JOHANNESBURG - Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has said this year's 702 Walk the Talk is about more than just promoting an active lifestyle.
He said the event reflects growing confidence in Johannesburg's inner city, bringing together residents, businesses and government in a shared effort to reclaim and restore the CBD.
Morero said the strong turnout is an encouraging sign for a city struggling to make progress in tackling its problems and rebuilding confidence.
“It's an important part and for us it's also about reclaiming the City of Johannesburg, reclaiming our city. We are quite delighted that it's actually happening right here in the centre where we're trying to reclaim, restore the dignity, restore order within Johannesburg.
“Secondly, we're excited about the partners who constitute the Walk the Talk. Everybody, private sector, government, we've come together. Walk the Talk would not have chosen Johannesburg to come to for the walk if we still have a lot of problems.
“It's an indication that all the problems that we're faced with, we're beginning to see changes; we're beginning to see an improvement, which is a good thing and Johannesburg must continue to protect its residents.