Johannesburg's dedication to sustainability, urban greening, and inclusive public spaces has earned the City three prestigious honours at the World Urban Parks 2025 Awards. The recognition positions Johannesburg among the leading green cities globally and reaffirms the City's commitment to building a resilient, people-centred urban environment.
Executive Mayor Cllr Sello Dada Morero congratulated Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) for the achievement, noting that the awards come at a time when the City is intensifying its revitalisation efforts for the G20 Summit and beyond.
“This global recognition reaffirms Johannesburg's determination to build a clean, green, and vibrant city that showcases the best of Africa," said Mayor Morero. “Our parks and open spaces are the living heart of Johannesburg — where communities connect, nature thrives, and our sustainability vision becomes real. These awards honour our City's leadership and the employees and residents who help protect our green heritage."
The City received the following awards:
1. Best Entity Award
JCPZ was recognised for its exceptional leadership in the management of parks, open spaces, and biodiversity assets. The award acknowledges the entity's innovative programmes, environmental stewardship, and ongoing work to restore and expand urban green spaces while improving access to nature for all residents.
2. Large Urban Parks Award
The Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, spanning more than 680 hectares, was honoured for excellence in conservation and community participation. The reserve is celebrated for its rich biodiversity, indigenous flora and fauna, and its role as one of Joburg's most cherished natural retreats.
3. Most Distinguished Individual Award
JCPZ Green Ambassador Bishop Ngobeli received this award for his passionate advocacy of tree planting and urban forestry across South Africa and the African continent. His leadership has inspired intergovernmental collaboration and civic participation in climate-resilient initiatives.
JCPZ Managing Director Thanduxolo Mendrew said the awards are a reflection of the City's dedication to world-class environmental management.
“These achievements inspire us to continue improving the quality of Johannesburg's parks and open spaces, and to involve communities in shaping a greener, healthier city," he said.
Johannesburg's success underscores how urban green spaces contribute to the City's Growth and Development Strategy 2040, strengthening environmental resilience, promoting public health, and building cohesive, connected communities.
14/11/2025
Recommended for you:
Joburg plants 3 000 trees in one hour to grow greener city
As Arbor Month ends, City Parks urges Joburg to grow greener, resilient future
To stay informed about the latest developments in the City, connect with us on:
X: @CityofJoburgZA
Facebook: City of Joburg
Instagram: @CityofJoburg
TikTok: @CityofJoburg
Threads: @cityofjoburg
LinkedIn: City of Johannesburg
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CityOfJoburgZA/videos
