Workers ditched their air-conditioned offices, joining hordes of people in the boiling Braamfontein streets to witness the procession up the hill to kick off the City council’s year.
UNDER the blaze of the torrid sun, hordes of spectators turned up the intersection of Jorissen and De Beer streets, turning the Braamfontein pavements into a hive of activity while jostling and bustling around the area.
In the roads, traffic was brought to a halt in the early morning of Thursday, 28 February, as officers from the Johannesburg metropolitan police department, emergency management services, the South African National Defence Force, and the South African Police Service (SAPS) went through their paces, precision marching down the middle of the road.
Workers ditched their offices and people lined Jorissen Street, some squatting on the pavement, to watch the procession. “This is something to be excited about - at least it takes our minds off the imminent power cuts, it’s really exciting,” said one bystander.
Soldiers, dressed in full regalia and clutching their weapons to their torsos, marched up the hill. They were followed by metro police officers. The SAPS brass band played popular tunes - much to the appreciation of the crowd; some got up and danced, some shouted, “We want more.”
And then a car carrying Executive Mayor Amos Masondo, sandwiched between metro police cars, drove into view. And the reason for the spectacle became clear – it was the official opening of the City council.
Masondo was ushered into the Metro Centre, to the joyful sound of bystanders singing and ululating.
The parade and ceremony is an annual event that heralds the start of the City year. The mayor takes the opportunity to deliver his State of the City address, which reflects on previous achievements and focuses on plans for the current year.
Sporting his habitual black suit, simple white shirt and colourful tie, Masondo was accompanied by his wife, who looked stunning in a black skirt and pink top, feathered with black lining. Her rich, black hair peeked from under her big hat.
Before the first council sitting of the year, the City manager, Mavela Dlamini, and Masondo laid wreathes outside the Metro Centre in memory of Johannesburg police officers who died in the line of duty.
From there, it was on to the council chamber for Masondo’s eighth State of the City address. It focused on deepening democracy, enhancing good governance and building a caring society.
Related stories:
|
