A clean-up and intervention operation by the Tshwane metro targeted several public spaces in the east of Pretoria. This followed ongoing complaints from residents about illegal occupation, vagrancy, drug-related activity, and environmental neglect.

The clean-up took place at several public spaces, including Jimmy Aves Park, Waterglen Park, Bird Park, and intersections at Garsfontein Road and Lois Avenue, as well as Atterbury Road and Manitoba Drive.

The operation, conducted under the city’s Re A Spana mayoral programme, involved the TMPD, Tshwane Parks, and the Red Ants.

During the operation, illegal structures and encampments were removed and several parks were cleaned and restored. Illegal structures opposite Atterbury Value Mart were also removed.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the operation aimed at improving service delivery and addressing challenges raised by residents.

He said Tshwane Parks played a key role in the operation by conducting litter picking, litter removal and grass cutting at the affected sites.

Community members, including residents from the Equestrian area, also supported the operation by providing water and assistance to officials working on site.

Mashigo said during an inspection at Jimmy Aves Park, social workers from Tshwane’s Community and Social Development Services found 55 individuals living in the park.

According to Mashigo, the group included 35 men, as well as 20 women and children.

Mashigo said social workers offered assistance and shelter options to those staying at the park.

“The social worker did not remove or relocate the individuals as they were not interested in relocating to the shelters offered by the city.”

He added that the department works in partnership with non-profit organisations and the Gauteng Department of Social Development to provide shelters for people in need, but noted that these services are voluntary.

According to Mashigo, the role of social workers during the operation was to assist vulnerable individuals, including homeless people and unaccompanied children.

He said the Re A Spana programme will continue to be used as a platform to address service delivery issues and respond to community concerns across Tshwane.

The Garsfontein CPF welcomed and supported the work done by TMPD, Tshwane Parks and the Red Ants team.

CPF chairperson Aris Ruyter said public spaces such as parks and green areas play an important role in the safety and well-being of communities.

“When these areas become neglected or associated with illegal activity, substance abuse, and environmental degradation, it often results in growing safety concerns from residents.”

He said the operation and clean-up were conducted in a professional and structured manner.

“The teams involved carried out the work in a courteous and organised way, focusing on restoring the parks and surrounding areas for the broader community.”

Ruyter stated that operations like this are important not only for cleanliness and maintenance but also for improving safety and ensuring that public spaces remain accessible for families and residents who use them daily.

The CPF believes this intervention shows what can be achieved when municipal departments, law enforcement and the community work together to respond to concerns in a coordinated and responsible way.

“We recognise the importance of operations like these being conducted in accordance with municipal processes and with respect for all individuals involved, while ensuring that community safety and the proper use of public spaces are maintained,” Ruyter added.

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