Tana Malinga

The City of Johannesburg’s Department of Economic Development (DED), in partnership with ICLEI Africa and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), hosted the CiBiX Workshop last Friday at the Magals Training Academy.

This workshop, part of the global UrbanShift programme, aims to bring the City and private businesses together to find smart, green solutions for urban challenges like waste, recycling, and public spaces.

“CiBiX is about turning ideas into action,” said Nkhensani Maluleke, Deputy Director at DED. “We’re connecting the City with businesses to create green jobs, boost innovation, and build a sustainable future—starting with projects like urban farming and recycling.”

Maryke van Staden from ICLEI added, “Cities can’t go green alone—they need strong partnerships with the private sector to drive real change.”

The focus of this year’s workshop was on waste management, circular economies, and improving public spaces. A key highlight was the Business Pitching Session, where green entrepreneurs showcased their solutions:

Love Our City Klean (NPC) won R10,000

The Compost Kitchen (Pty) and Khepri Innovations (Pty) each won R5,000

Mokgadi Maphoto, Acting Deputy Director for Waste Policy at the City, summed it up:
“This platform helps us build a greener, fairer economy that opens doors for youth and women—and moves Johannesburg closer to a sustainable future.”