Restore Sunninghill, an initiative led by the Sunninghill Ratepayers Association, has started 2026 with a renewed focus on cleaning up the suburb and improving safety for residents, pedestrians, and road users.

According to the association’s chairperson, Linda Gildenhuys, grass cutting along Sunninghill’s major roads is one of the most urgent priorities. In several areas, grass and weeds have grown to waist height, leaving the suburb looking untidy and creating hiding places for criminals.

“Long grass doesn’t just affect how the area looks; it becomes a haven for criminals.”

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Litter removal is another major concern. Waste has not been collected since staff went on leave in mid-December, resulting in rubbish scattered across the suburb. Some of the litter is hidden beneath the long grass, while much of it is clearly visible along roads and open spaces.

Restore Sunninghill is also working to weed and clear the community gardens it has established along road servitudes. Without regular maintenance, these spaces can quickly become overgrown and neglected.

Two key roads, Maxwell and Van der Bijl drives, have been identified as priority areas. Maxwell Drive is one of the main entrances into Sunninghill and plays an important role in how the suburb is perceived.

Because the road is long and the work is labour-intensive, Restore Sunninghill has welcomed support from Sunninghill Shell, which is sponsoring casual labour for the clean-up. The sponsorship is helping to restore the appearance of the entrance while also creating temporary employment.

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Gildenhuys said Restore Sunninghill faces ongoing challenges due to limited funding and staff. The ratepayers’ association is voluntary, and with current financial pressures, it can only afford a two-man gardening team. At the same time, it has had to take on more responsibilities previously handled by the City of Johannesburg.

Partnerships with local businesses have become essential. In addition to Sunninghill Shell’s support, Sunninghill Recovery Lodge has taken responsibility for maintaining a section of Nanyuki Road, another entrance into the suburb.

Gildenhuys urged residents, complexes, and businesses to play a more active role.

“Besides becoming contributing members, if everyone took responsibility for their pavements and verges, it would go a long way.

They need to be kept tidy, clear of weeds and litter, and with grass cut short. Too often, complexes maintain only their entrances, while areas bordering roads are left overgrown for us to deal with.”

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