A community fundraising drive to enclose the perimeter of Fairland’s Smit Street Park has passed the R90 000 mark as security concerns persist.
Beagle Watch managing director Andre Aiton said the milestone was significant because the area has been in poor condition for more than 10 years.

He said the initiative demonstrated how community involvement could help address longstanding local problems. The drive follows approval for the clean-up and rehabilitation of the adjacent former Fairland dumpsite, which has faced years of complaints about illegal dumping, safety concerns and environmental neglect.

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In August, stakeholders agreed on a coordinated plan involving Beagle Watch, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, Pikitup and other parties to clear and rehabilitate the site before the remaining fencing work proceeds. Despite reaching the R90 000 mark, Aiton said the response to the fundraising campaign has been slower than expected, particularly from local businesses. “People are quick to complain, but when it comes to helping with even a small amount and what they can afford, it does go quiet,” he said.

He added that while some businesses had contributed, many others had not responded. Aiton welcomed a R10 000 contribution from the Democratic Alliance, thanking Helen Zille and Beverley Jacobs for helping make it possible. He said the contribution had come as a surprise, with Jacobs contacting him to explain what the party wanted to do. For Aiton, the campaign is about making a tangible difference to the area rather than waiting for problems to be addressed. Aiton said concerns about drug activity affecting children had been among the reasons for pursuing the fence, arguing that the issue had persisted for years without a lasting solution.

However, he cautioned that the additional 50m of fencing would not immediately resolve security concerns. The park would remain open at night until the entire perimeter was enclosed. He said the project would take time to complete, but Beagle Watch remained confident that the necessary funding could be raised. Aiton estimated the overall project cost at roughly R250 000 and put the cost of remaining fencing at about R200 000.

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Aiton said completing the fence would benefit everyone using the park, as well as nearby residents, apartment blocks and businesses. Beyond security, he believes a fully enclosed park could support dog walking and other social activities, improve the surrounding environment and potentially benefit local property values. He said community participation was essential because residents and businesses with an interest in the area’s appearance and upkeep needed to help drive improvements. “Even small donations are welcome,” Aiton said.

Once the fence is completed, Beagle Watch will oversee the area, with Aiton saying the company plans to use AI-enabled cameras monitored from its control room as part of its longer-term security approach.

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