14 February 2005 Press Release City of Johannesburg and Telkom sign techno-hub agreement 14 February 2005, Johannesburg ­The City of Johannesburg and Telkom today signed a co-operative agreement, setting the metropolis on the path to realize its 2030 vision - to become Africa's techno hub. Johannesburg City Manager Pascal Moloi and Telkom CEO Sizwe Nxasana signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU), completing discussions started late in 2003. The memorandum commits the two institutions to meet regularly, share and exchange information on existing infrastructure and where the communications network could be required. Johannesburg's economic growth, outlined in the Joburg 2030 Strategy, is oriented to the service sector. Crucial to the performance of this sector is an increasingly sophisticated telecommunications environment. They further agreed to investigate the creation of new SMME enterprises, including those that offer telecommunication and other related services. The two parties also agreed to promote the principle of ‘dial before you dig' to ensure proper co-ordination when laying infrastructure within the City. Also to be investigated is the possibility of making the Telkom Hillbrow Tower a tourist attraction landmark, with restaurant facilities and branding. "This agreement will ensure that Johannesburg continues to thrive as a hub of financial and business services sector. It would also give a big boast in ensuring that the City is easy to access during many major international events like the 2010 World Soccer Cup," said Moloi. Nxasana expressed that he is looking forward to working with the City of Johannesburg in meeting its end-to-end communication needs. "We hope that this strategic partnership will contribute to the realization of the City' 2030 development goals, which we support," Nxasana said. Jointly issued by: Nthatisi Modingoane, Communication Officer: City of Johannesburg Telephone: (011) 407-7354 Fax: (011) 403-3494 Cell: 082 467 9228 Email: nthatisem@joburg.org.za Xolisa Vapi, Media Relations Specialist: Telkom SA Limited Tel: +27 12 311 1050. Fax: +27 12 311 4031 Mobile: 082 573 6772 Nthatisi Modingoane Media Liaison Officer CITY OF JOHANNESBURG Tel: (011) 407 7354 Fax: 403 3494 Cell: 082 467 9228 E-mail: nthatisem@joburg.org.za For more information about this wonderful City of ours, please visit our website : www.joburg.org.za