Leaving a legacy in Braam

The Joburg Property Company has thought up a way for Jozi residents to leave a lasting legacy in Braamfontein.

The company, an agency of the City of Joburg, is currently involved in the construction of the Council Chamber which will form the core of Johannesburg’s new Metro Centre and is currently being built with the sole purpose to improve service delivery to the city’s citizens.

The chamber is being modeled on the design of the African drum. The circular lekgotla concept means ‘meeting place’ or ‘meeting place of leaders’. What makes the construction of this building more interesting is that 134 people, who will be chosen from all submissions for the competition which is now closed, will have the chance to leave a legacy by designing one of 134 totem poles to be erected at the building once it is finished, which is set to be around September.

The company called on the public to enter the competition by submitting their designs at various locations in Johannesburg, and with submissions having closed on 17 June, the judging process can now begin.

These wooden totems which will represent the 134 wards of Johannesburg will be installed on transoms between panes of glass that surround the chamber and will be chosen according to the theme of warmth and inclusivity. The totems in the Council Chamber will serve to celebrate African history, its languages, and cultural practices.

In addition to leaving a legacy, the 134 contestants to have their totems carved out and placed at the building site will also receive R5 000 in prize money for their contribution to the aesthetics of the building and beautifying the city.

The company is yet to confirm the number of people who entered the competition and names of the artists who will put their skills to good use.

Details: www.jhbproperty.co.za