City Parks and Zoo urge residents to exercise caution
Johannesburg residents are warned to exercise caution during heavy rain and gusty winds as falling branches and unstable trees pose risks to people, vehicles, and property.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), the entity in the City of Joburg responsible for managing designated green spaces, horticultural maintenance, and cemeteries, is urging all residents to take extra precautions during periods of heavy rain and strong winds.
As weather conditions intensify, trees can become vulnerable to damage, where falling branches pose a serious risk to people, vehicles, and property.
Residents are strongly advised not to park their vehicles underneath trees during or after heavy rainfall, as wet soil and gusty winds can cause branches or in some cases, entire trees to collapse unexpectedly.
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Older trees carry larger and heavier top branches, and with unstable roots, they are more likely to topple over.
City Parks and Zoo’s street trees and parks teams are continuously monitoring tree stability across Johannesburg, prioritising high-risk areas for maintenance and removal where necessary. However, the public’s cooperation remains crucial in preventing avoidable damage and injury.
JCPZ also call on families to inspect their loved ones’ gravesites as heavy torrential rains are likely to cause flooding, grave subsidence, and collapsed headstones in various cemeteries across Johannesburg.
Certain sections, particularly near more recent burials, will be susceptible to erosion, collapsed headstones, and sunken graves.
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While families are responsible for the upkeep, reinstatement of headstones, and safeguarding of gravesites, JCPZ recognises the emotional importance of maintaining the integrity of these final resting places.
They are committed to assisting families in reinstating gravesites and will only refill graves with the families’ consent.
Residents can help by:
• Identifying and reporting erosion, caving-in of graves, and collapsed headstones and tombstones.
• Contacting the manager Cemeteries and Crematoria, Mr Azola C. Manjati; E: amanjati@jhbcityparks.com; 011 712 6600/6617.
• Providing the following information: cemetery name, name of the deceased, section where the grave is located, and grave number.
Trees form an essential part of the city’s urban ecosystem, providing shade, improving air quality, and supporting biodiversity.
Anyone who is illegally removing or damaging trees may face fines or legal action in accordance with the City’s municipal by-laws.
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If residents notice any trees that appear to be damaged, uprooted, or posing a risk, they are encouraged to report the issue immediately to Joburg Connect on 011 375 5555 or at joburgconnect@joburg.org.za for a reference number.
For additional assistance, contact the JCPZ customer care department on 011 712 6600/6617/6719 or via email at vsibeko@jhbcityparks.com.
Provide the physical address, the corner streets, and the area where the trees have fallen.
JCPZ remains committed to maintaining the city’s urban canopy while safeguarding residents.
The City thanks residents for their vigilance and cooperation in helping to keep Johannesburg safe, green, and sustainable
