Newly appointed Region B director for Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (Crum), Sello Jonathan Lemao aims to contribute to the broader vision of transforming Johannesburg into a smart, inclusive, and sustainable city.
Hailing from Ga-Mamabolo in Limpopo, Lemao’s journey commenced as a teacher, spending 13 years dedicated to shaping young minds. He served as a PL1 educator and later as a school head of the Gauteng Department of Basic Education department.
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During this period, he actively engaged with various community structures, including school governing bodies, youth forums, teacher unions, and other community forums, fostering strong connections within the educational landscape.
In 2001, his commitment to community service led him to the City of Johannesburg, where he served as a ward committee member for five years. “Since joining the City of Johannesburg, I learned the significance of community engagement and the power of collaborative efforts,” he said.
Transitioning into municipal leadership, the 51-year-old assumed the role of deputy director for the Augmented Field Services Unit within Crum in Region B in 2020. His dedication and leadership qualities were further recognised when he served as acting regional director for Region B from November last year to April, subsequently appointed as the regional director effective May 1.
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“Becoming a regional director is a significant milestone but my aspirations extend beyond this role. I aim to continue growing professionally and contribute to the broader vision of transforming Johannesburg into a smart, inclusive, and sustainable city. I am committed to continuously improving my skills and exploring opportunities to advance in municipal leadership.”
The newly appointed regional director’s priorities include:
- Engaged active citizenry – enhance collaboration and communication with councillors, stakeholders, and residents.
- Safer city and investment attraction – create a safer and more orderly region through improved policing frameworks.
- SMME and entrepreneurial support – facilitate youth and women’s economic empowerment and skills development.
His emphasis on social inclusion and cohesion underscores his commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity.
Lemao endeavours to bridge social divides and cultivate a shared vision for a brighter future for the region by promoting active citizenry and encouraging community ownership.
In essence, Lemao’s vision for Region B extends beyond mere infrastructure and service delivery, it is a holistic blueprint for building a city that is not only technologically advanced and economically vibrant but also socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and globally competitive. By aligning his priorities with the broader goals of creating a smart, inclusive, and sustainable city, Lemao is paving the way for Region B to emerge as a beacon of urban excellence nationally and globally.
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