...Johannesburg Discussion [Archive] - Page 9

Lefa

December 6th, 2011, 10:12 AM

Plenty of passion in Milpark

05 December 2011

Thinking laterally has made Milpark what it is today – a trendy home and work space for creatives and students, sandwiched between the inner city and the highway.

THERE’S a lot of passion and lateral thinking over in Milpark, or Braamfontein Werf as it’s officially called. Large doses of both are needed to establish your place in the small triangular suburb.

Students relax in the courtyard of the Afda campusStudents relax in the courtyard of the Afda campusMilpark is a vibey place – with 44 Stanley Avenue’s collection of eclectic shops and restaurants a popular tourist attraction; with the trendy loft apartments of The Refinery and Frost Avenue; and with the development of the Egoli Gas site, which will offer stylish living, shopping and eating spaces in the future.

There is a profusion of students in the area – Wits University and the University of Johannesburg (UJ) both border Milpark, with smaller schools sitting at the table too. Not far away is the Milpark Hospital, overlooked by several tall office buildings, and intersected by the busy Empire Road.

Bata Passchier, the chief executive of Afda, the film and performance school in Frost Avenue, says the school has expanded over the years to include 14 allied disciplines, but one thing anyone needs to make it in film is passion.

It could be too that actors, filmmakers, developers, and others in the creative fields are shot through with more than the average dose of passion.

Three years ago, when the wheels came off the nearby SABC, its reverberations were felt in Milpark, sending heads spinning. Post-grad students coming out of Afda couldn’t look to the SABC for work anymore. It required a bit of lateral thinking, and coming up with their own ideas for films, says Passchier. With digital technology and minimal funding, they were able to fulfil their dreams, and several feature films have been produced out of the school.

The same reverberations were felt at Atlas Studios, where the SABC made use of some of its seven studios, says architect Jonathan Gimble, the owner. He had taken a derelict building, formerly a Coca-Cola factory and bakery, and in 2002 turned it into top-of-the-range studios.

He faced possible closure as the studios became defunct but again, a bit of lateral thinking saved the day. He offered the Institute for Marketing Management (IMM), which had a dispute with its landlord in nearby Richmond, space. Several shuttered studios were opened for the institute while he renovated parts of the building to its specifications. It now occupies three floors of the eastern side of the building, with its own entrance and parking.

The film school, Afda, fits snugly behind Atlas Studios in MilparkThe film school, Afda, fits snugly behind Atlas Studios in MilparkIt’s a perfect blend, says Gimble, because both the studios and the institute need quiet space. “We have two worlds in one building.”

And by the time the offices and lecture theatres for the institute were ready, the demand for television studios was back again. “It worked out a lot better than we thought,” he adds.

The institute tutors post-grad students and managers from banks and other large institutions, so there are no rowdy undergraduates to disturb the quiet needed in the studios. And, not surprisingly, the institute is to call its Milpark campus, Atlas Campus.

Milpark complements the educational institutions of Wits and UJ, with the IMM and Afda attracting students. Not far away is Milpark Business College, and down Owl Street is John Orr Technical High School.

44 Stanley Avenue
Milpark has undergone a metamorphosis over the past six or seven years. In late 2003, eight nondescript office buildings were converted into a 4 000m2 retro-chic retail and office complex called 44 Stanley Avenue. It has proved to be very popular with Joburgers, which pleases developer Brian Green. He says that it is 100 percent full, and he has a waiting list for prospective tenants.

Green has planted a row of stinkwood trees outside his complex, as well as leopard and olive trees inside – much needed greening for the suburb. He wanted to create a mix of shops and restaurants that was children friendly, and with two boule courts, two gently bubbling raised ponds, the olive grove, and a cluster of shops, he has achieved this.

He said at the time of the completion of the complex: “We don’t want the swanksters here. People have become hung up on money. There’s an honesty in the architecture here.”

Joburgers stop in for warm bread and rolls at Vovo Telo, or fresh coffee at Bean There, or a meal at one of the several restaurants. Shopping includes boutiques and furniture and decor, and two courtyards make for easy outdoor relaxation.

The Refinery - trendy loft apartments in Owl StreetThe Refinery - trendy loft apartments in Owl StreetAcross the road is a Pick n Pay and a Virgin Active Gym, catering for the now large residential component of Milpark.

Film school
Afda, the South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance, opened its doors in 1994.

Its degrees are internationally recognised and courses are wide ranging: acting, directing and production, television, animation, scriptwriting, cinematography, costume, make-up and styling, editing and visual effects, among others.

“Afda films are exhibited at numerous international festivals and have been broadcast worldwide, winning many prestigious awards, including the Student Academy Award winner and Cannes Festival finalist in 2006 and a Safta [South African Film and Television Award] in 2007,” indicates the website.

The achievements are beginning to steamroll. One of the school’s alumni, Tom Marais, was the cinematographer for Skeem, a recent South African film; Keenan Arrison, another alumnus, plays Claude junior in the film; Afda alumnus Emma Eunson was nominated for an award at the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards in the category for outstanding art direction for variety, music or non-fiction programming. The list goes on.

Passchier says South Africa needs post-graduate students, to build the industry. Afda has grown its post-graduate courses and this year enrolled 30 honours and seven masters students. Since 2009, the school has driven its focus towards research. “Ninety percent of honours graduates are in leadership roles in their field,” he says.

Students at Afda can enjoy some downtime at wooden tables and chairs in the pleasant courtyard. They say they enjoy the campus and the neighbourhood – it’s convenient for shopping and close to major transport arterials.

The Refinery
In mid-2003, a set of three dull warehouse and offices buildings was turned into The Refinery, a complex of 29 loft apartments of some 8 000m² of living space, by developer Ricci Polack.

Egoli Gas tanks lord over the rest of MilparkEgoli Gas tanks lord over the rest of MilparkThe buildings are between 30 and 50 years old, with wide walls of industrial metal windows, concrete floors, cranky lifts and metal fire escape stairways.

Most of the flats have double-volume ceilings and concrete floors. Some are single storey, others are two storeys, and still others take up three or four storeys.

They are home to largely creative professionals. Nandi Tshabalala, who is in sales and marketing, has lived in The Refinery for six years. She says of the complex: “I enjoy it – it is a private setting and secure for a single woman like me. It’s close enough to Melville but also close to the freeway so that I can go and visit my family in Soweto, or my brother in Sandton.”

She says her visitors to the block are always fascinated by the units, each one being unique. “I like the community, it’s laid back.”

Several blocks away, just below the towering gas tanks of Egoli Gas, are the Frost Avenue flats, which perfectly complement The Refinery, with 31 unique units, some combining office with living space.

Ross Douglas, managing director of Artlogic, the company responsible for the Joburg Art Fairs and the FoodWineDesign Fairs, lives and works in his apartment. He says: “It’s great living here. It’s incredibly central and surprisingly quiet.” He strolls over to 44 Stanley Avenue, where the food and coffee are great, he confirms.

Other residential units have since opened in the little suburb. In late 2006, Milpark Mews opened on the corner of Barry Hertzog Avenue and Empire Road, with 352 one- and two-bedroomed units, largely rented by students. Across that corner 150 units in 28 Stanley Avenue opened for sale at about the same time, also mostly taken by students.

The Garden Court hotel offers corporate and leisure guests 252 rooms, and is mostly full during the week and on weekends, its guests wanting easy access to Wits and UJ.

Atlas Studios
Atlas Studios dates back to 1951, when the Coca-Cola Company built the architecturally significant building, for its headquarters and local bottling plant. It was later taken over by Atlas Bakery, but it moved out of the building in the mid-1990s, and vagrants moved in.

Gimpel, who developed the Media Mill across the road, had been keen to buy the building, and eventually did in 2002. At first he planned to turn it into funky offices and shops but soon the need for studios became clear and he changed his focus.

The architecture of the building facilitated this – vaulted concrete roofs meant fewer columns were needed, thus leaving the spaces lofty and open, ideal for indoor filming. Another unusual feature of the building is its stainless steel floor tiles. He created seven studios with accompanying dressing and make-up rooms, and offices for production companies.

Gimpel is pushing for a name change for the suburb, having made several applications to the City council. He describes it as “a gem”, but bemoans the fact that the council has not given the suburb the same support of other developing areas, like the Maboneng district on the eastern edge of the CBD, where new paving was laid and trees were planted.

He wants to create a traffic circle where Stanley Avenue meets Owl Street, to slow traffic but also to create a focus point. He points to the spot where the stream flows under the road where he proposes the circle, and says it would be a perfect to open it up and create a neighbourhood well and sociable corner. He is willing to donate the small corner of his property for this purpose.

He wants to re-create a reduced version of the Atlas Bakery in the top corner of his site, selling bread and pastries from Vovo Telo.

Egoli Gas
The Egoli Gas site, dating back to 1939, is to get a makeover in which it will become the city’s latest got-to-get-there place, with lifestyle shopping, restaurants, loft apartments, a boutique hotel, offices and a parkland.

Around 35 000m2 of residential space will be created, with 700 middle to upper income flats, and 730 student units. Some 39 000m2 will be devoted to office space while the hotel will contain 100 rooms. Shoppers will have 10 600m2 where they can get their retail fix.

Portions of the site were closed down in the 1990s, and it sits as a ghostly presence on Annet Road. It is a neighbour of Atlas Studios and the Frost Avenue flats, and is several blocks away from 44 Stanley Avenue.

The site contains three gasometers or tanks, an assortment of office buildings, and several tall plant buildings, presenting attractive profiles with chimneys, walkways and different roof levels. An open patch of ground on the eastern edge contains a small stream running from south to north, through Milpark and eventually joining the Braamfontein Spruit. This is to become a parkland, accessible from the street, thus encouraging residents and passers-by to use it.

The buildings are in typical pre-World War 2 style. They are of warm red brick and steel; several are five or six storeys tall. The cathedral spaces inside are filled with huge steel beams, stretching to the ceilings. The beams will be removed and the buildings will become shopping and restaurant spaces, with glass roofs and luxuriant plants tumbling over balconies. The spaces between the buildings will be landscaped and contain roads, water features and steel artefacts made from the dismantled plant machinery.

One of the tanks will be demolished while two will remain in operation. A building that perfectly matches the tank’s size and height will replace it, with an open internal core, to be constructed either as loft apartments or offices. More office blocks are planned along Annet Road.

Like the waterfront in Cape Town, where the development incorporates a working harbour, this will incorporate an active gas plant. It will enhance what is already on offer in Milpark.

Curious Pictures
Harriet Gavshon, the managing director of Curious Pictures, has had offices next door to Afda for the past 10 years. She confirms that Milpark is a great place to work. “It’s central, it has many amenities, great restaurants and shops and it has many people and businesses working in the creative realm. I like seeing students on the streets, I like bumping into people I know.”

Curious Pictures has distinguished itself with a range of TV series: Tobias’s Bodies, The Lab, Soul City and Hard Copy, among others, and documentary and reality shows, commercials, and feature films. It is to produce Master Chef South Africa next year.

She adds: “I like the mix of living spaces, shops and offices. I like the fact that there are small shops and restaurants and not too many chain stores. It’s not generic or suburban, so it presents a real alternative to much of Johannesburg.”

Braamfontein Werf was approved as a township in September 1914. “The name presumably harks back to the early days when there was a farmyard [Afrikaans ‘werf’] in the area on which a servitude in 1887 for a road to Barber’s mill on the present day Sans Souci was granted,” writes Anna Smith in Johannesburg Street Names. Sans Souci was the site of a hotel in neighbouring Richmond, and is now part of the Milpark Hospital.

And in many ways the suburb still has the homeliness of a werf, where its residents can feel a part of a community that looks after its own.

Source: http://www.joburg.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7508&catid=88&Itemid=266

Jakes1

December 6th, 2011, 02:28 PM

Thank you for sharing Lefa! Amazing news, and this truly is one of the greatest spaces in Jozi!

Jakes1

December 8th, 2011, 11:12 AM

From joburg.org.za

Fountain flows again

Written by Lucille Davie
07 December 2011

It has been dry for 12 years, but water is again flowing in the restored Rissik Street fountain, softening the inner city bricks and mortar surrounding it. THE Rissik Street fountain, which for years has been sitting twiddling its thumbs, is happily spraying into the air again.

Its restoration is part and parcel of the Rea Vaya construction running up the street, and provides a welcome splash of water to the bricks and mortar that surround it.

The fountain dates back to the Civic Spine Project of 1989 to 1991, set up by Eddy Magid, the mayor of Joburg from 1984 to 1985. The structures that were recently removed from Beyers Naude Square were part of the same plan. Piet van Vuuren, the infrastructure manager of Joburg City Parks, says that the fountain has sat quietly for at least 12 years.

It is 15 metres long, and has two tall obelisks on either side. Reconstruction started in October and took six weeks to complete; the fountain was switched on again last week.

Van Vuuren says that pumps, cabling and piping were stolen from the fountain, and people were living in the pump room under it. The room is the same length as the fountain. It has been cleaned and a new door and lock installed, which, Van Vuuren hopes, will be thief-proof. “We will be putting these new doors on all the city’s fountains,” he explains.

The doors lock from the inside, making it impossible for anyone to saw through or break the lock. Fountains at Bruma Lake, Innisfree Park and The Wilds will be given similar doors.

Conservation architect Herbert Prins says that the fountain softened the barrier that the street created between the two civic buildings – the post office and the City Hall.

Originally, the post office stood alone on the eastern edge of what was a large market square, built in 1897. Then in 1915, the City Hall was built, followed in 1935 by the central library on the western edge of the square, leading to the end of the busy market square, which then moved to Newtown. The laying of Rissik, Simmonds and Harrison streets further broke up the square.

Prins feels too that the Rissik Street block between Market and President streets should be closed, to allow freedom of pedestrian movement and full appreciation of the two buildings.

The kink that the fountain created in Rissik Street has slowed down traffic past the post office, he adds.

The post office, devastated by fire in late 2009, has undergone the first phase of its restoration, with a new roof installed.

City Hall restoration
The exterior of the City Hall is also being restored. It will receive a R13-million makeover over the next three years. The granite base and sandstone walls need cleaning – the dirt on the walls is the result of pollution from exhaust fumes, and is normal in any large city.

The City Hall was sold by the City to the provincial government in 2003 for R20-million.

“The plan is to clean the sandstone facade and in doing so to restore its colour and texture. This operation will involve a variety of methods according to the restoration requirement on the particular sandstone block,” says John des Fountain, the director of operational support services in the Gauteng legislature.

Guttering and downpipes need to be replaced, as do some roof tiles, which need to be sourced. Brass and copper edifices on the dome are to be refurbished. The metal balustrades will be sandblasted and repainted, while missing brass window handles will be specially cast.

And, to complete the restoration picture, the Barbican, long neglected by its owners, Old Mutual Properties, has been given a generous dose of care and shines again in its rebirth.

The restoration of the fountain cost around R750 000, funded by the Johannesburg Development Agency. Joburg City Parks will be responsible for its maintenance.

Read more: http://www.joburg.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7539&catid=88&Itemid=266#ixzz1fw7yJEFk

Jakes1

December 13th, 2011, 02:58 PM

The restored Library will open in February 2012. Can't wait to have a look inside!

Pule

December 14th, 2011, 08:17 AM

^^ didn't they say they adding 2 floors to the current structure?

Jakes1

December 14th, 2011, 11:16 AM

^^ didn't they say they adding 2 floors to the current structure?

Internal floors, in places. To add 2 floors to a 1937 gem would be crazy, as it could impact the entire appearance. The library was sensitevely restored, and modernized at the same time. This means the old features were retained, with new technology being the cherry on top. The atrium looks amazing, from what I've heard.

ZoalBucket

December 17th, 2011, 06:23 PM

Why is the Johannesburg Projects section so dead all the time??? I get so excited when I see just a single new post (which is not often)... Maybe its just because nothing is really happening?

Inertia

December 18th, 2011, 04:38 AM

Why is the Johannesburg Projects section so dead all the time??? I get so excited when I see just a single new post (which is not often)... Maybe its just because nothing is really happening?

Nothing happening

Jakes1

December 19th, 2011, 12:54 PM

Nothing happening

I disagree. There is a lot happening. Maybe we are just bored.

The E.N.D

December 21st, 2011, 11:20 AM

^^Camera gone bust. Pule, where art thou?

Inertia

December 22nd, 2011, 03:21 PM

I disagree. There is a lot happening. Maybe we are just bored.

Nothing new happening methinks. Or atleast I haven't seen anything new... Been out the country for a month and only coming back in Feb, so would enjoy some updates fellas!

ZATUGA

December 30th, 2011, 07:59 PM

Randburg's CBD revival to imitate Joburg's

JOHANNESBURG – Dilapidated shopping centres, depressed office rentals, squalor and government’s plan to ensure that people stay closer to their workplace is behind a five-year plan to revive Randburg and build 735-affordable housing units.

The plan, which is about to enter the second year of a five-year cycle, will see the whole triangle of land, between Selkirk, Bram Fischer and Jan Smuts, developed, says executive manager of planning and strategy at the JDA, Sharon Lewis.

According to the Randburg central business district Urban Development Framework (UDF) and proposal approved by the City Council in July and November 2010, respectively, the Southern portion (land parcel 1 in diagram) will be sub-divided from the rest of the site, with 2.27Ha to be developed for social housing by Johannesburg Social Housing Company (Joshco) while the Northern portion of 6.4Ha will be made up of a mixed-use property development that will be able to house municipal and social services, including the taxi rank, the Bus Rapid Transit facility, the library, the licensing department and more affordable housing.

http://moneyweb.co.za/mw/media_stream/mw/1/558714/images/Randburg-1.jpg

http://moneyweb.co.za

SA BOY

January 6th, 2012, 07:02 AM

righto, moving to joburg soon and hopefully this misunderstood city will be good to us, actually looking forward to it

Shukran

January 10th, 2012, 10:26 AM

righto, moving to joburg soon and hopefully this misunderstood city will be good to us, actually looking forward to it

Good luck SA Boy - big change from Durbs!

ToxicBunny

January 10th, 2012, 11:06 AM

righto, moving to joburg soon and hopefully this misunderstood city will be good to us, actually looking forward to it

Hectic dude, esp since you've just moved back to CPT...

But good luck, and I'm sure JHB will be good to you, just remember to spend a bit of time outside the city just to relax :).. say like coming to DBN for weekends (since its an easier trip with the family than CPT)

SA BOY

January 14th, 2012, 12:24 PM

been in joburg all week. Great job and happy to move

Diggerdog

January 14th, 2012, 01:09 PM

Cool bru, make sure to get to Juta str and other happening spots to keep us up to date!

mike2005

January 19th, 2012, 11:45 AM

I thought you had just moved to Cape Town? Why the move so soon?

It will be good to welcome you to Joburg as the discussion forum for this part of the world is as dead as a dodo!

mike2005

January 19th, 2012, 11:48 AM

Jakes1

January 19th, 2012, 02:29 PM

By way of an update I notice that the Gauteng Department of Economic Development has moved to the old IBM Building. Great news that such a lovely building is occupied again.

On a sad note it seems that ABSA is moving out of 11 Diagonal Street (the diamond building) to their new campus on Main Street. It will be sad for such a lovely building to be empty again.

It is sad that 11 Diagonal will again be empty. Didn't ABSA buy the building? Its location is a plus at present actually. FNB just moved into their new buildings in Diagonal a while ago, lets hope more space is needed. 11 Diagonal is such a wonderful (almost kitch) building. It screams 1985. But I love it. And its interplay with the streets around it is just spectacular.

The fact that 124 Main Street (old IBM) is full of lights again makes my heart very happy indeed.

Jakes1

January 19th, 2012, 02:31 PM

On a similar note, I think the massive Trustbank building on Ghandi Square is now also vacated. ABSA occupied a few of the floors, while they constructed the new campus. This building is old and in need of a massive refurb. Sad, because it is quite an iconic, sleek design.

We forget that our skyscrapers are old! Do you guys realise that the Carlton is almost ready for her 40th?! 2013.

mike2005

January 19th, 2012, 03:22 PM

Yup I think you are right. ABSA have moved all their offices into the new campus which is a shame in a way as it means that buildings like Trust Bank have suffered. I think it will probably be easy for 11 Diagonal (my favourite building in Joburg) to fill up but I fear for Trust Bank unless a government department takes up space.

Which is the FNB Building on Diagonal? Is it the brown one next to the old JSE?

mike2005

January 19th, 2012, 03:35 PM

Guys, I thought all you JHB forumers might be interested in the article below. A very interesting summary of the CBD's fortunes and some details on future projects:

http://www.eprop.co.za/news/article.aspx?idArticle=14160

waltjie

January 19th, 2012, 06:44 PM

When I moved to Joburg just over a decade ago, I had no hope for the CBD at all, none whatsoever. Then came the announcement that we were to host the SWC, and all of a sudden peoples' hearts were filled with hopes of fabulous inner-city living and we were teased by the likes of the Franklin, Corner House and what not else. Well, the soccer came, and it went. Not much has changed in the CBD in my opinion. As soon as one office is rented, another one goes empty again. Newtown was supposed to be this wonderful shining beacon of hope for the city and a glimpse of what was to come.... Not much, clearly. It is still dusty, not much to draw people from the Northern suburbs and the entrance leading into it ie NM Bridge is in a very sad state, in fact, it has been for a long time. World of Beer, Sci-Bono...? Really? Are those the top-notch tourist attractions the city has to offer? It's pathetic. Upon arrival, the same heap of rubbish greets you when you made it across the bridge, along with the taxis and smell of sheep-heads being cooked. Diamond Building will be empty once more, Trust Bank empty as well, Carlton Hotel still empty, Barbican still dead as a Dodo, Post Office burnt down etc etc. The odd building gets splashed with some paint and gets fitted with new taps and windows and people start creaming themselves. The refurbishment of the library is not expansion, it is maintenance for heaven's sake! Really, the CBD of Johannesburg is NOT moving forward at all. It's been over a year and a half since I left Joburg, and sadly, not much has changed... not for the good anyways. And it won't. The inner city of Johannesburg is not where the people who have the money, the people who care, the people who are educated and actually have respect for their surroundings live and spend their free time. I wish people will stop lying to themselves and pretend that everything is going to work out in the end and that it will be all pretty and clean with water features and with happy faces walking around with their designer shopping bags whilst sipping Starbucks on Main Road. It is just not going to happen. Lots of people seem to have their hopes pinned on the fact that the Gautrain station in town will open sometime in the not too distant future, and that this will be the great catalyst to make everything work out. I guess we can only wait and see.

Lydon

January 19th, 2012, 06:57 PM

With that mentality it's most certainly not going to happen.

percy07

January 19th, 2012, 08:29 PM

Just the fact that people still call downtown Joburg the "CBD" makes me think that people (in general) have a hard time letting go. There is nothing central about the business district of Johannesburg, just look at a map. Sandton is bang in the middle of the N1/N3 Ring road, and Jozi town is basically a gateway hub to the northern suburbs. I think its time to accept town for what it is, and stop clinging to the hopes of restoring its former glory. Its patently obvious that all the big money is going to Rosebank and Sandton, with literally billions being spent in each of those areas. Even further North, in Midrand and up to Centurion/Pretoria are getting a good few hundred bar. That investor confidence is just not found in Joburg, and is probably not feasible for at least a few more years.

With that being said, it is my opinion that town is still such an important asset to our city. As I said, I see it as a gateway to the rest of our metropolis. A place where the poorest of the poor have a shot at breaking into mainstream society, as it were. Where the newly (albeit poorly) educated have a chance to become gainfully employed and part of the formal sector. I think it could possibly be the single largest opportunity to bridge the socio-economic and geographic divide in our city, or at least a start!

So, in a nutshell, the old days are gone. We need to stop using words like "restore" or "bring back." We need to, and I intend to in the not-too-distant future, use the opportunity and the essentially blank canvas that is downtown Joburg to create something new!

waltjie

January 20th, 2012, 07:08 AM

Jakes1

January 20th, 2012, 11:39 AM

To say that nothing changed? Really? I realize why I tend to spend less time on this overtly negative forum. I am in the cbd on a daily basis. The difference s VAST compared to 2001. Most tourists I know love downtown, the sheepheads, the bazaar. They tend to find Sandton a bit blah.

percy07

January 20th, 2012, 01:05 PM

Jakes1

January 20th, 2012, 01:49 PM

^^

Jakes, I think a lot of people speak out of frustration rather than indignation. It shouldn't always be construed as negativity.

It's really great to hear that the tourists you have contact with still enjoy our city. In the very few years I've been exposed to Joburg, I've witnessed incredible transformation. From an attempted mugging 5 years ago to now being able to go out in the evenings until early hours... it's night and day. Still, a long way to go though, and we all wish we can just flip a switch to change it overnight... but then you'll end up with another Sandton. Transformation on this scale will take decades, but it will be worth it in the end. We just have to be patient, and that frustrates people.

I agree with you entirely though, there is something about downtown Joburg that is so real, so authentic when compared to Sandton. There is something superficial and insincere about Sandton; there is not much grit and grime but you still don't see many people walking the streets. In fact, it's not a truly walkable district, even though they had the opportunity to engineer it that way from the start! Although it now looks like it may be heading in the right direction...

I spent 7 monts in the States in 2011. One city I worked from was Dayton Ohio. Their downtown is dead, with empty buildings and vacant public spaces. At one stage we started playing a game, if you saw a person you got a point. Their downtown was clean though. Public art, sculptures, little plaques. Overall, it was severely depressing though. Dead. Almost post-apocalyptic.

Manhattan on the other hand? Some streets reek of urine and trash. Around the corner you find a gourmet bakery. In Hell's Kitchen trash bags were piled on corners (too many people, trash waits to be taken away). Chewing gum. Papers. Dog poo. Yet Manhattan is spectacular. Its alive.

You can choose. Sterile, fake emptyness? Or deal with the reality that up to 800 000 workers pass through Joburg every day. Of course trash will pile up. They do a good job in cleaning it, in my view.

I just get frustrated when people fail to realise that things are changing. Braamfontein 10 years ago was a dump. Today it is edgy, urban, ever-changing and alive.

Sandton, with increased pedestrianisation, is coming alive at last. I agree with you.

Some people will always be blind to change. And Joburg has never been constant.

Nostra

January 20th, 2012, 02:29 PM

^^They say Jozi has been rebuilt 4 times since it was founded as a mining camp. Today the city is moving again, re-inventing itself yet again IMO. That's always been the greatest ability of this city, it changes and moulds itself to the circumstances without wasting time in useless introspection. In the 90's they said it was dead and was the crime capital of the world, what did Jozi do? It dusted itself off and made itself the financial centre of Africa, without even breaking a sweat.

Joburg for me is like Berlin (just after the re-unification) (or at least from what I read). It was never the glamourous city but it is dynamic and edgy. All these cheap properties and rents are the catalyst of a new Jozi, a more edgy, globally-connected city.

And I don't see a problem with Sandton becoming the new money-hub, no use crying over spilt milk. A city like Joburg deserves more than one skyline, I love nothing more than seeing both skylines glisten in the afternoon sun, that's Jozi. It makes the city seem powerful and dynamic: that it's so huge that it can support two CBD's.

From the muti markets of downtown to the glittering malls of the Northern surburb, you couldn't eff with this city.

An ode to Joburg, Jozi, Gauteng maboneng

my joburg my city my heart..
my joburg they run from you
they call you lazy
they call you stupid
they call you names and
make you feel like an alien in your own skin
my joburg I’ve heard them whisper about you,
behind your back
they say you’re dirty
they poke fun at you..
lay their filthy hands on you
and kick you to the global curb
they spit
they laugh at you
they pretend to know you
and remember you only when they hurt
but my joburg you’re my secret weapon
my gem
my diamond in the rough
you’re my hidden treasure
my last pleasure
my seductive lover..
and I love you in the morning
when you fold over me and you kiss me and soothe me
I love you in the afternoon when your sun rises so high above me,
hovering over me
sharing secrets with me, unknowingly
I love you in the evening
and how your moon looks after me
in the cold, it cradles me
draws me nearer…pulls me in close
and lets me sleep under your stars..
without asking anything of me
my joburg
but you’re so brave
I’ve seen you hurt, I’ve seen you ache
I’ve seen you cry, I’ve watched your offspring die
and when Biko, and when Sobukwe, and when Duiker, and when Paton, and when Makeba, and when Fassie, and when Hani, and when Dube, and when Mathosa, and when Ngoyi, and when Tambo, and when Sisulu…
you looked at me and smiled
my joburg my city my heart
I pour my soul over you
I’d die for you
lay my life and heart on the line for you
because you shone your light for me
and kept me from the dark
because you saved me, again
and again
and again
because you stood up to them and showed them who you are
you revolted and rebelled
you ran, you sprinted, you crawled to the finish line
for me
for me
my joburg my city my heart
they look at your past
they say you’re too soft, you’re too hard
they say you’re lucky
they say I should count my lucky stars
they don’t know how you made it alive
after being fought over
bought over
separated and
took over
and still you shine
still you rise
still you watch my back and tell me of our glorious times
ahead of us
Oh joburg
my city my heart
I lay down before you
I sit still and am in awe of you
you’re beauty, you’re gold
you’re my secret weapon,
My gem
My hidden treasure,
My last pleasure
My divine, seductive lover
and some may hate you forever,
but you’re my sweetest one.
my joburg
my city
my heart
Here, take it…
you have
all
my love.

http://www.blueworld.co.za/blogs/a-tribute-to-my-love-my-joburg-rebelrising

mike2005

January 20th, 2012, 02:35 PM

I agree Jakes. To say that nothing has got better in the CBD since 2005 is sheer rubbsih. Arts on Main, Neighbourgoods Market, Rea Vaya, the upgrade of lots of buildings, the complete renovations of the Barbican to name but a few.

Yes its not perfect and yets it will never become like Sandton or be what it once was but provided it can become a safe and vibrant preceinct of the city that companies consider as an office location then that will be great.

Just take a quick glance at the office vacancy rate for the CBD in 2004 and compare it to now to get a strong understanding of how things have got a lot better.

And as for Sandton: have you even been here since the Gautrain opened up? There are plenty of people walking the streets and it is starting to feel like a proper town centre. It is certainly not a bland office park which is the lazy assumption by people who dont live and work in the area.

ok2

January 21st, 2012, 04:02 AM

This picture says it all :)

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/t/p8ld9.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/p8ld9)

waltjie

January 21st, 2012, 08:47 AM

I spent 7 monts in the States in 2011. One city I worked from was Dayton Ohio. Their downtown is dead, with empty buildings and vacant public spaces. At one stage we started playing a game, if you saw a person you got a point. Their downtown was clean though. Public art, sculptures, little plaques. Overall, it was severely depressing though. Dead. Almost post-apocalyptic.

Manhattan on the other hand? Some streets reek of urine and trash. Around the corner you find a gourmet bakery. In Hell's Kitchen trash bags were piled on corners (too many people, trash waits to be taken away). Chewing gum. Papers. Dog poo. Yet Manhattan is spectacular. Its alive.

You can choose. Sterile, fake emptyness? Or deal with the reality that up to 800 000 workers pass through Joburg every day. Of course trash will pile up. They do a good job in cleaning it, in my view.

I just get frustrated when people fail to realise that things are changing. Braamfontein 10 years ago was a dump. Today it is edgy, urban, ever-changing and alive.

Sandton, with increased pedestrianisation, is coming alive at last. I agree with you.

Some people will always be blind to change. And Joburg has never been constant.

Congratulations on having spent time in the US. I suggest you deal with this "frustration" you speak of, and also accept the fact that what you deem to be 'positive' change is no more than a glorified make-over for others. I hope you enjoy your coffee.

Jakes1

January 21st, 2012, 09:30 AM

Congratulations on having spent time in the US. I suggest you deal with this "frustration" you speak of, and also accept the fact that what you deem to be 'positive' change is no more than a glorified make-over for others. I hope you enjoy your coffee.

Thank you. Obviously having spent time in the States makes me an absolute expert in all matters. Clearly you are the frustrated one here. Are you in the CBD every day? Honestly, can you even try to compare 2001 to today? In 2001 Ghandi Square was a crime-infested hell-hole. The Carlton Centre was empty. The area around ABSA was disastrous. Walking around Diagonal Street? Impossible! The Turbine Hall was a heap of rubble. Mary Fitzgerald Square? Braamfontein was empty and dead dangerous. Eloff street? Oppenheimer Park? Library gardens was a dump. Kerk Street had almost no retail left.You mention your frustrations with local and provincial government efforts falling through. But you overlook MASSIVE private investments. Buy the book, Johannesburg - 10 ahead. This will give you a large scope in terms of what happened in the city. Honestly, your negativity is not refreshing. Yes, there are problems. Big ones. But what do you propose? What you essentially say is that the city should have bulldozed the CBD long ago. That all is lost. That pissed me off. Gaan skryf negatiewe goetertjies op die Beeld se gespreksforum. Daar is menigte ou omies wat jou kommentaar sal geniet. Not me. This is a forum for objective discussions. And you will notice that I am not one that will only look on the positive side. But you are just not rational. Forget about the CBD? Are you for real?!

Jakes1

January 21st, 2012, 09:32 AM

Mike! I must say, the Gautrain brought Sandton to life. It is utterly refreshing to see office folk walking around. Yes, the area is changing a lot. I love it.

musiccity

January 22nd, 2012, 12:03 AM

I opened a thread on Braamfontein in the Cityscapes Forum

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1481392

Jakes, I used your photos. Is that ok?

Jakes1

January 22nd, 2012, 06:37 AM

I opened a thread on Braamfontein in the Cityscapes Forum

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1481392

Jakes, I used your photos. Is that ok?

Perfectly fine

musiccity

January 22nd, 2012, 03:40 PM

Awesome, thanks!

Hope you all like it.

musiccity

January 23rd, 2012, 03:19 AM

Mainstreetwalks

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/382803_183178318440308_135690619855745_376230_492974539_n.jpg

The tours aim to encourage people to rediscover the inner City and ultimately Johannesburg. The two pillars of this rediscovery are art and architecture. It aims to use walking, the new Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), as well as all forms of transport, including the Gautrain and minibus taxis to provide access to Johannesburg.

We want to encourage tourists and joburgers to think differently about the City, art and justice, and the relationship between all three. The integration and interaction with citizens from different parts of the City is implicit in the successful rejuvenation of the City and ties into the concept of social justice. Together with others from arts on main, we aim to be part of the movement which brings people in the City and surrounds together and works towards creating a society and businesses that are based on principles of equality and dignity.

From the mainstreetwalks facebook page

Website: http://www.mainstreetwalks.co.za/

musiccity

January 23rd, 2012, 03:20 AM

^^

Isn't that neat

Jakes1

January 25th, 2012, 03:32 PM

Just had a bit of a late afternoon stroll through the CBD. A few observations.

1. I love the parking system. It works well (but at R8 an hour it isn't cheap)
2. Generally, the city is very clean. Problems with stolen drain covers persist. This is huge. I can see people falling into these holes, never being heard of again.
3. The economic situation is hitting home. Amdec has made no move on that lovely building they acquired. The sandstone facade is in a terrible state. 11 Diagonal Street is dusty and forlorn, now that ABSA moved out. Lets hope they find new tenants soon. Whoever painted the Gardees Arcade in Diagonal Street should take lessons in painting. What a hash job! Customs House, the New Library Hotel, 69 President Street and the other Gauteng Provincial Buildings are just standing there. Blah. They cause traffic congestion and construction stops? WTF?
4. The Library looks AMAZING. Splendid new facade. Clean and wonderful. Beyers Naude Square is also lovely. Scaffolding up around City Hall. They are restoring the facade and doing internal refits. The Barbican looks amazing. Old Mutual doesn't seem to move very quickly in getting it rented though. The Post Office restoration continues, slowly but surely. 124 Main Street looks spectacular. Down Main, between Kruis and Loveday there are many renovations. Some of these buildings were hijacked when I last walked here. Lovely to seem them restored. Chancellor House is just beautiful.
5. Retail: More and more restaurants and cafes are opening. In Commissioner Street a new independent supermarket opened. Fox Street has loads of new retail outlets. Church street is buzzing. In Anderson Street the sushi place was packed over lunch.

Progress report? Slow improvements, but visible (I have not been in the CBD for the last 6 months, and I haven't done a walkabout in more than a year). Some spaces like Oppenheimer Park are attracting people, and it is clean, safe and well-designed. I like the art work.

The fountain is working again in front of City Hall! This looks absolutely wonderful. With the restoration moving along this precinct can only get better.

The CBD remains a friendly place. People asked me why I was taking pictures. Some wave. People are very quick to engage in conversation. This is what I love about Joburg. The Rea Vaya buses started filling up for the afternoon rush. The Gautrain bus had standing room only when it passed me in Anderson street. A couple of years ago a coffee would have been difficult to come by: Now we have Kaldi's, Kofifi, Pino's, Gina's, Nino's (reopened in Harrison), Central City Perk (where Nino's was), Kreamer's, the Coffee Shop (in Main), Urban Brew - this is excluding the wave of coffee places in Braamfontein. Those fish and chips places are EVERYWHERE.

All this being said, I feel very positive about the CBD. We need to be rational. Given the current economic climate many of the big projects will stall. There is no doubt. But in general the city is still very much alive. Some areas are very very dowdy, but that is life. The biggest change since 10 years ago (when I did my first drive-by shootings?). People of all races are walking in comfort. Just a few years ago walking from FNB to Standard Bank was unimaginable. Walking past the Carlton was crazy (so ABSA people boarded themselves up inside). Now you can see people walking everywhere. Talking on cellphones. Carrying laptops. Smoking hubbly at Holey Smokes on Main. The area around the Magistrate's Court is also getting a lot of attention with new street furniture. The infrastructure that was installed seems to be holding up, apart from the paving being ripped up continually by contractors! The Elizabeth Bridge's new landscaping is also such a dramatic change!

Loving the CBD. Seeing change, in spite of those that argue that all is lost. You cannot compare Joburg 2002 to Joburg 2012. Its not perfect, and it will never be. But dammit, this old lady has some kick left in her!

SA BOY

January 26th, 2012, 07:19 AM

Im based in Barmmies now and its not as bad as I imagined .
Drove through inner Hilbrow and its not great. why so much shit all over the place, dont people know what these round things you put trash in are there for?
Also hats with cutting up roads and pavements and then not finishing. I see no asphalt put back and bricks stacked but no one to make good.
nevertghe less the city does have a certain buzz about it

mike2005

January 27th, 2012, 02:14 PM

mike2005

January 27th, 2012, 02:17 PM

PS did you take any pics?

VCollaborator

January 27th, 2012, 02:43 PM

fcnwYfU5f-g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcnwYfU5f-g

I thought that it would be interesting to see you guys’ opinions on this. I am still undecided if I condole this or not (It does seem ridiculous though when looking at how those people are running).

VCollaborator

January 27th, 2012, 03:02 PM

oZsocrk295s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZsocrk295s

and another...:ohno:

Lydon

January 27th, 2012, 03:05 PM

Jakes1

January 27th, 2012, 03:18 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZsocrk295s

and another...:ohno:

I watched this in horror the other day. it takes us straight back to the bad days. I fail to understand the city. So for years you don't enforce any by-laws. And then suddenly you pounce? What are we saying? People that earn less than R4000 a month deserve to be treated like this? 95% of these people are just trying to make a life for themselves! The city is letting them down for allowing thugs and hijackers to control the dense neighbourhoods! And now, instead of dealing with those that should be responsible for the chaos, we punish the ones that are trying to survive? Disgusting. Absolutely horrifying. I saw clips of an old man on crutches being pushed down, and then those that wanted to assist him were attacked. They also forced people to "swim" in an overflowing storm drain because they "disrespected" police. Is this the country we want? What does it say about us as a nation?

Jakes1

January 27th, 2012, 03:21 PM

Thanks Jakes that is a great report. Did it feel safe to walk around, take pictures etc etc? I go into town rarely during the week as I work in Sandton and when I go at the weekend it is to go to the Theatre/ Arts on Main etc where I drive straight to the destination. I went up the Carlton Cnetre the other Saturday and had a quick stroll around Main Street and it felt fine (and the area around Main Street was looking great) but obviously during the weekend it was very quiet and hard to gage the true "vibe" of the place. I really want to take a day off and spend the day walking around town. Presume during the week there is a high presence of private security/police?

I always always feel safe walking around. In fact, this week I had my iPhone and iPad with me. Granted, I know the city very well. So there are some areas that I would take more precautions (for example area around Bree street and Queen Elizabeth bridge. But around the Carlton down to Newtown and Marshalltown I am comfortable. My rule of thumb. Keep track of your belongings (I am sure a snatcher can take liberties). And stay on the more crowded streets.

musiccity

January 28th, 2012, 05:59 AM

Great video of Johannesburg

wJL1b_-teR0

Though don't read the Youtube comments, apparently ex-South Africans like to troll the internet bashing SA (Have I seen this before?)

VCollaborator

January 28th, 2012, 06:08 AM

(Have I seen this before?)

I posted it in this (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1463285) thread...

30813547

http://vimeo.com/30813547

It is a longer version though. :)

Diggerdog

January 28th, 2012, 07:02 AM

That is a cool situation report Jakes. SA Boy, we will be expecting some photos of Braamies then? I would love a report and photos of drinks at Randlords if anyone goes there - rooftop spots like that should be celebrated!

Jakes1

January 28th, 2012, 08:23 AM

Some pictures of my walkabout the other day. I kniow we have a photo forum, but I find more people view pics here.

This little space is in Main Street, a block from the Carlton Hotel. When I last walked by here, raw sewage seeped out into the street. Half of the building was destroyed by fire, while loads of people lived on the upper levels in shacks. It also looked like a car workshop (or chop shop) was operating in the alley between the two. Things are looking up today.

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg075.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg076.jpg

Jakes1

January 28th, 2012, 08:29 AM

Nino's moved out of their space in lower Main, now they operate right accross from the Capello's on the Corner of Loveday and Main. Never been a Nino's fan, but they do cater for the office people. A new coffee space moved into the old Nino space.

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg081.jpg

Looking unimpressive from outside, but this Japanese restaurant in Anderson street was packed for lunch.

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg088.jpg

Good ol' Pino's in Fox street. They have just always been here.

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg055.jpg

This is in Fox Street. Last time I walked past here it was some dingy beer hall/ gambling joint. Now it is a rather fun space where one can have decent and relatively cheap food. I also like the fact that it is not a KFC, Fish&Chips or anything else.

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg072.jpg

Jakes1

January 28th, 2012, 08:32 AM

The Library! I am soooo happy about this. The two lions that guarded the entrance are not back yet. Guess they are getting a clean?

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg026.jpg

JB and JL on the door? Johannesburg Biblioteek and Library. Took me a while to figure it out.

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg027.jpg

The masters

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg032.jpg

Doesn't the sandstone look spectacular!

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg029.jpg
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg030.jpg

Jakes1

January 28th, 2012, 08:35 AM

This non-descript little building across from the Magistrate's Court is also undergoing a bit of a refurbishment.

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg046.jpg

Chancellor House, facing the Magistrate's Court.

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg048.jpg
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg047.jpg

Jakes1

January 28th, 2012, 08:40 AM

City Hall and environs: This was one of the most neglected areas in the city. Oppenheimer park was a dump. The Barbican and the Post Office were both falling apart. Then the Post Office burnt down. The fountains were stolen, and squatters moved into the pump station. Bleeegh.

Today?

Oppenheimer Park
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg060.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg062.jpg

The Barbican: Still no tenants - parking is one of the main challenges. At least the building is saved.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg065.jpg

City Hall
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg067.jpg

Scaffolding going up, soon this building will be gleaming as well.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg066.jpg

Post Office: The building has been stabilised, and they are systematically working through the rubble. With the roof replaced, at least further serious damage will be curtailed.

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg064.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg068.jpg

Retail in the surrounding area is also undergoing a bit of a spruce-up.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg063.jpg

Jakes1

January 28th, 2012, 08:43 AM

Architecturally, this just remains an amazing city!
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg053.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg054.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg052.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg038.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg042.jpg

Jakes1

January 28th, 2012, 08:47 AM

Diagonal street. Looking very neat and tidy. Sad about the Diamond building. And really, whoever painted the Gardees Arcade did a terrible job. Like the vibrant colour though. The Franklin upgrades continue (at a snail's pace). The lower level is getting more and more glam, it seems.

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg039.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg037.jpg

Beyer's Naude Square: Do you guys remember the horrible Library Gardens with those facebrick structures that were falling apart?
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg024.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg023.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg025.jpg

Jakes1

January 28th, 2012, 08:51 AM

This is another non-descript little building, corner of Fox and Ferraira. It was a dump the last time I walked by.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg043.jpg

Guy selling sweets in Fox. You know, these guys actually add so much life and colour to the streets. We should support them.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg044.jpg

Hard to believe this was a crime hot-spot just a decade ago. Today Ghandi Square is just lovely.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg079.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg080.jpg

Jakes1

January 28th, 2012, 08:57 AM

Main street has undergone the most dramatic change, in my opinion. The building on the corner of Kruis and Main was a burnt-out shell. Today it is a pristine apartment block. All of the 2 - 3 floor buildings on this stretch were shelled and filled with squatters. Most of them have been restored. 124 Main street is full of life again. The Carlton is looking up. Towards ABSA more refurbs are happening.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg073.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg074.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg083.jpg

In Anderson Hotel, the Reef Hotel continues to do good business. They are opening more restaurant space on the lower level.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg085.jpg

I just love these builldings.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg071.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg070.jpg

My big dream refurb? The Trustbank building, which has a replica in Cape Town. This building is inspired by Mies van der Rohe, and one of my favorite modernist skyscrapers in Johannesburg. It is 40 years old, and it shows. Only the lower levels are occupied as far as I know, because the lifts and air-conditioning is old. ABSA filled a lot of space here, space that emptied out with their new blocks coming into the game.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg077.jpg

musiccity

January 28th, 2012, 03:32 PM

I posted it in this (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1463285) thread...

Oh I wasn't talking about that, it seems that every youtube video I see on South Africa has trollish comments from ex-South Africans.

musiccity

January 28th, 2012, 03:34 PM

Absolutely fantastic Jakes!

I'm posting these in my Joburg's Rebirth thread :)

musiccity

January 28th, 2012, 04:09 PM

Pule

January 30th, 2012, 08:23 AM

Impressive Jakes...

JohanSA

February 4th, 2012, 09:07 AM

So my boyfriend is currently auditing in Sandton , experiencing Gauteng for the first time . He was just starting to consider the city livable when one of the girls in their audit group get solicited for a bribe by cops at night for being over the limit (she didn't drink luckily) . They only left her alone once they saw she had no money in her wallet .Is corrupt cops really that common place in Gauteng ? How do you guard against it / live with it ?

dysan1

February 4th, 2012, 04:20 PM

how come the BDO and creative council new offices, both by paragon dont have threads?

Jakes1

February 4th, 2012, 04:57 PM

SA BOY

February 4th, 2012, 05:05 PM

My big dream refurb? The Trustbank building, which has a replica in Cape Town. This building is inspired by Mies van der Rohe, and one of my favorite modernist skyscrapers in Johannesburg. It is 40 years old, and it shows. Only the lower levels are occupied as far as I know, because the lifts and air-conditioning is old. ABSA filled a lot of space here, space that emptied out with their new blocks coming into the game.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg077.jpg
sold years ago for R5mil. Has the largest bank vault in the country. has some structural issue like its cape counterpart as its a steel framed structure and there are issues with the joints due to lack of maintenance.

Lefa

February 7th, 2012, 10:50 AM

Great work Jakes. Wonderful changes & improvements across the city ...

briker

February 7th, 2012, 02:55 PM

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Joburg077.jpg
sold years ago for R5mil. Has the largest bank vault in the country. has some structural issue like its cape counterpart as its a steel framed structure and there are issues with the joints due to lack of maintenance.

nice building, but its defintely in decline with an ad board like that attached ontop of it! bloody sad.

ZATUGA

February 11th, 2012, 06:35 PM

Revamped library to open

The Johannesburg City Library has been smartened up and brought into the forefront of the modern world. After several years of renovations and upgrades, it is to reopen on Valentine’s Day.

FOLLOWING extensive renovations and new additions, the Johannesburg City Library will re-open its doors on 14 February, adding a modern element to its classic design.

The dramatic central city building now has a seamless flow from the old to the new structure, returning the facility back to its rightful place as the “heart of the city”.

Situated between President, Market and Sauer streets, this library has been described in Joburg 2040, the City’s Growth and Development Strategy, as “a building block in the strategy to ensure that barriers to education and learning are reduced and to unlock the potential of our youth”.

The Johannesburg City Library is a protected heritage building, which first opened its doors on 6 August 1935. In 2008, the City – in collaboration with the Carnegie Corporation of New York – undertook to upgrade and extend it to turn it into a model city library. Work began in 2009.

It been transformed with technological upgrades to become a learning centre of excellence. It will now be able to accommodate some 566 people in the building, compared to its previous 255 seats. Study spaces, meeting and discussion areas, and a centre to teach computer literacy have all been included in the new modern face of the library. Three new floors have also been added, which rise in the centre of the original building.

Wi-fi access
It has been brought up-to-speed regarding electronic information, and has 212 public access computers and wi-fi areas. The old theatre has also been restored and is now a public activity space or conference venue.

Apart from all the other amenities, collections such as the Africana in the Harold Strange Collection of African Studies; the Michaelis art collection; the performing arts collection; the newspaper and picture collection; and the children’s book collection will also be included.

Additional toilet facilities, modernised lifts, and upgraded electrical and air-conditioning systems will also help make both the old and new sections of the library, a fully functional space more like a socially inclusive living room or home-from-home.

A number of interventions to alleviate high levels of poverty, unemployment and social exclusion have been incorporated into the facility’s centre for excellence. This centre will have a focused support area that will work to narrow the skills mismatch between industry needs and the available labour force, to help combat the unemployment rate.

Supporting under-resourced school library services with professional staff members skilled in assisting any task or activity required is another of the facility’s mandates. Funding of about R26-million came from the Carnegie Corporation to upgrade and increase the range of library services; an additional R67,5-million renovation commitment came from the City.

The funding also provided for:

The appointment and training of staff to weed the specialised reference collections of irrelevant, unused, out-of-date and worn materials;
The linking of the remaining stock of the specialised collections to the data base;
Subscribing to electronic databases;
Buying and linking new stock; and
Buying audio-visual equipment and equipment for the digitisation of the library’s news cuttings collection.
During a sneak-peak inside the new library late in 2011, Executive Mayor Parks Tau said that the City strove to be a smart one by providing services that were easy to access and use with efficiency, and in its responsiveness to the needs of its people.

“Increased literacy, skills and lifelong learning among all levels of our citizens is our aim in improving the quality of life for everyone,” he said. “Reading is important; it is a means of language acquisition, of communication and of sharing information and ideas.”

Apart from helping to fund the renovations, the Carnegie Corporation also chose the Johannesburg City Library for its Revitalizing of African Libraries Programme.

http://www.joburg.org.za/index.php?

Diggerdog

February 12th, 2012, 07:14 AM

What a realy nice development...libraries really are a sanctuary.

Inertia

February 15th, 2012, 11:00 AM

http://www.joburg.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7733&catid=88&Itemid=266

Diggerdog

February 15th, 2012, 11:11 AM

It is a beautiful building, actually - love the modern section idea in the central courtyard...

mike2005

February 16th, 2012, 11:20 AM

Great stuff guys and thanks so much for all the pictures. I am sure 11 Diagonal Street will be leased out again soon.

Diggerdog

February 21st, 2012, 07:15 AM

Didn't know where to put this, so ...

Doing gym under the blue sky
Written by Kgopi Mabotja
16 February 2012

An outdoor gym is being installed at Petrus Molefe Eco-Park, where people will be able to train and keep fit, all for free.
CITY Parks is continuing to set trends. Once again, the municipal entity is installing a first; this time, however, it is setting up an outdoor gym in a park.

The gym equipment is made of weatherproof meterialThe gym is being erected at Petrus Molefe Eco-Park in Soweto, the first outdoor gym in a Joburg public park. In carrying out the project, City Parks has partnered with Green Out Door Gym, with is supplying the equipment and implementing the model.

Equipment installation began today and the gym will be opened on 28 February. And unlike other gyms that only cater to fee-paying members, the outdoor gym will be open to anyone, free of charge. But the equipment will be no different from that found at indoor gyms.

There will be treadmills, rowing machines, exercise bikes, weights and cross trainers, all permanently mounted in the park. The equipment is made out of robust weatherproof material, enabling it to withstand rain, sun and cold.

And it is designed for use by people of all ages and fitness levels. The initial phase will consist of eight double-sided pieces of equipment, allowing 16 people simultaneous use. More equipment will be added should there be a great demand, according to City Parks’ manager of corporate projects and funding, Bohlale Mohlathe.

Mohlathe says it will create a culture of family outings to parks. It will also allow adults to train while keeping an eye on children playing in the park. Local sporting clubs will also have free use of the equipment for their physical training.

“South Africa is known to be the second most obese nation in the world. This project, once launched, will address this crisis, currently dubbed the national fat attack,” explains Mohlathe.

In addition, the Biokinetics Association of South Africa will allocate biokineticists to visit the project once a month at no cost to the community and City Parks.

Biokinetics is the science of movement and the application of exercise in rehabilitative treatment or performance. The profession is concerned with health promotion, the maintenance of physical abilities and final phase rehabilitation by means of scientifically based physical activity programme prescription.

Biokineticists have to be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

The outdoor gym is also geared at investing in public open spaces and to lure the community into using public space more.

The question of safety has also been addressed. “The project will increase park safety as it includes 24-hour security and is funded by the donor company, Green Out Door Gym.”

To establish the safety of the equipment, City Park’s safety, health, environment and quality division has checked its compliance with the set safety standards. It will also conduct regular safety checks.

A caretaker appointed to the gym will also be trained as an instructor. Duties will include reporting any repairs needed on the equipment.

Mohlathe says local residents will be employed during installation. “There will be temporary jobs created during the installation and permanent local jobs generated for the permanent phase of the project – security and maintenance staff.”

Courtesy joburg.org.za

LADEN

February 25th, 2012, 06:37 PM

Whats the best suburb in Joburg?

Diggerdog

February 27th, 2012, 12:02 AM

EKhaya moves into north Hillbrow
Written by Kgopi Mabotja
22 February 2012

Now that Hillbrow south has been transformed into a neighbourhood of choice, the eKhaya Neighbourhood programme is setting its sights on the north of the suburb.
HAVING achieved a great deal with its regeneration endeavours in Hillbrow south, the eKhaya Neighbourhood programme is now moving north.

A revamped sanitary laneEKhaya, a city improvement district (CID) started in 2004 in Pietersen Street in the south between Claim and Klein streets. In 2011 it extended from Klein to Banket streets, then later the same year from Smit to Esselen streets. It was founded with the objective of transforming Hillbrow from its notorious past into a liveable neighbourhood.

The programme is now targeting a new area in the north of Hillbrow, between Van der Merwe and Jager streets and from Banket street to Clarendon Place.

“We are extending to the north following a demand by other property owners who are interested in joining eKhaya.

“Lead members of eKhaya plus other property owners have already met, in November last year, to develop the eKhaya Hillbrow north initiative,” said the outgoing coordinator of the eKhaya, Josie Adler.

Property owners
She said the owners observed that their businesses in the south are doing better than those in the north. The area’s ability to attract new residents, who support the local businesses, is attributed to declining levels of crime and a clean environment.

EKhaya provides cleaning and security services to buildings that are affiliated to the CID.

Based on its success, talks are already afoot to get eKhaya implemented in the north. A steering committee is made up of members from the Johannesburg Housing Company, Connaught Properties, Urban Task Force, Trafalgar Properties, Jozi Housing and other property companies.

A mural commissioned by the JDAThe committee will be chaired by Nick Barnes of Jozi Housing. EKhaya Hillbrow north will cover buildings from Pretoria Street up Clarendon Place towards Louis Botha Avenue.

Under the umbrella body of eKhaya, stakeholders who have invested in Hillbrow have mobilised to tackle long-standing issues, including revamping high-rise buildings, improving safety and keeping the public environment clean.

Partnership
The partnership of these stakeholders has yielded an unwavering success in dealing with problem areas.

Testament to the success of eKhaya’s endeavours is the resurrection of both the mainstream and second tier economies. Big name franchise retailers can be traced across the suburb, whilst most small enterprises ranging from barbers and restaurants to car workshops are an affirmation that Hillbrow is doing well for itself.

Equally passionate about the development of Hillbrow and growing eKhaya is the incoming co-ordinator, Bafikile Mkhize. She announced a new plan that will enlighten the City on some of the pressing issues needing attention from time to time.

“Through this project we will engage the City on a month-to-month basis on areas of service delivery that need to be given attention,” said Mkhize.

Issues that have already been identified include informal taxi ranks which are common in the area, informal car washers, illegal dumping, illegal outdoor advertising and crime.

The project will draw in representatives of the City’s Department of Environment, eKhaya officials and members of community policing forums. “The objective is to make service delivery work in this area,” said Mkhize.

Beautiful artwork adorns streets in HillbrowRegional director of Region F, Nkosinathi Mthethwa, will also be part of the project, according to Mkhize.

Johannesburg Development Agency
In previous years the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) has also lent a helping hand in Hillbrow’s regeneration efforts.

“The JDA has supported the eKhaya regeneration with its physical infrastructure projects in 2011 which upgraded 13 sanitary lanes. These lanes are managed co-operatively by the properties adjacent to them,” said Adler.

Altogether, the JDA upgraded 25 lanes between 2009 and 2011 within the borders of eKhaya. Previously neglected, the lanes had been used as dumping sites and sometimes a hideout for criminals.

In an endeavour to beautify Hillbrow and to create a liveable community, in 2011 the JDA painted six intriguing murals on the walls bordering sanitary lanes. They communicate diverse messages; some draw inspiration from traditional rural communities, whilst other portray the daily street hustles in Johannesburg.

Looking back, Adler said the eKhaya initiative is a win-win situation for everyone involved. “Property owners are benefiting because Hillbrow is able to attract new tenants into their properties, and the City is benefiting as well, because building owners can pay for municipal services such as water and electricity.

“Residents also have the benefit of living in a clean and safe environment. Children can play outdoors after schools without fear of being mugged. They attend school here and walk the streets freely. Hillbrow is a neighbourhood of choice,” said Adler.

Read more: http://www.joburg.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7761&catid=88&Itemid=266#ixzz1nX25jXz7

Pule

February 29th, 2012, 08:43 AM

^^ exciting news.

Inertia

March 1st, 2012, 06:27 PM

Another over-100 year old heritage building in the CBD has burnt down. Looks like it will have to be demolished. When will the city start taking the CBD seriously? Probably once its burnt down.

Caledonian damaged in fire
Written by Lucille Davie
01 March 2012

The historical Caledonian Hall in the CBD, believed to be a hijacked building, has been gutted by a fire, in which one person died.

ONE person died in a fire in a building in the CBD on Saturday, the City’s emergency management services (EMS) has reported.

The 107-year-old building, Caledonian Hall, on the corner of Jeppe and End streets, was gutted in a fire that started around 2pm. Believed to be a hijacked building with 27 people living in it, the building is now unstable and is very likely to be demolished, says Hentie Malan, the incident commander and advanced life support provider who responded to the emergency call on the weekend.

He says access to it is through the adjoining building, as all the ground floor windows are bricked up and the doors are welded closed. In responding to the emergency, the EMS had to break through one of these entrances and remove mounds of rubbish.

The cause of the fire is not yet known. Malan suggests that the death was caused by smoke inhalation. “Seven people were rescued from the roof, while others jumped from the first floor on to mattresses.”

A thorough investigation will take place, he adds.

Scottish baronial style
The three-storey building, built in the Scottish baronial style in 1905, has a central turret and stepped gables on either side, and was painted in blue and green, with orange trimming around its windows. It was the former headquarters of the Johannesburg Caledonian Society. The foundation stone was laid by the Caledonian chief, A Dickson, in September 1905, according to Naomi and Reuben Musiker in A Concise Historical Dictionary of Greater Johannesburg.

“All the building materials are said to have been brought from Scotland. It later became an entertainment hall, a catering establishment, a warehouse, a carpet business and a discount house.” The building was used by the Caledonian Society until 1939, when it was sold to Ginsberg Caterers, which catered for weddings and barmitzvahs for many years.

“It is very much part of Scottish and Jewish heritage in Johannesburg,” says Flo Bird, the chairperson of the Parktown and Westcliff Heritage Trust. “Its stature is indicated by the palm trees along End Street – always a prestigious symbol.”

Caledonian Hall was designed by the same architects who built the grand Rand Club in Loveday Street, Leck and Emley.

Jocelin Flank, an education officer based at the Berea Fire Station, who attended to the fire, recalls going to the building in the late 1980s. “It was painful to watch the building go up in flames – I used to go there with my wife on Saturday evenings to dance.” It was called Club Babylon in those days. All three floors were in operation, with each floor offering different kinds of music.

Destroyed
Zoleka Ntabeni, the manager of public culture in the City’s arts, culture and heritage department, has inspected the damaged building. “It is destroyed. The facade is still okay but floors have collapsed.” However, she considers it possible to restore.

Bird is upset that the building has been destroyed. Across the road, the Adam Leslie Theatre, a Herbert Baker building, is now also in a derelict state, and she believes it may be the next one to go up in flames. “The Three Castles lies in ruins consumed by flames and here is another mini castle.”

The Three Castles building, several blocks away in Marshall Street, has also been damaged by fire. The derelict building is now bricked up.

Bird questions why the City’s health and safety department doesn’t inspect these buildings, before disasters occur.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday afternoon, a fire broke out in a block of flats in Doornfontein, across the road from the University of Johannesburg campus. Malan confirms that a person left an appliance on, and came back to find the flat on fire. It was extinguished with no loss of life.
(http://www.joburg.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7791&catid=88&Itemid=266)

Diggerdog

March 1st, 2012, 08:28 PM

That sucks big time.

Hopefully they can/will now restore it from the facade up, because at least they wont have to evict the illegals!

Osmar Carioca

March 9th, 2012, 02:27 PM

LADEN

March 9th, 2012, 07:45 PM

1. yes

2. I don't see a point in doing that

Diggerdog

March 10th, 2012, 03:14 AM

Why so rude, laden?

The airport is big and new and very nice, with a lot of restuarants and shops to pass the time. There are hotels as well.
If she stays there, tell her to go to Ocean Basket and eat the Kingklip. It is a local fish, delicious. Ocean Basket is just a chain restuarant, but the one in the airport does excellent fish.

If she wants to go in to the city, she can get on the new Gautrain rapid rail. It is about 15 minutes to the city. I would say go to Sandton and spend time there. It is a very wealthy part of the city with top of the range shopping and entertainment.

Gautrain.co.za for info on the train.

_Chronic_

March 10th, 2012, 12:37 PM

_Chronic_

March 10th, 2012, 12:40 PM

Asking for help

Sorry to friends of South Africa if I'm messing up the thread. But I need some help.

My sister is flying from Rio de Janeiro to Johannesburg March 23, where she will arrive at 07:00 am, and at 05:00 pm of the same day, she will pick another plane to Melbourne, Australia.

MY QUESTIONS:

1) Inside the Johannesburg International Airport is there a hotel where she can stay, to get some rest before the flight Johannesburg-Melbourne?

2) In the event she decides not to rest at the hotel inside the airport, is it safe to visit Johannesburg City Centre? Which attractions she should visit in such a short period? And which attractions she should avoid? Is the airport very far away from the city center of Johannesburg?

1) Yes there are. There are two hotels that I know of which are physically joined to the airport. The Inter-Continental (a little pricey) and a City Lodge (less pricey). There are many food outlets at the airport, as well as shopping.

2) Yes if she wishes to go into Johannesburg, the Gautrain is the best and to either stop at Sandton or Rosebank.

Osmar Carioca

March 10th, 2012, 08:10 PM

^^^^

Thanks a lot for all the tips and information! You all help me very much! :okay: :hug:

Pule

March 17th, 2012, 03:07 PM

Johannesburg Library.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/6989594989_bbda03de4b_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7176/6843465780_292a7ac541_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7065/6843465384_a4ae3a7514_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6843464644_42837851b0_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6843464048_646b62ce0e_b.jpg

Marther

March 23rd, 2012, 03:42 PM

JHB is a great city. It is the hub of everything in SA.

Jakes1

March 24th, 2012, 03:40 PM

The fact that there are no posts on the phenomenal nike 10km inner city run is proof that the jOburg page has lost all relevance and should rather close down.

Marsupalami

March 24th, 2012, 04:22 PM

Hope not Jakes!!
I read about them, and even posted it on Facebook! - love the fact that the aim was to conquor fear and mark a return in numbers and concerted effort! bravo organisers and participants!!

Inertia

March 24th, 2012, 11:27 PM

The fact that there are no posts on the phenomenal nike 10km inner city run is proof that the jOburg page has lost all relevance and should rather close down.

I unfortunately wasn't able to attend the run but I agree, a crying shame that no one here either went or posted their experiences. Death of Joburg thread?

mike2005

March 29th, 2012, 04:54 PM

I meant to go on it but was not feeling well. I know lots of people who did go and they said it was amazing. Not sure we should get too carried away though: the whole route was CRAWLING with security and cops apparantly so not sure it is really represenative of town at night!

waltjie

March 30th, 2012, 04:00 PM

so not sure it is really represenative of town at night!

Exactly.

Jakes1

March 30th, 2012, 11:29 PM

Exactly.

Sad that some people enjoy whining so much. The thread should be dedicated to the whiteboy whinings of waltjie. Oh wait. Thats boring. Just close down the entire joburg section. The city is fu$&ed in any case. Which might be why some people are so jealous.

mike2005

April 20th, 2012, 03:23 PM

I dont think it is white boy whinings to point out that the Joburg city run is proof that town is now suddenly a day and night destination. For goodness sake lets get real here!

Jakes1

April 20th, 2012, 07:08 PM

That is why the thread should be closed down. The city is dead.

LADEN

April 21st, 2012, 12:44 AM

That is why the thread should be closed down. The city is dead.

don't be ridiculous, with that attitude your only making it worse. I don't know what happened to the joburg section because before the world cup people would post post post. Isn't this the 4th or 5th Joburg discussion thread? Now it seems to be a struggle to get a single post!

Inertia

April 21st, 2012, 12:08 PM

don't be ridiculous, with that attitude your only making it worse. I don't know what happened to the joburg section because before the world cup people would post post post. Isn't this the 4th or 5th Joburg discussion thread? Now it seems to be a struggle to get a single post!

He's just being facetious. Without actually adding anything. So I guess it's a self-fulfilling prophecy

Jakes1

April 21st, 2012, 01:37 PM

Facetious, maybe. Yet every positive post on this thread is met by a salvo of negative comments. From Waltjie noting that Nothing changed in the city to those noting that you can't set foot in the city after dark. Great initiatives such as arts on main are ignored. Braamfontein is reduced to a 'tourist attraction.' no wonder there is no energy on this forum. Those that deny any improvements also refuse to accept that VAST changes have taken place since 2001. I spent my entire morning in the city. I love the place. The energy is amazing. This forum is doomed. Because passion for a city has been replaced be comments from people that delight in every failure, short-coming or issue. Its sapping. Its tiring. And it killed this thread. Prove me wrong. I am livid as I type this. Angry because what used to be a great debating forum fell into the hands of ignorant, selfish, cynical bullies.

Diggerdog

April 22nd, 2012, 01:59 AM

Jakes, it's not that bad bru. A couple of guys tend to get overly negative at times, but that's ok...we know there is a lot of great stuff going on in Joburg - I think we need more photos and updates.
It's just a slowdown after the energy of the world cup.

Is anyone able to post photos of Mushroom farm park? I really am keen to see what shape it is in?

The E.N.D

April 22nd, 2012, 09:14 AM

Lydon

April 22nd, 2012, 09:58 AM

Come on guys...it's a vicious cycle ;) South African internet penetration levels are pathetic...there are tons of potential new forumers out there, ignoring the ones who already have internet and have yet to join! But we aren't going to attract them by whining and whining about whining :) Just keep the good stuff coming.

And yeah, we may not have as many people posting, but take a look at thread view counts and you'll quickly notice people are still looking at what we're posting! And loads of them.

Jakes1

April 22nd, 2012, 10:08 PM

For me people like waltjie and briker are part of the reason I don't bother with this place anymore but they aren't the sole reason. My Wits days are over and because I live so far from the CBD, I haven't been to the city this year.

Eish, when people like Jakes and Inertia sound so dispirited, what chance do the rest of us stand?

Funny thing is that when it comes to the city I am not dispirited at all. Every day I meet more and more people that love the city. Photography walkabouts throughout the city happens every weekend (multiple groups). Jogging groups. Discussion groups. I spend more time in the CBD than ever. My favorite coffee space is in Braamies (indeed one of the best coffee places in the city - try DoubleShot). The library looks amazing. Stuttafords is repaired. The Barbican was saved from demolition by neglect. The city hall is getting a refurb. The fountains are working again in Rissik street. Oppenheimer park is not an empty lot filled with rubbish, but a shining little park that people use. Juta street is buzzing, the place was deserted just 3 years ago. New urban art is popping up all over. Historic sights are being noted - such as the HUGE minetruck in Marshalltown and the wagon that is now in Hollard street. Wits Art Museum spectacular new venue. The amazing venue (unfortunately only for functions) that is the Rand Club. Narina Trogon. The funky Lamunu Hotel. Post.

I know Waltjie will have a little nervous breakdown again. Joburg cbd is unfortunately not for white, entitled, upper middle class males anymore. The city changed. It is starting to be a city that caters for those that live there. Black students in Braamies find that the city is actually working for them. It is not uncommon at all on a Saturday to run into one of the many tourgroups that walk downtown (many of these include wide-eyed suburbanites). A friend of mine from Singapore was too afraid to leave her flat in Sandton at first. She spent an entire day in the new Library, on her own. She drove by herself. Loved it.

You can now grab a picnic basket from Arts on Main on a Sunday and then do a picnic in the Carlton on the 50th floor. Slowly but surely a new synthesis emerges. Its not for those that enjoy a sterile Melrose Arch environment. It is a city that changes as the needs of the people that use the public spaces change.

There you go. Spit and vomit. But I love my city. From buying sweetmeats from Shalimar in Fordsburg on a Sunday morning and then eating it at Zoolake to sipping coffee at Wolves in Illovo. Buying books and LoveBooks in Mellville - while eating yummy stuff stacked out in Service Station. Walking in Parkhurst and hearing people complain about parking. Chatting to cargaurds (now official, and expensive) in Braamfontein. Taking pictures of people on Ghandi Square, and watching security guards tell foreign tourists that they are not allowed to photograph the Ghandi statue (whats up with that!?). Browsing through kitchy antiques in Long Street in Newlands. Browsing through bookshops. Visiting a horologist in Norwood to have an heirloom clock fixed (the horologist is a german guy of 143). Gawking at Pretoria people filling eateries in Rosebank. Emmerentia. The Zoo. Rooftop picnics in Killarney.

Yes the city has a very shitty side. But I love this place. This forum had a good side. It left long ago.

goliath01

April 23rd, 2012, 11:08 AM

Hey guys, I'm back! :)
I've been away for quite awhile, but will try to contribute as much as possible.
I'm living in Gauteng now after +20 years in Europe. Things have definately changed, some for good, some for bad.
I have tons of pics from Joburg and some parts of Pretoria. I love Menlyn in Pretoria, area where I work. Alot is going on. Will post soon.

Pule

April 23rd, 2012, 11:53 AM

Jakes1

April 23rd, 2012, 12:07 PM

Hey buddy...we must have a drink one day...welcome back home...

Its so dissapointing to see moer people post everytime there's a complain about something. The warmth of the forum has been flushed and honestly the main contributor to Joburg forum is a Cape Townian, Lydon.

I agree Puls. No reason why we can't get it back again. There is a LOT going on in the city at the moment. Did you see the implosion of Nedbank Gardens?

Diggerdog

April 23rd, 2012, 12:32 PM

Musiccity was doing great stuff in the Joburgs Rebirth thread in the international section up until Feb, and got a great response.
I posted quite a few photos there too, but I am not in Joburg, so if any of you guys have photos of lane ways, coffee shops, nice streets or parks, please post them over there.

And how about some photos of the new post office refurb and fountains - Pule put some up and it looked fantastic!

Pule

April 23rd, 2012, 12:47 PM

I agree Puls. No reason why we can't get it back again. There is a LOT going on in the city at the moment. Did you see the implosion of Nedbank Gardens?

Nope not at all Jakes. Will check it out next time I'm in town. The bulding next to 1 Rissik and Rissik Street is getting an upgrade. But honestly guys, our city administrators are not necesarily coming to the party. Have you seen how the new pavements are so dirty.

Inertia

April 23rd, 2012, 01:10 PM

Funny thing is that when it comes to the city I am not dispirited at all. Every day I meet more and more people that love the city. Photography walkabouts throughout the city happens every weekend (multiple groups). Jogging groups. Discussion groups. I spend more time in the CBD than ever. My favorite coffee space is in Braamies (indeed one of the best coffee places in the city - try DoubleShot). The library looks amazing. Stuttafords is repaired. The Barbican was saved from demolition by neglect. The city hall is getting a refurb. The fountains are working again in Rissik street. Oppenheimer park is not an empty lot filled with rubbish, but a shining little park that people use. Juta street is buzzing, the place was deserted just 3 years ago. New urban art is popping up all over. Historic sights are being noted - such as the HUGE minetruck in Marshalltown and the wagon that is now in Hollard street. Wits Art Museum spectacular new venue. The amazing venue (unfortunately only for functions) that is the Rand Club. Narina Trogon. The funky Lamunu Hotel. Post.

I know Waltjie will have a little nervous breakdown again. Joburg cbd is unfortunately not for white, entitled, upper middle class males anymore. The city changed. It is starting to be a city that caters for those that live there. Black students in Braamies find that the city is actually working for them. It is not uncommon at all on a Saturday to run into one of the many tourgroups that walk downtown (many of these include wide-eyed suburbanites). A friend of mine from Singapore was too afraid to leave her flat in Sandton at first. She spent an entire day in the new Library, on her own. She drove by herself. Loved it.

You can now grab a picnic basket from Arts on Main on a Sunday and then do a picnic in the Carlton on the 50th floor. Slowly but surely a new synthesis emerges. Its not for those that enjoy a sterile Melrose Arch environment. It is a city that changes as the needs of the people that use the public spaces change.

There you go. Spit and vomit. But I love my city. From buying sweetmeats from Shalimar in Fordsburg on a Sunday morning and then eating it at Zoolake to sipping coffee at Wolves in Illovo. Buying books and LoveBooks in Mellville - while eating yummy stuff stacked out in Service Station. Walking in Parkhurst and hearing people complain about parking. Chatting to cargaurds (now official, and expensive) in Braamfontein. Taking pictures of people on Ghandi Square, and watching security guards tell foreign tourists that they are not allowed to photograph the Ghandi statue (whats up with that!?). Browsing through kitchy antiques in Long Street in Newlands. Browsing through bookshops. Visiting a horologist in Norwood to have an heirloom clock fixed (the horologist is a german guy of 143). Gawking at Pretoria people filling eateries in Rosebank. Emmerentia. The Zoo. Rooftop picnics in Killarney.

Yes the city has a very shitty side. But I love this place. This forum had a good side. It left long ago.

Sounds great. Unfortunately my work doesn't let me get out much these days. I don't really understand why you don't post any photos though?

Jakes1

April 23rd, 2012, 02:01 PM

Interesting take by a blogger regarding being female, foreign and venturing into the inner-city. Terrifying stuff!

www.storyofbing.com

nomnolence

April 23rd, 2012, 02:27 PM

Joburg cbd is unfortunately not for white, entitled, upper middle class males anymore. The city changed. It is starting to be a city that caters for those that live there.

One day I hope to get my "white" self living in the city... if only I can convince my industry that having offices in the city makes way more sense than flung out in the 'burbs. It'll take a long time to get past all the paranoia - and its sad that because of it so many people don't enjoy the CBD as much as they could. Can't wait for a 24-hour, pedestrian busy part of the city where I can take my mates for a bite to eat in the early hours of the morning.

goliath01

April 23rd, 2012, 02:46 PM

Hey buddy...we must have a drink one day...welcome back home...

Its so dissapointing to see moer people post everytime there's a complain about something. The warmth of the forum has been flushed and honestly the main contributor to Joburg forum is a Cape Townian, Lydon.

Hey Pule, that's sad to hear. I will try to give a hand from our side. I do have pics. Will post as soon as I can.

LADEN

April 23rd, 2012, 04:49 PM

Diggerdog

April 23rd, 2012, 10:29 PM

Oh OK, thanks for that...I will dig around for news in the area.

SpringBokBoi

May 5th, 2012, 09:22 AM

Inertia

May 7th, 2012, 05:19 PM

9Gt4HTr2IjQ

SUNS 25

May 7th, 2012, 07:49 PM

I just saw something really awesome for joburg, on one of the main TV channels(Nine Network) in australia they hosted a special of how joburg has improved and amazing it is now. Good Coverage:banana::banana:

^^After certain persons on this forum will say that the ANC is very corrupt.

Good News!:cheers:

GBees

May 8th, 2012, 03:17 PM

I took a trip on the Gautrain yesterday and took some photo's from just outside Midrand Station of some earthworks. Has anybody got any idea what this is?
It was on the site of the carpark of the Sanofi Aventis building so may be a new carpark, but it also extends to the adjacent stand.
It's on the corner of Grand Central Boulevard and Bond Street. Sorry for the poor images-they were taken very quickly from my iPhone...
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8145/7157922176_68d10f7c69.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7082/7157914318_32c7f6005d.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7215/7157910276_010d9e68a1.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8014/7157905308_4b2cd07eef.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7102/7157899494_26ef711c52.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7231/7157892934_9dca8417bb.jpg

Inertia

May 8th, 2012, 03:27 PM

^^After certain persons on this forum will say that the ANC is very corrupt.

Good News!:cheers:

The ANC IS very corrupt.

Kwazimoto

May 8th, 2012, 04:04 PM

People in the DA watch child porn.
Its just a matter of choosing the lesser evil.

*see how generalisation can be unfair?*

Lydon

May 8th, 2012, 04:13 PM

People in the DA watch child porn.
Its just a matter of choosing the lesser evil.

*see how generalisation can be unfair?*

That would make sense if it weren't merely an unproven ANC claim.

How, might I add, do the ANC know that he was allegedly watching child porn, by the way? Were they watching it with him? :lol:

Inertia

May 8th, 2012, 06:01 PM

People in the DA watch child porn.
Its just a matter of choosing the lesser evil.

*see how generalisation can be unfair?*

Stupid argument, didn't expect more from a bigoted racist. The ANC deserves you, you should go and collect your membership and free t-shirt ASAP, they could do with a few more cadre-deployments :lol::ohno:

Jakes1

May 8th, 2012, 06:38 PM

Ah yes. More constructive, informed and balanced arguments to keep a thread flourishing. How absolutely retarded.

Inertia

May 8th, 2012, 06:43 PM

Ah yes. More constructive, informed and balanced arguments to keep a thread flourishing. How absolutely retarded.

I think Diggerdog gave me some of his angry pills instead of the happy ones; nothing gets under my skin more than hearing about what a good job the ANC do

Jakes1

May 8th, 2012, 06:59 PM

The Opening of the Wits Art Museum

The Opening Exhibition, aptly named "WAM! Seeing Stars”, will celebrate the collection and its benefactors, reveal its substantial size and multiplicity and pay tribute to artists past and present. WAM will be a forum for all South Africans tourists, artists, teachers and students to connect and share in the feeling of national pride and respect for our rich legacy.

Date: Open to the public from 19 May
Time: 10am – 4 pm
Where: Corner Jan Smuts Avenue and Jorissen Street, Braamfontein.
Secure parking:
Braamfontein Centre, corner Jorissen and Bertha Streets, entrance in Stiemens Street; 86-92 Juta Street
On street parking is also often available.

Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am – 4pm

No booking required.

Entrance fee: R50, Wits staff, students and children under 16, free

Special Rates: R40 for Pensioners

Special programs will allow free access to the public at various times during the months.

Website: www.wits.ac.za/wam

Telephone: 011 717-1363/2

The collection consists of over 9000 objects of classical and contemporary South African and African art spanning more than seven decades. WAM is situated on the corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and Jorissen Street in Braamfontein. This new museum has transparent walls around the periphery which allow for views into the exhibition spaces from the street and makes a major contribution to the renaissance of the Braamfontein area.

Following a national competition, the winning design team, architects Nina Cohen, Fiona Garson and William Martinson pooled their talents in a collaborative effort resulting in the vibrant building which will be home to a vital part of our heritage and culture. Their creative design of the building has recently won them the Absolut VISI Designer of the Year Award.

"The success of its resolution resides, not simply in the compelling spatial resolution of its architecture that is aesthetically pleasing, but more so in the creative design translation of a problem of considerable complexity” said Professor Iain Low of UCT, one of the judges in this category.

The construction of the Wits Art Museum building was made possible through funding from various visionary and generous private donors as well as the University itself. The Standard Bank African Art Collection is a major part of WAM’s holdings and many other private donors have over the years also contributed towards the magnificent collection that exists today.

It is also equally due to the steadfast determination of its curators, Julia Charlton and Fiona Rankin-Smith, that the long- term project has at last come to fruition.

The publicity campaign for the opening of WAM was made possible through funding support from the Arts and Culture Trust.

http://braamfontein.org.za/news/the-opening-of-the-wits-art-museum

SUNS 25

May 8th, 2012, 07:06 PM

The ANC IS very corrupt.

Nope!:)

Jakes1

May 8th, 2012, 07:40 PM

Nope!:)

Please take this discussion to the oasis. Our moderators are clearly not very involved. It is not adding value. Clearly no party to this discussion would be willing to engage rationally.

Inertia

May 8th, 2012, 08:28 PM

SA BOY

May 9th, 2012, 07:20 PM

joburg

May 11th, 2012, 11:56 AM

Jakes1

May 11th, 2012, 12:39 PM

Hi everyone,

Haven't been here for a while, but honestly it is because I found the forum to be poisoned with a combination of uninformed and debilitating discussion and debate around Joburg, as well as a distinctly anti-Joburg attitude where I constantly felt compelled to defend the city. I don't think I'm the only person to feel this way, when viewed in light of how dead the Joburg forum is these days. A far cry from when the Joburg forum used to meet regularly in person (I miss those days), or when Sydney (remember him!?), SA BOY and I first migrated here from some other skyscraper site almost 10 years ago.

Anyway, I am not here to moan about the above, but to tell anyone who cares that I've taken matters into my own hands, inspired in part by Mo Rush's Future Cape Town platform, which I think is to be highly commended. There is an energy in Joburg like never before, and as such I am attempting to galvanise this energy in an online platform where Joburgers can engage with the city, and what its identity means to them.

Already some of you are aware of my site, but if you aren't, and you want to engage with Joburg, go here:

Follow www.urbanjoburg.com.
Like www.facebook.com/urbanjoburg
Or follow www.twitter.com/tominjoburg

The most convenient method for you may be to perhaps like the page on facebook, as daily updates are posted here.

Ola! Isn't it fascinating that while the city is teeming with energy and creativity this forum is like the sadsack compendium of "I will believe it when I see it" or worse even "it is bound to fail in any case."

At least some of us still get to see the real city, instead of sipping diet cokes at stripmalls in Midrand.

Jakes1

May 11th, 2012, 12:52 PM

Some news about the continued renovations at Milner Park in Braamfontein. Lovely building, and ongoing developments will make it even better!

http://www.playbraamfontein.co.za/spaces/the-milner-park-hotel/

The Milner Park Hotel

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Milner Park is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Braamfontein, and Kitchener’s Carvery Bar on the ground floor is officialy recognized as the second oldest bar in Johannesburg. While the daytime regulars have continued to frequent for years, the building is currently undergoing an exciting transformation. Kitchener’s has become one of the foremost nighttime enterninment spaces under the guidance of Andrew Clements, and the creation of boutique creative offices in the old hotel rooms upstairs have added a rich new chapter to the buidling’s story.

Over the coming months the remainder of the building’s ground floor space will be converted into retail opportunities and a beautiful courtyard will be created that will allow patrons of the pub and offices to enjoy an early afternoon beverage or two in the fresh outdoors.

Jakes1

May 11th, 2012, 12:54 PM

62 Juta, a 6floor building that was sadly neglected for so many years is coming back to life. Tenants are moving in, and while they are there redevelopment is taking place.

http://www.playbraamfontein.co.za/spaces/62-juta-street/

62 Juta Street

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
62 Juta Street is a 6 floor building overlooking the majestic Nelson Mandela Bridge. With exciting occupants such as Stevenson Gallery and the French Institute having already made the building their home, and plans to develop a sublime new entertainment venue on the roof well underway, 62 Juta will surely become one of the most prestigious buildings in Johannesburg. The building has been sectionalized, allowing potential owners to invest in this vibrant area. Each floor is approximately 318 square metres in size and is the perfect location for a creative commercial enterprise.

• Ground Floor: Stevenson Gallery
• First Floor: French Institute of South Africa
• Second Floor: French Institute of South Africa
• Third Floor: For Sale
• Forth Floor: For Sale
• Fifth Floor: For Sale

Please contact us should you require any further information or download the information sheet.

Jakes1

May 11th, 2012, 12:55 PM

Of course, some forumers (like Waltjie) would argue that this is merely a tourist attraction. Braamfontein is not representative. In that argument one can then say Cape Town CBD is a tourist attraction, as it is not representative. Of course, such arguments are just plain silly.

Jakes1

May 11th, 2012, 12:59 PM

This is the big one in Juta. Apartments will be anounced soon. It sits on top of the Neighbourgoods Market, with 70 Juta and the Milner Park across the road. Views are different from 155 Smit street (which has a crazy waitinglist of people trying to get their hands on one of the 7 apartments). But high interest in the building. Development will start soon.

http://www.playbraamfontein.co.za/spaces/73-juta-street/

73 Juta Street

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The big one – 73 Juta Street holds a wealth of opportunities for the future development of Braamfontein, and we’ll keep you updated on future plans for the building. First up though was the launch of the Johannesburg edition of the Neighbourgoods Market – every Saturday from 09h00 to 15h00 come and enjoy a wealth of indulgences and bask in the Braamfontein sunshine.

Lydon

May 11th, 2012, 12:59 PM

I love what's going on in Braamies! I'll need to get a hold of a list of must-visit coffee shops and cafe's :)

Jakes1

May 11th, 2012, 01:00 PM

A vibrant new addition to Smit Street, with spectacular views.

http://www.playbraamfontein.co.za/spaces/153-smit-street/

153 Smit Street

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
153 Smit Street is 68 Juta’s twin. Facing south this modest 2 storey building shows off the Johannesburg city skyline from an intimate perspective, but the addition of an exciting structure perched atop transforms it into something truly world class, and a fitting home for one of the world’s premier sports brands

Jakes1

May 11th, 2012, 01:03 PM

I love what's going on in Braamies! I'll need to get a hold of a list of must-visit coffee shops and cafe's :)

A must-visit space is DoubleShot, also in Juta street. Amazing coffee and tea. Great atmosphere, attention to detail and friendly.

Post is great for a bite to eat - great breakfast (rather go for coffee at DoubleShot). The courtyard is beautiful, and then you can stroll through some of the stores that form part of 70 Juta.

The Milner Hotel has the old pub, and then a new space next door.

Narina Trogon is great for dinner - really intimate and lovely.

Velo is good for coffee and art.

Ramen for noodles.

Lamunu hotel for drinks.

Jakes1

May 11th, 2012, 02:02 PM

Something else I have been wondering about. And bound to unleash a lot of debate.

I think middle-income South Africans have been so poinoned by our walled-in, sterile and controlled living environments that we are unable to face reality. We freak out when a wall is unpainted, or when a streetlight has rust on it, because in Melrose Arch EVERYTHING is clean and orderly. I am saying this because I recently took a friend from Italy through greater Johannesburg. As we drove through Melville, he noted on how clean everything was. "Why don't you come here more often? It is so clean and nice. Much better than Melrose Arch!"

My friends from India and Dubai also recently noted that they can't believe the city is so clean. "We expected it to be worse than India." My friend from India (that lives in Dubai) said that she loved the green spaces and the lack of air pollution. A friend from Egypt was absolutely flabbergasted when I commented on how dirty parts of the CBD is that we drove through.

We have become boring mall rats. If it is not plastic and perfect, it just won't do. We shun reality and worship fake facades and worthless recreations that are supposed to evoke images of luxury and wealth. As such, we fail to uncover the real wealth in our city. Its people.

Which brings me to skycrapers. We complain and moan when 70 storey behemoths are not under construction all over. Yet we fail to recognize that a 70 storey building will not solve the issues of the city. Many parts of our city need groundwork. I would rather see a functioning Melville, than another 11 storey monstrocity in Rosebank. We overlook real developments because our eyes are fixed on the BIG developments.

Not that I hate tall buildings. But Johannesburg is cooking at the moment. And we fail to see it because it is not the sterile, predictable and packaged environment that we fell in love with. We hate the city because real people still live here. If you want a perfect world, go and live in an IKEA.

goliath01

May 11th, 2012, 02:48 PM

Hi everyone,

Haven't been here for a while, but honestly it is because I found the forum to be poisoned with a combination of uninformed and debilitating discussion and debate around Joburg, as well as a distinctly anti-Joburg attitude where I constantly felt compelled to defend the city. I don't think I'm the only person to feel this way, when viewed in light of how dead the Joburg forum is these days. A far cry from when the Joburg forum used to meet regularly in person (I miss those days), or when Sydney (remember him!?), SA BOY and I first migrated here from some other skyscraper site almost 10 years ago.

Anyway, I am not here to moan about the above, but to tell anyone who cares that I've taken matters into my own hands, inspired in part by Mo Rush's Future Cape Town platform, which I think is to be highly commended. There is an energy in Joburg like never before, and as such I am attempting to galvanise this energy in an online platform where Joburgers can engage with the city, and what its identity means to them.

Already some of you are aware of my site, but if you aren't, and you want to engage with Joburg, go here:

Follow www.urbanjoburg.com.
Like www.facebook.com/urbanjoburg
Or follow www.twitter.com/tominjoburg

The most convenient method for you may be to perhaps like the page on facebook, as daily updates are posted here.

Hi Joburg, so nice to hear from you again. I have to agree with everything you say.
I used to love SSC, there were always lovely updates on our city, with fair, balanced comments from a variety of forumers. Today, I consider this forum worse than news24. Every fucking topic is about the ANC, DA, black or white. Its revolting what some people are doing.
Guys like Jakes, Joburg, Pule, Durbsboi, SA Boy and so many more built this space so that we could enjoy it. I don't come to SSC anymore, like many others and will continue to do so as long as we have the political brigade firing every single fucking time.

Jakes1

May 11th, 2012, 03:35 PM

http://www.eprop.co.za/news/article.aspx?idArticle=14951

Mixed property opportunities in Braamfontein
09 May 2012 - eProp - JHI

Intro
In addition to an almost insatiable demand for student accommodationin, Braamfontein is rapidly emerging as a vibrant growth node and experiencing a surge in demand for all kinds of property uses requiring of developers to exercise special foresight

“This area is undergoing a significant turnaround and the escalating demand for property is not as much from an institutional or corporate tenant aspect but is more in regard to realising the potential for the entire development profile of the area, which is transforming into a highly appealing, eclectic mix,” reports David Reid, investment broker for JHI Properties.

“This trend towards revitalisation comes on the back of demand and supply of student accommodation, with old buildings being converted and redeveloped, and is driven by an almost insatiable demand for such accommodation from students attending Wits University and Johannesburg University, as well as a host of other educational institutions in the area. These include Lyceum College, Damelin College, Boston City Campus & Business College and John Orr Technical High School, among others".

“There are further opportunities presented by old civil service type buildings and railway buildings for the conversion into residential – specifically student accommodation. Wits University had the foresight to do this in order to provide accommodation for its students. Over the past 10 years investors have been able to acquire old offices at approximately R400 per square metre for conversion to student accommodation, which is currently rented out at around R2 500 per self-catering unit.

“And as a spinoff to this regeneration, we are seeing an influx or variety of other businesses and activities springing up in the area such as entertainment venues, coffee shops and the like. Coupled with this it is interesting to note the creative way in which the old utility lanes between the tall buildings are being transformed into vibrant outdoor areas.”

Reid says this has come about as astute developers with vision and a discerning eye for the overall aesthetics are taking note of consumer demand, and converting these lanes into vibrant user arcades. A wonderful outdoor city area is emerging, brimming with life and energy and with open spaces for entertainment and leisure activities with huge TV screens, tables and chairs where one can watch sport or socialise – even with chess tournaments taking place. There are also plans for the pedestrianisation of certain streets by developers together with the Johannesburg City Council. He says an ideal street for this purpose is Melle Street, which is typically not an arterial road or through route for commuter traffic to any particular destination.

Today this area presents a diverse of large corporate tenants, educational institutions, art galleries, retail and entertainment activities, which is interspersed with old buildings, some vacant and long been acquired for future redevelopment. Braamfontein is also home to prestigious headquarters of SAB and Liberty Life and combined with an entire street of civic institutions such as the Civic Centre, there are a large number of employees in the area as well as students.

Adds Reid: “It’s not surprising that Braamfontein is now coming into its own – with its wide variety of leisure activities and street-side markets such as the Juta Street Market. It’s also close to Johannesburg Park Station and taxi ranks as well as the Gautrain station, affords good access to the M1, to buzzing Newtown via Nelson Mandela Bridge, while the Empire Road/M1 intersection is a key arterial intersection which provides easy access to Johannesburg’s northern suburbs.”

He says from a development perspective, it is apparent that those who are solely focused on just one building in isolation are not those this area will attract. “It is rather those who have a sense of an entire precinct, the treatment of street-side, vegetation and passing foot traffic, and those who can cater for a tenant mix at ground level which dovetails with this vibrant young market are those for whom this part of Braamfontein has high appeal. Here buildings need to work in conjunction with adjacent buildings and take into account the entire block - which could incorporate various mixed uses such as retail, coffee shops, restaurants and entertainment activities at street level, offices and student accommodation above.”

Reid says there hotel accommodation could also be provided, and where there are buildings with floors at the same levels there are opportunities to create exciting interlinked retail and leisure arcades, to lighten up and open up buildings with atriums which have direct access from the street. This kind of mixed use concept conforms to current trends and is ideal for Braamfontein’s ongoing redevelopment.

“In addition to the strong demand for student accommodation, there is scope for small shopping centres and supermarkets, big brand, hi-tech type retail, art galleries, street-side markets and professional offices for architects. Further to this, there are also office vacancies in Braamfontein with accommodation with very large floor plates, ideal for call centres,” he adds.

Diggerdog

May 12th, 2012, 07:41 AM

Guys, you do realize that if all of you came back to this forum and contributed, it would help a hell of a lot.
Don't leave us 'positive' posters here on our own! We need all the good news and updates and photos that we can get, come on, let's get this part started again!

SA BOY

May 12th, 2012, 09:14 AM

I'm here guys but not much i can add as most of what i do in joburg now is confidential. loving living here and find it a much more real city than Cape Town , now cappies don't get your tampons in a flap its simply my opinion having lived in CT for 7 months and then joburg for 3.
Cant believe I've been home for 10 months

cthighflyer

May 12th, 2012, 09:18 AM

http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/promoting-johannesburg-at-indaba-2012/

During the annual INDABA tourism marketing event in Durban, the Johannesburg Tourism Company (JTC) looks forward to networking with international leisure travel industry and business associates, media, and stakeholders at their exhibition stand, as well as a networking breakfast to be held at the Hilton Hotel on May 14, 2012.

At this breakfast session, Acting CEO Phelisa Mangcu will also be announcing the winner of the annual JTC SMME Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The first-time recipient of the award, which was launched at INDABA 2011, was Jojo Tsheola of Tsheola Dinare Tours.

A HOT WINTER FORECAST FOR JOBURG

As part of its INDABA activities, JTC will be unveiling its winter campaign. “A Hot Winter Forecast for Joburg!” the campaign forms part of JTC’s marketing strategy to entrench Joburg as a global, year-round business and leisure destination, brimming with special events, attractions, tastes, sights, and sounds to encourage visitors to stay longer, spend more, and enjoy exploring further afield.

Joburg’s amazing calendar of diverse signature events throughout the year provide an ideal platform for DMCs and incentive houses to package offerings. Joburg signature events throughout the year range from the Joburg Open Golf Tournament in January; the Joburg Fashion Week in March; the Africa Cup Polo in July; and Joy of Jazz in August; to Arts Alive, the Joburg Shopping Festival, and Taste of Joburg in October; to Africa Fashion Week and the Sansui Summer Cup in November - to mention but a few.

CONTINUES BELOW

ONGOING TOURISM PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT IN JOBURG

“While we work at entrenching Joburg’s position as Africa’s leading business tourism destination, the team at Joburg Tourism Company balances this with an ongoing focus on tourism product development, and the presentation and packaging of leisure offerings to the consumer market,” said Acting CEO Phelisa Mangcu.

“Although Joburg is such a youthful city, having celebrated its 125th anniversary last year, it is a treasure trove of economic, social, political, and anthropological history,” said Mangcu, “The city boasts layer upon layer of fascinating history, development and human interest stories – of course, not forgetting the leisure and lifestyle aspects of entertainment, sports, music, arts, and culture. At Joburg Tourism, we work with both the public and the private sector to publicize the development of city precincts, nodes, sites, attractions, and products which are of interest to both locals and visitors.”

Three recent additions to routes and itineraries promoted by JTC include Joburg’s Nature Route (taking in sites of natural beauty and anthropological relevance in the City), the Indian Route (comprising a history of the Indian community in Joburg, with a focus on Mahatma Ghandi, who lived in Joburg from 1903 to 1914), and the Adventure Route (including some of the high octane spills and thrills on offer in Jozi).

Urban tourism is coming into its own in Johannesburg, with the city seeing an increasing number of visitors keen to explore diverse aspects of the city – from all the exciting developments downtown to the heritage routes and sites in Alex and Soweto. This includes the rejuvenation of entire districts or precincts, along with the development of public street art, pedestrianized zones, heritage sites, and lifestyle activities like the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein and the Sunday market at Arts on Main.

JTC’S BOOKING PORTAL

Joburg’s legendary shopping, dining, entertainment, and nightlife is complimented by fabulous weather, as well as an astonishing array of facilities like spectacular golf courses, gyms, spas, and wellness centers, which all add to its appeal as a destination.

From a lifestyle and leisure perspective, JTC continuously creates a diversity of packages and options around the city’s calendar of signature events and activities. Aside from the live events feed and gig guide on its website, a relatively new channel in the marketing process is JTC’s booking portal. JTC has partnered with a host of event organizers, hotels, and tour operators to promote signature Joburg seasonal events – enhancing them with special packages and offers.

“This is a convenient, cost-effective ‘one-stop shop,’ giving travelers the means to take advantage of special offers and packages, while making all their travel reservations for Johannesburg online – from flights, car hire, and accommodation, to tour and events packages,” said Mangcu, “As one of the continent’s most accessible and major entry points, its incumbent upon JTC to assist travelers in planning [an] entire trip to South Africa – while showcasing all there is to do while spending time in Joburg.”

JOBURG’S GDS 2040

“In terms of the recently-launched Mayoral Outreach campaign to discuss the city of Johannesburg’s Growth and Development Strategy 2040, tourism remains an economic growth imperative on the city’s agenda. It is an important catalyst to encourage the development of the SMME sector in order to stimulate the growth and development of a vibrant second economy. It is the Johannesburg Tourism Company’s strategy mission to attract visitors to Joburg, encourage them to stay longer, spend more, improve seasonality patterns, and the spread of visitors across the city,” Mangcu said.

In line with these developments and as part of the institutional review process to effect closer alignment with city goals, this year, Joburg Tourism Company is being incorporated into the city’s Communication & Tourism Group. The GDS is coupled to the city’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP), and both are aligned with the National Planning Commission’s New Growth Path.

“Our ongoing local and international promotional campaigns include exhibiting at business and leisure trade exhibitions where JTC shares its plans to maintain, defend, and grow its market share,” said Mangcu, “As the city of Johannesburg’s destination marketing organization, JTC remains focused on positioning Joburg not only as the continent’s leading business hub, but also as an exciting, vibrant year-round destination for signature events, lifestyle, the arts, culture, fashion, sports – and, of course, mega-events.”

Johannesburg Tourism is a member of the International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) www.tourismpartners.org .

kulani

May 16th, 2012, 12:11 PM

Have you guys noticed there is some big changes with street lighting situation in Johannesburg. Thought it would be nice to give some complements where things are improving. I just noticed over the past 2 months that the street lighting in the city has changed for the better since the new leadership took over the city. Driving through the following streets and you will notice that most of the street lights are now working ( i mean more than 90%).

- William Nicol
- Bowling road (fixed since last year)
- Rivonia
- Oxford (was fixed last 2 weeks)
- Empire
- Louis Botha
- M1
- Jan Smuts
- Witkoppen

This also includes some of the smaller suburban streets. The guys working in that dept deserve a lot of credit. Whats is also great, is that those lights that are not working, are being fixed on a weekly basis. So you will notice lots of changes over the coming weeks.

Nostra

May 16th, 2012, 12:42 PM

kulani

May 16th, 2012, 01:31 PM

^^ Heita Kulani. Yes I have noticed. However Witkoppen is a shame and some of the lights as you join the highway, such as Malibongwe over the N1 highway. They've been of for a long time and there''s mothing being done. Have you also seen the upgrade of the M1?? Looking good esp around Buccleugh (sp??) interchange...

Yes, the M1 upgrade is indeed long overdue and we welcome this. However disappointments such as the one you mention above are still there.

I would like to also point out the horific situation with the R24 to OR Tambo airport. These lights that were installed at the last minute before the 2010 FIFA World Cup kicked off are mostly off and not working. This unfortunately means the Ekurhuleni Metro has chosen to welcome every new visitor to South Africa arriving at OR Tambo into a city that spells darkness. :ohno:

The newly upgraded R21 to Pretoria is amazing and when i drove on this highway with guests last week to a dinner in Pretoria, they were very impressed. Of course until we arrive in Pretoria itself which is to say the least requires a lot of work. The portion of the road on R21 into Pretoria is dark which really is a shame.

Nostra

May 16th, 2012, 04:32 PM

^^Yes I had forgotten about the R24, very wack considering how well illuminated the airport and surrounds are. R21 is the best freeway IMO in Gauteng, I take that highway when I go home and offramp at the R25 Bronkhorspruit, then head east into M(a)pumalanga, lol.

Anyway I think that highway should be the template for the future PWV9, which will join Sandton and PTA North through the West...

ZATUGA

May 23rd, 2012, 06:59 PM

Container housing: Will it fly?

A new option for the affordable housing market (with photos).

JOHANNESBURG – A pioneering development in Windsor East north of Johannesburg is offering affordable housing with a difference in the form of “”container living.”

The development initially caused a stir in the Windsor East suburb when steel shipping containers were offloaded in mid-April 2012. Some members of the local residents’ association strongly objected saying the development would impact property prices in a precinct which is battling to re-invent itself.

That was before they saw the envisaged end product which, in this journalist’s view, could hold its own in any affordable housing project.

Click image to enlarge

Estate agent Johan van Rooyen of Remax properties, which operates in Windsor East, is sceptical that it will impact current residential prices. “The design is brilliant. It will add a different ambience to Windsor.” Van Rooyen is under no illusion that there will initially be some resistance to the concept, but believes the alternative design will add some appeal.

Ettie Brummer of Property.CoZa, an owner of several properties in Windsor and an estate agent, is also of the view that it will add value to the once trendy suburb which catered mainly for white professionals in the eighties and nineties.

The area is currently plagued by overcrowding due to poor management and control of units and buildings. It is also one of Gauteng’s renowned drug hotspots …something which police and residents are constantly trying to eradicate.

The target market is those who earn less than the requisite between R5 000 to R15 000 a month to qualify for subsidised housing or a bond in terms of the banks’ criteria. “Our target market is people (in the GAP market) who are looking for decent homes but can’t afford to buy yet, but do have disposable income to be able to rent and do want a decent place to live in,” says CEO of Jika Properties and Citiq, Paul Lapham.

Several developers are exploring this alternative in terms of providing affordable entry-level homes, catering specifically for the plethora of potential buyers out there.

However, the Windsor East units are not for sale. Lapham concedes the building is unconventional, adding that the public is likely to be more open to committing to a rental agreement in this instance to buying. He says that obtaining finance for a development of this nature could also be problematic: “South African banks are notoriously conservative in terms of giving people bonds. Somebody arriving and saying I want a bond for my container might receive short shrift.”

RDP housing in South Africa is notorious for being tiny, sloppily built and lacking in quality finishes. Vast numbers of houses across the country are standing empty or have been vandalised and destroyed as unscrupulous owners rent them out for an additional income.

The units in Windsor East comprise two and three-bedroomed structures at 48m² and 56m² respectively. “All the apartments will have balconies. Each apartment consists basically of two containers … each 2.4m wide, so a living space of 4.8m. As you can imagine in a normal apartment, that’s a really decent width for a lounge and TV room.”

The three beds have one-and-a-half bathrooms with the two beds equipped with one full bathroom. The former will set you back between R3 600 and R3 800 a month while the latter will cost between R4 400 and R4 600. “We think the end product will compete right up there with the conventional bricks and mortar. We’re not looking at making these discount rental units, they will be standard rental prices,” Lapham says.

He adds that while a minority of residents initially opposed the development, the authorities were more open to giving it the green light, provided all the regulations had been adhered to.

“Our main objective here is to provide decent homes to people at an affordable rent that give us a decent return on investment.”

“The use of containers is environmentally friendly, we’re recycling them. Containers have wonderful insulation characteristics, they’re very strong, they’re very durable, and everything we’re doing over and above the containers, the insulation, using polystyrene which is used in fridges, abattoirs and so on, is environmentally friendly and energy efficient,” Lapham says.

In a previous Moneyweb article on alternative building materials, concerns were raised about standards, particularly with regards to fire hazards. Lapham has dispelled these fears: “Everything we’ve done here has been signed off and approved as having the required fire ratings. We’re not allowed to build without that engineer’s report.

“The combination of polystyrene, the steel and the plaster work that we put in this building are well inside the building standards we’re required to have.”

Lapham says it took a mere three days after the foundation was laid to assemble the three-storey structure in mid-April and the expected completion date is earmarked for mid-June. Tenants should be able to take occupation on August 1 if all goes according to plan.

Lapham says this is a first for South Africa in terms of providing permanent, affordable housing.

http://www.moneyweb.co.za/mw/media_stream/mw/1/569664/images/windsor_container_housing_project_artist.jpg

http://www.moneyweb.co.za/mw/view/mw/en/page295023?oid=569664&sn=2009%20Detail

kulani

May 29th, 2012, 01:58 PM

So guys, i have been thinking about doing some kind of a list of the top 50 things that we suggest City of Johannesburg can do that will make downtown Johannesburg a WORLD CLASS AFRICAN CITY.

Part of the criteria for the things that we must list should be that each suggestion should not cost more than R3 million to accomplish. Preferably, these should be things that can be done within the city's operating budget by the respective city departments or agencies (like JRA, Pickit-up, Joburg Power, JHC etc). I would like us to contribute to this list which should be really focussed on very basic things that will make a big impact yet cost next to nothing.

Examples of small upgrades i have been thinking of include things like:-

- Fix all the street lights in following streets:- Jorrison, Smits, Wolmarans , Claim street etc.
- Change dim lights that faces up in Braamfontein and Hillbrow to conventional street lights that face down on the street for better visibility (back to basics)
- Change bulbs on Mandela Bridge to conventional bulbs to increase visibility on bridge (existing bulbs are fancy but not functional - dim and often out of service)
- Change the Joburg 2040 signage on Mandela bridge from "small sign" to an imposing sign that can be seen during the day and at night. (small sign = small vision)
- Put police patrols at the following intersections (Jorrison + Jan Smuts etc)
- Resurface the following streets :- Harrison, Smits, Melle, Juta etc
- Repair pavements in following streets:- e.g. Jan Smuts by Braamfontein Centre
- Redraw street lines on following streets : - Wolmarans, Smits, Jan Smuts, Harrison etc.
- Repaint all the old buildings especially legislature, city hall etc.
- Wash and polish all the sculptures in the city
- Replace floor inside Park station terminal and all lighting with LED lighting to increase
visibility inside and outside the station.

- Demolish the following buildings:-
* Multi-storey taxi parking lot next to Bree rank
*

- Minor upgrades to gateway routes leading into Downtown (Jan smuts & M1, Smith street & M1, Harrow rd & M1, Simmonds St & M2 etc)
by installing LED lighting, resurfacing, redraw lines, landscaping.
- LED Lighting to be installed from M1, M2 highways leading into the CBD.
- Also have permanent police patrols at these gateway routes

Inertia

May 29th, 2012, 03:07 PM

I think the City of Joburg should do what Tshwane is doing in downtown Pretoria, and re-do all the paving in the inner city - at the same time inviting the telecoms companies to lay down fibre along all the streets. Then PLEASE do away with brick paving and introduce nice smooth, flat concrete or tar paving throughout the entire downtown.

Juanl

May 30th, 2012, 09:45 PM

Tar? Not a good look. Sandstone in an ideal world :)

SUNS 25

May 31st, 2012, 02:04 AM

Juanl,
Gauteng. Host to 19 of 32 teams, the World, but not the BBC?

WTF!!

thehein

June 5th, 2012, 12:10 AM

kulani

June 5th, 2012, 12:43 PM

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned before but there is a mall under construction in Newtown. It's to be called the Newtown Junction. Located behind Museum Africa and build around the Potato Shed. A Ster Kinekor Cinema and a City Lodge Hotel is part of the development.

Image credit: www.jhbproperty.co.za

Interesting, so this is the site that is currently being excavated. Right below the double-decker M1 bridges adjacent to newtown. If this is the picture, then this development is already under construction. I have been seeing the trucks working on this site now for a few weeks.

thehein

June 5th, 2012, 08:32 PM

Interesting, so this is the site that is currently being excavated. Right below the double-decker M1 bridges adjacent to newtown. If this is the picture, then this development is already under construction. I have been seeing the trucks working on this site now for a few weeks.

Yes. Construction has begun. Perhaps someone could create a dedicated thread for the development?

Jakes1

June 5th, 2012, 10:53 PM

Hoorah!

Jakes1

June 8th, 2012, 03:47 PM

so it seems we are getting our very own red party bus!

http://www.viator.com/tours/Johannesburg/Johannesburg-Half-Day-Sightseeing-Tour/d314-2382SJ1

Jakes1

June 11th, 2012, 09:53 AM

Inertia

June 11th, 2012, 01:18 PM

There is a lot happening in Illovo at present - especially in that small area between Melville road and Oxford road. More cranes on site, and Bentel International and Rio Tinto just moved into their new offices.

Two big office developments - one recently completed - are on Melville road (although these are more Hyde Park than Illovo methinks)

Jakes1

June 11th, 2012, 03:36 PM

[QUOTE=Inertia;92264524]Two big office developments - one recently completed - are on Melville road (although these are more Hyde Park than Illovo methinks)[/QUOTE

I think it falls into the Illove Boulevard Management District. Fricker Road has some really cool buildings that opened recently, with more coming forward.

in other news. The old Grace Hotel is re-opening 1 July 2012 as 54onBath. Pretty swanky. Part of Southern Sun/Tsogo Sun.

dysan1

June 11th, 2012, 06:16 PM

^^ seems a strange name considering their preferred naming structures for new developments

Erika Botela

June 11th, 2012, 10:30 PM

What is the probleme then?

The problem security !

SUNS 25

June 11th, 2012, 10:36 PM

The problem security !

Russia, Ukrainia, Serbia, etc have also a problem of security!!Especially for the blacks and Asians.:)

mike2005

June 13th, 2012, 11:08 AM

Why on earth is there so much hatred for Melrose Arch on this forum? It is a great example of new urbanism, has a lovely vibe, some great shops, nice restaurants etc, is safe to walk around at any time of day or night. All in all it is great. Together with Greenside, Rosebank and Parkhurst it is an integral and every enjoyable part of Joburg's dining and entertainment "triangle".

Just on the street light point (this is realism and not negativity BTW as I love living in this city as much as the next man): a huge amount of the lights in Fourways, Parkhurst, Craighall, Blairgowrie and Sandown are out at the moment. On my street I think we only have about 3 working despite repeated calls to the city council. Very frustrating as it is not rocket science to fix a bloomin street light. Just come back from Durbs and I dont think I saw a single broken robot, overgrown verge or broken street light for the entire time so it clearly is not rocket science.

mike2005

June 13th, 2012, 11:09 AM

Can I email someone some pics to post of Mushroom Park? I have some nice ones that I think people will enjoy. It is looking nice at the moment. Especially early in the mornings with the mist rising from the stream :-)

dysan1

June 13th, 2012, 12:07 PM

^^ to be fair Joburg probably needs more private public spaces like melrose arch if the city council is not going to provide quality maintained public spaces

Inertia

June 14th, 2012, 12:44 AM

kulani

June 14th, 2012, 12:42 PM

^^ People hate it because it doesn't fit in with their definition of an urban "public space". However, with the people that run this city, we should be lucky that developers are prepared to fork out the money to create it themselves

I will take Melrose Arch anyday especially given that downtown Joburg is not offering much alternative yet to those who want high street shopping with live and work facilities in a clean and secure environment. Melrose Arch has its place in the greater scheme of things and i would even go as far as saying one or more similar places like that are needed in Rosebank and even Sandton.

At least its not like the ugly and depressing shopping malls that i have grown so tired of. But we need to get downtown Joburg working again so that all people can enjoy what it has to offer.

mike2005

June 14th, 2012, 04:36 PM

Absolutely. I am sorry but "urban public space" is a bit of a pipe dream when our city council is involved (with the notably exception of our lovely parks and suburbs like Greenside, Parkhurst, Rosebank CBD and Sandton CBD (and those 'burbs are mostly maintained and kept clean and safe by their communities anyway). Therefore I say the more Melrose Arches the better and the more developers and communities prepared to do the job that the city council should be doing (but is simply incapable of doing) the better.

Besides the Arch has an awesome vibe and is far from a mall so I love it.

Inertia

June 15th, 2012, 10:33 AM

Nice banner staring back at me guys.

romanSA

June 15th, 2012, 04:25 PM

Joburgers, congrats on today's banner!! It's a beauty!

Inertia

June 16th, 2012, 08:53 PM

The E.N.D

June 17th, 2012, 05:58 PM

Just walked thru Hillbrow, Berea, and other parts of the inner city on my way to the rugby today. All I can say is wow. Joburg is a DUMP.

If anyone thinks that the ANC hasn't completely lost control of the city please go for a stroll thru these suburbs. 99% of manholes have no covers, most are filled with rubbish, litter EVERYWHERE, "pavements" filled with litter, cracked and broken. Overgrown everything.

It is now clearer than ever that if a private corporation is not present to clean things up, the city is completely left to fester on its own. I would post photo's but they are too depressing.

I'm sorry but how none of this occurred to you before?
This has been going on pretty much since the World Cup ended.
I've given up writing emails to the CoJ and pikitup.
The only reassurance I have is there is minimal impact on myself.
I cannot say the same for the poor and destitute that have to live their lives in a giant waste site. Then again these are the same people that are going to vote ANC again and again. Effect is not without cause.

Good luck in Cape Town.

LADEN

June 17th, 2012, 06:00 PM

inertia will miss the dump.

Inertia

June 17th, 2012, 09:45 PM

I'm sorry but how none of this occurred to you before?
This has been going on pretty much since the World Cup ended.
I've given up writing emails to the CoJ and pikitup.
The only reassurance I have is there is minimal impact on myself.
I cannot say the same for the poor and destitute that have to live their lives in a giant waste site. Then again these are the same people that are going to vote ANC again and again. Effect is not without cause.

Good luck in Cape Town.

It's the first time I've walked in these suburbs since the World Cup so I wasn't aware of the rapid decline of these areas. It is shocking. These areas are nothing more than glorified shanty towns/informal settlements/townships.

What irritates me are the happy brigade who act like things are really getting better when they've really just got their heads so deep in the sand they are actually seeing Cape Town and not Joburg.

What really grates me tho is that these places could do a 180 degree turn in a matter of weeks - daily rubbish collection, fitting concrete manhole covers, redoing completely annihilated gutters and pavement resurfacing is all that is needed to start to turn these places around. However this seems so far out of reach of the city that I'd be surprised if rubbish is collected once a month.

The potential that the city had to become something amazing again has completely been lost through utter lack of interest by the city. Really really sad

Letter16

June 17th, 2012, 11:08 PM

i see things are still the same around scc. where party politics manage to surface in much of the opinions and those with slightly differing opinions are labelled and shouted down. oh well.

my observation. i hear alot of people compare joburg to cape town and most times the comparisons are centered around the cbds as they are now. it would be interesting to have comparisons which are broader and with a little more perspective

Diggerdog

June 18th, 2012, 01:47 AM

Inertia

June 18th, 2012, 11:34 AM

The happy brigade is happy about the improving areas, Inertia. The happy brigade does not say the whole city is a paradise, they know about the bad areas, but tend to focus on the good.
So while the happy brigade is happy about Juta str, they dont declare the entire city a success because of it.
Whereas you are quite happy to label the entire city a 'dump' - because you happened to take a walk through some dirty and dodgy areas.

You see the difference? You use emotive language like 'annihilated gutters', which is a bit much, dont you think.

Cape Town look out - time for a reality check when Inertia hits town! Maybe we have been living in a fantasy world down here too. If so, I am sure we will shortly be set straight!

Well if you read and properly understood my post you would understand my frustration. I happen to live in Joburg and so I do actually know most of it. And yes, most of it is a "dump", if you can label something a dump that has overgrown verges, pavements that have been left dug up for 6 months at a time, bricks and rocks lying everywhere, rubbish piling up, etc. This to me, is a dump.

However, if you READ my post again, you would see that my frustration lies in the fact that this is only not the case when a PRIVATE corporation is prepared to clean up after the city council. This will not last forever, as companies will soon start realising that it's not profitable for them to pay twice for a service that they only receive once. My other frustration, if you read my posts properly, is that 90% of these issues are an EASY fix that could be completed in a matter of days.

Annihilated gutters? If you had even the SLIGHTEST clue what some suburbs in Joburg look like you would bite your tongue, trust me. Please, us Joburgers actually talk about things we know (most of us), not like some people who don't have a clue and base their opinions on what they see on SSC.

Two quick examples. This was where I parked my car at a Super 15 game I recently went to. It is literally RIGHT OUTSIDE Ellis Park:

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p246/In3rti4/IMG-20120324-00165.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p246/In3rti4/IMG-20120324-00162.jpg

Lydon

June 18th, 2012, 11:37 AM

Sis =/

Inertia

June 18th, 2012, 11:40 AM

Sis =/

Be happy you can't smell the stench from these photos

goliath01

June 18th, 2012, 11:59 AM

annman

June 18th, 2012, 12:06 PM

^^ Just make sure the anger doesn't turn to apathy. Do something about it next election. Johannesburg is in YOUR hands now.

On a more positive note, who watched Strike Back on Mnet this weekend? Much of it is filmed in Jo'burg, although the city does substitute for other cities.

goliath01

June 18th, 2012, 12:14 PM

I'm not negative, it's just the real thing. Look at Inertia's pics and tell me what you see? A great part of Joburg is in this state. It's ridiculous a province with so much money can look like this.
I travel frequently to CPT and it's unbelievable that I'm in the same country.
Regarding the next election, I've done my part, DA all the way.

Inertia

June 18th, 2012, 12:15 PM

Inertia I'm with you 100%. I can take pictures oh my neighbourhood. I counted, out of 40 lamp posts, 3 are working. We've phoned how many times and nothing has been done! Everything that is in the hands of government is a total fuckup, the amount of rot is just to much.
Joburg is still breathing because the private sector continues to pump billions into new dev. and refurbs. I believe we've reached a tipping point.

Thanks. Interesting to note the only guys that agree with me actually live in Joburg. No coincidence methinks.

^^ Just make sure the anger doesn't turn to apathy. Do something about it next election. Johannesburg is in YOUR hands now.

On a more positive note, who watched Strike Back on Mnet this weekend? Much of it is filmed in Jo'burg, although the city does substitute for other cities.

Unfortunately no matter how angry we get we only have one vote each. Us SSC people don't have much power. The power remains in the people who live in these decrepit conditions, millions of them. The balance of Joburg's (and Gauteng's) future rests with them. And the political analysts seem to think anyone but the ANC taking power here in 2014 is not a possibility

Diggerdog

June 18th, 2012, 01:50 PM

Inertia

June 18th, 2012, 02:26 PM

I disagree with your generalizations, Inertia, that's all. No need to capitalize your response to me, I read and understood your post perfectly well.
We know it is community and private initiative that is regenerating parts of Joburg. In some of these areas, their proactive approach has kick started the local council to do their jobs.

Once again, I only object to the whole 'Joburg is fucked' attitude. It is a big city and a lot of it is run down, but it has good areas and progress as well.

Also, I am no stranger to Joburg, although I don't live there. I don't spend my entire life in Cape Town, I travel around my country plenty.

Unfortunately you are wrong. Which areas of Joburg have "kickstarted" the council into doing their jobs? Please enlighten me.

Joburg IS fucked. You actually don't know what you're talking about. If the city continues to be run as it is, companies won't pay twice anymore for services they receive once. Individuals won't pay for community security companies or private institutions to clean up pavements forever. They will move, they have been doing so for many years, and they will continue to do so. They will move to places that provide this with the tax money paid.

And the people who can't move, well now that is where the hope of this city lies.

annman

June 18th, 2012, 03:12 PM

^^ To be honest, the parts of Johannesburg that don't look, as it was put, f**ked, are areas where the critical mass of private enterprise/development is there to uplift the area, or in-and-around glamour projects. Jo'burg is by no means a city where "getting the basics right" can be seen in 95% of places. I don't think the city is about to experience urban-armageddon, however, there is a point that is reached where lack of local governance trumps any private/business initiatives and when investors/businesses realise their actual profitability and functioning is suffering due to service-decay; at this point, capital flees. I don't want to see Jo'burg reach such a point.

Jakes1

June 18th, 2012, 03:30 PM

It is interesting to note that if you highlight successes you are labelled a happy-clappy featherduster. Yet a walk in a neighbourhood with some of the highest densities per capita in the world - and you can call the city F'd. Can we all agree that Joburg does not exist for Inertia anymore? Inertia, no gripe mate, but really. You vent and scream, and you don't allow anyone else a view on anything. This is a discussion forum. If you read through ALL of my comments, for example - you will see I struggle with the same frustrations. Yet you choose to disregard ALL of my statements, because they are too positive. Time to join another forum then. We want to discuss issues, and find solutions.

That is what happened in Braamfontein. This is what is happening in the East. It is what I am doing in Killarney, as part of the neighbourhood coalition. Were you in the CBD in 2001? Did you walk the streets? The CBD looks MUCH better than 10 years ago. Even Hillbrow looks better - scary isn't it.

Nothing is perfect. Joburg certainly isn't. Doubt it will ever be. I am not disputing your facts. But look at your communication style. It is aggressive and overtly negative. This is a discussion forum. Multiple opinions allowed, including yours. But don't put words in my mouth. I am not a flowerpot, happy hippie running around the garbage and poo as if it were treasures out of the baskets of Eden. But where people work, solutions can be found. And even a supreme negative douche must admit that TONS of amazing things happened in Johannesburg since 2001.

Inertia

June 18th, 2012, 04:43 PM

Captain Jakes1 to the rescue! Just in the nick of time. Thanks for reminding everyone that you and you alone live in Joburg and have solely experienced its ups and downs. What was I thinking. But wait, I thought Joburg was just for me? Eish. Let's go through your reply.

It is interesting to note that if you highlight successes you are labelled a happy-clappy featherduster.

Shew, good thing I never highlight any successes, ever.
Err, wrong. Maybe you should go through ALL of my posts and see that I give credit when it's due, and no, I'm not labelled a happy-clappy featherduster.

Yet a walk in a neighbourhood with some of the highest densities per capita in the world - and you can call the city F'd.

This is such a laughable statement. Highest densities per capita in the world? Berea, really? Even if that was the case, does that exempt the government from collecting street refuse more than once a month? Yep, clearly. Sorry CoJ, my bad.

You vent and scream, and you don't allow anyone else a view on anything. This is a discussion forum.

If you have a view, that's awesome. If you have a view that is true in reality, on Earth, then it's even more awesome. Hearing how well Joburg is doing is one of the former views. Alas, this is just my view, which happens to be one of the latter views.

Yet you choose to disregard ALL of my statements, because they are too positive. Time to join another forum then. We want to discuss issues, and find solutions.

Disregarded ALL of your statements, really? Pot calling the kettle black it seems. Words are actually being put in my mouth.

That is what happened in Braamfontein. This is what is happening in the East. It is what I am doing in Killarney, as part of the neighbourhood coalition.

Sorry what exactly is happening in these parts of the city? Private money being spent over and above taxes to get the basics right in a sea of wrong? It's a good thing you read my posts so well, because this isn't exactly what I've been saying in my last few posts.

Were you in the CBD in 2001? Did you walk the streets? The CBD looks MUCH better than 10 years ago. Even Hillbrow looks better - scary isn't it.

Nope Jakes1, only you have lived in Inertia's city. Without even asking my permission, what a cheek.
Yes I do actually know what the city of Joburg looked like, and is looking like. I have lived here all my life. My grandfather had his factory right next to Ellis Park. I know what the area has looked like since the early 90's. But thanks for letting us know how wrong we all are.

Nothing is perfect. Joburg certainly isn't. Doubt it will ever be. I am not disputing your facts. But look at your communication style.

I don't get your point. What is YOUR communication style? You try and tell me that I'm wrong in the first part of your post, and then tell me that I'm actually right and you're not disputing the facts. Either you agree with me or you disagree. Private money being spent twice to do a job that's already been paid for is not success. No it is utter failure. That is what I'm communicating.

This is a discussion forum. Multiple opinions allowed, including yours. But don't put words in my mouth. I am not a flowerpot, happy hippie running around the garbage and poo as if it were treasures out of the baskets of Eden. But where people work, solutions can be found. And even a supreme negative douche must admit that TONS of amazing things happened in Johannesburg since 2001.

Great, thank you for allowing me my opinion. If you are upset by my style of posting, sincere apologies, there is always the ignore function. Or alternatively you can leave the forum like you have threatened many times.
Yes, solutions can be found, but even a supreme positive douche must admit that 'improvements' to infrastructure paid for by private institutions to lure customers is no success at all, and is doomed to not improve the lives of many, albeit any.

The reason I can come across as aggressive is because of the frustration when people assure me I am incorrect about Joburg. I know what I see, I'm not stupid. If I didn't give a shit about Joburg I wouldn't get aggressive.

If you are happy to let the city off because of "high densities per capita", and are happy with "the amazing things that have happened in Joburg" then by all means CoJ is doing a fine job. And I'm sure you'll be voting in this fine government again because of the stellar job they are doing. I for one don't enjoy living in mediocrity, and don't enjoy getting mediocre services. Some of Joburg's services are worse than mediocre these days, but if you are fine with it, then the best of luck to you.

Good day

Jakes1

June 18th, 2012, 05:09 PM

Oi vey. Ah well. I guess I am also quite condescending at times. So we conclude Joburg is Fucked. Lets close the fucking forum then.

Jakes1

June 18th, 2012, 05:17 PM

Inertia

June 18th, 2012, 06:03 PM

And it is not even that I disagree with what you are saying. But jirre dude, your attitude pisses me off. I spend time on this forum because of the great people that I have met while discussing matters of concern. Celebrating successes and venting frustrations. However, your unlimited vigour in attacking any notion of positivity negates the main reason for this forum's existence. So we ignore ALL private sector investments? Because they just don't count?

Anyhoo. You know who you remind me off? A lot? Enigma, our friend that left for Aus (or NZ, who cares) years ago. Read through your statements again to see what a bully you are turning into.

Good, I'm glad that I've pissed you off. All I want is for people here to say, "You know what, things are bad and I'm not gonna take it anymore!". Watch a movie called Network and you'll get what I mean.

It's this whole forum's attitude that pisses me off. When no good news appears, the forum dies. How is this productive? Everyone else outside of Joburg thinks: "well things must be dandy in Joburg, I haven't seen anything to prove otherwise".

Would you prefer it if I didn't post anything about that absolutely horrible experience I had in the CBD on Saturday (not my first), and just pretend that I was in another country and that this isn't becoming the fate for most Joburg suburbs? You guys are honestly the biggest bunch of hypocrites. You whine and say you're called happy-clappy hippies when you post positive news, fair enough. But when one person posts something 'negative' (re. what's really happening on the ground), it either gets no reply or a 'Geez hello Enigma reincarnate why don't you just move to Aus'. What a joke man.

The only way to get anything across here is to become aggressive IMO. And your sassy and condescending comments don't help either Jakes1

Jakes1

June 18th, 2012, 06:14 PM

musiccity

June 18th, 2012, 06:16 PM

Inertia, if I said I was packing my bags and moving from The States to Joburg tomorrow and I've never been to the city what would you tell me?

Letter16

June 18th, 2012, 06:21 PM

joburg is a big city. and the joburg cbd is also a vast area. this seems almost unneccesary to explain but the city and the cbd are in different states or repair as the size of the areas would suggest.

you cant just dismiss everyone that doesnt agree with the notion that joburg in its entirety is a failed city. and that people that don't think so dont know the city well enough, that they are rosy eyed or support the anc.

there is a way to say something negative and have it constructive. saying something and in the same breath preempting anyone that might disagree with you and labelling, and dismissing them is not contructive.

the perception of the city is quite subjective but it would be difficult to convince me that the cbd in general (obviously there are nuances) has been on the decline in the past 10-15 years. you cant refute peoples experiences and how they see things. i have seen most parts of the inner city improve during this time. i havent been around bertrams and the area near ellis park a 2/3 years but that picture is a "snap shot". its not representative of the other parts of joburg. i can take a picture which the same from quite a few corners in woodstock/salt river.

its also not true that all improvements in joburg have been in spite of the city and not through any of its initiative. and that's the city.

joburg has its problems but in some ways it is far, far ahead of all the other metros in delivering development that has made profound differences to people's lives.

RODDAS

June 18th, 2012, 08:51 PM

those pictures could have been taken in parts of london or new york, ever been to paris?
big up jakes1 and letter16

annman

June 19th, 2012, 08:59 AM

^^ Okay guys! :ohno:

There is clearly something wrong if there is so much raw emotion about this issue. I'm going to try to bring some balance to this debate in an attempt to diffuse the situation and marry the optimists with the pessimists.

Do both sides have a case to present; yes, indeed. There are serious problems with Johannesburg's management, but also large improvements being made. We cannot see each in isolation. We have to look at the holistic urban entity and analyse what is going right and what is going wrong.

I do not live in Jo'burg and do not visit all that often, I probably am there for a few days at a time, perhaps twice a year, so I'm admitting a somewhat limited perspective.

What is Johannesburg good at: Big vision. This has never been the city's problem and this ability must be applauded, despite any other issues we may see arising. Johannesburg is the city that gave birth to Africa's first high-speed urban rail network. The Gautrain is by no means a small feat and is indeed comparable with first-world transit systems.

Newtown, Braamfontein and environs are examples of Johannesburg's CBD experiencing upliftment from its western fringes. Parts of the inner-city are definitely greatly improved. Has it reached a critical mass where huge developments are taking place here in lieu of Sandton; well, not quite yet, but conversions are happening, upgrades to buildings are taking place in the CBD's west and certain public squares and streets are being improved.

There are some wholesale road upgrades. Yes, many of these are part of SANRAL's much maligned eToll scheme, but this too may come to pass and hoping a Gauteng ring-fenced fuel levy becomes the solution.

Many northern suburb nodes are looking pretty good. However, it seems kudos must go mostly to the communities and businesses involved. I get the feeling many of these areas look good and well-kept due to a critical mass of strategically important businesses and their subsequent involvement with urban management activities.

So, what's wrong? Well, it has been well-publicised: The problem the City of Joburg has is doing the basics. Billing, it just can't seem to get it right and this crisis even made it onto CNN-International. Street lights, road maintenance and associated infrastructure; it seems there are lights out everywhere (this is a crime-safety hazard), road verges are often left to grow unchecked with sidewalks becoming a thing-of-the-past in many parts of the city. Traffic signals are often out-of-order, road signage is from decades prior, sometimes so old it's almost illegible and manhole covers and potholes are left open quite often.

Rubbish collection does seem to be an issue, there seems to also be a disconnect in big-event days and the anticipation thereof; in other words, if you know Saturdays are a huge day in suburb-X, you have Pick-it-Up crews there on that same evening to clean up, this stops rubbish from collecting, clogging drains, blowing into surrounding areas etc.

The billing issues and lower-levels of revenue and fine collection exacerbate the problem; uncollected levies means people who're despondent feel they can get away with non-compliance and the frustration grows as lack-of-funds drains the ability to do basic maintenance to the city.

Let's face facts: Cape Town is run better from an administrative perspective. It is indisputable, it is a documented fact, from Moody ratings, to the AG, to SALGA reports, to local governance performance report cards. However, what Johannesburg does that Cape Town seems adverse to is "thinking big."

So, what is the solution? It definitely is not to have a brawl on SSC. That will get you guys nowhere. Pessimists must ensure their anger is targeted, not at the optimists (because then you loose their empathy), but at the CoJ. Use targeted anger to bring about change however you can. Optimists, also do not dismiss real issues out-of-hand, because you want to remain positive. This too, could cause blissful apathy. Remain upbeat, whilst still keeping one's eyes open to that which could improve, so that the passion and will to rectify issues remains ingrained within the psyche.

Johannesburg is a city with amazing potential and has a vibe and cultural beat many a city could be envious of, but there are many puzzle pieces missing to completely unlock this potential. Keep your guys eyes' on what's important and make changes to Johannesburg, because given an administration that can maintain the "big vision," but prioritises getting the basics right, could make this city fly!!!

Inertia

June 19th, 2012, 11:35 AM

So fair to say a bit of balanced reporting on all sides could be a good idea? Its silly to say the city is perfect. But fucked? Really? Totally fucked in every single aspect? Here I can never agree with you.

Yes, just a bit of balance! Look, personally, for me, I don't see a bright future for the city. I'm sorry but that's just the feeling I get driving through it everyday. Nothing yet has been able to change my opinion. The term 'fucked' was borrowed from Diggerdog. To be more verbose, I have the feeling that the city is on a path where the best outcome at this stage is that things won't get worse, it will stay on the same path - what this means is that if some areas improve, if Sandton get's a new 50 storey building, then other areas will decline. More roads will remain unmaintained in some area of the south, a few more buildings may burn down in the CBD due to lack of maintenance.
This kind of balances things out. I've noticed that some areas may be looking better, but other areas just keep looking worse.

Joburg is a huuuuge city, and probably the toughest to manage of all the metros. Yet I don't think it's an excuse for mismanagement. I think the current administration has failed. I think that is obvious. There are some projects by the city that are awesome. Gautrain, the freeway upgrades, but there are other things that suck. Right outside Rosebank station there are about 3 bollards that have been smashed over by busses that have never been fixed. Deep trenches outside the station where who knows what are for have been left open for months, bricks piled up and dirt piled up. It's these small things that get to me.

Inertia, if I said I was packing my bags and moving from The States to Joburg tomorrow and I've never been to the city what would you tell me?

I would tell you to prepare yourself for an awesome time as the people and the vibe of Joburg has yet to be matched by another city for me. However I would tell you not to expect things to work as they do in the States, otherwise you would keel over and die.

^^ Okay guys! :ohno:

There is clearly something wrong if there is so much raw emotion about this issue. I'm going to try to bring some balance to this debate in an attempt to diffuse the situation and marry the optimists with the pessimists.

Do both sides have a case to present; yes, indeed. There are serious problems with Johannesburg's management, but also large improvements being made. We cannot see each in isolation. We have to look at the holistic urban entity and analyse what is going right and what is going wrong.

I do not live in Jo'burg and do not visit all that often, I probably am there for a few days at a time, perhaps twice a year, so I'm admitting a somewhat limited perspective.

What is Johannesburg good at: Big vision. This has never been the city's problem and this ability must be applauded, despite any other issues we may see arising. Johannesburg is the city that gave birth to Africa's first high-speed urban rail network. The Gautrain is by no means a small feat and is indeed comparable with first-world transit systems.

Newtown, Braamfontein and environs are examples of Johannesburg's CBD experiencing upliftment from its western fringes. Parts of the inner-city are definitely greatly improved. Has it reached a critical mass where huge developments are taking place here in lieu of Sandton; well, not quite yet, but conversions are happening, upgrades to buildings are taking place in the CBD's west and certain public squares and streets are being improved.

There are some wholesale road upgrades. Yes, many of these are part of SANRAL's much maligned eToll scheme, but this too may come to pass and hoping a Gauteng ring-fenced fuel levy becomes the solution.

Many northern suburb nodes are looking pretty good. However, it seems kudos must go mostly to the communities and businesses involved. I get the feeling many of these areas look good and well-kept due to a critical mass of strategically important businesses and their subsequent involvement with urban management activities.

So, what's wrong? Well, it has been well-publicised: The problem the City of Joburg has is doing the basics. Billing, it just can't seem to get it right and this crisis even made it onto CNN-International. Street lights, road maintenance and associated infrastructure; it seems there are lights out everywhere (this is a crime-safety hazard), road verges are often left to grow unchecked with sidewalks becoming a thing-of-the-past in many parts of the city. Traffic signals are often out-of-order, road signage is from decades prior, sometimes so old it's almost illegible and manhole covers and potholes are left open quite often.

Rubbish collection does seem to be an issue, there seems to also be a disconnect in big-event days and the anticipation thereof; in other words, if you know Saturdays are a huge day in suburb-X, you have Pick-it-Up crews there on that same evening to clean up, this stops rubbish from collecting, clogging drains, blowing into surrounding areas etc.

The billing issues and lower-levels of revenue and fine collection exacerbate the problem; uncollected levies means people who're despondent feel they can get away with non-compliance and the frustration grows as lack-of-funds drains the ability to do basic maintenance to the city.

Let's face facts: Cape Town is run better from an administrative perspective. It is indisputable, it is a documented fact, from Moody ratings, to the AG, to SALGA reports, to local governance performance report cards. However, what Johannesburg does that Cape Town seems adverse to is "thinking big."

So, what is the solution? It definitely is not to have a brawl on SSC. That will get you guys nowhere. Pessimists must ensure their anger is targeted, not at the optimists (because then you loose their empathy), but at the CoJ. Use targeted anger to bring about change however you can. Optimists, also do not dismiss real issues out-of-hand, because you want to remain positive. This too, could cause blissful apathy. Remain upbeat, whilst still keeping one's eyes open to that which could improve, so that the passion and will to rectify issues remains ingrained within the psyche.

Johannesburg is a city with amazing potential and has a vibe and cultural beat many a city could be envious of, but there are many puzzle pieces missing to completely unlock this potential. Keep your guys eyes' on what's important and make changes to Johannesburg, because given an administration that can maintain the "big vision," but prioritises getting the basics right, could make this city fly!!!

Thanks for this well thought out response. I don't think Joburg is doomed. In the bottom of my heart I hope that the DA will win in 2014 and turn things around. But everyone tells me I'm crazy and that this will never happen. Oh well, I guess only time will tell.

Diggerdog

June 19th, 2012, 12:42 PM

Good.
So, actually we are not that far apart in our views. We all (or most of us) vote and hope that the DA will come in here.
We all acknowledge there is terrible mismanagement here, some derelict areas and a host of missed opportunities.
We all acknowledge that there are improvements, some of which are obvious like the Gautrain, new OR Tambo, the BRT...and other improvements like the Soweto theatre and the new library and other refurbs and wotnot.

I suppose where we may differ is which way we think Joburg is going...some of us think up and away...others think down and out.
But we can see.

One thing though, surprised Inertia had to borrow the term 'fucked' from me. Thought he knew all about it..!

annman

June 19th, 2012, 01:05 PM

Caisson Boy

June 19th, 2012, 01:10 PM

Having read all of the posts from the past three days has really left me feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all. I too don't travel much to Johannesburg, and I have not visited the CBD since November 2009, when it looked a bit shocking to me - but not more than I had anticipated. A redeeming action for the city of Joburg could be spending a lot of money on making the CBD the centre of business again, like it was in the 1970s, when Hillbrow and Berea were almost like Manhattan. But we all also know what the cost of that was in terms of human rights and dignity. The sad thing for me is that in stead of saving the CBD, the city "allowed" the creation of a new CBD in Sandton, or condoned it in some way. And by "the city", I mean the municipality and the people themselves. It's like everybody just gave up on reviving and revitalising the old CBD. And if one were to make the inevitable comparison with Cape Town, a much much smaller city with a much much smaller and poorer base of taxpayers and ratepayers, this is the one thing that it got right: it saved its traditional CBD instead of creating a new one where big businesses would feel at home. Many would argue that this was done at the expense of improving the living conditions of Capetonians. Many would also argue that this was done instead of homogenising the segregated city - and I agree that this is damaging to the image of Cape Town. But the iconic image of Cape Town is that of a clean, safe and modern CBD and inner city suburbs, where the majority of business and commerce can remain concentrated. And if we take the CBD to be the heart of a city, then cities like Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and to a lesser extent even Durban and Pietermaritzburg have managed to get right one vital thing that Johannesburg did not.

Unfortunately - I feel - a key part of fixing a city that has declined into partial ruin is to make its CBD pristine and an attractive place to do business in and to live in. In my view, bringing the Joburg CBD back to this point will take more (and MUCH more) than just covering manholes, fixing up pavements and collecting rubbish and rubble.... but these things are the MOST BASIC maintenance and service delivery issues that every city faces and has a responsiblity towards. There really is no excuse for the current state of the Joburg CBD. And whether it is the ANC or COPE or the DA that runs the municipality, it does not change what needs to be done here.

I almost feel guilty that I live in a clean and well maintained city. But even here we have service delivery protests - the month of May 2012 saw a spike in service delivery protests in South Africa, with the Western Cape and Cape Town having the most in all of SA. And whether we believe the conspiracy theorists that this is part of "Project Reclaim" or not - it shows that every city has more than one face to it. I admit that I spend most of my time in Cape Town and don't visit other South African cities often enough to be able to make a fair comparison. And this is part of why I also won't proclaim that the DA has created a little paradise for us here... managing a city, and improving a city day-to-day and year-on-year is a mammoth task. And in a country like SA where it is a constant struggle agains vandalism, cable and metal theft, littering, loitering and illegal settlements, the task is even more challenging. But the city needs to keep a firm grip and not let things slip for a single day. That is what a council needs to do. If there is rubbish piling up, it HAS to be cleaned up immediately. If there is a sinkhole in the road, it HAS to be fixed immediately. If protestors dig a hole in the freeway, it HAS to be closed up and sealed the very same day. And this applies everywhere. So if the Joburg city council allowed manholes to be stolen and not replaced, or allowed Nelson Mandela Bridge to deteriorate, then they deserve every bit of criticism. I have travelled to many big cities in the world. It is not unusual for a city to have two faces to it. They all do: Amsterdam, Paris, London, Istanbul, Casablanca, Madrid. But some manage better than others to keep fixing what is wrong.

Jakes1

June 19th, 2012, 02:04 PM

Valid points.

Caisson Boy

June 19th, 2012, 03:17 PM

I also think that most of us forumers have been to cities in Western Europe or Australia or North America or the East and are comparing South African cities to Melbourne, Singapore, London, New York, etc.... Sadly, such a comparison will almost without fail lead to frustration with the general cleanliness, efficiency of public transport, speed at which projects are completed, etc. But when compared to many African cities (with the possible exception of Windhoek and Gaborone), even Johannesburg looks pretty clean and neat - certainly on Streetview. But this does not excuse neglect or mismanagement. Rather, it shows what amazing potential the cities of South Africa have.

waltjie

June 19th, 2012, 05:34 PM

^^ Exactly. Johannesburg may be at the edge of a cliff right now. But, it's up to you, all your friends, colleagues, neighbours and every Gauteng resident whether Johannesburg is going to be given wings to fly, a parachute to just float or whether it's going to plummet. :)

And here is the problem, IMHO. The majority likes to pretend that everything is hunky-dory, and therefore don't really get involved. It's easy to turn a blind eye and say it's someone else's problem.

SYDNEY

June 20th, 2012, 04:22 AM

Anyhoo. You know who you remind me off? A lot? Enigma, our friend that left for Aus (or NZ, who cares) years ago. Read through your statements again to see what a bully you are turning into.

it either gets no reply or a 'Geez hello Enigma reincarnate why don't you just move to Aus'. What a joke man.

:lol: Got this link in my Inbox and at first I found it hard to believe but it's true :lol: Amazing that after 7 years I am still fresh in the minds of many, I definitely made quite an impression ;)

Inertia and many others have every right to feel frustrated and voice his/her opinion as they feel fit. I know exactly how they feel and I sympathise with them. It is their democratic right as tax payers/voters/citizens to not tolerate such inefficiency. As they say, good luck boys and vasbyt :cheers:

@ Jakes, I moved to to Auckland, New Zealand - if you didn't care you would not have revived Enigma from the "dead" - let sleeping dogs lie mate ;)

musiccity

June 20th, 2012, 04:49 AM

SYDNEY, your originally from South Africa?

SYDNEY

June 20th, 2012, 04:59 AM

SYDNEY, your originally from South Africa?

Yeah, I lived in Rustenburg, Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town. My partner of 12 years and I moved to NZ 7 years ago (I can't believe that it has been that long already). We became NZ citizens in March 2011.

Back then I was known as Enigma and to cut a long story short I left South Africa in a very angry, bitter and disappointed state - I had enough of just about everything and I was close to having a nervous breakdown - on second thought, perhaps I did have one ;). Now I am as cool as a cucumber, very happy and find myself dealing with itchy feet - a midlife crises perhaps ;)

musiccity

June 20th, 2012, 05:15 AM

Well New Zealand is a pretty sweet place to move to. Hell, even I wanna immigrate there and I live in the US. :nuts:

SYDNEY

June 20th, 2012, 05:17 AM

Well New Zealand is a pretty sweet place to move to. Hell, even I wanna immigrate there and I live in the US. :nuts:

Feel free to pm me if you would like to discuss things further but I would prefer to not hang around here and hijack this thread, I hope that you understand. Let's leave the South Africans to continue their debate ;) I just wanted to pop in and say hi :)

Jakes1

June 20th, 2012, 11:19 AM

Yeah, I lived in Rustenburg, Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town. My partner of 12 years and I moved to NZ 7 years ago (I can't believe that it has been that long already). We became NZ citizens in March 2011.

Back then I was known as Enigma and to cut a long story short I left South Africa in a very angry, bitter and disappointed state - I had enough of just about everything and I was close to having a nervous breakdown - on second thought, perhaps I did have one ;). Now I am as cool as a cucumber, very happy and find myself dealing with itchy feet - a midlife crises perhaps ;)

Hehe, well you made quite the impression on all of us it seems! Cool as a cucumber? I find that hard to believe!

Jakes1

June 20th, 2012, 11:19 AM

Feel free to pm me if you would like to discuss things further but I would prefer to not hang around here and hijack this thread, I hope that you understand. Let's leave the South Africans to continue their debate ;) I just wanted to pop in and say hi :)

Its been far too long since we had a decent hijacking!

Jakes1

June 20th, 2012, 11:26 AM

In other news. I am noticing that construction equipment is being unpacked at the Melrose Arch site (the open plot that falls between Melrose Arch, Corlett drive and the M1. There seems to be cranes on site. Construction of the small office building on the other side of Corlett Drive is continuing (Paragon architects designed it, so bound to be funky). Waverly office park on the other side of the M1 is also under construction. But it is UGLY!

kulani

June 26th, 2012, 11:42 AM

Cell C to build new head office campus
CEO Alan Knott-Craig says there will be "nothing on the campus you can't do". By Duncan McLeod.

Article reference (http://www.techcentral.co.za/cell-c-to-build-new-head-office-campus/32985/)

Third mobile operator Cell C plans to build a new, 50 000sq m campus north of Sandton to integrate its disparate offices, which are located across Johannesburg, from Parktown to Sandton.

The new facility — which will house Cell C’s head office, a national network operations centre (NOC), customer walk-in centres, its call centre and a distribution warehouse — will be built at the confluence of the N1 and the N3 freeways near Woodmead, about 2km south of Midrand.

It will be located on currently vacant land diagonally opposite TopTV’s head office across the Buccleuch interchange.

A number of technology companies, including Nashua and Oracle, already have offices in the area, which is centrally located between Johannesburg and Pretoria, with a freeway to the east leading to OR Tambo International airport.

“We’re currently spread all over the place,” Cell C CEO Alan Knott-Craig tells TechCentral. “Everything will now be in one building. We will build a new NOC, IT and data centres, and a proper customer care centre. There’ll be nothing on the campus you can’t do.”

When Knott-Craig was group CEO of Vodacom, he was instrumental in the construction of a sprawling campus for the mobile operator in Midrand, with a shopping centre called Vodaworld — recently renamed Vodacom World — taking centre stage. The Vodacom facility includes conference facilities and a gym.

The new Cell C campus will form part of the multibillion-rand Waterfall Business Estate development, which straddles the N1 between the Buccleuch interchange and Midrand’s Allandale Road. Property fund Atterbury Investment Holdings is the major investor in the property development. The Islamic Institute has owned the land since 1934. According to a recent report in the Business Report newspaper, Atterbury had secured a 99-year lease over the site because the land could not be sold in terms of Islamic law.

The Waterfall development will consist of a shopping mall, offices and homes.

“This is one of the only places left between Johannesburg and Pretoria where land is relatively cheap,” Knott-Craig says. “It’s also easier to get things like fibre in there.”

He says the company has secured sufficient space to allow it to build more offices if needed in future. In total, about 2 500 people will work at the facility, including Cell C staff, contractors and suppliers.

The company expects to move into the new facility on 1 December 2013. “They turn the soil in a week,” Knott-Craig says. — (c) 2012 NewsCentral Media

kulani

June 28th, 2012, 03:27 PM

Cell phone operator Cell C hopes to move into its new 46,000m² campus between the busy Buccleuch Interchange and the Allandale off-ramp on the N1 between Johannesburg and Midrand by the end of 2013.

The site, on Waterfall Business Estate, will include a massive warehouse to accommodate its stock being shipped in and out of the precinct as well as conference facilities; its main repair centre; a hi-tech network control centre; a walk-in customer care centre; design and engineering elements and a staff contingent of around 2,500 people.

mike2005

August 1st, 2012, 11:15 AM

Inertia

August 1st, 2012, 11:32 AM

Look, my view is this: yes the city is not perfect and it is very badly run and yes the CBD is still mostly grotty and run down and pretty unsafe (this is reality sorry chaps). But there is far more to Joburg than the CBD and every city has bad areas. Besides our new CBD is Sandton/Rosebank/Melrose Arch and those areas are brilliant (thanks to the private sector organisations who run those districts) . Taking a wider the view the city is a great place to live and work and offers a lifestyle that far exceeds any other major financial centre. Doing the same job as I do in say Sydney and London I could never afford the house I live in, the servants the restaurants etc (not even close) despite the fact that I would earn a bit more in those cities. Joburg also has great people, an amazing can do attitude (in the private sector at least) and some of the most innovative and exciting business on earth. It is the gateway to the continent that is the final economic frontier which is a pretty exciting position to be in! Our weather is as close to perfect as you can get and within a few hours I can be out in a game reserve experiencing something that you can simply never find in Australia, Europe etc: the magic of the African bushveld and our incredible animals. As someone who has lived in London and Sydney I would say that, taken as a package, our lifestyles/standard of living in Joburg far exceed those places and as a city I would say Joburg beats them hands down because of that. However that does not mean that I cannot gripe about the city council and find some of the unrealistic posts about how safe and clean the CBD/Hillbrow is on this to be completely ludicrous.

Completely agree. My intention has never been to deny that Joburg is a very liveable city. However the current administration needs to be removed ASAP before it becomes unliveable!

Case in point: The council recently hiked rates for most properties in Joburg. This was done on a pretty general basis with nothing really based on fact or verifiable documents. It's quite clear they are trying to get more revenue from a source they know they can milk - the middle to upper class home owners. Unfortunately this is slowly starting to make living even more expensive in Joburg. My folks up in Joburg have taken the council to court regarding the increases, and their attorney informs them they are just one of thousands doing the same.

In what kind of city are the citizens taking the local council to court en masse?

SUNS 25

August 1st, 2012, 11:55 AM

eh Inertia, I think he (Government) should rehabilitate the CBD of johannesburg, it became rotten. with crime, lack of maintenance, and decaying buildings.:)

Just my opinion. ;)

Inertia

August 1st, 2012, 02:01 PM

eh Inertia, I think he (Government) should rehabilitate the CBD of johannesburg, it became rotten. with crime, lack of maintenance, and decaying buildings.:)

Just my opinion. ;)

Really don't feel like re-hashing this whole saga again. Yes we know what needs to be done, and it's not just the CBD - everything else is still holding together due to private investment. That was the whole point.

End discussion.

Diggerdog

August 1st, 2012, 02:05 PM

Inertia, if your intention 'has never been to deny that Joburg is a very liveable city' - then you have failed miserably...that is pretty much all you do on here.

Mikes post was considered and balanced, and summarised pretty well the situation in Joburg.
Joburg has a lot, and could have more, much more.
We know the current administration is rubbish- but that's just it - 'current' administration!
Administrations change, and even with the mismanagement, there are real areas of growth and success in Joburg.
Whilst you are ranting(often legitimately) about that state of some streets or rubbish collection or blatant mismanagement, just try and balance it a bit so you don't come across as a death of Joburg fan.
Unless, that's what you actually are...in which case we have a problem.

Inertia

August 1st, 2012, 02:24 PM

Diggerdog

August 1st, 2012, 02:28 PM

Woohoo! Thanks. And you tend to upset Joburgers more than non-Joburgers...just saying...

Inertia

August 1st, 2012, 02:39 PM

Woohoo! Thanks. And you tend to upset Joburgers more than non-Joburgers...just saying...

Only the hopelessly disillusioned :dunno: :lol:

mike2005

August 1st, 2012, 03:13 PM

Yup I dont think Inertia has done or said anything wrong. I also get annoyed with the wallys who come on this forum and talk about how clean and safe CBD/hillbrow is. I LOVE my city but the fact is beyond a pocket here and there those areas are still mostly run down, dirty and unpleasant. And yes our city council is totally crap. But our private sector has luckily picked up the reigns where the city has totally lost the ability to function meaning areas like Sandton CBD, Rosebank, Melrose Arch, Parkhurst etc are FANTASTIC.

Sadly though the chances of the ANC losing power in Joburg are the same as pigs flying over Ponte: virtually zero. Take a look at the last local election results and you will see that the ANC hardly lost any ground at all (and a few township wards do not eman that the DA are going to sweep Joburg in the next).

mike2005

August 1st, 2012, 03:19 PM

And frankly Joburg is NOT about the CBD. Its commercial heart, its social pulse its cultural districts have long since left that area and they wont return (big corporates are still leaving the CBD and not returning to it ie: CIB, Hollard, Mutual and Federal to name a few in the last year). As I have said before our CBD has moved and its time our forummers stopped being obsessed with an area that will NEVER be the hub of the city again and start to realise that you cant really judge whether the Joburg is a cool place based on the OLD inner city. Its as stupid as judging London based on somewhere like Croydon.

Much as I like going to Market in Braamies or Arts on Main, the OLD city centre is basically largely irrelevant to my life as a Joburger and certainly NOT the focul point or most important district in the city.

rubbercenter

August 3rd, 2012, 09:22 AM

Joburg, the town-about-town

ANITA POWELL
A panel of cultural experts includes Johannesburg on an elite list of culturally rich international cities. But does the city that locals love to hate deserve its place next to heavyweights like Mumbai, Paris, New York and Sydney? Reporting from London, I’ve found myself coming around to Joburg’s humble charms.

Walking around London, it’s easy to feel that one is in the absolute centre of the universe. The city has buzzed with perpetual energy for 1,000 years – during the Olympics, it’s positively electric. People are even talking to each other on the Tube.

So it comes as some surprise to come here and learn that Johannesburg, the city that residents love to grumble about, was chosen as a subject of the World Culture Report, leaving it rubbing shoulders with the likes of Paris, New York, Tokyo, Mumbai and Sydney.

The authors of the report admit that it was chosen in the spirit of tokenism, an attempt to represent every continent. Research leader Paul Owens pointed to Joburg’s large economic impact, to its size, to its proliferation of immigrants.

“I think there are strong arguments for including it as an economic powerhouse,” he said. “It’s a pretty important place no matter how you look at it.”

But, he added: “It’s certainly true that it’s on a very, very different trajectory from a city like New York.”

Still, come on.

New York is… well, New York. It needs no introduction, no defence.

Paris inspired Pablo Picasso, Coco Chanel, Claude Monet and Ernest Hemingway. George Orwell was down and out in London and Paris – not in Benoni and Randburg.

We don’t even have a monopoly on Mahatma Gandhi.

London has a floppy-haired mayor known for taking mass transport to another level, for hosting the Olympics, and for – allegedly – rescuing a London woman in the middle of a mugging. This week in London, our biggest cultural ambassador is… Julius Malema.

Shanghai and Sydney have great architecture. So does Joburg, but you have to endure Mission Impossible-like barriers just to get into your house.

At least we share with Berlin a number of cultural monuments dedicated to making us feel sad about our bad, bad ancestors.

Photo: Johannesburg, by Greg Marinovich

When asked why Joburg was included, London’s Munira Mirza, deputy mayor for education and culture, pointed to our proliferation of second-hand shops and bookshops. This cynic in me says: Well, that’s great; we’re a self-sustaining recycling facility. Yes, the shops are great, but their popularity stems from a huge income divide, with rich people’s castoffs covering the backs of the city’s poor.

But listening to these cultural experts go on about what their cities have to offer, this jaded Joburger found herself thinking about the pleasures of Jozi.

Look at what Joburgers do with those second-hand clothes. For every Juicy Couture-clad Sandton girl toting an oversized Vuitton bag, there is a funky chick who took R30 to town... and went to town with her outfit.

For every Renoir hanging in a Paris museum, there is a dude on a Joburg street corner who, given an hour or two, can make a two-headed meter-high dragon out of beads and wire. It isn’t high art, but it is living art.

And for every Michelin-starred establishment and pop-up restaurant serving re-imagined baby food or macrobiotic fusion cuisine eaten while blindfolded, there is steak and the Spur and the ever-humble polony and chips. It’s ours.

But most importantly, Joburg has the fundamental ingredient needed to make it a great cultural hub. It has its people.

The truly great multicultural cities --– New York, where 40% of residents are foreign-born; London, where 300 languages are spoken daily.

Ours come from overland, not overseas, but the effect is the same.

And unlike the established greats, Joburg affords every resident a unique opportunity to write the city’s living culture. And people are – in the past few years, the inner city has begun to flower, new art museums have opened, independent purveyors have popped up offering everything from artisanal gin to bespoke boots.

So what’s bringing Joburg down? We are. DM

http://dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2012-08-03-joburg-the-town-about-town

musiccity

August 3rd, 2012, 07:04 PM

Theres Sandton, Rosebank, Melrose, but it seems theres another up and coming area.. Bedfordview.

takz

August 6th, 2012, 03:03 PM

hey im doin an essay for geography

the topic can be any aspect related to post-apartheid influences and how its strutctured johannesburg today

do u guys have any suggestions on what aspect to focus on?
something that i can perhaps write 2000 words on. u guys always seem to have thought-provoking thoughts
due on wednesday lol, wits sucks

Jakes1

September 13th, 2012, 10:08 PM

We often blame government alone for the degradation in our cities. I currently live in Killarney, where an evil property owner is hell-bent on turning every building into a slum so that he can overcrowd buildings and make money (buying rundown buildings much cheaper). Dr Martindale. I live across from one of his buildings. No maintenance. The pool is filled with rubbish. The gates don't work. Garbage spills over into the garden. He is buying more and more apartments in Killarney, taking over the body corporates. Levies are note invested, building gets worse, more owners sell (see the pattern). What a F*CKing bastard.

Inertia

September 13th, 2012, 10:21 PM

Diggerdog

September 21st, 2012, 05:15 AM

Joburg dudes, keep a lookout for these and let us know what they look like once installed...

Shelters for commuters
13 September 2012

Johannesburg residents, especially those using public transport, are urged to comment on the proposed locations of the bus shelters

The City of Joburg is soon to roll out 1 400 bus shelters and is calling on residents to comment on the suitability or appropriateness of their proposed locations.
About 10 shelters will be erected a month over the next two years across all the City’s regions to provide commuters with shade and protection.
In line with the Joburg 2040 Strategy, the City is working towards creating an efficient public transport system and encourages a behavioural change to achieve a more eco-mobile City.
Cllr Rehana Moosajee, a Member of the Mayoral Committee for Transport, said the shelters would benefit all commuters irrespective of their preferred mode of transport.
“All commuters will be entitled to use these shelters, irrespective of whether they are travelling on Metro buses or taxis,” said Moosajee.
A “landmark” or “slimline” shelter will be provided, depending on the number of people who will be using it and the size of the sidewalk.
Both designs offer universal access, with the sidewalk as far away as possible.
Other features include ergonomically designed and comfortable seating with backrests, as well as wheelchair or pram space, making the shelters easily accessible, safe and secure.
See-through openings have also been created in the back and side panels of the shelters.
To promote safety and security for commuters waiting inside, the shelters will be adequately illuminated using LED energy-saving or solar-powered lighting.
The new shelters offer maximum shade and wind protection and will be constructed from long-lasting weather resistant materials that will be cool in summer and not as cold during winter.
“We are trying to integrate and prioritise the requirements of all commuters and make Johannesburg an eco-mobile City. By improving our transport systems, we aim to encourage private car owners to change their behaviour and adopt public transport as their transport means. We encourage all residents and commuters of Joburg to give us feedback on the location listings of the commuter shelters,” said Moosajee.
All members of the public are invited to comment on the location of these new shelters.
Listings are presently being published in newspapers and the City’s website. They will also be displayed at council offices and public places such as libraries and clinics.
Comments and objections can be emailed to theodorabo@joburg.org.za, faxed to (011) 870-4501/2, posted to The Executive Director: Transport, PO Box 30733, Braamfontein 2017 or delivered at 66 Sauer Street, Cnr Jeppe Street, Johannesburg.
“We will consider your comments and advise on the outcome. We may also contact you to further discuss your comment and objection. All comments must be sent within 30 days of appearance of the newspaper adverts,” Moosajee said.

Read more: http://www.joburg.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8261:shelters-for-commuters&catid=88:news-update&Itemid=266#ixzz274Q7qMIO

Pule

September 21st, 2012, 09:49 AM

will certainly be on the lookout...

RODDAS

September 21st, 2012, 12:17 PM

Joburg tops with overseas travelers

13 September 2012

http://www.joburg.org.za/images/stories/2012/Sept/joburg22.jpg

Acting Johannesburg Tourism Company CEO Phelisa Mangcu says the report is a feather in the cap for all the stakeholders who are working hard to promote tourism in the City

The City of Joburg is cool! That’s what millions of international visitors say.
According to the latest MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index, the City of Gold is the second-most popular destination on the African continent.
A projected 2.5 million international visitors are expected to visit Joburg this year and spend about R27.8-billion, an increase of 8.1% compared with last year’s figures.

Thirteen African cities – Cairo, Johannesburg, Casablanca, Accra, Nairobi, Beira, Cape Town, Dakar, Durban, Kampala, Lagos, Maputo and Tunis – are ranked among 132 most popular cities in the world.
Ahead of Johannesburg in terms of visitor numbers in Africa is Cairo, with 3.3 million travelers expected to visit the Egyptian city this year alone. Morocco’s Casablanca is third, with 2.1 million visitors expected to pay it a visit during the same period.

Although more visitors will flock to Cairo, the 2.5 million who will pop into Johannesburg will spend more dollars than the Egyptian capital will rake in during the same period.

Cairo gets relegated to second place, with the city expecting to attract about R25.2 billion in cross-border spending, followed by Casablanca at R16 billion.
“This is the second installment of the MasterCard Index, which is used as a barometer for understanding the global economy and the dynamic flow of commerce across the world,” said Dries Zietsman, MasterCard Worldwide Country Manager: South Africa.

“The index ranks 132 global cities by their total international visitor arrivals and the cross-border spending by visitors in the destination cities. It also forecasts visitor and passenger growth for 2012.”
The three cities where most visitors to Johannesburg originate from are London (328 000 people), Frankfurt (196 000) and Dubai (166 500).
In addition to Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town were also surveyed.
The index reveals that Durban will be the fastest growing city in Africa on both visitor numbers and expenditure.
It is also predicted to be the second-fastest growing city of all the 132 cities surveyed, with a projected 33.3% growth in the number of international visitors and a 41.3% increase in visitor expenditure this year, albeit off a low base.
Joburg Tourism Company Acting Chief Executive Officer Phelisa Mangcu has welcomed the report.
“This is definitely a feather in the cap for all the stakeholders who have been marketing the City. This requires all of us to become the City’s ambassadors. We have to redouble our efforts and maintain the momentum. Let us all make sure that when visitors go back to their home countries they tell of how an enriching experience it has been to visit our city,” Mangcu said.
Tourism is one of the City’s key economic drivers. The City, through its 2040 Strategy, seeks to build a growing economy, with tourism playing a significant role.

Read more: http://www.joburg.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8262:joburg-tops-with-overseas-travelers&catid=88:news-update&Itemid=266#ixzz2767uo1hG