The ability to have access to public spaces, which are functional, safe, and beautiful, is something community members should not take for granted, given the state of many public spaces within our city.
Read more: Base from simultaneous concerts spark outcry from residents
Spaces such as the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and Marks Park serve as components to what makes communities thrive. But, can utilisation of public spaces like these get too excessive, and become unpleasant for those living in close proximity? These particular attractions are synonymous with concerts and large-scale events, which, though bringing great enjoyment to the masses, equally bring inconvenience to its surrounding residents.
Chairperson of the Emmarentia Residents Association (ERA) Saber Manjoo said that while spaces like the botanical gardens and Marks Park play a vital role in fostering a thriving community by providing green, open areas for recreation, relaxation, and social gatherings, residents are often negatively affected and find the events frustrating. “These spaces promote a healthy lifestyle by offering opportunities for walking, jogging, and outdoor activities. They also serve as communal hubs where residents can connect and strengthen neighbourhood ties.” Hosting events in these spaces supports local businesses, generates economic benefits, and showcases the area’s natural beauty to visitors. The maintenance of which ensures the community continues to enjoy a balance between urban life and nature.
However, the ERA says that these events have direct impact on Emarentia residents, in terms of traffic, access, noise, and security. They can attest, some events are better managed than others. In the case of the badly managed ones, they are not consulted with timeously, roads are completely closed, sometimes for half a day or more, which confines residents to their homes, and sometimes even crimes have been committed during events.
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Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) spokesperson Jenny Moodley said the the number of large music events at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens is limited to four per annum. Which, she says, ensures that the popular landmark’s conservation programmes are safeguarded, and the venue remains available for community use.
The ERA described how, in some instances, not all the sound levels at concerts are adhered to, and noise pollution is the result. An aspect JCPZ says it makes sure to monitor, through an environmental noise specialist, which is mandatory for the duration of large events. “With specific decibel level restrictions that need to be adhered to, in order to minimise disruptions to the surrounding community and protect the ecology found in and around the gardens,” said Moodley.
This noise level issue can be compounded if the botanical gardens and Marks Park are hosting events simultaneously. But the entity says it works closely with councillors and JMPD through the CoJ’s Joint Operations Committee so organisers ensure that noise is monitored, and kept within acceptable limits, with respect for local communities. Another challenge is litter, and while it is often cleared by the organisers, it still remains an issue for the city.
Concerts are not the only large-scale events held, with Marks Park being quite often used for large running events too. JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said it would take a significant amount of officers to ensure the safety of a run which has about 1 500 participants, and stretches over three communities (Northcliff, Greenside, and Emmarentia), “This could range to 70 for a 42km race, or more, depending on specific factors.” Events require JMPD to allocate resources away from regular duties, such as crime prevention and traffic enforcement. Officers face increased workloads during events, including longer shifts and dealing with potential incidents. Coupled with this, he said managing traffic flow during events can be challenging, especially in residential areas.
Traffic management is one of the ERA’s biggest issues. With running having become so popular, races bring with them huge numbers of cars. So far, the association says it’s yet to see event organisers be successful in controlling those cars. Association member Jenny Grice said, adding to the problem are the self-appointed car guards. “These people appear on the day and encourage racegoers, or eventgoers, to park wherever they feel like, and charge people up to R50 to park there. Whereas the event organisers have arranged that all cars should park inside the venue, for free.” Fellow member Kim Dare said, often car guards allow car owners to park across residents’ driveways, so they can’t leave their houses, or park in areas where they shouldn’t park. “We have had instances where racegoers arrive very late, and just block a whole road with their car, so they can start the race on time.” They’re aiming to find a better solution to this problem, by encouraging race organisers to instruct their runners to use E-hailing or share transport.
The ERA adds that concerts can cause big tensions. “We continue to try and get as much detail from the organisers as possible before the events, so that we can warn residents of what to expect. We also liaise with neighbouring suburbs, if they are going to be affected,” said Dare. JCPZ says organisers are responsible for ensuring that the event is compliant, the sound is well-controlled, the time allocated for the event is adhered to, the facility is clean, and there is no infrastructure damage after each event.
There is a venue hiring fee schedule, approved annually by the city. “The fees vary depending on the type of event being hosted, which can vary from small gatherings to large-scale events,” said Moodley. A fee Gemey Abrahams, ERA’s town planning portolio head, says should be used to make the park more secure and the events better managed. “Events are for a day, but our residents live here, so their needs must be taken into account.”
The city says it has always supported the use of public spaces for events. However, in recent years, the number of large events has been reduced to accommodate residents. The lease agreement, which event organisers commit to, ensures that events are managed responsibly. “The goal is to keep these public spaces vibrant, while also ensuring these valuable spaces are protected and cared for as community assets for years to come,” said Moodley.
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