Sello Jonathan Lemao is no stranger to City of Johannesburg. He is a seasoned councillor and brings his wealth of experience to his new role as Regional Director: Region B in Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM).
Sello’s career in the City began in 2001 as a ward committee member responsible for youth affairs. He served as a councillor from 2011 to 2018, holding positions such as Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Economic Development (2011-2012) and MMC for Public Safety (2012-2016). He also had a stint as Deputy Director of CRUM Augmented Field Services and acted as regional director before his official appointment in May 2024.
His background in education further informs his approach. Before joining the City, he worked as a teacher and later as a school head of commerce department. This experience in shaping young minds, coupled with his extensive tenure at the City, has paved the way for his current role.
“My vision for Region B aligns with the City’s broader aspiration to transform Johannesburg into a smart, inclusive, and sustainable city,” says Sello.
He is enthusiastic and eager to get started. Sello plans to tackle his new role head-on, prioritising investment, safety, and support for small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs).
Sello has set key priorities for Region B, starting with fostering active citizenship. This involves strengthening collaboration and communication with councillors, stakeholders, and residents. He also aims to build partnerships with the private sector, NGOs, and resident organisations to ensure services meet agreed standards. Additionally, he wants to promote a sense of community and well-being among residents, ensuring the region is responsive to stakeholders’ needs.
Another major focus is his commitment to creating a safer city and attracting investment. This includes improving policy frameworks, ensuring swift emergency response, and managing urban decay through coordinated efforts with city entities. By working closely with the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) and the City’s Geographic Information Systems (GFIS) department, he intends to address issues such as abandoned buildings and land, while also revitalising key areas to prevent further decline and attract investment.
Supporting SMMEs is another key priority. Sello plans to identify and develop small businesses in disadvantaged areas, empower young people and women, and ensure the completion of capital projects to improve infrastructure. By leveraging public employment programmes, he aims to create jobs and support sustainable urbanisation, contributing to the overall economic upliftment of Region B.
He holds a Master’s degree in Public Management, a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management and Development, a BTech in Education Management, and a Secondary Educator’s Diploma, among other qualifications.