This year’s State of the City Address (Soca) is expected to be different.
Executive Mayor of Joburg Parks Tau will deliver his last Soca as his term of office which started in 2011, is coming to an end.
Khensani Makhobela of the City of Joburg explained at a pre-Soca event that was held at Emoyeni Conference Centre in Parktown, that this year’s address would demonstrate how far the City had progressed with service delivery.
Makhobela mentioned that although Tau’s term in office was coming to an end, it was imperative that he delivered the Soca. “This will ensure that continuity runs smoothly when the new council takes over when a new office term starts,” said Makhobela.
Some of the City’s priority projects that Tau is expected to talk about will include the Corridors of Freedom project which is a Growth and Development Strategy for the City expected to be concluded by 2040.
The project will focus on mixed-use development – high-density accommodation, supported by office buildings, retail development and opportunities for leisure and recreation.
The project will ensure that Joburg residents will live closer to their workplace and be able to work, stay and play without having to use vehicles. Safe, affordable and convenient buses, cycling and pedestrian activities will replace the carbon-emitting private car.
According to the City, the Corridors of Freedom will transform entrenched settlement patterns which have shunted the majority of residents to the outskirts of the city, away from economic opportunities and access to jobs and growth.
