Bheki Mlangeni Park reopens as safe space in Jabulani
The renovated park was unveiled as a state-of-the-art facility developed for use by nearby residents.
The park is named after Bheki Mlangeni in honour of his courage and dedication to human rights and justice.
His sacrifice underscored the risks those who stood against the apartheid regime faced. In recognition of his legacy, the Bheki Mlangeni District Hospital in Soweto is also named in his honour.
ALSO READ: Eldorado Park orphanage gets new kitchen, support from private sector
Speaking with residents, the MMC for Community Development in the CoJ, Tebogo Nkonkou, said the initiative is part of their broader programme to renew Johannesburg's urban landscape through sustainable, inclusive and people-centred public spaces.
'Today, we do more than just open a park; we ensure a legacy and make history. Bheki Mlangeni was not just a lawyer, he was a warrior for justice – a principled human rights defender who walked into the storm of apartheid brutality armed only with the Constitution, the law and his moral compass.
'He fearlessly represented the voiceless, especially during the Harms Commission into the assassination squads of the Vlakplaas unit. It is here, through this park, that his courage continues to bless,' said Nkonkou.
He added that they had spent R2.8m on the development, and that the local labour initiative created jobs, injected R506 319 directly into the local economy, and empowered five local SMEs.
Ward 34 Clr Lucas Lufutso expressed excitement about the park.
ALSO READ: Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo commemorates Mandela Day
'To the community of Jabulani, we must protect this park; it belongs to us. Dumping rubbish in and around this area must stop. I also urge everyone not to park cars inside the park, as children will play here.
'Their space must be kept safe and open. Our area faces challenges with crime, so I am pleading with all of us to take a stand against the growing threat of drugs and criminal activity. Together, we can protect our children and create a safer environment,' said Lufutso.
The Urban News spoke to resident Josline Shabalala, who stated that the park would bring change to the community by providing children with a safe space to play.
'As residents of Jabulani, we are committed to protecting our community.
'We will confront crime that affects us and ensure that it does not occur in the park. This space will be treated with respect and dignity in honour of Bheki Mlangeni,' concluded Shabalala.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
13 hours ago
- The Citizen
The Power of 8000 leads Mandela Day action in White River
The Power of 8000 leads Mandela Day action in White River Community spirit and dedication were once again visible in White River this past Friday, July 18, as The Power of 8000 (TPO8000) spearheaded an important clean-up operation. This latest initiative was part of the town's Mandela Day celebrations, honouring the legacy and birthday of the former president, Nelson Mandela. Community members and businesses – Build it, Connection Properties, Ambassador Foods, Green Thumb Bins and Witrivier Geloofsentrum – worked hand in hand. Child Welfare, the White River CPF and the City of Mbombela's Waste Department joined in cleaning the Casterbridge traffic circle on the R40, a key area within White River. ALSO READ: Furry friends get spoilt on Mandela Day Volunteers cleared litter and debris, working tirelessly to restore the area's natural beauty. This annual clean-up is a profound gesture of respect, a tribute to Mandela's vision of a better South Africa. 'It is about giving back and showing our appreciation for the town we live in, while also remembering the incredible sacrifice and dedication of Nelson Mandela. This service ensures a cleaner, more beautiful White River. It is also and a living testament to Madiba's enduring spirit,' said the TPO8000 chairperson, Rhodes Abell. ALSO READ: Mandela Day: What you can do for 67 minutes in Mbombela Abell said this year's clean-up saw overwhelming support from the community. The TPO8000 team turned out in impressive numbers. Local businesses also rallied behind the cause, providing invaluable support and demonstrating their commitment to corporate social responsibility and the well-being of the town. This highlights a growing effort to maintain White River and foster a sense of shared ownership. The collaboration between community members and local businesses underscores what can be achieved when different sectors unite for a common cause. As the sun set on Friday, the Casterbridge traffic circle was noticeably cleaner. This is testament to the hard work and shared spirit defining White River's dedication to its environment and its heroes. TPO8000 continues to be a source of positive change, inspiring residents to actively participate in building a cleaner, more respectful community – one clean-up at a time.
The Citizen
18 hours ago
- The Citizen
Georgina gives back to vulnerable children in Pelzvale
Community hero Georgina Mapule Mphatswe dedicated 67 minutes of her time to the residents of Mphe Seriti Orphanage and Vulnerable Children's Drop-in Centre in honour of Nelson Mandela. Georgina noted that the orphanage cares for vulnerable children who have lost their parents. It also prepares daily meals for the needy in the community and helps children with their homework. To make the children's Mandela Day special, Georgina donated clothes and also bought a stockpile of groceries, which she donated on July 19. She has been assisting the orphanage for five years and usually plans her schedule for Mandela Day three months in advance. 'To me, Mandela Day means to perform acts of kindness and to make an impact in the community. It serves as a reminder that we all have the power to enforce change. It fills me with a sense of purpose, and it is very rewarding to see the impact I make on others' lives,' Georgina expressed.
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
WATCH: Here is how Albertonians celebrated and honoured Mandela Day
WATCH: Here is how Albertonians celebrated and honoured Mandela Day The United Nations General Assembly's 42nd plenary session met on November 10, 2009, in New York to consider calls from the 46664 concerts and the Nelson Mandela Foundation to officially recognise International Mandela Day. In adopting the resolution, the Assembly stated: 'The long history of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela's leading role in and support for Africa's struggle for liberation and Africa's unity, and his outstanding contribution to the creation of a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic South Africa, the Assembly decides to designate July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day, to be observed each year beginning in 2010.' Since then, billions around the world honour Mandela Day by committing to 67 minutes of public good in recognition of Nelson Mandela's 67 years of fighting for social justice. 'We would be honoured if such a day can serve to bring people together around the world to fight poverty and promote peace, reconciliation and cultural diversity,' reads a statement issued on Mandela's behalf. Mandela Day is not an international public holiday but a day to honour the legacy and values of South Africa's former president through volunteering and community service. On July 18, residents of Alberton, including local businesses, schools, faith and welfare groups, and other public organisations, celebrated by doing their part to observe Mandela's 67 years of service to humanity. From blanket donations and mobile soup kitchens to caring for the elderly and providing food to those in need, Alberton's spirit of humanity was on full display. The Alberton Record was there to capture these heartwarming moments.
