Overview

It may be known as the City of Gold, but with all its trees, Joburg’s colour is definitely green. And keeping it lush and verdant is the job of Johannesburg City Parks, a section 21 company with the City as sole stakeholder.

Started in November 2000, it manages Jozi’s parks, cemeteries, open green areas, street trees and conserved spaces.

Johannesburg started as a small shanty-town in 1886. In 1888 the Braamfontein Cemetery was opened, followed by Joubert Park, and by 1903 Johannesburg had 10 parks and one cemetery under the control of the town engineer.

More than a century later it is an urban forest with about 10 million trees and over 2 000 developed parks. One of these parks, the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens in the north-west of the city, is a world-class haven of South African flora and a favourite weekend retreat for Joburg residents.

As the custodian of this green heritage, City Parks’ aim is for a greener environment for the present community and future generations. It is committed to upholding and maintaining Johannesburg’s “green crown” and it will continue to manage the parks portfolio in a manner ensuring Johannesburg remains one of the greenest cities in the world.

The mayoral committee member for environment, Prema Naidoo, is responsible for overseeing the City Parks.

Joburg outdoors
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Far from being a dusty, concrete-filled city, Johannesburg is filled with leafy trees and has dozens of spacious green lungs. Each region has its own flagship park, among the many smaller ones.
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