Introduction
We hope everyone has settled into the year and is finding their rhythm again. February has been active across multiple portfolios: water infrastructure, environmental work, planning oversight, security, and community assets, and we continue sharing these updates so residents understand both the progress being made and the challenges that remain. The CRA remains focused on practical action, accountability, and protecting the long-term sustainability of our neighbourhood.
Johannesburg Water Crisis – unacceptable but revealing
Over the past few weeks, large parts of Johannesburg, including neighbouring Park suburbs, experienced severe water outages, in some cases lasting up to 25 days. While Craighall Park and Craighall were largely shielded due to the configuration of the distribution network, we stand in solidarity with our neighbouring communities who were heavily affected.
The situation stabilised late last week, largely due to a confluence of favourable operational factors rather than decisive intervention. That is deeply concerning. A major metropolitan city cannot function when residents are left without water for extended periods. The failure is systemic and accountability is required. We note that the Democratic Alliance has initiated legal action against Johannesburg Water. We believe accountability mechanisms are necessary to restore competence and confidence in critical infrastructure management.
This crisis may not have impacted every street equally, but it affects all of us indirectly. Infrastructure resilience is not optional.
Image: Daily Maverick
Environmental Portfolio – reclaiming the river corridor
The CRA’s cleanup strategy continues to deliver visible results. This month we successfully reclaimed and stabilised a section of the river corridor between Rattray Weir and the Craighall Burnside area. We conducted an on-site meeting with JMPD representatives, who have committed to addressing ongoing illegal activities in the area. This is a positive development. Visible enforcement presence is essential to maintaining reclaimed public space.
Our approach remains consistent:
Clean → Stabilise → Monitor → Secure → Maintain
These interventions only succeed when maintenance and enforcement follow. We will continue tracking this closely.
Feature: Hugh Wyndham Park – our community’s green heart
Tucked between Dunkeld West and Craighall Park, Hugh Wyndham Park is more than just a park — it is one of our neighbourhood’s most important shared assets. Originally established decades ago as Johannesburg’s suburbs expanded, the park was intended as a place where families could gather, children could play, and residents could enjoy nature within an urban setting. Over time, it has evolved into a well-loved community landmark shaped not by the City alone, but by residents who actively care for it.
A unique ecological asset
One of the park’s most distinctive features is its natural spring and wetland area. This ecological zone supports local biodiversity, sustains birdlife and plant species, and contributes to the environmental health of the broader area. In a city under growing infrastructure and development pressure, this kind of green lung is invaluable.
Protecting this wetland requires active stewardship.
Community-led management
With support from the CRA and local partners, the playground was enclosed to provide a safe space for children. Through Friends of Hugh Wyndham Park, residents fund and manage much of the park’s ongoing care.
Their work includes:
- Landscape maintenance
- Wetland protection
- Security and access improvements
- Ongoing cleanliness and upkeep
- Community-funded cricket nets have also been added, expanding recreational use for residents of all ages.
Pete’s Path
A defining feature of the park is its 1.6 km paved walking route, known as Pete’s Path — named after a local resident who walked it daily. Today it forms part of the park’s identity and rhythm, used by walkers, runners, families, and dog owners alike.
Supporting the park
Please visit Friends of Hugh Wyndam Park’s Facebook page for more info and the link to Sign Up as a friend.
Hugh Wyndham Park stands as proof of what community stewardship can achieve.
Town Planning & Heritage – protecting long-term sustainability
Town planning remains one of the most critical portfolios affecting suburb stability. Many Johannesburg suburbs have deteriorated due to unsustainable planning decisions. Once precedent is set, it cannot easily be reversed.
To empower residents, the CRA has refreshed its website resources:
We continue to fund professional town planning oversight. A qualified planner monitors gazettes and advises the CRA on viability and strategy. This ensures we act where there is realistic prospect of success and material impact.
Our approach: not anti-development, but firmly against overreach
The CRA does not object to everything, nor do we attempt to. We focus on cases where overreach threatens residential character, infrastructure capacity, environmental sensitivity, or precedent-setting risks.
Responsible development is welcome. Unsustainable intensification is not.
If you intend to develop in Craighall Park, engage with us early. Early dialogue prevents conflict later.
This portfolio depends entirely on community funding and volunteer time. If you value responsible planning, please consider contributing or becoming involved.
Blue Bridge – open but unresolved
The bridge has now been open for two weeks. Many residents understandably feel relief at being able to move through the park normally again. We extend sincere thanks to Delta Café for assisting the community during the closure through the temporary bridge solution, which the CRA partly funded. We now say goodbye to that bridge.
However, reopening does not resolve the outstanding concerns.
Since October, the CRA has repeatedly requested technical information, scope clarification, and safety assurances from JRA. To date, no comprehensive response has been provided.
Concerns remain:
- Lack of documentation and transparency
- Unanswered safety confirmations
- Workmanship inconsistent with reported cost
- Significant damage to the surrounding area
- Failure to reinstate grass and repair fencing damaged during construction
We would have expected, at minimum, proper rehabilitation and reinstatement. Instead, the CRA will now undertake elements of this work at our own expense.
Community engagement
Residents are encouraged to respectfully direct their concerns and requests for information to JRA:
Mr Andrew Bodibe
Johannesburg Roads Agency
abodibe@jra.org.za
Constructive, factual queries about safety, scope of work, and rehabilitation are appropriate and necessary.
Clear communication is fundamental to public trust.
Security & Infrastructure – Buckingham Scout Hall access control
We are proceeding with security improvements at the Buckingham Scout Hall entrance to the Braamfontein Spruit.
Approved by City Parks, the project includes:
- Clear-view fencing
- Day-locked vehicle access gates controlled by CAP
- Pedestrian gate operating during park hours (times to be communicated)
This area has experienced repeated illegal activity and security concerns. Controlled access, visibility, and defined operating hours are proven measures to reduce criminal opportunity while maintaining legitimate public use.
Here you can see the team working on clearing the area getting it ready for the fence to be installed. The fence will be installed during March 2026.
Supporting the CRA – this cannot run on 30% participation
Everything outlined above: environmental rehabilitation, professional town planning oversight, security improvements, infrastructure advocacy, and constant engagement with the City, is funded and driven by a small minority of residents.
Our paid membership sits at around 30% or less. That means the majority of households benefit from the work without contributing toward it.
This model is not sustainable.
If you value functioning parks, responsible town planning, security improvements, and civic accountability, then participation matters. R100 per month is modest compared to the value being protected — property values, safety, environmental assets, and quality of life.
We are not asking for charity.
We are asking for shared responsibility.
Please do not leave the work to your neighbours.
If you have not yet joined as a paid member, now is the time.
If you are a member — thank you. Please encourage your street to do the same.
A functioning suburb is not accidental. It is funded, organised, and defended.