THE inner city community of Johannesburg is a characterised by diversity. In addition to the South African residents, the inner city suburbs of Hillbrow, Berea and Yeoville are a melting pot of Zimbabweans, Congolese, Senegalese and Ethiopians, with a smattering of many other nationalities.
Census 2001 estimated the population of the inner city to be about 260 000, a number that will have risen dramatically in the intervening years, with a large number of migrants – both local and foreign – making their way to the inner city.
Johannesburg, however, prides itself on being a city that embraces diversity and actively promotes harmonious co-existence. As such, the City looks at all aspects of human development in the inner city, extending a hand of support to individuals as well as the many non-governmental and faith-based organisations active in the area.
A number of community development projects focussing on all aspects of human wellbeing - physical, emotional, cultural, spiritual and recreational – are offered to inner city communities. Ongoing programmes include early childhood development, youth development, street children, female empowerment and health awareness. There is also a Migrant Helpdesk.
The City also supports the creative expression of inner city cultures, and supporting arts and culture productions and offerings is actively encouraged. The inner city is considered to be a cultural capital and, with this in mind, programmes are also extended to other nationalities.
Cultural exchange and interaction between diverse groups is encouraged through two main annual events - Arts Alive
and the Joburg Carnival. Both take place almost exclusively in the inner city. In addition, the City has a social funding policy for non-profit organisations that includes arts and culture organisations.
Joburg is also determined to upgrade and expand recreational facilities within the inner city, including recreation centres, sports stadiums and swimming pools.
It plans a number of interventions to create an environment conducive to healthy community development in the inner city.
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