A diverse assembly of women from various districts across Johannesburg’s seven regions convened at the Brixton Multipurpose Community Centre for an impactful session with the city’s leadership. The purpose was to engage directly in shaping the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) draft for the 2024/25 fiscal period, addressing critical service delivery issues affecting their communities. Councillor Margaret Arnolds, the Speaker of Council in the City of Johannesburg, chaired the session on 2 April 2024, emphasising its importance as an opportunity for Johannesburg women to have their voices heard in the IDP process. Under the theme “The People’s Plan – Our City, Joburg – A Place We Call Home”, the draft IDP aims to foster broad participation and interaction with city officials.

Executive Mayor Cllr Kabelo Gwamanda presented the draft IDP, highlighting key challenges affecting women such as inadequate economic empowerment programs, gender-based violence and femicide (GBV), and women’s safety. He also addressed the review of rates policy and proposed rates tariffs.

After the mayor’s presentation, women participants engaged with City leadership, raising pressing issues including unemployment, women’s safety, GBV & femicide, and lack of shelters. 

Concerns about open land attracting criminal activity, water shortages, clinic facilities, and maintenance of sports & recreation facilities were also voiced.

In response to attendees’ concerns, Mayor Gwamanda acknowledged the challenges and assured action from respective MMCs.

MMC for Health and Social Cllr Ennie Makhafola shared contact numbers for treatment centres and highlighted Regional Stakeholder Forums for programme implementation.

MMC for Development Planning Cllr Eunice Mgcina emphasised the City’s commitment to addressing raised issues, urging community members to report unauthorised structures.

Cllr Arnolds reiterated the City’s dedication to incorporating feedback into the final IDP, underscoring the significance of direct engagement in shaping city policies. 

The event underscored the proactive role of Joburg women, or “Izimbokodo”, in influencing local governance and advocating for community needs.

Written by Thembelihle Radebe

03/04/2024

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