Latest news with #JohannesburgCityParksandZoo
The Citizen
13 hours ago
- General
- The Citizen
Lonehill Dam swaps green for red as new weed moves in
Lonehill Dam has been going through a bit of a colourful makeover. Just weeks after the green, choking Kariba weed was finally brought under control, a new invader, red fern, has crept onto the scene, turning concern into déjà vu for local officials and residents. The nine-week course, which started in May, to clear the water of Kariba weed using eco granules had shown real promise. 'The Kariba weed was pretty much under control,' said Ward 94 councillor David Foley. 'But we've got a new breed of weed, called red fern, that has decided to show its face here.' Once murky and green, the dam had recently become clearer, with fish and bird life returning and families beginning to look forward to a more inviting spring by the water, but now, with this fresh burst of weed growth, the dam's changing shades are raising fresh questions, and a bit of eyebrow-raising humour from residents. Also read: Lonehill Dam Kariba weed clean-up shows promising progress If the dam has gone from green to red, is it headed for orange next? Foley, however, isn't laughing. He said he's re-engaged Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, who previously brought in amphibious harvesters, to assess what can be done about the red fern. He's also reached out to eco-tab specialists, to investigate whether their purification methods can take on this new botanical challenge. Also read: Kariba weed came, saw, but didn't conquer Lonehill Dam Despite the setback, optimism remains. 'The dam is quite clear, with an abundance of fish and bird life. As soon as we get this under control, and with summer on its way, we're looking forward to spending a lot of time at the Lonehill Dam.' For now, Lonehill dam continues to change with the seasons and with the weeds. Whether it's green, red or something in between, the battle for balance in this beloved water body rolls on. City Parks' Noelene Mattera was reached out to for comment, and we will update as soon as it becomes available. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
20 hours ago
- General
- The Citizen
Bheki Mlangeni Park reopens as safe space in Jabulani
The Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo officially handed Bheki Mlangeni Park to the residents of Jabulani on July 10. 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!
The Citizen
3 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Mandela Day tree planting initiative ends in tension over illegal tree felling
What began as a symbolic and hopeful Mandela Day morning for Ward 94 councillor David Foley quickly turned into a confrontation over urban tree protection and accountability. Foley kicked off the day planting trees at both Fourways Gardens Estate and Fourways Mall, alongside Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), part of a broader initiative to promote urban greening under the Mandela Day spirit of giving back, but, later that afternoon, while driving back with Fourways Review, Foley spotted something that brought the celebrations to a halt. Read more: Fourways Gardens Estate plant 67 trees for 67 minutes of Mandela Day Just nearby the estate, several individuals were cutting down trees. Concerned, Foley stopped his car and approached the group to clarify the legality of their actions. What followed was a tense exchange between the councillor and the property owner, who claimed the trees were damaging infrastructure and lifting the tar from the road. Foley, however, made it clear that unauthorised tree removal, especially on public property, is illegal and could carry serious consequences. 'This will be an example for many who are doing the same thing as him. You cannot cut down trees. You are breaking the law. That is the responsibility of JCPZ.' JCPZ, still active in the area for Mandela Day, were swiftly informed. Known for their fierce advocacy of green spaces, officials reacted strongly, contacting the property owner directly and requesting a formal explanation. Dr Joseph Ndou, an environmentalist from JCPZ, said a fine is now pending, and the matter will be thoroughly investigated. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
4 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Fourways Gardens Estate plant 67 trees for 67 minutes of Mandela Day
Fourways Gardens Estate marked Nelson Mandela Day by organising a tree planting initiative, themed: Planting for the Next Generation. In collaboration with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), as well as Life Green Group, the estate planted 67 trees, symbolising the 67 minutes of service that Mandela inspires. This meaningful event not only honoured Madiba's legacy; it highlighted the importance of environmental stewardship and community involvement. Read more: Lonehill gears up to build hope this Mandela Day Dr Joseph Ndou, an environmental expert from JCPZ, flagged the significance of the day, noting Mandela's legacy and commitment to the environment. 'He gave his life to ensure that we get good services and freedom in the country. That's why, as an organisation, we felt that it is important that we also leave a legacy that our kids will take from us by planting trees.' He said the choice to plant trees was particularly fitting, given Mandela's passion for the environment and the lasting impact it would have on future generations. The estate's chairperson, Ryan Horsman, spoke highly about the importance of community involvement and planning for future generations. 'We got various stakeholders involved in taking care of these projects. It goes a long way in planning for future generations. These trees, in 15 to 20 years, are going to bear the fruits of what we have done now.' The collaborative approach demonstrates the estate's commitment to creating a sustainable and thriving community. The theme resonated throughout the event, as participants recognised the importance of leaving a sustainable legacy for those to come. The estate chose to plant indigenous trees, which are low-maintenance and water-efficient, contributing to a greener future. Ndou added that the trees planted include a mix of fast-growing and gradual-growing varieties, ensuring a diverse and thriving ecosystem. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
200 trees signal new aesthetic chapter for Fourways Mall after trader clearance
There's something quietly powerful about trees. How they soften a space, offer shade, and everything else that's green. For the community around Fourways Mall, 200 newly donated trees are about to do just that. Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo has handed over the trees to support the mall's beautification project, which began a few weeks ago with the removal of informal traders along Winnie Mandela Drive and Fourways Boulevard. The joint operation with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and the Fourways Improvement District made space for something new to take root, literally. Also read: Sunninghill residents rally to keep their streets litter-free Nicho Mbhumi, representing Fourways Mall and spearheading the beautification project from the very beginning, said he's thrilled about this next phase. 'I'm very happy, because this is what I needed to see. We want to improve the aesthetic of the mall for the community, environment, and people who are coming to the area. I can't wait for them to bloom and show off their beauty. We are so grateful to City Parks for these beautiful trees.' The tree planting is being done in partnership with Ishmael Mutileni, from We Serve Landscaping, who is carefully planting the tree species around the mall, lining Winnie Mandela Drive, stretching from the intersection onto Fourways Boulevard and down to Cedar Road, and including the verges on the road. Also read: Fourways Mall rises from the ashes with a multimillion rand revamp According to Mutileni, the transformation won't take long. Once in the ground, the trees are expected to bloom in a few months, bringing life, colour, and a sense of renewal to the heart of Fourways. 'The trees are called Celtis Africana. They were selected because they are beautifully evergreen during their season, and they don't have invasive roots, which might damage the road. They are also very low in maintenance.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
