The JDA Halala Awards, which recognise the achievements of many public and private projects that contributed to the regeneration of the inner city of Johannesburg, took place on 22 June 2011 at the Bus Factory.
Thanduxolo Mendrew: "The primary role of the awards is to give recognition to those who continue to inject momentum into the city’s regeneration efforts.”
"We honour people who strive to improve the quality of life in the inner city. The primary role of the awards is to give recognition to those who continue to inject momentum into the city's regeneration efforts," said Thanduxolo Mendrew, acting chief executive officer of the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), which marks its tenth year of playing a critical role in facilitating and investing in the transformation of Johannesburg.
Winners
From the 33 nominees, 18 were short listed for the seven categories.
- 'Living Joburg - Not Houses But Homes' category, which recognises residential projects that provide the innovative, progressive and inclusive housing that addresses the needs of inner city residents and supports community development
- Winner South Point student accommodation. The innovation in developing shared accommodation options that are affordable and the associated lifestyle facilities such as a gym, bars and student-oriented retail make this a valuable contribution to inner city regeneration. The development has reshaped Braamfontein by claiming public streets and spaces and opening up retail frontages to create a student neighbourhood that is safe and fun.
- 'Working and Buying Joburg category - Creating a business destination', which recognises innovative, exciting and striking commercial and retail developments that attract people to the city.
- Winner - Fox Street Mall (Phase 1) which represents an extension to the gains achieved through Gandhi Square. It demonstrates potential as OPH Property looks to complete further phases of the mall upgrade and begins to consider other links southwards.
- 'Relaxing and Playing Joburg category - The recreation destination' for impact and sustainability. Winner
- Winner - Sci- Bono Discovery Centre for the many people who come into Newtown every year to visit it speaks about the role that it plays in keeping Newtown buzzing and the role it plays in improving science and maths education outcomes. There are plans to extend the offering in future.
- 'Sustaining Joburg' category, which highlight original and exciting use of public space and projects that support the regenerations of the inner city.
- Winner - ABSA Towers West, a new office development spanning three city blocks in the inner city. It fully integrates with other urban initiatives such as Rea Vaya & the Campus Improvement District. This development has been particularly focused on principles of sustainable green building and has met a 5 star rating by the South African Green Building Council.
- 'Conserving Joburg - Joburg Past, Present and Future', which acknowledged outstanding achievements in conserving building, group of buildings or any other urban heritage element valued for its historical, social scientific and or architectural importance.
- Winner - Salisbury House for the way the refurbishment has been handled sensitively and determinedly and for the restoration of this important building as a valuable contribution to the City of Joburg's heritage.
- 'Caring Joburg' award includes a cash donation of R10 000 for the winning nominees in support of their work. The category recognises selfless and community-minded individuals, volunteer groups and organisations who create the caring heart of the city.
- Winners - this year, the Halala adjudicators awarded this award to two projects. Firstly to the Berea Baptist Church team and its Door of Hope Children's mission, for its work in making sure that every child has a chance at a better life. Secondly to the School of Practical Philosophy for its extensive reach and the valuable contribution it makes to education and human development.
- 'Believing Joburg - The Stan Nkosi Achievement Award', which is awarded for being an urban generation leader and a role model.
,- Winner - Gerald Olitzki who has created an inner city neighbourhood, Ghandi Square, that is a well managed, safe retail and transit precinct.
Adjudicators
The adjudication panel was made of Thanduxolo Mendrew the acting chief executive of the JDA; Nkosinathi Manzana COO of the JDA; Erika Naude, group executive: strategy and programs at Blue IQ Investment Holdings; Eric Itzkin, a specialist in Johannesburg history, who has worked as a researcher, museum curator and heritage manager and Salome Segani who is the managing partner - property and housing at Musa Capital Advisor.
In conclusion, Mendrew said, "Rejuvenating the city is not an easy task, therefore we will continue to identify and recognise those who are committed in improving the city."
