Our Journey - Ekurhuleni
On 5 December 2000, seven years after the historic Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) which took place at the World Trade Centre in Kempton Park, the local government authorities of the nine cities and towns east of Gauteng, and 11 further administrations were formed into the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM), then the fourth largest metropolitan municipality in South Africa.
This resulted in the disestablishment of the previous local administrations which were absorbed into the new structure. These councils were Alberton (Thokoza), Benoni (Daveyton, Actonville, Wattville, Etwatwa), Boksburg (Vosloorus, Reiger Park), Kempton Park (Tembisa), Germiston (Katlehong, Palm Ridge, Zonkesizwe), Springs (Kwa Thema, Bakerton), Nigel (Duduza), Brakpan (Geluksdal, Tsakane), Edenvale/Lethabong, the Khayalami Metropolitan Council and the Eastern Gauteng Services Council.
In order to address the new municipality’s numerous challenges and to provide direction for the creation of a better and improved living and working environment, a long term vision for the municipality was developed – the Growth and Development Strategy (GDS) 2025. It has since reviewed this first strategy and has the GDS 2055 in place. With the establishment of the new metropolitan municipality in December 2000, it was given a Tsonga name, ‘Ekurhuleni’, by the people of the region, meaning ‘Place of Peace’. The choice of a Tsonga word is symbolic of the diversity of the new city and its vision of an equitable and progressive community.
On 31 May 2001 the new corporate identity was approved. A tangible investment in its future, this corporate identity set Ekurhuleni apart from other cities and towns in its depiction of the culture, geography and natural resources of the area, its history and economic activity and the aspirations of the municipality.
The corporate identity comprises a corporate logo, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, a logo used for marketing – City of Ekurhuleni – and an official Coat of Arms. In May 2017 the name was gazetted from Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality to that of City of Ekurhuleni.
The individual elements of the logo have their own separate meaning and ideology and combine into a balanced and harmonious unit which depicts the people and the elements that are the essence of Ekurhuleni.
- The green of the central person depicts the environment and agriculture;
- The ellipse which forms the head of the human figure is black to represent the importance of coal to the region;
- The yellow irregular triangle between the head and the body of the human figure represents the gold mining industry;
- The large irregular blue shape depicts vitally important aviation and water elements in Ekurhuleni; and
- The vibrant and dynamic red area serves as both a balancing element to shape the logo and to link the organisation to the national flag.
Also known as the Crest, the Coat of Arms is for the exclusive use of the Office of the Executive Mayor and is used on mayoral stationery and official items, indicating the highest office.
- The guiding theme is contained in the meaning of the name Ekurhuleni – A Place of Peace. A blue firmament holds up a graphic symbol of peace;
- The white dove is a symbol of the spirit and the olive branch symbolises the growth of that peace. At the bottom of the shield is the depiction of the historical strength of the region;
- Gold and related minerals. At the top left is a symbol for nuclear fusion that represents scientific development and progress – the rational ambitions of the region;
- The top right trine features a combination of a traditional and a modern musical instrument, a kudu horn and a trumpet, that is a link to the spiritual through the practice of the arts.
Awards & Achievements
Six awards for water excellence
Ekurhuleni Water Care Company (ERWAT) received six awards for excellence in water purification in the country for its wastewater treatment efforts at the 2022 National Green Drop Awards. The Green Drop Certification programme recognises excellence in wastewater treatment facility performance.
Internal Audit Award
The City scooped the Internal Audit Excellence Award in the Public Sector Category in the 2021 Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa Awards. The awards are held annually to recognise and support internal auditors who uphold the fundamental tenets of the profession, the code of ethics and the international standards for the professional practice of internal auditing.
Clean Audit 2021/22
The City of Ekurhuleni has received back-to-back Clean Audits from the Auditor General for the 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021/22 financial years.
SALGA Award
The City of Ekurhuleni clinched an award at the Inaugural Municipal Audit Awards by SALGA, recognizing its EXCELLENCE IN GOVERNANCE.
