As part of the Chris Hani Sports Complex initiative—under the broader Orange Farm Turnkey Project, the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) has completed a transformative Public Environment Upgrade along 16th Street and Moyane Drive in Orange Farm.
This strategic investment enhances access, mobility, and public amenities in one of Johannesburg’s most vibrant yet historically underserved communities.
Key improvements include:
- Paved sidewalks and safe pedestrian crossings
- Enhanced street lighting and trader stalls
- New street furniture and soft landscaping
These upgrades have reshaped the corridor into a safer, more accessible, and welcoming public space.
In a sector still dominated by men, this project stands as a beacon of women empowerment in construction. The main contractor, Gochi Construction Group—a 100% black woman-owned, multi-disciplinary firm—led the delivery of:
- Road milling and reconstruction
- Concrete manhole construction
- Bulk earthworks
- Kerb and paving installation
- Speed humps, road markings, and signage
- Electrical works
Founded in 2010, Gochi has earned a reputation for excellence, safety, and community impact.
The project also celebrates women in the creative sector. Through the JDA’s Public Art Programme, two emerging female artists—Chantell Nkosi and Lungi Nkutha—created vibrant public artworks along Moyane Drive and 16th Street.
Mentored by renowned artists Ntanzi and Nkosana Ngobese, the duo reconstructed a sculpture originally designed by Ntanzi and painted a mural that captures the spirit and identity of the Orange Farm community.
The JDA’s Economic Empowerment Programme is committed to expanding opportunities for emerging contractors from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, with a special focus on increasing women’s representation in the infrastructure and arts sectors.
“This project is proof that infrastructure development is about people. By empowering women in construction and the arts, we are shaping a more inclusive and representative industry. Orange Farm’s Public Environment Upgrade is not only a physical transformation—it’s a transformation of opportunity and equity,” said Themba Mathibe, CEO of the JDA.
Through initiatives like this, the City of Johannesburg—via the JDA—continues to demonstrate that infrastructure development can be a powerful catalyst for empowerment, pride, and progress.
Written by Elias Nkabinde