Wits University engineering students swapped lectures for hard hats on 24 July 2025, touring five Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) projects to see urban development in action.
The tour gave third- and final-year Property Studies, Construction Studies, and Project Management students hands-on insight into city-building. Stops included:
- Johannesburg City Library Upgrade: Transforming the heritage site into a 24-hour modern library.
- Gandhi Precinct BRT Stations: Improving transport links in the inner city.
- Johannesburg Central Fire Station Upgrade: Restoring a historic building with modern safety features.
- Selby BRT Depot: A new facility for low-emission buses.
- Brixton Library: A community hub redesigned for digital access and learning.
Students examined construction techniques, sustainability, and heritage preservation.
“Seeing JDA’s impact firsthand was inspiring,” said Sanele Khumalo, a third-year student. Final-year student Vuyo Mantshintshana added: “The tour deepened my passion for shaping Joburg’s future.”
The JDA and SAIBPP Wits Student Chapter partnered to make the tour possible, bridging theory and practice for future built environment leaders.
Written by Elias Nkabinde