Parkview and Greenside East celebrate a year of community spirit in 2025
From cleaner streets to vibrant events, 2025 has been a year where neighbours came together to make Parkview and Greenside East thrive.
Parkview and Greenside East shone brightly in 2025, fuelled by a renewed sense of community spirit.
“When we work together, we protect the character of our suburb and create moments of joy,” said Philanie Jooste, chair of the Parkview Residents Association (PRA). The PRA achieved record-breaking improvements this year, with 70% of households, every school, and nearly 40% of businesses contributing to a cleaner environment and vibrant events.
The Green Team and Tyrone Avenue car guards showcased a professional presence while maintaining the suburb. Each month, the Green Team collected up to 900 bags of waste, cleared drains, tended gardens, and kept pavements tidy, while the car guards ensured a safe and welcoming area for visitors.
Read more: Christmas meal brings dignity and warmth to displaced community
Community events became the heartbeat of the year. Movie in the Park, the Spring Run, and the largest Halloween Carnival to date brought residents together in celebration.
The Parkview Heritage Festival attracted visitors from across the city, celebrated writers and thinkers, showcased local and international wineries, and offered culinary delights from neighbourhood restaurants.
ParkKids entertained and educated the young, earning praise from parents, while fundraising efforts raised over R250 000 for the Parkview Library’s upgrades, reinforcing the sense of shared purpose in the community.
Public spaces also flourished. George Hay Park received attention and care, missing road signs were reinstated, graffiti was removed, and the Parkview Library garden was upgraded.
Traffic calming measures on Wicklow Avenue improved safety, and a major upgrade at the corner of Westcliff Drive and Jan Smuts Avenue transformed a key entrance, making it more pedestrian-friendly and welcoming.
Yet the year was not without its challenges. The illegal demolition of a 112-year-old home on Westcliff Drive prompted a strong response from residents. With the backing of the PRA’s Heritage and Town Planning Committees, the community pressed for accountability, uncovering significant enforcement failures and securing wide media coverage.
“Protecting our historic character is not just about buildings; it’s about preserving the soul of our community,” Jooste said.
Looking ahead to 2026, the PRA aims to strengthen partnerships, enhance resident engagement, and continue developing a safe, connected, and well-maintained suburb. A key milestone will be the restoration of the Parkview Library as a vibrant community space.
Jooste expresses gratitude, stating, “Thank you to every supporter of our village. You are the reason Parkview thrives. Wishing you a peaceful festive season and a bright 2026.”
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
