Johannesburg

Status:

Sister City

Population:

4.8m

Location:

Highveld, South Africa

Industry:

It is the economic and financial hub of South Africa.

Background:

Birmingham and Johannesburg became Commonwealth sister cities in 1997.
Johannesburg is Birmingham’s only Commonwealth sister city.
- This relationship is Johannesburg’s first ever formal international partnership.
In March 2002, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between both cities.
The partnership between Birmingham and Johannesburg was initiated through community and political engagement, which sought to construct a post-apartheid, multi-racial democracy.
Historically, the partnership has tackled several themes, including extensive practical and academic training and exchange of expertise including local governance. It has included the development of school improvement programmes comprising sport and youth.
Birmingham has provided IT training to Johannesburg teachers particularly in Soweto. The cities have also worked together on international city models for the formation of school emergency response teams (SERT).

latest activity and Current Projects:

City of Johannesburg Social Development Department and Birmingham City Council Public Health Food Team working together

2023 – present -Birmingham and Johannesburg jointly developed a comprehensive action plan focusing on public health and education. A series of webinars have been scheduled with both cities participating in a good practice exchange with the aim of implementing this where relevant to improve both policy and practice.

The Food Foundation, currently delivering a contract for Birmingham City Council, developed a programme called ‘Food Cities 2022’ with many Commonwealth cities participating including Johannesburg.

This focused on food security and resilience and was funded through the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office. The project aimed to strengthen urban food systems, so they deliver better outcomes for health and nutrition, climate, and the environment as well as jobs and economic growth.
Johannesburg participated in the Food and Drink Supply Chain Summit in 2022 during the Commonwealth Games hosted by Birmingham. The two-day programme addressed:
- Sustainable food systems in global cities
- How supply chains and skills can address global food challenges
- International trade and investment opportunities for UK SMEs

Education

Johannesburg municipality organised an International Relations Roundtable on 18^th November 2021 with Birmingham and New York on international city models for the formation of school emergency response teams (SERT).
Johannesburg participates in Young Women Into Leadership (You WIL) summit.
- You WIL is BCC initiative and an empowering programme for the future generations of young women, aspiring to be the leaders of tomorrow.

Johannesburg

Background:

latest activity and Current Projects:

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