In the bustling metropolis of Johannesburg, Jozi Trails, a voluntary non-profit initiative is working to maintain and expand a vibrant network of hiking and cycling trails for outdoor recreation and environmental education along the trails and parks on or adjacent to the Braamfontein Spruit.
Jozi Trails was born from a simple yet powerful idea: to connect northern Johannesburg’s green spaces and create a continuous network of trails accessible to all residents. The project aims to provide safe, attractive, well-maintained paths for hiking, running, and mountain biking, while simultaneously preserving and rehabilitating natural areas within the city. These trails weave through the city’s iconic green spaces, including Delta Park, Emmarentia Dam, and the Braamfontein Spruit. The primary goal is to make the trails accessible to everyone, fostering a sense of community and well-being. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual walker, a cyclist, or a family looking for a weekend outing, Jozi Trails ensures you can enjoy yourself out there.
Jaco Louw, one of the founders of Jozi Trails, explains, “We want the trails to be where every Joburg resident can step out of their home and easily access nature, regardless of where they live or what their socioeconomic status is. These trails are not just about recreation; they build bridges between communities and foster a shared love for our city’s natural heritage.”
Transforming Urban Spaces
Since its inception, Jozi Trails has made great progress in revitalising the trails along the Braamfontein Spruit. In partnership with Joburg City Parks and Zoo (with which Jozi Trails has had a formal agreement), various residents’ associations, and other role players, the organisation has managed vegetation and drainage, helped preserve wetlands, constructed sustainable trails, built bridges and underpasses, and installed signage to enhance user experience. Jozi Trails also provides ongoing information about the trails and events along the Spruit to communities and user groups. Our work has included:
1. The Braamfontein Spruit Trail: A 20+ kilometre corridor linking several northern Johannesburg suburbs and offering a green escape in the heart of the city.
2. The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens & Alberts Farm trails: A network of trails showcasing the area’s rich biodiversity.
3. The Delta Park Trail System: A family-friendly network of walking, jogging, and cycling paths.
4. The Delta Park cycle jump line: A challenging set of berms and jumps for intrepid cyclists.
Community Impact
Since its inception in 2017, Jozi Trails has developed a network that now spans almost 40 kilometres, connecting key areas and providing seamless routes for various activities. We have run or been involved in many community events, crime reduction initiatives, clean-up efforts, and environmental education programmes, involving many residents and volunteers. Jozi Trails has done more than enhance recreational opportunities; the NPO has become a catalyst for positive change in surrounding communities:
1. Environmental Education: Jozi Trails partners with local schools to teach children about cycling, biodiversity, conservation, and environmental stewardship.
2. Crime Reduction: Our Trail Guardian community volunteer patrol project was set up to address the spike in muggings in Delta Park in 2022. Since then, we have achieved a noticeable decrease in the crime rate in the park.
3. Health and Wellness: By providing safer and more accessible trails for physical activity, Jozi Trails contributes to better public health and well-being.
4. Tourism Boost: The trail network is an attraction for local and international visitors, supporting small businesses in the vicinity.
Challenges and Future Plans
Despite its successes, Jozi Trails faces ongoing challenges. Funding remains a constant concern, as trail maintenance and expansion require substantial resources. Additionally, the organisation has to navigate complex land-use regulations and work with various stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of the project. Looking ahead, Jozi Trails has ambitious plans for growth. The organisation aims to create new trails over the next few years, connecting more neighbourhoods and green spaces. Already, plans are in place to link another 42km of purpose-built trails north of the N1 at Aslidale Trail Park (Leeuwkop prison, Sunninghill) by traversing a short 500m gap of the Braamfontein Spruit Trail/River, offering residents of Joburg something not many major world cities have access to.
How You Can Help
The success of Jozi Trails relies heavily on community support and involvement. Here are ways you can contribute to this transformative project:
1. Donate: Financial contributions of any size help to fund trail construction, maintenance, and community programmes. The funds we receive pay for our workers to maintain the trails, cut grass, maintain infrastructure along the trails, such as signage and bridges, and do whatever is needed to keep the trails in good shape. Visit the Jozi Trails website to make a secure online donation.
2. Volunteer: Become a Trail Guardian. Get involved in our community events. Assist with environmental education programmes or offer your professional skills to support the organisation’s operations.
3. Spread the Word: Share your trail experiences on social media, invite friends to explore the trails, and help raise awareness about Jozi Trails’ work and our needs.
4. Corporate Partnerships: We need introductions to businesses that can sponsor trail sections, run employee volunteer days, or provide in-kind donations of equipment and services.
A Green Future for Johannesburg
Jozi Trails is more than just a group of passionate volunteers working to manage a network of trails; we are working towards a greener, more connected, and more equitable Johannesburg. By supporting and getting involved, residents can invest in community health, preserve urban biodiversity, and create shared spaces that bring people together. A healthy, safe, attractive, and accessible trail network weaves a tapestry of nature and community so that even in our busy urban lives, we can have fun, get healthy, and enjoy moments of tranquillity and connection with nature.
If you can assist us in any regard, please reach out to www.jozitrails.co.za
