Annually, residents come out in their numbers in vibrant traditional outfits to picnic and braai in their local park to mark National Heritage Day on Friday, 24 September 2021.
Staying with tradition, this year should be no different. With over 1.8million residents vaccinated in the city, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) the custodians of parks and nature reserves in the City, is anticipating that popular parks such as Zoo Lake, Thokoza Park; the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens in Emmarentia and conservation areas such as the Joburg Zoo; The Wilds; Northcliff Eco-Park and the Klipriversberg Nature reserve will experience an increase in patrons, celebrating the day.
The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development, Councillor Margaret Arnolds, strongly encouraged the use of public open spaces. “Time spent in nature reserves and parks, can help residents cope with the growing anxiety and stresses of dealing with the prolonged lockdown and relative economic concerns, linked to the Covid-19 pandemic,” she stated, adding that there is however, a clear need for strict compliance particularly the wearing and disposal of masks to avoid another surge in transmissions, towards the latter part of the year.
Residents are reminded that a mask must be worn in the company of any person outside your immediate household and should strictly be disposed of at home. “Picking up a used mask poses a safety risk for the cleaning team and is a huge environmental challenge, based on the extensive individual use of disposable masks across the globe. Residents need to ensure that they leave the park with the mask they entered with and ensure that it is not discarded in the park,” urged Arnolds.
Parks users are reminded that litter and remnants from a braai should be disposed in the bins provided as well and for park users to avoid the consumption of alcohol; decant glass bottles at home and to stay vigilant when it comes to the safety of young children.
Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) have been requested to remain visible and will be conducting random patrols in flagship facilities in the City.
ENDS.
Issued by
Councillor Margaret Arnolds
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Jenny Moodley
Spokesperson: Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
Tel: 082 8030 748
Email: jmoodley@jhbcityparks.com
