The Ivory Park community in Thembisa has welcomed the transformation of Swazi Inn following the completion of a Public Environment Upgrade project led by the City of Johannesburg’s Department of Economic Development.

Ward 133 Councillor Teboho Marumo said the upgraded space is now designated for local vendors, who will have a proper place to trade and dispose of waste.

“We celebrate the fact that Swazi Inn is no longer the hazardous, dirty space it once was. In the past, this area posed serious health risks, but today we are officially handing it over to the Johannesburg Property Company and Pikitup,” he said.

Freddi Nghulele, a local vendor, shared how the area’s transformation has improved conditions for informal traders. “The dustbins were overflowing, the toilets weren’t working, and people were dumping everything here, even newborn babies.”

“Since the municipality stepped in, the toilets have been rebuilt, bins secured, and the area is clean. You can smell the fresh fruit being sold instead of the stench.”

The Swazi Inn PEU Project forms part of the City’s efforts to revitalise township economies and transform public spaces into safe, inclusive, and economically productive environments.

Implemented through the Presidential Stimulus Programme, the project created 13 short-term Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) jobs and hired one SMME.

The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, Cllr Nomoya Mnisi, reaffirmed the City’s commitment to township development. “We are dedicated to supporting informal trading and creating dignified urban environments. We thank all our partners and most importantly, the community of Ward 133 for their participation and patience.”

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Issued by the City of Johannesburg