IT’S the people that make Joburg great. This is the opinion of Rehana Moosajee, the portfolio head of transport in the City.

She was speaking at the launch of the You Make Joburg Great campaign, held on 1 April at several inner city Rea Vaya bus stations.

Taking the message to the Rea Vaya commuters

Moosajee said regardless of the world-class infrastructure and world-class projects the City spearheaded, it was the people “that make it all worthwhile”.

“There is no doubt that it’s the people of Johannesburg that make Joburg great and today we are out thanking members of the Rea Vaya crew, both drivers as well as station staff, for the wonderful job they are doing in portraying a fantastic image of Joburg. Each one of them makes Joburg great,” she said.

Rea Vaya is the City’s Bus Rapid Transit system, running regular, speedy, state-of-the art buses from Ellis Park to Soweto.

DANCING AND SINGING

Some onlookers took up the refrain “You Make Joburg Great”, though some seemed somewhat perplexed and remained silent. They were cheered on and soon began joining in the celebrations.

The transportation department mascot, Pedestrian Angel, also took part, dancing along the route, holding up a You Make Joburg Great placard. Stickers were handed out along with brochures about the City’s transport values.

Rea Vaya employees were given certificates of appreciation from Moosajee for the services they have rendered.

Patricia Mokgehle started as a volunteer at the Carlton East Bound Station and is now employed full time. “I make Joburg great. Firstly, I volunteered at Rea Vaya and now I’ve got a proper job. Everyone, including the passengers, the staff and all the people who are coming here for the World Cup will be happy because I make Joburg great,” she said.

The You Make Joburg Great campaign was launched by the City’s marketing department to reinforce Joburg’s image as a city whose spirit comes from the great people who live in it.

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