Joburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) held a large-scale blitz, at Westpark Cemetery on Wednesday, 18 March 2026.
Teams from seven regions converged to address critical maintenance backlogs and horticultural concerns.
This included the pruning of trees, the removal of dead and hazardous branches and the eradication of invasive alien creepers.
Efforts are expected to enhance both biodiversity and accessibility.
Thanduxolo Mendrew, Managing Director of JCPZ, said Westpark Cemetery holds deep cultural and historical significance.
“While seasonal weather patterns do at times impact our maintenance schedules, programmes like MegaBlitz, allow us to respond decisively, restore dignity, and demonstrate our commitment to the residents of Johannesburg” said Mendrew.
Similarly, eThekwini City’s Recreation and Parks Directorate’ Blitz, also aimed at clearing overgrown vegetation, including trees, and improving the condition of public spaces and major road networks.
This week’s operation was rolled out in the south of Durban, where teams were deployed to several major roads and arterial routes to prune trees and overhanging branches.
The City encouraged residents to support these efforts by helping to protect and maintain public spaces, and by reporting areas that may require urgent attention.
Picture: Blitz in Durban