As the new year begins, Sunninghill Ratepayers Association initiative, Restore Sunninghill, has set its sights firmly on tackling overgrown grass, litter and neglected public spaces that have increasingly affected the suburb’s appearance and safety.

According to Linda Gildenhuys, the chairperson of the Sunninghill Ratepayers Association, the organisation’s immediate priorities for 2026 include grass cutting along all major roads, litter collection that stalled over the festive season, and the weeding and clearing of several community gardens established along road servitudes.

“Grass and weeds are waist high in some areas, which not only makes Sunninghill look untidy but also creates hiding places for criminals. This is something we cannot ignore as we start the year.”

Read more: Sunninghill unites for World Cleanup Day at Chilli Lane

Two key routes, Maxwell and Van der Bijl drives, have been identified as urgent focus areas. Maxwell Drive is one of the main entrances into Sunninghill and plays a significant role in shaping first impressions of the suburb.

Restore Sunninghill had planted water-wise succulents along the route, but these have been overtaken by weeds.

“It became so overgrown that many of the plants were no longer visible. Because it’s such a long stretch of road, the work is very labour-intensive. We are extremely grateful to Sunninghill Shell for sponsoring the casual labour we are using. It allows us to restore the area, create short-term employment and improve the look and feel of the suburb,” Gildenhuys explained.

Van der Bijl Drive, a major dual carriageway running through the heart of Sunninghill, presents more serious safety concerns. The road borders residential properties and is frequently used by pedestrians and joggers.

“The long grass along Van der Bijl Drive creates ideal conditions for criminals to hide. Muggings and cellphone snatching become much easier when visibility is poor. Cutting the grass here is about protecting residents and everyone who uses this road daily.”

Restore Sunninghill operates with limited resources. As a voluntary ratepayers association, it relies on community and business support to fund its work. Currently, the organisation can only afford a two-man gardening team, despite having taken on many responsibilities that were once handled by the City of Johannesburg.

“With the current economic climate, finances are very tight. Over the years, we’ve had to do more and more of what the city used to do. If we don’t step in, the suburb risks slipping into a crime-and-grime situation.”

Partnerships with local businesses have become increasingly vital. Following Sunninghill Shell’s example, Sunninghill Recovery Lodge has committed to maintaining a section of Nanyuki Road, another important entrance into the suburb.

“It’s encouraging to see businesses giving back to the areas where they operate. They understand that uplifting the suburb protects their own investments and those of their clients.”

Also read: Councillor asks Magaliessig residents to clean up after themselves, and their dogs

Gildenhuys stressed that community funding is essential, as many services residents expect from the municipality simply do not happen without local intervention. “If the ratepayers association, with help from the community, doesn’t do it, it won’t get done. Neglect leads to grime, and grime leads to crime.”

Residents, complexes and businesses are urged to support Restore Sunninghill by becoming contributing members and by taking responsibility for their own pavements and verges.

“If everyone kept their pavements tidy, free of litter and weeds, it would make a huge difference. Too often, complexes only maintain the area at their main entrance and leave other bordering sections overgrown for us to deal with. A collective effort would go a long way in keeping Sunninghill safe, clean and welcoming.”

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!