Pierre Nel, 64, has officially retired from the City of Johannesburg’s Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM) department after an impressive 28-year career dedicated to strengthening community ties and improving local governance.
Nel moved from Bloemfontein at the age of five and has witnessed the Joburg’s transformation over the decades. His career began in 1995 when he joined the City of Johannesburg as a Public Relations Officer under the Midrand Town Council. Following the integration of Midrand into Johannesburg in 2000, Nel skilfully adapted to the changes brought by this restructuring.
The department he served underwent several evolutions — from the Public Relations Unit to the Regional Communication Unit, then the Stakeholder Management Unit, and finally to its current form as CRUM.
“CRUM’s role is to coordinate and monitor service delivery at the grassroots level,” Nel explains. “It aims to ensure a well-governed, managed, and developed city while encouraging citizen participation in local governance. Its mission is to keep the community informed and educated about council policies, projects, and events.”
Reflecting on the early days, Nel recalls the challenges of integrating CRUM’s activities with the broader City of Johannesburg framework. He and his team organised numerous public engagement sessions to help residents of the former Midrand adapt to their new status within the larger metropolis.
One of his key achievements was the development of an electronic database containing email addresses for ratepayers’ associations, businesses, community organisations, and residents. This database became a vital tool for effective communication. Nel also spearheaded a weekly education and awareness campaign, visiting various wards and collaborating with other city departments to distribute educational materials at busy shopping centres and taxi ranks.
Among the highlights of his career were the public information sessions along the Gautrain route in Region A from 2005 to 2009 and the 2010 Fifa World Cup. “The World Cup was unforgettable,” he recalls. “We installed enormous screens in public parks, and as stakeholder officials, we were privileged to attend some matches. Despite the chilly June nights, the atmosphere was electric.”
As he steps into retirement, Nel plans to leave work-related WhatsApp groups behind and explore South Africa in his 4×4, visiting scenic mountain passes and charming towns. He also aims to engage in charity work, support the SPCA, participate in local river clean-ups, and cultivate a vegetable garden to share produce with his community.
He leaves behind a legacy of empathy and dedication. “I’ve learned not to judge people based on first impressions. Understanding their circumstances is key,” he says. “To thrive at work, listen intentionally, engage with your community, and address their concerns genuinely. This approach fosters meaningful connections and impactful campaigns.”
In his parting words, Nel shares a heartfelt message: “Joburg is the city that gave me my life. I love this place and hope others will too. Our beloved city has lost some of its sparkle lately, but I urge everyone to play their part in restoring its shine.”
Written by Tinyiko Barbara Ngobeni
06/03/2025