Tinyiko Barbara Ngobeni
Nomalanga Joyce Jiyane is a dedicated public servant whose work continues to uplift communities through sport and social development. Guided by a firm belief in dignity and second chances, she has built a career centred on empowering individuals and creating pathways for meaningful change.
Born in Carletonville, Khutsong, and raised in Soweto, Jiyane attributes her strong values of respect and humility to her upbringing by hardworking parents. These principles have shaped both her professional journey and her commitment to community development.
She matriculated from Settlers Agricultural High School in 1997 and later obtained a National Diploma in Sports Administration and Marketing from Vaal Technikon. Her career with the City of Johannesburg began as an intern, after which she progressed through various roles in the Human Resources Department. In 2003, she secured a senior secretary position and continued to grow within the organisation.
Jiyane later transitioned into the Sports and Recreation environment, where she held positions including Operations Manager, Norms and Standards Specialist, and Acting Manager across multiple regions. She currently serves as Assistant Director in the Sports and Recreation Department, where she oversees city-wide programmes aimed at enhancing community well-being and promoting active lifestyles.
In addition to her professional responsibilities, Jiyane is the founder of the Mahlasedi A Meso Foundation (“Break of Dawn”), a non-profit organisation that supports inmates and parolees through spiritual, emotional and practical interventions. What began as voluntary visits to correctional centres has developed into a structured initiative focused on rehabilitation and reintegration.She acknowledges the complexities of this work, noting that sustainable transformation requires time and patience. Despite ongoing challenges such as limited opportunities for beneficiaries, Jiyane remains committed to her mission, celebrating incremental progress and the long-term impact of her efforts.
Through her leadership in sport and community development, Jiyane continues to drive initiatives that empower individuals and foster social cohesion. She is a strong advocate for safe sporting facilities and accessible youth development programmes that nurture talent and provide alternatives to crime.
Her work stands as a testament to the power of service, demonstrating that investing in people can create lasting and meaningful change.
SOURCED FROM THE CITY’S WEBSITE.
