With the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa that South Africa has been moved down to Level 2 amid the Covid-19 pandemic, quite a few restrictions were lifted, among them opening parks and nature reserves for more than just exercising.
The Minister for Tourism, Mamaloko Kubayi-Ngubane urged citizens to travel and visit the various attractions available to them, while ensuring they adhered to all the safety protocols in place, such as washing their hands, wearing a mask, sanitizing and keeping a safe social distance of at least two metres.
In light of this announcement, The Record/ Northsider compiled a list of events/ places to visit during this time:
• The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden on Malcolm Road, Poortview is now open for picnics, bird watching and photography, walking, hiking and running. The restaurant is also open. The Sisulu Circle, children’s play area, garden gym and drinking fountains are still closed. If you wish to visit the Garden, remember to wear a mask, sanitize at the entrance and ensure social distancing. The group limit is 50 persons. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online on the webtickets.co.za website to limit physical contact.
• Melville Koppies Nature Reserve and Heritage Site, situated opposite the entrance of Marks Park Sport Complex on Judith Road in Emmarentia, is once again open for visitors. There will be Sunday morning outings on 30 August, and 6, 13 and 20 September, as well as on the public holiday, 24 September. Those who wish to hike in the Koppies should arrive by 8am and be out of the park by 11.30am. Costs are R80 for adults and R40 for children. Hikers should note that security guards will be patrolling the trails. Numbers will be restricted, and booking and prepayment (non-refundable unless it snows) are essential. These mornings are proving very popular so please send your notification of payment asap to secure your booking. Email names and cellphone numbers of your group to wendavid@mweb.co.za. For the banking details, or more information, phone 011 482 4797. Hikers should adhere to the following: walk at your own risk; masks (covering nose and mouth) are compulsory and must be worn all the time; stay on the paths; keep a three-metre social distance (except for people who have travelled together); children must be under the control of parents – no running about; no dogs; no littering; no smoking (fire hazard); no alcohol; picking plants is not allowed; no braaiing or picnicking; wear a hat and sturdy shoes with a tread; and bring water. Please note that the benches and toilets are not sanitized. Bring your own sanitizers. Maps will be supplied on the day.
Remember to send your events to roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za/ northside@caxton.co.za
