Johannesburg
15 April 2007
President Thabo Mbeki today concluded his two-day Imbizo in the City of
Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng. The President was accompanied
by Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Gauteng Province Premier Mr Mbhazima
Shilowa and the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality Executive Mayor,
Mr Amos Masondo.
The interaction with residents and stakeholders of the City of Johannesburg
focused on a variety of areas such as economic growth, job creation and
housing. All stakeholders, including the three spheres of government, agreed on
the need to speed up small business development for faster economic growth. It
was noted that conditions must be created for the City of Johannesburg to
attain at least a 9% growth rate to support the national target of 6%.
Accordingly, government, business and other stakeholders have committed to work
together to realise this objective as well as attend to related issues such as
skills development. In yet another development, Mayor Masondo reported that the
City has also earmarked R600 million to upgrade electricity infrastructure.
The President visited several development projects already underway in the
City. They included the renovated Europa Hotel in Hillbrow, which is now part
of the City's Better Buildings Programme, which aims to provide affordable
rental housing in the inner city. Thokoza Park in Soweto and the Gautrain
construction site at Park Station also formed part of the President's
visit.
He also visited Orlando Stadium, currently being upgraded as part of the
preparations for the 2010 tournament and beyond. This site is part of the
City's plans to rejuvenate the city and prides itself in employing local labour
and sourcing services from local businesses and communities.
For more information, please contact:
Mukoni Ratshitanga
Tel: (012) 300 5436
Cell: 082 300 3447
Issued by: The Presidency
15 April 2007
Source: The Presidency (http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/)
