Late Night Talk

There has been strong opposition to the conversion of one of Joburg's legendary public park spaces into a taxi rank.

The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) has recommended that Joubert Park be converted to a taxi rank as a temporary measure while the Jack Mincer garage is being reinforced and enlarged to hold more taxis.

702's John Robbie spoke to an architect and member of the Heritage of Gauteng Institute for Architecture (GIFA), Brian Kent McKechnie, about why they are opposed to the decision and the importance of preserving our green heritage.

McKechnie explained that they are opposed to the fact that the city has very few open spaces in the densely populated area. Joubert Park is one of these few open public spaces.

He added that the City of Joburg had not broadly engaged on this development, however there had been a petition by the JDA sent out and other communication to the city.

Below is some reaction from Twitter around this issue:

Joubert park 1 of few spaces for people living in high density buildings in area. Taking Joubert park is robbing the poor! @702JohnRobbie

— William Bird (@Billbobbird) September 16, 2015

@702johnrobbie JDA has run out of plans of what to do in the inner city really.We have a shortage of libraries and they shld build one.

— I'm no cliche' (@MRH_GLOBAL) September 16, 2015

@702JohnRobbie transport is important but parks are more important

— chris pitcher (@mrskabenga) September 16, 2015

@702JohnRobbie #leave the park alone, then on weekend where will people go. I say No no no and no

— Siyikhangele Mlovu (@siyikh) September 16, 2015

@702JohnRobbie It's not a great idea. Demolish dilapidated buildings around the same area and keep the recreational park.

— Calvin (@RascalVandal) September 16, 2015

@702JohnRobbie ..we have learners who use the park with their families for recreation..they live in flats...Our children need to play....

— Rajes Moodley (@Rajesweri) September 16, 2015