City of Johannesburg Our Ref.: CIDF IDP2020-21.2 2000 · 6/24/2020 · 4. Contrary to common belief, CID/VMIs are inclusive - they know their communities and have extensive local

The JHB City Improvement District FORUM is an initiative of The Johannesburg Inner City Partnership P O Box 1314 Saxonwold 2132

THE JOHANNESBURG INNER CITY PARTNERSHIP

Rand Club, 33 Loveday St, Marshalltown, Johannesburg, 2107|Tel 010 140 2662|E-mail [email protected]|

www.jicp.org.za Directors: I. Mkhabela (Chairperson) ∙ G.A. Steffny* (V. Chairperson) ∙ C. Lund ∙ L. Netshitenzhe · R. Plit ∙ R. Petersen

N. Janse Van Rensburg · N. Barnes · K.Cox** · D.Jeevanantham** *British **Alternate Director

The JICP is a registered not-for-profit Company Reg No.1996/001262/08

The Speaker Date: 24 June 2020

City of Johannesburg Our Ref.: CIDF IDP2020-21.2

PO Box 1049 Pages: 1 of 9

Johannesburg

2000

By Email: [email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

Attention: Ms Jabu Dhlamini: [email protected]

Mr Yusuf Lachporia: [email protected]

Ms Nkosinathi Khzwayo: [email protected]

Ms Angelique Matainz: [email protected]

Dear Madam Speaker

CITY OF JOHANNESBURG:

DRAFT 2020/21 INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW:

JOHANNESBURG CID FORUM SUBMISSION

We welcome the opportunity to participate and be involved in the development and preparation

of the Johannesburg Integrated Development Plan Review 2020/21 (IDP). We trust that this

submission will be of value and will contribute to the long-term sustainable and transformational

development and management of Johannesburg.

This submission is a review of the documentation made available in terms of the Municipal

Systems Act (32 of 2000) by the Speaker after the Virtual Ordinary Council meeting held on 29

May 2020 and posted on the City website.

We note the Property Stakeholder Engagement Meeting held on 18 June 2020 and the

information made available to participants in the Virtual Teams Engagement on IDP, Budget

and Tariffs 2020-21 on 20 June 2020. While we recognise and welcome the inputs and

information shared, it is not part of the legally released Draft IDP documentation.

mailto:[email protected]





Johannesburg Draft 2020/21 IDP: CID Forum Submission

CIDF IDP2020-21.F Submission 24 June, 2020 Page 2 of 9

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The most important issues contained in this submission include the following:

1. The CID Forum needs a greater understanding and response from the City regarding

the economic and COVID-19 crisis, the current and future implications and more

importantly the short and long-term responses and interventions, so to better be able to

identify areas of collaboration.

2. The CID Forum supports the Special Rating Area (SRA) policy and bylaw and requests

the urgent finalisation of the procedural details to achieve implementation within this

current budget cycle.

3. The CID Forum supports the concepts of “Active Citizenry” and Area Based

Management (ABM) through the establishment of partnerships and structured

collaboration for mutual benefits aiming to improve the quality of life of communities in

terms of socio-economic development, social needs and environmental sustainability.

4. The CID Forum members have resources to access and supply extensive local

knowledge, data and community information in their areas.

5. The CID Forum requests an opportunity for greater engagement with the City in the IDP

preparation and review process and contribution of proposals for capital and operational

project identification and budget preparation, especially for their areas.

6. The CID Forum requests an opportunity to present and discuss this contribution to the

IDP review with councillors and officials to improve understanding and knowledge

regarding the role and contribution of CID/Voluntary Management Initiatives (VMI) in

impacting positively on the city and the lives of the communities in those areas.

1. Introduction to the CID Forum

1. The Johannesburg City Improvement District Forum (CID Forum) was established as a

platform representing all legislated CIDs (now VMIs) to share information, develop best

practice, liaise with the local authority and strategic partners.

2. The legal status of CIDs in Gauteng and possibly in South Africa was called into question

with the judgement delivered by The Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa on 30

September 2015 (Randburg Management District v West Dunes Properties (451/2013)

[2015] ZASCA 135 (30 September 2015)). Currently all previously legislated Gauteng

CIDs are now classified as Voluntary Management Initiatives (VMI).

3. A CID/VMI is a “defined geographic area within which property owners agree to pay for

certain services to enhance the physical and social environment of the area. The services

provided are supplementary to those provided by the local authority and include safety

and security patrol officers, pavement cleaning, litter collection, maintenance of public

space and the removal of illegal posters”.



4. The word “supplementary” should be highlighted in this instance as the intention is not to

provide services usually undertaken authority but rather to provide additional, over-and-

above services that will ensure urban management at a higher level as well as employing

“place making” and “place marketing” strategies to attract investment and ensure

community cohesion and upliftment within the area.

5. The CID Forum general membership meets monthly with representatives from each

CID/VMI, as well as representatives from the City of Joburg. The COJ is given an

opportunity to present to the Forum to discuss ways in which the City can partner with the

private sector through the CID/VMIs.

6. There are 34 urban management initiatives including a

number of planned CID/VMIs and those under application.

The existing CID/VMIs are located in Regions B (4), E (8)

and F (22) of the City as depicted on the adjacent map. They

are located at major and minor economic nodes in the city

and include retail, commercial, industrial, residential and

mixed-use. Most of the CID/VMIs are located in the Inner

City where the original concept for urban management areas

was developed during the 1990s. They comprise a variety of

socio-economic groups and characteristics and include

public and private open spaces, parks, social facilities and

infrastructure.

7. Since the 1990s, CID/VMIs have played a major role in urban regeneration and

sustainable urban management in South Africa with a strong focus on clean, safe and

beautification. While each CID/VMI is unique they are collectively all affected by the

decisions of Council and the public sector.

8. In April 2016 the CID Forum sponsored a quantitative and qualitative impact assessment

of CIDs in Johannesburg that inter-alia contained the following findings that still have

relevance to this day;

• CIDs collect an estimated R 91 million levies from property owners annually for the provision of supplementary services to the public space

• The majority of CID expenditure is dedicated to supplementary public space safety, cleaning and maintenance and exceeds an estimated R 61 million annually

• CID infrastructural investment in public spaces exceeded R 50 million in the last 5 years

• CIDs create jobs and support the local economy

• CIDs contribute to social investment initiatives and have a positive impact on communities

• Crime rates in CIDs are comparatively much lower than the wider police sector in which they are situated

• CIDs , together with law enforcement agencies, support the enforcement of laws and by-laws for a cleaner and safer urban environment

• CID managers attend Visible Service Delivery meetings to report on Urban Management issues

• CID properties represent an estimated total municipal value of about R 80 billion

• CIDs have attracted an estimated R 42 billion in fixed private investments over the past few years



9. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CID/VMIs have worked with the Department of Social

Development, Faith Based Organisations and NGOs such as Mould Empower Serve

(MES) and Gift of the Givers to co-ordinate and assist with the distribution of food parcels

to residents in need, and recently to educate communities on COVID-19.

2. Current COVID-19 and economic situation

1. The CID Forum is disappointed and concerned about the lack of response from the City

in the IDP to the current COVID-19 and economic situation. Major impacts are being

seen affecting:

• Residents and their lives at home, work and play

• Business and shops, services and trading

• Projects and investments

• Communities and organisations

• The vulnerable poor and homeless - shelter and food security

2. There is a need to rethink many aspects of the past to ensure a sustainable future. This

could include adapting and adopting projects which had not previously been adopted

and implemented, the design and use of public areas and parks and repurposing land

spaces and buildings.

3. There is a need to identify and work on the implications and opportunities as a result of

the lockdown in CID/VMIs including

• Understanding the risk implications and mitigating measures

• Preparing standard operating procedures for during and after the lockdown

• Developing and managing interventions in different ways.

4. The CIDForum wishes to work in collaboration with the City to address these needs,

identify appropriate solutions and implement the agreed short and long-term responses

and interventions.

3. Special Rating Area (SRA) Policy and Bylaw

1. CID Forum supports the formation and establishment of SRAs to provide a recognised

legal framework and process for the establishment and management of urban

management areas.

2. The CID Forum proposes the urgent establishment of a Task Team for implementation

and monitoring. This will comprise private and public sector members to:

• Prepare and finalise the Task Team Terms of Reference (ToR)

• Agree standard operating procedures for establishment, process, status quo standards and regulating the interface between the SRA and City

• Provide education and training

• Monitor and modify to improve implementation

• Provide inputs to the national process of policy and legislation and take the lead to improved SRA legislation.



4. Establishment of SRAs and agree SLA levels

1. The SRA Bylaw may suit some communities, but there is a need to find other models of

formal structures and partnerships that can also be recognised by the local authority as

partners to set appropriate Service Level Agreements (SLA) levels. Different forms of

partnerships may develop and evolve to suit needs and requirements.

2. These include structures such as co-management, social compacts, leases etc

replicating the currently recognised VMIs/Partnerships such as the Johannesburg Inner

City Partnership, Village East Precinct Partnership, and Makers Valley Partnership,

Ekhaya Park co-management agreement, Jozi Trails.

3. The SRA should be inclusive of all possible structures which develop and establish local

structured relationships.

4. Contrary to common belief, CID/VMIs are inclusive - they know their communities and

have extensive local knowledge and are in a position to communicate, monitor, report

etc.

5. The City needs to embrace and incorporate the extensive local knowledge about

communities including their needs and resources.

5. CID/VMIs are willing to work with City

1. The City is calling for Active Citizenry and Area Based Management. The CID Forum

offers organised active citizenry in CID/VMI structures and organisations - individually

and collectively.

2. The CID Forum philosophy is to promote inter and intra relationships with all

stakeholders.

3. CID/VMIs are about creating an environment for investment. But to do that they need

to/and do work with all the stakeholders and community in their areas and villages.

4. If the City and the CID Forum and its members work together, we can maximise the

limited available resources. The opportunities for partnership are many as noted above.

5. Relationships should be based on “challenge and collaborate” to find solutions and

opportunities and provide mutual support for the City and CID/VMIs.

6. In their effort to be inclusive CID/VMIs do not try to be all things to all people. But they

do aim to strengthen those in the community who are serving the community including

CBOs, FBOs, NGOs to Car Guards, Informal Traders, small business, artists, Faith

Based Organisations and urban farmers for example.

7. The collaboration and partnership offering must be of benefit to the City and citizens and

especially provide benefit to the wider community.



6. Strategic projects

1. The CID/VMIs request inclusion in the Capital Project priority and budget process in the

IDP review. Because of the above their well-governed management structures, they

should always be considered when decisions about their areas are being made. This

can also ensure that a broad base of stakeholders can be reached and brought to the

table.

2. The CID/VMIs can from time to time raise additional funding themselves for local projects

to assist the capital investment and development of the City.

3. The CID Forum has other stakeholder partners such as Johannesburg Inner City

Partnership (JICP), Johannesburg Property Owners and Management Association

(JPOMA) Johannesburg Homeless Network (JHN), Forum of Integrated Risk

Management (FIRM) and other partnerships in other city nodes. These can realise

additional resources and support and ensure local needs and resources are considered

and incorporated.

4. The City’s Community Based Planning process focuses on Wards. CID/VMIs include

areas and suburbs, often cross regional and ward boundaries, and have a wide influence

which is useful to identify infrastructure projects and priorities. CID/VMIs are able to

assist with strategic and operational alignment of these projects and priorities and other

area-based management initiatives.

7. Operations and services

1. With the SLAs the provision for basic services can be ensured so that the CID/VMIs can

define the top-up services they will provide and whether they are supplementary or

complimentary.

2. Sometimes there may be a request or opportunity for grant funding support for provision

of basic services.

3. CID/VMIs can support City with programmes, projects and activities including:

• Parks and open spaces - partnerships can be established as identified in the Joburg

City Safety Strategy.

• Participation and collaboration in Disaster and Risk Management programs and

actions is also possible.

• CID/VMIs are willing to continue providing co-delivery of basic services, such as the

KleenaJoburg campaign.

• Providing resources, assets and funding for public transport facilities and

infrastructure

• Ensuring services provision, management and maintenance.

• It is noted that the non-alignment of regions, wards, authority and management

boundaries results in difficulties coordinating and liaising with and between city

entities, agencies and departments. It is proposed that a mapping process is

undertaken to realise better alignment.



4. CID/VMIs can contribute towards a safer city. The Community knows their stakeholders,

including the operators, and provide structures for information for mapping and reporting.

5. There is a need for stronger enforcement and compliance which can be achieved in

partnership with CID/VMIs regarding illegal activities such as building occupancy, uses,

dumping and other infringements of bylaws.

6. Further discussions and plans are required particularly regarding the informal economy

in CIDs including initiatives for management and monitoring of traders, waste taxis, car

guards and the need for traffic wardens.

8. Other opportunities for partnerships and collaboration

1. CID/VMIs are ideal for reporting and data gathering and can offer opportunities for

education, focused communication and information sharing.

2. Many CID/VMIs are active in other areas of economic, social and environmental need

and opportunities. This provides opportunities for mutual co-management, co-production

and fundraising for projects in the inner city and outer city, economic nodes and

development corridors.

3. Economic considerations and opportunities can include:

• Local economic development - employment of SMEs and small businesses

• Address opportunities for women, youth and persons with disabilities

• Address economic contraction consequences arising from vacant buildings and

unemployment

• Tourism initiatives and projects

• Public awareness and marketing

4. Social issues and programmes can include:

• Address housing, student accommodation and social housing and associated ramifications of densification and concomitant social amenity needs

• Needs for open spaces, parks, sports and recreation facilities with organised activities and management.

• Education and associated facilities for all ages

• Assistance to the homeless, drug addicts and sex workers

• Food insecurity is becoming a major issue with opportunities for distributing food and integrating urban agricultural projects.

5. Environmental related initiatives can include:

• Green infrastructure promotion and development

• Provision and management of open spaces and areas

• The establishment of urban agriculture projects and value chains

• Environmental sustainability projects relating to waste, water, energy, connectivity

• Eco-tourism and agri-tourism initiatives and projects



9. Specific CID/VMI contributions and submissions

1. Annexure A contains contributions and submissions from a selection CIDs including:

• eKaya Neighbourhood CID

• Fashion Improvement District

• Greater Maboneng

• Kramerville Management District

• Kramerville West Management District

• Legae La Rona Improvement District

• Main Marshall Improvement District

• Newtown Improvement District

• Randburg Improvement Central

2. Other CID/VMIs may submit separate contributions and provide area-specific comments.

The CID Forum trusts that the above contribution will be of value to the City in the preparation of

2020/21 Integrated Development Plan Review and budget. We do however reserve our rights

with regards to further contributions to and participation in this IDP and budget preparation

process.

Please contact us should you require any further information or clarification regarding any of the

suggestions and proposals made in this submission.

Yours Sincerely, Anne Steffny

Director: Johannesburg Inner City Partnership Facilitator: JHB CID Forum

Copied:

Executive Mayor: Clr Geoffrey Makhubo [email protected]

MMC Finance: Clr Jolidee Matongo [email protected]

MMC Economic Development: Clr Lloyd Eisenhower Phillips [email protected]

MMC Development Planning: Clr Lawrence Khoza [email protected]

City Manager: [email protected]

Unit Head: Special Projects Unit Thabo Maisela: [email protected]

Director: Special Projects Unit Krishni Gouden: [email protected]










ANNEXURE A: Specific CID/VMI contributions and submissions

Contributions and submissions from a selection CIDs including:

• eKaya Neighbourhood CID

• Fashion Improvement District

• Greater Maboneng

• Kramerville Management District

• Kramerville West Management District

• Legae La Rona Improvement District

• Main Marshall Improvement District

• Newtown Improvement District

• Randburg Improvement Central

From: eKhaya CID <[email protected]> Sent: 15 June 2020 10:52 To: 'Katie' <[email protected]>; 'Anne Steffny' <[email protected]> Subject: Issues to be added to IDP Dear Kate How are you hope you are well. Herewith my bulleting issues to be added on IDP.

❖ Bad Buildings that were released by JPC for Development – eg Vannin Court Quartz and Petersen in Hillbrow ward 123.

❖ Unfinished Hillbrow Tower Project for 2016(HTP) that was not completed . Pavement needed from Esselen /Banket to Esselen/Klein Street in Hillbrow ward 63.

❖ Sewer line along Claim Street /from Esselen to Smith Street.(ward 63 ❖ Damaged pavements along Claim Street at the same project of 2016. ❖ Actually – relook of the project. (Hillbrow Tower project ) in the following effects that it

caused- ( a )Continues Drain blockages due to infrastructure challenge (b) Some drainages where shifted causing more blockages (ward 63) (c) Broken KISs along Quartz , Esselen , Smith , Edith Cavell, Twist /Petersen ( infrastructure damage). (ward 63) These are hot issues that we have . Kind Regards

Bafikile Mkhize Co-ordinator ekhaya Neighbourhood CID Ground Floor Hillbrow Theatre 16 Kapteijn Street Hillbrow Phone 011 042 7081 Cell 076 888 7982 email [email protected]





Fashion Improvement District Submission JOHANNESBURG Draft IDP 2020/21

1. Background

a. Area of CID

i. Fashion Improvement District with boundaries covering Johannesburg

Township.

b. Region/Wards

i. Ward 60

c. Nature of development

i. Fashion/Textiles hub, High density residential neighbourhood.

d. Economic focus and contribution

i. Retail, leisure, informal economy.

e. Social context

i. Concentration of hijacked and bad buildings and informal economy within

the precinct contributing to the vast majority of urban management

challenges. Homelessness is an issue in the precinct.

f. Environmental priorities

i. Illegal dumping, taxi and car washing that damages road surface and

recycling taking place in the public environment.

2. CID Issues & Proposals

a. Public environment upgrades needed along high pedestrian movement corridors.

b. Stormwater infrastructure needs upgrading, flooding occurs after heavy rains.

c. Government intervention to tackle hijacked and bad buildings, informal

settlements and bylaw enforcement to deal with illegal dumping and recycling

taking place in the public space.

Greater Maboneng Submission JOHANNESBURG Draft IDP 2020/21

1. Background

a. Area of CID

i. Greater Maboneng City Improvement District with boundaries covering

parts of City and Suburban, New Doornfotein and Jeppestown.

b. Region/Wards

i. Ward 61


i. Historically part of the City’s light industrial belt, recent developments

have transformed the area into a mixed use destination led by the

conversion of buildings into residential stock and social amenities.


i. The area still has substantial light industrial activities and a growing

creative and tourism industry focused around Maboneng Precinct.

e. Social context

i. Concentration of hijacked and bad buildings are found in the CID area as

well as informal settlements. The homelessness is concentrated at illegal

dumping sites as well as recycling facilities. New developments are

contributing to attracting youth and working class into the area, however

there are limited social amenities and green spaces to support the

increasing residential densities because the area was never built with the

current scenario of industrial building conversions into residential. This

presents a clash between much needed residential amenity and industrial

business that are still located within the CID area.


i. Illegal dumping and scrapyards that are not bylaw compliant, recycling

taking place in the public environment.


a. New traffic impact study that will propose interventions needed for Greater

Maboneng Precinct in light of the transformation from Industrial area to a

residential neighbourhood/ mixed use development.

b. Stormwater interventions to deal with flooding of Joe Slovo Bridge under the

railway line (Adjacent the Post Office).

c. Pedestrianizing Fox Street in Maboneng between Berea Road and Kruger Street

in order to create a walkable area with designated informal trading spaces.

Postal Address: Box 16300, Dowerglen, Johannesburg, 1612

Email: [email protected]

SUBMISSION FOR CAPITAL PROJECT – IDP 2020/21

CID NAME:

KRAMERVILLE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

CONTACT DETAILS:

Precinct Manager – Elsje Naude

Email – [email protected]

Mobile – 083 296 1336

REGION AND WARD:

Region: E

Ward #: 109

SPECIAL PROJECT REQUIRED:

The development and upgrade of the Kramerville Management District in recent years has put pressure on the

infrastructure of the area. The water infrastructure servicing the area has not been upgraded and as a result,

the area experiences weekly burst pipes causing the flooding to buildings and damaging roads.

No provision has been made for this upgrade in the JHB Draft 2020/21 document.


Postal Address: Box 16300, Dowerglen, Johannesburg, 1612

Email: [email protected]

SUBMISSION FOR CAPITAL PROJECT – IDP 2020/21

CID NAME:

KRAMERVILLE WEST MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

CONTACT DETAILS:

Precinct Manager – Elsje Naude

Email – [email protected]

Mobile – 083 296 1336

REGION AND WARD:

Region: E

Ward #: 109

SPECIAL PROJECT REQUIRED:

The development and upgrade of the Kramerville West Management District in recent years has put pressure on the

infrastructure of the area. The number of vehicles traveling on Dartfield Road (from/to South Road and from/to

Bowling Road) has increased significantly. Accidents happen often as a result of speeding.

Provision should be made for speed bumps / traffic circles on Dartfield Road indicated by the red arrows on the picture

below.

No provision has been made for this upgrade in the JHB Draft 2020/21 document.


Legae La Rona Improvement District Submission JOHANNESBURG Draft IDP 2020/21

1. Background

a. Area of CID

i. Legae La Rona Improvement District with boundaries covering Berea

Township.

b. Region/Wards

i. Ward 63


i. High density residential neighbourhood with a degree of informality and

overcrowding in some buildings.


i. Retail, leisure, informal economy.

e. Social context

i. Concentration of hijacked and bad buildings and informal economy within

the precinct contributing to the vast majority of urban management

challenges. There is an informal settlement are located within the Precinct

boundaries. The homelessness is concentrated at public parks, illegal

dumping sites as well as recycling facilities.





a. Public environment upgrades needed along high pedestrian movement corridors.

b. Stormwater infrastructure needs upgrading, flooding occurs after heavy rains.




Main Marshall Improvement District Submission JOHANNESBURG Draft IDP 2020/21

1. Background

a. Area of CID

i. Main Marshall Improvement District with boundaries covering parts of City

and Suburban/Johannesburg Townships.

b. Region/Wards

i. Ward 61


i. Development anchored by ABSA Precinct and light industrial activities

focussed on engineering and vehicle repairs. Recent developments are

transforming the area into a mixed use destination led by the

development of ABSA Towers residential building as well as some social

housing developments.


i. Office, Retail, light industrial and transport (Small Taxi Rank and

throughfare to Eastgate and other labour destinations located east of the

City centre).

e. Social context

i. Area faces challenges of overcrowding in bad buildings, homelessness that

is concentrated at public parks, illegal dumping sites as well as recycling

facilities. ABSA Towers and Campus development is contributing to

attracting youth and working class into the area. Petty crime such as

muggings/snatch and grab, Illicit trade such as drug dealing and prostitution

are prevalent in the area.



recycling taking place in the public environment. Inadequate space for

taxi operations


a. Development of a dedicated transport facility in this part of the City centre with

adequate holding capacity for taxi’s, designated informal trading areas as well as

managed ablution facilities.

b. Public environment upgrades needed along high pedestrian movement corridors

i.e. between Calton center and Maboneng, increased police visibility and

improved street lighting.

c. Improved traffic signalling and physical monitoring at accident hotspots.

d. Government intervention to tackle overcrowded hijacked and bad buildings, and

bylaw enforcement to deal with informal traders obstructing pedestrian

movement, illegal dumping and recycling taking place in the public space.

Newtown Improvement District Submission JOHANNESBURG Draft IDP 2020/21

1. Background

a. Area of CID

i. Newtown Improvement District with boundaries covering parts of

Newtown/Johannesburg Townships.

b. Region/Wards

i. Ward 60


i. Historically regarded as the City’s cultural precinct, recent developments

have transformed the area into a mixed use destination led by the

development of Newtown Junction as well as social housing

developments.


i. Office, Retail, leisure and transport (Bree Street Mall & Taxi Rank).

e. Social context

i. hijacked and bad buildings along railway line and Bekezela informal

settlement are located within the Precinct boundaries. The homelessness is

concentrated at public parks, illegal dumping sites as well as recycling

facilities. Newtown Junction development is contributing to attracting youth

and working class into the area. Another Inner City neighbourhood that was

previously business/trade/industrial oriented currently does not have social

amenities needed to support growing residential densities.





a. Contribution by state facilities to the Improvement District are needed as the

state/ local government is amongst the biggest land owner within the

Improvement District area.

b. Public environment upgrades needed along high pedestrian movement corridors

i.e. between Newtown Junction and Bree Taxi Rank, between Newtown and

Oriental plaza.




RANDBURG IMPROVEMENT CENTRAL FOCUSED SUBMISSION TO THE DRAFT IDP 2020/2021

1

RANDBURG IMPROVEMENT CENTRAL (NPC)

NPC 2019/061212/08

Atrium Terraces, Oak Avenue, Randburg 2194

IDP 2020/2021 SUBMISSION

1. BACKGROUND

The Randburg Improvement Central NPC (RIC) is in the process of seeking formal recognition by the City

of Johannesburg. It was formed during 2019 and the Board of Directors have evolved to a small but diverse

group of members who are diverse in terms of race, gender and skills sets.

Two of the Board of Directors also serve on the Board of the Randburg Chamber of Commerce and

Industry (RCCI) so are intricately well versed in the needs of the commercial sector of the area.

Furthermore, they also reside in the area so are painfully aware of the views of residents and the

challenges of the area from any different viewpoints.

The RIC is aware of a previous entity that was a Central Improvement District (CID) and the reasons for its

demise. The RIC is a new initiative with a fresh approach to the area and to revamping Randburg.

Randburg as a formal area is 60 years old and is in need of upgrading and tender loving care.

1.a. Area of CID/SRA

The Randburg Improvement Central (RIC) covers the area of the Randburg CBD and the strip of Republic

Road to Malibongwe Drive. It also includes the Randburg Sports area and Strijdom Park light industrial

area. This horseshoe shaped area embraces the commercial area of Randburg. (See attached area map).

1.b. Region/ Wards

The RIC operates within Region B and straddles Wards 102 and 104 of the City of Johannesburg

1.c. Nature of Development

Randburg comprises a small central business district (CBD) which is an important transport node in

Johannesburg. It also has municipal offices, a library and taxi rank at its heart. It also has in its midst the

Randburg Court and SAPS Station. Furthermore, SARS has is offices in the area and the Land Claims Court


2

is also located there. The roads of Bram Fisher Driver, Jan Smuts Drive, Republic Road and Malibongwe

Drive are the main roads of the area. Multichoice City is a major commercial property owner while there

also the Randburg Square shopping complex and the shopping strip especially from Hill Street to the Jan

Smuts Avenue/ Bram Fisher Drive intersection.

The commercial strip from Jan Smuts Avenue to Malibongwe Drive is an important node and comprises

the small shopping centres of Carreira Centre and Ferndale on Republic.

The area also has a number of hotels and accommodation establishments such as the Apollo Hotel, The

Mercure Inn and the Road Lodge Hotel.

The area also encompasses the Randburg Sports Complex which caters for a broad range of sports and

features a number of gyms.

Mintek is a major stakeholder in the area and the Randburg branch of the Dept Home Affairs is located

along Malibongwe Drive.

Finally, the light industrial area of Strijdom Park cannot be separated from Randburg.

1.d. Economic focus and contribution

Randburg has a diverse mix of commercial properties from the big Multichoice City, the Randburg China

Mall, The broad Randburg Square within the CBD to many commercial buildings tenanted to a huge variety

of businesses and small enterprises. There are a number of smaller shopping centres, many car

dealerships, hotels and accommodation establishments and also a light industrial area.

The contribution to the area is that is supports the auto repair hub of northern Johannesburg. The area

also is home to the broad entertainment industry. Randburg is also home to a big transport hub with the

Gautrain new station in the pipeline.

1.e. Social context

Randburg also has a vibrant residential area from Jan Smuts Avenue to Malibongwe Drive. Many

commercial properties have been or are in process of being converted to high density apartments

Many NGOs are also part of the fabric of Randburg from the Johannesburg Organisation of Services to the

Homeless (JOSH) which deals with the homeless in the area to Greenpeace, the international

environmental activist organization among others.

1.f. Environmental priorities

Randburg is intersected by the Ferndale Spruit that needs upgrading. Just outside the Randburg SRA area

lies the President Ridge Bird Sanctuary which is a favourite of birders.


3

2. CID ISSUES AND PROPOSALS

2.a. Willing to work with the City

The RIC stands willing to work with the City to upgrade and improve the Randburg area.

2.a.i Voluntary management

The RIC is a registered NPC and under voluntary management

2.a.ii. Current and Future projects and programmes

The current project is to follow all due processes to get formal approval as an SRA so that the RIC can

derive income from the City’s levies.

The first projects will be the upgrading of the Randburg Centre CBD with new urban art, activating the

safety and security of the area as well as cleaning of the CBD.

2a.iii. Collaborative/ Partnership offerings

The RIC has already engaged with the major property owners who have shown support for the newly

formed RIC and its plans for the area.

The RIC notes the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) plans to revisit the 2010 version of the

Randburg Development Plan it sees the vast expense of employing consultants to be beyond the pale in

these days of austerity. It would far prefer the money to be allocated to working with the RIC to discuss

the future of the area and to financially support the RIC in its efforts to upgrade the area.

3. SRA

3.a. Support

The RIC has the support of the RCCI which supports its efforts to revamp the Randburg area.

Discussions with major property owners also indicate a yearning for the Randburg area to be revamped

as many feel it has become frayed at the edges and scruffy.

The Randburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry also supports the efforts of the RIC.

AREA SPECIFIC SUBMISSIONS AS PER THE DRAFT INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR

2020/2021


4

Page 18: Poverty

The RIC notes the numbers of commercial buildings being converted into residential apartments thus

having the potential to attract those who might be further food distressed. The RIC also notes the impact

that the Covid-19 on the economy and how this will feature in empty office spaces and vacant buildings.

Page 63 - Wards 102 and 104 – Priority issues

Safety – The RIC is being established to address and enhance the safety and security of the commercial

areas of Randburg. The RIC stands ready to work with the City of Johannesburg to address this problem

in a coordinated and sustainable manner.

Homelessness – The RIC is set to work with the Johannesburg Organisation of Services to the Homeless

(JOSH) to employ the homeless as cleaners and in other positions to try to reduce homelessness in the

area. There is a critical need for a shelter cum skills centre to be urgently located in the Randburg CBD

and the City of Johannesburg is implored to assist in the process of finding a suitable location.

The RIC notes the stated absence of ward councilors’ involvement in governance issues and laments this

state of affairs.

Page 91: Spatial Framework

The RIC notes the planned extension of the Gautrain rail network to Randburg and beyond to Lanseria

Airport. The RIC notes that this further reinforces the need to urgently revamp Randburg which is one of

the stated aims of the RIC. The RIC urges all concerned that it be engaged in discussions to determine

where the Randburg Gautrain Station should be located.

Page 165: Intergovernmental Relation (IGR) and Partnerships

The RIC notes its close association with the Randburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) and how

both entities are working towards improving the general area of Randburg. The RIC reckons that Randburg

should also be considered to be demarcated as a PEZ (Preferential Economic Zone).

The RCCI has excellent contacts and partnerships with a number of countries across the continent and

beyond and these can be harnessed to advance the improvement of Randburg. Furthermore, the RCCI

does a number of Certificates of Origin thus facilitating of cross border investment.

Pages 184 -185 – Displaced People

The RIC notes that homelessness is seen as stated as a Strategic Priority No 6 in the overall Draft IDP. The

RIC reiterates that that there is a crucial need for a shelter cum skills centre located in the Randburg CBD

in order to address one of the priority focus areas. The RIC notes that there are a number of vacant


5

properties which could serve this purpose. This would also assist in the development of a safer Randburg

(Strategic Priority Number 7)

Page 186 – Ward Based Policing

The RIC notes that there is no coordinated approach. The SAPS, CPFs, private security companies and the

JMPD all do their own thing. The RIC will once fully recognized by the City of Johannesburg as an SRA take

on the responsibility to create and safer and cleaner Randburg CBD and also throughout the commercial

areas of Randburg. The RIC would appreciate support from the City for this purpose in a partnership to

create a sustainable solution to this matter.

Page 187 – Building safer inclusive communities

The RIC plans to create a community theatre project within the Randburg CBD and has plans to start using

the human library project to connect residents from diverse backgrounds who can share their back stories

in an effort to develop community cohesion. Other plans are also afoot.

Page 190 – Active and Engaged Citizenry

The RIC has plans to host events that engage citizens and property owners and will regularly poll these

groups to adopt same to marketing programmes and events going forward.

Page 192 – Asset-Based Community Development

The RIC supports the use of the ABCD approach to community development as it enables and empowers

communities far more efficiently and is highly cost effective as it harnesses the community assets and

skills and relies less on outsiders and investors. The RIC will be engaging all its stakeholders in workshops

based on this approach to assist in future collaborative planning and action.

Page 194 – Sustainable Environmental Development

The RIC notes that green lungs dissect its general area and supports all efforts to upgrade the streams and

rivers that crisscross Johannesburg. The RIC notes that the two major rivers of South Africa namely the

Limpopo and the Orange Rivers both have their origins in Johannesburg. It is essential that the rivers are

cleaned up in major effort. The RIC notes that the environmental organization, Greenpeace, is located in

Randburg and is supportive or all companies that do not damage the environment. There should a be a

City of Johannesburg policy on procuring services from ethical and environmentally sustainable

companies.


6

Page 207 – Number 10 – Homelessness

The RIC notes that the numbers and targets are deemed totally undervalued. The RIC notes that there are

more than 15000 homeless persons. How many are receiving social services is u known.

Page 252 – 256 - 2224, 2364, 2353

The RIC notes that the Randburg CBD is in need of attention. The RIC also notes that the weighbridge at

the testing centre needs attention as does the stormwater drainage …………..

Page 341 – Homelessness

The RIC notes that the numbers of homeless quoted are deemed ridiculously low The RIC recommends

that the City of Johannesburg partner with the relevant NGO’s to do the work.

THE DRAFT MEDUIM TERM BUDGET DOCUMENT

The RIC notes that the document bears no relation to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the

economic fallout thereof. The RIC recommends that an emergency budget be prepared with adjustments

to the current economic situation.

The RIC severely objects to the excessive increases proposed for the salaries of the Councilors and civic

officials while hitting the residents and property owners with unforgiving huge increases across the board.

FINAL COMMENTS

The Budget is out of kilter with current economic pressures not the least due to the affects of the

Coronavirus pandemic and its economic fallout.

The proposed increases for Councilors as too are the rates and utilizes hikes excessive.

The RIC would prefer the City and the JDA to not contract Arup Urban Planners at huge cost but rather

work with the RIC to update the 2010 Randburg Urban Development Plan. The money could be better

spent on improving Randburg and capacitating the RIC.

ENDS

20 June 2020.

Documents

City of Johannesburg Our Ref.: CIDF IDP2020-21.2 2000 · 6/24/2020 · 4. Contrary to common belief, CID/VMIs are inclusive - they know their communities and have extensive local