Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) has responded to criticism from Magaliessig residents who accused the entity of showing ‘double standards’ in enforcing environmental by-laws at the Heilbrunnen Bird Sanctuary.

The backlash follows allegations that City Parks failed to act for several months on an illegal fence erected on city-owned land at 2 Petroy Drive, which borders the protected sanctuary.
A resident, identified only as Chris, complained in April this year.

He claimed the structure remained in place despite early acknowledgement from officials that it violated city regulations.

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“It took over five months of repeated follow-ups before any action was taken. The difference in how the two cases were handled suggests a two-tier system of enforcement,” alleged Chris.

Emails shared with Fourways Review allegedly show that while JCPZ acted swiftly in a similar case involving Mulberry Lane Estate, threatening fines and removal within days, the 2 Petroy Drive matter dragged on for months.

The fence was eventually removed in late August, following what residents described as ‘persistent community pressure.’

Residents also voiced frustration over what they called the ‘unfair’ suspension of their volunteer rehabilitation programme at the sanctuary, which focused on litter removal, alien plant clearing, and stream restoration.

“For years, our community brought life back to the sanctuary,” said Chris. “But City Parks told us to stop, even threatening fines, while an illegal encroachment nearby went unchecked.”

In response, JCPZ spokesperson Jenny Moodley acknowledged residents’ concerns and praised their dedication.

“We appreciate the passion and commitment shown by local volunteers who have dedicated time and effort to improving the sanctuary,” Moodley said.

She explained that the delay at 2 Petroy Drive was due to a special request from the property owner, who was relocating overseas and asked for a short extension to remove the fence.

“This was granted based on the absence of immediate risk to wildlife and sanctuary users,” Moodley said. “The fence was removed within the agreed period, and the area has since been reintegrated into the sanctuary’s maintenance schedule.”

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Moodley emphasised that each enforcement case was handled on its own merits, guided by environmental by-laws and risk assessments.

“In contrast, the Mulberry Lane Estate case involved a fence that posed an immediate safety hazard to sanctuary users. Swift action was necessary to mitigate liability and ensure public safety.”

Regarding the halted volunteer activities, Moodley clarified that the community was not instructed to stop, but rather asked to follow formal procedures before resuming their work.

“Volunteers were requested to submit a written proposal to [City Parks’] ecologist, Dear Mathwasa. This is standard practice for all partnerships involving sensitive ecological areas.”

Moodley reaffirmed JCPZ’s commitment to working with the community and maintaining the ecological integrity of the Heilbrunnen Bird Sanctuary.

Residents with concerns are encouraged to contact the Conservation Department at 011 712 6600 for guidance and partnership opportunities.

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