Joburg City closes road for street bash
Live performances, residents dancing and street aerobics took over the busy Turf Club Road in Turffontein.
Left: Ntando Dlamini (14), Archie Mosatsie (12), Sibusiso Madida (13), Prince Mabena (12), Honest Mathias (13) and Sihle Miyeni (13).
CITY of Johannesburg Transport Department hosted the Open Streets Alive Bash event, closing off a large section of Turf Club Road that connects traffic from areas including Southdale and Turffontein to Rosettenville on October 19.
The aim was to build engagement between residents who may encounter each other on a daily basis but have not taken steps to talk or build relationships. The City also held the event in efforts to build relationships with the residents of Turffontein but also with motorists from other areas who use the busy street on a regular basis.
“We’re engaging the community and showing them that the streets aren’t only for vehicles, so we’ve closed the street for activities including aerobics,” said Department of Transport official, Lorraine Mapela.
Live performances by Gospel and traditional musicians attracted crowds both young and old, including motorists passing by, to the bash, as curiosity got the better of them.
A traditional Maskandi Music recording artist from Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, Mlethwa Majola who recently won best newcomer in Maskandi Music at the South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMA), had the crowds eating out of his hand, many taking photos and videos of the performance also emulating his dancers moves.
A DJ was there spinning popular house music and Kwaito tracks much to the enjoyment of City of Joburg staff and attendees.
Yellow caps and bandanas with the Joburg Open Streets Bash Alive logo were distributed to those who participated in the aerobics session.
