The State of the City Address was delivered for the first time in Soweto last Monday. Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Councillor Mpho Parks Tau, said that it was a privilege to deliver the (SoCA) in Soweto especially after all the transformation that Soweto has undergone.
“Today for the first time ever we are delivering the State of the City Address here in Soweto with its rich historical significance as the epicentre of the struggle for freedom over many decades. The transformation of Soweto in recent years is symbolic of what we have achieved,” he said.
The theme for this year’s State of the Nation Address was “Jozi a City at Work”.
“We are a City at Work, to remake itself and shape its future, as a sustainable, livable and resilient City. A city that cares for its people and their future,” said Tau.
The mayor said that the City is financially in the best shape with a net surplus of R3.4 billion at the end June 2013.
He said the City’s total assets have increased to R60.1 billion up from R56.37 billion in 2011/12.
“We concluded the year with a progressive increase in cash and cash equivalents of R5.4 billion,” he said.
Tau also touched on the City’s investment in strategic infrastructure such as roads, the rehabilitation of public spaces, such as the Orlando West Park, Bara transport interchange, Rea Vaya BRT and Orlando Stadium have changed the face of Soweto.
“Public sector-led investments have proven to be catalysts for private sector investments such as Maponya Mall, Orlando eKhaya and the Jabulani and Bolani Developments,” said the mayor.
Tau also touched on how the retail space in Soweto has grown almost fourfold from less than 60 000 square meters to more than 220 000 over the past 20 years.
“Soweto’s residential property market is now booming with the highest average prices in the affordable housing market segment country-wide. Indeed, Sowetans attest that Jozi is a City at Work,” he said.
