A post on the popular Mangaung Ratepayers Association’s Facebook group alerted Bloemfontein Courant to the deteriorating state of parks in and around the city. The post highlighted the state of disrepair that a park on the corner of Sannaspos Road and General De la Rey Road finds itself in.
According to DA ward councillor, Dirk Kotzé, vandalism is a major concern in Mangaung. He also believes that it is due to the lack of crime prevention within the metro that vandalism has gotten out of hand.
Bloemfontein Courant reached out to Zolile Owen Lamani, a resident that has lived across a park in Bloemside for many years, to hear what he has to say about the state of parks. Lamani, who has lived in the area his whole life, remembers the park as a vibrant, family-friendly space.
“The park has changed drastically – it’s never looked like this before,” he said. “It used to be a beautiful park where parents could bring their children without worrying.”
According to Lamani, residents would often gather here with family and friends, making use of the braai stands that once stood in the park – most of which have since been vandalised or stolen. “The park has been left to deteriorate,” he said. “It’s no longer safe, and it’s no longer a place for children.”
Lamani notes that residents have repeatedly alerted the municipality about the lack of maintenance at their park, although only temporary solutions have been offered. “They sent CWP workers who cleaned for about a month and then left,” he said. “That’s not enough. The park needs ongoing care, but nothing is being done.”
Safety has become a major concern for residents. Overgrown grass and thick bushes have made the park a hotspot for crime. “Robbers hide in the bushes. People have been brutally attacked. You’re taking a risk just by going there, day or night,” Lamani said. “It’s not a safe place for children anymore. Parents worry about the kind of influence kids might be exposed to.”
Residents from all over Mangaung are calling on the municipality to step in. “We need the parks to be cleaned and secured,” said Lamani. “A fence should be put up for the children’s safety, and there should be dedicated staff to maintain it regularly. With proper care, it can once again be a place the whole community can enjoy.”
Warren Hawkins & Rethabile Monyane
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