MEDIA STATEMENT
Tuesday, 3 February 2026
No embargo
City steps up verge and open-space high-season maintenance
The City of Johannesburg, through Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), has accelerated an intensive verge, park, cemetery and open-space maintenance programme across all regions, reinforcing its commitment to safer, cleaner and more liveable neighbourhoods.
The programme, rolling out since January through March 2026, focuses on grass cutting, tree maintenance, pruning, removals and alien vegetation control along waterbodies.
Priority corridors include major transport routes such as the M1 and M2 highways, Albertina Sisulu Road, Jan Smuts Avenue, flagship parks, active cemeteries and other high-traffic arterials that are critical for mobility, road safety and the overall visual appeal of the city.
“This programme is a proactive response to seasonal growth, heavy rainfall and storm damage, while also strengthening routine maintenance to restore dignity, safety and pride in our public spaces,” said Councillor Thapelo Amad, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Development. The maintenance plan is being implemented region by region and ward by ward, with clearly defined quadrants, equipment allocations and accountable site champions to ensure efficient execution and visible impact. JCPZs teams are deploying tractors, rideon mowers, brush cutters and chainsaws to address backlogs and prevent further deterioration, particularly along high-impact routes and public spaces.
Councillor Amad also acknowledged the growing number of residents who are actively contributing to neighbourhood upkeep.
“We commend the many residents who are already going the extra mile by cleaning and beautifying the verge outside their homes. This spirit of active citizenship is encouraging and shows what is possible when communities and the City work together,” he said.
Residents are urged to remain patient where maintenance activities may result in routes being temporarily cordoned-off with potential disruptions and to continue reporting concerns through Joburg Connect on 011 375 5555 (press option 0) to assist with planning and prioritisation.
“This programme is about partnership, consistency and accountability stemming from seasonal scheduled maintenance disruptions due to inclement weather.
By working together, we are reclaiming our public spaces and building neighbourhoods that are safer, cleaner and more dignified for all,” concluded Councillor Amad.
Issued by:
Councillor Thapelo Amad
Member of the Mayoral Committee: Community Development
Media enquiries:
Kevin Reddy
083 797 7880
Tuesday, 3 February 2026
No embargo
City steps up verge and open-space high-season maintenance
The City of Johannesburg, through Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), has accelerated an intensive verge, park, cemetery and open-space maintenance programme across all regions, reinforcing its commitment to safer, cleaner and more liveable neighbourhoods.
The programme, rolling out since January through March 2026, focuses on grass cutting, tree maintenance, pruning, removals and alien vegetation control along waterbodies.
Priority corridors include major transport routes such as the M1 and M2 highways, Albertina Sisulu Road, Jan Smuts Avenue, flagship parks, active cemeteries and other high-traffic arterials that are critical for mobility, road safety and the overall visual appeal of the city.
“This programme is a proactive response to seasonal growth, heavy rainfall and storm damage, while also strengthening routine maintenance to restore dignity, safety and pride in our public spaces,” said Councillor Thapelo Amad, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Development. The maintenance plan is being implemented region by region and ward by ward, with clearly defined quadrants, equipment allocations and accountable site champions to ensure efficient execution and visible impact. JCPZs teams are deploying tractors, rideon mowers, brush cutters and chainsaws to address backlogs and prevent further deterioration, particularly along high-impact routes and public spaces.
Councillor Amad also acknowledged the growing number of residents who are actively contributing to neighbourhood upkeep.
“We commend the many residents who are already going the extra mile by cleaning and beautifying the verge outside their homes. This spirit of active citizenship is encouraging and shows what is possible when communities and the City work together,” he said.
Residents are urged to remain patient where maintenance activities may result in routes being temporarily cordoned-off with potential disruptions and to continue reporting concerns through Joburg Connect on 011 375 5555 (press option 0) to assist with planning and prioritisation.
“This programme is about partnership, consistency and accountability stemming from seasonal scheduled maintenance disruptions due to inclement weather.
By working together, we are reclaiming our public spaces and building neighbourhoods that are safer, cleaner and more dignified for all,” concluded Councillor Amad.
Issued by:
Councillor Thapelo Amad
Member of the Mayoral Committee: Community Development
Media enquiries:
Kevin Reddy
083 797 7880
