Media Statement
Wednesday, 9 July 2025
Release: Immediate
A green nook for residents in Jabulani in honour of Bheki Mlangeni
The residents of Jabulani in Soweto will be presented with one of the latest state-of-the-art parks developed by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) is the entity responsible for championing greening in the City of Joburg, including designated open spaces, the Joburg Zoo, public parks, street trees, nature reserves, cemeteries and crematoria.
The launch of the newly renovated Bheki Mlangeni Park is ready for use by those living close to the park.
The park was named after Bheki Mlangeni, in honour of his unwavering courage and dedication to human rights and justice. His sacrifice underscored the immense risks faced by those who stood against the apartheid regime. In recognition of his legacy, the Bheki Mlangeni District Hospital in Soweto was also named in his honour.
Located within walking distance of the hospital, the park serves both as a recreational space and a symbol of justice, community empowerment, and heritage preservation.
The Park development has created ten job opportunities through the local labour initiative from February 2025 to date and has contributed R596,319.75 to the local economy. This was accomplished by appointing five local SMMEs and sourcing material through local businesses.
The park boasts large open lawns with a children’s play area and play equipment, flowerbeds, a picnic area, and a free-to-use outdoor gym. The six-a-side soccer pitch is ideal for children to keep fit and encourage them to grow in sport. The park benches and paved pathways add to the aesthetics of the community parks, with a mural of Bheki Mlangeni as a reminder of the stalwart.
“The development of this park is one of many that the City of Joburg will be offering communities. We know how critical parks and green spaces are, such as this one in Jabulani, where people can build strong and caring neighbourhoods. We plead with the residents to look after this park and report any transgressions to JCPZ,” stated Thanduxolo Mendrew, Managing Director, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
ENDS
Issued on behalf of
Thanduxolo Mendrew, Managing Director
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
For media enquiries, please contact:
Jenny Moodley: Spokesperson, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
Contact: 082 8030 748
Email: jmoodley@jhbcityparks.com
Noeleen Mattera: Media Relations, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
Contact: M: 07999 46345 or WhatsApp only: 084 885 9981
Email: nmattera@jhbcityparks.com; www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com; Twitter: @Joburgparkszoo; Instagram: @joburgparkszoo; Facebook: The Johannesburg Zoo; Joburg Parks
The City of Johannesburg wholly owns Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo. The greening and conservation entity manages, maintains, and preserves parks, open spaces, cemeteries, nature reserves, street trees, and the Johannesburg Zoo. Through their work, JCPZ strives to enhance the quality of life, promote a healthy, active lifestyle, and preserve the rich history found in cemeteries for the well-being of all residents.
