Residents against city’s legacy project at George Lea Park
Ward 90 residents claim they were not included in decisions affecting their community space, warning that the Cricket World Cup legacy project could disrupt longstanding activities.
Frustration boiled over at George Lea Park in Sandton on April 16 as Ward 90 residents confronted city officials over plans to allocate the cricket field located inside the park to the City of Johannesburg Community Development: Sports and Recreation department.
The Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) presented the proposal as part of a legacy emanating from the 2027 World Cup, but for residents, the meeting felt more like the city giving residents information without them getting to express their concerns.
JCPZ leasing management and sales general manager Sipho Mzobe told attendees that Community Development had formally requested control of the space to support cricket development.
“Community Development came to JPC and said JPC, we need the property that is currently occupied by George Lea Park. We want to occupy it and run it as a community development and a legacy project for the upcoming Cricket World Cup.
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“Community Development wanted to occupy the entire space, but we engaged with them and said your interest is mainly in the fields. How about we then divide this section so that the people who are currently occupying it can still use the facility. And all the other sporting courts that are here can continue because the guys have established a good relationship with the community.”
Mzobe added that there was a lot of back and forth between the departments, but finally agreed that the cricket field would also be used for soccer.
JCPZ assures longstanding sports will continue despite changes
He emphasised that cricket and other sports would not be cancelled, adding that existing cricket activities would continue under Community Development in partnership with Lions Cricket.
Mzobe also reassured residents that existing users would retain access to other parts of the facility, including five-a-side, soccer and tennis courts. However, the cricket field will primarily serve the legacy project, with Community Development holding priority access.
“I know the community might be worried that this means there’s not going to be cricket in George Lea Park. No, that would be incorrect. There will still be cricket. It’s just that cricket will be run by Community Development, working together with Lions Cricket. This is going to be a shared space, but priority will be given to cricket.
“We are not cancelling any sports that are currently happening on this site. I think that’s all we needed to make clear in this information session.”
Residents claim the decision was already made.
The reassurance did a little to calm growing anger among the residents. They argued that the decision had already been made, leaving no room for their input.
Community member and soccer player at the park, Relebohile Sefako, voiced his dissatisfaction, saying the process excluded the very people who use the facility daily.
“This was supposed to be a sharing of information. We are on the ground and understand how the facility works daily. Instead, it felt like decisions were already made.”
Sefako said prioritising cricket would reduce access for others and disrupt their community development activities.
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“As soccer players, we’re trying to run away from this thing called ageing. So every Sunday we make sure that we play here. We bring our kids here to see us play and learn. This cricket development is going to cut down on the activities because the field will require so much activity. I don’t understand why they want to have a legacy in an area or place that is already developed.”
Concerns over the management of public spaces
Another major concern raised was the shift in how public green spaces were being managed. Heather Oosthuzien argued that parks and sports grounds should not be treated as commercial assets.
“JPC continue to quantify our green spaces in terms of real estate value. This is a complete misunderstanding. Public parks and community sports grounds are supposed to be held in trust for human and ecological well-being, not for profit. The real estate value of Joburg’s green properties is irrelevant.”
“Our rates and taxes are supposed to cover all the running costs of parks and community sports grounds like every other city in the world. JPC quantifying our green properties in terms of real estate value is a threat to the survival of all our parks and affordable community sports grounds.”
Councillor acknowledges residents’ fears.
Ward 90 councillor Renate van Onselen acknowledged the community’s unease, noting that residents’ concerns were valid. She attributed some of the tension to uncertainty and a lack of clear information.
“Listening to the residents’ concerns this evening, I think all of them are valid. And I think it’s natural for people to be afraid of change and to resist change. Things have been working well, according to them, at this point.
“But I can 100% understand residents are afraid, and I will endeavour to provide as much information as is available to me to give back to them. Because I know in the absence of information, the fears will only grow. So we will keep that flow of communication going.”
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