Councillor Thapelo Amad, MMC for Community Development attended the opening ceremony of a new green open space in Region G on the 23rd June at the Leiklip Park in Eldorado Park, Joburg.
It is deeply symbolic that we gather in June — a month where we celebrate both World Environment Month and our Youth. These two occasions remind us that protecting our environment and investing in our young people are responsibilities that must move together.
Today we also remember the voice of a son of Johannesburg, a poet, activist and community builder — Don Mattera. Don Mattera dedicated much of his life to children and vulnerable communities. His message was always rooted in compassion, dignity and the belief that children must be protected and given opportunities to flourish.
His words and his life remind us that we cannot leave our children behind.
Our Constitution places a responsibility on all of us to create safe environments where children can develop, where communities can thrive, and where dignity is restored.
Safe, clean and dynamic recreation spaces are not luxuries. They are essential pillars of healthy communities.
Today we celebrate the birth of Leiklip Park in Eldorado Park — a brand-new public space created to serve generations to come.
This new park provides a multi-sport court for tennis, netball and mini soccer; outdoor gym equipment encouraging healthy lifestyles; a custom-designed children’s play area with jungle gyms, slides, swings, see-saws and spinners; safe play surfaces; landscaped green areas; picnic spaces; seating and amenities that make this a welcoming space for residents of all ages.
