​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, marking the day.

Bryne Maduka, the Managing Director of the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, 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,” he stated, adding that there is, however, a clear need for strict compliance to avoid another surge in transmissions.

Residents are reminded that a mask must be worn in the company of any person outside your immediate household and should be disposed of at home.

“Picking up a used mask poses a safety concern for the cleaning team and is a growing environmental challenge stemming from the extensive use of disposable masks. Residents need to ensure that they leave with the mask they entered with,” urged Maduka.

Parks users are reminded that litter and remnants from the braai should be disposed in the bins provided; avoid the consumption of alcohol; refrain from taking glass bottles into parks and stay vigilant when it comes to the safety of young children.

The rangers together with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department have been requested to remain visible and will be conducting random patrols in all flagship parks.

23/09/2021