Park users remain unsatisfied with the way Lemur Security was appointed at Delta Park
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo backs up the appointment of Lemur Security at Delta Park, saying that they've been performing since being appointed to their posts.
Jenny Moodley, spokesperson of the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), confirmed that they conduct performance evaluations, and are happy with the Lemur Security Company in Delta Park.
The appointment of the security company raised eyebrows for some park users, since the guards arrived, unannounced, in 2024. After a back and forth with JCPZ, a group of residents came forward and raised concerns, which include, among other concerns, understanding the mandate of the company and if the guards are trained for the job. They have been communicating with the entity, but could not get the clarity they seek.
Read more: Park users want clarity about security company at Delta Park
“Lemur has been performing since it was awarded the tender at Delta Park,” Said Moodley. “Their mandate is securing JCPZs buildings and infrastructure at the park.” She also confirmed that the guards are trained, but not armed with firearms, as armed guards come at an added cost.
One of the residents, Jeanne Mortimer, is not satisfied with the company, or how JPCZ has handled their cry. She explained that they continue to attempt to engage with the entity, yet it bears no fruit. “It seems like JCPZ functions on the assumption, or hope, that the public lack the required intelligence, or insight, to see how empty their words are. Despite the public being the primary stakeholder, both in utilisation and funding of the space, their concerns seem to simply not be a factor.”
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She added that the purpose is not have the guards removed, or to have the contract cancelled, but, rather, to have the contract meet the needs of the public, and no longer feel like a waste of money. “I still await the meeting the Lemur owner agreed to arrange between JCPZ and ourselves when we spoke in May 2024.”
She further stated that the park is safer when more people use it, and any expense incurred should support the park’s intended purpose. “JCPZ should engage and build a relationship with the public. They should introduce the security contract, and even the individual persons linked to it, confirming their roles, their training, and the value they intend to bring. They should also share, not only over which hours assistance will be available, but detail what such assistance may entail.”
She added that a paid contract should offer more than what park volunteers already do. “They should also be scattered widely in the park, so that, if at any point assistance is needed, attracting their attention is possible.”
Moodley advised the residents to engage with their ward councillor, who is able to facilitate a meeting with JCPZ in this regard, if more clarity is needed.
Questions about the issues were sent to Lemur Security’s owner, but they could not respond due to contractual restrictions with JCPZ.
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