Save Rhodes Park – Hands Off ERF 2836 Kensington

    To: The Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) and the City of Johannesburg

    Subject: Urgent Objection to the Proposed Commercial Leasing of Rhodes Park (ERF 2836 Kensington)

    Declaration: We, the undersigned residents, property owners, and regular users of Rhodes Park and the surrounding Kensington community, hereby bitterly and unconditionally object to the Johannesburg Property Company’s (JPC) intentions to lease out ERF 2836 Kensington (Rhodes Park) to the private sector for commercial purposes.

    Why Rhodes Park Must Remain Protected and Public

    Rhodes Park is not merely a municipal asset; it is the beating heart and historical anchor of Kensington.

    1. An Iconic Flagship Sanctuary: Rhodes Park is one of Johannesburg's most treasured and iconic heritage parks. Handing control of public parkland over to private commercial interests sets a dangerous precedent for our city's green spaces.

    2. The Vital "Green Lung" of Kensington: In an increasingly built-up urban environment, Rhodes Park serves as a crucial ecological refuge. It provides clean air, mature trees, open spaces, and a vital natural habitat for local birdlife and fauna.

    3. A Hub for Community Life and Activity: The park is actively used every single day by families, children, athletes, seniors, and local clubs. It hosts community gatherings, sports, recreation, and safe outdoor activities that foster community cohesion. Commercializing or restricting access to any portion of this park destroys its primary purpose as a free, accessible public amenity.

    4. Unacceptable Privatization of Public Land: Public parks belong to the public. Leasing this land to private entities for commercial exploitation alienates the community from its own heritage and restricts public enjoyment of municipal green space.

    Our Demand: We demand that the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) immediately withdraw and abandon all plans, proposals, or tenders to lease out Rhodes Park (ERF 2836 Kensington) or any portion of its grounds to the private sector. The City of Johannesburg must commit to protecting, maintaining, and fully preserving Rhodes Park as an exclusively public, accessible green space for current and future generations.

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