The DA in Thabazimbi is deeply concerned about the appalling condition of several municipal parks under the jurisdiction of the Thabazimbi Local Municipality and calls on them to act with urgency in restoring, cleaning, and maintaining all municipal parks.
The Community Services Department, which bears the responsibility for the management and maintenance of these public spaces, continues to fail the residents of Thabazimbi. The visible neglect and lack of accountability within the department are evident in the widespread deterioration of these facilities.
Oversight visits conducted by myself, together with DA Limpopo Provincial Spokesperson on Sports, Arts & Culture, Adv. Franco Marx MPL revealed the devastating state of Thaba Park, Tant Mollie’s park, Judith Street Park and Swempie Street Park that were once the pride of Thabazimbi.
The once-beautiful Thaba Park now lies in a shocking state of disrepair. Years of neglect have left the park’s infrastructure in ruins, toilets, basins, windows, and doors are broken and remain unrepaired.
Around 2020, the park underwent partial renovations through a Social Labour Plan (SLP) project, and again two years ago, limited cleaning and restoration took place. However, these short-term interventions have proven futile in the absence of sustainable maintenance. It has also come to light that an individual is residing illegally in the Bowling Club House within the park, allegedly paying rent. This unlawful occupation must be stopped immediately, no municipal recreation facility should ever be used as a private residence.
Tant Mollies Park is also a victim of the municipality’s neglect and mismanagement. Earlier this year, residents took it upon themselves to clean and restore Tant Mollie’s Park after repeated pleas for assistance from the municipality were ignored. Since then, no follow-up maintenance has been conducted. This continued neglect undermines the efforts of residents who care deeply about their environment and community spaces. View photos here and here.
The Judith Street Park area has become unsafe, uninviting to residents and currently resembles an illegal dumping site rather than a recreational area. Oversight revealed overgrown grass, untrimmed trees, and no evidence of municipal upkeep. Despite repeated reports to the Acting Director of Community Services, the municipality has failed to act. View photos here and here
Swempie Street Park shows similar neglect, no grass cutting, tree trimming, or maintenance has taken place for months. The continued deterioration of this and other public spaces reflects a complete disregard for the wellbeing of residents and the environmental integrity of the town.
Adv. Marx also raised the issue of deteriorating municipal parks and sporting facilities in the Limpopo Provincial Legislature on 21 October 2025, calling on the MEC for Sport, Arts & Culture to collaborate with the MEC for COGHSTA to intervene in municipalities that are failing to protect our public assets, heritage, and sporting facilities.
Residents deserve access to safe, clean, and well-kept public spaces that foster community pride and recreation. The DA will submit formal questions to Council to ensure that responsible officials are held accountable and that a clear action plan is presented for the sustainable management of parks that includes adequate security, ongoing maintenance, and accountability to prevent vandalism, illegal dumping, and further decay.