Joburgers can replenish their strength in the tranquil outdoors following the gradual reopening of the City’s most picturesque nature reserves this week.
Those craving a serene escape from the hurly-burly of Johannesburg will enjoy panoramic views and pristine surrounds as they hike or walk some of the City’s flagship parklands.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, the entity responsible for the upkeep of the City’s green lungs has begun reopening nature reserves to the public after ensuring they have appropriate access control measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
These recreational facilities will open from 9 am until 6 pm daily. While nature reserves open, all recreational parks in the City will, unfortunately, remain closed.
Cllr Margaret Arnolds, the MMC for Community Development says the Joburg Zoo, The Wilds and the Emmarentia Botanical Gardens remained open during lockdown level 3 to enable residents to take advantage of the value derived from nature, in reducing undue anxiety and stress.
“I am satisfied with the access control measures in place and I am pleased to see so many visitors who have adhered to the call to visit in small numbers, retain a safe distance and wear masks,” she says.
The MMC notes that nature reserves in Kloofendal, Klipriversberg, Northcliff, Rietfontein and the Beaulieu Bird Sanctuary were only reopened this week after stringent safety measures were put in place. Melville Koppies will also be open to the public subject to a pre-booking system.
Cllr Arnolds warns though that visitor numbers may be curbed to ensure compliance with the Disaster Management Act, which governs the Covid-19 lockdown.
“No groups will be allowed unless with members of the same household and all Covid-19 protocols will apply,” she cautions.
Cllr Arnolds emphasises that the onus is on parents to supervise young children and for visitors to act responsibly by staying home if they are unwell; have come in recent contact with a person who has Covdi-19; are supposed to be in isolation or if they encounter large groups queuing at the entrance.
“I am mindful that Covid-19 fatigue is real. The number of deaths is real. As parents, we need to safeguard our children in stemming the spread of the virus. We need every resident to make these short-term sacrifices until we can all venture outside and continue with life, as we knew it,” she explains.
The MMC concedes that there had been delays in the simultaneous reopening of all nature reserves due to a staff member testing positive for Covid-19. “This consequently led to the quarantine of the team and thereby affected City Parks’ ability to have adequate staff in place to manage access control within its flagship nature reserves. Staff in isolation have since been screened and have returned to their work stations.”
Cllr Arnolds notes that the City is concerned about unfenced parks, which continue to be used, especially by young children who naturally do not understand the gravity of becoming infected and the associated impacts of taking the virus home to a family member who is vulnerable to the disease.
“The Disaster Management Act calls for penalties to be imposed, bearing in mind that these are the only spaces for many children living in high-density areas, with limited indoor space and who will only return to school in February,” she adds.
All enquiries or concerns about nature reserves may be directed to Bishop Ngobeli via WhatsApp: 068 087 6382.