‘Hands Off Our Parks’: Joburg Residents Push Back on City’s Quiet Plans for Green Space Leases

For many Joburgers, Marks Park in Emmarentia is more than just a sports field — it’s part of their weekend ritual, their childhood memories, and in some cases, their family legacy. That’s why whispers of the City of Johannesburg quietly preparing to lease out or even sell public parks like Marks Park, Pirates Sports Club, and parts of Zoo Lake have sparked outrage across the metro.

Now, nearly 9,000 signatures deep, a growing petition is calling on the city to halt what residents are calling an “opaque” process. Their message is clear: public parks belong to the people, and not everything should come with a price tag.

Why Everyone’s Talking About ‘Alienation’

It started with one word buried in a city council agenda: “alienation.” In government speak, it refers to the sale, transfer, or long-term lease of property. In resident speak, it feels like betrayal.

The Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) recently asked the city council for permission to begin a public participation process that could lead to changes in how properties like Marks Park are leased or used. Though no final decisions have been made, the inclusion of high-profile green spaces in the agenda sent alarm bells ringing.

“Where we’re standing right now is a heritage area,” said Anchen Dreyer, whose great-grandfather Louw Geldenhuys originally donated the land to the people of Johannesburg. “It’s not the city’s land to sell. It was meant for public enjoyment — not profit.”

Parks With Price Tags?

At the heart of the issue is trust — or the lack thereof. City officials insist no parks are being sold. “We’re just reviewing outdated leases,” said Sizeka Tshabalala, General Manager at JPC. In some cases, the city argues, clubs are paying token fees — as little as R2 per year — while valuable land lies underutilised.

But residents aren’t convinced. In updated documents, Marks Park is referred to as a “non-core capital asset,” a term that suggests it could be sold or leased for profit. And it’s not just about the sports fields — the concern is that the city could rezone or redevelop nearby ecological treasures like the Melville Koppies or Emmarentia Dam.

Councillor Nicolene Jonker flagged inconsistencies in the city’s data. While Marks Park spans just two hectares, the documents mention 173 hectares of land under consideration. “This kind of vagueness is exactly why residents are up in arms,” she said.

‘This Isn’t Just a Patch of Grass’

Public anger has less to do with the idea of updating leases — and more to do with how it’s being handled. Many feel the city is trying to quietly nudge parks into commercial hands under the guise of “maximisation.”

Community members fear that history will repeat itself. In the past, properties like the Parkhurst Bowling Club were allowed to deteriorate after lease disputes, only to later become sites of proposed commercial development. It’s a pattern that’s bred deep mistrust.

Julia Fish from JoburgCAN, part of civil society watchdog OUTA, echoed these concerns: “We need safer, better-maintained parks — but not at the cost of losing public access. There’s a right way to do this, and so far, this hasn’t been it.”

What Happens Next?

Right now, no parks have been sold. No developments approved. But the JPC is waiting on council approval to begin public consultations — and that’s where residents have power.

Fish urged residents to stay informed and involved. “This isn’t the time to panic or spread misinformation. But it is the time to show up and speak up.”

If council greenlights the process, a formal public participation phase will begin. That’s when residents can submit comments, attend meetings, and propose alternatives.

For now, Joburgers are watching closely. The heritage of their green spaces — and the legacy of those who gave them — is on the line.

Local Voices, National Echoes

On social media, residents are voicing their frustration:

“First it’s a ‘review,’ then it’s a rezoning application. Seen this movie before. #HandsOffMarksPark” — @greenjoburg

“Our parks are our lungs. In a city choking on development, we can’t lose the last of our green space.” — @jhbwalks

Even descendants of the original land donors have joined the outcry. “This land wasn’t given for profit. It was gifted to Joburg for joy,” one family member shared on Facebook.

The Bottom Line

The fight over Marks Park and its surrounding greenbelt isn’t just about sport fields and trees. It’s about who gets to decide the future of Joburg’s shared spaces — and whether residents still have a real say.

The next few months will be key. If you care about your city’s parks, don’t just tweet. Show up, sign the petition, and speak during the public consultations.

Because once public land is gone, it doesn’t come back.

Source:Daily Maverick

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