As we celebrate Women’s Month, it is essential to recognize that walking freely in a park should not be a privilege but a fundamental right. The ongoing concerns surrounding park safety for women and girls remain a pressing global issue.
While women actively enjoy parks and green spaces, the perception of safety concerns often leads individuals to prefer these areas in the company of friends and family. Research indicates that women are three times more likely than men to feel unsafe in parks during the day, with the situation worsening after dark.
In response to these concerns, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) has launched the Environmental Enforcement Unit (EEU), formerly known as the Park Rangers. This dedicated team consists of 37 Rangers and 15 Groen Sebenza Interns from the South African Biodiversity Institute, all of whom are qualified field rangers certified by the South African Wildlife College.
The EEU will collaborate closely with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s peace officers and the South African Police Service to uphold JCPZ’s commitment to park safety.
They will implement park rules and bylaws while maintaining a visible presence in the city’s parks. The rangers are strategically positioned across various regions to ensure that these spaces are accessible and welcoming to all.
Parks, nature reserves, and green spaces should be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of gender or background. This month, we encourage women to embrace the beauty of our parks and gather with friends and family. We advise visiting these spaces in larger groups and leaving valuables behind for added safety.
If you witness any crime or feel unsafe, please report it immediately to Crime Stop on
086 001 0111, JMPD at 011 375 5911, or your nearest police station. In the event of
emergencies, our Environmental Enforcement Rangers can be reached as per below:
Sizwe Mabuza, Lead Environmental Enforcement Ranger on 083 352 4908, smabuza@jhbcityparks.com or Phillip Mkhombo, North Conservation Specialist, Conservation Management Department on 071 220 3696 or phillip.mkhombo@jhbcityparks.com.
“As we honour Women’s Month, JCPZ proudly reaffirms its commitment to creating safe spaces for all women in our parks. The presence of women in these areas is a testament to inclusivity and a sense of belonging. As our Managing Director Thanduxolo Mendrew aptly puts it, “A clear indicator of a safe, clean, and vibrant park is the presence of women with children”
While women actively enjoy parks and green spaces, the perception of safety concerns often leads individuals to prefer these areas in the company of friends and family. Research indicates that women are three times more likely than men to feel unsafe in parks during the day, with the situation worsening after dark.
In response to these concerns, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) has launched the Environmental Enforcement Unit (EEU), formerly known as the Park Rangers. This dedicated team consists of 37 Rangers and 15 Groen Sebenza Interns from the South African Biodiversity Institute, all of whom are qualified field rangers certified by the South African Wildlife College.
The EEU will collaborate closely with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s peace officers and the South African Police Service to uphold JCPZ’s commitment to park safety.
They will implement park rules and bylaws while maintaining a visible presence in the city’s parks. The rangers are strategically positioned across various regions to ensure that these spaces are accessible and welcoming to all.
Parks, nature reserves, and green spaces should be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of gender or background. This month, we encourage women to embrace the beauty of our parks and gather with friends and family. We advise visiting these spaces in larger groups and leaving valuables behind for added safety.
If you witness any crime or feel unsafe, please report it immediately to Crime Stop on
086 001 0111, JMPD at 011 375 5911, or your nearest police station. In the event of
emergencies, our Environmental Enforcement Rangers can be reached as per below:
Sizwe Mabuza, Lead Environmental Enforcement Ranger on 083 352 4908, smabuza@jhbcityparks.com or Phillip Mkhombo, North Conservation Specialist, Conservation Management Department on 071 220 3696 or phillip.mkhombo@jhbcityparks.com.
“As we honour Women’s Month, JCPZ proudly reaffirms its commitment to creating safe spaces for all women in our parks. The presence of women in these areas is a testament to inclusivity and a sense of belonging. As our Managing Director Thanduxolo Mendrew aptly puts it, “A clear indicator of a safe, clean, and vibrant park is the presence of women with children”
