate this season safely at home with our loved ones. Remember, Covid-19 is still with us. Please keep yourself safe by following all the necessary health and safety precautions.”

Cllr Tembe notes that the Public Safety Department’s focus currently is on ensuring a safer festive season for all residents, motorists, and visitors.

“To this end, we have embarked on a festive season safety campaign that focuses on, among other things, crime prevention, the reduction of road fatalities, driving under the influence, public transport compliance, pedestrian safety awareness, by-law management, fire safety, fireworks display, anti-fraud and corruption, event management, and traffic management.”

The department will deploy JMPD officers across major highways, including the N1, N2 and N3, to enforce the law. “There will be increased police visibility across the City throughout this period to ensure we create a harmonious and conducive society for all,” Cllr Tembe explains.

• Cllr Franco de Lange: MMC for Health and Social Development

Cllr De Lange will spend the holiday season with family and friends. He says after a long year of election campaigning, he owes them quality time. His favorite aspect of the City during the holiday season is how relaxed and quiet it becomes because many people either travel to the coast or return to their hometowns.

“Be safe and don't overindulge in food and alcohol,” he advises residents. Stay healthy and energised for the New Year by following Covid-19 guidelines when spending time with loved ones.”

• Cllr Funzela Ngobeni: MMC for Transport

Cllr Ngobeni enjoys Joburg’s breeding of a lively vibe during the holiday season. “There's holiday season cheer everywhere you go, twinkling lights and sparkling décor, festive treats and feasts at every turn, and let’s not forget all of the exciting family-friendly entertainment that’s sure to delight both young and old.”

He says he’ll be spending Christmas with his extended family, whom he hasn’t seen “for a long time due to work constraints and lockdowns”.

“Covid-19 has had profound and dire economic implications for families. My message to residents is to use this time to reflect, to show love and care to loved ones, and to come back stronger than ever after the festive season to make a difference in whatever space we find ourselves.”

• Cllr Julie Suddaby: MMC for Finance

Cllr Suddaby thinks of Johannesburg as the little sister of New York. It rarely sleeps, making it the ideal festive season City. “While many residents go home or away at Christmas and New Year, it’s the time of year I choose to stay to enjoy the City’s beauty and vibrance at a slower pace,” she says.

Cllr Suddaby’s favourite thing about Johannesburg during the festive season is how Joburgers slow down and breathe for a brief period before the New Year. “Oh yes, and not to be forgotten, the traffic is bearable,” she adds.

She and her family will be keeping Christmas close and intimate this year, for obvious reasons, she says, adding, “we’ll be celebrating each other after a challenging year. We have all survived.”

“This year has been challenging on many levels, but please remember that Covid-19 is not over yet. Stay aware, observe safety protocols and stay safe while you enjoy festivities with friends and family.”

• Cllr Leah Knott: MMC for Group Corporate and Shared Services

Cllr Knott will be spending Christmas in Johannesburg, “with my time mostly being spent in the office, as we have just been appointed to our positions and there are critical matters that need to be addressed,” she says.

When asked what makes Joburg a ‘Christmas City,’ she says it’s the City’s diversity.

“I think Johannesburg is too diverse a City to classify it under one religious holiday – that is what makes it such a unique and fascinating place to live. We celebrate so many cultures and religions here, which makes it effectively a cosmopolitan City.”

“The last 2 years have been hard on everyone. Take some time off to rest, recharge, and enjoy the simple things in life. While you are taking some much-needed time off, you can be assured that the current coalition government under Executive Mayor, Dr Mpho Phalatse, is working hard behind the scenes to ramp up service delivery so that 2022 is the start of getting our beautiful City back on the right track.

• Cllr Michael Sun: MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services (EISD)

Cllr Sun will be spending the festive holidays in Joburg with his family whilst keeping a close eye on service delivery.

“I want to thank Joburg residents for their support and confidence in entrusting our Executive Mayor, Dr Mpho Phalatse, and her team of executives to bring a new shine and vigour to Johannesburg. Many residents will stay for the festive holidays, and we wish you a safe, peaceful, and joyous time with family and friends. We will do our absolute best to ensure our residents and visitors have a stress-free holiday in terms of service delivery.”

In 2022, Cllr Sun looks forward to a bright, golden Johannesburg where residents and businesses thrive on opportunities, freedom, fairness, and equality.

• Cllr Mlungisi Mabaso: MMC for Housing

Cllr Mabaso loves that Joburg is famous for its exquisite resorts and attractions, which cater for friends and family alike. Every festive season, Johannesburg becomes a buzz as people from all walks of life spend their Christmas time in malls and shopping centres to witness the state-of-the-art candle lighting and Christmas trees. “The City bills itself as the most entertaining. In every suburb, people are spoiled for choice as sporting tournaments and music festivals take centre stage,” he adds.

This Christmas, Cllr Mabaso will be spending time with loved ones and reflecting on the year that was. “Most importantly, I’ll be going to church to celebrate with congregants as this day is centred on Christ Jesus,” he says.

“I urge residents to spend time with their loved ones and spend their finances wisely. I also encourage our beautiful residents to refrain from drinking and driving.”

• Cllr Nkuli Mbundu: MMC for Economic Development

Cllr Mbundu says Joburg has plenty on offer this festive season to entertain and amuse both visitors and staycationers. “My favourite thing to do is visit Soweto, my hometown. The vibe in the township is electrifying during this season, and this contributes to a significant boost in the local economy, with a multiplier effect across the City.”

He says he'll be spending Christmas with his family, reflecting on values, lessons, and successes from the passing year. “This year we will extend the festive cheer to the less fortunate in our society, particularly those who were severely affected by the Covid pandemic. Our society needs healing after the disastrous impact this virus has had on our people. I believe that those of us to whom much has been given ought to be more intentional about helping our fellowmen. Christmas is as good a time as any to make our little contribution.”

Cllr Mbundu warns that Covid-19 is still as real now as it was this time last year. “I encourage our residents to enjoy the festivities responsibly. When out in public gatherings, please observe all Covid-19 regulations. Keep wearing your mask, sanitise your hands frequently, and maintain social distance as best as possible. Let's take time out to rest, relax, and reflect and look forward to a much better year ahead.”

• Cllr Ronald Harris: MMC for Community Development

Cllr Harris says this is a wonderful time for renewing and strengthening family ties.

“Our family will be meeting and sharing what the Lord has blessed us with around a pool we have ‘borrowed’ for the day. While we enjoy the festivities, we do not forget the reason for the season – God’s plan of salvation for the entire world.”

He says the year has been hard on many families and lives have been lost to the dreaded Covid-19 virus. “It is becoming increasingly difficult to make ends meet. We empathise with your circumstances and commit to supporting every citizen to safely navigate the choppy waters. As elected public representatives, we are morally and ethically bound to deliver on the promise of a better life for all.”

“From a community development perspective, I want, with the help of a seasoned and experienced team of public servants, to extract the greatest potential from the vast wealth of assets owned by the City. He explains that these include libraries, art galleries, museums, stadiums, sporting facilities, swimming pools, theatres, community halls, and recreational facilities.

All MMCs are looking forward to hitting the ground running. Keep an eye out on the City’s website to see what immediate plans they’ll be sinking their teeth into in the New Year.

Written by Brümilda Swartbooi

23/12/2021