As part of Global Studio I worked with non-profit group Diepsloot Community News in Johannesburg to facilitate their needs and help improve ways residents can share information in the area. The organization was started by Bongani Baloyi after a little girl was lost in Diepsloot – while she was safely found, it took three days because residents have no easy way to reach out to the entire township. After conducting a community survey, the team helped develop a local radio station by learning the process and challenges from successful radio stations in other townships including Alex. We helped create a business plan, training, capacity, and an arts network. We also explored ways to immediately establish affordable mediums for collective communication. Inspired by a community chalkboard model in Liberia by Alfred Sirleaf, the team installed community chalkboards in high-traffic areas and left others portable for flexibility. Public and paperless, the chalkboards give residents a free and accessible platform to publicize events, post jobs, ask questions, develop community organizations, and self-organize on a daily basis. The team is also exploring ways to use SMS services (great resources: Mobileactive.org, Kiwanja.net, Ushahidi.com, Knight News Challenge). June-July 2007, June-July 2008.

Team: Bongani Baloyi, Lucky Mkah, Lungile Maphumulo, Tebatso Lebotsa, Selaelo Chuene, Phumlani Suka, Warren Mabona, Lawrence Matshidiso, Sam Sikhosana, Anja Bredell, Jennifer Graeff, Belinda Kanpetch, Crighton Nichols, Elonah O’Neil, Dr. Marc Aurel Schnabel, Michelle Tabet, Candy Chang

design, Johannesburg, public art, public space, signs, urban planning