Residents, local businesses and community organisations came together at Robyn Park on October 24 for the annual Jukskei Park Community Forum (JPCF) bonfire fundraiser, raising funds to support local initiatives focused on park maintenance, safety and neighbourhood improvements.

The event, held in collaboration with OnArmor Security, offered families an opportunity to enjoy live music, food stalls, children’s activities and trick-or-treating, culminating in the evening’s bonfire.

Read more: Paulshof clean-up efforts help protect local waterway

According to Cedric Smith, operations director of OnArmor Security, the annual event aims to raise funds for projects that directly benefit the community.

“We have this every year. It’s an annual event, and it’s basically to raise funds for the Jukskei Park community,” Smith said.

He explained that the funds support initiatives such as cutting back overgrown trees, maintaining parks, installing signs and improving public spaces.

Smith said security was also a priority, particularly along the river walk, where residents had previously reported muggings and cellphone theft.

“We’ve got a river walk that we put cameras up, and we’re monitoring because people have been mugged on the river here and cellphones stolen,” he said.

Smith added that cameras had recently been installed along the route and that no crime had been reported there since their installation, describing the development as a “huge improvement”.

The security company has also installed fencing near the river to restrict access to areas where people had reportedly been bathing and littering.

Also read: Diepsloot man devotes weekends to clean up dog park

JPCF committee member Sunika Nattrass said the forum was established about 15 years ago by residents, to maintain Robyn Park after concerns that City Parks was not adequately maintaining it.

The bonfire fundraiser was introduced approximately seven years ago as a way to bring residents together while raising money to sustain the forum’s work.

“It’s a fantastic event where everybody just comes together and enjoys our beautiful park, and then we’re raising funds for the JPCF to continue doing what we’re doing,” Nattrass said.

She highlighted the support received from local businesses, including OnArmor Security, which sponsored more than R40 000 worth of security services for the event.

Other businesses contributed through sponsorships, entertainment and activities, including a photo booth, a 360-degree camera, face painting and free ice cream.

Nattrass said approximately 25 stalls were part of the event, with volunteers and community organisations also contributing to its success.

The Community Response Service firefighters and the Community Policing Forum assisted with safety and first aid, while 24/7 sponsored an ambulance for the evening.

For JPCF, the fundraiser represents more than an opportunity for residents to socialise. It provides financial support for ongoing efforts to keep the park clean, improve public spaces and strengthen neighbourhood safety.

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