From restoring bridges to brightening streets, Jozi My Jozi is bringing new life to the heart of Johannesburg—one project at a time.
Founded in 2023 with Wits University as one of the founding partners, Jozi My Jozi is a non-profit dedicated to revitalizing Johannesburg’s inner city through safety, education, arts, and economic development.
Jozi My Jozi is dedicated to bringing together individuals from all walks of life in order to improve Johannesburg’s inner city. The organisation is passionate about the city’s renaissance, and seeks to raise pride, inspire optimism, and establish a citizen-led movement based on constitutional principles. Jozi My Jozi enables communities to create sustainable solutions that improve safety, foster growth, and create a more resilient and livelier Johannesburg through cooperation and creativity.
Jozi My Jozi has spearheaded several impactful projects across Johannesburg, working closely with government, businesses, and local communities.
One standout initiative was the cleanup around Ellis Park ahead of a rugby match in August 2023. “We worked with the City of Johannesburg, businesses, and precinct managers to clean up the area,” said Communications Manager Innocent Mabusela.
He added that they also partnered with PSA to improve public transport access to the stadium. Another key project was restoring Nelson Mandela Bridge, a high-traffic route used by Wits students and staff. “The bridge had broken glass and was covered in graffiti—we fixed it, cleaned it, and lit it up,” Mabusela said, noting increased usage since the improvements.
Jozi My Jozi has also installed over 650 solar-powered streetlights to combat cable theft and improve safety. “This year, we are continuing the project, focusing on walkable routes heavily used by pedestrians,” he said, emphasising the initiative’s role in making the city safer.
Education plays a vital role in Jozi My Jozi’s mission to revitalize Johannesburg’s inner city. Speaking to Wits Vuvuzela, Mabusela shared that Anglo American has donated a building in Marshalltown to Wits University. “Wits Business School will now have students and lecturers using this space for their lectures,” Mabusela said. He added that this initiative will have a meaningful impact on the area. “It will really add value by bringing more activity and opportunities into the inner city,” he said.
A key part of this movement is student involvement, and Jozi My Jozi is actively working to expand its student chapter. When asked if there are any research, internship, or volunteering opportunities for Wits students—given that Wits is a partner of the organization—Mabusela shared that Jozi My Jozi is increasing efforts to engage students. “This year, we’ve actually been increasing momentum in terms of the establishment of our student chapter,” he revealed.
He explained that students from both the University of Johannesburg and Wits are being encouraged to take part, especially since many of them live and study in the inner city. “We believe that we’d want them to be the ones who are really going to drive the sustainability of the projects that we implement,” he said, emphasising that these young leaders will play a crucial role in shaping the city’s future.
Jozi My Jozi is offering students various ways to get involved, from volunteering in community cleanups to using their academic skills in real-world projects. “We need them to come on board and become part of our volunteers,” Mabusela said, highlighting the importance of student participation in bi-weekly cleanups.
Beyond that, he encouraged students to contribute their expertise. “Students have skills, and it is quite important that those who are studying, whichever degree, and they think that those skills that they have, they can actually come to use,” he added. By involving students now, Jozi My Jozi aims to create a generation that will carry its mission forward in the years to come.
Funding is essential for Jozi My Jozi, but the organization secures support based on specific projects rather than general donations. “We go to our funders with a project proposal, its cost, and required work,” he said. Funders then choose to fully or partially support it. “We don’t ask for money—we secure funding based on the projects we implement,” Mabusela said.
Jozi My Jozi’s efforts demonstrate the power of collaboration in transforming Johannesburg’s inner city. Through projects that enhance safety, infrastructure, and public spaces, the organization is creating a more livable and vibrant environment for residents, students, and businesses alike.
FEATURED IMAGE: Jozi my Jozi members doing a cleanup by Park station where commuters usually walk. Photo by. Jozi my Jozi
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