Cape Town: The Recreation and Parks Department of the City of Cape Town hosted a community-led environmental activation at Jack Muller Park in Bellville today, to celebrate the World Environment Day. The event highlighted the importance of biodiversity and ecological restoration, featuring the planting of rare indigenous fynbos species and seed sowing activities.
The planting effort focused on the Kraaifontein Spiderhead (Serruria furcellata), which is a rare Protea species, as part of a broader fynbos rehabilitation initiative. The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) has donated 30 rare Protea plants to the City of Cape Town for planting in this area.
For more than two years, the stakeholders have worked together to clear invasive kikuyu grass and collected more than 20 indigenous seed species in preparation for today’s activity.
It was made possible through a long-standing collaboration between the Recreation and Parks Department of the City of Cape Town and passionate local environmental groups, that includes the Friends of Jack Muller Hack Group. The Wildflower Stepping Stones Group also joined the initiative to assist with today’s planting.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham said that it was a hands-on celebration of World Environment Day which is a powerful reminder that every community has the ability to protect and restore the precious natural heritage. Through these partnerships with local volunteers and environmental groups, they are rehabilitating ecosystems and also inspiring civic action and pride in the biodiversity.
They would like to extend the heartfelt thanks to all the community volunteers and City of Cape Town officials who care for and protect the parks and public open spaces. Their continued commitment makes a lasting difference.
Following this, Ward Councillor Roger Cannon said that Jack Muller Park is a space for people to enjoy and connect with nature that comes with a shared responsibility. They must continue to protect and sustain the hard work that has gone into restoring and maintaining the unique conservation area.
Cannon further stated that, it is inspiring to see what can be accomplished when the residents take pride in and ownership of their local green spaces. It is a great initiative that form a part of the broader international ‘Make a Difference Week’, that took place from June 02 to 05, 2025 and celebrated local ecological activations in conservation areas across Cape Town.
These events aim to inspire civic action through hands-on ecological rehabilitation and community-driven conservation efforts. Such activities during the week includes seed broadcasting, fynbos and wetland rehabilitation and the rare species planting in areas such as Penhill Conservation Area, Door de Kraal, Acacia Park and Jack Muller Park, as each site addresses unique ecological challenges in collaboration with local community groups and ward councillors.