City’s Budget Golf Day attracts Mzansi’s who's who

02 June 2015

 

The City of Johannesburg’s Budget Week – which saw Member of the Mayoral Committee for Finance Councillor Geoffrey Makhubo announcing a record R52,6 billion budget on Tuesday – reached its finale when Executive Mayor Councillor Parks Tau hosted Budget Golf Day at the Bryanston Country Club on Friday.

 

There was fun in the winter sun as the who’s who of South Africa’s corporate world and political scene converged into the country club not only to exhibit their golfing skills but also to celebrate the unmistakably biggest municipal budget in the country.

 

After months of hard work and crunching of numbers, it was time for the Mayor and his executive team, as well as City officials, to let their hair down. Many keen golfers – amateur and professional – were there.

 

Gauteng Premier David Makhura and his wife, Mpho, also graced the occasion, as did retired South African National Defence Force generals Siphiwe Nyanda and Solly Shoke, senior African National Congress MP Tony Yengeni, leading businessman Moss Mashishi, TV personality Thomas Mlambo, to mention a few. The all-day affair culminated in a dinner and prize-giving ceremony that was equally well-attended. The Basadi Women of Jazz Band entertained the guests.

 

“The face of the city has changed. It is a different place that embraces every resident,” Mayor Tau said during his speech at the dinner.

 

Member of the Mayoral Committee for Environment and Infrastructure Services Councillor Matshidiso Mfikoe agreed with the Mayor, adding: “We are celebrating a whooping R52,6 billion budget meant to make today better than yesterday and tomorrow better than today. We have turned challenges into opportunities. We are a city that works and we take pride in the progress we have made and acknowledge the challenges we face. With the mayor’s commitment, we will turn Joburg around,” she said.

 

Mayor Tau thanked Premier Makhura for having had the courage to confront thorny issues such as the review of e-tolls.

 

“By standing up and saying the people have spoken you have fulfilled your mandate and shown you are a true representative of the people. We thank you for that,” he said.

 

He said Metrobus, the City’s bus service, would soon embark on a re-fleeting programme as part of its turnaround strategy. He said under the leadership of Mavela Dlamini, a former Johannesburg City Manager, Metrobus had “turned the corner”.

 

The Mayor added the City’s global reputation had grown significantly as it continued to lead in finding innovative funding solutions to tackle urban development and other issues. Both Mayor Tau and MMC Makhubo thanked the city’s partners, investors and residents for their continued support.