Safe parks are all we are asking for

Back in the 1970s, Maria Rametsi, a domestic worker, decided to take some time off and kick off her shoes and relax in one of Pretoria City’s parks. Sadly, she ended up in hospital after she was run over by a racist motorist. We prayed then that never again should such a thing happen. When we walk our dogs to public spaces, let us put them on leashes and bring along carry bags to pick up their pooh.

And when we finish savouring our eats and drinks, could we please pick up the mess we’ve caused, throw it in the receptacles right at the park? Dogs are by nature wild and will attack and spoil other people’s enjoyment if left unattended. Bikes and motor vehicles are meant for roads, not parks.

And wherever people gather or sit to eat and drink, there will always be a need to urinate and defecate.

Is it asking too much of the department of parks and recreation to install a toilet, even a mobile one, and post a security guard for job creation, safety and maintenance purposes? It would be a sad day if a woman could be raped or someone could be harmed without recourse in this age and time.

Yes, we can choose to act responsibly and share public spaces peacefully and harmoniously.

We can do it. Thami Zwane Edenvale