Taking action
Some of the positive outcomes of the Johannesburg initiative included:
• Several small but successful demonstration projects in settings such as schools,
homes, markets and workplaces;
• Environmental policy guidelines for the new metropolitan government;
• A draft environmental management strategy to form a context for future initiatives;
• A participatory planning framework for improved environmental management;
• The linking of the Metropolitan Council to the MRC and the University of the Witwatersrand in a partnership which forms the WHO Collaborating Centre for Urban Health.
Challenges and constraints
Without doubt the biggest challenge for the Johannesburg HCP has been the restructuring
of local government, which has been almost continuous throughout the life of the project. Uncertainties and job insecurity have led to both attrition and rapid turnover of staff.
Vacant posts have often been ‘frozen’ which led to increased workloads.
In these circumstances officials struggle to maintain existing services and innovative ideas tend to be stifled.
Despite these problems many of the principles of the HCP have been incorporated into the current city management structures and an enthusiastic core group maintains a watchful eye for opportunities to expand Healthy Cities activities in the future.