From strategic infrastructure upgrades to enhanced mobility and public space management, 2025 was a year of tangible progress for the Rosebank Management District, reflecting a commitment to a functional, accessible, and well-managed precinct that delivers lasting value for residents, businesses, and visitors. This year’s initiatives reinforced Rosebank’s status as a vibrant, connected urban hub while strengthening its capacity to respond to the evolving needs of the community.
Here are some of the key projects and achievements that defined Rosebank in 2025.
Delivering Public Space Maintenance
Much of this year’s work centred on elevating the quality of Rosebank’s public realm. Streets, walkways, and parks were kept clean and well maintained, with ongoing graffiti removal, signage repairs, and landscaping efforts contributing to an attractive precinct. Key infrastructure enhancements included:
- Installation of 100 bollards at intersections prone to illegal parking and pavement encroachment, improving pedestrian safety.
- Stormwater drain repairs resolving long-standing flooding issues and reducing disruptions during heavy rain.
- Backfilling and reinstatement of pavements after municipal and utility works to restore safe and accessible walkways.
- Cradock Avenue walkway upgrade (outside News Café), where damaged paving was removed and replaced to create a smoother, safer, and more visually appealing pedestrian corridor.
- New branded bins installed across key streets and public areas, improving waste management and enhancing the precinct’s appearance.
Adopt-a-Tree Programme
RMD strengthened its environmental sustainability efforts in 2025 through the Adopt-a-Tree programme, delivered in partnership with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo. More than 226 trees were distributed and planted, expanding Rosebank’s tree canopy, improving pedestrian comfort, supporting environmental quality, and reinforcing the precinct’s green infrastructure. Ongoing upkeep of public gardens and landscaped areas ensured that the precinct’s green spaces remain well maintained.
Community & Social Impact
The District extended its impact through community-focused initiatives that support vulnerable groups, contributing to their social wellbeing. Such efforts ensure the precinct is part of the solution and demonstrate a commitment to community care, complementing broader efforts to address social issues affecting many. By partnering with schools, corporates, NGOs, and local organisations, the District is able to respond effectively to local needs and deliver meaningful social impact. Key initiatives included:
- Build a Backpack Campaign: As part of the annual Mandela Day initiative, the district delivered over 120 backpacks filled with essentials including food, clothing, and toiletries, blankets – to Immaculata Shelter for the homeless in Rosebank.
- Rosebank Cares: To support the vulnerable during the festive season, RMD partnered with Cross The Divide, mobilising the community to make donations – more than 150 care packs with food, clothing, and essential items were handed over to the NPO.
- Upgrades at the Rosebank Police Station: In partnership with Kingsmead College and supported by the Rosebank CPF, RMD transformed the Kids’ Corner and Victim Support Room at the Police Station – previously stark and unwelcoming, the spaces now provide children in crisis with a safe, comfortable environment, featuring new furniture, child-friendly décor, and interactive elements that help reduce stress while showing that public services can be both professional and compassionate.
Tourism Ambassadors: Supporting Visitors and Deterring Crime
As a key tourism and visitor hub, Rosebank partnered with Johannesburg Tourism to deploy 10 ambassadors to key hotspots across the precinct. The ambassadors provide information and assistance to visitors while also acting as a visible deterrent to scammers and opportunists, enhancing both safety and the visitor experience. These measures reflect a firm commitment to proactive interventions, coordinated action, and collaborative execution.
Advancing Urban Mobility
As part of its commitment to improving mobility within the precinct, the Rosebank Management District partnered with the Urban Mobility Summit, participating in the official launch hosted in Rosebank alongside Uber, C40 Cities, and other key stakeholders. The collaboration highlighted shared priorities around sustainable mobility, resilient infrastructure, accessibility, and inclusive urban development, reinforcing Rosebank’s role as a forward-looking and connected urban hub.
Safety and Law Enforcement: Firm Action, Measurable Results
The precinct faced several safety challenges in 2025, including heightened vulnerability in certain areas and occasional spikes in petty crime. Security efforts remained vigilant and effective, ensuring a well-managed and safe environment. Law enforcement operations, carried out in close coordination with JMPD and SAPS, were intensified, with the majority of by-law issues resolved promptly.
These projects demonstrate a decisive commitment to shaping a vibrant, resilient, and efficiently managed precinct. Looking ahead, our efforts will focus on high-impact initiatives that elevate the node, strengthen urban functionality, and cement Rosebank’s status as a premier urban and economic hub.
To join us and support initiatives by the Rosebank Management Districts, please contact mikhaela@localabode.co.za or melusi.hlatshwayo@inyourpocket.com
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