South African Business 2018 edition

MESSAGE City of

MESSAGE City of Ekurhuleni Message from the Executive Mayor Councillor Mzwandile Masina. In May 2016, our council embarked on a journey of social transformation, to ensure that our residents see improved and impactful service delivery, with accelerated access to a constant provision of quality services. This commitment includes a focus on economic development and increased investment. A KEY POINT OF CONNECTIVITY AND INDUSTRY Councillor Mzwandile Masina Priorities Immediate and clear priorities include security of water and energy supply; completion of transport infrastructure and launch of the much anticipated bus rapid transit system – Harambee; rollout of Wi-Fi; unleashing of strategic land parcels for development; and implementation of our 10-point economic plan. The economic plan is a comprehensive programme of economic growth and development, intended to create jobs and attract investment into the city. The Aerotropolis development is one of the key points in this economic plan. Our city is named to reflect the aspirations of our residents as a place of peace. In this spirit, we welcome you to the City of Ekurhuleni. Ekurhuleni is a major hub that connects South Africa to the world, and serves as a key point of connectivity and industry for the country and continent. Building a pact This term of office is one in which we will focus on building a humane pact between the city and its citizens, in which the aspirations of our people, regardless of their current circumstances, can be given a fair opportunity for progress. The City of Ekurhuleni can’t attain these ambitious goals without the support of all of our stakeholders. In turn, we commit ourselves to deliver on our mandate, efficiently, effectively and in a way which improves the city and the state of its people. In conclusion, let me reiterate our commitment to working with all of our stakeholders, in growing and developing our city, so that we can ensure increased equality and prosperity for all of our residents. SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESS 2018 18

City of Ekurhuleni Africa’s first Aerotroplis holds great promise. PROFILE A new identity for the City of Ekurhuleni is being forged out of the towns and urban nodes surrounding Africa’s biggest and busiest airport, OR Tambo International Airport. The airport is the epicentre of Africa’s first Aerotropolis, which will set it apart from any other South African city and turbocharge the regional economy. The city has prime residential estates, glitzy entertainment venues, mega shopping malls, lively townships, historical villages, good schools, recreational facilities and wide open spaces. Ekurhuleni is a digital city and is investing in digital infrastructure that will streamline the way it delivers services to the community, including smart grids, payment gateways, e-learning and e-health systems, and closed-circuit TV to improve safety and security. Ekurhuleni has long been known as the manufacturing hub of the country and it is building on this history to create a smart city that will underpin the new economic growth trajectory. The city boasts a world-class transport network, telecommunications and energy grid, a youthful citizenry and a strong financial position. Its connectivity across rail, road and air is significant. The Gillooly’s interchange is the busiest in the southern hemisphere, and Germiston railway hub is one of the busiest on the continent. The city is being developed through a series of strategic mixed-used urban developments and transformational projects like the GreenReef Megaproject, S&J Industrial Estate, Glen Gory, Leeuwpoort Housing Development, TwentyOne Industrial Park, Carnival Junction, Lordsview Industrial Park and the Riverfields R21 development, taking shape along the R21 Albertina Sisulu Highway which links Ekurhuleni to Pretoria. And the city has the infrastructure to support investments like Prasa-Gibela, which will see the building and maintenance of 600 new trains for South Africa’s rail commuter network over the next two decades. Other public-sector strategic developments which promise to bring economic development include the Tambo Springs inland port and the OR Tambo Airport cargo terminal expansion. Come LIVE PLAY INVEST in Ekurhuleni, the Aerotropolis City. The rebirth of Ekurhuleni is not just a dream. Several companies have taken up residence in their new premises and a significant logistics corridor has mushroomed along the R21 highway. Designed to strengthen the logistics, aviation and transport sector, key projects are laying the groundwork for 19 SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESS 2018