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Students from Wits University’s School of Construction, Economics and Management recently visited four projects currently undertaken by the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA). 

Reflector vests and hard hats were the order of the day as the students eagerly participated in the opportunity to see how some of the theories acquired during their academic studies in professional practice.

The future of the construction industry is in good hands. Construction cranes dot the City of Johannesburg’s skyline as the city’s journey of rejuvenating the inner city continues. 

Since adopting measures to deal with delays in the Construction Permit Management System (CPMS), the City of Johannesburg’s Development Planning Department is also approving building plans faster for businesses and residents. 

The educational tour saw the students visit the award-winning Westbury Transformation Development Centre (WTDC), Brixton Social Cluster, Central Fire Station and the Bertrams Multipurpose Centre. 

The main objectives of the tour for the students were site experience and reinforcing their curriculum, thus providing students with exposure and practical learning in construction. 

Topics covered during the visits included insulation, roofing, scaffolding, brickwork, energy efficiency, health and safety, and the opportunity to ask questions and take photographs, which they will use as supporting material for course assignments.

Third-year student Nhlanhla Skhosana described the tour as an insightful experience and provided several learnings. “My favourite project today was the Bertrams Multipurpose Centre implementation.” 

“This project has sustainability and green elements, something I am a fan of. The Bertrams building will be at a new level when the greenhouse is complete. Bertrams community will also learn about hydro-phonics and farming. Exciting!” Skhosana said.

The lecturer of the students, Stanley Okangba, said: “As a lecturer, I can say that I have personally enjoyed the tour and to see ongoing and completed projects so that the students get a sense of the whole construction journey.”

The JDA is a wholly owned area-based development agency of the City of Johannesburg with an emphasis on developing resilient, sustainable, and liveable urban areas in identified transit nodes and corridors. 

The agency has implemented over 1 200 projects since its inception and looks to be the employer of choice for many students looking to go into construction and project implementation.

Issued by Johannesburg Development Agency spokesperson Kenneth Nxumalo