“Block by block, region by region, we’re going to build a cleaner and safer City with you and for you!”
That is how the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Mpho Phalatase, kicked off the official relaunch of #AreSebetseng in Newclare, Region B, on Friday, 6 May 2022.
Leading members of the mayoral committee, which included Cllr Michael Sun, Cllr Nkuli Mbundu, Cllr David Tembe, Cllr Ronald Harris, Cllr Funzi Ngobeni, Cllr Belinda Echeozonjoku, Speaker of Council Cllr Vasco da Gama and ward Councillor Amod Khan, Mayor Phalatse marshalled officials from the City and entities.
She told the troops gathered to give Newclare a cleaner makeover and that the work was not only the responsibility of the Multi-Party Government. Mayor Phalatse said that it required an all hands-on-deck approach, where together, residents and the government roll up their sleeves and dedicate their energies to bettering communities by keeping them clean, and where there is criminality alerting the authorities.
“Today is not only about cleaning this community but it is about inculcating a culture of active citizenry that says, ‘let me play my part, regardless of how small it might seem’. It is the small acts of citizenry that lead to big changes,” said Mayor Phalatse.
The launch of Phase 2 of A Re Sebetseng comes at a critical point for the City of Johannesburg for two reasons: It follows the State of the City Address, which laid out the programme of action and vision for Joburg and takes place ahead of the Budget Speech on 25 May 2022.
Street lights were fixed, potholes filled, leaking water pipes patched, refuse collected and educational material shared with residents of Newclare.
Mayor Phalatse said the City aims to be a vibrant, safe and resilient city where local government delivers a quality life for every resident”.
She said the Multi-Party Government needs not only the support of communities but for communities to be our eyes, ears and at times our hands on the ground.
“When we leave here, we require that you continue mobilizing yourselves to keep the streets and open spaces clean. In turn, we commit to playing our service delivery role. Active citizenry does not only mean picking up a broom, but it also means picking up the phone and alerting the City when you see leaking pipes and broken lights. Your contribution to a cleaner and safer Joburg does not stop there.”
Mayor Phalatse said residents turned a blind eye to incidents of crime because they do not directly affect them, which is wrong.
“When you see crime happening call the JMPD or the SAPS. In turn, we commit to ensuring that the JMPD is responsive,” said Mayor Phalatse.