Jozi My Jozi: Inviting People to See and Experience the Real Johannesburg

Innocent Mabusela, CEO of Jozi My Jozi, explains that the persistent negative narrative claiming Johannesburg is "finished" motivates their work.

The organisation deliberately invites partners and stakeholders to their Main Street offices in the inner city, where meetings extend beyond the boardroom into guided walks through revitalised areas.

This hands-on exposure consistently shifts perceptions, revealing positive changes and progress.

The approach centres on encouraging people to visit and witness the city firsthand, embodied in campaigns like Babize Bonke, which highlights committed "champions" from diverse backgrounds-restaurant owners, DJs, community activists, and creative entrepreneurs - driving inner-city change.

This philosophy extends to supported events such as the Absa Run City and the recent Vitality Chicken Run (hosted by Discovery Vitality and Nando's), which bring people into the inner city to run through key points, experience improvements, and see the collaborative efforts of Jozi My Jozi, the City of Johannesburg, partners, and civil society in action.