MEC Jacobs launches Kagiso heritage site

29 September 2008

The Gauteng MEC for Public Transport, Roads and Works, Mr. Ignatius Jacobs, launched the Gautrain sponsored Kagiso Heritage Trail Project on Sunday at Kagiso Stadium. The launch's objective was to unveil plans for the construction of the Gautrain Kagiso Memorial and Youth Centre, the T20 Roads Infrastructure Program and the Intergovernmental Skills and Job creation Plan for the Kagiso Renewal Program.

The project was commissioned by the Department and the Gautrain Political Committee in 2006. Kagiso and Boipatong townships were both identified as main beneficiaries of the project, this after a formal political communication process with the Sedibeng District Municipality and West Rand District Municipality.

The first phase of the Kagiso Heritage Trail Project involved developing the Kagiso Memorial and Youth Centre. The project planning and design work had to be aligned to the Integrated Development Planning (IDP). The following projects were reflected as priorities in the IDP:

• Building a memorial centre, that will include the Youth Training Centre and a memorial place for the Kagiso struggle heroes;
• Upgrading roads infrastructure and incorporating the heritage symbols and signage in the existing roads;
• Regenerating the wetland into an attractive park and recreation area; and
• Establishing an economic hub to create income while generating employment opportunities.