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15 April 2007

President Thabo Mbeki today concluded his two-day Imbizo in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng. The President was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Gauteng Province Premier Mr Mbhazima Shilowa and the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality Executive Mayor, Mr Amos Masondo.

The interaction with residents and stakeholders of the City of Johannesburg focused on a variety of areas such as economic growth, job creation and housing. All stakeholders, including the three spheres of government, agreed on the need to speed up small business development for faster economic growth. It was noted that conditions must be created for the City of Johannesburg to attain at least a 9% growth rate to support the national target of 6%. Accordingly, government, business and other stakeholders have committed to work together to realise this objective as well as attend to related issues such as skills development. In yet another development, Mayor Masondo reported that the City has also earmarked R600 million to upgrade electricity infrastructure.

The President visited several development projects already underway in the City. They included the renovated Europa Hotel in Hillbrow, which is now part of the City's Better Buildings Programme, which aims to provide affordable rental housing in the inner city. Thokoza Park in Soweto and the Gautrain construction site at Park Station also formed part of the President's visit.

He also visited Orlando Stadium, currently being upgraded as part of the preparations for the 2010 tournament and beyond. This site is part of the City's plans to rejuvenate the city and prides itself in employing local labour and sourcing services from local businesses and communities.

For more information, please contact:
Mukoni Ratshitanga
Tel: (012) 300 5436
Cell: 082 300 3447

Issued by: The Presidency
15 April 2007
Source: The Presidency (http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/)