Media Statement
Tuesday, 18 November 2025
For Immediate Release
City Parks and Zoo urge residents to exercise caution around fallen trees and sunken graves during heavy rains.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), the entity in the City of Joburg, responsible for managing designated green spaces, horticultural maintenance, and cemeteries, is urging all residents to take extra precautions during periods of heavy rain and strong winds. As weather conditions intensify, trees can become vulnerable to damage, where falling branches pose a serious risk to people, vehicles, and property.
Residents are strongly advised not to park their vehicles underneath trees during or after heavy rainfall, as wet soil and gusty winds can cause branches—or in some cases, entire trees—to collapse unexpectedly. Older trees carry larger and heavier top branches, and with unstable roots, they are more likely to topple over.
City Parks and Zoo’s street trees and parks teams are continuously monitoring tree stability across Johannesburg, prioritising high-risk areas for maintenance and removal where necessary. However, the public’s cooperation remains crucial in preventing avoidable damage and injury.
We also call on families to inspect their loved ones’ gravesites as heavy torrential rains are likely to cause flooding, grave subsidence, and collapsed headstones in various cemeteries across Johannesburg.
Certain sections, particularly near more recent burials, will be susceptible to erosion, collapsed headstones, and sunken graves.
While families are responsible for the upkeep, reinstatement of headstones, and safeguarding of gravesites, JCPZ recognises the emotional importance of maintaining the integrity of these final resting places. We are committed to assisting families in reinstating gravesites and will only refill graves with the families' consent.
Residents can help by:
- Identifying and reporting erosion, caving-in of graves, and collapsed headstones and tombstones.
- Contacting the manager Cemeteries and Crematoria, Mr Azola C. Manjati; E: amanjati@jhbcityparks.com; 011 712 6600/6617.
- Providing the following information:
- Cemetery name
- Name of the deceased
- Section where the grave is located
- Grave number
Trees form an essential part of the city’s urban ecosystem, providing shade, improving air quality, and supporting biodiversity. Anyone who is illegally removing or damaging trees may face fines or legal action in accordance with the City’s municipal by-laws.
If residents notice any trees that appear to be damaged, uprooted, or posing a risk, they are encouraged to report the issue immediately to Joburg Connect on 011 375 5555 or at joburgconnect@joburg.org.za for a reference number.
For additional assistance, please contact the JCPZ Customer Care Department at 011 712 6600/6617/6719 or via email at vsibeko@jhbcityparks.com.
Please provide the physical address, the corner streets, and the area where the trees have fallen.
JCPZ remains committed to maintaining the city’s urban canopy while safeguarding residents. The City thanks residents for their vigilance and cooperation in helping to keep Johannesburg safe, green, and sustainable.
ENDS.
Issued on behalf of
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
For media enquiries:
Jenny Moodley – Spokesperson, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo; M: 082 803 0748 E: jmoodley@jhbcityparks.com; OR Noeleen Mattera – Media Relations, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo;
M: 069 007 1982 | E: nmattera@jhbcityparks.com
Visit: www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com
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