More trees, clean rivers and green playing fields are some of the long-lasting benefits from the 2010 World Cup that Joburg’s residents will enjoy

LONG after the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ has come and gone, Joburg will be able to point out the positive impact of the event on the environment.

The City of Johannesburg has identified a number of legacy projects linked to the World Cup, with long-term benefit to residents – a green legacy is one of these.

When Executive Mayor Amos Masondo led the planting of 6 000 trees to launch Greening Soweto in September 2006, an ambitious project to beautify the massive township ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, he began what has become Joburg’s “biggest greening revolution”.

Since then, tens of thousands of indigenous trees have been planted along Soweto’s streets and in its gardens.

This plan was to counter an historical imbalance: Johannesburg is internationally recognised as an urban forest, but the description can only be applied to its northern suburbs. Little attention was paid to planting trees in the south. Nowhere is this more visible than the streets and parks of Soweto.

Through the R7,6-million Greening Soweto project, the City plans to plant more than 300 000 trees. “It is by far the biggest greening initiative in terms of implementation,” says Jenny Moodley, the spokesperson at Johannesburg City Parks, the agency charged with the mammoth task of implementing it.

The agency is working closely with various international and private partners to change the face of Soweto. And residents have responded positively to it, she says, with many pledging to take care of the trees long after the final whistle of the World Cup has been blown.

Rehabilitation of Klipspruit catchment area
Another 2010 legacy project is the rehabilitation of Soweto’s Klipspruit catchment area, which has been severely polluted in recent years. Work is being done to clean up the riverbanks, remove rubble and refuse, and manage the growth of reeds, according to the head of the City’s 2010 office, Sibongile Mazibuko.

"This project is of great importance for the whole of Gauteng because the river flows into the Vaal system, which provides the domestic water for all consumers in the province. The intention is that Klipspruit will develop into a green lung with new opportunities for research and leisure along the banks."

Other projects linked to the 2010 event also emphasise a “Green Agenda”.

With the large number of visitors expected in Joburg for the World Cup, the City is gearing up to deal with the expected increase in the volumes of waste and refuse.

Plans are in place to recycle rubble from the old Orlando Stadium – being demolished and rebuilt – and Soccer City, using it for building the new facilities.

The City is grassing all soccer fields and other open spaces in disadvantaged communities. The aim is not only to improve the aesthetics of these areas but also to create opportunities for recreation.

Furthermore, natural resources will be used in the revamped Soccer City. Rainwater will be caught in massive retainers and used to irrigate the field, while recycled “grey water” will be utilised in the ablution facilities.

“The intention is to make Soccer City self-sustainable as far as its water and power needs are concerned,” says Mazibuko.

The use of solar panels to generate power for the stadium is being investigated. Any excess electricity will be channelled back into the city’s power grid. The stadium’s floodlights will be powered from the normal grid, however, supported by huge back-up generators.

Johannesburg, a mining town, is replete with mine dumps of all shapes and sizes. As a way to stabilise the soil and prevent air pollution from fine dust from these dumps, the City is considering a partnership with mining companies to embark on an initiative to green the mine dumps.