George Municipality Revitalises Thembalethu with Park Run and Recreation Route
Project 7, which comprises the Park Run and Trim Park Recreation Route progresses well
The George Municipality is pleased that the vision for the Ilisolethu Precinct in Thembalethu is steadily unfolding. Good progress can be observed on Project 7: The Recreation Route, which contributes to the enhancement of safety, connectivity, and recreation along Nelson Mandela Boulevard (NMB) and within the Thembalethu CBD.
Project 7 is one of eleven investment packages identified to drive social and economic development in Thembalethu through the Ilisolethu Precinct and comprises the Park Run and Trim Park Recreation Route. During the 2024/2025 financial year, sidewalk upgrades were completed along Ntaka, Schaap, and Bomvana Streets, as well as along the N2.
The Municipality has invested R 3 088 036.78 in upgrading sidewalks related to the recreation route. A further R450 000 will be spent on the final sidewalk section, and street furniture and lighting along the route will also be applied, valued at approximately R350 000.
Funding is sourced from the National Treasury through the Neighbourhood Development Partnerships Programme (NDPP), which supports township redevelopment by leveraging public investment to attract private and community contributions, improving both quality of life and economic opportunities.
“The NDPP is driven by the notion that public investment/funding can be used creatively to attract private sector and community investment to unlock the social and economic potential in targeted underserved neighbourhoods, generally townships. This will not only improve the quality of life of residents but also address the pertinent issues of economic performance and job creation,” said Delia Power, the Deputy Director for Development and Environmental Planning.
According to Executive Mayor Ald. Jackie von Brandis, these upgrades form part of a larger vision: “In future, we plan to establish a formal park run route along this corridor. It will be open to all community members and visitors, connecting existing and future recreational areas, and making Thembalethu a healthier, safer, and more connected community,” said Mayor von Brandis.
Furthermore, the Municipality is already encouraged to see residents using the completed portion of the route, running along the track envisioned for the park run. This is truly heart-warming and reaffirms that this is a much-needed recreational facility.
Through the programme, George Municipality has installed CCTV cameras at the Thembalethu Sports Field to enhance community safety and ensure the facility remains a safe and welcoming space for all residents and visitors.
Further upgrades are planned for the current financial year, including the development of a formal walkway linking Nelson Mandela Boulevard to Ngcakani Road. The walkway will feature landscaping, street furniture, and urban acupuncture interventions, improving accessibility and usability of the sports field.
“These combined interventions will not only encourage healthy lifestyles but also create safer, accessible, and attractive public spaces for residents and visitors,” added Mayor von Brandis.
For more information on the Ilisolethu Precinct, visit: www.george.gov.za/planning-development/ilisolethu-precinct or contact the George Municipality’s Directorate: Planning and Development – Henko Lourens at hlourens@george.gov.za.
#ilisolethuGeorge #LetsGrowThembalethu #CityOfOpportunities #SafeCommunities
