News Bulletin of 27 September 2026, 8am

Parkhurst residents and local organisations joined forces this month to clean up the Braamfontein Spruit at 5th Avenue Park. Volunteers used gloves, tongs, shovels and refuse bags to remove litter from the riverbanks, while Bubele Africa workers safely cleared waste from the water.Shaun Blumberg, business development lead for 24/7 Security, says keeping communities safe also means protecting the public spaces where people live and spend time. The security company partnered with the Parkhurst Residents and Business Owners Association to help keep the area clean and safe for residents to enjoy.

Therapy TOP Dogs is a South African non-profit that has been bringing trained therapy dogs to people in need since 2008. Volunteer handlers and their dogs visit hospitals, special needs schools, frail care centres, old age homes, children’s homes and hospices, offering companionship and moments of joy.One of its longest-running partnerships is with Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital, where Therapy TOP Dogs has been visiting for around 11 years. For children undergoing rehabilitation, time spent with a friendly dog can provide comfort, encouragement and a welcome break from their treatment.

A community project to protect and restore the Sandspruit River greenbelt in Sandown has raised more than 700 000 rand. The money will be used to build about 530 metres of fencing between Katherine Street and South Road, helping prevent illegal sand mining, tree cutting and dumping.The Sandspruit Environmental Renewal Initiative was started by local residents who want to turn the neglected green space into a protected area for the community.