Divers people from the Community of Naledi braced themselves to witness the groundbreaking event that is going to change the landscape of their neighborhood with the new park installed to bring a fresh change to their environment. This as a collaboration between InDrive and Joburg City Parks and Joburg Zoo (JCPZ) committed R6 million to the installation of the park. The Sod turning event attended by the various stakeholders took place at the undeveloped site at Nape Street in Naledi, Soweto next to Mara Primary school on Tuesday 27 November 2026.
Beyond the Sod-turning milestone, work resumes at the 2,6-hectare site that will be transformed into a multi-functional community park. The 3 phases project will be rolled out periodically. The first phase marks the beginning of the development of the wider 2.6-hectare site, which JCPZ has committed to the project without parallel third-party development. Phase 2 will continue the development in 2027, followed by Phase 3 in 2028, which is set to include the addition of a football field. The phased approach will see the park grow over time into a larger recreational space designed to serve different members of the Naledi community.
In welcoming the attendees, Ward 20 Councilor Lazarus Mmota affirmed that the event presented itself as a day of celebration on his administration calendar. He reminded his constituency of the many petitions submitted by residents to the council offices demanding a park space. I’m proud to say that the park that we are going to have here in Naledi will be the first of its kind in Soweto!” Stated Councilor Mmota with frenzied ululations from the audience.
Ashif Black the InDrive Country Manager for South Africa mentioned that the occasion signified a momentous milestone over the realization of the journey they travelled reaching the implementation stage for the park. “As a business are glad that we plough back to our clients’ communities, showing gratitude and also do more with projects such as these. A park in its simple form can start off something that’s much more wider tackling broader issues in different societies. We would like to create a safe space for kids, a place where they find facilities to develop a love for sport, to instill hope to citizens, giving access and freedom to those who deserve it and we start here in Soweto a most significant place. As the private sector we need to work together with the government, to give support and help people move forward.”
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development Cllr Thapelo Ahmad declared that “a park is a free space, open space close to home whereby a child can learn how to climb, to share a swing and meet a first friend. It is a place where young people gather, where our elderly find fresh air and company. This is exactly what the Community Development mandate entails. Building dignified inclusive and safe public open spaces for our communities. The City therefore welcomes the partnership with the private sector to strengthen service delivery.
Johannesburg Executive Mayor Cllr Dada Morero mentioned that “this is indeed a celebratory turning point for community of Naledi.” The Mayor was warmly welcomed on a red-carpet marquee outdoor occasion. Taking back an historical journey he solemnly reminded the attendees of the sentimental political significance of Naledi being the location where 16 June 1976 student uprisings where planned to resume specifically at Naledi High and then advance to Orlando. Mayor Morero also encouraged tree planting to households to mitigate the impact of climate change that results in uncertain weather patterns. “The collaboration with InDrive could not have come at a better time as we are on a path to developing Johannesburg in line with the various portfolio projects and making Soweto a better place with a population of nearly 2million residents. A buzzing economy that needs more investment to create a conducive market for entrepreneurs. When the construction of the park resumes over a period of 3 years, opportunities will be created for the people.” He concluded.
Jerry Sokhupe
Soweto Sunrise News
