Ekurhuleni: rebuilding a people-centred post-covid economy
ACCELERATION OF THE IDZ/SEZ PROGRAMME
A Gauteng Industrial Development Zone is meant to develop land around the airport to stimulate economic development on 7.5ha of land. The focus is on sectors such as food processing, jewellery, diamond beneficiation as well as aerospace. Already, R1.5-billion investment has been obtained and an anticipated 7 000 new jobs are to be created.
MASSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT
Since 2016:
• SUDS implementation to unlock R300-billion investment — so far R80-billion is unlocked
SEZ programme facilitated to unlock R7-billion Approval and implementation of Ekurhuleni Investment and Development Facilitation Framework and Matrix as a mechanism to fasttrack strategic investments
Rand value of investments attracted over the past five years include Prasa Gibela, Teraco Data Centre, ACSA expansion programme, S&J Industrial Investment, Riverfields Investment along R21, industrial/manufacturing investment such as GZI can manufacturing and Komatsu.
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ENABLING PUBLIC TRANSPORT
In October 2017 Harambee started operating with eight buses between Tembisa and Isando and in 2019, 10 additional buses and the route was expanded between Tembisa and OR Tambo International Airport. March 2021 again saw the services extended between Tembisa and the airport through the introduction of weekend and public holidays services.
In assisting pedestrians, six pedestrian crossing bridges were completed in Tembisa.
PROMOTE LOCATISATION AND PRODUCTION
Great strides were made in this term of office of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, which has seen the total procurement to date at almost R44-billion for open bids and quotations. Of this, R10-million benefited women and R331-million people living with disabilities. Historically disadvantaged individuals benefited to the tune of R19.4-million and youth-owned companies R5.7-billion.
SKILLS, CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT AND INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Employment prospects of the youth improved, in partnership with the private sector, implemented through 14 local youth offices that provided business training, funding application and referrals to support programmes. Over 6 332 youth were appointed to work readiness programmes and internships.
Through EPWP 26 000 work opportunities were created. One of the most successful programmes was the threeyear plumber’s apprentice programme, where 94 trainees will receive fully accredited plumber’s certificates on completion.
A total of 454 graduates were given job opportunities via work readiness programme; 49 received NQF level 3 qualifications and 1 150 attended short skills courses.
The expansion programme saw 240 farmers’ co-operatives assessed and the 26 selected are earmarked for mentorship.
A total of 202 companies benefited from ongoing mentorship and training in 2017/18, particularly manufacturing, services, agriculture and construction. At the Youth Summit in June 2019 5 682 youths accessed information, exposure and programmes. Eighty-three young entrepreneurs from 13 townships took part in the Lion’s Den programme where youngsters pitch their ideas after being taken through the business model canvas.
INFRASTRUCTURE CLUSTER
In the mayor’s first 100 days in office it was committed that 100 000 housing units and 59 000 serviced stands would be provided in this term of office.
Human Settlements:
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• 16 mega projects implemented, including Esselen Park, Tembisa Ext 25, Leeuwpoort, John Dube Village, Van Dyk Park, Palm Ridge Ext 10. delivered 42 773 housing units and 26 543 services stands. bulk infrastructure installed will provide 210 000
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Water
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housing units. electrification of 40 informal settlements chemical toilets increased from 1:10 to 1:5 reblocked 46 settlements
39 townships regularised and 33 605 title deeds distributed.
Electricity
Photovoltaic solar lighting units installed in informal settlements — this renewable energy programme involves rolling out solar water heaters and solar rooftop panels on councilowned properties
Invested over R280-million to upgrade Germiston network infrastructure.
R174-million spent on upgrading Benoni infrastructure.
More than 63-million was spent on upgrading Kempton Park infrastructure.
Tembisa (R6-million), Alberton/thokoza (R151 400 000) and Tsakane (R20-million) also had electricity infrastructure upgraded.
R100-million earmarked to address challenges in Germiston Springs, Kempton Park and Boksburg.
Twenty-nine new reservoirs planned for this term of office, of which five are completed and another
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10 will be by end June. This will add 417 megalitres of storage, increasing water storage from 24 hours to 36 hours. Ekurhuleni is the only metro in the country undertaking such a massive water programme.
Benoni water tower on completion will be secondlargest in the country and African content, and one of the biggest in the world with a capacity of 5 500 000 litres, which is equivalent to nearly three Olympic-size swimming pools.
Over 921 000 households have access to clean running water.
Roads
Maintained 13 053km of roads over the last five years, costing R1.6-billion.
52 666 stormwater drains maintained.
Healthcare
Eight clinics render 24-hour services.
Three render 12-hour services.
19 render Saturday services.
Implemented HIV Universal Test and Treat — every patient tested positive was put on treatment regardless of CD cell count.
All clinics avail Pre-exposure Prophylaxis to minimise HIV transmissions.
DEMS
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SRAC
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Five fire stations built — Germiston Central, Thokoza, Isando/elandsfontein, New Katlehong and Olifantsfontein — Albertina Sisulu will be completed at the end of June – at R310-million.
EMPD
Five EMPD precincts built — Zonkizizwe, Thokoza, Bonaero Park, Kempton Park and Tembisa. This increased capacity of COE to maintain community safety and aid in reducing crime.
Purchased Chris Hani house and transformed it into a museum, which will be officially opened on 10 April 2021; it is to be declared a heritage site. Ten libraries were built, including Tembisa, Zonkizizwe, Langaville, Leondale and Kingsway. Mega projects include Dumisani Masilela Theatre, Sinaba Stadium, Etwatwa swimming pool and OR Tambo statue at the airport.