“This Is for the Community”: Rustenburg Man Spends R200k Turning Neglected Park Into a Green Oasis

• Rustenburg resident Otukile Motshwaedi spent over R200,000 of his own money turning a neglected field near his home into a tidy, tree-lined park
• The transformation has been praised by neighbours but raised legal concerns, as the land belongs to the municipality and no approval was granted
• Motshwaedi hopes to eventually use the park for a farmers’ market and community space, while social media users have celebrated his initiative

A Rustenburg resident, 68-year-old Otukile Motshwaedi, has spent over R200,000 of his own money transforming a neglected field near his home into a neat, tree-lined park.

While the initiative has been praised by neighbours, it has raised legal questions because the land belongs to the Rustenburg Local Municipality, and Motshwaedi does not have official permission to develop it.

EWN shared the inspiring story on their X account on 9 January 2026.

From bush to beautiful green space

Motshwaedi bought his corner property in Glenhoutpark in 2013 and was unhappy with the view across the street.

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“I enjoy neat surroundings,and I love nature so I thought, why not improve this area and the image of my home?”he said

Before the transformation, the site was overgrown, littered with trash, and used by homeless people. Motshwaedi said it was also a hiding spot for criminals.

“I was even a victim of a house break-in, and the culprits escaped through that bush,” he explained.

Today, the area has been replaced with manicured grass, evenly spaced trees, and a large thatched umbrella structure. Motshwaedi continues planting trees and has installed concrete plinths along the park’s perimeter, a move that has raised concerns because it lacks municipal approval.An engineer by profession, Motshwaedi has invested significant time and money to maintain the park.

“I pay municipal rates like everyone else.This is for the benefit of the community,” he said.

He hopes to eventually earn income from the park. In 2023, he submitted a proposal to the municipality to turn the area into a farmers’ market-style venue with a playground, braai facilities, and shopping stalls. So far, he has not received a response.

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Councillor raises concerns

Ward 16 councillor Johan Cronje praised Motshwaedi’s effort but highlighted legal issues.

“While community involvement is encouraged, the concrete plinths are permanent, and no application has been approved by the Town Planning Department,” Cronje said.

He further added that all changes to public spaces must comply with municipal bylaws and must have approval from the municipality.

Social media users have praised Motshwaedi’s work

Marianne Le Roux remarked:

"Give that man a Bell's."

Kamogelo Tlotleng said:

"As much as we blame the government, the community itself must take action. You can’t blame the government for pollution if the community is the one dumping things."

Timmy Timmy stated:

"The municipality would have spent over a million rands on the project, trust me."

Kirsten Dickerson commented:

"Now there is a good man. Keeping the park clean and maintained also prevents crime in the area."

gg said:

"Legendary. The municipality should reimburse him for doing their job."

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3 Briefly article about Rustenburg

• A video capturing Rustenburg High School students performing with the acclaimed Ndlovu Youth Choir has gone viral. The energetic performance included African drums and ululations, with every student joining in. Viewers praised the “magical” and “proudly SA” moment for celebrating the talent and spirit of the country’s youth.
• A TikTok video of Rustenburg schoolboys grooving to Destruction Boy’s Omunye captured national attention. One boy stood out, performing a perfect vosho and keeping in time with the beat. Social media users praised his energy and skill, calling it a display of genuine talent.
• Two Rustenburg sisters left their mother in tears after surprising her with a brand-new house, built with just R70,000. The heartfelt moment was captured on camera and shared on TikTok.The video shows the sisters leading their blindfolded mom to the property before revealing the incredible gift.

In more serious news, Briefly News reported that a South African Police Service officer assaulted a member of the public at a local police station in Rustenburg. Other officers intervened to separate them and restrain the officer. The clip sparked public concern over police behaviour.

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Source: Briefly News