MCC, in partnership with the Umhlatuzana Catchment Forum, is proud to announce the start of a legacy project: The Riverside Pocket Park in Mariannridge.
Working alongside the SEF partnership between the IDC, Green Corridors, and Africa Ignite, the project began in December 2025 and is expected to reach completion by July/August 2026.
This initiative is driven by the eThekwini Municipality’s Transformative Riverine Management Programme (TRMP) within the City Manager’s Office.
1. A Vision Years in the Making
After over three and a half years of lobbying, meetings, and sheer determination, we are excited to see this project come to life.
- Location: Galaxy Crescent, Mariannheights.
- Setting: Situated on the Umhlatuzana River, bordering the Mariannridge community.
2. Significance of the Riverside Park (Pre-2022)
Before the floods, the park was a scenic green corridor for recreation and community togetherness. It offered a serene, spiritual experience with birdlife and fish, creating a profound connection with nature. The MCC has always envisioned revitalizing this space through clean-ups and community-driven events.
3. The Devastating 2022 Floods
In April 2022, torrential rains caused catastrophic damage to KZN. The Riverside Park was hit hard:
- Destruction: Uprooted trees, lost infrastructure, and damaged homes.
- Human Cost: Tragically, lives were lost upstream, highlighting the fierce power of the river.
- Infrastructure Collapse: A major sewer pipeline was destroyed, releasing raw sewage into the ecosystem and halting all park improvement plans for three years due to safety concerns.
4. Restoration & Advocacy
We refused to give up. Alongside the Umhlatuzana Catchment Forum, we lobbied local authorities to prioritize the pipeline replacement. Today, that progress is finally a reality, clearing the way for rehabilitation.
5. Project Roadmap (December 2025 – August 2026)
The project launches this week. Over the next eight months, our teams will focus on two key phases:
Phase 1: Environmental Restoration
- Clearing alien bush and illegal dumping sites.
- Removing invasive species and replanting indigenous trees.
- Stabilizing the riverbank with natural vegetation.
- Building compost heaps and preparing community food gardens.
- Developing recycling and reselling initiatives for local economic upliftment.
Phase 2: Recreation & Amenities
- Establishing a walking trail.
- Building a children’s play area and a gym park.
- Rehabilitating park amenities.
- Exploring the possibility of a community water slide.
Goal: We aim to officially open the revitalized Riverside Pocket Park by Heritage Day 2026.
6. Acknowledgements
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to those who made this journey possible:
- Umhlatuzana Catchment Forum: For driving the lobby for restoration.
- TRMP (City Manager’s Office): For leading discussions and coordinating partners.
- SEF, IDC, Green Corridors, and Africa Ignite: For including Mariannridge in this city-wide program.
- Cllr Cloete and Mrs. Pearl Mkhize: For their unwavering trust and support.
Conclusion
This is a moment of renewal, restoration, and community empowerment for Mariannridge. Let’s do this!
Issued by:
The MCC Team and Partners
