Financial sustaina bi l i t y by the Economic Growth Strategy (EGS) and the Smart City Strategy (SCS). Currently under review, the EGS is a key strategy that closely aligns with the City’s mission of creating an enabling economic environment. Facilitating economic growth that creates jobs is the core objective, as a thriving private sector is understood to be a means of decisively and sustainably addressing unemployment, poverty and inequality. At the heart of the EGS is the need to increase the ease of doing business in Johannesburg. This is necessary to promote the attractiveness of the City as a preferred investment and business location for both local and foreign businesses. In order to attract more private sector investment, it is essential that Johannesburg begins streamlining bureaucratic processes, improving service delivery, and amending restrictive by-laws to be more business-friendly. The proposed focal areas of this strategy include: Investment attraction, expansion and retention: re-establish Johannesburg as the leading African destination for regional corporate head offices, foreign direct investment and local investment. Existing businesses need to be retained and reinvestment and expansion should be encouraged. Space-economy synergy: address the spatial inequalities prevalent in Johannesburg through developing mixed-use corridors that provide employment and residential opportunities for previously marginalised communities. Strategic sector targeting: unblocking challenges that are being experienced in strategic sectors. Entrepreneurial city: foster a culture of entrepreneurship through City support for SMMEs and reform of the City’s approach to the informal sector. Leveraging the City of Johannesburg: use the constitutional mandate and competency of the City administration to encourage economic growth. Environmental and resource sustainability: focus on economic growth that contributes to reducing Johannesburg’s carbon
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10%
Global studies have indicated that for every 10% roll-out of access to Wi-Fi, a city can achieve a corresponding 1% growth in its economy
footprint and water supply security.
Recurring income “We launched Operation Buya Mthetho – bring back the law. This led to the formation of a multidisciplinary law enforcement unit that conducts raids throughout the City, addressing violations of our bylaws, environmental health and building codes, and the illegal consumption of services,” says Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba.“Of particular note are the efforts to identify those businesses consuming services through illegal connections, amassing historical debt without ever paying. Those days are now gone. In its few months, Operation Buya Mthetho has brought in a total of R341 million. These businesses will now be billed every month, bringing in recurring income. We will continue to shift the pressure off our law-abiding citizens, and place that pressure on businesses who shamelessly steal water and electricity.”
Smart City Strategy In 2013, the City developed its first Smart City Strategy (SCS), which was adopted by the Mayoral Committee. The SCS is aimed at improving service delivery with the mantra that the City must do more with less, do it better, and do new things. The overall target is to CITY OF joburg 2018
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