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Having somewhere to exercise, take the children out to play or simply spend time outdoors shouldn’t mean travelling across Johannesburg. In Naledi, Soweto, an unused 2.6-hectare site on Nape Street is set to become a new recreational space through a partnership between inDrive and Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ).
The development got underway last week when representatives from the City of Johannesburg, JCPZ and inDrive gathered for a sod-turning ceremony. inDrive is investing R6 million in the first phase of the project.
For Naledi, the development could mean accessible recreational facilities within the township. The city’s MMC for Community Development, Thapelo Amad, noted that residents previously had to travel to other parts of Johannesburg to enjoy similar amenities. Plans for the park include children’s playgrounds, walking routes, outdoor gym equipment and open recreational areas. A football field is also planned for the final phase in 2028.
Ashif Black, country representative at inDrive South Africa, says Naledi was selected in partnership with JCPZ because of the community’s need for accessible recreational facilities. The company wanted to invest in this area because it already operates in Soweto daily.
“Beyond addressing the need for recreational facilities, the project recognises the importance of creating public spaces that bring people together, encourage participation and foster a sense of belonging,” says Black.
Speaking at the ceremony, Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero highlighted the importance of giving children and families access to safe public spaces.
“A child’s opportunity to play safely should never depend on their postcode. This investment in Naledi recognises the dignity of our residents and the value of public spaces where families can gather with confidence,” he said.
Plans for appropriate lighting, clear sightlines across play and exercise areas and clearly defined entrances and exits are some of the park's safety features. Durable equipment and tamper-resistant fittings are intended to help reduce vandalism and theft.
inDrive says it hopes to draw on local expertise and labour wherever possible, creating opportunities for Naledi residents and local service providers during construction. Further details about these opportunities are yet to be confirmed.
For inDrive, the investment is an opportunity to contribute beyond its e-hailing services.
“We believe our relationship with our users should extend beyond the journeys they take with us,” says Ashif. “As a mobility platform, we are part of the everyday lives of people across the communities we serve, and we see an opportunity to contribute to those communities in meaningful ways.”
The development will take place in three phases over three years, with further work planned for 2027 and 2028, subject to agreement with JCPZ, which will remain the custodian of the park. With the first phase now underway, attention turns to how the development progresses and what the finished park will bring to Naledi and its surrounding communities.
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