Share this article

​Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo on a blitz to peak clean open public spaces

 
07 February 2018 

Release: Immediate
 
Johannesburg City Parks and ZOO (JCPZ) is partnering with other departments and entities in the City to clean up open public spaces that require attention due to peak seasonal demand.
JCPZ has committed to responding to peak seasonal demands by embarking on mega blitz operations in the City which will transform areas of concern into liveable spaces for the enjoyment of the diverse people of Joburg. This is to promote the safe use of public open spaces, and to afford all the people of Joburg, especially previously forgotten communities, the opportunity to enjoy City amenities.
The current administration of the City, under the stewardship of the Executive Mayor, Cllr Herman Mashaba, is committed to making Johannesburg one of the cleanest cities not only in Africa, but in the world. 
A cleaner and safer City will drive away the criminal element that terrorise residents and lessen business and investments in the City. The clean-up was a contribution towards the City’s A Re Sebetseng campaign.
The mega Blitz was launched by the MMC for Community Development, Cllr Nonhlanhla Sifumba in the Avalon Precinct on Tuesday, 30th January 2018. The Avalon precinct forms part of Avalon Cemetery and the historical Chiawelo Koppie. 
The clean-up aimed to rid the Koppie of alien invasive plants and increasing the visibility of the community so as to discourage criminal activities in and around the Precinct.
Approximately 150 City staff and EPWP workers were involved in the clean-up operation by cutting away long grass, pruning trees, picking up litter and removing illegal dumping. 
The Koppie, which is part of the precinct, is one of the highest points in Soweto. It is also a place of historical significance as it was used as a rendezvous for political discussions during the Apartheid era. The Koppie is one of Soweto’s tourist attractions, and was once visited by the former Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr Kofi Annan. 
Equally, the Avalon Cemetery is one of the biggest cemeteries within the City, where loved ones are laid to rest. As a cemetery that has reached full capacity, and is no longer used for primary burials, it is not cleaned as regularly as active cemeteries. Due to the heavy rains in the province the grass and invasive plants grow quicker and create a need for regular cleaning.  
The clean-up was led by the management and staff of JCPZ, who were joined by members of the public, in partnership with Working with Water, Pikitup and JMPD. 
This was the first of regional clean-up operations that will be implemented across the City. Other clean-up operations scheduled are as follows:
 
Date​​​
Area of Clean-up
Clean-Up operation

28th February 2018
Elmon Molele Park, Region D
Park, Spruit, & Sidewalks

4th April 2018
Kaalfontein Spruit, Region A
​Jukskei River clean-up, Grass cutting, Alien Vegetation removal, Tree Maintenance, Distributing of Fruit trees, Environmental Education, Litter picking, grass cutting in Midrand Cemetery
June 2018
Buccleuch, Region E
​Public Open Spaces, Jukskei River, Sidewalk, Main road

​The mega blitz operations are in addition to the normal cleaning cycle undertaken by JCPZ to keep Joburg green. The details of other clean-up operations can be obtained on JCPZ’s website www.jhbcityparks.com.
I encourage all members of the public to join us in cleaning up the City, and to make it part of their daily routine not to litter and to pick up any rubbish they see in their areas. This way we will keep Johannesburg clean.
 
Cllr Nonhlanhla Sifumba
MMC Community Development
City of Joburg
 
Media Enquiries
Jenny Moodley
Spokesperson: Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
Tel: 082 8030 748/082 906 1515
Email: jmoodley@jhbcityparks.com
Website: www.jhbcityparks.com