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• Saving our wetlands should be a joint responsibility

  

   

  A City of Johannesburg Media Advisory

  07 February 2019

  Release: Immediate

  This week, the City of Joburg is throwing its weight behind the Flufftail Festival, taking place on February 8 and 9, with plans to take hundreds of scholars to the Johannesburg Zoo to learn more about conservation.

  The White-winged Flufftail bird is one of the rarest and most threatened wetland birds on the continent, with a fast dwindling population that is facing a significant risk of extinction.

  The trip comes after World Wetlands Day, which is an important global environmental day that is celebrated on February 2 annually, and is heralded as an educational awareness vehicle in the conservation and restoration efforts of wetlands.

  With temperatures soaring unbearably over the years, wetlands are being sucked dry, resulting in the unnatural evaporation of moisture and diminishing water levels which adversely affects birdlife, plants and the overall biodiversity found in wetlands. This has direct implications on the health, economy and social wellbeing of communities and residents.

  Conservation of wetlands through intensified, interactive educational exhibitions programmes to mark World Wetlands Day is therefore critical in demonstrating the need to protect these vital ecosystems.

  Therefore, the Flufftail festival is aimed at nurturing responsible green conscious children by educating them in using water sparingly. Grade 6 pupils from across Johannesburg will be hosted by the City as part of the programme.

  Learners will be exploring and gaining much-needed information about the importance of wetlands, including hands-on water testing activities, interactive games and quizzes.

  There are many ways in which residents, too, can play their part – like collecting rain water for gardens and avoiding contaminating or polluting grey water with chemicals, oil or litter.

  Johannesburg boasts a number of wetlands around the City, attracting tourists and natural activities associated with wetlands. These marshy and lush wetlands not only bring a sense of calm to the hustle and bustle of Joburg, but add beauty and play a vital role in filtrating and sustaining, habitats and the environment to increase the rich diversity of the ecology within the City.

  Wetlands play a significant role in urban areas as they reduce flooding by absorbing excessive water during stormy rainfall. They reduce the severity of droughts by regulating stream flows and provides shelter for many aquatic animals and birds.

  The abundant vegetation found in wetlands, acts as a filter for domestic and industrial waste and this contributes to improving water quality.

  “As we continue with efforts to combat the negative effects of climate change, we are mindful that it will only take a collective effort to preserve these precious water bodies. Residents are urged to refrain from dumping illegally, limit the use of plastic, repair equipment instead of disposing items and become part of the A Re Sebetseng campaign to keep our water bodies pollution-free,” stated the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Development in the City of Joburg, Councillor Nonhlanhla Sifumba.

  For media queries, please contact:

  Noeleen Mattera
  Stakeholder & PR / Media Relations - Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo
  Call: 011 712 6600

   

• The Wilds declared a Heritage Site

  

  The Johannesburg Heritage Foundation has awarded one of JCPZ’s most beautiful facilities, The Wilds, with a Blue Plaque.

   

  This 16-hectare nature reserve park situated in Houghton, boasts outstanding natural beauty and historic interest. Those in the know love walking the cobble stone paths that roam across the hillsides to marvel at the stunning views of our City, a sundial at the peak of the Wilds and the beautiful vegetation nestled on endless green lawns.

   

  Joburg residents and visitors that regularly spend time at The Wilds enjoy this hidden gem for brisk walking, climbing, pondering on the colourful benches, taking photos of flowers and views and escaping from the hectic urban life.

  The latest acquisitions in the park include artwork of wild animals which join the owl artwork previously introduced.

  The heritage plaque was unveiled today which will go a long way in giving The Wilds the status it deserves. The wording on the plaque tells the full story:

  The Wilds was established in 1924 on a donation of land by the Houghton Estate Township Co. to the City. It was landscaped with indigenous flora first displayed at the 1935 Empire Exhibition, and attractive water features were added in the 1850s. The City dedicated the park to the memory of Jan Smuts after his death in 1950. The elegant pedestrian bridge was built in 1965, and the impressive greenhouses were a gift from JCI in 1966. The Wilds was declared a National Monument in 1981.

  The plaque unveiling ceremony was led by Ward Councillor Kabelo Mpesi, the Chairperson of the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation, Mr Brett McDougall, Mr James Delaney from the Friends of The Wilds and JCPZ MD Bryne Maduka.

   

• Second consecutive Clean Audit for JCPZ!

  

   

  Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) is delighted to announce that the organisation maintained a clean audit for a second year in a row!

  The Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) gave the Entity the nod, declaring all its affairs in good order for the 2017-18 Financial Year.

  JCPZ Managing Director Bryne Maduka expressed his excitement about this major achievement, acknowledging that accomplishing a clean audit requires a huge team effort. “I am proud to be leading an organisation that is working on all levels. This could not have been achieved if our top management and each and every employee were not applying their minds in fulfilling their daily responsibilities all year long.”

  Chief Financial Officer, Lindokuhle Ngcongo, explained that: “the clean audit for Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo’s is an indication of sound financial management, strengthened governance and oversight, compliance with regulatory frameworks and effective monitoring of integrated performance management processes. This could not be achieved without the collective effort of The Shareholder (City of Johannesburg), the Board of Directors, top management and most importantly staff of JCPZ.

  The AGSA looks at three levels of performance when auditing a government organisation: “These levels include the financial statements, performance information, such as targets and key performance indicators, and compliance to legislation.”

  To obtain a clean audit, all three levels have to be in order, which JCPZ has achieved in two consecutive years in a row - being the 2016-17 and 2017-18 financial years. Previously, JCPZ obtained unqualified audits opinions.

  “In order to obtain a clean audit, all employees are required to take pride in their work on a daily basis. The smallest oversight can lead to an audit query which can influence the AG’s finding. I therefore commend and thank all JCPZ employees for their hard work and dedication which made it possible for the organisation to stand proud,” MD Maduka concluded.

   

• Three new parks launched in Jan Hofmeyer

  

   

  Revitalising the Inner City:

  Three new parks launched in Jan Hofmeyer

  JCPZ is continuously striving to make Joburg a greener and more liveable City, and pays special attention to areas with special needs.
  One of these “special needs” areas is the Inner City, where the population is denser and the majority of residents live in flats, creating a dire need for green open spaces.

  Three Inner City Parks have recently been modernised by JCPZ to address the growing need for outdoor relaxation and offering new facilities in line with the changing needs of the communities they serve.

  The tree parks are linked and all in Ward 58, Jan Hofmeyer, Region F. The parks are Leeuwbekkie Park, Cosmo Circle Park and Katjiepiering Park. The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development, Cllr Nonhlanhla Sifumba, Ward Councillor Alex Christians. JCPZ Board of Directors Chairperson, Mr Edgar Neluvhalani and MD Bryne Maduka were in attendance to officially hand over the parks to the community.

  The upgraded parks feature play equipment, rubberised surfaces, bollards, an outdoor gym, park furniture, litter bins, fencing and safety signage.

  We know that the Jan Hofmeyer community will love and appreciate their new favourite spots in their neighbourhood! ENJOY!

   

• The launch of eco-friendly ablutions at Donald Mackay Park

  

   

  Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo and Eco Nars Projects (Pty) Ltd launched eco-friendly ablutions at Donald Mackay Park. The eco- friendly ablutions work off the City’s sewer and energy grid and support efforts to sustain the environment.

  Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo has been experiencing a huge problem of vandalism of its ablutions through the city. This has been a huge concern in that the destruction results in wastage of funds and inhibits the City’s ability to make progress and move on to other communities that also have a greater need for recreational development.

  This project assists to demonstrate just how much can be achieved when business and government join hands to work together towards making the lives of citizens better.

   

• The Joburg Zoo is ‘Staycation-ready’

  

  3 December 2018

  Release: Immediate

  The Joburg Zoo is ‘Staycation-ready’

  If you and your family are staying put this festive season, no need to worry. Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) has you covered. With over 2 300 parks and approximately 10 000 hectares of green nature experiences, why not start planning for a quiet, buzz-free but jam-packed Joburg this festive season?

  "Staycations" have become increasingly popular and offer the most cost-effective and time-saving alternative. The City of Joburg has abundant recreational facilities and is offering exciting activities throughout the festive season.
  
  To encourage you and your family to enjoy a Joburg “staycation” this summer, we’ve put together a jam-packed holiday itinerary:

  1. ANIMALS@PLAY: This year, the programme is themed “Christmas gifts for animals,” is an enrichment programme which aims to stimulate the animals' physical and psychological health. Animals are presented with a variety of fun activities where they search for their food in their respective enclosures, toys to play with or summer treats of frozen fruit lollies but to name a few. Date: 01 – 22 December 2018 Time: 10h00 and 13h00 at the Johannesburg Zoo.
  
  2. MISTLETOE AND MAGIC: This upscale event kicks-off with a Christmas spirit welcome and animal demonstration. The event brings a one night of Christmas ambience with live entertainment, a Father Christmas, a kiddie’s zone, an open-air Christmas-themed movie screening, food stalls and carols by candlelight. Visitors are encouraged to bring along a picnic basket, candles, blankets and camping chairs. Date: 08 December 2018 from 17h00 to 21h00 at the Johannesburg Zoo. Entry fee is R90 for adults, R55 for children between 3-12 years as well as pensioners.
  
  3. FAMILY DAY AT THE JOBURG ZOO: Enjoy a care-free day, a great picnic vibe and mini concert on the day. Bring along your family for a day of sunshine, live entertainment, DJ’s, kiddies entertainment area, face painting, free massages and loads of fun for everyone! Date: 16 December 2018 at 11h00 to 16h00. Entrance fee is R90 for adults and R55 for children between 3-12 years, as well as pensioners.
  
  4. “CHRISTMAS COMES TO THE ZOO TROT”. As a festive gesture of giving, the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo will be hosting a fun-filled morning for over 150 children aged between 3 – 12 years from various orphanages around the City. The Zoo Trot is a 5km or 10km walk or run. Entertainment varies from face-painting, jumping castles and distribution of Christmas presents. Regular zoo trotters are encouraged to donate toys, used sports equipment etc., to the children from the orphanages. Date: 09 December 2018; registration will be from 07h00 for 07h30, with the walk starting thereafter at the Joburg Zoo. The entrance fee is R60 for all other residents.
  
  5. ANIMAL TALKS AND FEEDING SESSIONS. These activities are on-going and take place over weekends and public holidays. The festive bout of this programme is here! Date: 03 December 2018 – 14 December 2018. All activities start sharply at 09h00 – 14h00. Entrance fee is R100.
  
  6. VARIOUS ACTIVITIES AT THE JOBURG ZOO. Children will enjoy an array of activities which include chimp feeding, snake craft activities, feeding of monkeys, Joburg Water’s Tappie Show, tiger enrichment, the Science Show – Sci-Bono’s ‘make your own solar system hat’, baboon feeding, a treasure hunt, spectacle bear and coati feeding/enrichment, colour sticker games and finally a ferry tour of the Zoo. Dates: 10 – 14 December 2018 from 09h00 – 14h00. Entrance fee is R100. Please bring along your own lunch and note that parents are not allowed to participate in the programmes.
  
  7. KLOOFENDAL CAMP-OUT PROGRAMME: Be a happy camper at one of Joburg’s favourite camp-out sites. The Kloofendal Nature Reserve is a perfect camping spot right in the City that residents are able to enjoy – with beautiful natural surroundings, the calm of a far-off bush experience and starry nights. Book a spot for your family and friends this holiday season. This year’s programme includes a history talk, an afternoon hike, bonfire and edutainment games and a ‘planet walk’. Dates: 8th – 9th December 2018. Entrance fee is R100 for adults and R55 for children 3-12 years.

  “We encourage families who will be staying in Joburg for the festive season, to visit our facilities for various family activities. The Joburg Zoo has something for the whole family. There’s no need to be bored in our City this festive season. I would also like to urge residents to take care of public spaces, and to heed the City’s by-laws so that everyone can enjoy themselves,” stated Councillor Nonhlanhla Sifumba, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development in the City of Joburg.

  Issued on behalf of
  MMC Nonhlanhla Sifumba
  Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development
  City of Johannesburg

  For Media Enquiries
  Noeleen Mattera
  Stakeholder, PR & Media Relations
  Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
  T: 011 712 6600 / 011 712 6617 
  E: nmattera@jhbcityparks.com
  Follow us on Twitter @JoburgParksZoo or on Facebook

   

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