Johannesburg Executive Mayor Councillor Dada Morero is currently addressing residents of Naledi in Soweto during a sod-turning ceremony marking the beginning of a new multifunctional park development.
The project is a partnership between Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) and global mobility company inDrive, which has committed R6 million towards the first phase of the development.
The planned park aims to provide residents with a welcoming space for recreation, exercise and social interaction, while creating a safer and more inclusive environment for families and children.
The development will feature innovative playground equipment and outdoor gym facilities designed to cater to different generations. Safety will also be central to the park’s design, with improved visibility, clearly defined pathways, appropriate lighting and accessible entrances forming part of the planning approach.
Speaking about the investment, Morero highlighted the importance of ensuring that children have access to safe recreational spaces regardless of where they live. The initiative also seeks to restore dignity in a community facing social and economic challenges.
Local expertise and labour will be used wherever possible, with the project expected to create opportunities for Naledi residents and local service providers during implementation.
The sod-turning ceremony marks the start of a development intended to strengthen community connections and give residents a public space they can take pride in.
The project represents a collaborative effort to create a greener, safer and more vibrant Naledi.