City Parks launches Environmental Enforcement Unit

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoos (JCPZ) announced the launch of their Environmental Enforcement Unit (EEU).

This means that City Parks rangers are now officially environmental enforcement officers, tasked with working closely with the Johannesburg Metro Police Department’s (JMPD) peace officers and police, maintaining a visible presence in the city’s parks, conducting bylaw enforcement, enforcing park rules, and helping to ensure the parks are safe for all park users.

According to JCPZ spokesperson Jenny Moodley, the launch, which coincides with Women’s Month is no accident.
“It is essential to recognise that walking freely in a park should not be a privilege but a fundamental right. The ongoing concerns surrounding park safety for women and girls remain a pressing global issue.

“While women actively enjoy parks and green spaces, the perception of safety concerns often leads individuals to prefer these areas in the company of friends and family. Research indicates that women are three times more likely than men to feel unsafe in parks during the day, with the situation worsening after dark.”

The dedicated EEU consists of 37 rangers and 15 Groen Sebenza interns from the South African Biodiversity Institute, all of whom are qualified field rangers certified by the South African Wildlife College.

“The rangers are strategically positioned across various regions to ensure that these spaces are accessible and welcoming to all,” adds Moodley.

The launch of the EEU comes right amid most parks and open spaces showing increased levels of illegal poaching.

The Roodepoort Northsider/ Record has reported on the growing poaching problems in local parks on numerous occasions.

Moodley has urged residents who make use of the parks to report any criminal activity in parks.

“If you witness any crime or feel unsafe, please report it immediately to Crime Stop on 086 001 0111, JMPD at 011 375 5911, or your nearest police station.

“In the event of emergencies, our EEU rangers can be reached as per below:

• Sizwe Mabuza, Lead Environmental Enforcement Ranger on 083 352 4908 or smabuza@jhbcityparks.com
• Phillip Mkhombo, North Conservation Specialist, Conservation Management Department on 071 220 3696 or phillip.mkhombo@jhbcityparks.com

“As we honour Women’s Month, JCPZ proudly reaffirms its commitment to creating safe spaces for all women in our parks. The presence of women in these areas is a testament to inclusivity and a sense of belonging. As our managing director, Thanduxolo Mendrew aptly puts it, ‘A clear indicator of a safe, clean, and vibrant park is the presence of women with children’.”