Hillbrow Recreation Centre Clean-Up

Sithembile Moyo

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), University of Johannesburg (UJ) students, and the Department of Sports, Arts, and Recreation recently gathered to clean up the Hillbrow Recreation Centre.

The Hillbrow Recreation Centre was one of the facilities that housed the homeless during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, after being given notice to vacate and relocate to other shelters, many refused to leave. This resulted in the facility being vandalized, and illegal activities began to occur. Significant damage was done to the Centre, which had once been a vibrant hub for the community.

In November 2023, the homeless were officially evicted from the Centre, and a major clean-up operation was carried out following their departure. The Hillbrow SAPS (South African Police Service) monitored the clean-up while law enforcement ensured safety and order.

Currently, there is no longer a functioning recreation center in the area. The clean-up is seen as a critical step towards reviving the facility for future activities and events. As it stands, the community has lost a key resource that once helped keep children off the streets.

Nelly, a local community member, expressed hope, saying, “There is hope that the Hillbrow Recreation Centre will be revived.”

Before its decline, the Hillbrow Recreation Centre offered various skills development programs, including bead-making, computer lessons, flower arranging, candle making, fabric painting, and pottery. There was also a “slim gym” for senior citizens, a playgroup, school holiday programs, and activities such as Latin and ballroom dancing, indigenous games, chess, snooker, table tennis, karate, and aerobics. Halls were available for rental. These activities were instrumental in keeping the youth engaged and off the streets.