MEDIA STATEMENT
Tuesday, 27 May 2025
For Immediate Release
The City of Johannesburg confirms Controlled Access to Kenmare Kloof via Johannesburg Side
The City of Johannesburg (COJ) together with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) wishes to inform the public that access to the Kenmare/Pine Kloof area via the Johannesburg side will remain open under strict access control measures, despite the temporary closure of access points within the jurisdiction of Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM).
Effective Sunday, 1 June 2025, the MCLM has implemented a full closure of its access points to the Kenmare Kloof in accordance with the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (NEM:PAA). This is in response to serious ecological concerns, including unauthorized public access, harmful recreational activities, and environmental degradation. The closure will remain in effect until further notice while environmental audits, compliance inspections, and stakeholder engagements are conducted.
In contrast, the City of Johannesburg-managed portion of the Kloof will remain operational. However, this access will be strictly regulated to preserve the ecological integrity of the area:
An entrance fee of R50 per person will continue to be implemented.
The fee is intended to manage access control and to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Operating hours are between 6 am and 6 pm and will be clearly communicated and enforced.
Permitted activities will remain limited and monitored, and unauthorised entry into the closed MCLM zones will be strictly prohibited.
This approach balances the need for environmental protection with controlled public enjoyment of the natural space. We urge all visitors to respect access boundaries and cooperate fully with environmental officers on-site. Any attempt to access closed areas via the open COJ side will be treated as a violation of the Protected Areas Act and may result in fines or prosecution.
The City of Johannesburg remains fully supportive of MCLM’s decision and is committed to a unified effort to protect the biodiversity of this critically important site. This is a joint operation aimed at long-term conservation.
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
Refilwe Mahlangu: Assistant Manager: Media and PR, Mogale City
Contact: 083 796 0323 or 011 951 2145
Email: refilwe.mahlangu@mogalecity.gov.za
For more information and updates, please visit the JCPZ website at www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com and follow our social media platforms: Facebook: www.facebook.com/JoburgParks; Twitter: @JoburgParksZoo; Instagram: @JoburgParksZoo
