Photography by:
  • Amanda van der Walt

Thembani Mkhize and Yashena Naidoo graduate and present in Edinburgh

  • Dec 2024

GCRO researchers Thembani Mkhize and Yashena Naidoo recently graduated with a Master of Science by Research in Sustainable African Futures (MSc[R] SAF) from The University of Edinburgh

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Inclusive Economies Research Programme (IERP) Sector Studies Launch

  • Dec 2024

The Inclusive Economies Research Programme (IERP), a strategic collaboration between the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) and the Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED), successfully conducted a two-day launch event for six sector studies on November 20 and 21, 2024.

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Highlights from the Twelfth World Urban Forum (WUF12)

  • Nov 2024

The Twelfth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12), held in Cairo, Egypt, gathered participants from around the globe to tackle the pressing challenges and opportunities of urbanization.

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GCRO Team Gets A Boost

  • Nov 2024

We are excited to announce the addition of new GCRO staff who will significantly strengthen our efforts in data analysis and research.

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Partnering that promotes progress

  • Nov 2024

EDP X-Change 2024 united thought leaders and development practitioners to tackle South Africa’s urgent challenges, including the energy crisis, safety concerns, and political coalitions. The event provided a unique platform for innovative thinking and collaboration across various sectors to promote collective action.

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Quality of Life Survey 7 (2023/24) Launched

  • Oct 2024

The Quality of Life results launch took place on October 22, 2024, at the Radisson Blu Gautrain Sandton Hotel.

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GCRO Shines at ISQOLS Regional Conference in Tshwane

  • Oct 2024

The Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) participated at the inaugural ISQOLS Regional Conference: Africa, held from October 3-5, 2024, in Johannesburg.

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GCRO Celebrates Heritage Day with Flavour

  • Oct 2024

This year, the GCRO team proudly celebrated Heritage Day, an occasion that highlights and honors our rich cultural diversity

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Africa Mobility Network Expands with New City-Regions at Dakar Meeting

  • Sep 2024

The GCRO, along with the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona and CETUD, hosted the final meeting of the Africa Mobility Network project in Dakar on 17-18 September.

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Joint UCL-STEaPP and GCRO project on Nature-Based Solutions For Urban Water Management

  • Sep 2024

A team from the GCRO and the University College London Department of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Public Policy (UCL STEaPP) received a grant to explore nature-based solutions for water management in Diepsloot, Johannesburg.

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Staff Promotion Announcement

  • Sep 2024

We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Ms. Nadine Abrahams from Office Administrator to Finance Administrator, effective 1 August 2024.

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Dr Naidoo attends the third National Space Conference

  • Sep 2024

Dr. Laven Naidoo delivered a presentation titled "Estimating teal carbon stocks across Gauteng using a multi-sensor remote sensing approach," at the third National Space Conference.

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Sthembiso bids farewell to GCRO to pursue PhD at the University of Bristol

  • Sep 2024

On 30 August 2024, Sthembiso Pollen Mkhize departed from the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) after a remarkable tenure that began in October 2019.

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New GCRO projects launched for 2024

  • Aug 2024

We are excited to announce a series of new projects that the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) will undertake in 2024/2025. These projects aim to address critical issues and contribute to the sustainable development of the Gauteng City-Region.

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GCRO GIS Intern Earns Masters with Distinction

  • Aug 2024

Phemelo Mahamuza Celebrates Masters Achievement

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GCRO Researcher Christian Hamann presents at the 42nd Annual Southern African Transport Conference and Exhibition

  • Aug 2024

On July 8, 2024, GCRO researcher Christian Hamann presented at the 42nd Annual Southern African Transport Conference and Exhibition in Pretoria, South Africa. The attendees included transport engineers, government officials, policymakers, consultants, and researchers.

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GCRO honours Mandela Day at Tsholetsega Primary School

  • Jul 2024

On 18 July, the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) celebrated Mandela Day at Tsholetsega Primary School in Kagiso. The event focused on honouring Nelson Mandela's legacy of service and community upliftment.

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Dr. Pedzisai Ndagurwa attends the 2024 ISQOLS conference

  • Jul 2024

GCRO Senior Researcher Dr. Pedzisai Ndagurwa attended the 22nd International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies (ISQOLS) conference in Kota Kinabalu, Borneo, Malaysia from June 25th to June 28th. The theme focused on Human Happiness and well-being in an Uncertain World, reflecting post-pandemic changes and potential for growth.

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Dr. Samkelisiwe Khanyile’s Journey to a Ph.D.

  • Jul 2024

In a momentous achievement, Samkelisiwe Khanyile has completed her PhD at the University of the Witwatersrand, marking a significant milestone in her academic and professional journey. Her doctoral research, which focused on the applications of a Geographic Information System (GIS) framework for the integrated conceptualisation, visualisation, and analysis of the urban post-mining landscape of Gauteng, has been lauded for its innovative approach and impactful findings.

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Climate health convening in Bellagio

  • Jun 2024

The Rockefeller Foundation hosted a meeting in Bellagio, Italy from 9-13 April 2024. Rashid Seedat, the GCRO’s Executive Director, attended the meeting. The purpose was to bring together climate services experts, health observatories, and urban resilience teams for collaboration.

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Training government officials on how to use SPSS to analyse the GCRO Quality of Life Survey data

  • Jun 2024

In preparation for the release of the Quality of Life Survey 7 (2023/24) results, the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) organized comprehensive training sessions to familiarize government officials with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software for analyzing the GCRO Quality of Life (QoL) Survey data.

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Vacancy - Researcher: Sustainability and Just Transitions (Wits University level AC08)

  • Jun 2024

The GCRO has nine research themes, one of which is Sustainability and Just Transitions. Projects in this theme address green infrastructure, water, the green economy, just transitions, and climate change.

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University of Cambridge and the GCRO host writing workshop on urbanization in Africa

  • May 2024

From 15-18 April 2024, participants of a British Academy-funded writing support programme met in in the cradle of humankind region of Gauteng for the main event of the two year programme. The overall purpose of the programme is to support early career researchers to submit an article to a high impact journal. The theme of the programme is ‘Governing for Urban Inclusion’ and is jointly hosted by the Gauteng City-Region Observatory and the department of Geography, Cambridge University.

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GCRO researchers attend the 2024 Witwatersrand-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures (WESAF) Sustainability School

  • May 2024

GCRO researchers Thembani Mkhize and Yashena Naidoo attended the Witwatersrand-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures (WESAF) Doctoral Programme’s Sustainability School from April 28th to May 10th, 2024. The program, a collaboration between the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (Wits) and the University of Edinburgh (UoE), aims to provide research training for academics to complete interdisciplinary doctoral research on sustainability in Africa.

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The Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) is recruiting

  • May 2024

The GCRO is inviting applications for academic positions. Successful candidates will be awarded five-year contracts. The closing date for applications is the close of business on 28th June 2024.

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GCRO Hosts Grade 11 Students from Elethu Themba Public School

  • May 2024

On Tuesday, April 30, the GCRO hosted 107 grade 11 students from Elethu Themba Public School for an educational exploration of GIS techniques.

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Graduation season at the GCRO

  • May 2024

Ms. Naledi Ngwenya (Administrative Officer at the GCRO) successfully completes her Advanced Diploma in Administrative Information Management at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) on 29th April 2024.

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Book launch digs into Mining waste management

  • Apr 2024

On the 17th of April 2024 the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) co-hosted the launch of two books with the Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research.

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Dr. Wendy Tsoriyo presents paper on Inclusive Local Governance Reforms

  • Apr 2024

Dr. Wendy Tsoriyo presented her paper titled Towards Inclusive Local Governance Reforms at the Association of Southern African Schools and Departments of Public Administration and Management (ASSADPAM) conference held at the University of Pretoria from March 18th to March 20th, 2024.

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Call for Research Proposals: GCRO Quality of Life 7 survey analysis papers

  • Mar 2024

The GCRO is inviting proposals from researchers who would like to conduct early statistical analysis on the Quality of Life dataset during the embargo period of 31 May to the launch in August 2024.

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GCRO participates in Joint Summer/Winter School hosted by University of Johannesburg and CEPT University

  • Mar 2024

The GCRO hosted the Joint Summer/Winter school delegation at the GCRO office on 11th December 2023 and delivered an interactive session showcasing their experiences in the Gauteng City-Region.

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Roundtable Discussion: Just Urban Transition for informal settlements

  • Mar 2024

On February 22, 2024, the Islanda Institute hosted a roundtable to launch a report and engagement tool for municipal practitioners. The tool aims to help them engage with informal settlement communities for upgrading decisions to drive a just urban transition.

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The seventh iteration of the Quality of Life (QoL) Survey is underway

  • Feb 2024

Every two years, the Gauteng City-Region Observatory conducts a survey to gather data on various issues affecting Gauteng residents' quality of life.

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Workshop on Green Public Procurement Guidelines for Gauteng

  • Feb 2024

On the 22nd of February 2024, a workshop was held at the GCRO offices about the Green Public Procurement Guidelines for Gauteng Province.

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Fiona Els presents Sewersheds Project at International Conference

  • Feb 2024

Fiona Els presented her research at the 9th International Conference on Infectious Disease Dynamics in Bologna, Italy from November 26 to December 1, 2023

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Call for Research Proposals - Industrial Sector Studies in the Gauteng Province

  • Dec 2023

The GCRO in partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Government has opened a call for proposals for research on identified industrial sectors.

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Publication of book on BRICS city governance by Phil Harrison

  • Dec 2023

The Gauteng City-Region Observatory is proud to be associated with a new published book on city-region governance

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GCRO Celebrates 15th Anniversary

  • Dec 2023

GCRO celebrates 15 Anniversary with lively discussion on the city-region

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Wits Centenary Fellowship to the GCRO

  • Nov 2023

Dr Aidan Mosselson's visit to the GCRO, between November 2023 and end of February 2024, is facilitated by the Wits Centenary Fellowship, in partnership with the University of Edinburgh...

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Springbok parade passes GCRO offices

  • Nov 2023

When GCRO staff participated in the Springbok’s world cup victory parade in Braamfontein in 2019, they assumed it would be a once in a lifetime experience. As fate would have it, they got to do it again.....

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GCRO hosts the AfricaMobility Network

  • Oct 2023

In early October 2023, the GCRO hosted the 5th Workshop of the AfricaMobility Network as part of the Mobility in African City Regions project...

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Opportunity for Student Researchers (Economic Development)

  • Oct 2023

Opportunity for Student Researchers (Economic Development) ...

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Yashena Naidoo attends SPIE Sensors + Imaging Conference

  • Oct 2023

The 2023 SPIE Sensors + Imaging Conference was hosted in Amsterdam from 3 – 6 September 2023...

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Off-grid Cities project attends RGS-IBG 2023 Conference in London

  • Oct 2023

Representing the GCRO at the RGS-IBG 2023 conference were Christina Culwick Fatti, Samkelisiwe Khanyile and Dr Brian Murahwa...

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Off-grid Cities writing workshop in Cambridge

  • Oct 2023

This writing workshop, held at Newham College at the University of Cambridge, England, was a strategic opportunity to build team capacity and to share experiences and methods around writing...

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GCRO contributes to public debate following Marshalltown fire

  • Sep 2023

GCRO researchers participated in public debates around, inter alia, circumstances that led to the disaster...

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The GCRO hosts Wits student volunteers

  • Sep 2023

The GCRO recently introduced the Visiting Scholar Programme. Six students volunteered themselves to take on several tasks at the GCRO...

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Sthembiso Mkhize and Shamsunisaa Miles-Timotheus present at ISQOLS Conference

  • Sep 2023

Their adventure was marked by successful presentations at the prominent International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies (ISQOLS) Conference...

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Quality of Life 7 Survey (2023/24) fieldwork rolls out across Gauteng

  • Sep 2023

Fieldwork for GCRO’s Quality of Life (QoL) 7 Survey (2023/24) is now underway throughout the Gauteng province...

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Executive Director strengthens relationships with UK research institutions

  • Aug 2023

In line with the Gauteng City-Region Observatory’s (GCRO) internationalisation agenda, the Executive Director undertook a trip to the United Kingdom...

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GCRO seeks Senior Communications Officer (Wits University level AD08)

  • Aug 2023

The GCRO is seeking to appoint a highly motivated and multi-skilled professional in the role of Senior Communications Officer...

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GCRO staff make grocery donations for Mandela Day project

  • Aug 2023

In honour of Nelson Mandela International Day, GCRO staffers collectively donated groceries to needy communities in Gauteng...

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GCRO appoints Quality of Life 7 Survey (2023/24) Fieldwork Service Provider

  • Aug 2023

The GCRO has appointed Geospace International to conduct fieldwork for the Quality of Life (QoL) 7 Survey (2023/24)...

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Brian Murahwa attends workshop on digital technologies & management of urban services

  • Jul 2023

The workshop on was attended by interdisciplinary international researchers...

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Brian Murahwa participates in podacast hosted by Charles Leonard

  • Jul 2023

In this podcast hosted by Charles Leonard, a journalist working with the UJ’s Johannesburg Institute for Advanced Study (JIAS) discussed...

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The GCRO partners with LSE to host a planning exercise for the Executive MSc in Cities Laboratory

  • Jul 2023

The GCRO participated in the LSE scenario planning exercise for the Executive MSc in Cities Laboratory...

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Dr Darlington Mushongera presents at a Water Workshop at the University of Pretoria

  • Jul 2023

On the 20th of April, 2023, GCRO Researcher, Dr. Darlington Mushongera made an appearance the webinar on Water...

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Celebrating the work of the GCRO Board

  • Jun 2023

On the 19th of June 2023 the GCRO management team and Board fared two of our valued Board members well...

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University of the Witwatersrand - University of Edinburgh Space Research Workshop

  • Jun 2023

An international workshop, focusing on Space and GIS-themed collaboration was hosted by the University of Edinburgh...

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GCRO supports Wits / UCL Masters course on extended urbanisation

  • Jun 2023
  • GCRO

In early May, GCRO lent support to a jointly run UCL / WITS Masters course on extended urbanisation ....

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GCRO hosts Faces of the City seminar series

  • Jun 2023

The GCRO organised and chaired seven Faces of the City seminars in the second quarter of 2023...

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GCRO’s academic publications January-May 2023

  • Jun 2023

Academic publications by GCRO staff during the first five months of 2023 tackle a diversity of topics...

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The Great Healing Tour of Holland, Germany and Belgium

  • Jun 2023

The tour on the remediation of postmining landscapes took place from the 11th to the 16th of April 2023. It is for this reason of landscapes reclamation and preservation...

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Executive Director participates in experts group meeting on metropolitan solutions

  • Jun 2023

The Metropolitan Area of Barcelona and UN-Habitat have a framework agreement to cooperate on addressing metropolitan issues worldwide...

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RFP - GCRO Quality of Life 7 (2023/24) Survey – Fieldwork and Data Preparation

  • May 2023

The GCRO has published a tender for the Quality of Life 7 (2023/24) Survey for fieldwork and data preparation. The GCRO Quality of Life (QoL) survey...

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Welcome to the new GIS & Remote sensing intern joining the GCRO in 2023

  • May 2023

The GCRO welcomes Ms. Phemelo Mahamuza to the GCRO team. Phemelo is an MSc GIS & Remote Sensing student at the University of the Witwatersrand...

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A new Post Doctoral researcher has joined the GCRO team in 2023

  • May 2023

The start of the year saw the introduction of a new Post-doc, Wendy, to the GCRO. Her research interests are in understanding the gendered dimension of the Water ...

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GCRO's young researcher publishes in the number one journal in human geography

  • May 2023

The paper uses relevant strands of queer theory and draws on a critical review of literature on geographies of sexualities in sub-Saharan Africa...

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Walking the Watershed: stepping along the continental water divide in Johannesburg

  • Apr 2023

On 28 September 2022 a group of participants at the Water Institute of South African Annual Conference walked along the continental watershed...

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Gauteng City-Region Observatory signs MOU with Italian municipality

  • Apr 2023

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Gauteng and the Italian municipality of Reggio Emilia is the latest gesture...

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GCRO, Gauteng COGTA and PARI co-host an exploratory energy crisis workshop

  • Mar 2023

GCRO, GAUTENG COGTA AND PARI co-host an exploratory workshop on the energy crisis...

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GCRO ED elected Vice-Chair of the UN-Habitat’s Global Urban Observatory Network

  • Mar 2023

GCRO's ED elected as the Vice-Chair of the UN-Habitat Global Urban Observatory Network Steering Committee...

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Fiona Els joins the GCRO on 1 March 2023 as an Epidemiologist

  • Mar 2023

Fiona Els joins the GCRO as an Epidemiologist working on monitoring COVID-19 in wastewater...

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GCRO delegation attends a study tour in Germany hosted by BayFOR

  • Mar 2023

GCRO delegation of Researchers were hosted by BayFOR for a study tour in Germany...

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Co-hosted workshop on COVID-19 urban impacts and governance

  • Mar 2023

On 17 Feb 2023, GCRO and the Wits SA Research Chair in Spatial Analysis & City Planning co-hosted a workshop on COVID's urban impacts & its governance

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Visiting Researcher from the University of Cambridge joins the GCRO

  • Mar 2023

Joanna Watterson from the University of Cambridge joins the GCRO as a Visiting Researcher...

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The GCRO-GPG Inclusive Economies Research Programme ramps up

  • Mar 2023

The Inclusive Economies Research Programme, a joint initiative between GCRO and GPG...

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Off-Grid Cities project hosts session at 5th National Global Change Conference

  • Mar 2023

The Off-Grid Cities project hosted a session at the 5th National Global Change Conference...

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GCRO ED to serve on CSIR Urban Knowledge Exchange SA (uKESA) Advisory Board

  • Feb 2023

GCRO Director has joined the Advisory Committee of the Urban Knowledge Exchange Southern Africa...

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Shamsunisaa Miles-Timotheus joins the GCRO as a Quality of Life Intern

  • Feb 2023
  • GCRO

Shamsunisaa Miles-Timotheus joins the GCRO as an Intern working with the Quality of Life team...

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Postdoctoral Researcher joins the GCRO Off-Grid Cities Project

  • Feb 2023
  • GCRO

Postdoctoral Researcher, Dr Brian Murahwa joins the GCRO Off-Grid Cities Project...

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GCRO completes a two-legged Strategic Review and Planning process

  • Feb 2023

The GCRO held its Strategic Pause & Review together with its 2022/23 Planning process...

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Rashid Seedat comments on Premier Lesufi's State of the Province Address

  • Feb 2023

Executive Director of the GCRO, Rashid Seedat comments on Premier Panyaza Lesufi State of the Province Address...

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Senior Researcher joins the GCRO Inclusive Economies Research Programme

  • Feb 2023

Ebrahim-Khalil Hassen joins the GCRO as a Senior Researcher in the Inclusive Economies Research Programme...

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GCRO co-hosts seminar series on re-imagining measurements of sex, gender & sexuality

  • Feb 2023

GCRO co-hosts a four-part online seminar series on re-imagining sex, gender & sexuality...

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The GCRO seeks a GIS Intern in the field of GIS, data analytics, informatics and visualization

  • Feb 2023

The GCRO seeks a GIS Intern in the field of GIS, data analytics, informatics and visualisation ...

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GCRO co-hosts seminar on governing climate change in Southern cities

  • Jan 2023
  • GCRO

GCRO co-hosted an online seminar entitled Governing climate change in Johannesburg, Mumbai, Karachi & Jakarta…

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Dr Richard Ballard spends October-December 2022 at Tübingen University

  • Dec 2022
  • GCRO

GCRO Principal Researcher was based at the University of Tübingen in Germany as a visiting scholar...

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GCRO participates in the inaugural meeting of the Forum of African Regions

  • Nov 2022
  • GCRO

The GCRO Executive Director participates in the inaugural meeting of the Forum of African Regions...

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The GCRO seeks Quality of Life Survey Intern (1-year fixed term contract)

  • Oct 2022
  • GCRO

The GCRO is recruiting a highly motivated intern to support its flagship Quality of Life survey...

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GCRO contibutes to practice note on children in spatial planning

  • Oct 2022

A collective convened to produce this Practice Note on children’s participation in spatial planning...

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GCRO ED on the departure of Premier David Makhura and Quality of Life Survey

  • Oct 2022

As Gauteng gears up to receive a new premier, Rashid Seedat elaborates on this in terms of the Quality of Life Survey...

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Senior Researcher joins GCRO to lead the Quality of Life Survey

  • Sep 2022
  • GCRO

The GCRO welcomes Dr Pedzisai Ndagurwa as a Senior Researcher leading the Quality of Life Survey...

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Seminar Series: Re-imagining Measurements of Sex, Gender and Sexuality in Social Surveys

  • Sep 2022
  • GCRO

Join us for a seminar series on re-imagining measurements of sex, gender and sexuality in social surveys...

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GCRO seeks a Principal and Senior Researcher in Inclusive Economies

  • Sep 2022

The GCRO is recruiting two positions: Principal Researcher and Senior Researcher: Inclusive Economies...

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GCRO, Gauteng COGTA and Urban Planning's Spatial Transformation Symposium

  • Aug 2022
  • GCRO

GCRO, Gauteng COGTA and Urban Planning partner to host a one day spatial transformation symposium...

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Two GCRO Researchers graduate with PhDs from Wits University

  • Jul 2022
  • GCRO

Two GCRO Researchers, Darlington and Mamokete, graduate with PhDs from Wits University...

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Dialogue on State of South African Municipalities

  • Jul 2022
  • GCRO

GCRO Executive Director participates in dialogue on state of SA municipalities...

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Taking the City into the future: GCRO at the launch of Istanbul 2050

  • Jul 2022
  • GCRO

The Executive Director of the GCRO participates in the launch of Istanbul 2050 vision...

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GCRO at World Urban Forum 11

  • Jul 2022
  • GCRO

GCRO participates at World Urban Forum 11...

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GCRO participates at the South African COVID-19 Country Report Launch

  • Jul 2022
  • GCRO

GCRO participates at the South African COVID-19 Country Report Launch....

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GCRO participates in Gauteng Provincial Government ‘War Rooms’

  • Jul 2022
  • GCRO

GCRO participates in Gauteng Provincial Government 'War Rooms'...

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New projects starting in 2022

  • Jun 2022
  • GCRO

GCRO has a number of multi-year projects...

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Universidade Eduardo Mondlane delegation visit to the GCRO

  • Jun 2022
  • GCRO

The GCRO hosted a delegation from the Universidade Eduardo Mondlane...

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GCRO certified as a member of UN-Habitat’s Global Urban Observatory

  • May 2022
  • GCRO

The Gauteng City-Region Observatory has been certified as a member of UN-Habitat’s GUO-Net...

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Tribute to the late Acting Director-General of the GPG

  • May 2022
  • GCRO

GCRO Executive Director pays tribute to the late Acting Director-General of the GPG...

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Cher Petersen graduates with Honours in Geography

  • May 2022
  • GCRO

GCRO GIS intern graduates with Honours in Geography from Wits University...

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GCRO welcomes a new GIS intern

  • Apr 2022
  • GCRO

Ms Cher Petersen joins the GCRO as a GIS intern...

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GCRO seeks Principal Researcher or Senior Researcher: Quality of Life

  • Apr 2022

The GCRO seeks to appoint a Principal Researcher or Senior Researcher to manage its flagship Quality of Life Survey...

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Call for applications for Postdoctoral Research Fellowship position

  • Apr 2022

GCRO-UJ calls for applications for Postdoctoral research fellow focusing on the Quality of Life dataset...

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GCRO bids farewell to two of its Senior Researchers

  • Apr 2022
  • GCRO

GCRO bid farewell to two of its senior researchers, Dr Alexandra Parker and Dr Julia deKadt, at the end of February 2022 ...

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Dr Darlington Mushongera participates in "Beyond GDP" Podcast

  • Apr 2022

GCRO Senior Researcher, Dr Darlington Mushongera spoke to Catherine Langsford of Indaba Down South...

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GCRO participates in the National Investigative Hearing into the July 2021 Unrest

  • Mar 2022

The GCRO was invited by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to participate in its National Investigative Hearing into the July 2021 unrest ...

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The GCRO seeks a GIS Intern in the field of GIS, data analytics, informatics and visualisation

  • Feb 2022

The GCRO seeks a GIS Intern in the field of GIS, data analytics, informatics and visualisation ...

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Senior Researcher in GIS, data analytics, informatics and visualisation joins GCRO

  • Nov 2021
  • GCRO

Senior Researcher in GIS, data analytics, informatics and visualisation joins GCRO...

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Double celebration for GCRO! Duo completes PhDs

  • Oct 2021
  • GCRO

The GCRO is very excited to announce that two of its researchers, Darlington Mushongera and Mamokete Matjomane, have successfully completed their PhDs ...

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GCRO & MISTRA partner on a 'Rebuild SA' webinar series

  • Sep 2021
  • GCRO

GCRO and the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection are partnering on 3 webinars themed 'Rebuild SA'. The third webinar on Rebuilding Government will be held Wed, 24 November, 14:00-17:00.

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GCRO launches results from its Quality of Life Survey 6 (2020/21)

  • Sep 2021

On Thursday, 9 September 2021, the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) launched the Quality of Life 6 Survey...

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Message of condolence on the passing of Cllr. Geoff Makhubo, Executive Mayor of CoJ

  • Jul 2021
  • GCRO

Cllr. Geoff Makhubo, Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, passed away on Friday, 9 July 2021, from COVID-19 complications. GCRO offers its sincere condolences.

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GCRO receives 2019/20 AfriSam-SAIA Sustainable Design Award

  • Jul 2021

GCRO is proud that our report, ‘Towards applying a green infrastructure approach in the GCR’, has won a 2019/20 AfriSam-SAIA Sustainable Design Award ...

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GCRO seeks Researcher/Senior Researcher in the field of GIS, data analytics, informatics and visualisation

  • Jun 2021
  • GCRO

The Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) seeks Researcher/Senior Researcher...

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Ruth Mohamed is a GCRO COVID-19 Hero

  • Jun 2021

Ruth Mohamed, Finance and Office Manager at the GCRO, took the opportunity to adapt a small outreach programme...

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GCRO appoints a new Executive Director

  • Jun 2021
  • GCRO

The GCRO is delighted to announce the appointment of our new Executive Director...

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Outgoing ED Rob Moore's farewell thoughts

  • May 2021
  • GCRO

Dr Rob Moore left as GCRO's Executive Director at the end of May 2021. Here he reflects on his long years of association with GCRO.

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GCRO nominated for three Humanities and Social Sciences Awards 2021

  • May 2021
  • GCRO

In January 2021 the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences announced...

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Off-Grid Cities: Postdoctoral research fellowship call

  • Apr 2021
  • GCRO

We are currently recruiting one PhD and two postdoctoral researchers for the Off-grid Cities project...

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RE-ADVERTISEMENT: GCRO seeks applications for Executive Director

  • Feb 2021

The GCRO is seeking to appoint a high-calibre researcher and manager to be the Executive Director and to lead the GCRO...

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Southern Africa City Studies Conference: 31 August – 4 September 2020

  • Nov 2020
  • GCRO

From 31 August to 4 September, the Gauteng City-Region Observatory co-hosted the fifth Southern Africa City Studies Conference...

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GCRO at the 2020 Southern Africa City Studies Conference

  • Aug 2020
  • GCRO

The GCRO is co-hosting the 2020 Southern Africa City Studies Conference online at the end of August...

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Seminar series - Collecting social data (during COVID-19)

  • Jul 2020
  • GCRO

The GCRO, in collaboration with Social Surveys Africa and the Human Sciences Research Council, hosted a seminar series...

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Gauteng launches sustainable drainage manual

  • Mar 2020

Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development launch an implementation manual and support tools for the management of storm water through sustainable drainage systems...

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Tender open for QoL survey VI (2020)

  • Nov 2019
  • GCRO

The tender for the 6th iteration of the Quality of Life survey is open...

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GCRO seeks research intern for QoL survey

  • Jul 2019
  • GCRO

GCRO seeks a motivated research intern with an interest in data collection and analysis to work on the 6th iteration of the Quality of Life survey...

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Quality of Life survey: technical review

  • Jul 2019
  • GCRO

The QoL survey has been conducted every two years since 2009, making 2019 the survey’s 10th anniversary. The GCRO has initiated a 10-year technical review of the QoL survey...

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Urban Gaze winners and exhibition

  • Jun 2019
  • GCRO

Urban Gaze, a project of the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO), is a documentary photography competition aimed at promoting the work of emerging, Gauteng-based photographers...

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Landscapes of peripheral and displaced urbanisms survey

  • May 2019
  • GCRO

The GCRO’s Landscapes of Peripheral and Displaced Urbanisms fieldwork survey, which forms part of a broader multi-sited research project, was successfully concluded in late April 2019...

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Food security and multi-level governance

  • Apr 2019
  • GCRO

A recent meeting of the Food Governance Community of Practice (CoP), held on 17 April in Gauteng, posed critical questions around the responsibilities associated with food security...

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GCRO Operations & Partnerships Senior Manager

  • Apr 2019
  • GCRO

GCRO wishes to expand its team with a highly skilled and motivated Manager or Senior Manager of Operations and Partnerships who shares GCRO's vision for the Gauteng City-Region...

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Urban Gaze walk

  • Apr 2019
  • GCRO

​On Saturday, 16 March, the Urban Gaze Documentary Photo Competition and Friends of the Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG) jointly hosted two photowalks in Johannesburg and Pretoria...

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Governing for urban inclusion writing workshop

  • Mar 2019
  • GCRO

​From 16-18 January 2019, GCRO co-hosted a writing workshop on the theme 'Governing for Urban Inclusion' in collaboration with a number of international partners...

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Urban Gaze photography competition launched

  • Dec 2018
  • GCRO

The GCRO has launched its second photography competition - Urban Gaze. It is an open call for digital photographs of the Gauteng City-Region. Find out more about this competition and how you can enter.

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GCRO launches 5th Quality of Life Survey (2017/18)

  • Nov 2018
  • GCRO

​On Tuesday, 13 November 2018, the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) launched the results of the 5th biennial Quality of Life Survey (2017/18) at a high-profile event...

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GCRO receives award for 'Research in sustainability'

  • Oct 2018
  • GCRO

GCRO's report 'A framework for a green infrastructure planning approach in the Gauteng City-Region' won the 2017/18 AfriSam-SAIA award for 'Research in Sustainability'...

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GCRO at Metropolis Annual Meeting: 26-29 August 2018

  • Aug 2018
  • GCRO

GCRO is proud to be participating in the Metropolis Annual Meeting and showcasing our research to an international audience...

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GCRO develops Gauteng Water Security Plan

  • Jul 2018
  • GCRO

The GCRO was tasked with the development of the Gauteng Water Security Plan and considers how the province’s water is managed and the implications...

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Development infrastructure as a social laboratory

  • Jul 2018
  • GCRO

Ngaka Mosiane's research on Mabopane Station as developmental infrastructure attracts local and international interest...

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GCRO attends MOBILIZE Summit in Dar es Salaam

  • Jul 2018
  • GCRO

From 26-28 June 2018, GCRO Researcher Jesse Harber attended the annual MOBILIZE Summit in Dar es Salaam...

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Thembani Mkhize participates in BIARI at Brown University

  • Jun 2018
  • GCRO

Thembani Mkhize participated in the annual Brown University International Advanced Research Institutes (BIARI) addressing pressing global issues through collaboration across academic...

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GIS Internship Programme

  • Jun 2018
  • GCRO

GCRO wishes to expand its skills base with a highly skilled and motivated GIS intern who shares a commitment to help develop a more sustainable, equitable and prosperous Gauteng City-Region...

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Bidding farewell to Adele Underhay

  • Apr 2018
  • GCRO

On Thursday 19 April, the GCRO gave a warm goodbye to our long-serving senior finance and administration manager, Adele Underhay at a farewell function...

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GCRO learns from Italian city Reggio Emilia

  • Mar 2018
  • GCRO

In February 2018, the GCRO joined a delegation from Gauteng Provincial Government to its counterparts of the Italian region of Emilia Romagna...

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Collaborative student research with Erasmus University

  • Mar 2018
  • GCRO

GCRO researchers, hosted by Prof Wall, head of the Urban Competitiveness and Resilience (UCR) department at IHS, spent a week in Rotterdam giving lectures in late February...

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GCRO visits urban research institutes in Germany

  • Feb 2018
  • GCRO

In February 2018, Dr. Rob Moore visited the Leibniz Institute for Ecological Urban and Regional Development in Dresden, and the Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography in Leipzig...

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Governance and partnerships at World Urban Forum 2018

  • Feb 2018
  • GCRO

The GCRO hosted a session at the World Urban Forum examining the importance of governance and the relationship between the GCRO, as an urban observatory, and Gauteng Provincial Government...

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Strong GCRO representation at the ACC Urban Conference

  • Feb 2018
  • GCRO

​Last week (1-3 February 2018), GCRO made a splash at the ACC International Urban Conference 2018 in Cape Town despite the city's water crisis. GCRO had a delegation of 11 researchers...

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Seminar series: Governing Complex City-Regions

  • Nov 2017
  • GCRO

The GCRO is currently hosting a series of seminar-based discussions on the governance of city-regions, in a partnership with the SARChi in Spatial Analysis and City Planning (SA&CP).

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GCRO hosts CSP & World Bank Urbanisation Review dialogue

  • Nov 2017
  • GCRO

On 8-9 November GCRO hosted the Cities Support Programme (CSP) and World Bank for a policy dialogue on an Urbanisation Review that is currently being conducted for South Africa.

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GCRO at 2017 Seoul Biennale on Architecture and Urbanism

  • Aug 2017
  • GCRO

​GCRO is proud to be participating in the Cities Exhibition at the inaugural 2017 Seoul Biennale on Architecture and Urbanism. The GCRO exhibition, entitled Shifting Borders and Building Bridges,

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GCRO embarks on largest Quality of Life survey to date

  • Aug 2017
  • GCRO

The Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) is partnering with ResearchGo, a University of Johannesburg organisation, to survey over 31 000 randomly selected Gauteng residents

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GCRO profiled ISIbalo CRUISE Urban & Regional Conference

  • Aug 2017
  • GCRO

The 3rd ISIbalo CRUISE Conference took place at STIAS, Stellenbosch, from 3-5 July 2017. The conference brought together researchers from...

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GCRO participates in 12th Metropolis World Congress

  • Jul 2017
  • GCRO

The Metropolis World Congress, held in Montreal, Canada, from 19 – 22 June 2017, brought together the Metropolis network of major cities...

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Alexandra Parker, one of M&G’s 200 Young South Africans 2017

  • Jul 2017
  • GCRO

GCRO researcher Alexandra Parker was named as one of Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans for 2017...

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In photos: GCRO's 'Taking streets seriously' seminar

  • Apr 2017
  • GCRO

In photos: GCRO's seminar on 'Taking streets seriously'

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GCRO hosts Stephen Graham

  • Apr 2017
  • GCRO

From 20-24 March, GCRO hosted Stephen Graham on the Johannesburg leg of his NRF-funded visit to South Africa...

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GCRO participates in ICLEI’s LoCS4AFRICA congress

  • Mar 2017
  • GCRO

From 22-24 March 2017, ICLEI Africa hosted the LoCS4Africa 2017 congress in Ekurhuleni. The congress brought together academics and practitioners from a range of African cities...

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GCRO pays tribute to Ahmed Kathrada

  • Mar 2017
  • GCRO

It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of Ahmed Kathrada this morning. Uncle Kathy stands in our memory as a undaunted warrior in the struggle for democracy...

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GCRO profiled at the UN World Data Forum in Cape Town

  • Feb 2017
  • GCRO

StatsSA, supported by the UN Department of Economic & Social Affairs Statistics Division, hosted the first UN World Data Forum, in Cape Town in January 2017...

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GCRO presentations at BRICS City Lab in Moscow

  • Jan 2017
  • GCRO

In December 2016 the Government of Moscow hosted the BRICS City Lab on Adaptive and Transformative Governance at the Moscow Metropolitan Governance University...

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Exploring resource futures for sustainable urbanisation

  • Nov 2016
  • GCRO

In furthering GCRO’s ongoing research into metabolic flows and infrastructure transitions, Christina Culwick attended a workshop in Sheffield (UK) ...

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Welcomes and farewells for GCRO

  • Nov 2016
  • GCRO

2016 saw extensive change within GCRO's staff complement. The GCRO team said good bye to a number of staff members and has also welcomed a number of people to the team...

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Ward Profile Viewer relaunched with updated 2015 QoL data

  • Nov 2016
  • GCRO

The recently released ward profile viewer is an innovative application developed to view a wide range of socio-economic indicator-based ward-level data. It offers a comparative spatial view across...

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Shaping informed cities - Habitat III Urban future event

  • Oct 2016
  • GCRO

Urban observatories can play critical roles in decision-making, through providing relevant research and analysis for the successful implementation of New Urban Agenda. These institutions...

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Participate in transport research via your phone

  • Oct 2016
  • GCRO

We want to find out how you move around Gauteng so planners, researchers, and government can better meet your transit needs! With all of the new and old transportation systems...

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Celebrating 100 years of Geography in South Africa

  • Oct 2016
  • GCRO

The Society of South African Geographers (SSAG) celebrated a century of Geography in South Africa with a centenary conference held at Stellenbosch University...

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GCRO presents at 2016 RGS-IBG conference in London

  • Sep 2016
  • GCRO

Richard Ballard and Siân Butcher attended the annual conference of the Royal Geographic Society/Institute of British Geographers in London from 30 August to 2 September 2016...

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GCRO researcher presents at HDCA conference in Japan

  • Sep 2016
  • GCRO

GCRO researcher Darlington Mushongera attended the 2016 Human Development Capacity Association (HDCA) conference in Tokyo, Japan. This three day conference took place...

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GCRO Researchers present at the RC21 conference in Mexico

  • Aug 2016
  • GCRO

Two GCRO researchers, Darlington Mushongera and Aidan Mosselson, attended the RC21 Annual Conference in Mexico from 21 to 23 July 2016...

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GCRO presents at WC2 Summer Symposium in Germany

  • Aug 2016
  • GCRO

In the lead up to the 2016 UN Habitat III conference, the WC2 Network (World class universities in world cities) met for the annual Summer Symposium...

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New publications for 2016

  • Aug 2016
  • GCRO

GCRO researchers have been hard at work through the first half of 2016, producing a number of academic papers in international journals, and finalising a range of research reports

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Workshop: Understanding the role of urban developers

  • Aug 2016
  • GCRO

On 25 to 27 July 2016, the Gauteng City-Region Observatory, together with the Wits University South African Research Chair in Spatial Analysis and City Planning, hosted a series of events...

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GCRO at an international conference on forced migration

  • Aug 2016
  • GCRO

In July 2016, ​Sally Peberdy presented at a conference of the International Association of Forced Migration Studies in Poland, entitled ‘The state, nationhood, belonging, exclusion and business in South Africa’...

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Quality of Life Survey 2015 Infographics

  • Jun 2016
  • GCRO

The GCRO has released ten infographics that each present an important finding in the Quality of Life Survey 2015. The infographics are designed to communicate these findings in an interesting and...

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GCRO Quality of Life Survey 2015 Press Release

  • Jun 2016
  • GCRO

A month before the August local government elections, new data from the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) shows that satisfaction with municipalities in Gauteng has declined very slightly...

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New Manager/Director position advertised

  • Jun 2016
  • GCRO

The Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) has grown substantially in recent years, both in size and the strategic scope of its work, and will continue to do so into the future...

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The GCRO is looking for new research staff

  • May 2016
  • GCRO

The Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) is a research centre set up in partnership between the University of Johannesburg (UJ), the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (Wits)...

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Movement Johannesburg

  • Nov 2015
  • GCRO

Movement Johannesburg is a new publication that examines the historical and contemporary movements that have and continue to shape Johannesburg. Edited by Zahira Asmal and GCRO...

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Applications Open: Systems Manager/GIS Professional

  • Nov 2015
  • GCRO

A key part of GCRO’s success has been the analysis and visualisation of spatial data. This is reflected in the Analytics, Cartographies and Visualisation research theme, and various outputs such as the...

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Gold mining exploits published in Scenario Journal 5

  • Nov 2015
  • GCRO

Guy Trangoš and Kerry Bobbins have published an article entitled ‘Gold Mining Exploits and the Legacies of Johannesburg’s Mining Landscapes’ in the fifth edition of the...

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GCRO presents to officials in the Indian civil service

  • Oct 2015
  • GCRO

On 19 October 2015, GCRO hosted 27 senior members of the Indian Administrative Services on an IIHS-organised study tour into urbanisation and governance in South Africa...

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New GCRO Website

  • Oct 2015
  • GCRO

In late 2014 the GCRO identified that a new website would be essential to provide easier and more intuitive access to various outputs and online data websites. After months of design and development...

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GCRO bids farewell to its founding executive director

  • Oct 2015
  • Chris Wray

As most of our partners and associates are by now aware, the founding executive director of the GCRO, David Everatt, has left the organisation and will now head the School of Governance...

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Policy engagements on mega human settlements

  • Oct 2015
  • GCRO

In July 2014, the national minister of Human Settlements announced a new direction in housing policy, arguing that in order to get back to adequate scale of housing production…

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Smart | City | Region Symposium and Exhibition

  • Oct 2015
  • GCRO

‘Smart city’ research is a recent academic focus, particularly in relation to cities in the global south. As Gauteng and its municipalities explore advanced technologies in order to streamline…

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Dissatisfaction with the Performance of Government

  • Oct 2015
  • GCRO

A paper written by GCRO’s Koech Cheruiyot, Chris Wray, and Samy Katumba titled: ‘Spatial Statistical Analysis of Dissatisfaction with the Performance...

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A digital urban data gallery for the GCR

  • Oct 2015
  • Chris Wray

GCRO has a range of visualisation outputs including vignettes and map of the months that visualise key trends in the Gauteng City-Region (GCR). These static visualisations are great...

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Formation of The Anti-Racism Network South Africa (ARNSA)

  • Oct 2015
  • GCRO

At the beginning of August 2015, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and the Nelson Mandela Foundation brought together over thirty organizations from around the country to discuss the formation…

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Re-visiting Africa’s Political Economy Landscape

  • Oct 2015
  • GCRO

Claudious Chikozho presented a paper entitled ‘Re-visiting Africa’s Political Economy Landscape: Comparatively Articulating the National Macro-Economic Policy and Institutional Trajectories...

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Kerry Bobbins takes up research stay at DiFU

  • Oct 2015
  • GCRO

As part of her Green Talents award, researcher Kerry Bobbins took up a fully funded research stay at the German Institute of Urban Affairs (DifU) in Berlin, Germany, during May 2015...

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Darlington Mushongera at the 2015 HDCA Conference

  • Sep 2015
  • GCRO

GCRO researcher Darlington Mushongera presented a paper at the 2015 Annual Human Development Capabilities Conference in Washington DC at Georgetown University from 10...

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GCRO Internship

  • Sep 2015
  • GCRO

The Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) is a research centre set up to build the knowledge base that government, business, labour, civil society and citizens need to develop a competitive, sustainable...

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Guy Trangoš presents at EUGEO conference in Budapest

  • Sep 2015
  • GCRO

​On 1 September 2015, GCRO Researcher Guy Trangoš presented a paper at the fifth biannual EUGEO conference in Budapest, looking at a campaign of 'symbolic appropriation' of space in Johannesburg ...

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Christina Culwick presents at RC21 Conference in Italy

  • Aug 2015
  • GCRO

GCRO researcher Christina Culwick presented a paper - Social justice and sustainability transitions in the GCR - at the RC21 Conference in Urbino, Italy held 27-29 August 2015 ...

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Kerry Bobbins, one of M&G’s Top 200 Young South Africans

  • Aug 2015
  • GCRO

Researcher Kerry Bobbins was selected from 2 000 applicants as one of Africa’s 100 Brightest Minds in 2015 for her commitment toward achieving positive social change...

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2015 Quality of Life Survey now in field

  • Jul 2015
  • GCRO

Every two years since 2009, the Gauteng City-Region Observatory carries out a ‘Quality of Life’ survey. We ask questions about a very wide range of issues affecting us all, from transport to education ...

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GCRO to present at Ahmed Kathrada Foundation

  • Feb 2015
  • GCRO

The GCRO has been invited by the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation to discuss the realities of racial division in South Africa at a colloquium entitled "Non-racialism at a dead end?"

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Changing Space, Changing City

  • Jan 2015
  • GCRO

Johannesburg is South Africa’s premier city and is the heart of the Gauteng City-Region that accounts for over one-third of the country’s economic output. Over the past decade or so there has been a growing ...

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Beyond-GDP in Africa: A Regional Dashboard

  • Nov 2014
  • GCRO

Darlington Mushongera, researcher at the GCRO was invited by the Governance Innovation Institute (GovInn) to participate as a speaker in the workshop ‘Beyond-GDP in Africa ...

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Mobility in the GCR report released

  • Nov 2014
  • GCRO

The Mobility in the GCR report was released. News link: http://www.gcro.ac.za/category/report-category/reports

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GCRO researcher wins Green Talent Award

  • Oct 2014
  • GCRO

GCRO researcher Kerry Bobbins was selected from hundreds of applicants as one of 25 winners in the 2014 international Green Talents Competition. The Jury was particularly impressed by...

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GCRO releases first interactive visualisation vignette

  • Oct 2014
  • GCRO

GCRO releases first interactive visualisation vignette: getting to work in the GCR. News link: http://www.gcro.ac.za/interactive-vis/2014/10/transport-work-trips

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Arab Transitions in Comparative Perspective

  • Oct 2014
  • GCRO

Caryn Abrahams, senior researcher at the GCRO has been invited by the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed) and the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies to participate as a speaker in the ...

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GCRO presents at recent RGS-IGB conference in London

  • Aug 2014
  • GCRO

The Annual RGS-IGB (Royal Geographical Society – Institute of British Geographers) conference was held in London, from 26-29 August 2014. The conference took place in the historic...

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GCRO to attend IGU conference

  • Aug 2014
  • GCRO

Kerry Bobbins will be attending and presenting at the International Geographers Union (IGU) conference to be held in Poland from 18 – 22 August 2014. The theme of the conference...

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GCRO represented at the GI_Forum in Salzburg

  • Jul 2014
  • GCRO

GI_Forum is an annual conference, held in the beautiful city of Salzburg, Austria, which aims to provide a platform for dialogue among technologists and critical thinkers, GIScientists and educationalists...

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GCRO staff attend UN Habitat World Urban Forum

  • Apr 2014
  • GCRO

GCRO Senior Researcher Caryn Abrahams and Researcher Guy Trangos attended the UN Habitat World Urban Forum in Medellin (http://wuf7.unhabitat.org/), Colombia during April 2014.

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Green Infrastructure Citylab launched

  • Jan 2014
  • GCRO

On 23 January 2014, GCRO launched a Green Infrastructure Citylab as part of a project on Green Assets and Infrastructure. The Citylab builds on the foundation laid by the 'State of Green...

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Photo essay: the GCR in a photograph

  • Jan 2014
  • GCRO

Photo essay − "Representations of a fluid spatial identity: the GCR in a photograph". GCRO has released the first in its series of photo-essays. This essay is a critical reflection on...

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The State of the Gauteng City-Region Review 2013

  • Oct 2013
  • GCRO

The State of the Gauteng City-Region (GCR) Review 2013 was launched on 25 October 2013 by Professor David Everatt at the Wits Club. His presentation was followed by a response from...

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Third Quality of Life (QoL) Survey now in field

  • Sep 2013
  • GCRO

Fieldwork for the third Quality of Life survey (QoL III) has begun in earnest. The first QoL survey, a 6 600 sample survey to measure the quality of life, socio-economic circumstances...

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State of Green Infrastructure report launched

  • Jul 2013
  • GCRO

On July 29th, the GCRO launched the State of Green Infrastructure in the Gauteng City-Region report. The launch took place at the Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture (FADA) gallery at the...

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GCRO appoints five new research staff

  • Apr 2013
  • GCRO

GCRO’s research capacity has been expanded with the appointment of 5 new research staff: Christina Culwick, Dr. Koech Cheruiyot, Guy Trangoš, Kerry Bobbins and Potsiso Phasha.

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'Portraits of a City Region' Photographic Exhibition

  • Apr 2013
  • GCRO

On Wednesday 17 April the GCRO launched the exhibition ‘Portraits of a City-Region’ and announced the winners of the GCRO photo competition held in February/March 2013.

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GCRO launches GCR photo competition

  • Jan 2013
  • GCRO

Entrants stand a chance to win great prizes including cash to the the value of R15 000! Selected entries will also be exhibited at FADA Gallery, UJ.

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Census 2011 Results Released

  • Oct 2012
  • GCRO

The key findings from Statistics South Africa's National Census for Gauteng, released by Statistics SA on 30 October 2012, are summarized in a Data Brief, produced by the GCRO.

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Graduation of first joint-supervised student: UJ/GCRO

  • Oct 2012
  • GCRO

On 4 October, Adeline Ngie graduated with a MSc in Environmental Management at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). Her dissertation is entitled “A GIS Approach for Flood Vulnerability...

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GCRO launches 2011 'Quality of Life' survey

  • Jul 2012
  • GCRO

“Gauteng has fared extremely well during the last two years of global economic recession,and overall quality of life has risen very slightly to 6,25 (out of 10) for the province as a whole”...

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Launch of Quality of Life Survey viewer

  • Jul 2012
  • GCRO

The Quality of Life (QoL) Survey Viewer has been developed to provide online access to the 2009 and 2011 QoL data.

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GCRO presents at international political science congress

  • Jul 2012
  • GCRO

Recently Annsilla travelled to Spain in order to present a paper at the International Political Science Association (IPSA) conference ‘Reshaping Power: Shifting Boundaries’ 22nd World Congress.

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GCRO to present at the XXII IPSA conference

  • Jul 2012
  • GCRO

On 09 July 2012 Annsilla Nyar will be presenting a paper at the XXIInd World Congress of Political Science of the International Political Science Association (IPSA). She is part of a panel on...

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GCRO appoints 3 interns

  • Jun 2012
  • GCRO

​GCRO has appointed three interns for one year each, starting on 1 June 2012. The purpose of the internships is to provide post-graduates with the opportunity to gain meaningful workplace...

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Wits’ new art museum adds vibe to the inner city

  • May 2012
  • GCRO

​In another nod to inner city development Wits launched its art museum with much aplomb on Thursday 10 May 2012. The launch was attended by a colourful mix of artists, art-lovers...

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GCRO image gallery launched

  • Apr 2012
  • GCRO

GCRO has been building up a collection of images that reflect the varied nature of the Gauteng City-Region. A selection of these images are now available for viewing on image gallery...

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Call for papers: Sport and the City

  • Apr 2012
  • GCRO

The School of Architecture and Planning, at the University of the Witwatersrand, together with our partners, the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) and the Johannesburg Development...

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GCRO discusses impact of the World Cup

  • Mar 2012
  • GCRO

​GCRO recently co-hosted the Sport and the City Conference with the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and the Johannesburg Development...

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GCRO is offering two one-year internships

  • Feb 2012
  • GCRO

The Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) is a research centre set up in partnership between the University of Johannesburg (UJ), the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg...

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GIS website updated and 50 priority wards theme launched

  • Jan 2012
  • GCRO

Visit our upgraded GIS website featuring new tools (such as load your own data) and new data themes such as the 50 priority wards.

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GCRO welcomes new senior researcher

  • Jan 2012
  • GCRO

GCRO is excited to welcome Dr Sally Peberdy, who joins GCRO from the University of the Western Cape, where she taught urban geography. Sally has extensive experience in research...

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Launch of the OECD Territorial Review of the GCR

  • Nov 2011
  • GCRO

In mid-2009, the Premier’s Office in the Gauteng Provincial Government commissioned the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to undertake a...

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Low income human settlements on dolomite

  • Nov 2011
  • GCRO

​GCRO hosted this Policy Workshop on 22 November. Approximately 60 attendees from a range of disciplines discussed concerns, and potential solutions, around the building of settlements...

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Launch of the 2011 State of the GCR

  • Oct 2011
  • GCRO

The 2011 State of the GCR was launched on 17 October, 2011.

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Non-Racialism in Post-Apartheid South Africa

  • Oct 2011
  • GCRO

Ahmed Kathrada opens the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation's two-day conference on non-racialism - "From words to action: the challenges of deepening non-racialism in post-apartheid South Africa"

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Energy and Climate Protection Conference

  • Oct 2011
  • GCRO

Josephine attended the “Energy and Climate Protection Conference” on 5 October 2011 at Turbine Hall, Newtown, Johannesburg. The conference was co-hosted by Gauteng Department of...

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GCRO staff attain higher degrees!

  • Sep 2011
  • GCRO

Josephine Musango has complied with the requirements of a PhD degree (in Sustainable Development) at the School of Public Leadership at the Stellenbosch University, which will be conferred...

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GCRO hosts Ricky Burdett

  • Sep 2011
  • GCRO

On 19 and 20 September 2011, GCRO hosted Ricky Burdett, Professor of Urban Studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and director of LSE Cities and the Urban Age programme...

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Wits marches in support of the Dalai Lama

  • Sep 2011
  • GCRO

Prof David Everatt and GCRO board member, Prof Helen Laburn, Deputy Vice Chancellor, join a public march to protest against the Dalai Lama not being allowed entry to South Africa.

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GCRO and GPG DED host workshop Phase II

  • May 2011
  • GCRO

Over the last 6 months, GCRO has been supporting the Gauteng Provincial Government to develop a Green Strategic Programme for the province. On 20 May 2011, GCRO and the Gauteng...

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GCRO to attend Workshop at the Sustainability Institute

  • Mar 2011
  • GCRO

Between 30 March and 1 April 2011, five members of the GCRO team will be attending a workshop on Sustainable Urban Transitions and Governance at the Sustainability Institute in Stellenbosch.

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GCRO to attend OECD conference Higher Education

  • Feb 2011
  • GCRO

​Annsilla Nyar will be attending the OECD conference Higher Education in Cities and Regions - For Stronger, Cleaner and Fairer Regions, to be held at the University of Seville in Seville, Spain...

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GCRO Xenophobia research in the journal Politikon

  • Feb 2011
  • GCRO

Some exciting news is that the civil society and xenophobia research that GCRO was involved with in 2010, now forms a special edition of the journal Politikon: the South African Journal of Political Studies.

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Workshop on the ‘Green Economy’

  • Jan 2011
  • GCRO

Over the last few years the idea of a ‘Green Economy’ has begun to feature prominently in political statements, as well as policy and strategy commitments. In January 2011, the Central Strategy Unit at the...

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GCRO looking for 2 Senior researchers

  • Dec 2010
  • GCRO

GCRO is seeking to appoint up to two senior researchers, depending on the quality of applicants. With a PhD-level qualification, or a Masters and considerable experience, combined with expertise in...

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2009 QoL survey complete

  • Dec 2010
  • GCRO

The GCRO 2009 Quality of Life/ Customer satisfaction survey was completed towards the end of 2009, with a final sample of 6636 respondents across the GCR.

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GCRO website relaunched

  • Dec 2010
  • GCRO

The Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) website has been completely redesigned and relaunched on 5 February 2010. The new website details the GCRO and its role and mandate...

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The Oxford 2010 Ngo Future of Work Prize

  • Sep 2010
  • GCRO

​GCRO Senior Researcher, Sizwe Timothy Phakathi, has received the Oxford 2010 Ngo Future of Work Prize for his research paper (drawn from his PhD thesis): Getting on and getting by: the gold miners’ informal...

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GCRO GIS website launched on 1 September 2010

  • Sep 2010
  • GCRO

The GCRO GIS Interactive website was formally launched on 1 September 2010. The GIS website was developed as an interactive tool to assist both local and provincial governments...

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Xenophobia reports released

  • Jul 2010
  • GCRO

This comprehensive 500-page report, coordinated by Strategy & Tactics, was written by some of South Africa's leading social and political scientists as well as civil society activists. The report analyses...

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GCRO to present at Ahmed Kathrada Workshop

  • Feb 2010
  • GCRO

Prof David Everatt has been invited to present at the Ahmed Kathrada workshop on deepening non-racialism. The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation was established...

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Update from the GCRO Executive Director

  • Feb 2010
  • GCRO

Prof David Everatt will over the course of the next few months, be presenting: a seminar on nonracialism in South Africa: history and prospects, at P&DM, May 5th...

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Maryna Storie sworn in as a National Councillor of DMISA

  • Jan 2009
  • GCRO

Maryna Storie has recently been sworn in as a National Councillor of the Disaster Management Institute of South Africa (DMISA), and is due to serve for a two-year period...

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GCRO releases results of 2009 Quality of Life Survey

  • Jan 2009
  • GCRO

A joint press conference was held by the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) and Gauteng Provincial Government, Office of the Premier, on 27 May 2010, to release the results of the 2009 Quality of Life...

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