City Parks welcomes new leader

There is a new champion in the mayoral committee, Roslynn Greeff, who will keep City Parks and its greening agenda firmly in the limelight.
CITY Parks has welcomed its new champion, Roslynn Greeff, who was named member of the mayoral committee for infrastructure services and environment. The utility falls under the portfolio.

MMC for infrastructure services and environment, Roslynn GreeffMMC for infrastructure services and environment, Roslynn GreeffWith its mandate of caring for greening projects around Joburg, City Parks contributes significantly to the numerous aspects that transform it into an aesthetically pleasing oasis.

New councillors were voted in at the 18 May local government elections, after which new City officials were appointed by the new executive mayor, Parks Tau. Greeff took over infrastructure services and environment on his committee from Matshidiso Mfikoe.

Greeff says: “While the City is responsible for a wide spectrum of services and programmes – ranging from electricity to water, investment incentives to poverty relief – we should not underestimate the contribution that issues relating to the environment make towards making this a world-class, African City.”

Quality of life over the coming years, she adds, will be defined by the way in which residents in the city measure and value their experience of living.

“City Parks has played a key role in changing Joburg’s urban shape in the past 10 years through [its] energetic efforts to plant trees, create more green spaces and manage and maintain the growing number of parks in the city,” Greeff adds.

For these greening initiatives, she points out, City Parks has received many well-deserved accolades from local and overseas audiences. “I am delighted to become part of this progressive and energetic team at City Parks.”

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Challenges
When speaking about challenges, she notes that the obvious will be to build on the successes and take City Parks to a new level of relevance for residents. “Throughout the world, environmental issues are moving centre stage as communities concern themselves with the future of our planet and the legacy we are leaving to successive generations,” she says.

“In many respects, Johannesburg has set as global example in demonstrating how we can implement sustainable environmental practices within a city that is the economic powerhouse of our country.”

About her new portfolio, she says she is looking forward to discussing with residents how “we can continue to green our city; increase accessibility for all communities; ensure that every part of our city can enjoy the benefits of green spaces; empower communities through food gardens and sustainable projects; and turn our parks into true community assets that make a valuable contribution to city life”.

The City has to ensure that green spaces and environmental initiatives are not considered nice-to-have additions, but rather essential elementsin building better communities and improving quality of life.

“Much has already been achieved and I have no doubt that we will continue to be at the forefront of innovation and international best practices.”

Over the next few days, Greeff will be meeting City Parks employees in every division and unit. “I am looking forward to these encounters and to learn from [their] rich and valuable experience as [we] move forward to create an even greener Joburg.”

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