Evolving Cities

Rosebank Skyline Dec 2009

Over the past 6 months the changes in South Africa cannot go unnoticed. Suburbs are emerging and although the green space is diminishing at an alarming rate,  it is one of the costs of developing and evolving cities.

Some may say that these changes will not remain once the 2010 World Cup is over. I believe that not only will the changes remain but in addition, we may find that a notable percentage of fans and visitors will be returning to SA to make new homes here and offer their contribution to the expansion of this part of the world.

I have begun taking photo’s of the skyline periodically so that I may keep a reminder of how it used to be… when the highveld was peppered with a few buildings and covered with open grounds…in less than 10 years, the new suburbs that have emerged are now the ones peppered with a few only a few open grounds.

Major visible changes to the landscape have taken place over the past 5 years but the images of the way things used to be and my beginnings in SA, only remain in my head. It would be great to have photo’s of those open lands between Joburg, Midrand, Centurion and Pretoria before the building started. So guys if you have any, please post them.

My new landmarks are now taken from Delta Park in the Northern suburbs, where I can see the skylines of

Sandton Skyline 22 Dec 2009

Sandton, Hyde Park, Rosebank and Yeoville.

And Sandton, with her twin towers when I first arrived now has four towers with a fifth on it’s way, which is of course will be bigger, better and taller than the previous ones.

Newtown is my favorite place of all in Jozi. It was one of the first places to begin it’s evolution early, starting with the market place and market theatre, with Moyo’s moving in next door (although the last time I went, Moyo’s was closed.)

I love the cluster of cafes and the bookstore “Xsaara” which supports African authors and holds frequent book launches to promote writers from around the continent. Then there is Sophiatown, which provides a great backdrop for networking, meeting friends and businesses acquaintances alike, whilst enjoying coffee, a glass of wine or a local dish.

The Bag Factory and The Electric Workshop harbour artists, whose creative works are found throughout Newtown and easily rival those of international artists. In terms of music, Baseline, offers a large space for the musical talent to entertain us. It’s a space that also promotes new talent and it is a space where it is impossible to keep seated once the beat gets going.

It is ironical that the Blue Crane is the national bird of South Africa, since we now see so many cranes of the metallic type dotting the skylines as we drive through the cities. Some may say it is a bad thing and others say it is good. It is certainly a sign of the times that cities are evolving in SA and I for one am happy and proud to be in SA at this time and also excited to be a part of her transformation whilst she makes her mark in the history books of all time. Stick around and be a part of her growth.

Joan Laine

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