Pretoria - Yusuf Abramjee is a name not unfamiliar in media circles, actually he is a man who needs no introduction.
He is a former journalist with heaps of experience, who transitioned into an anti-crime activist, winning awards in both spheres of his career.
During his school days Abramjee was the editor of his school newspaper as well as a school prefect.
He received the Rand Daily Mail award for excellence for an outstanding school publication in 1982 and since then his illustrious career has been marked with achievement after achievement.
He is former head of news and current affairs at Primedia Broadcasting as well as former head of Crime Line.
Abramjee also fulfilled his role as a LeadSA executive during his time at Primedia Broadcasting.
In 2012 President Jacob Zuma bestowed on him the prestigious Order of the Boabab for his contribution to community development through LeadSA.
A national award is one of the highest honours given by the government to a citizen.
Abramjee still wears multiple hats as a Play Your Part ambassador; a social cohesion advocate; a consultant; #TurnBackCrime ambassador; Goodwill ambassador for CEO SleepOut SA and an Operation Hydrate ambassador.
Are you an originally from the capital city?
I was born in Lady-Selborne, north-west of the CBD. This is where I grew up. My family was forced out of the area under the (apartheid era) Group Areas Act and relocated to Laudium. I did my schooling in Laudium and also became a teacher at a college in Laudium.
What do you like most about the city?
The jacaranda trees when they are in full bloom; the historical buildings in the inner city area; the many shopping malls within close reach and the people. It is a rather calm capital city.
Where do you hang out or go for research?
I often hang out at Tasha’s in Brooklyn or a restaurant in Hazelwood. It’s good to sometimes sit and catch up with one’s work over a cappuccino and see the world go by.
What is your favourite spot in the city and why?
The Union Buildings with its lush gardens. The view is spectacular. From the top, one gets a glance of the entire city and the view is awesome. Watching tourists visiting the area and taking photos next to Madiba’s statue fills one with pride.
What are the five things you would change if you were mayor?
I would ensure that ratepayers get the best service. Service delivery is often a problem and residents expect better.
Second, I would make sure that parks and recreational areas are regularly maintained and that funds are injected into creating more parks and open spaces.
Third, I would ensure that roads are maintained and potholes are fixed within 24 hours.
Crime is a problem and I would ensure visible policing by the metro police and ensure they do not only write tickets, but get actively involved in fighting crime.
Last, I would promote our city as THE tourist destination. We have much to offer and we don’t promote Tshwane enough. Tourism brings more revenue and this would result in investment.
This in turn would create jobs. I would also ensure that massive poles are erected at all the major entrances into the capital city and let large South African flags fly high to promote national pride and social cohesion.
What are the advantages of living in the city?
Traffic is not as big a problem as the other cities. Suburbs are within close reach of the CBD and the general calmness. The Gautrain is easily assessable. Government departments and embassies are all based in the capital and that is an added advantage.
What job do you do and does it satisfy you?
I am now a social cohesion advocate, consultant and director of Crime Stoppers International (CSI). I am also a #TurnBackCrime ambassador. I remain committed to fighting crime and creating a safer SA. I am also involved in a number of NGOs and charities and I enjoy every moment of what I do.
If you could move away, where would you go and why?
Cape Town. The Mother City has the best scenery, there is lots to do. The city is very relaxed.
Which sports team do you support?
I support Mamelodi Sundowns and the Blue Bulls. Being a resident of Tshwane, I have to be loyal to my home teams. And they are the best!
Are there any people from the city you look up to or who shaped your life?
My father, Ebrahim “Boetie” Abramjee shaped my life. He was an active community leader for many years and from a young age he taught us to help those in need. Community service should not be the exception but become a rule. We have to assist people wherever we can.
What mode of transport do you use and is it convenient?
My car. Sometimes I use the Gautrain to Johannesburg. The latter is very convenient and it has become a popular form of public transport.
Pretoria News