The Democratic Alliance (DA) has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and improving public open spaces, saying these areas should be properly maintained and accessible for community use.
The party stressed that parks, recreational areas and other shared spaces play a vital role in community wellbeing, and should not be allowed to deteriorate due to neglect or mismanagement.
Prioritise the upkeep of public spaces
According to the DA, municipalities under its governance prioritise the upkeep and development of public spaces to ensure they remain safe, functional and beneficial to residents.
The party added that, if elected, it would continue to invest in maintaining these areas while promoting their full use for social, recreational and environmental purposes.
The statement forms part of the DA’s broader push to position itself as a party focused on service delivery and community development ahead of upcoming elections.
Neglected tennis court
To this end, the Democratic Alliance’s Johannesburg mayoral candidate, Helen Zille, attempted to play a game of tennis on one of the city’s abandoned Linden tennis courts.
Zille took to social media to post: “Public spaces like this should be maintained and enjoyed by residents, not left to fall apart. When the DA is in government we will protect public open spaces and make sure they are utilised to the full benefit of the community! #BelieveInJoburg #Zille4Mayor
Helen Zille in the news
Zille has been in the news in recent weeks, mainly thanks to her swimming, fishing and rowing antics in potholes and ‘pools’ around Gauteng.
She also, as reported by The South African website, took part in her first parkrun last weekend.
