During the month of October 2015, parts of the Sandton central business district in the City of Johannesburg were decongested, and the streets of Africa’s most vibrant financial hub turned into inviting green spaces that accommodated alternative modes of transport and mobility.
Through the EcoMobility World Festival 2015, Sandton demonstrated to the world that a greener transport future is possible - where public transport, walking and cycling are accessible, safe and attractive alternatives to private car use in cities.
The Festival was also a celebration of innovation and futuristic thinking. It was a practical demonstration of how our streets and public spaces can be transformed to preserve our environment and optimise our spaces. The Festival was an opportunity to show that decongesting busy city centres is possible while still catering for the mobility needs of the public.
The Festival included a week-long EcoMobility Dialogue programme attended by local and international decision makers, experts and practitioners. Discussions and decisions made during these Dialogues are expected to inspire future decisions on climate change, sustainability and the transformation of urban societies both within South Africa and internationally.
Cllr Mpho Parks Tau
Executive Mayor, City of Johannesburg
South Africa