Programme Director

MMC for Human Settlements, Cllr Mlungisi Mabaso

Ward Councillor, Mr Simon Molefe

City and Entity Officials

Members of the media

Residents of Orange Farm and the City as a whole. Dumelang!

Allow me to begin by conveying my condolences to residents who lost loved ones during a drowning incident at a religious ceremony over the weekend at the Jukskei River.  The Acting MMC for Public Safety, Cllr Nkuli Mbundu, has been on the ground; and I want to thank Officials from the Joburg Emergency Management Services, as well as the SAPS, who have been working to retrieve the remains of those who were tragically swept away. I want to further advise residents to avoid rivers and low-lying areas when rain is forecast. Disaster Management and the relevant Departments and Entities are on high alert to respond to incidents that may occur during this rainy season.

Ladies and gentlemen

Those who know me, are well aware of the value I place on education. It takes us to places we have never been before and it exposes us to a variety of experiences; but importantly, education and the opportunities it provides have the ability to transform our socio-economic circumstances for generations to come.

Given that the history of South Africa, which undermined the ability of the majority to literally own a portion of the country; I always cherish the opportunity to place title deeds in the hands of residents who have been more than patient for their dividend in our City.

A title deed is a registered legal document which evidences ownership in respect of a defined a piece of land or an apartment in a block of flats. Having a title deed says, “this is my piece of the City.” It places an asset in the hands of an individual giving them peace of mind, knowing that unless they choose to sell, this particular asset belongs to me.

MMC Mabaso,

Today, 513 people will have a place of safety and comfort that they have not had before.

This is what we mean when we talk about being a caring and inclusive City as set out in the 7 Mayoral Priorities.

When we say we want to make Joburg into a caring City, we mean building a City that looks after all, but most especially vulnerable groups by ensuring that they have access to all the services we provide, in a fair and equitable manner. Furthermore, when we talk about an inclusive City, it is about the act of making every corner of Joburg a place where residents have all the amenities they need to live a quality life with access to housing and job opportunities.

Today, 201 families can attest to the fact that Joburg is starting to feel and look better; and the Multi-Party Government, work every day so the all 6-million residents of the City can share this sentiment.

Region G has long been neglected by successive governments, but this is part of the more than R2-billion (R2,438,329,200) over the medium-term (between the 2022/23 and 2024/24 financial years) that the Joburg Multi-Party is making in this Region.

This government not only wants to work for you as residents, but also work with us by paying your municipal bills and looking after this asset that is now in your hands.

Ke a leboga. Baie dankie. Ngiyabonga. Thank you!