Johannesburg’s Citizen Relationship & Urban Management (CRUM) Region F, in partnership with Jozi My Jozi (JMJ), Clean City SA, and corporate partners, hosted a large-scale clean-up campaign in Hillbrow for Mandela Day. The initiative focused on wards 60, 62, 63, and 123.
This event also served as the launchpad for Jozi My Jozi's year-round “Adopt a Project Campaign”, highlighting its unwavering commitment to positive change within the City and for its residents.
The clean-up garnered significant attention, with dignitaries from both provincial and city governments gracing the event. The Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Health, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, represented Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and provided a brief overview of the CBD revitalisation programme. She commended the collaborative efforts of Jozi My Jozi and its partners.
Other prominent attendees included:
MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs: Jacob Mamabolo
Executive Mayor: Councillor Kabelo Gwamanda
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Environment and Infrastructure Services (EISD): Councillor Jack Sekwaila
City Manager: Floyd Brink
Chief Executive Officer: Tshepo Makola
Various Ward Councillors
Mandela Day 2024’s theme, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are”, resonated throughout the event. Volunteers from various organisations, businesses, CIDs (Central Improvement Districts), and other stakeholders joined forces to clean Hillbrow’s blocks. Through litter picking and sweeping, they collectively made a positive impact on the area.
Private security firms collaborated with the South African Police Services (SAPS), Crime Prevention Wardens, and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) to ensure the safety of the volunteers.
During the event, Executive Mayor Gwamanda expressed his appreciation for JMJ and emphasised their role within the Inner City Partnership Forum, a group focused on revitalising the city, particularly Region F. “The name Jozi My Jozi carries significant weight,” he said.
“It represents a civic pride initiative that strengthens our sense of belonging as city residents. Rather than dwelling on past struggles, it reaches out to the private sector, fostering collaboration with the public sector.”
“Our goal is to engage the wider Johannesburg community to work with us in creating a safe and clean inner city environment,” said Bea Swanepoel, CEO of Jozi My Jozi.
“We aim to make volunteering enjoyable and to honour Mandela’s legacy by making a positive and lasting impact. Ultimately, we want to encourage people to return to the CBD to work, study, play, and live in a safe and secure environment.”
Swanepoel further elaborated on the JMJ movement’s philosophy: “The JMJ movement is for the people, by the people. It focuses on igniting civic activism and creating sustainable solutions to the social and economic challenges faced by many.”
Irene Mafune, Regional Director for CRUM Region F, applauded the JMJ’s tireless efforts in organising and coordinating this large-scale clean-up event for Mandela Day. “This initiative exemplifies a collective commitment to revitalising Johannesburg's inner city and addressing urban decay, which has negatively impacted certain areas. Our objective is to rejuvenate Hillbrow and restore its former vibrancy as a jewel of the city.
“We aim to make a positive impact, enhance our environment, and cultivate a sense of communal pride. These public-private partnerships are crucial, as they significantly accelerate the redevelopment of targeted areas,” said Mafune.
Written by Dudu Lushaba
18 /07/2024
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