The Sandspruit environmental renewal initiative (Seri) is appealing for community support to raise R730 000 needed to fence a stretch of the Sandspruit River, between Katherine Street and South Road in Sandown.

Seri director Jill Hagley said the non-profit company was founded to protect and restore the riverine corridor, which she believes has the potential to become a valuable recreational and environmental asset for residents and businesses in the area.

Speaking from the site, Hagley highlighted several concerns affecting the greenbelt, including illegal sand mining, the cutting down of indigenous trees, and unauthorised recycling activities. “What’s a concern at the moment is that there’s a lot of illegal activity that’s extremely damaging to the riverine area.

Read more: Sandown clean-up drive removes mountains of waste from Sandspruit River

“Behind me you’ll see a pile of river sand, and down below me, which has been mined from the banks of the Sandspruit River. This is a river that has flash floods when we have the summer storms in Johannesburg. You will also see the litter that comes down in the river when it’s in flooding. That is the height of the water when we have a flash flood across this space.”

Hagley added that when sand mining is conducted on the banks of the river, it damages the integrity of the bank and results in further erosion and damage to the riverine area. “These are indigenous trees that have been cut down to gather wood for illegal sale. Vehicles enter the area to collect both sand and wood, causing further damage to this important green space. The wildlife that’s here actually suffers.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Sandspruit environmental renewal initiative founder and director Jill Hagley explains how illegal sand mining, tree felling, and unauthorised recycling activities are damaging the Sandspruit River greenbelt between Katherine Street and South Road. Video: Xoliswa Zakwe #Sandton #illegal ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

According to Hagley, fencing the greenbelt remains the most effective long-term solution to prevent illegal access and protect the area from further degradation. “The only way we are going to protect this river corridor is to fence it. Based on several quotations we have received, the fencing will cost around R730 000.”

She added that SERI has worked closely with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, which owns the riverine land and has granted permission for the fencing project. “City Parks understands the value of protecting this area and has been supportive throughout the process.

Also read: Sandown residents and businesses to combat the Sandspruit River crisis

“Unfortunately, they told us they do not have the budget available to fund the fencing, which is why we are raising the money privately.”

Hagley said the vision for the rehabilitated greenbelt extends beyond environmental protection. “This should be a space for birdwatching, walking, cycling, and family picnics. Many people living in surrounding apartments and complexes do not have access to private gardens and should be able to enjoy a safe, beautiful, natural environment close to home.”

She appealed to residents, businesses, and environmental supporters to contribute towards the fencing project. “Please help us with donations. We would be so grateful.”
To help contact Seri director Jill Hagley on 083 947 9683 or email jill.hagley@outlook.com.

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