However, the privately-owned park – which has been an attraction on the banks of the Wemmer Pan for decades- has recently been described as an “absolute mess”.
Patrons, who compared Miniland’s current state of “derelict” to its former glory days when they visited the park as children, claimed the attraction’s poor condition was the result of years of neglect.
Many websites had included Miniland- which was known for its mini-trains, battery-operated car rides, mini-golf and a ferry- to their directory of recreational venues but added disclaimers regarding its poor condition.
Jozikids.co.za, a website dedicated to children’s events and entertainment stated that “jozikids cannot be held responsible for this venue. Kindly read reviews as this venue seems very neglected.”
Cathy, who commented SA Travel Directory’s website in September 2013 said: “Santarama Miniland is best avoided at all costs. No renovation is in progress and as the article says the exhibits are in a terrible state. Derelict is a nice way of putting it.”
According to Cathy, the area was unsafe and deteriorating structures, which were likely to fall, posed a threat to visitors.
However, Peter Mabulane, community services manager for the South African National Tuberculosis Association- the organisation that owns the park- said the complaints suggesting that Miniland is in poor condition were from people who visited the park over a year ago.
The park had since been renovated and the organisation was satisfied with its condition, he said, adding that the park was safe and open to the public despite ongoing improvements.
According to Mabulane, Miniland had deteriorated under the supervision of outsourced management but the association had reclaimed control to rehabilitate the park.
However, he said that many patrons compared the current state of the park to its condition 20 years ago but admitted that it was no longer in the same state.
“We can’t have what we had 20 years ago and this is due to funding; we maintain the park purely from the gate-takings.”
Referring to the condition of the area surrounding the park, he said that like many other areas it too had deteriorated over the years and investments were required to make improvements.
Meanwhile, the park was also removed as a stop on the Johannesburg Red Bus Tour.
However, both organisations cited conflicting reasons for the removal.
Shaun Mason, the sales and marketing manager of the Red Bus Tour said the park was removed from tour after Miniland’s new owner said there were plans to use the park for other purposes.
He added that prior to the change of ownership the area was in disrepute and there were plans to rehabilitate it in order to make it a feasible stop but this did not materialise.
But Mabulane said both parties could not agree on how to share the profits, resulting in them ending the venture.
