Fellow Citizens:
Programme Director, thank you for the privilege to say a few words at this important occasion- Launch of the Tshwane, South Africa’s Capital 2055 Discussion Document and Outreach Process. Present at this gathering are a number of key stakeholders. These range from members of parliament, representatives from embassies, university principals, community leaders, ward committees, members of community-based and faith-based organisations, non-governmental organisations, leaders of various political parties, people with disabilities, representatives of labour, women, business and youth formations.
Programme Director, this year 2012 is a year is unique in several respects: 100 of selfless struggle against oppression. Significantly, on 16 December 2011, we saw the opening of a road linking two of our heritage sites – the Freedom Park and the Voortrekker Monument, demonstrating our capacity as a City to bridge our cultural and political divides. I stand here today again grateful for the trust bestowed in us to lead this this beautiful South Africa’s Capital, City of Tshwane.
We gather here not only to reflect not only to reflect on the progress we have made but initiate a conversation about the future Capital City we would all like to work, live and play: In framing this conversation we must pose the following:
- What is it that we need to do transform and dismantle our apartheid city form?
- What is it that we need to ensure efficient and effective utilisation of available resources?
- How do we grow the economy in a way that enables all residents to gain access to the ladder of prosperity?
- How do we create a city that is sustainable; a properly governed city that is owned by all citizens and residents?
- What is it that we need to do to promote a culture of participatory democracy and how to meaningfully involve residents in all matter of local governance?
Programme Director, an in depth analysis undertaken by Gauteng City Region Observatory reveals a remarkable record of progress in our quest of undermining apartheid legacies, extending basic services, provision of housing, as well as improving accessibility transportation, and better open spaces to citizens. We have a stabilised our organisation.
The Tshwane City Development Strategy (CDS) approved in 2004 has been the cornerstone in framing our developmental agenda and tackling vast array of challenges. Our journey to transform the lives of City of Tshwane residents continues. There has been massive change globally, nationally and locally and we believe the time has come for us to have a fresh look at the Tshwane City Development Strategy (CDS) to ensure that its objectives and guidelines still meet the needs of a dynamic urban environment.
On 27 March 2012 during my State of the City Address, I announced that the City of Tshwane, assisted by the Tshwane Planning Commission together with stakeholders and communities, would be embarking on a participatory strategy and visioning process to develop a shared City growth and development trajectory – Tshwane, South Africa's Capital 2055 (‘Tshwane 2055’). The following are some of the emerging issues from our preliminary research and review are the following issues:
- Poverty, inequality and underdevelopment remains a challenge;
- 20% of citizens are in our city are unemployment, especially youth;
- Socio-economic transformation and dismantling of the apartheid city remains;
- Food and resources (energy and water) security remains a challenge;
- Climate change is a direct consequence of global warming, brought about, amongst others, by our over-reliance on fossil fuels for energy; and
- Global financial crises will compound the challenges facing the City.
Our considered view is that the future sustainable development of the City requires a concerted effort from all who have a vested interest in our City. Therefore, our transformative agenda for the City of Tshwane is inspired by South Africa’s Constitution and the principles of the Freedom Charter where we recognise communities as agents of change.
As the state, our interrelated roles of being a facilitator, initiator and enabler are key in supporting our citizens’ social, human and economic transformation aspirations. Social partnerships are critical, as are our relationships with residents, communities, businesses, organised civil society and other spheres of government.
As the City of Tshwane- South Africa’s Capital, we are committed to lead the society towards the realisation of non-racial, non-sexist and preposterous society. We need to build sustainable and engaged communities, respond to climate change and environmental threats, and provide adequate, quality services and infrastructure for our residents.
Starting from today, we will engage stakeholders across the length and breadth of our City. We will focus our efforts on what we want our future for the City’s governance, economic growth, poverty alleviation, job creation, migration, health urbanisation, climate change, education, safety, smart city, social cohesion, economic infrastructure, and sustainability framework among others to be.
Unpacking this future intent together is critical to the development of a shared City vision and strategy. This approach to formulating the City’s long-term strategy will ensure that, together, we sustain our collective commitment and accountability towards the implementation of the resultant City strategy.
The discussion document – Tshwane, South Africa’s Capital 2055 – represents the City’s emerging thinking and beckons you to participate in the discussion that will shape what our strategy should be. If we are to develop a new future for our City of Tshwane, your valued participation is critical. Let us all become ‘game changers’ and play our part in creating a better future for our future generations and ourselves.
Programme Director, we are mindful of the challenges that still confront us – but we are equally excited and inspired by the opportunities that wait upon us in this vibrant and energetic City. Let me reiterate that we are willing to work together with all political parties, stakeholders and communities to find workable solutions for the diverse range of developmental challenges facing the City of Tshwane.
Tshwane 2055 is about our future City; it is about your future City.
I thank you.
