By Themba Gadebe, tel (012) 314-2267

Kliptown - The celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Charter here today will be echoed by major developments - much to the delight of the residents.

The developments unfold in the form of environmental and economic growth aimed at transforming the area into a vital tourist destination and heritage site.

This transformation would be a key element to meet the needs of the residents like Thami Mashele.

The 23-year-old unemployed youth was one of the thousands of South Africans who converged in Kliptown to celebrate the adoption of the Freedom Charter and the opening of the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication.

It is here in 1955 that the Congress of the People adopted the document, whose values are today enshrined in the country's Constitution.

Speaking to BuaNews during the commemoration, Mashele said he was quite content that his area was associated with the achievement of the country's democracy.

"I am really proud to be staying in Kliptown," he said.

Referring to the Walter Sisulu Square, Mashele said it would give more dignity to the area.

However, Mashele expressed concern at the "high" rate of unemployment, and "increasing informal settlements around the area".  

However, his and fellow residents' needs will soon be realised, as government under the auspice of the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) has big plans for the area.

Government intends creating business opportunities and employment in the retail, manufacturing, tourism, transport services and construction industries.

The needs of the residents and tourists would also be met through upgrading the existing business node.

The area's economy is to be integrated with that of Greater Johannesburg and Gauteng.

Government also plans to increase commuter transport efficiencies to and within Kliptown.

In his address, Premier Mbhazima Shilowa assured residents that government was aware of the challenges faced by them and necessary steps would be taken

"We are aware that a lot has to be done," and added "Beyond the Walter Sisulu Square, the project also involves housing, upgrading of infrastructure including electricity, roads and pedestrian bridges and improved access to the area.

"We will also improve the rehabilitation of the Klipspruit River, and eventually the creation of a green space along the river banks.

Mr Shilowa added the development programme included the preservation of historical buildings such as the houses of Charlotte Maxeke and Gerald Sekoto and many such buildings of historical importance.

Ms Maxeke [1874-1939] was the first African woman from SA to be awarded a BSc degree. She was a leading figure in the establishment of the Bantu Women's League.

She led a delegation to then Prime Minister Louis Botha to protest against the implementation of pass laws for women

Sekoto [1913-1993] was studying teaching near Polokwane when he won a second prize in an art competition organised by the Fort Hare University.

He depicted a range of subjects such as working people and washday scenes - themes he maintained throughout his 50-year self-imposed exile in Paris. Although he maintained recognition as an artist in Europe, his life was one of a struggle to survive. - BuaNews