The Al Jazeera article about geometallurgist Steve Chingwaru reminded me of how Johannesburg reflects the broader world and, at times, myself. Chingwaru has figured out how to extract 420 tonnes of ‘invisible gold’ valued at US$24 billion from Johannesburg’s mine dumps.
The story of this gold is the story of Johannesburg: just when you think its reserves are exhausted, another rich resource shines through the dumps and devastation.
For years, I’ve observed the inner city’s decline: crumbling pavements, broken streetlights and cleared out office spaces. This was followed by the closure of the coffee shops and quirky enterprises that brought life to the city when I moved here 10 years ago.
My own low point was late last year when I met with Griffin Shea just before he moved his Bridge Books from the inner city to the suburbs. Over coffee, we lamented the city’s devastation and the wonderful people and places that were no longer there.
When I asked what he’d miss most about having a shop in town, he quickly answered it would be the sense of community; how he always knew his sons could play safely in the street, more so than in the gated suburb where he lived. I recognised his sentiment; I always feel reinvigorated after a walk in town, chatting with neighbours.
This led us to talk about other specks of gold we’d noticed: the enormous hunger for education, evidenced by the wide collection of self-help and business books available everywhere. We realised how many learners we encounter daily: students in chef’s outfits from the Johannesburg Culinary & Pastry School, operating from the old Banking Hall; business students from the Maharishi Institute replacing office workers at Anglo American in Main Street; and the chattering learners walking the streets after school at one of the growing number of private schools. This dynamic learning environment is bookended by the expanding campuses of the University of Johannesburg and Wits University to the east and north of the city.
We realised that a City of Education is emerging as the latest incarnation of the City of Gold, bringing its wealth in the form of educated, young people ready to take on the world!
Ultimately, the story is about the enduring presence of inner resources, even when they don’t present themselves on the surface. Sometimes, you have to dig deeper and work through the grime before you end up with something worthwhile.
In my work, I help companies uncover their gold—particularly in the form of responsible digital strategy development. Just as Johannesburg reveals its treasures through perseverance and insight, I can guide your organisation to develop the resources needed to thrive in today’s digital landscape.
Do you want to learn more about this process of excavation? For example, when you’re desperately looking for in-demand digital skills to keep your business running? I’m happy to take you on a virtual walk through the city and guide you on the way to your inner gold!
City of Gold, City of Education
