inDrive in partnership with Joburg City Parks & Zoo invests R6 million to develop a new community park in Naledi SowetoinDrive South Africa is partnering with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) to transform a 2.6-hectare undeveloped site in Naledi, Soweto, into a new community park, creating a recreational space for residents to play, exercise and spend time outdoors.

Located at PK2707 Nape Street, Stand 376, which currently has no public amenities, the site’s transformation will take place in three phases over three years. As part of the partnership, inDrive is investing R6 million towards the development of the park, supporting the creation of a safe, accessible and welcoming recreational space for the Naledi community and surrounding areas. Ashif Black, country representative at inDrive South Africa, says the project is an opportunity to invest directly in a community where people use its platform, creating something that can become part of everyday life beyond the journeys people take.“Moving people through a community also means becoming part of that community, and we believe that relationship should extend beyond the journeys people take with us,” says Black.

“Through this partnership, we have an opportunity to help turn an unused piece of land into a place where children can play and people can exercise, while families and neighbours can connect with one another.”

The first phase marks the beginning of the development of the wider 2.6-hectare site, which JCPZ has committed to the project without parallel third-party development. Phase 2 will continue the development in 2027, followed by Phase 3 in 2028, which is set to include the addition of a football field. The phased approach will see the park grow over time into a larger recreational space designed to serve different members of the Naledi community.

“Public spaces have an important role to play in how communities live and connect,” says Black. “

What matters to us is that this investment creates something useful and lasting for the people who live here, while giving the community more opportunities to spend time outdoors, be active and enjoy a space of their own.”A child’s opportunity to play safely should never depend on their postcode. This investment in Naledi recognises the dignity of our residents and the value of public spaces where families can gather with confidence. We thank inDrive for a generous contribution that will help turn that principle into a lasting community asset,” says the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Councillor Dada Morero.

𝗠𝗔𝗬𝗢𝗥 𝗗𝗔𝗗𝗔 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗥𝗢 𝗔𝗗𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗗𝗜 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬

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.