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lower gardens CITY improvement district

Meet the Team

Rorisang Sojane-2

CID Manager

Rorisang Sojane

Meet your manager responsible for the Lower Gardens City Improvement District.

My objectives for the CID: 
"I am a passionate urban planner and precinct strategist with academic roots in Urban and Regional Planning and a master’s in Urban Management from the University of the Witwatersrand. What excites me the most about Lower Gardens is its incredible potential—nestled between cultural landmarks, historic architecture, and a vibrant local community, the area is primed for a transformation that puts people and place at the centre.

With hands-on experience in starting and growing City Improvement Districts in Johannesburg, I bring a deep understanding of how to turn precinct visions into operational success. My background includes working across public, private, and community sectors to deliver cleaner, safer, and more connected urban environments.

Coming from outside Cape Town, I will see Lower Gardens with fresh eyes and I believe an outsider’s perspective, combined with proven precinct management know-how can unlock new possibilities for collaboration, innovation, and long-term impact."

Professional Experience: 
Precinct Manager: 3 and half years of precinct manager experience across various voluntary improvement districts in the City of Johannesburg.

Education:
  • Advanced Diploma in General Management
    Gordon Institute of Business Science | Graduated: May 2025
    - Recipient of a Services SETA scholarship.
  • Master of Urban Studies (Urban Management)
    University of the Witwatersrand | Graduated: December 2022
    - Thesis: "Lockdown and the City: The Dawn of New CID Practices".
    - Recipient of the Wits-TUB-UniLAG Urban Lab scholarship.
    - Lifetime member of the Golden Key International Honour Society (Top 15% in the field).
  • BSc Honours in Urban and Regional Planning
    University of the Witwatersrand | Graduated: March 2020
    - Dissertation: "The Battle Within: Operating Licences and the Minibus Taxi Industry" (Passed with distinction).
  • BSc in Urban and Regional Planning
    University of the Witwatersrand | Graduated: March 2019 

Contact: 
rorisang@lowergardenscid.co.za

CID Interim Board

Meet the team implementing the Lower Gardens City Improvement District.

Ryan Paterson

Chairsperson

Ryan Paterson 

Address:
15 Glynville Street, Gardens, Cape Town.

Experience:
Start up investor; Property entrepreneur.

CID Portfolio:
Finance (lead); Marketing.

My objective for the CID:
"I want to enjoy a world class inner city neighbourhood, where I can contribute to its future plans and hold community dedicated people accountable for the quality and enjoyment of our public spaces."

Contact: 
ryan@lowergardenscid.co.za

vice Chairsperson

Michael Power

Address:
6 Gordon Street, Gardens, Cape Town.

Experience:
Retired. Former Global Strategist for Ninety One.

CID Portfolio: 
Parks (lead); Finance.

My objective for the CID:
“I moved to Lower Gardens from our City Centre neighbour in 2018. In the time since, I have seen the underlying character of our community blossom, to reveal its uniqueness: its ‘edge of City Centre’ edginess. My aim is to see the disparate parts of our neighbourhood connect even further. In particular, I am keen to see our residents get to know the wide variety of goods and services that are available locally…within walking distance. This will reinforce the dynamics of our LGCID economy and likely improve the lives of everyone living within it.”

Contact:
michael@lowergardenscid.co.za

Michael Power-1
Dagmar Timler

Dagmar Timler

Address:
58 Maynard Street, Gardens, Cape Town.

Experience:
Ward 77 Committee representative for Gardens Watch; IT Consultant.

CID Portfolio:
Social Services (lead); Parks.

My objective for the CID:
"Is to use inclusive, community-driven solutions to support the well-being of our neighbourhood. In addition to ensuring safety, I want to see a CID that promotes social growth, compassionately handles homelessness, and strengthens the links between locals and businesses in our historic neighbourhood."

Contact:
dagmar@lowergardenscid.co.za

Jacques Weber

Address:
87 Hatfield Street, Gardens, Cape Town.

Experience:
Current Chairmen of Sea Point CID; ex DA councillor; Director of Watch Tower; Property entrepreneur.

CID Portfolio:
Public Safety (lead).

My objective for the CID:
“As the current Chairman of the Sea Point City Improvement District (CID), I’ve witnessed first hand the positive impact a well-run CID can have on a community. A CID empowers an area to go beyond the basic services provided by the City, allowing us to enhance safety, cleanliness, and overall public space management.
It means more visible security, cleaner streets, and proactive social development, all of which contribute to a more attractive and livable environment. This, in turn, helps protect and grow property values, ensuring that all property owners continue to receive strong returns on their investments.”

Contact:
jacques@lowergardenscid.co.za

Jacques Weber
Matthew Jantjies

Matthew Jantjies-Green

Address:
127 Buitenkant Street, Gardens, Cape Town.

Experience:
Chairperson of Gardens Watch for 2 years; Cleaning Team Manager (Gardens Watch); Head of Agency Partnerships at AccountInsight.

CID Portfolio:
Cleaning and Maintenance (lead); Marketing.

My objective for the CID:
“Over the last 2 decades, I have lived in various neighbourhoods in the CBD, but it was the characterful houses lining Buitenkant Street that finally convinced me to purchase a home and settle down. As a member of Gardens Watch, I was privy to both the good and the bad of the area as the community yearned for a clean, safe and thriving environment. I want Lower Gardens to be the premier suburb in Cape Town that property owners are proud to be a part of and visitors can’t help but share their positive experiences.”

Contact:
matthew@lowergardenscid.co.za

 "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much"

Helen Keller