On the eve of the long weekend which celebrates national Heritage Day, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) is calling on all residents to play by the rules when visiting the City’s parks.
Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Development in the City of Joburg, Councillor Nonhlanhla Sifumba, appealed to residents to refrain from lighting fires in non-designated spaces in parks; disposing of charcoal on the lawns or against trees; consuming alcohol; playing loud music or littering in the parks.
“The Heritage Day weekend sees hundreds of people converge in parks to host braais with family, friends, relatives, and other loved ones. It is wonderful to see families and friends enjoying the City’s public open spaces, but the high number of complaints regarding litter, illegal fires and drinking alcoholic beverages in parks is worrying,” noted Sifumba.
The oldest parks in the City are Joubert Park and the park at Zoo Lake, with the latter celebrating its 111th anniversary. While JCPZ will have its litter-picking services in place throughout the long weekend, residents have a responsibility to ensure that these and other facilities are properly utilised and protected, to ensure the enjoyment of all the residents, and to safeguard the City’s heritage.
“Residents are urged to obey all park safety bylaws and to report transgressions to the Joburg Emergency Call Centre on 011 375-5911”, advised MMC Sifumba.
The Joburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) will be patrolling parks together with Park Rangers, and will confiscate alcohol illegally consumed in the City’s parks.
“Park Safety bylaws are in place for the protection of all residents and visitors, as well as to ensure that all enjoy a pleasant and memorable experience on Heritage Day. This is one of the days where we can come together as South Africans from different cultural backgrounds to celebrate our diversity. This shouldn’t be marred by people who have little or no respect for the rule of law”, stated MMC Sifumba.
Issued by:
Councillor Nonhlanhla Sifumba
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development
City of Joburg
All media enquiries can be sent to:
Ms. Jenny Moodley
Spokesperson: Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
T: 011 712-6600/082 8030 748
E: jmoodley@jhbcityparks.com
W: www.jhbcityparks.com
