Neil Fraser, who trades as Urban Inc, is an urban consultant dedicated to the revitalisation and regeneration of cities and of the inner city of Johannesburg in particular. He can be contacted on 023 614 3806 or by email on
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HARD economic lessons are being learned in the cities of Britain and the US during the global financial upheaval, and we would do well to heed them as the economy tightens
JOBURG has a great opportunity to wow tourists during the World Cup, and quite a bit of work needs to be done to make sure visitors have a great time in the city of gold.
THERE is a lot of work to be done this year in the inner city, to build on what happened in 2008. Ringing the changes already are Newtown, Braamfontein and Yeoville-Bellevue.
GOOD progress has been made under the Inner City Charter - transportation, community development, urban management, a spatial plan and upgrading the environment are all reflecting positive on-the-ground results. But plenty of commitments still need to be met.
JOBURG is getting a fair amount of recognition internationally, particularly in its placing near the top of the table of the first MasterCard Worldwide Centres of Commerce™: Emerging Markets Index.
JOBURG appears to be putting more effort into cleanliness, with a special capital injection for Pikitup. Now other spheres of government need to come on board, says Neil Fraser.
THE executive mayor sees Johannesburg as a leading international city, and it seeks "to actively use the instrument of local government - the municipality - to improve the quality of life of all residents and citizens".
THE Regional Spatial Development Framework was up for discussion at a Region D open day, with scores of Sowetans commenting on their needs. Similar days are being held in other regions.
