About - JICP

About us

Working Together for the Common Good

Our story

We were established in 1996 as a nonprofit and we are also registered at SARS as a public benefit organisation (PBO) in 2021. We work with a diverse network of partners and stakeholders towards a clean, safe and welcoming inner city in line with the partnership agreement we signed with the City of Johannesburg in 2016.

Our values

Our values are reciprocity, mutual respect, transparency, and accountability.

Our purpose

Our purpose is to transform the heart of Johannesburg into a thriving, inclusive community where people can live, work and visit. Partners and funders trust us to create opportunities for marginalised communities and deliver measurable and positive results.

Our services

Our services include project conceptualisation, fund management, partner support, stakeholder coordination, public employment management, advocacy and lobbying, promoting the inner city as a vibrant place to live, work, visit, study and play.

Leadership and people

Directors

Nicholas Barnes

Chairperson

Nic had a varied career working for large corporates and several of his own businesses before he joined Jozi Housing (Pty) Ltd in 2004 as Operations Manager and then as its CEO from 2012 until 2020.

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During that time he served on numerous CID boards and was involved in a number of inner city organisations including JPOMA and the JICP.
Since stepping down as the Jozi Housing CEO in 2020 he has continued to serve on its board and has been providing consulting services in the rental housing sector. He also manages his own portfolio and in 2021 he started a new venture, Elangeni Properties, along with a partner, which currently manages 250 units in Johannesburg and Pretoria.

David van Niekerk

Executive Director, CEO

David is an urban development and precinct management specialist with more than 30 years’ experience in urban strategy, planning and development, programme and project design, fund management, and precinct design and management.

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He brings more than 30 years’ experience in urban development and public-sector planning, with a career spanning national policy, precinct management, and inner-city regeneration. A founding director of the Gauteng Precinct Management Association and former Head of the Neighbourhood Development Programme at National Treasury, he introduced the Urban Network Strategy and helped establish the South African Precinct Management Initiative. He also led the technical team that developed the Johannesburg Walkable Network and holds a BSc in City Planning and an MSc in Real Estate (Distinction) from the University of Pretoria.

Lusanda Netshitenzhe

Director

Lusanda is a commercial property and affordable housing professional.

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Her experience spans corporate governance, property finance, development and management, fundraising, and asset management.

She has played an active role in affordable housing policy formulation and implementation, managing housing stock, credit control, and tenant and community development.

Lusanda holds a Master of Business Leadership from UNISA and a Master of Science in Development Planning from the University of the Witwatersrand.

Her vision for inner cities is of safe, clean, and vibrant neighbourhoods where families can live, work, learn, and thrive within connected, community-focused environments.

Pearl Pillay

Director

Pearl Pillay is a youth-development and public-policy specialist with extensive leadership and governance experience across South African civil society.

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Pearl Pillay i is Head of Civil Society Relations at Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator and a National Planning Commissioner responsible for youth development. She previously served as Managing Director of Youth Lab, where she advanced youth participation in policymaking and built organisational capacity. Pearl serves on the board of the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa and was formerly a non-executive director of the National Youth Development Agency. She holds a Master’s degree in Political Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand. Her work is grounded in people-centred public policy, organisation building and creating meaningful opportunities for young people.

Dale Jeevanantham

Director

Dale Jeevanantham is a Provincial Ecosystem Executive in the Economic Inclusion Unit at the National Business Initiative, with more than 20 years of experience in programme management, organisational development and socio-economic transformation.

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A qualified quantity surveyor with an honours degree from the University of the Witwatersrand, Dale has worked across the public and private sectors in roles spanning management consulting, strategy, performance management and ecosystem development. He previously served in the Office of the CEO at the Gauteng City Region Academy, performing the role of Chief Operating Officer.
He serves on the board of the Johannesburg Inner City Partnership and is passionate about building collaborative networks that drive inclusive growth, innovation and sustainable urban development.

Xolani Dlwathi

Director

Xolani Dlwathi is a seasoned leader dedicated to promoting human dignity and socio-economic well-being across South African communities.

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As a priest and former Dean of the Anglican Diocese of Johannesburg (2015–2022), he fostered strategic partnerships between the Church, government, and civil society to advance human rights and community development. He currently serves as Convener of the Moral Regeneration Movement in Gauteng and Chairperson of the Archbishop Desmond Tutu Johannesburg Precinct Board. Xolani’s experience in cross-sector collaboration and servant leadership underpins his commitment to revitalizing Johannesburg’s inner city and creating sustainable, inclusive urban communities.

Cedric de Beer

Director

Cedric de Beer brings extensive executive leadership, governance and organisational-development experience across the public, private and non-profit sectors.

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Cedric de Beer brings almost four decades of executive leadership and board-governance experience across the public, private and non-profit sectors. A former Johannesburg City Council Director of Urbanisation and founding Managing Director of NURCHA, he has deep expertise in organisational development, impact investment, housing, governance and building effective leadership teams.

Ryan Short

Director

Ryan Short is a development economist, lawyer and business leader specialising in inclusive growth, public policy and economic development across Africa.

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Ryan is Managing Partner at Genesis Analytics and founder of its Economic Growth and Impact practice. He has 25 years’ experience advising senior leaders in business, government and philanthropy on job creation, local economic development, public-private partnerships and regulatory reform. His Johannesburg experience includes inner-city regeneration, affordable housing, regional revitalisation and business-government collaboration. A Certified Director, Ryan serves on the Genesis Executive Committee. He is an attorney, conveyancer and solicitor of England and Wales, with degrees in economics and law and an MSc in International Politics, cum laude, from the University of Edinburgh.

Past directors

Hermus Damons, South African Council of Churches

Etienne Kriel, Standard Bank

Dr Michael Magondo, Wouldn’t It Be Cool (WIBC)

Nano Makwela, Trust for Urban Housing Finance (TUHF)

Sylvester Moepya, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator

Bernard Ngosi, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator

Thiru Pillay, Liberty

Anne Steffny, Gauteng Precinct Management Association

Martin Taylor, FNB

Nickey Janse Van Rensburg, University of Johannesburg

Lee-Anne van Zyl, FNB

Renney Plit, Plitvest

Ishmael Mkhabela (Chairperson), Interfaith Community Development Association

Katherine Cox, TUHF21

Operations team

David van Niekerk

Executive Director, CEO

David van Niekerk is Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Johannesburg Inner City Partnership.

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He brings more than 30 years’ experience in urban development and public-sector planning, with a career spanning national policy, precinct management, and inner-city regeneration. A founding director of the Gauteng Precinct Management Association and former Head of the Neighbourhood Development Programme at National Treasury, he introduced the Urban Network Strategy and helped establish the South African Precinct Management Initiative. He also led the technical team that developed the Johannesburg Walkable Network and holds a BSc in City Planning and an MSc in Real Estate (Distinction) from the University of Pretoria.

Denzel Maduray

Operations Manager

Denzel oversees the implementation of Johannesburg Inner City Partnership’s operational strategy

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He is deeply committed to socio-economic and enterprise development initiatives that uplift underprivileged communities. Denzel holds an MSc in Project Management (Merit), a BSc Honours in Technology Management (Cum Laude), and qualifications in Civil Engineering. Registered with SACPCMP, PMI (USA), and ECSA, he combines technical expertise with a passion for fostering hope, resilience, and sustainable impact through urban development initiatives across Johannesburg’s inner city.

Dorette Visser

Finance

Dorette is an experienced accountant and tax practitioner with extensive experience in supporting individuals and SMMEs.

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Her expertise spans accounting, payroll, tax, business registration, and independent reviews. She has held leadership roles in the Golden Key International Honour Society and Plush Professional Leather Care. Dorette holds an M.Phil in Entrepreneurship (University of Pretoria), a B.Compt (UNISA), and a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Management Development Programme certificate (University of the Witwatersrand). She combines financial expertise with a commitment to sound governance and strategic support for Johannesburg Inner City Partnership’s initiatives.

Bridget van Oerle

Marketing and Communications

Bridget is an experienced entrepreneur and owner of an award-winning PR agency

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She has extensive experience across the creative, business, and NGO sectors. She is passionate about mentoring young professionals and actively supports community initiatives, including 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day. Bridget combines strategic communications expertise with a commitment to social impact, strengthening Johannesburg Inner City Partnership’s outreach, public engagement, and community-focused initiatives.

Chanel Pather

SUNCASA Programme Manager

Chanel brings extensive expertise in property and urban management.

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She manages the Johannesburg component of the multi-country SUNCASA project, overseeing procurement, greening initiatives, financial and impact reporting, and partnerships with local and international stakeholders. Her work promotes inclusive, climate-resilient infrastructure and directly benefits under-served communities in Johannesburg, contributing to sustainable and equitable urban development.

Lindokuhle Ngema

Social Employment Fund Lead

Lindokuhle is a dynamic programme leader with expertise in media, communications, operations management, and project planning.

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At JICP, he drives the strategic implementation of the Social Employment Fund (SEF), ensuring compliance, transparent reporting, and alignment with stakeholders. He is passionate about youth and women’s empowerment, as well as community revitalisation. Under his leadership, the SEF has achieved international recognition and expanded to support over 4,000 inner-city residents, contributing significantly to inclusive urban development.

Zolile Gqweta

Programme Support (JICP, SUNCASA & WozaWork)

Zolile plays a pivotal role in supporting JICP’s programmes, with a focus on programme procurement.

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He manages non-wage procurement, supplier engagement, and the essential accounting and administrative functions that ensure each initiative operates efficiently. His work underpins collaboration with programme partners and contributes to the smooth delivery of JICP’s strategic objectives.

Partners

Partnership is fundamental to who we are. By aligning stakeholders, programmes, and resources, we amplify impact, turning small projects into significant change that resonates across Johannesburg’s inner city.

Partnership impact

We collaborate with our partners across initiatives to:

Provide funding, technical expertise, and operational support

Enable multi-stakeholder planning for precinct development

Enhance citizen engagement and community-focused solutions

Support inclusive economic, environmental and social development in the inner city

TheJICP’s work is made possible through strategic partnerships that combine resources, expertise, and influence across sectors. Partners are central to the JICP’s ability to deliver inclusive, sustainable, and people-centred urban regeneration.

Governance

Johannesburg Inner City Partnership (the JICP) is governed by a Board of Directors, comprising one executive and a team of independent non-executive directors. They provide strategic oversight, fiduciary stewardship, and accountability for all programmes. The Board draws on expertise from public, private, and civil society sectors, ensuring that decisions align with the JICP’s mandate to regenerate and manage urban change in Johannesburg’s inner city.

A Finance, Risk and Ethics Committee oversees management accounts, Annual Financial Statements, a risk register and ethical considerations.

Internal controls consist of seven levels of segregation.

Governance at the JICP is guided by four core principles:

Transparency – ensuring openness in decision-making and reporting.

Accountability – taking responsibility for programme outcomes and impact.

Reciprocity – fostering mutually beneficial relationships with stakeholders.

Mutual respect – valuing diverse voices across sectors and communities.

Timeline

D

1992

Central Johannesburg Partnership (CJP) established as a private limited company following the 1991 inner city strategic workshop
– Explore Neil Fraser – Passionate City Man
– Explore World Bank case study on Johannesburg

E

1996

CJP transitions to a Section 21 organisation

D

1998

Manages funding received from the Ford Foundation, Mott Foundation, Kellogg Foundation and Lotto for the Constitution Hill and Johannesburg Art1 & 2 City

E

2004

Manages property owner funding for High Court upgrade

D

2009

Manages Lotto funding for Johannesburg Art City 3

E

2015

CJP changes name to Johannesburg Inner City Partnership (the JICP) in line with theCity of Johannesburg Inner City Roadmap

D

2016

Signs terms of reference agreement with the City of Johannesburg

E

2017

Publishes landmark presentations: Taking the Partnership Forward and the JICP Strategy

D

2018

Manages funding from US Consulate for Makers Way Placemaking initiatives
Manages Small Enterprise development Agency (SEDA) funding for the Urban Agriculture Initiative

E

2019

Manages British Council funding for the Makers Valley Partnership
David van Niekerk appointed CEO of the JICP

D

2021

SARS approves PBO status
Conceptualises the Walkable Network, which is adopted the City of Johannesburg policy frameworks

E

2022

Awarded funding through National Treasury via the City of Johannesburg for the Woza Work programme
Awarded funding through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) for the Social Employment Fund programme
Establishes the Gauteng Precinct Management Association as a separate legal entity. It was formerly the JICP-managed Johannesburg CID Forum

D

2024

Awarded funding from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) via the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and World Resources Institute (WRI) for the Scaling Urban Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SUNCASA) programme

E

2025

Appointed to the Presidential Johannesburg Working Group

E

1992

Central Johannesburg Partnership (CJP) established as a private limited company following the 1991 inner city strategic workshop
– Explore Neil Fraser – Passionate City Man
– Explore World Bank case study on Johannesburg

E

1996

CJP transitions to a Section 21 organisation

E

1998

Manages funding received from the Ford Foundation, Mott Foundation, Kellogg Foundation and Lotto for the Constitution Hill and Johannesburg Art1 & 2 City

E

2004

Manages property owner funding for High Court upgrade

E

2009

Manages Lotto funding for Johannesburg Art City 3

E

2015

CJP changes name to Johannesburg Inner City Partnership (the JICP) in line with theCity of Johannesburg Inner City Roadmap

E

2016

Signs terms of reference agreement with the City of Johannesburg

E

2017

Publishes landmark presentations: Taking the Partnership Forward and the JICP Strategy

E

2018

Manages funding from US Consulate for Makers Way Placemaking initiatives
Manages Small Enterprise development Agency (SEDA) funding for the Urban Agriculture Initiative

E

2019

Manages British Council funding for the Makers Valley Partnership
David van Niekerk appointed CEO of the JICP

E

2021

SARS approves PBO status
Conceptualises the Walkable Network, which is adopted the City of Johannesburg policy frameworks

E

2022

Awarded funding through National Treasury via the City of Johannesburg for the Woza Work programme
Awarded funding through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) for the Social Employment Fund programme
Establishes the Gauteng Precinct Management Association as a separate legal entity. It was formerly the JICP-managed Johannesburg CID Forum

E

2024

Awarded funding from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) via the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and World Resources Institute (WRI) for the Scaling Urban Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SUNCASA) programme

E

2025

Appointed to the Presidential Johannesburg Working Group

Be part of the change

gET INVOLVED

Join us to create meaningful, measurable change and a lasting legacy of urban regeneration. Together, we can build a clean, safe and welcoming Johannesburg one step, one street, one story at a time. Every action, every investment, and every voice can shape the city we share.