The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Environment and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD) in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Jack Sekwaila, is determined to turn the City’s lights back on in more ways than one. Cllr Sekwaila is originally from a small town in the northern-most province of South Africa Limpopo. He initially moved to Johannesburg to follow his boxing dream while equipping himself with a number of skills and qualifications ranging from construction, project management and even working at a hospital on the West Rand as an occupational therapist.
He is currently a true inner city resident residing in Berea, Johannesburg, with his wife and family.
His political journey started back home and has now taken a major leap since becoming the MMC for EISD.
He has always been a part of political and social change movements within the governing African National Congress.
“Some of my top priorities as MMC is to find and alternative energy mix, ensure residents receive better water and sanitation, restoring the face of the city with active clean up campaigns, as well as clamping down on illegal scrap yards which will eradicate a large amount of lawlessness,” he says.
Cllr Sekwaila says that for him to make a success of the mammoth task, he needs to ensure that the department works well together and understands the ultimate aims of the organisation.
“What I have learned over the years as an activist is that you do not want to paint a picture of a boss and his servants as a relationship. Giving people the opportunity and responsibility of tasks motivates them and prevents dragging of feet.”
Cllr Sekwaila is a strong believer that as a leader you may have a vision but the officials are the people who implement and see it to fruition.
“I intend on discussing timelines, possibilities and implications and allowing the team to express their inputs freely. I truly believe that working in silos is one of the biggest downfalls of any organisation,” he says.
“I further intend on working within EISD but I will lubricate my relationship across different departments to get the best results for our residents.”
Cllr Sekwaila says there are currently a number of projects underway to better the current circumstances of the city.
One being the Energy Expo where Gauteng and other stakeholders have agreed to look at other mechanisms and means of securing sustainable energy, the other is a campaign; War on Waste, a movement to clean and restore the inner city.
Another project currently underway is the engagements within communities to unlock and drains and sewers within communities, not forgetting to ramp up security to prevent theft and vandalism of cables.
“The key to all the projects and programmes successes within the system is not to forget to educate residents and communities at large on how to look after their environments. We cannot continue restoring and rehabilitating, it’s just not a sustainable solution,” says Cllr Sekwaila.
Cllr Sekwaila is passionate about the City. He believes Johannesburg is an economic hub with great potential.
“We have to work together to transform and restore our city. Nobody wants to invest in a city with no lights. Nobody wants to invest in a city filled with dirt and crime. Nobody wants to live in a city that doesn’t work. It will take us one step at a time but it can be done,” he says.
Written by Sascha-Lee Joseph
03/07/2023