What was once celebrated as a comeback story for the community has quickly turned into another disappointment. Earlier this year, Witkoppen Park was given what seemed like a second chance at life. The management of Fourways Gardens Estate and Fairfield Estate teamed up with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) to reclaim what had long been an overgrown, crime-prone space.

Back then, the difference was visible, so much so residents like Dr Mishelle Sutherland said the transformation was remarkable, and came at a perfect time.

“It was hectic before this. It had vagrants, people were loitering, and it wasn’t safe. You couldn’t see pathways, it was terrible, but now, it is still not done yet, but there is a difference.”

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Her husband, Jason Sutherland, was also optimistic when the JCPZ team began cleaning up the park. “What we see here is a huge improvement. The safety measures – it is going to be nice to have picnics and take our dogs for walks.”

That hope, however, has since faded, since, now, the park looks a lot worse.

Despite promises made in June by Dr Joseph Ndou, of JCPZ, to continue improving the park, including clearing overgrowth, fixing leaks, and removing invasive plants, little progress has been seen.

The park once again shows signs of neglect, with overgrown vegetation, leaking water, and pathways disappearing under grass and debris.

Ward 94 councillor David Foley, who recently met with JCPZ management again, said the city apologised for ongoing delays, and blamed a backlog of projects. “Ndou said he will place renewed focus on it. I will go past the Witkoppen Park to see how things are going.”

In response, Ndou said the ongoing removal of invasive plants has been completed, and pruning and feathering of shrubs near the main gate has been finished. He also said the water leak issue has been resolved. “Excavation for the rehabilitation of the waterlogged area, previously tar, has been completed, and the removal of rubble will be finalised by the end of this month.

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“The replacement of the fence next to Fairfields Estate will be reconsidered in the third quarter (January–March 2026), due to the absence of a capital expenditure budget for the current financial year. However, the current fence has been repainted.

“Additional bins and benches will be installed by the end of November, and the replacement of park signage will be completed by the end of December. Fairfields Estate is assisting in monitoring the park, using their existing security personnel.

Grass cutting is scheduled for next week and will be conducted monthly thereafter, while litter picking will occur on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, weather permitting.”

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