Community action fills the gaps as Bryanston battles maintenance delays

On the streets of Bryanston, the sound of hedge trimmers and sweeping brooms has become an unexpected symbol of civic pride, rather than municipal neglect.

Leading the effort is local resident Leonardo Lupini, whose proactive approach to maintaining public spaces has sparked renewed discussion about community responsibility, safety, and collaboration with the City of Johannesburg.

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Instead of waiting for scheduled municipal services, Lupini has taken it upon himself to address visible hazards in his neighbourhood, from clearing overgrown verges to repairing damaged paving caused by pipe bursts.

Most recently, he and a small team tackled dense foliage and tall grass along Ballyclare Drive Bridge, significantly improving visibility for motorists and pedestrians.

For Lupini, the work is less about replacing municipal services and more about maintaining basic standards. “I feel satisfied that I am able to help in making the area in which I live look slightly better. When I saw unattended, knee-high grass across from my residence, I just decided to do it myself. With the recent heavy rains, waiting for intervention was no longer an option.”

He explained that his motivation began with a simple moment of shared responsibility. “I saw another resident picking up litter, so I decided to assist her. That small act changed how I looked at my surroundings.”

While acknowledging that the tasks he undertakes are typically municipal responsibilities, Lupini says he faces few obstacles beyond the frequency of city maintenance. “I don’t really face any challenges, just the fact that I wish the municipality would attend more often. Municipal services are not what they were ten years ago, and it’s frustrating to see litter and grass cutting neglected, especially with the rains.”

Ward 103 councillor Lynda Shackelford said the issue of overgrown public spaces is one of the most common complaints received during the rainy season. “The visual of an untidy city affects everyone, but more importantly, safety and security are compromised when grass, verges, and riverine areas become overgrown. These spaces can become hiding places for criminal activity, especially if they are poorly lit.”

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Shackelford added that the city does operate on a maintenance schedule through Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), but limited resources and persistent rainfall often cause delays. “You can’t cut grass when it’s raining, and unfortunately the teams do fall behind. The budget is small for the size of the city and the amount of work required. Having more teams would certainly help.”

She did caution, however, that residents should not undertake work in environmentally sensitive areas without approval. “There are environmental laws governing what can be done, especially in riverine areas. Residents who want to assist should engage directly with City Parks so that work is done safely and in co-ordination with municipal plans.”
JCPZ spokesperson Jenny Moodley acknowledged existing maintenance backlogs and thanked community members for their involvement. “The City of Johannesburg recognises the important role that well-maintained public spaces play in ensuring safety, mobility, and quality of life. While community assistance reflects strong civic spirit, public infrastructure maintenance remains a municipal responsibility.”

Moodley attributed delays to heavy rainfall, increased service demands, contractor constraints, and ageing infrastructure, noting that vegetation growth has exceeded normal maintenance cycles following recent rains.

She added that issues in Ballyclare Drive and surrounding areas have been logged and assessed, with corrective work scheduled as capacity allows. “Residents are encouraged to continue reporting issues through official channels, so they can be prioritised according to risk and urgency.”

Shackelford praised the role of residents like Lupini, as well as community groups that contribute financially and practically to keeping shared spaces clean. “We are very fortunate in Ward 103 to have residents who care deeply about their environment.”

The impact of neighbourhood upkeep extends beyond safety and aesthetics. According to Madimetja Maja, full-status property practitioner at Millennial Realty Gauteng based in Woodmead, well-maintained areas play a crucial role in protecting property values. “Buyers and tenants don’t only look at the property itself. They consider the surrounding area. Neatness and maintenance make properties more attractive, while neglected surroundings can negatively affect the market.”

Millennial Realty Gauteng has since begun developing a clean-community initiative in areas where it manages properties, dedicating specific days to litter collection and neighbourhood clean-ups.

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