| "The call for values is currently echoing throughout every land, as educators, parents and even children are increasingly concerned about and affected by violence, growing social problems, and the lack of social cohesion." Living Values Education Programme |
Transport and its associated issues are often viewed as requiring infrastructure interventions. In a bold, new initiative, the city's transport department is looking to build partnerships, with its employees, pedestrians, public transport operators, private car users and commuters - all based on a common set of values.
The values symbols were unveiled by Ms Rehana Moosajee, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Transport, today and will be prominently displayed on five city buses. The five emblems depict the key values that the Johannesburg department of transport, intends to advocate together with its partners. These are:
- Honesty
- Respect
- Co-operation
- Ubuntu
- Accountability
Ms Moosajee says consensus on these values was reached following a process of consultation with employees of the department,councillors in the City of Johannesburg as well as with external stakeholders such as commuter organizations, youth and the taxi industry.
"The values in transport initiative is aimed at getting us all to introspect about our behaviour and whether the things we do contribute to better a transport system," says Moosajee. " We accept that we will not be able to change behaviour overnight, but with the launch of the values symbols, we are starting a process for deep and meaningful change in society, that will lead to safer roads, a better transport system and human-beings that interact with each other on age old traditions", she added.
Many challenges faced by the department can be traced back to the lack of adherence to basic values. Some examples are:
| Issue |
Value Required |
| Poor work ethic and customer service |
Honesty, Accountability, Co-operation |
| Fare evasion and pilferage |
Honesty, Accountability |
| Graffiti on road signs |
Accountability, Respect |
| Road Rage |
Respect, Ubuntu |
| Adults speeding in areas where children are present |
Accountability, Honesty |
| People talking on cellphones whilst driving |
Honesty, Accountability |
| Helping an elderly person cross the road |
Co-operation, Respect, Ubuntu |
| The need for us all to share road space |
Co-operation |
| Vandalism of facilities |
Respect, Ubutnu |
"The reason why these values are being depicted as symbols is because symbols appeal to a wide range of people and have been proven effective in facilitating behavioural change", adds Moosajee. As we developed these symbols, we involved a range of stakeholders and the final result is due to a collective process.
The symbols were developed to depict Joburg as a world class African city
- the gold dot from the Johannesburg logo is incorporated into each symbol. The symbols also aim to inspire civic pride and be a constant reminder of our interdependence in this city. Each symbol carries road infrastructure – depicting their relation to transport. The beadwork represents the African feel of our city. The symbols represent the type of citizenry and employees we aspire to be. "We can continue to focus on what is negative or not working – or – as we have chosen to – create a vision for the type of society we want – and then work to build the city of our dreams", said the MMC.
The unveiling of the symbols, saw a number of organizations step forward to pledge their support in embracing these values and furthering them amongst their constituents.
In the coming months the department will embark on an extensive campaign to popularise the new emblems among commuters and city residents. Calendars and bumper stickers depicting the symbols will be distributed. The new emblems will also be displayed prominently at construction sites for the city's new Bus Rapid Transport system, commonly known as Rea Vaya.
Issued by:
City of Johannesburg
Enquiries:
Kgamanyane Maphologela
Media Liaison
Public Liaison Department
City of Johannesburg
011 407 7271
Cell: 082 771 4874
E-mail:
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