The Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), bagged six African regional honours in the prestigious 2026 World Urban Parks Awards Programme along with five of Johannesburg’s treasured green spaces.
The seventh International Awards were held in Istanbul, Türkiye.
There were fifty five (55) contestants from five global regions, with regional juries recognising 28 winners.
The JCPZ walked away with the Distinguished Individual awarded to Thanduxolo Mendrew, Managing Director of JCPZ.
The Large Urban Parks went to Kloofendal Nature Reserve, the Large Urban Parks to the Zoo and Zoo Lake Precinct.
The Park Revitalisation Project went to the Wilds Nature Reserve, Neighbourhood Parks award, to the Beaulieu Birds Sanctuary.
The Neighbourhood Parks award went to the Little Falls Nature Reserve and Resort.
Thapelo Amad, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development, said the international programme honours excellence, innovation and leadership, in urban parks and open spaces.
Thanduxolo Mendrew, JCPZ Managing Director, said “I am deeply honoured by this prestigious recognition. This award is shared with the many unsung heroes who pitch up, show up and work tirelessly to reclaim the integrity of our green spaces. At a time when these spaces are undoubtedly under threat across the globe, their commitment reminds us that protecting nature is a collective responsibility.”
Picture: Supplied