Biodiversity and open space strategy

EKURHULENI BIODIVERSITY AND
OPEN SPACE STRATEGY (EBOSS)
REPORT
May 2009
For
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
EKURHULENI BIODIVERSITY AND OPEN SPACE STRATEGY
(EBOSS) REPORT
May 2009
Prepared by
Environomics
in association with
MetroGIS
DVZ Consultants
and
David Hoare
EnviroNomics
Environmental Consultants
P O Box 400
Midstream Estate
1692
st
1 floor, Bondev Office Park
Ashford Street
Midstream Estate
Ekurhuleni
Tel:
087 805 4000 or (012) 661-5649
Cell:
082 779 2262 or (012) 661-0375
Fax:
086 632 5549
Email: [email protected]
Contact person: Paul Claassen
List of Abbreviations
CBD:
Central Business District
DEAT:
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
EBOSS:
Ekurhuleni Biodiversity and Open Space Strategy
EMF:
Environmental Management Framework
EMM:
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (also the land area it
administers)
ESSDR:
Eastern and Southern Service Delivery Regions
GDACE:
Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Conservation and
Environment
GDS:
Growth Development Strategy
GIS:
Geographical Information System
IAIA-CBBIA: International Association for Impact Assessment – Capacity
Building in Biodiversity and Impact Assessment
IDP:
Integrated Development Plan
LAB:
Local Action for Biodiversity
LDO’s:
Land Development Objectives
LSDF:
Local Spatial Development Framework
MSDF:
Metropolitan Spatial Development Framework
NGO’s:
Non-Governmental Organisations
NSDR:
Northern Service Delivery Region
RAG:
Residents Action Group
RSDF:
Regional Spatial Development Framework
SANBI:
South African National Biodiversity Institute
SARDB:
South African Red Data Book
SEA:
Strategic Environmental Assessment
SOER:
State of the Environment Report
List of Definitions
Biodiversity:
Is the variation of life forms within a given ecosystem, biome
or for the entire Earth. Biodiversity is often used as a
measure of the health of biological systems.
Conservation:
The protection or wise use of natural resources that ensures
their continuing availability to future generations; the
intelligent use of natural resources for long-term benefits.
Ecosystems:
Is a natural unit that includes living and nonliving parts
interacting to produce a stable system in which the exchange
of materials between the living and nonliving parts follows
closed paths.
Environment:
All of the biotic and abiotic factors that act on an organism,
population, or ecological community and influence its
survival and development. Biotic factors include the
organisms themselves, their food, and their interactions.
Abiotic factors include such items as sunlight, soil, air, water,
climate, and pollution. Organisms respond to changes in
their environment by evolutionary adaptations in form and
behaviour.
Geology:
The geology of a site is the combination of rocks and soils
that underlie it and the surrounding area. Geology affects
the hydrogeology and has significant effects on how quickly
contaminants disperse.
Hydrological
Systems:
Topography:
Ecological Goods
and Services:
Is the study of the movement, distribution, and quality of
water throughout the Earth, and thus addresses both the
hydrologic cycle and water resources.
The physical features of a geographic area, such as those
represented on a map, taken collectively; especially, the
relief and contours of the land.
Are the benefits arising from examples of ecological goods
including clean air and abundant fresh water. Examples of
ecological services include natural purification of air and
water, maintenance of biodiversity, decomposition of wastes,
soil and vegetation generation and renewal, pollination of
crops and natural vegetation, groundwater recharge through
wetlands, greenhouse gas mitigation and aesthetically
pleasing landscapes.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
List of Abbreviations
List of Definitions
Preface
1.
2.
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
3.
4.
5.
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
INTRODUCTION
PROJECT PHASES
Inception phase
Scoping phase
Situation assessment phase
Institutional analysis phase
Draft biodiversity and open space strategy
Strategy iteration
Policies and guidelines
The LAB projects
PROJECT VISION
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
STRATEGIC ISSUES
Sustainability imperatives
Political and public support
Good practice (benchmarking)
Strategic location of Ekurhuleni
Old mining areas
The OR Tambo Airport
Page
1
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
Chapter 1
1.
1.1
1.2
1.3
INTRODUCTION
Vision and Objectives for EBOSS
Planning and Environmental Management in Ekurhuleni
Background to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
1
1
1
3
Chapter 2
2.
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT IN THE EMM
Geology
Topography
Sub-Surface Hydrology
Surface Hydrology
Water Quality
Rainfall and Climate
Vegetation Types
6
6
8
8
10
13
14
14
Chapter 3
3.
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
BIODIVERSITY DESCRIPTION
The Definition of Biodiversity
Biodiversity in the EMM
Distribution of Alien Invasive Species
Medicinal Plants
Areas of Conservation Importance / Protected Areas
Aquatic and Hydrophilic Habitats
Threats to Biodiversity
Biodiversity Management
19
19
19
23
23
23
24
24
28
i
Chapter 4
4.
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
STRATEGIC ISSUES
Sustainability Imperatives
Political and Public Support
Good Practice
Strategic Location of Ekurhuleni
Old Mining Areas
Future Infrastructure
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
Chapter 5
5.
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
OPPORTUNITIES
The Hydrological Network
Remaining Primary Vegetation
Birds and Aquatic Life
Existing Urban Open Space
Potential Links
Physical Constraints to Development
31
31
31
31
31
31
31
Chapter 6
6.
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
CONSTRAINTS
Policy Clashes
Private Ownership of Potential Natural Open Space
Polluted State of the Rivers
Fragmentation of Natural Open Space Elements
Population Distribution
Dispersed Nature of the EMM Spatial Structure
32
32
32
32
32
32
32
Chapter 7
7.
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
CLASSIFICATION OF OPEN SPACE
Introduction
Defining Natural Open Space in Ekurhuleni and Fieldwork
Delineation of Open Space
Open Space Functioning
Ownership
Current Town Planning Zoning
33
33
33
43
87
114
135
Chapter 8
8. POLICIES AND GUIDELINES
8.1 Policy Spatial Development Frameworks as the main implementation
instrument of EBOSS
8.2 Policy on the Protection of Biodiversity in the Open Space System
8.3 Policy on Integrating Natural Open Space into the Urban Context
8.4 Policy on the development of land surrounding the Open Space System
8.5 Policy on Existing Agricultural Practices in the Open Space System
8.6 Policy for Detail Evaluation of Natural Open Space in a Local Context
8.7 General Guidelines for Ekurhuleni Parks Department
161
161
9.
9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
190
190
191
196
214
Chapter 9
165
169
176
181
184
187
EKURHULENI’S PARTICIPATION IN THE LAB PROJECT
Introduction
Key Elements of LAB
Biodiversity Projects
Awareness and Support Projects
APPENDIX A: Suitable Indigenous Plants for use in Ekurhuleni
APPENDIX B: Current Legal and Policy Mechanisms Available to Assist EBOSS
1-18
1-15
ii
PREFACE
1.
INTRODUCTION
The well known hierarchy of human needs that was developed by Maslow in
the 1940s and 50s is still relevant today. Our most basic needs are inborn,
having developed over tens of thousands of years. Only when the lower
order needs of physical and emotional well-being are satisfied is it possible to
address the higher order needs of influence and personal development that
we also strive for in the development of our cities.
The first level physiological needs for food, water and shelter has a direct
bearing on the protection of natural resources and provides the most basic
reason for the establishment of EBOSS.
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were developed out of the eight
chapters of the United Nations Millennium Declaration signed in September
Preface
1
2000. There are eight goals and 21 targets. The seventh goal is to ensure
environmental sustainability and include the following targets:
•
Integrate the principles of sustainable development in country policies and
programmes;
•
reverse the loss of environmental resources;
•
reduce biodiversity loss, achieving, by 2010, a significant reduction in the
rate of loss;
•
halve, by 2015, the proportion of people without sustainable access to
safe drinking water and basic sanitation; and
•
by 2020, to have achieved a significant improvement in the lives of at
least 100 million slum-dwellers.
These targets indicate not only the requirement for the management of
natural resources but also the urgency with which it needs to be achieved.
The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) made significant investments
in the management of the environment over the last five years. This inter alia
included the development of:
•
A State of the Environment Report;
•
an Environmental Management Framework (EMF) for the Northern
Service Delivery Region (NSDR) of the EMM;
•
an Air Quality Management Plan;
•
an EMF for the whole metro that included the upgrading of the NSDR
EMF;
•
a draft Integrated Water Resources Management Plan;
•
a State of Energy Report; and
•
an Energy Strategy.
The EMM is also participating in the Urban Grasslands Programme of the
South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) as well as the Local
Action for Biodiversity (LAB) project which is a partnership initiative of ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability, the World Conservation Union (IUCN),
IUCN’s Countdown 2010, SANBI and RomaNature.
Preface
2
Given the above, the EMM has now reached the point where policies and
planning has to be translated into a tangible action. The EMM, therefore,
decided to develop an action based Biodiversity and Open Space Strategy
(EBOSS).
Environomics in association with Deon van Zyl Planning and
Development Consultants, MetroGIS and David Hoare Consulting were
appointed to develop the strategy.
2.
PROJECT PHASES
2.1
Inception phase
The purpose of the inception phase was to clarify the intentions of the project
between the project team and the project steering committee.
2.2
Scoping phase
The scoping phase of the project defined a vision for the project and identified
strategic issues, opportunities and constraints.
2.3
Situation assessment phase
During this phase information was to be sourced to confirm and/or expand on
the contents of the scoping phase. It included a literature review and a draft
classification of open space in Ekurhuleni.
2.4
Institutional analysis phase
During this phase an assessment was done of what is necessary from an
institutional point of view to implement the EBOSS.
2.5
Draft biodiversity and open space strategy
The draft EBOSS was developed relatively early on in the project and it
served as a straw dog for discussion with focus groups and other
stakeholders.
2.6
Strategy iteration
The EBOSS was assessed and refined through a number of iterations to
ensure that it meets the project vision and its supporting objectives.
2.7
Policies and guidelines
Several policies and guidelines were developed to provide a basis for the
implementation of the EBOSS.
Preface
3
2.8
The LAB projects
A variety of LAB projects were identified and delineated.
3.
PROJECT VISION
The vision for the project was to develop EBOSS for the EMM so that it
is relevant, feasible, acceptable and implementable.
4.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
The objectives of EBOSS are to:
Meet the open space needs of the population of Ekurhuleni in a way that
will ensure adequate access to a variety of types of open spaces in
Ekurhuleni that will fulfil the physical and psychological needs of the
community;
meet the national biodiversity targets for vegetation types in the area in an
appropriate manner that focuses on attainable priorities;
consider and integrate the conservation plan needs of the province in a
practical way;
consider and take land needed for development into account in an
objective and equitable manner;
contribute as an integrated element in the proper functioning of Ekurhuleni
as a city;
set implementation targets in a manner that is realistic, affordable and
achievable; and
provide objective implementation performance measures that will
accurately indicate performance and ensure accountability of officials.
5.
STRATEGIC ISSUES
Strategic issues that were taken into account include:
Preface
4
5.1
Sustainability imperatives
The strategy should strive to meet the government objectives for sustainable
development as expressed in national, provincial and local policies. At the
same time the availability of resources including funding, public land and
human resources to achieve such policies are also taken into account.
5.2
Political and public support
The strategy must be supported by the local authority politicians and the
broader public to ensure that it will be accepted.
5.3
Good practice (benchmarking)
In order to ensure a high quality product the latest available GIS information
and aerial photography were used to identify and map the open spaces within
EBOSS. The latest available good practise guide(s) and techniques as used
in similar studies conducted by other Metropolitan Municipalities were
consulted, including similar studies that were conducted by the City of Cape
Town, the City of Johannesburg, the City of Ethekwini and the City of
Tshwane. The “Guide to Preparing Open Space Strategies” that was issued
by the Mayor of London 2004 was also consulted as a guiding document.
5.4
Strategic location of Ekurhuleni
The strategic location of Ekurhuleni implies a continued high growth rate and
demand for land for development, and resulting pressures on biodiversity and
the open space system.
This was taken into account in a manner that
expresses the EBOSS in the context of a growing scarcity of land and
biodiversity resources by also identifying land that can be used for future
urban development.
5.5
Old mining areas
The potential to redevelop old mining areas were assessed and taken into
account and its potential allocation to various land uses including open space
functions have been determined.
5.6
The OR Tambo International Airport
The future expansion of OR Tambo Airport will constitute the main economic
driver in the area and its implications and spatial requirements were
incorporated in the assessment of the potential open space areas.
Preface
5
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 VISION AND OBJECTIVES FOR EBOSS
1.1.1
Vision
The vision for EBOSS is that it must be relevant, feasible, acceptable and
implementable.
1.1.2
Objectives
The objectives of EBOSS are to:
Meet the open space needs of the population of Ekurhuleni in a way that
will make adequate provision for access to a variety of types of open
spaces in Ekurhuleni, that will fulfil the physical and psychological needs
of the community;
meet the national biodiversity targets for vegetation types in the area in an
appropriate manner that focuses on attainable priorities;
consider and integrate the conservation plan needs of the province in a
practical way;
consider and take land needed for development into account in an
objective and equitable manner;
contribute as an integrated element in the proper functioning of Ekurhuleni
as a city;
set implementation targets in a manner that is realistic, affordable and
achievable;
provide objective implementation performance measures that will
accurately indicate performance and ensure accountability of officials.
1.2
PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN EKURHULENI
Spatial planning in the EMM can be divided into six broad periods, namely:
Pre 1994 elections (“Apartheid period”) - the era of Physical Development
Plans and Structure Plans;
Chapter 1
1
1994 to 2000, after the first elections and the establishment of Transitional
Local Councils and Metropolitan Local Councils – the period of Land
Development Objectives (LDO’s) and Urban Development Frameworks;
2001 to 2004 when the first integrated Metropolitan Spatial Development
Framework (MSDF) was compiled for the EMM;
2005 to 2007 which constitutes the first revision of the EMM Spatial
Development Framework and the integration of more detailed planning
documents and policies such as the State of the Environment Report
(SOER), the Environmental Management Framework (EMF) for the
Northern Service Delivery Region, Development Corridor Study, etc. More
detailed definitions for the various land use categories were also
introduced; and
2007 and beyond. During this period it is expected that the MSDF will be
improved even further with the inclusion of more detailed studies and
larger emphasis on multi disciplinary teams.
An Environmental
Management Framework for the entire EMM was also completed and
adopted by the Gauteng MEC for Agriculture, Conservation and
Environment which serves as the main instrument in informing
development decision-making in the EMM from an environmental
perspective.
The EMM is also currently in the process of finalising a
Biodiversity and Open Space Strategy (EBOSS) (this report) that will
inform spatial development frameworks in respect to areas and sites that
should be conserved or be utilised for other open space functions.
Spatial Planning in the EMM is structured on three Levels, namely:
Metropolitan Spatial Development Framework (Strategic Plan with no site
specific detail);
Local Spatial Development Frameworks (More than 100 detailed Spatial
Plans with detail to Erf Level is proposed).
Much more emphasis is currently placed on aspects such as environmental
management, nature conservation, open space planning, urban design,
transport planning, capacity of engineering services to accommodate
development, etc with the revision of existing, and the drafting of new spatial
development frameworks. Teams of professionals from different fields of
Chapter 1
2
expertise are being appointed to draft these plans which will be done at a very
high level of detail.
In addition to the above plans there are also a series of sectoral strategic
plans and various policies that guide land development in the EMM.
The EMM is one of the most densely populated areas in the country and
province. The economy is large and diverse. It accounts for nearly a quarter
of the Gauteng economy. Many factories for the production of goods and
commodities are located in Ekurhuleni. Manufacturing in the EMM accounts
for just below 20% of the GDP of Gauteng. Because of the largest
concentration of industry in the whole of South Africa (and in Africa), the EMM
is often referred to as “Africa’s Workshop”. The downside of the high
dependence on the manufacturing sector is that globalisation has a definitive
impact on the structure of production and on the demand for labour that is
anticipated to become a major change factor in the future structure of the
economy in the EMM.
Historically the “mining belt” was the core around which the various towns and
settlements were established. In total nine towns developed in the vicinity of
the mining belt with Germiston, Boksburg, Benoni, Brakpan, Springs and
Nigel being part of the mining belt itself, while Edenvale, Kempton Park and
Alberton developed adjacent to it. The EMM has amalgamated these nine
towns into one metropolitan area. Thus the EMM has a relatively evenly
distributed, multi-nodal structure with no single, dominant node of activity.
This lack of a large central CBD distinguishes the EMM from other
metropolitan areas in South Africa.
1.3
BACKGROUND TO THE EKURHULENI METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY
The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) covers an area of 1923 km2.
It is located on the continental divide and falls within the Highveld Region in
the province of Gauteng.
The EMM has been shaped by almost continuous human occupation over the
past 500 000 years. Occupation of the area began during the early Stone Age
and stretches through Iron Age settlements to colonial settlements in the
1840s. In the early years, human use of the area was focussed on hunting,
gathering and farming. Relatively little has remained of early settlements,
Chapter 1
3
except in a few places where development has not yet encroached on
archaeological sites.
A considerable number of Late Iron Age stone-walled sites, dating from the
18th and 19th centuries, occur along rocky ridges/outcrops in the area. Some
of these may have been occupied as early as the 16th century. Pottery shards
and metal items are common on the sites.
Sotho-Tswana speaking people who herded livestock, probably occupied
these settlements. This occupation was disrupted during the Difiqane1 when
Mzilikazi lived near the Vaal River before he moved north across the
Magaliesberg.
The first Europeans appeared in the area during the early 1820s. They were
hunters, traders, missionaries and explorers. Permanent occupation by
Europeans started with the arrival of the Voortrekkers in the early 1840s. The
farms which they occupied were only formally surveyed and mapped in the
1880s. The original farms were subdivided many times as the number of
farmers increased.
The discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand completely changed the
development pace and pattern of the area. The discovery of coal in the EMM
area led to the construction of railway lines to supply the Johannesburg gold
fields with coal. The lines were later linked to the Orange Free State and the
Cape in 1892 and to Pretoria in 1893. The railway connection to Natal
followed in 1896. These lines all came together at the farm Elandsfontein
(Germiston). The railway stimulated the development of villages and the
supply of electricity became necessary. The first coal-fired power station north
of the Vaal River was built at Brakpan in the 1890s.
Municipalities were proclaimed in the early 1900s. Gold and coal mining was
the driving force of the economy until it was superseded by commerce and
manufacturing in the mid 1900s.
1
Zulu extermination wars of the early nineteenth century in South Africa.
Chapter 1
4
The EMM area of jurisdiction includes the municipal areas (towns) of
Kempton Park, Tembisa, Edenvale, Boksburg, Benoni (including Daveyton
and Etwatwa), Brakpan (including Tsakane), Springs (including Kwa-Thema),
Nigel (including Duduza), Germiston and Alberton.
The EMM population consists of approximately 2,5 million people that grows
at an annual rate of 2,7% of which the majority (77%) are African.
The economic output of Ekurhuleni in 2002 was R44,5 billion measured
against constant 1995 prices.
Unemployment is high at 48% and a further 34% of the population is not
economically active. Only 18% of the population is employed. Employment
by sector:
Manufacturing 22,9%
Trade 20,2%
Community services 15,7%
Finance 13,6%
Households 10,7%
Transport 8,1%
Construction 4,6%
Mining 2%
Electricity 1,1%
Agriculture 1,1%
The manufacturing and trade sectors is the mainstay of the economy. Sectors
with the highest growth potential are business tourism, residential
development, transport and logistics.
The transport/logistics and business tourism sectors are stimulated by the
presence of OR Tambo International Airport while the residential development
sector is stimulated by a growing upper and middle class population in postapartheid South Africa.
Chapter 1
5
2.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT IN THE EMM
2.1
GEOLOGY
The EMM is situated on a transition zone between the formations of a large
granite batholith on its western border to the formations of the Witwatersrand
and Transvaal Supergroups that is dominated by dolomites overlain by
younger sediments of the Karoo Supergroup in places. The dominant
formations in the area are:
•
Granite-gneiss that is found in the north-west at Tembisa and to the west
of Clayville.
•
Dolomite that dominates the northern area between Clayville in the west
and Bapsfontein in the east and all along the eastern boundary of the
area towards Putfontein, Strubenvale as far south as Kwa-Thema and
Dunnotar as well as an extensive area of dolomite in the south-west,
south of Elspark and Withok Estates.
•
Quartsite that dominates the north-south central area from the west of
Clayville in the north through Kaalfontein, to the east of OR Tambo Airport
and in a broad band from west to east from Germiston to Springs and also
north of Bapsfontein.
•
Surface shale is found in the west, south of Bapsfontein and in the east,
south of OR Tambo Airport towards Germiston.
•
Amphibolite occurs in the area around Edenvale east of Kempton Park
and OR Tambo. A small area of surface dolorite occurs in the extreme
south between Duduza and Vosloorus.
The geological stability of an area is a key consideration in the area with a
generally high possibility of sink holes in the dolomite areas and earth tremors
and sink holes in undermined areas.
Chapter 2
6
Chapter 2
7
2.2
TOPOGRAPHY
The EMM is located on the continental divide and is part of the major
watershed between the rivers that drain west towards the Atlantic Ocean and
those that drain east towards the Indian Ocean. The area can generally be
regarded as flat with a few outstanding topographical features. The following
topographical features occur:
2.3
•
Plains with pans;
•
undulating plains with pans;
•
strongly undulating plains;
•
superimposed river valley (Blesbokspruit) on plains with pans; and
•
ridges.
SUB-SURFACE HYDROLOGY
The study area is dominated by dolomite of the Chuniespoort Group (part of
the Transvaal System) and tillites of the Dwyka Group (part of the Karoo
System), both of which carry water. The presence of various geological
structures, such as faults, fissures, and fracture zones, as well as contact
zones of intrusions such as dykes and sills, dictate the occurrence of
groundwater. Karst and Intergranular and Fractured Aquifers are the two
dominant aquifer types in the EMM. The Karst Aquifers occur in the dolomites
of the Chuniespoort Group. This is the most important aquifer type in South
Africa. Infiltrating rainwater containing weak carbonic acid dissolves dolomites
resulting in caves and cavities that may facilitate the formation of sinkholes,
especially if the water from these cavities is extracted through boreholes.
Boreholes with the highest yield are found in the dolomites that occur from
Wadeville to just south of Vosloorus. Yields of more than 10 litres per second
are common. High recharge of underground water and significant
underground flow result in low density surface drainage in dolomitic areas.
This underground flow often supports high yielding springs at an impermeable
boundary, such as a dyke or lithological contact point. Ground water quality in
the study area is generally acceptable for any use. In some areas
contamination with chlorides, sulphates and nitrates has been recorded and
care should be taken with groundwater used for human consumption.
Groundwater from the Dwyka Group is generally suitable for any use.
Groundwater yield from aquifers in this formation is, however, low.
Chapter 2
8
Chapter 2
9
2.4
SURFACE HYDROLOGY
The main drainage systems and other water bodies in the EMM include:
•
Blesbokspruit1
The Blesbokspruit originates to the north of Benoni and Daveyton and
flows southwards through Springs and Nigel towards the Vaal River. A
section of this spruit has been accepted as a wetland under the Ramsar
Convention. The catchment also includes the Marievale Nature Reserve.
The eastern part of the catchment contains extensive natural wetlands,
while the western part is highly modified by agriculture and human
settlement. Industries, mines (mostly mine dumps and slimes dams),
waste disposal sites, intensive agriculture and sewage works impact
negatively on water quality in this system.
•
Klip River and its tributaries
The Rietspruit originates south-west of Benoni and joins the Klip River
outside the study area. Another tributary of the Klip River, Natalspruit,
rises in and around Germiston and Boksburg. The upper reaches of the
Klip River proper originates in Katlehong. These spruits are all polluted
due to farming, human settlement and industries.
•
Kaalspruit/Olifantspruit
These spruits originate at Kempton Park and Tembisa and flow
northwards to join the Hennops River in Centurion. Agricultural activities
and human settlements are responsible for serious pollution.
•
Jukskei River tributaries
Numerous small tributaries of the Jukskei River drain a small portion of
the south-western areas of the northern part of the EMM.
•
Bronkhorstspruit
Koffiespruit in the Sentrarand area and Osspruit in the Bronkhorstspruit
Agricultural Holdings area drain two small areas on the eastern side of the
northern part of the EMM.
1
A spruit is a colloquial phrase for a “small” river.
Chapter 2
10
•
Rietvlei River and its tributaries
This river rises in the smallholding areas of Kempton Park and flows
northwards past the OR Tambo International Airport to Rietvlei Dam.
The dam contributes a high percentage of the water supplied by the
Tshwane Municipality. The primary water supply to this river originates
from agricultural run-off and industrial areas. The river is also fed by
tributaries, Grootvlei River, which originates in the Bapsfontein area and
the Swartspruit that originates close to the Kempton Park CBD.
•
Pans
The prevalence of a large number of pans in the EMM is one of the
outstanding characteristics of the area and is directly linked to the flat
topography. More than 190 pans cover a total area of 3 559 ha and are
mostly seasonal. Most of the pans are surrounded by urban areas or
agriculture.
Lakes (dams)
A number of lakes occur in the central areas that were mostly created by
the gold mines in the area. Some of these lakes are extensively utilised
as outdoor recreational parks. The Germiston and Boksburg lakes are
typical examples.
Chapter 2
11
Chapter 2
12
2.5
WATER QUALITY
Information supplied by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry was
used for the Eastern and Southern Service delivery Regions (ESSDR) of the
EMM. Eight variables were used to determine water quality, i.e. temperature,
pH, faecal coliform bacteria, dissolved oxygen, total suspended sediment,
turbidity, total phosphate and total nitrate. In the ESSDR, the results from
samples taken from the two major catchments, revealed that river health is
below acceptable standards, but within tolerable limits. All indications are that
the water quality is deteriorating, mainly due to agricultural practices,
industrial pollution, inadequate sewage treatment and mining operations. At
one of the sample points in the Blesbokspruit, phosphate levels due to the
use of fertilizers are above tolerable levels. In the Klip River catchment,
unacceptable levels of pollution were recorded at three sample points.
Most of the streams and rivers in the Northern Service Delivery Region
(NSDR) of the EMM have good quality water, although very poor water quality
was found in the lower reaches of the Rietvlei River and Kaalspruit. Poor
water quality was recorded downstream of Tembisa and Olifantsfontein and
three of the tributaries of the Jukskei River.
In the NSDR the ability of the aquatic habitats to support a wide variety of
organisms was calculated through the assessment of the absence/presence
of various aquatic creatures.
The river health classification in the NSDR, based on aquatic insect diversity,
ranges between fair and poor. The top northern reaches of the Blesbokspruit
are most probably the cleanest of the rivers in the northern region. Water in
the middle reaches of the Swartspruit was found to be acceptable during a
survey. The Swartspruit, however, suffers severe environmental degradation
from time to time. Waste water treatment plants at Hartebeestfontein are
mostly to blame. Waste water treatment at Kempton Park is similarly
responsible for the polluted waters of the Rietvlei River. Illegal squatting,
such as at Kaalfontein and Tembisa, causes littering and dumping in river and
stream beds.
Poor stormwater management also impacts negatively on streams. Only a
few of the stormwater control systems include retention ponds and pollution
control litter traps. A problem common to all areas of the EMM is the
degradation and erosion of stream and river banks.
Chapter 2
13
2.6
RAINFALL AND CLIMATE
Rainfall in the study area is typical of the Highveld summer rainfall region
where more than 80% of rainfall occurs from October to April. Average rainfall
is 715 mm to 735 mm annually. Hail can be expected periodically and mild
damage to fruit usually occurs in two out of three years, while severe damage
occurs every two out of five years. According to the agricultural potential
criteria of the National Department of Agriculture, the study area is suitable for
rainfed crop production, provided that the crops are grown in areas with deep
soil which stores water for use during dry periods in the growing season.
Severe frost occurs frequently from mid-April to September. Temperatures
below freezing are common in winter. Summers are mild with temperatures
seldom above 30ºC.
Northerly and north-westerly winds blow during winter and spring and northeasterly to north-north-easterly winds during summer. Winds are usually
gentle, and strong winds are only experienced 15% of the time. Moderately
high-speed winds occur from late winter to early spring. Wind damage to field
crops is rare, but damage to deciduous fruit quite common.
2.7
VEGETATION TYPES
The entire study area falls within the Grassland Biome in which grass
dominates and geophytes occurs abundantly. Trees are usually absent,
except along river courses and on koppies. Establishment of trees is curtailed
by frost, veld fires and grazing. Today, only a few areas of high quality
grassland remain, due to the severe transformation that has taken place. Only
approximately 34% of the total area remains under natural vegetation in
various states. The eastern parts of Gauteng are covered by Acocks’ veld
type 48 (Cymbopogon/Themeda veld). The dominant grass is red grass
(Themeda triandra). It grows on sandstones and shales with deep sandy loam
soils. In Ekurhuleni this veld type covers the area south of Bapsfontein and
east of Benoni North, OR Tambo International Airport, and almost the entire
southern service delivery area. According to the SANBI 2004 Vegetation Map
of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland (VEGMAP), three sub-types of
vegetation occur:
•
Eastern Highveld Grassland;
•
Soweto Highveld Grassland; and
Chapter 2
14
•
Tsakane Highveld Grassland.
Veld type 61 (Bankenveld) covers the area to the north. Bankenveld is found
on dolomite plains in the western part of Gauteng. Dominant grass species
include giant speargrass (Trachypogon spicatus), broadleaf bluestem
(Diheteropogon amplectens), red autumn grass (Schizachyrium sanguineum),
Loudetia simplex and many others. Trees occur in a scattered cluster with
common hook thorn (Acacia caffra) dominant, and white stinkwood (Celtis
africana), blue guarri (Euclea crispa ) and sweet thorn (Acacia karroo) are
also present.
The VEGMAP, identifies three sub-types of vegetation:
•
Carletonville Dolomite Grassland;
•
Egoli Granite Grassland; and
•
Rand Highveld Grassland.
A small area of Mountain Bushveld occurs west and north of Alberton to the
west of the R59 highway and also north of the N12 highway. Small patches of
this veld type also occur along the Blesbokspruit south of Springs towards
Nigel.
Wetlands represent the most important habitat type in the Ekurhuleni area
because of their vital role in the regulation of water, filtering capabilities and
harbouring of biodiversity. Wetlands are superimposed over the grassland
types of the study area and represent a transition between aquatic and
terrestrial systems. Dominant vegetation in these wetlands are Phragmitis
australis (reed) and Typha capensis (bulrush).
Chapter 2
15
Chapter 2
16
2.1.7
The use of land
The use of land in the EMM is reflected in Table 2-1.
Table 2-1: Use of land in the EMM (Source EMF for Ekurhuleni 2008)
Category
Use of land
Area (ha)
% of Cat
% of EMM area
Dry Land Agriculture
Grain Storage Cilos
Intensive Agriculture
Irrigated Agriculture
Urban Agriculture
Total
25852
9
329
4752
493
31435
82.24
0.03
1.05
15.12
1.57
100.00
13.45
0.00
0.17
2.47
0.26
16.36
Airfields
Airfields and landing strips
Total
2014
2014
100.00
100.00
1.05
1.05
Business/
Commercial
CBD - Mixed use
Commercial/Industrial
Public Garage
Retail
Total
492
1377
72
764
2705
18.19
50.91
2.66
28.24
100.00
0.26
0.72
0.04
0.40
1.41
Engineering
Services
Electricity Sub Station
Sewage Works
Water Reservoirs
Total
86
259
92
437
19.68
59.27
21.05
100.00
0.04
0.13
0.05
0.23
7603
1039
8642
87.98
12.02
100.00
3.96
0.54
4.50
Disturbed Land
Evaporation Paddocks
Industrial Use
Mine Dumps
Open Veld
Quarries/Borrow Pits
Residential
Sand Mines & Pits
Slimes Dam
Total
2027
422
487
2300
4995
863
257
68
5421
16842
12.04
2.51
2.89
13.66
29.66
5.12
1.53
0.40
32.19
100.00
1.05
0.22
0.25
1.20
2.60
0.45
0.13
0.04
2.82
8.76
Disturbed Land
Golf Courses
Open Veld
2019
578
52151
3.06
0.88
79.11
1.05
0.30
27.14
Parks & Passive Recreation
Road & Rail Reserves
Conservation Areas
Total
9884
782
510
65924
14.99
1.19
0.77
100.00
5.14
0.41
0.27
34.31
Farm Workers Houses
Farmsteads
New Residential
Residential
122
615
808
37583
0.29
1.45
1.90
88.43
0.06
0.32
0.42
19.56
Informal Settlements
Total
3374
42502
7.94
100.00
1.76
22.12
595
72
1568
48
9.69
1.17
25.54
0.78
0.31
0.04
0.82
0.02
63
1.03
0.03
Agriculture
Industrial
Mining
Open Space
Residential
Services
Industrial Use/Warehousing
Open Veld
Total
Cemeteries
Community Halls
Educational Facilities
Electricity Sub Stations
Emergency & Security
Services
Chapter 2
17
Hazardous Waste Disposal
Sites
Health Services
Institutional & Government
Religious
Sewage Works
Sport & Active Recreation
Waste Disposal
Total
Small
Holdings
Transport
300
174
430
12
117
2512
249
6139
4.89
2.83
7.00
0.20
1.91
40.92
4.06
100.00
0.16
0.09
0.22
0.01
0.06
1.31
0.13
3.19
Commercial/Industrial
Dry Land Agriculture
Irrigated Agriculture
Open Veld
Residential
Unidentified
Total
209
1860
20
2981
5798
120
10989
1.90
16.93
0.18
27.13
52.76
1.09
100.00
0.11
0.97
0.01
1.55
3.02
0.06
5.72
Railway Stations
Road & Rail Reserves
Taxi Ranks
Total
704
3579
43
4326
16.27
82.73
0.99
100
0.37
1.86
0.02
2.25
200
100.00
Unidentified
Unidentified
TOTALS
Total
192154
Chapter 2
0.10
100.00
18
3.
BIODIVERSITY DESCRIPTION
3.1
THE DEFINITION OF BIODIVERSITY
The EMM adopted the following definition for biodiversity from the South
African National Environmental Biodiversity Act, 2004:
“Biological Diversity” or “Biodiversity” means - the variability among living
organisms from all sources including, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic
ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part and also
includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.”
3.2
BIODIVERSITY IN THE EMM
A large percentage of South Africa’s biodiversity is represented in this small
area of the Gauteng province. The number of species per unit area is
exceptionally high. This biodiversity is, however, threatened by the high levels
of industrial, economic and urban development activities.
Table 3-1: Species values for the EMM per taxonomic group
Taxonomic group
3
Plants
4
Mammals
5
Birds
6
Amphibians
7
Reptiles
Invertebrates
3.2.1
2
Number of
species in EMM
% of grassland
1
total
% of Gauteng total
1644
Unknown
255
14
41
?
49%
Unknown
73%
38%
?
?
54%
Unknown
78%
56%
47%
?
Plants
Threatened plant species in the EMM is indicated in Table 3-2.
1
The total number of species in the Grassland biome for each taxonomic group was obtained from le
Roux (2002). In the case of plants this number was taken as 3370.
2
The total number of species obtained for each taxonomic group in Gauteng was obtained from
GDACE (1999).
3
The number of plants occurring in Ekurhuleni was obtained by extracting plant species found in the
EMM quarter degree grids from the PRECIS database.
4
Information on total mammal species occurring in EMM was not available.
5
The bird species identified for all protected areas in the EMM were taken as a good indication of the
total species present in the EMM
6
Bullfrog pan has been monitored between 1991-2003, the species sited at the pan during this period
are considered to be a good indication of total frog species that occur in the EMM (Cook 2003)
7
Reptile data was derived from Jacobsen (1995).
Chapter 3
19
Table 3-2: Threatened plant species occurring in Ekurhuleni
Scientific name
IUCN Species Survival Commission (2000)
threatened status
Critically Endangered
Endangered
Endangered
Vulnerable
Near Threatened
Near Threatened
8
Khadia beswickii
9
Delospermum purpureum
10
Cineraria longipes
11
Trachyandra erythrorhiza
Boweia volubilis
Calamagrostis epigyus var.
capensis
Habenaria bicolour
Kniphofia typhoides
Source: Pfab & Victor (2002)
Near Threatened
Near Threatened
Of the threatened species that occur in EMM approximately 50% of the total
known population of Kadia beswickii occurs in the EMM (M. Pfab
pers.comm.), 30% of Delospermum pupureum, 25% of Trachyandra
erythrorhiza and 20% of Cineraria longipes total populations also occur in the
EMM.
Habitat destruction/transformation and fragmentation through urbanisation is
the most serious threat posed to the survival of threatened plants in the EMM.
3.2.2
Birds
A total of 21 threatened bird species occur in EMM. They are listed in Table
3-3.
Table 3-3: Threatened bird species within the EMM (shaded cells
indicate bird species considered to be vagrants to EMM – C.
Whittington-Jones pers.comm.)
Common name
(aquatic/terrestrial)
African Marsh Harrier
Bald Ibis
Black Coucal
Black stork
Species
IUCN Species Survival Commission
(2000) threatened status
Circus ranivorus
Geronticus calvus
Centropus bengalensis
Ciconia nigra
Vulnerable
Vulnerable
Near Threatened
Near Threatened
8
Khadia beswickii is endemic to Gauteng, where it grows in open areas on shallow soil over rocks in
grassland. It is predominantly threatened by imminent informal urban settlement and related
development but also by alien vegetation, mining and perhaps collectors (Pfab and Victor 2002)
9
This succulent is confined to the Witwatersrand quartzitic ridges. The main threat to its survival is
habitat transformation and fragmentation through urbanisation (Pfab and Victor 2002).
10
The former distribution range of this species has been fragmented by urbanisation. It still exists on
the Klipriviersberg and southwards to approximately 10 km south of Suikersbosrand, on south facing
slopes of basaltic koppies. This species is threatened by urban development, habitat fragmentation and
transformation, mining and alien vegetation (Pfab and Victor 2002).
11
This species grows in black turf marshes mainly in Gauteng but also the Free State and Mpumalanga.
It is threatened by habitat transformation and fragmentation through urbanisation, agriculture and
invasive plant species. It is conserved in the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve (Pfab and Victor 2002).
Chapter 3
20
Blackwinged Plover
Blue Crane
Blue Korhaan
Caspian Tern
Corncrake
Grass Owl
Greater Flamingo
Half-collared
Kingfisher
Lanner Falcon
Lesser Flamingo
Lesser Kestrel
Melodious Lark
Openbill Stork
Painted Snipe
Secretary bird
Vanellus melanopterus
Anthropoides
paradiseus
Eupodotis
caerulescens
Hydroprogne caspia
Crex crex
Tyto capensis
Phoenicopterus ruber
Alcedo semitorquata
Falco biarmicus
Phoeniconaias minor
Falco naumanii
Mirafra cheniana
Anastomus
lamelligerus
Rostratula
benghalensis
Sagittarius
serpentarius
Eupodotis cafra
Mycteria ibis
Whitebellied Korhaan
Yellowbill Stork
Source: Avian Demography Unit
3.2.3
Near Threatened
Vulnerable
Near Threatened
Near Threatened
Vulnerable
Vulnerable
Near Threatened
Near Threatened
Near Threatened
Near Threatened
Vulnerable
Near Threatened
Near Threatened
Near Threatened
Near Threatened
Vulnerable
Near Threatened
Reptiles
The Striped Harlequin snake (Homoroselaps dorsalis), is the only threatened
reptile species occurring in EMM. The Striped Harlequin snake is categorised
as Rare according to the IUCN Species Survival Commission (2000) and
prefers grassland habitats. It is endemic to the highveld of the Free State,
KZN, Swaziland, Limpopo and Gauteng.
3.2.4
Mammals
The Rough-haired golden mole (Amblysomus hottentotus), which occurs in
the EMM, is endemic to Southern Africa and is listed as vulnerable in both the
SARDB and the IUCN Species Survival Commission (2000).
3.2.5
Invertebrates
The conservation status of many invertebrates in Gauteng is still in the
process of being established. Twenty one species are currently considered to
be of priority for conservation in EMM that are rare, threatened or of
conservation concern.
They belong to the following orders: Lepidoptera
(butterflies), Arachnida (spiders and scorpions) and Coleoptera (beetles).
Only three species of butterfly are listed in the South African Red Data Book
(SARDB) for this area. According to the IUCN Species Survival Commission
Chapter 3
21
Report (2000) only two butterfly species are categorised as threatened (for
Gauteng).
Hills and koppies generally have more insects (both in terms of individuals
and species) than the immediate surroundings (Samways & Hatton 2000
cited in DACEL 2001a). This is also the case for EMM.
3.2.6
Amphibians
The Giant Bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adspersus) is classed as Near Threatened
(NT) (IUCN Species Survival Commission 2000). The protection of Giant
Bullfrog populations at Bullfrog Pan and Glen Austin is considered crucial to
the long-term conservation of this species in the Province.
Thirteen frog species were recorded at Bullfrog pan during the period 1991–
2003 and are listed in Table 3-4. Although Bullfrog Pan is only one example
of a wetland type in EMM and cannot be assumed to accommodate all
amphibian species occurring in the EMM, it is regarded as providing a good
indication of the species in EMM. In addition to the frog species observed at
Bullfrog Pan, Weel’s Running Frog (Femnodactylus wealii) is also anticipated
to occur in EMM (Cook 2003). Four of the species in Table 3-4 (Common
River Frog, Cape River Frog, Striped Stream Frog, Weel’s Running Frog) are
provincially restricted and their populations are understood to be declining.
Table 3-4: Frog species recorded at Bullfrog Pan during the period
1991–2003
Common Name
Species
Common River Frog
Afrana angolensis
Common Platanna
Cape River Frog
Natal Sand Frog
Xenopus laevis
Afrana fuscigula
Tomopterna natalensis
Tremolo Sand Frog
Tomopterna cryptotis
Bubbling Kassina
Common Caco
Guttural Toad
Kassina senegalensis
Cacosternum boettgeri
Bufo gutturalis
Raucous Toad
Bufo rangeri
Red Toad
Schismaderma carens
Giant Bullfrog
Pxyicephalus adspersus
Chapter 3
Breeding Requirements
Rivers and permanent water, artificial
habitats (dams) or pans.
Permanent water, seasonal pans.
Permanent water, seasonal pans.
Shallow permanent streams or vleis in
grassland.
Temporary shallow pools/pan or large
roadside pools.
Open vleis, pans, dams in grassland.
Marsh, vleis, inundated grassland pools.
Open vleis, pans, ponds, dams, slow
streams. Dominates artificial habitats.
Urban Exploiter.
Vegetated zones around pans or dams.
Extremely rare in the Gauteng Province
due to possible hybridisation with
Guttural Toads, Bufo gutturalis.
Emerging vegetation in deeper water
(.30 cm) often around reed beds
(Typha).
Sedge and grass (hygrophytic)
dominated seasonal pans or shallow
22
Striped Stream Frog
Strongylopus fasciatus
Snoring Puddle Frog
Phrynobatrachus
natalensis
depressions. May utilise artificial
habitats such as dams, ponds. Limited
numbers in urban environments. Urban
avoider.
Vegetated dams, pans and streams.
Limited numbers in urban environments.
Urban avoider
Seasonal pools, pans or around dams.
Limited numbers in urban environments.
Urban avoider.
Source: Cook (2003)
3.3
DISTRIBUTION OF ALIEN INVASIVE SPECIES
Invading alien plants are a serious threat to biodiversity through alteration of
habitat or disruption of ecosystem processes. Despite this, there is a lack of
data on the distribution of alien invasives in the area. In Gauteng, wattle
(mainly Acacia dealbata and A.mearnsii) and blue gum trees (Eucalyptus sp.)
are the most widespread woody exotics (Henderson 1995).
3.4
MEDICINAL PLANTS
Of the total 1644 plant species occurring in EMM, 171 are traded medicinally
(Williams 2003). Ten of these species are indicators of over-exploitation,
harvesting results in plant mortality and current levels of harvest are not
sustainable. Further research is needed to set quotas and harvesting levels
according to prevailing environmental conditions.
3.5
AREAS OF CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE/PROTECTED AREAS
Historically Southern African nature reserves were not established with
biodiversity criteria under consideration. Protected areas were often
established for the sole purpose of conserving larger mammal species. The
designation and delineation of reserves is often not based on systematic
conservation planning and new reserves have often been located in areas
that do not contribute to the representation of the local/regional biodiversity
(Margules and Pressey 2000).
The Highveld Grassland of South Africa has been identified as being
inadequately protected within the present protected area system (DEAT
1997). Only 0.97% of the EMM currently falls within protected areas, falling
far short of the internationally recommended 10%. However, a large part12 of
the EMM surface area is still in a natural state.
12
Approximately 63 461 ha that constitute to approximately 33.00% of the total area of Ekurhuleni.
Chapter 3
23
The focus of conservation action, in terms of biodiversity protection, is shifting
from protecting individual species to conserving habitats and ecosystems.
3.6
Aquatic and hydrophilic habitats
The aquatic and hydrophilic habitats within the EMM include rivers (perennial
and non-perennial), wetland areas and water bodies (natural, enoreic pans
and man-made dams). Wetlands and waterbodies comprise 6.7% of the EMM
surface area. The most noteworthy wetlands are situated along the Ramsar
site of the Blesbokspruit, stretching north-south along the eastern boundary of
the EMM. Wetlands are also located along the Natalspruit in the south-west of
the EMM and the Kaalspruit in the north-western corner of the EMM. The
remaining waterbodies are pans, dams and man-made lakes scattered
throughout the area.
Endoreic pans, such as Bullfrog pan, are a very sensitive and highly
threatened wetland type that is poorly protected in the Gauteng province.
These habitats are of considerable importance to a diversity of bird and
amphibian species.
More than 190 pans occur in the EMM. Only four of these, Westdene Pan
(Korsman’s Bird Sanctuary), Carlos Rolfes Pan, Blaauwpan (Pamula Park
Nature Reserve) and Glen Austin Pan are formally protected. Of these, only
Korsman’s Bird Sanctuary is considered to be adequately managed for
biodiversity.
3.7
THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY
3.7.1
Human settlements and developmental pressure
The human settlement factor associated with development and occupation of
land affect the environment in the following ways:
•
The natural vegetation is being fragmented by development. Many pans
in the EMM have been filled in and wetlands and surface water bodies
have become isolated. These pressures all lead to losses of ecosystem
function and biodiversity. Fences and walls on the edges or across pans
also prevent natural migration of adult and juvenile Giant Bullfrog species
between foraging areas and suitable breeding sites.
•
Insufficient services in impoverished settlements lead to sewage pollution,
litter and solid waste pollution and deteriorating water quality in surface
water bodies.
Chapter 3
24
•
The affordability and accessibility of basic primary health care, education,
employment opportunities and the economic status of households all act
as drivers that place pressure on the environment due to over-harvesting
of natural resources (specifically medicinal plants). Poverty and underdevelopment often force people to disregard resource management
practices. Plant resources provide an economic buffer for rural
communities against poverty and unemployment during cyclic economic
depression and an employment prospect where formal education-reliant
opportunities are lacking.
3.7.2
Mining activities
A large number of the mines within the EMM are no longer operational and most
of the mining footprint in the area is made up of mine tailings and waste dumps.
Mining acts as a driver that exerts pressure on natural habitat and biological
diversity, in the following ways:
•
Open cast mining and quarrying, require the complete clearance of
vegetation,
they
characteristics
of
change
soils
surface
(even
topography
when
and
reasonable
the
drainage
rehabilitation
is
implemented), leading to the loss of habitats and of populations of plant
and animal species.
•
Underground mining causes surface subsidence, which leads to land
degradation.
•
The sector encourages an influx of job seekers, with the same
consequences as for human settlement pressures.
•
Large volumes of bulk waste products, in the form of tailings and waste
rock dumps, require large areas of land for disposal, leading to habitat
destruction.
•
Water falling on these waste disposal sites leaches toxic substances into
the soil, seepage of which contaminates ground and surface water,
leading to poor water quality. This causes changes in species composition
and loss of natural indigenous riverine biota.
•
Underground mining dewaters aquifers and the excess water in the mines
has to be pumped and disposed of into surface water bodies, thus
increasing flows in such receiving water bodies.
There is also water
quality changes associated with mine water.
Chapter 3
25
•
Changes in water quality and quantity of surface and ground water exert
pressure on the riparian vegetation and biota dependent on the natural
water bodies and wetlands. This leads to loss of biodiversity, changes in
species composition and numbers and, where contamination or toxicity is
severe, to physiological deformities and even mortalities. Changes in
water quality resulting from contaminated run-off also increase the
possibility of exotic invasion in wetlands.
In the past many mines encouraged the planting of exotic species, notably
Eucalyptus spp, known to transpire water rapidly thereby drying out soils.
Eucalyptus trees have been planted on and around tailings dams all over EMM in
an effort to prevent leaching of harmful substances into the surface and ground
water bodies. However, these species pose a threat to ecosystem functioning
since they reduce the amount of run-off that reaches rivers and streams and they
out-compete many indigenous species, causing displacement of indigenous
species. The invasion of exotic trees and shrubs, especially in riparian habitats,
poses a severe threat to plant and animal diversity. The invasion process has
many ecological impacts that include alteration of soil nutrient cycling, reduction
of run-off and subsequent stream flow, increased river bank erosion and altered
fire intensity.
3.7.3
Industrial activities
The majority of industries are concentrated in the Southern SRD. This economic
sector places pressure on the natural environment in the following ways:
•
Clearing of vegetation for the construction of industrial infrastructure
causes habitat destruction and fragmentation.
•
Increased generation of waste and pollution through the demand for
products created by industry. Heavy industry is particularly concentrated
along the northern banks of the Elsburgspruit River. The pollutants
produced by this sector impact on the species composition of the rivers
and wetlands in close proximity that experience a change in water quality.
•
Industrial effluents seep into nearby water bodies and wetlands affecting
the riparian habitats and biota within these systems. Industrial emissions
released into the atmosphere contribute to air pollution that affects the
terrestrial and aquatic biota receiving rain from the polluted atmosphere.
This further leads to loss of biodiversity and breakdown in ecosystem
function.
Chapter 3
26
•
Energy generation and consumption are the largest sources of carbon
dioxide and sulphur emissions in South Africa. These gases cause smog
and acidification of rainwater and soil. Carbon dioxide is also to the major
driver of global climate change, of which the ecological consequences of
remain uncertain. The loss of water quality, through acidification, exerts
pressure on the biota living in or around water bodies. Smog and airborne
pollutants also threaten sensitive terrestrial species and ecosystem
functioning.
3.7.4
Transportation and road infrastructure
The road transport sector places considerable pressure on terrestrial and
aquatic environments through the generation of high levels of pollutants. The
transport sector places pressure on the environment in the following ways:
•
Pollution of the environment through the generation of “photochemical
smog” which contains ozone and other gases toxic to plants and animals.
The fact that the EMM is linked to all major destinations in the country
through its radial freeway network suggests that the pollution generated
by the sector is significant.
•
In addition to generating pollutants, transport routes require the
transformation of natural habitat for the creation of roads, railways,
airports etc.
•
The transformation of natural land is also necessary for the disposal of old
vehicles that are withdrawn from use.
•
Transport networks that transect or fragment interconnected water
bodies/wetlands and/or natural grasslands create a barrier to the
migration of species between similar resources of varying quality and
increase the risk of population decline and possible extinction.
3.7.5
Agricultural activities
Although agricultural activities only contribute 1% to the GGP and
employment market in the EMM, a large surface area 13 of the EMM is
currently under cultivation. Agricultural activities place pressure on the
environment in the following ways:
13
Approximately 31 435 ha that constitute to approximately 16.36 % of the total area of Ekurhuleni.
Chapter 3
27
•
Natural grasslands containing a diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate
fauna are converted to monocultures of one particular crop leading to
considerable loss of biodiversity. Small tracts of indigenous grassland
become surrounded by monocultures causing fragmentation of previously
intact natural habitats. The remaining remnants of natural grassland are
more susceptible to exotic invasion and degradation due to increased
edge effects. Habitat fragmentation also eliminates corridors between
similar undisturbed habitats. The fragmentation of interconnected pans
from each other and their surrounding terrestrial environment threatens
species that move between nearby pans and those that require intact
terrestrial habitats in close proximity to pans or streams.
•
Pollution of aquatic habitats: Agricultural lands pollute nearby aquatic
habitats through sediment loads and contamination caused by pesticides
and fertilizers that reach the water through run-off or seepage. This
causes a decline of indigenous species populations and increases the
chance of exotic invasion.
3.8
BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT
The Ekurhuleni Integrated Development Plan (IDP) is a 5 year rolling plan
drawn up to guide the development initiatives in the Metro and is linked to the
Growth and Development Strategy (GDS) 2025.
In an analysis of the 2003-04 IDP it was found that very little mention was
made of the protection of Biodiversity and a report was approved by Council
recommending that all departments should integrate biodiversity principles
into their respective IDP responsibilities.
One of the strategic focus areas of the EMM GDS is the environment which
has as its goal by 2025 to have “a substantial increase in the general quality
of the environment”. In order to achieve the above, the following milestones
and outcomes are, inter alia, envisaged;
•
All development to be guided by an Environmental Management
Framework(EMF):
-
An EMF for the entire Ekurhuleni area to be in place by 2006.
(completed)
•
A clearly defined and functional open space network:
-
Open space strategy to be finalised by 2007 (in process).
Chapter 3
28
•
-
50% of open space system to be developed by 2015.
-
100% of open space system to be developed by 2025.
Integrated and sustainable protection of natural resources:
- Wetland conservation strategy and programme to be in place by 2007
(in process).
The EMM Metropolitan Spatial Development Framework (MSDF) has the
following as an objective:
“To create a sustainable and functional open space network that is accessible
to the public and which:
•
Protect, highlight and link natural elements of the EMM to form a high
quality, tactile and functional living environment and movement system for
fauna, flora and humans;
•
Link-up with, and enhance the man made elements of EMM (i.e. making
open spaces such as squares (nodal), the servitudes of important internal
roads (linear) and other service servitudes (linear) part of the EMM open
space network; and
•
Include as many of the EMM public open spaces (linear linkage/ nodalcluster) as possible.”
In terms of the present IDP the Environmental Directorate has to compile an
“Open Space Plan” and a “Strategy for protection and conservation of
sensitive ecological and hydrological areas”.
The Parks and Cemeteries
Directorate section of the IDP indicates that a” Conservation Policy” and
“Removal and control of alien invasive vegetation action plan” must also be
compiled.
In an attempt to address some of these issues the Environmental
Management Framework (EMF) as referred to previously was completed.
Following on this project a consultant was recently appointed to compile an
“Implementation Strategy for the Protection, Conservation and Management
of Open Space Systems, Biodiversity and Ecosystems for the EMM”.
Chapter 3
29
4.
STRATEGIC ISSUES
4.1
SUSTAINABILITY IMPERATIVES
The strategy should strive to meet the government objectives for sustainable
development as expressed in national, provincial and local policies. At the
same time the availability of resources including funding, public land and
human resources to achieve such policies need to be determined.
4.2
POLITICAL AND PUBLIC SUPPORT
The strategy must be supported by the local authority politicians and the
broader public to ensure that it will be accepted.
4.3
GOOD PRACTICE
In order to ensure the delivery of a a high quality product to the EMM, the
latest available GIS information and aerial photography have been used to
identify and map the open spaces to be included as possible open spaces
within Ekurhuleni. Further detail analysis of these open spaces has been
conducted and the latest available good practise guide(s) and techniques as
used in similar studies conducted by other Metropolitan Municipalities has
been consulted, including similar studies that were conducted by the City of
Cape Town, City of Johannesburg and City of Tshwane. The “Guide to
Preparing Open Space Strategies” that was issued by the Mayor of London
2004 has also been used as a benchmark.
4.4
STRATEGIC LOCATION OF EKURHULENI
The strategic location of Ekurhuleni implies a continued high growth rate and
demand for land for development, and resulting pressures on biodiversity and
the open space system. This has been taken into account in a manner that
expresses the EBOSS in the context of a growing scarcity of land and
biodiversity resources.
4.5
OLD MINING AREAS
The potential for redevelopment of old mining areas should be understood
and its potential allocation to various land uses including open space
functions has been taken into account.
4.6
FUTURE INFRASTRUCTURE
The future expansion of OR Tambo Airport will constitute the main economic
driver in the area and its implications and spatial requirements should be fully
understood and be taken into account.
Chapter 4
30
5.
OPPORTUNITIES
Potential opportunities that have been taken into account in the situation
assessment include:
5.1
THE HYDROLOGICAL NETWORK
Ekurhuleni is located on the continental divide in an area where important
river systems originate and forge their fragile beginnings through the industrial
and agricultural heartland of the economic powerhouse of Africa.
This
intricate network of rivers, wetlands and pans is the single most important
natural feature of the EMM and provides an overall backbone for an open
space system.
The Ramsar Site in the Blesbokspruit forms part of this
system.
5.2
REMAINING PRIMARY VEGETATION
Eight vegetation types of the sensitive grassland biome occur in Ekurhuleni.
A significant but fast declining portion of these vegetations types can still be
regarded as primary grasslands with rich biodiversity.
5.3
BIRDS AND AQUATIC LIFE
The wetlands in the area together with the extensive remaining grasslands
and agricultural fields in the area form an ideal habitat for many bird and
aquatic species.
5.4
EXISTING URBAN OPEN SPACE
The EMM possesses a variety of urban open spaces that include urban parks
and sports fields. This resource can make a considerable contribution to the
biodiversity and open space system.
5.5
POTENTIAL LINKS
Municipal and other services servitudes and significant surface areas of
shallowly undermined areas have the potential to provide important links in
the open space system.
5.6
PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT
There are significant physical constraints to development that are
advantageous for the development of an open space system in the area that
include elements such as shallow undermined areas, dolomite and wetlands.
Chapter 5
31
6.
CONSTRAINTS
6.1
POLICY CLASHES
Land within the urban areas of Ekurhuleni is scarce and fierce competition for
the utilisation of the land between different sectors can be expected.
6.2
PRIVATE OWNERSHIP OF POTENTIAL NATURAL OPEN SPACE
Most of the natural open space that remains in Ekurhuleni is privately owned
(at least 80%) and not necessarily easily available for use as open space and
consequently for the protection of biodiversity. However, whether land is
privately or publicly owned, it must be protected, ownership can be a
constraint, but must not hinder the municipality from protecting the natural
resource base. The municipality approves development and must therefore
set the standards. If the land is to be protected, then conditions must be in
place and must be adhered to. Sensitive land still provides habitation for
important species, even if it is privately owned and it must therefore be
protected from urban development as appropriate.
6.3
POLLUTED STATE OF THE RIVERS
Significant parts of open space, especially the rivers in the area, are polluted
or degraded and may require significant investment to get it back to an
acceptable state.
6.4
FRAGMENTATION OF NATURAL OPEN SPACE ELEMENTS
Natural open space elements are often fragmented and in some places it will
be difficult to establish adequate links.
6.5
POPULATION DISTRIBUTION
Due to the land use patterns that emerged during the apartheid era the
population of Ekurhuleni is distributed in a way that limits access to open
space for poor communities while disproportionate access opportunities
exists to open space (in many cases private open space) for affluent
communities.
6.6
DISPERSED NATURE OF THE EMM SPATIAL STRUCTURE
The dispersed nature of the EMM spatial structure poses specific challenges
to the formulation of an EBOSS that will have to take the specific nature of the
spatial structure into account.
Chapter 6
32
7.
CLASSIFICATION OF OPEN SPACE
7.1
INTRODUCTION
In Ekurhuleni, because of its topographical nature, extent and position on the
continental divide, the hydrological system provides a strong and distinct
natural backbone to open space. Due to the importance of the hydrological
systems in terms of both biological and hydrological functioning of the area, it
must remain intact and no further development (with the exception of linear
infrastructure that has to cross these areas) will be allowed in these areas.
Remaining high quality vegetation areas, in addition to the hydrological
system, provide significant spatial nodes with high potential for the
conservation of biodiversity.
Topographical features such as ridges are relatively rare in Ekurhuleni and
where they do occur in a natural state, they correspond almost perfectly with
the occurrence of primary vegetation. It was therefore decided not to use
topographical features as a separate element in the classification of natural
open space.
7.2
DEFINING NATURAL OPEN SPACE IN EKURHULENI AND FIELDWORK
7.2.1
Introduction
The remaining natural open space1, as defined in the Ekurhuleni EMF, was
reassessed in terms of its quality and classified into one of the following
categories:
•
Hydrology, which indicates areas that are clearly discernable2 as rivers,
streams, pans, dams and wetlands;
•
high quality vegetation, which means areas that are in a good natural
state and normally consist of primary vegetation3 and in a few instances of
high quality secondary vegetation where such vegetation, despite
previous disturbance, is recognised as a typical condition of the particular
1
Natural open space means open areas that still have a natural vegetation cover where there is little
human intervention and which is not currently utilised intensively by humans.
2
This does not necessarily include all wetlands as some wetlands can only be identified through
detailed site specific investigations which remain the responsibility of environmental practitioners that
conduct activity specific environmental impact assessments.
3
Primary vegetation means natural indigenous vegetation that has not previously been cultivated or
disturbed to the extent that it has lead to a significant reduction in its species diversity, even though
there may be a degree of alien infestation and limited localised disturbance present within larger units.
Chapter 7
33
vegetation type especially where it occurs in combination with significant
areas of primary vegetation (e.g. Egoli Granite Grassland);
•
medium quality vegetation, which consist almost entirely of secondary
vegetation, where the present state of such vegetation is still good
enough to support open space connectors and links, despite reduced
species diversity; and
•
low quality vegetation, which consist of secondary vegetation that has
been heavily degraded and/or fragmented that are not in itself, without
rehabilitation, suitable to serve as a natural open space, connector or link
between natural open spaces.
This was accomplished through the detailed evaluation of new and historical
aerial photographs and satellite images.
Selected field verification was
carried out in two stages on a large number of sites across the area.
The results of this assessment are depicted on the Natural open space Map
and in Table 7-1: Natural open space in the EMM Ekurhuleni.
Table 7-1: Natural open space in Ekurhuleni
Description
Area in
hectares
Hydrological areas
High Quality vegetation
Medium quality vegetation
Low quality vegetation
Total potential natural open space
16 961 Ha
10 995 Ha
16 241 Ha
19 491 Ha
63 688 Ha
As a % of the
Total area of
EMM
9%
6%
8%
10%
33%
In order to make further spatial analysis of the information possible a simple
spatial model was constructed (depicted in Figure 1: Spatial model of existing
natural open space in Ekurhuleni). It gives values to the different elements to
enable the compilation of secondary information in the GIS system.
Chapter 7
34
Figure 1: Spatial model of existing natural open space in Ekurhuleni
0
2
1
-1
3
Colour code
Natural open space features
Description
Hydrological system
High vegetation value
Medium vegetation value
Low vegetation value
1
Value in spatial model
2
1
0
-1
2
Chapter 7
35
MAP 7.1: NATURAL OPEN SPACE FEATURES
Chapter 7
36
7.2.2
Approach to fieldwork
Draft versions of Map 1 (plotted in sections at appropriate scales) were used
to guide field activities. The entire study area was traversed by vehicle in
order to assess whether open space areas were correctly categorised.
Photographs and descriptive notes were collected throughout the study area
and included examples of different landcover classes and mapped
biodiversity categories, including:
•
hydrological systems;
•
natural open space;
•
high quality natural vegetation; and
•
urban open space.
Hydrological systems included any wetlands, drainage lines, etc. Natural
open space included any areas of natural vegetation, irrespective of
condition. High quality natural vegetation included any natural vegetation that
was in good condition and contained moderate to high natural biodiversity.
Urban open space included any open space area, whether sports fields,
secondary vegetation or degraded areas and did not necessarily include
natural vegetation.
Field data was collected to provide both qualitative and quantitative
information to assist in the classification of mapped areas into different
classes. Qualitative field data collected included a latitude and longitude
position, a photograph and short notes on the landcover.
The main vegetation found in the study area was grassland. This was difficult
to evaluate from aerial photographs due to the similarity between natural
grassland and either secondary grassland, old fields or sports fields. Detailed
floristic information (quantitative data) was collected in selected areas in order
to assess the species composition and condition of these grassland areas, as
described in the following section. This provided invaluable information that
could be used for classification of open spaces.
In addition to the qualitative and quantitative information collected in the field,
the maps were continuously assessed while driving through the study area in
order to evaluate whether they provided a realistic classification of open
space. Where necessary, notes were made directly onto printed maps in
order to make changes to the draft map. This form of verification can be
Chapter 7
37
termed “expert” and was undertaken by personnel with years of experience in
vegetation mapping and classification, landcover mapping and classification
and GIS and remote sensing. There was therefore a strong linkage between
the mapping process and the field verification process.
7.2.3
Vegetation sampling
A total of seventy-six sites were surveyed and quantitative vegetation
sampling with 100m2 sampling quadrates/plots was undertaken at these sites.
All seventy-six sampled sites are listed and geo-referenced.
The stratified units were sampled using standard vegetation survey
procedures following the Braun-Blanquet approach (Mueller-Dombois &
Ellenberger 1974; Westhoff & Van der Maarel 1978). The sample plot size
was standardised at 10 x 10 metres (100 m2) in order to facilitate
comparisons between vegetation units and for the purposes of future
comparison with studies done in other parts of the country. The following
floristic parameters were recorded in each plot:
•
All plant taxa, identifiable at the time of sampling, rooted in the sample
site;
•
a growth form (tree, shrub, dwarf shrub, forb, grass) was assigned to each
species; and
•
projected canopy cover for each species recorded was visually estimated
using the Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance scale.
Environmental parameters recorded at each stand included the following:
•
Locality in degrees, minutes and seconds using a Global Positioning
System (GPS) receiver;
•
slope, measured in degrees;
•
aspect, measured in degrees;
•
elevation, measured in metres using a barometric altimeter;
•
terrain unit (midslope, foot slope, etc.);
•
estimated percentage surface rock cover; and
•
any visible disturbances (e.g. grazing, fire, old lands).
Chapter 7
38
7.2.4
Results of field surveys
Field data indicated that the draft EBOSS map was well-classified and
provided a good representation of open space position and quality. There was
an 82.9% correlation between the mapped classification and classified field
data in terms of the condition of the vegetation (Table 7-2). There were four
sites classified as having medium value from the field data that were
classified as having low value on the map. These were all very disturbed
fragments of vegetation, but had remnant patches of natural vegetation. The
floristic information therefore showed residual condition despite evident
degradation. There were also 3 sites classified as high from the map that
were found to be moderately disturbed in the field and were therefore
classified as having medium condition. They were all associated with
drainage lines that were automatically classified into a high value class on the
map, but had localised disturbance that was captured during field work.
Table 7-2: Matrix indicating the number of sites mapped in different
Open Space value classes in the EBOSS map as compared to data
collected in the field to verify the map.
Field
Low
Low
Draft map
Medium
High
38
4
1
Medium
2
11
2
High
1
3
14
During the earlier phases of the mapping exercise, some detailed floristic
information collected in the field provided the basis for classifying some areas
thought to be natural vegetation as secondary grassland and thus of lower
biodiversity value, whereas the good quality of other vegetated areas was
verified.
Photographic information and notes made in the field identified alien trees as
a common feature that could potentially be interpreted as natural woodland.
These areas were identified and the information provided justification for
classifying some areas into lower biodiversity categories.
Chapter 7
39
The spatial model of existing natural open space in Ekurhuleni, including field
verification, was used to construct a potential natural open space utilisation
model in order to facilitate further analysis of the spatial information as
depicted in Figure 2.
Figure 2: Potential natural open space utilisation model
Cumulative
value
3
2
1
0
-1
N/A
Utilisation strategy
Description
Hydrological system and high vegetation value
Hydrological system and medium vegetation value
High quality vegetation or hydrological system and low
vegetation value
Medium vegetation value
Low vegetation value
Not applicable
Chapter 7
Proposed utilisation strategy
Highest potential for conservation
Development /conservation interface
New development/transformation
Already developed/transformed
40
MAP 7.2: POTENTIAL NATURAL OPEN SPACE UTILIZATION MODEL
Chapter 7
41
Table 7-2: Delineation of Open Space in Ekurhuleni
Description
Area(Ha)
Metropolitan open space nodes
14255.69
Local open space nodes
4342.17
Corridors
15164.45
Mining belt open space
1016.35
Other existing parks
6295.24
Other/neighbourhood natural open space
8533.21
Potential areas for development
29473.84
Totals
79080.944
% of Total Area
18.03
5.49
19.18
1.29
7.96
10.79
37.27
100.00
% of EMM
7.41
2.26
7.89
0.53
3.27
4.44
15.33
41.12
Sections 7.3 to 7.6 contain maps that indicate the following:
•
•
•
•
The delineation of open space
The functioning of open space
Ownership of land; and
Current town planning zoning.
4
The total area here will differ from the total in Table 7-1, due the inclusion of buffer zones around the
hydrology, existing parks and mining open space.
Chapter 7
42
7.3
DELINEATION OF OPEN SPACE
Chapter 7
43
The different types of open space delineated are defined as:
“Metropolitan open space nodes” means open space areas that have a distinct
character that are meant for the use or enjoyment of all persons in the metropolitan
area and even beyond;
“Local open space nodes” means open space areas that have a distinct character
that are meant primarily for the use or enjoyment of specific communities;
“Corridors” means open space that form part of the hydrological system, are natural
areas that are shallowly undermined or areas with high quality natural vegetation that
links different nodes with each other;
“Other/neighbourhood natural open spaces” means natural areas that should
remain as open spaces, but does not constitute nodes or corridors, that should be
incorporated in the planning and development of neighbourhoods;
“Mining belt open space” means undeveloped land on undermined areas that can
be used for open space purposes.
Chapter 7
44
7.3.1
Metropolitan open space nodes
Total Area of Metropolitan open space nodes = 14255.69 Ha
Total Area of Hydrology in Metropolitan open space nodes = 6075.79 Ha (42%)
Metropolitan open space nodes as a % of total area of EMM = 7.41%
Chapter 7
45
(a) Node 1: Blesbokspruit Ramsar Site / Conservation and Recreation Node
Total Area of Node 1 = 2921.92 Ha
Total Area of Hydrology in Node 1 = 2482.00 Ha (84,94%)
Chapter 7
46
(b) Node 2: Rietspruit Grassland and Wetland Conservation and Recreation
Node
Total area of Node 2 = 5769.39 Ha
Total area of Hydrology in Node 2 = 1709.26 Ha (29,6%)
Chapter 7
47
(c) Node 3: Swartspruit Grassland and Wetland Conservation Node
Total area of Node 3 = 1361.70 Ha
Total area of Hydrology in Node 3 = 642.29 Ha (47,6%)
Chapter 7
48
(d) Node 4: Alberton Ridges Conservation and Recreation Node
Total area of Node 4 = 995.52 Ha
Chapter 7
49
Total area of Hydrology in Node 4 = 75.70 Ha (7,6%)
(e) Node 5: Benoni Lakes Conservation and Recreation Node
Chapter 7
50
Total area of Node 5 = 1555.73 Ha
Total area of Hydrology in Node 5 = 695.19 Ha (44,68%)
Chapter 7
51
(f) Node 6: Gillooly’s Gateway Conservation and Recreation Node
Total area of Node 6 = 289.03 Ha
Total area of Hydrology in Node 6 = 141.37 Ha (48,91%)
Chapter 7
52
(g) Node 7: Duduza Grassland Conservation and Recreation Node
Chapter 7
53
Total area of Node 7 = 1362.40 Ha
Total area of Hydrology in Node 7 = 417.95 Ha (30,6%)
Chapter 7
54
7.3.2
Local open space nodes
Total Area of Local open space nodes = 4342.17 Ha
Total Area of Hydrology in Local open space nodes = 2263.84 Ha
Local open space nodes as a % of total area of EMM = 2.26% (52,13%)
Chapter 7
53
(a)
Node A: Midrand Estates Grassland Conservation Node
Total Area of Node A = 200.83 Ha
Total Area of Hydrology in Node A = 0.00 Ha (0%)
Chapter 7
54
(b)
Node B: Glen Austin Bullfrog and Bird Sanctuary and Recreation Node
Total Area of Node B = 98.86 Ha
Total Area of Hydrology in Node B = 20.53 Ha (20,76%)
Chapter 7
55
(c)
Node C: Babsfontein Ridge Grassland Conservation Node
Total Area of Node C = 185.41 Ha
Total Area of Hydrology in Node C = 0.48 Ha (0,26%)
Chapter 7
56
(d)
Node D: Dries Niemand Recreation Node
Total Area of Node D = 315.01 Ha
Total Area of Hydrology in Node D = 55.42 Ha (17,59%)
Chapter 7
57
(e)
Node E: Bullfrog Pan Conservation and Recreation Node
Total Area of Node E = 101.50 Ha
Total Area of Hydrology in Node E = 66.50 Ha (65,52%)
Chapter 7
58
(f)
Node F: Brentwood Grassland and Wetland Conservation Node
Total Area of Node F = 180.84 Ha
Total Area of Hydrology in Node F = 66.00 Ha (36,5%)
Chapter 7
59
(g)
Node G: Mayberry Park Urban Grassland Conservation Node
Total Area of Node G = 298.46 Ha
Total Area of Hydrology in Node G = 46.09 Ha (15,44%)
Chapter 7
60
(h)
Node H: Natalspruit Urban Wetland Conservation Node
Total Area of Node H = 420.32 Ha
Total Area of Hydrology in Node H = 284.25 Ha (67,76%)
Chapter 7
61
(i)
Node I: Klein Blesbokspruit Conservation and Recreation Node
Total Area of Node I = 145.83 Ha
Total Area of Hydrology in Node I = 57.90 Ha (39,70%)
Chapter 7
62
(j)
Node J: Blesbokspruit Dams Conservation and Recreation Node
Total Area of Node J = 668.43 Ha
Total Area of Hydrology in Node J = 472.61 Ha (70,70%)
Chapter 7
63
(k)
Node K: Elsburg Conservation and Recreation Node
Total Area of Node K = 1264.67 Ha
Total Area of Hydrology in Node K = 777.03 Ha (61,44%)
Chapter 7
64
(l)
Node L: Daveyton Conservation and Recreation Node
Total Area of Node L = 462.00 Ha
Total Area of Hydrology in Node L = 417.03 Ha (86,52%)
Chapter 7
65
7.3.3
Corridors
To depict the corridors, Ekurhuleni has been divided into quadrants (A to D).
Corridors Main Map
Total Area of all Corridors = 15 164.45 Ha
Total Area of Hydrology in Corridors = 6263.63 Ha (41,30%)
Corridors as a percentage of the total area of EMM = 7.89%
Chapter 7
66
(a)
Quadrant A : Corridors Map A
Total Area of Corridors in Quadrant A = 531.37 Ha
Total Area of Hydrology in Corridors in Quadrant A = 256.71 Ha (48,31%)
Chapter 7
67
(b)
Quadrant B : Corridors Map B
Total Area of Corridors in Quadrant B = 2903.76 Ha
Total Area of Hydrology in Corridors in Quadrant B = 1682.16 Ha (57,93%)
Chapter 7
68
(c)
Quadrant C : Corridors Map C
Total Area of Corridors in Quadrant C = 3693.43 Ha
Total Area of Hydrology in Corridors in Quadrant C = 1951.12 Ha (52,83%)
Chapter 7
69
(d)
Quadrant D : Corridors Map D
Total Area of Corridors in Quadrant D = 8035.89 Ha
Total Area of Hydrology in Corridors in Quadrant D = 2356.25 Ha (29,32%)
Chapter 7
70
7.3.4
Mining belt open space
Total Area of Mining belt open space = 1016.35 Ha
Mining belt open space as a % of the total area of EMM = 0.53%
Chapter 7
71
7.3.5
Other existing parks
The set of maps that follow show the Other existing parks and their relation to
Metropolitan and Local Open Space Nodes as well as Corridors. To depict
these areas, Ekurhuleni has been divided into quadrants (A to D).
Other existing parks : Main Map
Total Area of all Other existing parks = 6295.24 Ha
Other existing parks as a % of the total area of EMM = 3.27%
Chapter 7
72
(a)
Quadrant A : Other existing parks Map A
Total Area of Other existing parks in Quadrant A = 1198.54 Ha
Chapter 7
73
(b)
Quadrant B : Other existing parks Map B
Total Area of Other existing parks in Quadrant B = 476.18 Ha
Chapter 7
74
(c)
Quadrant C : Other existing parks Map C
Total Area of Other existing parks in Quadrant C = 2462.64 Ha
Chapter 7
75
(d)
Quadrant D : Other existing parks Map D
Total Area of Other existing parks in Quadrant D = 2157.88 Ha
Chapter 7
76
7.3.6
Other/neighbourhood natural open space areas
The set of maps that follow show the Other/Neighbourhood natural open space
areas and their relation to Metropolitan and Local Open Space Nodes as well as
Corridors. To depict these areas, Ekurhuleni has been divided into quadrants (A
to D).
Other/neighbourhood natural open space areas
Total Area of all Other/Neighbourhood natural open space area = 8533.21 Ha
Other/neighbourhood natural open space as a % of total area of EMM = 4.44%
Chapter 7
77
(a)
Quadrant A : Other/neighbourhood natural open space areas Map A
Total Area of Other/neighbourhood natural open space areas in Quadrant A
= 1572.94 Ha
Chapter 7
78
(b)
Quadrant B : Other/neighbourhood natural open space areas Map B
Total Area of Other/neighbourhood natural open space areas in Quadrant B
= 2893.43 Ha
Chapter 7
79
(c)
Quadrant C : Other/neighbourhood natural open space areas Map C
Total Area of Other/neighbourhood natural open space areas in Quadrant C
= 1935.26 Ha
Chapter 7
80
(d)
Quadrant D : Other/Neighbourhood natural open space areas Map D
Total Area of Other/neighbourhood natural open space areas in Quadrant D
= 2131.57 Ha
Chapter 7
81
7.3.7
Potential areas for development
The set of maps that follow show the potential areas for development. To depict
these areas, Ekurhuleni has been divided into quadrants (A to D).
Potential areas for development : Main Map
Total area of all Potential areas for development = 29473.84 Ha
Potential areas for development as a % total of EMM = 15.33%
Chapter 7
82
(a)
Quadrant A : Potential areas for development Map A
Total area of Potential areas for development in Quadrant A = 6656.73 Ha
Chapter 7
83
(b)
Quadrant B : Potential areas for development Map B
Total area of potential areas for development in Quadrant B = 8872.30 Ha
Chapter 7
84
(c)
Quadrant C : Potential areas for development Map C
Total area of potential areas for development in Quadrant C = 5882.64 Ha
Chapter 7
85
(d)
Quadrant D : Potential areas for development Map D
Total area of Potential areas for development in Quadrant D = 8062.17 Ha
Chapter 7
86
7.4
OPEN SPACE FUNCTIONING
7.4.1
Metropolitan open space nodes
Chapter 7
87
(a)
Node 1: Blesbokspruit Ramsar Site / Conservation and Recreation Node
Agriculture
=
8.65
Ha
High Intensity Recreation
= 71.06
Ha
Natural (Rehabilitate)
= 141.81
Ha
Natural Open Space
= 2623.82
Ha
Sports/Recreation
= 23.91
Ha
Total Area
= 2869.25
Ha
Hydrology
= 2482.00
Ha
Chapter 7
88
(b)
Node 2: Rietspruit Grassland and Wetland Conservation & Recreation Node
Agriculture
= 1040.36
Ha
High Intensity Recreation
= 94.08
Ha
Natural (Rehabilitate)
= 27.28
Ha
Natural Open Space
= 4483.13
Ha
Sports/Recreation
= 12.02
Ha
Total Area
= 5656.87
Ha
Hydrology
= 1709.26
Ha
Chapter 7
89
(c)
Node 3: Swartspruit Grassland and Wetland Conservation Node
Agriculture
= 28.13
Ha
High Intensity Recreation
=
3.85
Ha
Natural (Rehabilitate)
=
2.34
Ha
Natural Open Space
= 1327.55
Ha
Sports/Recreation
=
0.00
Ha
Total Area
= 1361.86
Ha
Hydrology
= 642.29
Ha
Chapter 7
90
(d)
Node 4: Alberton Ridges Conservation and Recreation Node
Agriculture
= 24.88
Ha
High Intensity Recreation
=
1.74
Ha
Natural (Rehabilitate)
=
5.70
Ha
Natural Open Space
= 991.40
Ha
Sports/Recreation
= 146.17
Ha
Total Area
= 1169.90
Ha
Hydrology
= 75.70
Ha
Chapter 7
91
(e)
Node 5: Benoni Lakes Conservation and Recreation Node
Agriculture
=
0.43
Ha
High Intensity Recreation
= 259.37
Ha
Natural (Rehabilitate)
= 13.63
Ha
Natural Open Space
= 1167.32
Ha
Sports/Recreation
= 133.49
Ha
Total Area
= 1574.25
Ha
Hydrology
= 695.19
Ha
Chapter 7
92
(f)
Node 6: Gillooly’s Gateway Conservation and Recreation Node
Agriculture
=
0.00
Ha
High Intensity Recreation
=
0.00
Ha
Natural (Rehabilitate)
=
0.00
Ha
Natural Open Space
= 147.16
Ha
Sports/Recreation
= 141.37
Ha
Total Area
= 288.53
Ha
Hydrology
= 53.42
Ha
Chapter 7
93
(g)
Node 7: Duduza Grassland Conservation and Recreation Node
Agriculture
= 196.67
Ha
High Intensity Recreation
= 64.85
Ha
Natural (Rehabilitate)
=
8.37
Ha
Natural Open Space
= 1085.38
Ha
Sports/Recreation
=
0.03
Ha
Total Area
= 1355.29
Ha
Hydrology
= 417.95
Ha
Chapter 7
94
7.4.2
Local open space nodes
Chapter 7
95
(a)
Node A: Midrand Estates Grassland Conservation Node
Agriculture
=
0.00
Ha
High Intensity Recreation
=
0.00
Ha
Natural (Rehabilitate)
=
0.00
Ha
Natural Open Space
= 135.06
Ha
Sports/Recreation
=
0.00
Ha
Total Area
= 135.06
Ha
Hydrology
=
0.00
Ha
Chapter 7
96
(b)
Node B: Glen Austin Bullfrog and Bird Sanctuary and Recreation Node
Agriculture
=
0.00
Ha
High Intensity Recreation
= 83.78
Ha
Natural (Rehabilitate)
=
9.71
Ha
Natural Open Space
= 123.50
Ha
Sports/Recreation
=
0.00
Ha
Total Area
= 216.98
Ha
Hydrology
= 20.53
Ha
Chapter 7
97
(c)
Node C: Babsfontein Ridge Grassland Conservation Node
Agriculture
= 19.73
Ha
High Intensity Recreation
=
0.00
Ha
Natural (Rehabilitate)
=
0.00
Ha
Natural Open Space
= 165.68
Ha
Sports/Recreation
=
0.00
Ha
Total Area
= 185.41
Ha
Hydrology
=
0.48
Ha
Chapter 7
98
(d)
Node D: Dries Niemand Recreation Node
Agriculture
=
0.00
Ha
High Intensity Recreation
=
0.00
Ha
Natural (Rehabilitate)
=
0.00
Ha
Natural Open Space
= 39.38
Ha
Sports/Recreation
= 271.84
Ha
Total Area
= 311.22
Ha
Hydrology
= 55.42
Ha
Chapter 7
99
(e)
Node E: Bullfrog Pan Conservation and Recreation Node
Agriculture
=
0.00
Ha
High Intensity Recreation
=
0.00
Ha
Natural (Rehabilitate)
=
0.00
Ha
Natural Open Space
= 76.53
Ha
Sports/Recreation
= 23.67
Ha
Total Area
= 100.20
Ha
Hydrology
= 66.50
Ha
Chapter 7
100
(f)
Node F: Brentwood Grassland and Wetland Conservation Node
Agriculture
=
0.00
Ha
High Intensity Recreation
=
0.00
Ha
Natural (Rehabilitate)
=
0.00
Ha
Natural Open Space
= 180.83
Ha
Sports/Recreation
=
0.00
Ha
Total Area
= 180.83
Ha
Hydrology
= 66.00
Ha
Chapter 7
101
(g)
Node G: Mayberry Park Urban Grassland Conservation Node
Agriculture
=
0.00
Ha
High Intensity Recreation
=
0.00
Ha
Natural (Rehabilitate)
=
2.83
Ha
Natural Open Space
= 237.28
Ha
Sports/Recreation
=
0.00
Ha
Total Area
= 240.11
Ha
Hydrology
= 46.09
Ha
Chapter 7
102
(h)
Node H: Natalspruit Urban Wetland Conservation Node
Agriculture
= 65.24
Ha
High Intensity Recreation
=
0.27
Ha
Natural (Rehabilitate)
=
3.01
Ha
Natural Open Space
= 342.95
Ha
Sports/Recreation
=
8.63
Ha
Total Area
= 420.10
Ha
Hydrology
= 284.25
Ha
Chapter 7
103
(i)
Node I: Klein Blesbokspruit Conservation and Recreation Node
Agriculture
=
0.00
Ha
High Intensity Recreation
=
4.12
Ha
Natural (Rehabilitate)
=
0.65
Ha
Natural Open Space
= 88.45
Ha
Sports/Recreation
= 47.75
Ha
Total Area
= 140.98
Ha
Hydrology
= 57.90
Ha
Chapter 7
104
(j)
Node J: Blesbokspruit Dams Conservation and Recreation Node
Agriculture
=
0.00
Ha
High Intensity Recreation
= 69.79
Ha
Natural (Rehabilitate)
= 17.67
Ha
Natural Open Space
= 529.16
Ha
Sports/Recreation
= 117.07
Ha
Total Area
= 733.69
Ha
Hydrology
= 472.61
Ha
Chapter 7
105
(k)
Node K: Elsburg Conservation and Recreation Node
Agriculture
=
0.00
Ha
High Intensity Recreation
= 147.87
Ha
Natural (Rehabilitate)
= 162.77
Ha
Natural Open Space
= 1086.30
Ha
Sports/Recreation
= 102.07
Ha
Total Area
= 1499.01
Ha
Hydrology
= 777.03
Ha
Chapter 7
106
(l)
Node L: Daveyton Conservation and Recreation Node
Agriculture
=
0.07
Ha
High Intensity Recreation
=
0.00
Ha
Natural (Rehabilitate)
=
0.00
Ha
Natural Open Space
= 414.35
Ha
Sports/Recreation
= 47.29
Ha
Total Area
= 461.71
Ha
Hydrology
= 417.03
Ha
Chapter 7
107
7.4.3 Corridors
To depict the corridors, Ekurhuleni has been divided into quadrants (A to D).
Corridors Main Map
Agriculture
High Intensity Recreation
Natural (Rehabilitate)
Natural Open Space
Sports/Recreation
Total Area
Hydrology
= 1509.05
= 1427.96
= 417.29
=11033.56
= 1027.58
=15415.40
= 6263.63
Chapter 7
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
108
(a)
Quadrant A : Corridors Map A
Agriculture
=
High Intensity Recreation
=
Natural (Rehabilitate)
=
Natural Open Space
=
Sports/Recreation
=
Total Area
=
Hydrology
=
15.88
43.36
0.00
362.78
108.59
530.61
256.71
Chapter 7
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
109
(b)
Quadrant B : Corridors Map B
Agriculture
= 573.89
High Intensity Recreation
=
0.00
Natural (Rehabilitate)
=
4.26
Natural Open Space
= 2266.74
Sports/Recreation
= 48.70
Total Area
= 2893.59
Hydrology
= 1682.16
Chapter 7
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
110
(c)
Quadrant C : Corridors Map C
Agriculture
= 291.14
High Intensity Recreation
= 66.82
Natural (Rehabilitate)
= 69.50
Natural Open Space
= 3160.66
Sports/Recreation
= 251.58
Total Area
= 3839.81
Hydrology
= 1951.12
Chapter 7
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
111
(d)
Quadrant D : Corridors Map D
Agriculture
= 628.14
High Intensity Recreation
= 1317.78
Natural (Rehabilitate)
= 343.53
Natural Open Space
= 5243.38
Sports/Recreation
= 618.70
Total Area
= 8151.53
Hydrology
= 2356.25
Chapter 7
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
112
7.4.4
Mining belt open space
Mining belt open space Main Map
Agriculture
High Intensity Recreation
Natural (Rehabilitate)
Natural Open Space
Sports/Recreation
Total Area
Hydrology
=
0.00
= 592.24
=
5.23
= 412.25
= 24.59
= 1034.31
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
=
Ha
92.76
Chapter 7
113
7.5
OWNERSHIP
7.5.1
Metropolitan open space nodes (MOS)
Total Area of Privately Owned land in MOS
Total Area of Public Owned land in MOS
Total Area of Undetermined Ownership in MOS
Total Area
Chapter 7
Hectares
= 14219.99
= 2197.77
=
15.81
= 16433.58
% of Total Area
86.53
13.37
0.10
100
114
(a)
Node 1: Blesbokspruit Ramsar Site Conservation and Recreation Node
Private Ownership
Public Ownership
Undetermined Ownership
Hydrology
= 3576.20
= 266.07
=
0.00
= 2482.00
Chapter 7
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
115
(b)
Node 2: Rietspruit Grassland and Wetland Conservation & Recreation Node
Private Ownership
Public Ownership
Undetermined Ownership
Hydrology
= 5373.00
= 402.58
=
0.00
= 1709.30
Chapter 7
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
116
(c)
Node 3: Swartspruit Grassland and Wetland Conservation Node
Private Ownership
Public Ownership
Undetermined Ownership
Hydrology
= 1345.70
= 16.23
=
0.00
= 642.29
Chapter 7
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
117
(d)
Node 4: Alberton Ridges Conservation and Recreation Node
Private Ownership
Public Ownership
Undetermined Ownership
Hydrology
=
=
=
=
859.87
40.63
0.01
75.70
Chapter 7
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
118
(e)
Node 5: Benoni Lakes Conservation and Recreation Node
Private Ownership
Public Ownership
Undetermined Ownership
Hydrology
No Title Deed
= 1186.50
= 276.92
=
1.60
= 695.19
= 31.31
Chapter 7
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
119
(f)
Node 6: Gillooly’s Gateway Conservation and Recreation Node
Private Ownership
Public Ownership
Undetermined Ownership
Hydrology
= 1801.70
= 126.75
=
0.00
= 53.42
Chapter 7
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
120
(g)
Node 7: Duduza Grassland Conservation and Recreation Node
Private Ownership
Public Ownership
Undetermined Ownership
Hydrology
= 77.00
= 14.21
= 1068.60
= 417.95
Chapter 7
Ha
Ha
Ha
Ha
121
7.5.2
Local Open Space Nodes (LOS)
Total Area of Privately Owned land in LOS
Total Area of Public Owned land in LOS
Total Area of Undetermined Ownership in LOS
Total Area
Chapter 7
Hectares
= 2380.70
= 1703.07
=
81.33
= 4165.10
% of Total Area
57.16
40.89
1.95
100
122
(a)
A. Node A: Midrand Estates Grassland Conservation Node
Private Ownership
= 135.11
Ha
Public Ownership
= 0.00
Ha
Undetermined Ownership
= 0.00
Ha
Hydrology
= 0.01
Ha
Chapter 7
123
(b)
.
Node B: Glen Austin Bullfrog and Bird Sanctuary and Recreation Node
Private Ownership
= 216.80
Ha
Public Ownership
= 0.00
Ha
Undetermined Ownership
= 0.00
Ha
Hydrology
= 20.53
Ha
Chapter 7
124
(c)
Node C: Babsfontein Ridge Grassland Conservation Node
Private Ownership
= 185.41
Ha
Public Ownership
= 0.00
Ha
Undetermined Ownership
= 0.00
Ha
Hydrology
= 0.48
Ha
Chapter 7
125
(d)
Node D: Dries Niemand Recreation Node
Private Ownership
= 8.83
Ha
Public Ownership
= 301.14
Ha
Undetermined Ownership
= 0.00
Ha
Hydrology
= 55.42
Ha
Chapter 7
126
(e)
Node E: Bullfrog Pan Conservation and Recreation Node
Private Ownership
= 35.78
Ha
Public Ownership
= 65.46
Ha
Undetermined Ownership
= 0.00
Ha
Hydrology
= 66.50
Ha
Chapter 7
127
(f)
Node F: Brentwood Grassland and Wetland Conservation Node:
Private Ownership
= 180.61
Ha
Public Ownership
= 0.00
Ha
Undetermined Ownership
= 0.00
Ha
Hydrology
= 66.00
Ha
Chapter 7
128
(g)
Node G: Mayberry Park Urban Grassland Conservation Node:
Private Ownership
= 1.21
Ha
Public Ownership
= 27.42
Ha
Undetermined Ownership
= 0.00
Ha
Hydrology
= 46.01
Ha
Chapter 7
129
(h)
Node H: Natalspruit Urban Wetland Conservation Node
Private Ownership
= 177.19
Ha
Public Ownership
= 224.93
Ha
Undetermined Ownership
= 10.39
Ha
Hydrology
= 284.25
Ha
Chapter 7
130
(i)
Node I: Klein Blesbokspruit Conservation and Recreation Node
Private Ownership
= 106.36
Ha
Public Ownership
= 4.93
Ha
Undetermined Ownership
= 0.00
Ha
Hydrology
= 57.90
Ha
Chapter 7
131
(j)
Node J: Blesbokspruit Dams Conservation and Recreation Node
Private Ownership
= 469.25
Ha
Public Ownership
= 179.51
Ha
Undetermined Ownership
= 18.83
Ha
Hydrology
= 472.61
Ha
Chapter 7
132
(k)
Node K: Elsburg Conservation and Recreation Node
Private Ownership
= 800.36
Ha
Public Ownership
= 601.78
Ha
Undetermined Ownership
= 52.11
Ha
Hydrology
= 777.03
Ha
Chapter 7
133
(l)
Node L: Daveyton Conservation and Recreation Node
Private Ownership
= 63.79
Ha
Public Ownership
= 297.90
Ha
Undetermined Ownership
= 0.00
Ha
Hydrology
= 417.03
Ha
Chapter 7
134
7.6
CURRENT TOWN PLANNING ZONING
7.6.1
Metropolitan Open Space Nodes
Chapter 7
135
(a)
Node 1: Blesbokspruit Ramsar Site / Conservation and Recreation Node
Chapter 7
136
(b)
Node 2: Rietspruit Grassland and Wetland Conservation & Recreation Node
Chapter 7
137
(c)
Node 3: Swartspruit Grassland and Wetland Conservation Node
Chapter 7
138
(d)
Node 4: Alberton Ridges Conservation and Recreation Node
Chapter 7
139
(e)
Node 5: Benoni Lakes Conservation and Recreation Node
Chapter 7
140
(f)
Node 6: Gillooly’s Gateway Conservation and Recreation Node
Chapter 7
141
(g)
Node 7: Duduza Grassland Conservation and Recreation Node
Chapter 7
142
7.6.2
Local Open Space Nodes
Chapter 7
143
(a)
Node A: Midrand Estates Grassland Conservation Node
Chapter 7
144
(b)
Node B: Glen Austin Bullfrog and Bird Sanctuary and Recreation Node
Chapter 7
145
(c)
Node C: Babsfontein Ridge Grassland Conservation Node
Chapter 7
146
(d)
Node D: Dries Niemand Recreation Node
Chapter 7
147
(e)
Node E: Bullfrog Pan Conservation and Recreation Node
Chapter 7
148
(f)
Node F: Brentwood Grassland and Wetland Conservation Node
Chapter 7
149
(g)
Node G: Mayberry Park Urban Grassland Conservation Node
Chapter 7
150
(h)
Node H: Natalspruit Urban Wetland Conservation Node
Chapter 7
151
(i)
Node I: Klein Blesbokspruit Conservation and Recreation Node
Chapter 7
152
(j)
Node J: Blesbokspruit Dams Conservation and Recreation Node
Chapter 7
153
(k)
Node K: Elsburg Conservation and Recreation Node
Chapter 7
154
(l)
Node L: Daveyton Conservation and Recreation Node
Chapter 7
155
7.6.3
Corridors
To depict the corridors, Ekurhuleni has been divided into quadrants (A to D).
Corridors Main Map
Chapter 7
156
(a)
Quadrant A : Corridors Map A
Chapter 7
157
(b)
Quadrant B : Corridors Map B
Chapter 7
158
(c)
Quadrant C : Corridors Map C
Chapter 7
159
(d)
Quadrant D : Corridors Map D
Chapter 7
160
8.
POLICIES AND GUIDELINES
In order to facilitate the implementation of EBOSS, policies or guidelines was
formulated for the following:
•
Spatial Development frameworks as the main implementation
instrument of EBOSS;
8.1
•
the protection of biodiversity in the open space system;
•
Integrating natural open space into the urban context;
•
the development of land surrounding the open space system;
•
existing agricultural practices in the open space system;
•
detail evaluation of natural open space in the local context; and
•
general guidelines for the Parks Division.
POLICY ON SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORKS AS THE MAIN
IMPLEMENTATION INSTRUMENT OF EBOSS
8.1.1
Need and purpose of policy
The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Spatial Development Framework is the primary
tool applied to the spatial restructuring of the municipal area in order to
correct the spatial imbalances and inefficiencies and reach the desired spatial
form.1 Spatial planning in Ekurhuleni is based on a two (2) level system, of
which the MSDF is the first level. The first level of planning is conceptual in
nature and makes proposals for larger pockets of land. The Local Spatial
Development Frameworks contains the most detail and is to be used as by all
decision-making bodies when development applications are considered. In
instances where a LSDF does not exist in a specific area the MSDF can be
used as decision-making tool.
In many cases the integrity of the open space system is threatened by
development of the open space itself, as well as areas surrounding it. It is
therefore crucial that the open space system is protected from a spatial
planning point of view and that the decision-making process for land
development and the change in land use rights be used to protect the open
1
Ekurhuleni Spatial Development Framework, June 2005; p vii
Chapter 8
161
space system. The open space network forms an important component of
the spatial structure of Ekurhuleni and needs to be incorporated into the
spatial plans on all levels.
8.1.2
Priority issues
The following priority issues were identified:
(a) Including the information contained in EBOSS into the Metropolitan
Spatial Development Framework as a Sectoral Strategic Plan;
(b) updating data sets that are fed into the MSDF and LSDF’s to indicate the
location and extent of the primary open space system as defined in
EBOSS and must be coordinated with the GIS Division on a continuous
basis;
(c) identifying conflicts between the spatial development plans on both levels
and
EBOSS
and
revising
the
spatial
development
frameworks
accordingly;
(d) preparation of LSDF’s as a priority for areas where there is development
pressure that may threaten the integrity, continuity or access to the
primary open space network in the LSDF’s;
(e) EBOSS must also be used in defining the future submissions for changes
to the “Urban Edge”; and
(f) Potential security and safety concerns relating to EMM owned open space
should not be used as an excuse for the alienation of such land.
8.1.3
The policy
The policy is constituted by the following principles:
(a) The natural open space system represented in this strategy includes
highly stressed and sensitive natural environments such as wetlands,
rivers/streams and remnant patches of representative indigenous fauna
and flora that are necessary to maintain bio-diversity and forms the
primary open space network in Ekurhuleni and must be considered as “no
go” areas for development;
(b) the primary open space network comprise of the “Metropolitan Nodes”
and “Local Nodes”, as well the “Corridors” and must be incorporated and
properly mapped in the case of each Spatial Development Framework on
all levels;
Chapter 8
162
(c) the primary open space network is considered as development “no-go
areas” and only limited recreational, educational (environmental), tourism
related uses and facilities, subject to environmental authorisation, may be
developed within the primary open space network;
(d) the secondary open space system comprise of neighbourhood parks
(“Public Open Space” zoned land and land indicated on a general plan as
“Park”), as well as various servitudes and must where possible be linked
to the primary open space network in the LSDF;
(e) a detailed open space analysis, based on the minimum standards as
provided in the guidelines for “Human Settlement Planning and Design”,
should be conducted for each Local Spatial Development Framework
Area;
(f) sensitive environmental features such as local pans and wetlands that are
not included in the primary open space network must be accommodated
into the secondary open space network of a specific LSDF area;
(g) in neighbourhoods where there is an under supply of open space in terms
of the guidelines for
“Human Settlement Planning and Design” open
space with a classification greater than “0” on Map 7.2 as classified in
EBOSS shall be considered first for inclusion in the secondary open
space network;
(h) the primary and secondary open space network should be linked where
possible to facilitate a range of continuous recreational opportunities and
act as conduits for indigenous species, potentially facilitating the
movement of pollinators and the dispersal of seed from one space to
another; and
(i) land uses surrounding primary and secondary open space network must
be carefully considered to protect the integrity of the primary open space
network and to secure access for the general public to the primary open
space network.
8.1.4
Current legal and policy mechanisms
The following legal and policy mechanisms are inter alia available to develop
and manage agricultural use within the primary open space network:
(a) Guidelines for Human Settlement Planning and Design;
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(b) Town Planning and Township Ordinance, 1986 (Ordinance 15 of 1986);
(c) Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000);
(d) Development Facilitation Act, 1995 (Act 67 of 1995);
(e) National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) as well
as the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2006.
8.1.5
Current programmes, projects and initiatives
(a) The revision of the MSDF in which EBOSS will be incorporated as an
important aspect; and
(b)
the formulation of LSDF’s
as per the LSDF programme of the City
Development Department in which EBOSS will be incorporated.
8.1.6
Policy implementation mechanism and responsibility
The policy will be implemented through the revision of the existing
Metropolitan, Regional and Local Spatial Development Frameworks, where
necessary and the adoption of Local Spatial Development Frameworks in
areas where such frameworks do not exist. The mechanisms and the
responsibility of various institutions and municipal departments are indicated
in the table below. In the absence of new LSDF’s, the EBOSS must be
implemented on an ad hoc basis in respect to land use change applications.
Where the new LSDF’s are not in place the EBOSS must be implemented on
its own.
Table 8-1: Spatial development frameworks as the main implementing instruments
of EBOSS – mechanisms and responsibilities
Activity
Mechanism
Responsibility
Include EBOSS as
MSDF/IDP
D Integrated Development Planning
Sectoral Strategy into
ED City Development
MSDF and IDP
Identify conflicts between
LSDF’s
ED Environmental Development
EBOSS and Spatial
ED City Development
Development Frameworks
and revise spatial
development frameworks
where necessary
Adopt LSDF’s for areas
LSDF’s
ED City Development
where LSDF’s do not exist
8.1.7
Primary actions that must be taken
The following primary actions should be taken:
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(a) The primary open space network must be incorporated into the revisions
of the MSDF and must form the cornerstone of open space provision in
Ekurhuleni;
(b) conflicts between EBOSS and the existing spatial development
frameworks must be identified and resolved; and
(c) the Local Spatial Development Frameworks that must be compiled for the
entire Ekurhuleni municipal area must adhere to the principles of this
policy.
Secondary measures should be identified in SDF’s.
8.2
POLICY ON THE PROTECTION OF BIODIVERSITY IN THE OPEN SPACE
SYSTEM
8.2.1
The need of the policy
The need of the policy is to:
(a) Align the EMM biodiversity conservation targets with that of the provincial
(GDACE) and national (DEAT) targets;
(b) ensure that the aims and objectives of the EMM EMF and IDP’s are met;
(c) ensure the promotion of biodiversity;
(d) understand the dependency on biodiversity to provide ecological services
(a term which refers to the services and products that the natural
environment produces);
(e) ensure the sustainability of the ecological services provided by
biodiversity and open space;
(f) ensure that this natural resource of biodiversity is able to be sustained
over and beyond our generations.
8.2.2
The purpose of the policy
The purpose of the policy is to:
(a) Ensure that the biodiversity conservation priorities of EMM and GDACE
are aligned to protect and conserve biodiversity;
(b) promote biodiversity;
(c) recognise biodiversity as an essential natural resource;
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(d) increase the area under formal protection; and
(e) ensure the substantial management of this resource.
8.2.3
The policy
The policy is constituted by the following principles:
(a) Conservation or protection options:
•
Using existing and new land use management and town planning
zonings to protect open space according to its function in the EBOSS;
•
to use the conservation zoning to protect the areas that are identified
in the EBOSS as “Natural”, “Natural Rehabilitate” and “Agriculture”;
•
to ensure that the areas identified as having natural characteristics are
excluded from immediate development;
•
to allow development on land that has been identified in the EBOSS
and classified as areas that may be available for development as
indicated on the maps under section 7.3.7 of this report (quality land);
and
•
to implement public/private partnership on land that does not belong to
the public but has significant natural value within the open space
system.
(b) countering barrier effects on natural areas:
•
Ensure that roads, railways and waterways that act as barriers
between open space have access across them in the form of bridges,
tunnels and wildlife passes that are important for small species with
low mobility; on known migration routes; or along access paths to
feeding areas, watering holes or breeding sites;
•
open spaces that have become divided by barriers must be linked;
•
structures that are designed to counteract barrier effect must be
developed with the purpose of providing pedestrian access to larger
open spaces for recreation; and
•
ensure the maximum movement of biodiversity by making it a
compulsory element that must be addressed in development plans.
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(c) avoiding or limiting habitat isolation:
•
Ensure that open spaces identified in the maps under section 7.3 of
the report do not become isolated;
•
developments must incorporate the open space areas into their
designs to ensure that islands of isolated open space areas are not
formed; and
•
the open space system must function as a network that is interlinked
to ensure maximum opportunity for biodiversity.
(d) avoiding or limiting habitat fragmentation:
•
Ensure that the open space network that has been identified in
EBOSS is protected against fragmentation and division;
•
the network must be allowed to act as a unit and not be divided;
•
developments must be kept to the perimeter of the open space
network to ensure that fragmentation does not occur; and
•
human activities should not hinder the flow of ecological services
throughout the open space system.
(e) maintenance and rehabilitation of river and wetland habitats:
•
To recognise the role of fresh water as effective corridors which help
to optimise biodiversity;
•
reduce the risk of soil erosion and flooding;
•
reduce the amount of pollution and artificial sediment in waterways;
•
improve water quality to ensuring ecologically healthy rivers, vleis,
dams and wetlands;
•
improve the river environment e.g. creating a better environment for
plants and animals, thereby increasing biodiversity; and
•
initiate education programmes to ensure that pollution of waterways is
reduced and that the dangers of pollution in the waterways are
highlighted.
(f) removal of alien vegetation:
•
To ensure and promote maximum opportunity for biodiversity by
removing alien invasive species;
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•
to promote indigenous vegetation; and
•
to remove the threats and strain that alien invasive species put on the
natural resources and on indigenous species.
(g) access to natural open space:
•
There should be access to all public open space defined within the
Ekurhuleni Open Space network;
•
the open space network must be secure in order to provide safe
access to the network; and
•
there should be defined activities that will be allowed in open spaces
in line with the potential functioning of areas as indicated on the maps
under section 7.4 of this report.
8.2.4
The policy
The following priority issues are addressed by the policy:
(a) Conservation of biodiversity as an integral land use within the urban fabric;
(b) promotion of biodiversity;
(c) safe and adequate access to natural open spaces;
(d) maintenance and rehabilitation of natural open spaces;
(e) to understand the importance of freshwater systems in the conservation
and promotion of biodiversity; and
(f) there must be optimisation of the social benefits and economic potential of
each of these areas in the open space network.
8.2.5
Current legal and policy mechanisms that is available to assist the
policy
The following current and policy mechanisms are available to assist the
policy:
(a) The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Environmental Management Framework;
(b) the Ekurhuleni Integrated Development Plan;
(c) GDACE C-Plan 2; and
(d) the National Biodiversity Framework.
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8.2.6 Current programmes, projects and initiatives that contribute to the policy
The following programme contributes to the policy:
(a) The Local Action for Biodiversity (LAB) Programme.
8.2.7
Policy implementation mechanism
The Local Spatial Development frameworks will act as the main
implementation mechanism. The land use management is guided by the
LSDF and this will be directed by EBOSS.
8.2.8
Policy implementation responsibility
The implementation of the policy will occur through the development process
of the EMM for which the City Development Department will be responsible.
8.3.
POLICY ON INTEGRATING NATURAL OPEN SPACE INTO THE URBAN
CONTEXT
8.3.1
Need and purpose of the policy
The need and purpose of this policy is to:
(a) Classify and categorise the open space network in Ekurhuleni based on
the scientific classification of all open space in Ekurhuleni, as indicated in
this report;
(b) formalise and establish a sustainable and functional primary open space
network in Ekurhuleni that comprise of Metropolitan and Local Open
Space Nodes that are linked by Open Space Corridors as indicated in the
maps under section 7.3 of this report;
(c) spatially integrate the primary open space network into the urban context
and fabric of Ekurhuleni to meet the physical, social, economic and
institutional needs of the residents of Ekurhuleni;
(d) link the primary open space system with the open space networks of
abutting municipalities as well as with the secondary open space system
of Ekurhuleni (neighbourhood parks, servitudes, hard urban open spaces)
to create a continuous open space network of an appropriate scale;
(e) ensure equitable and convenient access to environmental resources that
forms part of the primary open space network in Ekurhuleni, to meet basic
needs of the residents of Ekurhuleni; and
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(f) encourage residents of Ekurhuleni to utilise the open space network for
their physical, social, economic and institutional needs.
8.3.2
Priority Issues
The following priority issues were identified:
(a) Open spaces performs vital ecological processes and sensitive
environmental areas such as wetlands, streams/rivers, pans and ridges
are threatened by development.
These need to be protected and
incorporated into an urban context or fabric by making it part of the urban
fabric;
(b) humans have a need for open space to meet their physical, social,
economic and institutional needs and therefore access to the open space
system is important; and
(c)
once the open space system has been established the care and
maintenance of open space is just as important to ensure the functioning
thereof for ecological, as well as human needs.
8.3.3
The policy
The policy is constituted by the following principles:
(a) Protection of Open Space:
•
The primary open space network, as identified and classified in this
report represents the minimum open space areas that needs to be
retained from a biodiversity perspective;
•
the primary open space system must be included in the Ekurhuleni
Spatial Development Framework as well as the detailed Local Spatial
Development Frameworks;
•
the primary open space network can in certain areas provide a natural
barrier to contain urban development and can be used as a planning
tool in determining the Urban Edge;
•
these areas must be protected from development, provided that only
certain limited land uses, subject to environmental authorisation, may
be allowed within the primary open space network. These land uses
may include existing agricultural uses, conservation areas, tourism
and related recreational facilities, environmental training centres,
kiosks, etc;
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•
no development may take place below the 1:100 floodline and such
areas must be incorporated into developments as parks or open
space;
•
the impact of run-off water, including stormwater from any residential,
recreational, commercial or industrial use areas into the primary open
space network must be carefully considered or addressed with all
storm water management plans;
•
the development on ridges must be restricted and must be in
accordance with the Gauteng Hills and Ridges Policy;
•
applications for land development must be evaluated against this
policy and in areas where a local spatial development framework is in
conflict with EBOSS. A review of the LSDF must be initiated.
•
zoning and current land use around open space should be assessed
and associated threats to the integrity of the open space system
should be identified and addressed;
•
presence of current and historic pollution sources on and adjacent to
open space should be assessed (overview) and a management plan
developed on suitable mitigation steps as a follow on to EBOSS. The
following should be included in the assessment:
o
old industrial land;
o
mining land;
o
chemical storage areas;
o
fuel storage areas including re-fuelling facilities and service
stations;
•
o
landfill sites; and
o
other potential sources of air, water and soil pollution.
opportunities for open spaces to mitigate visual or air pollution from
adjacent land uses should be investigated as a next step to EBOSS,
including but not limited to:
o
The planting of screening vegetation within open spaces at
problematic areas to reduce visual pollution caused by adjacent
land uses;
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o
The planting of screening vegetation within open spaces at
problematic areas to trap dust or other air pollutants from adjacent
land uses;
o
the establishment of Stormwater Best Management Practices
(BMP’s) within open spaces to retain and purify stormwater from
adjacent areas, and to enhance groundwater recharge;
o
the rehabilitation and even the establishment of new wetlands
within open spaces to treat polluted water from adjacent land
uses;
o
the establishment of tree stands within non natural open spaces to
act as carbon sinks; and
o
long term open space planning strategy and decisions should
enable early preparation for climate change/global warming,
including the likely occurrence of extreme flooding and potential
future increased stormwater management needs.
(b) meeting human needs for open space:
Open spaces not only have an ecological function, but also fulfill in a
variety of socio-economic community needs. The needs for different user
groups are diverse and dynamic and need to be accommodated in the
urban context. These needs must be addressed with the compilation of
spatial development frameworks and it is proposed that as a basic
minimum for these plans to be compiled with the “standards” as provided
for in the Guidelines for Human Settlement and Design” (“Red Book”) be
consulted.
In order to meet the open space needs of the residents of Ekurhuleni the
primary and secondary open space networks must be accessible to the
residents on a macro and micro scale (obtaining access to the open space
network from a transportation point of view, as well as access control into
the open space network). In certain instances unrestricted access would
be preferred and in other instances restricted or controlled access would
be required.
An access management policy to the open space network must be
compiled to address the issue of access to the open space network.
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(c) maintenance of the Open Space System
The open space network is widely subject to illegal dumping, illegal
reclamation of wetlands, poor maintenance and vandalism. These
problems should be addressed in the following ways:
•
Regular inspections of properties that are situated within, and
abutting, the open space network by municipal inspectors;
•
specific focus should be placed on illegal dumping in the wetland
areas and a combined action between provincial and EMM officials
is necessary;
•
in a large number of instances municipal owned land are poorly
maintained and neglected. Some of these land parcels can be
maintained by the abutting property owner and allowance should
be made for the “lease” of such land parcels to the abutting
property owners where appropriate and legally acceptable to the
EMM’; and
•
private land owner should be held responsible for illegal activites
that occur on their land.
8.3.4
Current legal and policy mechanisms that is available to assist the
implementation of the policy
The following legal and policy mechanisms are currently available to assist
the policy:
(a) National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) as well
as the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2006;
(b) National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998);
(c) Development, Facilitation Act, 1995 (Act 67 of 1995);
(d) Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000);
(e) Subdivision of Agricultural Land Act, 1970 (Act 70 of 1970);
(f) Guidelines for Human Settlement Planning and Design (“Red Book”);
(g) Gauteng Ridges Policy;
(h) Town Planning and Township Ordinance, 1986 (Ordinance 15 of 1986);
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(i) existing Spatial Development Frameworks, namely Metropolitan, Regional
and Local Spatial Development Frameworks; and
(j) Ekurhuleni Environmental Management Framework, 2008.
8.3.5
Current projects, programmes and initiatives
(a) Revision of MSDF
(b) drafting of approximately 14 LSDF’s per annum for the next four years;
and
(c) maintenance of open spaces.
8.3.6
Policy implementation mechanism and responsibility
The policy will be implemented through various mechanisms and will be the
responsibility of various institutions and municipal departments, as indicated
in the table below.
Table 8-2: Integrating natural open space into the urban context – mechanisms and
responsibility
Activity
Classification of
Open Space
Formalise Primary
Open Space
Network
Spatially Integrate
the Open Space
Network into the
Urban Context
Ensure access to
the open space
system
Mechanism
EBOSS
Responsibility
ED Environmental Development
ED City Development
EBOSS
ED Environmental Development
ED City Development
MSDF
LSDF’s
MSDF
LSDF’s
Comments/objections on
Development applications inside
and abutting the Primary Open
Space Network.
ED City Development
ED Environmental Development
Taking informed decisions that
support the integration of open
space into the urban context.
ED City Development
Draft a policy on access
management to the open space
system to address matters such
unhindered access, limited access
and no access. The payment of
fees in certain instances must also
be addressed.
ED Environmental Development
ED City Development
ED City Parks and Cemeteries
Director Legal and Administrative
Services
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Protection of
sensitive natural
open spaces
Maintenance of
open space
No development, or restricted
development, subject to
environmental authorisation, to be
allowed within the primary open
space system.
ED Environmental Development
The primary open space system
must be protected in the MSDF,
and LSDF’s.
ED City Development
Where critical and necessary
conflicts with the relevant town
planning scheme and/or land use
management system must be
identified and with the consent of
the land owner, the land must be
rezoned to an appropriate zoning.
ED City Development in
concurrence with ED
Environmental Development
Cutting of grass.
Burning programmes for natural
vegetation.
Fencing of certain open spaces.
ED City Parks and Cemeteries
ED City Parks and Cemeteries
Draft a policy to in certain
instances, and subject to certain
conditions, “lease” publicly
owned open space to abutting
property owners to maintain such
open space on behalf of the
municipality.
8.3.7
ED City Parks and Cemeteries
ED Infrastructure Services
ED Legal and Administrative
Services in concurrence with ED
Environmental Development and
ED City Development
Primary actions that must be taken
(a) The primary open space network must be formalised by approving the
EBOSS;
(b) the primary open space network must be incorporated into the revisions of
the MSDF and LSDF’s and must form the corner stone of open space
provision in Ekurhuleni;
(c) conflicts between the EBOSS and existing Spatial Development
Frameworks must be identified and the relevant Spatial Development
Frameworks must be updated/revised accordingly; and
(d) the Local Spatial Development Frameworks that must be compiled for the
entire Ekurhuleni municipal area must create functional links between the
primary and secondary open spaces.
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8.4
POLICY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF LAND SURROUNDING THE OPEN
SPACE SYSTEM
8.4.1
Need and purpose
The need and purpose of this policy is to:
(a) Ensure the sustainable and economic development of land surrounding
the open space system, without compromising the integrity of the open
space system;
(b) prevent the fragmentation of natural habitats which can lead to the
isolation of species. The development of land surrounding the primary
open space network must ensure continuity of the open space system
network; and
(c) ensure access to the open space system for the residents of Ekurhuleni.
8.4.2
Priority issues
The following priority issues were identified:
(a) Protection of the integrity of the primary open space network;
(b) prevent pollution of the primary open space network;
(c) ensure the continuity of the open space network; and
(d) provide access to the open space network.
8.4.3
The policy
The policy is constituted by the following principles:
(a) Ecosystems are impacted on by its surroundings and the use of land
surrounding the open space network will impact on the functioning of the
open space network. In order to limit or restrict the impact of land use and
infrastructure development on the functioning of the open space network
the following must be considered when decisions regarding the
development of land that surrounds the primary open space network are
taken:
•
A risk averse and cautious approach to development and land uses
on land surrounding the open space network must be followed;
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•
the socio-economic and development impact of activities, including
disadvantages and benefits, of land uses on the surrounding the open
space network must be considered, assessed and evaluated;
•
development of land surrounding the open space network must not
result in the disturbance of the ecosystem and loss of biological
diversity;
•
the disturbance of the landscape or sites surrounding the primary
open space network should be considered carefully;
•
the creation of appropriate additional buffer zones should be required
where necessary to protect biodiversity and hydrological functioning;
•
appropriate buffer zones to protect the integrity of the open space
system must be established and implemented where necessary;
•
the discharge of water, including stormwater from any residential
recreational, commercial or industrial development into or onto the
primary open space network should be planned properly and be
constructed with the consent of the Department of Water Affairs and
Forestry as well as the provincial conservation authority;
•
degraded derelict land surrounding the primary open space network
which cannot be developed for other purposes, especially derelict
shallowly undermined mining land, should be rehabilitated where
possible and feasible, or be used for recreational purposes that
require large portions of land such as golf courses, 4 X 4 tracks,
paintball, etc;
•
where appropriate and where it will not have a direct impact on
biodiversity, land surrounding the primary open space network or
even current agriculture within the open space network can be used
for (urban) agricultural purposes, but impacts from the discharge of
fertilisers, extraction of water and types of crops should be assessed
and monitored on a periodic basis;
•
outside the Urban Edge land uses of a rural nature, such as extensive
agriculture, conservation and nature areas, tourism and related
recreational facilities can be considered subject to the granting of
environmental authorisation; and
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•
inside the urban edge any land use may be considered on land
abutting the primary open space network provided that the land use
does not result in the degradation of the primary open space network.
(b) Land uses and land users on land that surrounds the primary open space
network must not impact negatively on the primary open space network,
including:
•
Land uses around the primary open space network should reflect the
conservation component as an integral part of the land use mix of the
area;
•
land surrounding the primary open space system should be regularly
inspected to identify uses or activities that may compromise the
integrity of the primary open space network;
•
settlement design and township lay-out on land surrounding the
primary open space network should not result in the fragmentation of
the open space network and adequate links from the abutting land
must be provided to the network; and
•
settlement design and township lay-out should be sensitive to the
surrounding primary open space network and encourage the use of
the open space network, by ensuring safe and convenient access to
the network.
8.4.4
Current legal and policy mechanism
(a) National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) as well
as the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2006;
(b) National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998);
(c) Development Facilitation Act, 1995 (Act 67 of 1995);
(d) Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000);
(e) Subdivision of Agricultural Land Act, 1970 (Act 70 of 1970);
(f) Guidelines for Human Settlement Planning and Design (“Red Book”);
(g) Gauteng Ridges Policy;
(h) Town Planning and Township Ordinance, 1986 (Ordinance 15 of 1986);
(i) existing Spatial Development Frameworks, namely Metropolitan, Regional
and Local Spatial Development Frameworks;
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(j) Ekurhuleni Environmental Management Framework, 2008; and
(k) the legislation that will result out of the current Draft Planning Bill.
8.4.5
Current programmes, projects and initiatives
(a) The revision of the MSDF; and
(b) the formulation of approximately 14 LSDFs per annum over 4 years.
8.4.6
Policy implementation mechanism and responsibility
The policy will be implemented through various mechanisms and will be the
responsibility of various institutions and municipal departments, as indicated
in the table below.
Table 8-3: Development of land surrounding the
and responsibility
Activity
Mechanism
Classification of
EBOSS
Open Space
Formalise Primary
EBOSS
Open Space
MSDF
Network
LSDF’s
Protect the integrity
MSDF
of the primary open
LSDF’s
space network
Comments/objections on
through spatial
development applications on
planning
land abutting the primary
open space network should
protect the integrity of the
primary open space network.
Taking informed decisions
that protect the integrity of
the primary open space
network.
Consider the possible
impacts, such as
stormwater discharge,
discharge of possible
pollutants, etc. on the
primary open space network
when decisions regarding
land development on land
abutting the primary open
space network are taken.
Implement
Refer to the implementation
appropriate buffer
of buffer zones in
zones to protect the
metropolitan and regional
integrity of the
spatial development
primary open space
frameworks and map where
network
possible relevant buffer
zones in local spatial
development.
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open space system – mechanisms
Responsibility
ED Environmental Development
ED Environmental Development
ED City Development
ED City Development
ED Environmental Development
ED City Development
ED Environmental Development
Department
ED City Development
ED City Development
179
Prevent the
fragmentation of the
primary open space
network
Ensure access for
the public to the
primary open space
network.
Draft a policy on buffer
zones to standardise (as far
as possible) the width and
extent of the buffer zones to
be applied to land
development on land
abutting the primary open
space network.
Where land development on
land abutting the primary
open space network requires
infrastructure upgrades,
such as proposed PWV and
K-routes, the impact of the
infrastructure upgrades
should not result in the
fragmentation of the primary
open space network. Where
possible routes for
infrastructure development
should be reconsidered and
re-aligned.
Fragmentation of the primary
open space network must be
prevented through the
implementation of the MSDF
and LSDF’s.
The MSDF should include a
policy statement to ensure
access for the public to the
primary open space network
and the more detailed
LSDF’s should, as far as
possible, indicate access
points to the primary open
space network.
In instances where LSDF’s
have not been adopted and
access points to the primary
open space network not
been identified, this issue
should be addressed when
considering applications for
land development on land
abutting the primary open
space network and access
should be ensured.
ED Environmental Development
ED City Development
ED Infrastructure Services in
concurrence with ED Environmental
Development and
ED City Development
ED City Development
ED City Development
ED City Development
ED Environmental Development
The establishment of a conservation unit within the Parks Division to facilitate
the management and inspection of natural areas in the EMM should be
seriously considered.
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8.4.7
Primary actions that must be taken
(a) The primary open space network must be formalised by approving the
EBOSS;
(b) the primary open space network must be incorporated into the revisions of
the MSDF and LSDF’s and must form the corner stone of open space
provision in Ekurhuleni;
(c) instances where development proposals in existing Spatial Development
Frameworks for land abutting the primary open space network may
threaten the integrity of the primary open space network, or may result in
the fragmentation of the primary open space network, must be identified
and
the
relevant
Spatial
Development
Frameworks
must
be
updated/revised; and
(d) the Local Spatial Development Frameworks that must be compiled for the
entire Ekurhuleni municipal area must:
8.5
•
Protect the integrity of the primary open space network;
•
prevent the fragmentation of the primary open space network; and
•
ensure access to the primary open space network.
POLICY ON EXISTING AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES IN THE OPEN
SPACE SYSTEM
8.5.1
Need and purpose of policy
In a number of instances extensive- and urban agricultural practices occur
within the primary open space network and on land surrounding the primary
open space network. Urban agricultural practices within the primary open
space network are mostly present within the low lying areas such as wetlands
and adjacent to streams/rivers. These agricultural practices may impact on
the integrity of the primary open space network. The purpose of this policy is
to ensure the sustainable and economic utilisation of agricultural land in and
surrounding the primary open space network, without compromising the
integrity of the open space system.
8.5.2
Priority issues
The following priority issues were identified:
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(a) The protection of the integrity of the primary open space system;
(b) the education and training of farmers and residents on the possible
impacts of agricultural practices in and around the primary open space
system; and
(c) suitable publicly owned land should be made available for urban
agricultural purposes that should focus on vulnerable groups.
8.5.3
The policy
Agricultural practices within, and surrounding the primary open space network
should conform to the following principles:
(a) Be conducted in such a manner as to not result in pollution or degradation
of the primary open space network;
(b) ensure equitable but appropriate access to small scale farmers on publicly
owned land, such as parks and open space areas that are situated within
flood line areas close to surrounding settlements;
(c) be environmentally sensitive and sustainable and not result in erosion or
pollution of the primary open space network;
(d) be conducted in such a manner that will not alter the bed, banks or
characteristics of a water course;
(e) be considered as a land use option on land surrounding the primary open
space system in new housing projects for poor communities;
(f) in the urban context focus on vulnerable groups such as woman, persons
with disabilities and the elderly should be given preference in accessing
support and other services;
(g) environmental training and dissemination of information on improved
agricultural practices that is sensitive to the environment should be made
available to small scale farmers as specific follow-on project to EBOSS;
(h) not be allowed to extend within conservation areas; and
(i) not result in the fragmentation of the primary open space network and
limit access to the primary open space network.
8.5.4
Current legal and policy mechanism
The following legal and policy mechanisms are available to develop and
manage agricultural use within the primary open space network:
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(a) National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) as well
as Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2006;
(b) Subdivision of Agricultural Land Act, 1970 (Act 70 of 1970);
(c) National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998);
(d) Development Facilitation Act, 1995 (Act 67 of 1995);
(e) Guidelines for Human Settlement Planning and Design;
(f) Gauteng Agricultural Development Strategy/Policy, 2005;
(g) Town Planning and Township Ordinance, 1985 (Ordinance 15 of 1986);
(h) Ekurhuleni Spatial Development Framework;
(i) Regional and Local Spatial Development Frameworks;
(j) Ekurhuleni Environmental Management Framework, 2008;
(k) Provincial Urban Edge Policy; and
(l) the legislation that will result out of the current Draft Planning Bill.
8.5.5
Current programmes, projects and initiatives
(a) The revision of the MSDF; and
(b) the formulation of approximately 14 LSDFs per annum over 4 years.
8.5.6
Policy implementation mechanism and responsibility
The policy will be implemented through various mechanisms and will be the
responsibility of various institutions and municipal departments, as indicated
in the table below.
Table 8-4: Existing agricultural practices in the open space system – mechanisms and
responsibility
Activity
Mechanism
Responsibility
Classification of
EBOSS
ED Environmental Development
Open Space
Formalise Primary EBOSS
ED Environmental Development
Open Space
ED City Development
MSDF
Network
Identify
environmentally
suitable land to be
set aside in the
LSDF’s
EBOSS
ED Environmental Services
ED City Development
ED Economic Development
MSDF
LSDF’s
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LSDF’s for
sustainable Urban
Agricultural
Purposes
Prevent pollution
and degradation of
the primary open
space network
Prevent the
fragmentation of
the primary open
space network and
ensure access to
the primary open
space network
8.5.7
Implement an education and
training programme for farmers
and small scale farmers on the
agricultural practices and the
impact thereof on the primary
open space network.
Spatial planning (implemented in
terms of the MSDF and LSDF’s)
should prevent the fragmentation
and of the primary open space
network must also ensure
adequate access to the primary
open space network.
ED Environmental Services
ED Economic Development
Housing
ED City Development
Primary actions that must be taken
(a) The primary open space network must be formalised by approving the
EBOSS;
(b) the primary open space network must be incorporated into the revisions of
the MSDF and must form the corner stone of open space provision in
Ekurhuleni;
(c) the Local Spatial Development Frameworks that must be compiled for the
entire Ekurhuleni municipal area must:
•
Set aside suitable land for extensive and urban agriculture within, and
surrounding, the primary open space network, without compromising
the integrity of the primary open space network;
8.6
•
prevent the fragmentation of the primary open space network; and
•
ensure access to the primary open space network.
POLICY FOR DETAIL EVALUATION OF NATURAL OPEN SPACE IN A
LOCAL CONTEXT
8.6.1
Need and purpose of policy
The need and purpose of this policy is to provide a guideline for the
identification of natural open space that is situated outside the primary open
space network for inclusion in the secondary open space network.
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8.6.2
Priority issues
The following priority issues were identified:
(a) Transformation and fragmentation of natural habitats as a result of
settlement development;
(b) filling of pans and wetlands and surface water bodies resulted in damage
to the hydrological system;
(c) fences and walls prevent natural migration of certain species.
8.6.3
The policy
The policy is constituted by the following principles:
(a) Inclusion of “other” natural open spaces (land not zoned as “Public Open
Space or indicated as “Parks”) into the secondary open space network:
•
All areas with an EBOSS open space classification of “1” as indicated
on Map 7.2 and higher shall be included in the secondary open space
network and form a non-negotiable component of the Metropolitan
open space network;
•
areas with an EBOSS open space classification of “0” should be
considered as first option for inclusion into the secondary open space
network in areas where there is an undersupply of open space as
determined in the “Human Settlement Planning and Design”; and
•
areas with an EBOSS open space classification of “-1” as indicated on
Map 7.2 that is situated inside the Urban Edge may be developed for
non-open space uses in accordance with an approved spatial
development framework.
(b) connectivity and continuity of natural open space system:
•
Natural open spaces that does not form part of the primary open
space network, but which forms a link between other natural open
spaces should be maintained as part of the open space network to
ensure connectivity and continuity of the open space system;
•
opportunities to conserve the habitat of priority species within the open
space system should be optimised;
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•
the open space network should be strengthened to link with existing
habitat patches or habitat corridors, including the maximisation of
linkages with:
o
Gardens in residential or commercial areas;
o
ridges and systems;
o
river/riparian corridors;
o
hedgerows and corridors along agricultural fields (where open
space occurs at or beyond the urban edge); and
o
•
road and railway verges;
LSDF’s should address the natural migration of species and make
proposals on how to ensure that migration routes are protected; and
(c) as part of the drafting of a LSDF for a specific area those pans, wetlands
and other local water bodies that are threatened by filling and pollution,
should be identified and proposals be made on how to rehabilitate the
relevant pan, wetland or water body. Where applicable, offenders should
be prosecuted and the relevant pan, wetland or water body should be
rehabilitated at the cost of the offender.
8.6.4
Current legal and policy mechanisms
The following legal and policy mechanisms are inter alia available to develop
and manage agricultural use within the primary open space network:
(a) NEMA (Act 107 of 1998) and the EIA Regulations (Regulations 385, 386
and 387 of 21 April 2006);
(b) National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998);
(c) Development Facilitation Act, 1995 (Act 67 of 1995);
(d) Guidelines for Human Settlement Planning and Design;
(e) Town Planning and Township Ordinance, 1985 (Ordinance 15 of 1986);
(f) existing Town Planning Schemes, Land Use Regulations and Title
Conditions;
(g) Ekurhuleni Spatial Development Framework;
(h) Regional and Local Spatial Development Frameworks;
(i) Ekurhuleni Environmental Management Framework; and
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186
(j) The Provincial Urban Edge Policy.
8.6.5
Current programmes, projects and initiatives
(a) Revision of MSDF; and
(b) formulation of approximately 14 LSDF’s per annum for the next four (4)
years to cover the entire municipal area.
8.6.6
Policy Implementation mechanism and responsibility
The policy will be implemented through various mechanisms and will be the
responsibility of various institutions and municipal departments, as indicated
in the table below.
Table 8-5: Policy for detail evaluation of natural open space in a local context
(LSDF’S) – mechanisms and responsibilities
Activity
Mechanism
Responsibility
Revise existing LSDF’s
LSDF’s
ED City Development
and/or adopt new LSDF’s
ED Environmental Development
for areas where LSDF’s do
not exist to identify natural
open space for inclusion in
the secondary open space
network
Make available the data
LSDF’s
ED Environmental Development
set “Open Space
Classification” from
EBOSS as baseline
information to the ED City
Development for inclusion
in the LSDF’s
8.6.7
Primary actions that must be taken
The “Open Space Classification” data set must be made available in GIS
format to the ED City Development to provide the relevant information to
authors of new or revised LSDF’s.
8.7
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR EKURHULENI PARKS DIVISION AND
SPORTS, RECREATION, ARTS AND CULTURE
8.7.1 Landscaping principles to enhance biodiversity
The following principles should be applied:
(a) Use only indigenous plants common to the highveld region;
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187
(b) use indigenous blue grass (cynodon dactylon) for parks and grassed
areas as it is not invasive, uses significantly less water and requires much
less maintenance;
(c) create buffers to protect natural areas against unnecessary edge effects;
(d) create a variety of types of open space;
(e) establish clear functions for open space; and
(f) promote project initiatives.
8.7.2 Selection of indigenous plants
A list of suitable indigenous plants for use in Ekurhuleni is included in
Appendix A.
8.7.3 Types of open space
The following types of open space should be catered for:
(a) Urban parks for recreation activities spread evenly according to town
planning standards throughout urban areas;
(b) open space that accommodate high intensity outdoor activities such as
4x4 tracks on derelict land with low ecological value;
(c) natural open space areas that cater for low intensity activities such as bird
watching, hiking and cycling in natural environments;
(d) conservation areas that protect areas of high biodiversity value where the
use is determined exclusively by the ability of such areas to absorb
activities without negative impacts occurring on its biodiversity; and
(e) private natural open space where natural open space, including rivers and
wetland areas are incorporated into private development as conservation
features.
8.7.4
Environmental objectives of open space
The creation management and maintenance of open space should contribute
to the following goals:
(a) Decrease water requirements of the EMM;
(b) increase the potential of the environment to absorb pollutants (including
carbon);
(c) improve city wide drainage;
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(d) improve the aesthetical character of the EMM;
(e) act as indicators of environmental health;
(f) reduce urban heat island effects;
(g) decrease costs (including mowing of lawns and grass cutting);
(h) increase urban wildlife habitat;
(i) increase community space; and
(j) connect the urban environment to nature.
8.7.5
Types of projects that can be considered
The following types of projects can be considered:
(a) Open space projects that are linked to urban development projects (part
of development conditions for private and public projects);
(b) public/private greening initiatives (the Soweto greening project is a good
example);
(c) the establishment of land and conservation trusts (encourage business
and private individuals);
(d) volunteer/NGO/community
conservation
or
greening
projects
(conservancies etc.);
(e) education and promotion programmes; and
(f) urban agriculture projects that could include the establishment of
community gardens, support programmes, community local food security
organisations and training/mentoring to learn food gardening skills.
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9.
EKURHULENI’S PARTICIPATION IN THE LAB PROJECT
9.1
INTRODUCTION
The Local Action for Biodiversity (LAB) Project is a 3 year project which was
initiated by the City of Cape Town, supported by the eThekwini Municipality
(Durban), and developed in conjunction with ICLEI – Local Governments for
Sustainability and partners.
ICLEI is an international association of local
governments and national and regional local government organisations that
have made a commitment to sustainable development.
LAB is a project
within
to
ICLEI’s
biodiversity
programme,
which
aims
assist
local
governments in their efforts to conserve and sustainably manage biodiversity.
Local Action for Biodiversity involves a select number of cities worldwide and
focuses on exploring the best ways for local governments to engage in urban
biodiversity conservation, enhancement, utilisation and management. The
Project aims to facilitate understanding, communication and support among
decision-makers, citizens and other stakeholders regarding urban biodiversity
issues and the need for local action. It emphasises integration of biodiversity
considerations into planning and decision-making processes. Some of the
specific goals of the Project include demonstrating best practice urban
biodiversity management; provision of documentation and development of
biodiversity management and implementation tools; sourcing funding national
and international agencies for biodiversity-related development projects; and
increasing global awareness of the importance of biodiversity at the local
level.
The Local Action for Biodiversity Project is hosted within the ICLEI Africa
Secretariat at the City of Cape Town, South Africa and partners with ICLEI,
IUCN, Countdown 2010, the South African National Biodiversity Institute
(SANBI),
and
RomaNatura.
For
more
information,
please
visit:
www.iclei.org/lab
The LAB Project provides a wide range of potential benefits in governance,
ecological sustainability and resilience, international profile, economic
development, partnership, funding, capacity and skills development as well as
social benefits to participating cities.
As a participant in the project Ekurhuleni has to meet the programme
requirements as described in “key elements of LAB” under paragraph 9.2
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190
below. The EBOSS will incorporate and be structured to provide steps 1, 2
and 3 of the LAB five-step approach.
9.2
KEY ELEMENTS OF LAB
The external ICLEI LAB project structure consists of six key elements that run
over a 3 year period (2006 – 2009). These are:
•
LAB five-step approach and LAB recognition programme;
•
LAB manager;
•
LAB formal partners;
•
administrative and institutional management of LAB;
•
breakdown of proposed three-year business plan; and
•
key deliverables and external project review.
(a)
Key principles
LAB uses a milestone-based planning and implementation approach. The
“five-step” approach should take place within a framework of key principles
that include:
•
Consultation and participation:
This is an agreement between the participating city and LAB that the process
will be carried out in an open, consultative and participatory manner. This will
include the inclusion of NGO’s, community based organisation and other
relevant stakeholder. There must also be mechanisms that will support broad
participation and a wide range of local partnerships (organisations,
government departments, academic institutes).
•
Implementation:
The city will commit to ongoing annual implementation of the 10 year
Biodiversity Action Plan and Framework which will evolve from the LAB
Project through the preparation and implementation of the annual business
plan, annual budgeting, fund sourcing, reporting and review beyond the 3
year term.
•
Integration:
The city must commit to promoting integration of biodiversity issues
throughout the line functions of the organisation. The city will ensure that
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191
biodiversity action plans and programmes are integrated into the broader city
planning initiatives.
(b)
The LAB five-step approach
STEP 1: Inventory and Assessment
•
Outputs:
The city biodiversity report must be presented at an international workshop of
participating cities. It must include a status quo assessment of the biodiversity
of the city. The assessment must address the specified categories as
indicated below:
o
Ecology:
-
A description of the city’s biodiversity with special reference
to global, national and local relevance;
-
the context of the city’s biodiversity approach within
national and global biodiversity goals;
-
the environmental goods and services that are supplied by
biodiversity in the city;
-
the economic value of these goods according to studies
that has been undertaken;
-
the extent and nature of ecological transformation in both
historical and current contexts;
-
current biodiversity goals; and
-
the main obstacles, constraints and problems that were
experienced in meeting biodiversity goals.
o
Governance:
-
The recognition of biodiversity management as a city
function and its current priority in the city;
-
the recognition of biodiversity resources in the planning
instruments of the city;
-
a description of biodiversity driven projects that are
currently underway and the methodology used in these
programmes;
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-
a description of the approach followed in terms of the
relationship between the ecology and people;
-
the departments that are involved in driving the biodiversity
agenda;
-
the capacity and resources of the city that are devoted to
the biodiversity agenda; and
-
the existence of a stewardship programme and its level of
success to date.
o
Integration
-
The integration of the biodiversity agenda across city
functions/departments;
-
the city’s partners in implementation; and
-
participation and hosting of international projects on
biodiversity.
o
Public Participation and Awareness
-
The awareness of citizens of biodiversity in and around the
area;
-
biodiversity education programmes that are in place;
-
the extent to which citizens participate in biodiversity and
environmental decision-making; and
-
the extent to which citizens have equitable access to safe
and
diverse
opportunities
to
enjoy
urban
nature
(biodiversity).
o
Lessons Learned
-
Successful implementation of approaches, plans and
programmes;
-
failures and obstacles that has been encountered; and
-
the experience of the city (stories to share).
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STEP 2: Declaration and Commitment to Biodiversity
•
Output:
Formal city commitment to biodiversity and international profile for the
participating cities through the communication of their commitment to
biodiversity. The mayor of the city must sign the LAB declaration.
STEP 3: Draft City 10 year Biodiversity Action Plan
•
Output:
The Local Biodiversity Action Plan and Framework must be presented for
review at an international workshop of participating cities. It must include the
aspects below:
•
Planning:
The plan must detail the biodiversity goals and targets and indicate the
approaches that will be implemented as well as how it is going to be done. It
must also describe the integration into existing policy making and planning,
especially the link to urban development planning.
•
Implementation:
In order to ensure successful implementation a detailed business plan that
stipulate funding, specific programmes and actions must be provided.
•
Monitoring and Review:
Define the monitoring of biodiversity in terms of actions, plans and
programmes as well as reporting on the successes and failures in a way that
measures effectiveness.
•
Revision:
Define the periodic revision and re-structuring of the biodiversity programme
in order to incorporate the findings of the monitoring.
STEP 4: Formal endorsement/ approval/ commitment by authorities to
the City Biodiversity 10-year Action Plan and Framework
•
Output:
Ekurhuleni must formally endorse, approve and commit to the city biodiversity
10-year action plan and framework. The plan and framework will be submitted
to the Council for its approval.
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STEP 5: (a) Local implementation: Five on the ground biodiversity
demonstration projects
•
Output:
Five new successful and tangible biodiversity demonstration interventions or
activities must be adopted by Ekurhuleni that leads directly to five new areas
being managed for biodiversity. These may include:
o
Declaration of a new local authority nature reserve;
o
rehabilitation of a degraded area;
o
management of a green open space for biodiversity in conjunction
with other social goods;
o
alien invasive species clearing;
o
providing support for private landowners to manage private land
for biodiversity; and
o
many other types of interventions.
STEP 5: (b) Ongoing implementation of the 10 year Biodiversity Action
Plan and Framework
•
Output:
Ekurhuleni must provide annual reports and recommendations of the
continuation of the process including:
o
Annual implementation budgets;
o
priority objectives for the calendar year;
o
monitoring of programmes and actions;
o
review of programmes and actions; and
o
responsible persons/departments.
On successful completion of the five step approach (to the satisfaction of the
LAB Manager and LAB Management Committee), each city will be
recognised with a Natural City endorsement, recognised by IUCN Countdown
2010.
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195
9.3
BIODIVERSITY PROJECTS
Six biodiversity projects have been identified after assessment of the results
of the EBOSS project. These projects are regarded as catalyst projects that
should illustrate and test a variety of types of projects that can the
implemented in the EMM.
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196
9.3.1
LAB Project 1: Rietspruit Grassland and Wetland Conservation and
Recreation Project
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197
(a)
Description
The project will incorporate a significant area of grassland and wetland areas
with the existing Suikerbosrand Nature reserve. The project covers an area
of approximately 5657 ha of which approximately 4500 ha is in a good natural
state.
(b)
Functional
The following functions are proposed for the area:
(c)
•
Natural open space conservation (79.68%);
•
natural open space rehabilitation (0,62%);
•
high intensity recreation (1.61%);
•
sports facilities and low intensity recreation (0.16%); and
•
the continuation of existing agriculture (17.94%).
Ownership
The ownership of the areas is divided into the following categories:
(d)
•
Privately owned (83.15%);
•
publicly owned (13.16%); and
•
undetermined (3.69%).
Type of project
This is a new project with the primary aim to conserve a significant natural
area while providing limited recreation and sports facilities for the
communities in the broader region. It is also linked to the following initiatives:
•
Earmarking the area as a Major Open Space Node in EBOSS; and
•
incorporation of the areas with the Gauteng Provincial Urban Biosphere
Project.
(e)
Unique aspect
The area contains a unique combination of the endangered Tshakane Clay
Grassland vegetation type and associated wetland and hydrological systems
in a largely rural setting in close proximity to a major provincial nature
reserve.
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(f)
Challenges
Most of the land is privately owned and the biggest challenge is to develop an
appropriate public/private conservation partnership model.
Potential water
pollution from slimes dams in the vicinity of the area may also present
significant long-term management challenges.
(g)
Influence of LAB
The LAB contributed to focusing the project on the biodiversity aspect within a
larger open space strategy and also contributed to give the project a level of
urgency and status within the EMM.
(h)
Sustainability and benefits
The project will contribute to sustainable development by conserving a
significant remaining portion of an endangered vegetation type.
It will
contribute to and extend an existing conservation area thereby not only
enlarging the area but also significantly increasing the diversity of the
conserved unit.
(i)
Financial
The financial implication of the project will depend on the implementation
model that is developed by the EMM.
(j)
Partnerships
The success of the project will depend on partnerships between the following
parties:
(k)
•
The EMM;
•
the GDACE;
•
the Sedibeng District Municipality; and
•
private and public landowners.
Implementation time line and quantifiable results
The project will be implemented over a 7 year period with the following time
line:
•
Incorporation of the project into the relevant LSDF’s by the end of 2009;
•
negotiated agreements and preferably stewardship agreements by the
end of 2012;
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9.3.2
•
a registered conservancy by the end of 2013; and
•
a proclaimed protected area in terms of the protected Areas Act by 2015.
Lab Project 2: Swartspruit Grassland and Wetland Conservation and
Recreation Project
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(a)
Description
The project will incorporate a significant area of grassland and wetland areas
into a relatively large conservation area.
The project covers an area of
approximately 1362 ha of which approximately 1323 ha is in a good natural
state. Hydrological features including rivers, streams, riparian zones and
wetlands cover approximately 565 ha in the area.
(b)
Functional
The following functions are proposed for the area:
(c)
•
Natural open space conservation (97.19%);
•
natural open space rehabilitation (0.15%);
•
high intensity recreation (0.05%);
•
sports and low intensity recreation (0.19%); and
•
continuation of existing agriculture (2.42%).
Ownership
The ownership of the areas is divided into the following categories:
(d)
•
Privately owned (87.10%);
•
publicly owned (12.90%); and
•
undetermined (0.00%).
Type of project
This is a new project with the primary aim to conserve a significant natural
area while providing limited recreation and sports facilities for the
communities in the broader region. It is also linked to the following initiatives:
•
Earmarking the areas as a Major Open Space Node in EBOSS; and
•
contributing to a potential larger natural open space that could be created
by linking the area to the existing Rietvlei Nature Reserve to the north
through a corridor along the Swartspruit.
(e)
Unique aspects
The area contains a significant area of high quality grassland consisting
mostly of Carletonville Dolomite Grassland and a relatively small portion of
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201
the endangered Rand Highveld Grassland in the northern part, in a largely
rural setting.
(f)
Challenges
Most of the land is privately owned and the biggest challenge is to develop an
appropriate public/private conservation partnership model.
Potential water
pollution from the sewage works that are located in the area may also present
significant long term management challenges.
(g)
Influence of LAB
The LAB contributed to focusing the project on the biodiversity aspect within a
larger open space strategy and also contributed to give the project a level of
urgency and status within the EMM.
(h)
Sustainability and benefits
The project will contribute to sustainable development by conserving a
significant remaining portion of high quality grassland vegetation including an
endangered vegetation type. It will contribute to the regional conservation
structure that may lead to significantly enlarged conservation areas and also
significantly increasing the diversity of the conserved unit.
(i)
Financial
The financial implication of the project will depend on the implementation
model that is developed by the EMM.
(j)
Partnerships
The success of the project will depend on partnerships between the following
parties:
(k)
•
The EMM;
•
the GDACE;
•
the Tshwane and Sedibeng District Municipality; and
•
private and public landowners.
Implementation time line and quantifiable results
The project will be implemented over a 7 year period with the following time
line:
•
Incorporation of the project into the relevant LSDFs by the end of 2009;
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202
•
negotiated agreements, preferably stewardship. Agreements, by the end
of 2012;
9.3.3
•
a registered conservancy by the end of 2013; and
•
a proclaimed protected area in terms of the protected Areas Act by 2015.
LAB Project 3: Elsburgspruit Urban Conservation and Recreation
Rehabilitation Project
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(a)
Description
The project is essentially a rehabilitation project to become a central open
space within Ekurhuleni that incorporates both natural and active open space
elements within the wider urban fabric of an area that is currently being
redeveloped and upgraded. The project covers an area of approximately
889ha of which approximately 562 ha is in a good natural state. Hydrological
features including rivers, streams, riparian zones, wetlands and dams covers
approximately 512 ha (58%) in the area.
(b)
Functional
The following functions are proposed for the area:
(c)
•
Natural open space conservation (63.27%);
•
natural open space rehabilitation (19.37%);
•
high intensity recreation (13.3%);
•
sports and low intensity recreation (4.02%); and
•
continuation of existing agriculture (0.01%).
Ownership
The ownership of the areas is divided into the following categories:
(d)
•
Privately owned (82.16%);
•
publicly owned (16.78%); and
•
undetermined (1.06%).
Type of project
This is an existing project with the primary aim to restore a derelict area to a
meaningful open space area that includes natural, recreational and sports
uses within an area that is currently in the process of significant urban
renewal. It is also earmarked as a Major Open Space Node in EBOSS.
(e)
Unique aspects
The area contains a significant area of high quality grassland consisting
mostly of Soweto Highveld Grassland and a relatively small portion of the
endangered Tsakane Clay Grassland in the southern part.
The area is
surrounded with urban development and encircles a large area of mining land
including large slimes dams.
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(f)
Challenges
Most of the land is privately owned and the biggest challenge is to develop an
appropriate public/private conservation partnership model.
Potential water
pollution from the mining areas that are located in the area may also present
significant long term management challenges.
(g)
Influence of LAB
The LAB contributed to focusing the project on the biodiversity aspect and
also contributed to give the project a level of urgency and status within the
EMM.
(h)
Sustainability and benefits
The project will contribute to sustainable development by conserving a
significant remaining portion of high quality grassland vegetation including an
endangered vegetation type. It will also make a significant contribution to the
open space needs of the surrounding communities.
(i)
Financial
The financial implication of the project will depend on the implementation
model that is developed by the EMM.
(j)
Partnerships
The success of the project will depend on partnerships between the following
parties:
(k)
•
The EMM; and
•
private and public landowners.
Implementation time line and quantifiable results
The project will be implemented over a 7 year period with the following time
line:
•
Incorporation of the project into the relevant LSDFs by the end of 2009;
•
negotiated agreements, preferably stewardship. Agreements, by the end
of 2012;
•
a registered conservancy by the end of 2013; and
•
a proclaimed protected area in terms of the protected Areas Act by 2015.
Chapter 9
205
9.3.4
LAB Project 4: Glen Austin Bullfrog and Bird Sanctuary
Chapter 9
206
(a)
Description
The project is a combination of a conservation, rehabilitation and recreation
project to become a local open space within Ekurhuleni that incorporates both
natural and active open space elements within the wider urban fabric of an
area that is currently being developed for affordable housing. The project
covers an area of approximately 268 ha of which approximately 123 ha is in a
good natural state. Hydrological features including streams and two pans that
is and important habitat frog and bird covers approximately 19 ha (7%) in the
area.
(b)
Functional
The following functions are proposed for the area:
(c)
•
Natural open space conservation (46.11%); and
•
natural open space rehabilitation and recreation (53.89%).
Ownership
The ownership of the areas is divided into the following categories:
(d)
•
Privately owned (46.11%); and
•
publicly owned (53.89%).
Type of project
This is a new project with the primary aim to conserve biodiversity habitat for
frogs and birds by maintaining hydrological systems within a grassland area
by conserving high quality areas and restoring a derelict areas while also
providing in the recreation needs of the surrounding communities.
(e)
Unique aspects
The area contains a significant area of high quality grassland consisting
mostly of Egoli Granite Grassland and two pans that form a unique intact
habitat for a large number of species.
(f)
Challenges
A large portion of the land is privately owned and the biggest challenge is to
develop an appropriate public/private conservation partnership model.
Chapter 9
207
(g)
Influence of LAB
The LAB contributed to focusing the project on the biodiversity aspect and
also contributed to give the project a level of urgency and status within the
EMM.
(h)
Sustainability and benefits
The project will contribute to sustainable development by conserving a
significant remaining portion of high quality grassland vegetation including an
endangered vegetation type as well as two important wetlands. It will also
make a significant contribution to the open space needs of the surrounding
communities.
(i)
Financial
The financial implication of the project will depend on the implementation
model that is developed by the EMM.
(j)
Partnerships
The success of the project will depend on partnerships between the following
parties:
(k)
•
The EMM; and
•
private and public landowners.
Implementation time line and quantifiable results
The project will be implemented over a 5 year period with the following time
line:
•
Incorporation of the project into the relevant LSDFs by the end of 2009;
•
negotiated agreements, preferably stewardship. Agreements, by the end
of 2010; and
•
a proclaimed protected area in terms of the protected Areas Act by 2012.
Chapter 9
208
9.3.5
LAB Project 5: Leeupan Regional Park Project
(a)
Description
The project is a rehabilitation project i.e. to rehabilitate a wetland to a
functional ecosystem and the establishing of an environmental centre that
Chapter 9
209
that will provide environmental and recreation activities for the surrounding
communities while commemorating the life of OR Tambo via the creation of a
cultural heritage precinct The project covers an area of approximately 173 ha
of which approximately 154 ha is in a good natural state. The wetland area is
approximately 65 ha (37%) of the area.
(b)
Functional
The following functions are proposed for the area:
(c)
•
Natural open space conservation (89.73%);
•
natural open space rehabilitation (1.27%);
•
environmental centre, recreation and heritage (1%); and
•
continuation of existing agriculture (8%).
Ownership
The ownership of the areas is divided into the following categories:
(d)
•
Privately owned (0.15%);
•
publicly owned (99.72%); and
•
undetermined (0.13%).
Type of project
This is an existing project with the primary aim to restore a derelict area to a
meaningful open space area that includes natural, educational and cultural
historical uses within an area that is currently in the process of significant
urban renewal.
(e)
Unique aspect
The project combines the natural environment with socio cultural elements in
a creative way to benefit the local surrounding communities.
(f)
Challenges
The project will take place within a wider area where upgrading necessitates
the removal of informal settlements, which may give a negative connotation to
the project.
Chapter 9
210
(g)
Influence of LAB
The LAB contributed to focus the project on the biodiversity aspect and also
contributed to give the project a level of urgency and status within the EMM.
(h)
Sustainability and benefits
The project will contribute to sustainable development by conserving a
wetland in an urban area. It will also make a significant contribution to the
open space needs of the surrounding communities.
(i)
Financial
The financial implication of the project will depend on the implementation
model that is developed by the EMM.
(j)
Partnerships
The success of the project will depend on partnerships between the following
parties:
(k)
•
The EMM; and
•
private and public landowners.
Implementation time line and quantifiable results
The project will be implemented over a 3 period with the following time line:
•
Incorporation of the project into the relevant LSDFs by the end of 2009;
and
•
a registered conservancy by the end of 2010.
Chapter 9
211
9.3.6
LAB Project 6: Bill Steward Ridge Conservation and Recreation Project
Chapter 9
212
(a)
Description
The project area is part of the Eastern Gauteng Ridge System and is an
important greenbelt in the EMM. The initiative is driven by the Residents
Action Group (RAG) that started in 2004. The project covers an area of
approximately 86 ha of which approximately 68 ha is in a good natural state.
(b)
Functional
The following functions are proposed for the area:
(c)
•
Natural open space conservation (79.72%); and
•
natural open space with limited recreation (20.28%).
Ownership
The ownership of the areas is divided into the following categories:
(d)
•
Privately owned (2.32%); and
•
publicly owned (97.68%).
Type of project
This is an existing community project with the primary aim to maintain the
area as a natural open space.
(e)
Unique aspect
The project combines the natural environment with socio cultural elements in
a creative way to benefit the local surrounding communities.
(f)
Challenge
The safety and security of the community around the area may prove to be a
challenge over the long term.
(g)
Influence of LAB
The LAB contributed to focus the project on the biodiversity aspect and also
contributed to give the project a level of urgency and status within the EMM.
(h)
Sustainability and benefits
The project will contribute to sustainable development by conserving a
wetland in an urban area. It will also make a significant contribution to the
open space needs of the surrounding communities.
Chapter 9
213
(i)
Financial
The financial implication of the project will depend on the implementation
model that is developed as part of the project.
(j)
Partnerships
The success of the project will depend on partnerships between the following
parties:
(k)
•
The EMM; and
•
private and public landowners.
Implementation time line and quantifiable results
The project will be implemented over a 3 period with the following time line:
•
Incorporation of the project into the relevant LSDFs by the end of 2009;
and
•
9.4
a registered conservancy by the end of 2010.
AWARENESS AND SUPPORT PROJECTS
In order to raise awareness, promote private and public initiatives as well as
educate the public the following projects have been identified and are in the
process of being formulated:
•
Blesbokspruit Conservation Support Project, which entails providing
support and awareness of the current provincial project associated with
the Ramsar Site.
•
2010 Gateway
Biodiversity Awareness Projects, which entails an
awareness drive that uses the two prominent visual gateways in the EMM,
that is situated on the main route between the OR Tambo International
Airport and the main 2010 soccer venue in Gauteng, to promote
awareness of biodiversity in the EMM.
•
Meyersdal Nature Area Support Project, which entails the continued
support of a public/private initiative to conserve a significant part of a ridge
system with high quality vegetation and several Red Listed species.
Chapter 9
214
•
Midrand Estates Grassland Conservation Support Project, which entail
the support of a grassland conservation area in a private development
area.
In addition, it is planned to introduce the Geographic Information System (GIS)
version of EBOSS to geography classes of high schools in the EMM to teach children
about the biodiversity of the area as well as the use of GIS.
9.4.1
LAB Project 7: Blesbokspruit Conservation Support Project
Chapter 9
215
(a)
Type
This area consists of private and a public conservation area that is of
significant importance in the Gauteng region.
(b)
Purpose
The purpose of the project is to protect and upgrade the Blesbokspruit
Ramsar site and involve the private landowners to the north. The involvement
of the private landowners is essential in the sustainability of the Ramsar site
as they control the upper reaches of the spruit and have significant influence
on stream flow and water quality. The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and
Environment (GDACE) have undertaken to draw up a management plan for
the site and to engage the private landowners to ensure that a conservation
and management agreement is met.
(c)
Focus
To provide support and awareness of the current provincial project associated
with the Ramsar Site support the province in the protection, extension and
management of the RAMSAR site.
(d)
Approach
The approach of this project will include:
•
Attendance at all stakeholder meetings;
•
to support the initiative by the use of town planning controls through the
LSDF’s; and
•
assistance with respect to biodiversity conservation and management.
Chapter 9
216
9.4.2
LAB Projects 8 and 9: 2010 Biodiversity Gateway Awareness Projects
Chapter 9
217
Chapter 9
218
(a)
Type
These areas form prominent natural and visual gateways into Ekurhuleni.
(b)
Purpose
The purpose of the projects entails an awareness drive that uses the two
prominent visual gateways in the EMM that is situated on the main route
between the OR Tambo International Airport and the main 2010 soccer venue
in Gauteng, to promote awareness of biodiversity in the EMM.
(c)
Focus
The initial focus of these projects will be to promote these areas during the
2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup as they are on route from the OR Tambo
International Airport to any of the major stadiums and destinations in
Gauteng.
The long term focus of these projects will be directed towards environmental
education of the communities in Ekurhuleni and promotion of the importance
in protecting natural open space within Ekurhuleni.
(d)
Approach
The use of the media (radio talk shows, articles in local papers) as well as
outdoor advertising (as you approach these gateways) and brochures will be
the medium to promote these projects. As an additional medium the
inclusions of these gateways in all other Ekurhuleni promotional advertising
for the FIFA Soccer World Cup 2010 will add the sense of place that these
areas provide.
The long term focus will make use of guided excursions to the areas and
inputs into educational booklets, which target various age groups, to ensure
that these areas become sustainable “sense of place” locations.
Chapter 9
219
9.4.3
LAB Project 10: Meyersdal Nature Area Support Project
Chapter 9
220
(a)
Type
This area forms a private/public conservation initiative.
(b)
Purpose
The purpose of the project is to provide continued support of a public/private
initiative to conserve a significant part of a ridge system with high quality
vegetation and several Red Listed Species.
(c)
Focus
The promotion and recognition of this type of conservation model.
(d)
Approach
The approach of this project will include:
•
The use of media to release information on this initiative;
•
the establishment of a conservation centre; and
•
assistance with respect to biodiversity conservation and management.
Chapter 9
221
9.4.4
LAB Project 11: Midrand Estates Grassland Conservation Support
Project
Chapter 9
222
(a)
Type
This area forms a private conservation area.
(b)
Purpose
The purpose of the project is to support a grassland conservation area in a
private development area.
(c)
Focus
The promotion and recognition of a private conservation model.
(d)
Approach
The approach of this project will include:
•
The use of media to release information on this initiative;
•
the establishment of a community conservation forum to promote protect
of the biodiversity in this area; and
•
assistance with respect to biodiversity conservation and management.
Chapter 9
223
Appendix A: Suitable indigenous plants for use in Ekurhuleni
The information used in this appendix was extracted from the booklet “Hardy
Higveld Plants”, March 1996 by Pitta Joffe of SANBI (ISBN 1-874907-20-X). The
booklet contains valuable additional information and is highly recommended.
(a) COMMON HOOK THORN
Afrikaans:
N. Sotho:
Scientific:
Family:
Gewone haakdoring
Motholo
Acacia caffra
Fabaceae (Pea family)
National tree No. 162
Height:
This deciduous tree may grow 8-9 m high. It has very small,
hooked thorns which resemble cat’s claws.
Leaves:
The leaves are fine and feathery.
Flowers:
The cream, fluffy flowers grow in spikes and have a lovely
sweet scent.
Flowering time: September to October.
Fruits:
The fruit is a long, straight, flat, dark brown pod which contains
a row of seeds.
Uses:
A good shade tree and fodder plant – cattle and game can eat
the leaves.
Growing
tips:
A fast growing, frost- and drought-resistant tree which requires
little attention, once established.
(b) WEEPING SAGE
Afrikaans:
Scientific:
Family:
Treursalie
Buddleja auriculata
Loganiaceae (Stychnos family)
National tree No. 636.5
Height:
This evergreen shrub grows about 4m high and has a spread
of about 4 m.
Leaves:
The lance shaped leaves are a dark, shiny green on top, and
silver white below.
Appendix A
1
Flowers:
Bunches of small, tubular, sweetly scented cream or orange
flowers carried at the ends of branches.
Flowering time: July to September.
Uses:
Growing
tips:
An excellent hedge or screen plant with an attractive weeping
habit.
Very fast growing if well-watered when young, and is frost- and
draught-resistant. Add plenty of compost to planting holes.
(c) FALSE OLIVE
Afrikaans:
Scientific:
Family:
Witolienhout
Buddleja saligna
Loganiaceae (Strychnos family)
National tree No. 636
Height:
This tree/shrub is evergreen and grows 3-7m high.
Leaves:
The slender grey-green leaves are lance-shaped.
Flowers:
The small cream, sweetly scented flowers are carried in
rounded bunches.
Flowering time:
September to March.
Fruits:
The fruits are small, light, brown capsules.
Uses:
This drought- and frost-resistant plant would make a good
screen or hedge.
Growing tips:
Plant in full sun and water well when young. It grows very fast
and will not mind poor soil or exposed positions.
(d) WHITE STINKWOOD
Afrikaans:
N. Sotho:
Scientific:
Family:
Witstinkhout
Modutu
Celtis Africana
Ulmaceae (Elm family)
National tree No.39
Height:
This deciduous tree becomes 8-20m high.
Appendix A
2
Leaves:
The leathery, dark green leaves are oval, with serrate edges.
Flowers:
The tiny flowers are yellow-green.
Flowering time:
August to October
Fruits:
The small, round fruits are yellow when ripe.
Uses:
A lovely shade tree for the home, or it may be planted as a
street tree. Birds love the fruits, and will be attracted to your
garden. Cattle can feed on the young leaves and shoots.
Growing tips:
These trees are frost-hardy, grow easily from seed, and do not
need much water, except when young, If young trees are
watered well, they will grow faster.
(e) RIVER BUSHWILLOW
Afrikaans:
N. Sotho:
Scientific:
Family:
Riviervaderlandswilg
Modibo
Combretum erythrophyllum
Combretaceae (Bushwillow family)
National tree No. 536
Height:
A large, deciduous tree, reaching 12 m, with a spread of 10-12
m, so allow enough room when planting.
Leaves:
The shiny, oval leaves turn a beautiful red in autumn.
Flowers:
Tiny, yellow-green flowers are carried in rounded heads and
have a light, sweet scent
Flowering time:
August to November
Fruits:
The fruits have four papery wings and turn brown when ripe.
Uses:
An attractive shade tree for a large garden or park.
Growing tips:
It is frost- and draught-resistant, and will grow very fast if
watered well when young.
Appendix A
3
(f) VELVET BUSHWILLOW
Afrikaans:
N. Sotho:
Scientific:
Family:
Fluweelboswilg
Mohwelere
Combretum molle
Combreteceae (Bushwillow family)
National tree No. 537
Height:
The velvet bushwillow is deciduous or evergreen and may
grow 3 – 9 m tall.
Leaves:
The oval leaves are soft and furry when young, becoming
slightly smoother when older. They turn a lovely red in autumn.
Flowers:
Short, dense spikes of tiny, honey-scented, yellowish flowers.
Flowering time:
September to November
Fruits:
The papery, winged, red-brown fruits occur in large bunches.
Uses:
A neat shade or street tree which will attract butterflies to your
garden.
Growing tips:
A frost- and drought-resistant tree which will grow fairly fast if
watered well.
(g) POMPON TREE
Afrikaans:
Scientific:
Family:
Basboom
Dais cotinfolia
Thymelaeaceae (Dais family)
National tree No. 521
Height:
A small evergreen to deciduous tree which may reach about 6
m.
Leaves:
The smooth, rich green, oval leaves are often tinged blue
above, and are lighter green below.
Flowers:
Masses of small, lilac-pink flowers carried in dense, rounded
heads at the tips of branches.
Flowering time:
Appendix A
4
November to February
Fruits:
Contain tiny black seeds.
Uses:
An attractive flowering tree for the garden, which could be
planted in the centre of the lawn, grass will grow beneath it.
Growing tips:
It will grow very fast if well-watered. Easily propagated from
seed. Slightly tender to heavy frost when young.
(h) COMMON WILD PEAR
Afrikaans:
N. Sotho:
Scientific:
Family:
Gewone drolpeer
Mohlaba-phala, mokgoba
Dombeya rotundifolia
Sterculiaceae (Star-chestnut family)
National tree No. 471
Height:
A small to medium sized deciduous tree which can grow 6-9 m
high.
Leaves:
Thick, hairy, leathery, rounded leaves.
Flowers:
Small, creamy white (sometimes pink) flowers which are borne
in big rounded bunches at the tips of bare branches.
Fruits:
The small brown fruits are roundish.
Uses:
This is one of the first trees to flower in spring. The flowers
attract many insects, which in turn will bring birds to your
garden.
Growing tips:
It will grow very fast if plenty of compost is added to the soil
and it is well watered.
(i) KEI-APPLE
Afrikaans:
N.Sotho:
Scientific:
Family:
Kei-appel
Matlhono
Dovyalis caffra
Flacourtiaceae (Wild peach family)
National tree No. 507
Height:
The Kei-apple can grow 3-7 m high and is deciduous.
Thorns:
Fairly long, strong and sharp thorns.
Appendix A
5
Leaves:
Oval, shiny, dark green leaves.
Flowers:
Small, creamy green flowers.
Flowering time:
November to January.
Fruits:
The large, edible, apricot coloured fruits contain Vitamin C and
are pleasantly flavoured.
Uses:
This thorny plant makes a good hedge, and the fruits attract
birds to the garden.
Growing tips:
It is drought- and frost-resistant and tolerates pruning. Fresh
seed germinates better than old seed. Add plenty of compost
to planting holes and water well when young.
(j) OLDWOOD
Afrikaans:
N. Sotho:
Scientific:
Family:
Ouhout
MoSino
Leucosidea sericea
Rosaceae (Rose family)
National tree No. 145
Height:
The evergreen Oldwood can reach a height of 8 m, but is
usually a much smaller, bent and crooked tree or shrub.
Leaves:
The deeply-toothed leaves are dark green above and silky
white below. They are strongly aromatic if crushed.
Flowers:
Star-shaped, yellow-green flowers grow on spikes at the end
of the branches.
Flowering time:
September to November
Fruits:
The fruits are small and hard.
Uses:
It is wind- and frost-resistant, so many make a good hedge or
windbreak.
Growing tips:
Appendix A
6
Grows well on the edges of dams or streams. Fast growing if
well-watered.
(k) KAREE
Afrikaans:
N. Sotho:
Scientific:
Family:
Karee
Motlhotlo
Rhus lancea
Anacardiaceae (Mango family)
National tree No. 386
Height:
An evergreen tree which may reach a height of 7-9 m.
Leaves:
The shiny, dark green leaf is made up of three narrow, lanceshaped leaflets.
Flowers:
Tiny, sweetly scented, yellow-green flowers are carried in large
sprays.
Flowering time:
July to September
Fruits:
Bunches of shiny, rounded, slightly flattened, brown fruits.
Uses:
A well-shaped, neat shade tree for gardens, street planting or
windbreaks. Birds love the fruits.
Growing tips:
It is frost- and drought-resistant, and will grow very fast when
watered young.
(l) COMMON WILD CURRANT, FIRE-THORN
Afrikaans:
N. Sotho:
Scientific:
Family:
Gewone taaibos
Mogodiri, Mogweriri
Rhus pyroides
Anacardiaceae (Mango family)
National tree No. 392
Height:
A deciduous tree (6-7 m high) or sprawling shrub with crooked
stems.
Thorns:
A scratch from the strong thorns may burn for some time.
Leaves:
The velvety leaves are made up of three oval-shaped leaflets.
Flowers:
The tiny yellow-green flowers are carried in drooping sprays.
Appendix A
7
Flowering time:
October to January
Fruits:
The small, roundish, white and red fruits are carried in
bunches.
Uses:
A good shade tree (if neatly pruned) or windbreak which will
attract birds to the garden.
Growing tips:
This plant is frost- and drought-resistant, and grows
reasonably fast.
(m) WILD MEDLAR
Afrikaans:
N. Sotho:
Scientific:
Family:
Wildemispel
Mmilo
Vangueria infausta
Rubiaceae (Gardenia family)
National tree No. 702
Height:
This small, deciduous tree is usually only 3-4 m high, but it
may reach 7 m.
Leaves:
The oval leaves are thickly covered with velvety hairs.
Flowers:
The small, greenish white to yellow flowers attract butterflies
and insects to the garden, and in turn attracts the birds.
Flowering time:
September to October
Fruits:
The yellow to brown, edible, pleasant-tasting, roundish fruits
contain Vitamin C. The seed kernel is also edible.
Uses:
The hard green fruits make good tops for children. The pulp of
the fruit, mixed with a little sugar and water, can be used as a
substitute for apple sauce, and can be used to make puddings.
Growing tips:
A fairly slow growing, frost- and drought-resistant tree.
(n) BUFFALO-THORN
Appendix A
8
Afrikaans:
N. Sotho:
Scientific:
Family:
Blinkblaar-wag-‘n bietjie
Mokgalo
Ziziphus mucrunata
Rhamnaceae (Buffalo-thorn family)
National tree No. 447
Height:
A thorny deciduous tree of about 9-10 m.
Leaves:
The shiny, oval leaves can carry vary from light to dark green
and have slightly serrate edges.
Flowers:
Yellow flowers occur in small bunches and produce copious
nectar which attracts insects, especially bees – it thus a
valuable tree for beekeepers.
Flowering time:
November to February
Fruits:
The round, shiny fruits are pea- to cheery-sized.
Uses:
A good shade tree or windbreak and the fruits attract birds to
the garden. The stones of the fruit may be ground and roasted
as a coffee substitute.
Growing tips:
This tree is drought- and frost-resistant and grows very fast, if
watered well when young.
(o) KRANTZ ALOE
Afrikaans:
Zulu:
Scientific:
Family:
Kransaalwyn
inHlazi, umhlabana
Aloe arborescens
Asphodelaceae (Aloe family)
National tree No. 28.1
Height:
This evergreen, bushy shrub will grow about to 3m high, with
an eventual spread of about 3 m.
Leaves:
The long, fleshy, bluish or grey-green, strap-shaped leaves are
wide at the base and taper to the tips. The margins are
toothed.
Flowers:
Bright scarlet, bell-shaped flowers are densely crowded in
triangular-shaped “spikes”.
Flowering time:
Appendix A
9
May to June
Fruits:
Papery seeds in woody capsules.
Uses:
A good hedge and screen plant for drier gardens. The beautiful
flowers attract a variety of birds and insects, including bees – it
is thus a valuable shrub for beekeepers.
(p) LEMON THORN
Afrikaans:
Scientific:
Family:
Lemoentjiedoring
Cassinopsis ilicifolia
Icacinaceae (Lemon thorn family)
National tree No. 420
Height:
This evergreen shrub grows about 4 m high with a spread of
about 3 m.
Leaves:
Shiny, bright green, oval leaves which may have serrate
edges.
Flowers:
Tiny, greenish-white flowers.
Flowering time:
September to November
Fruits:
The oval, fleshy fruit is bright orange when ripe.
Uses:
This spreading shrub can be planted in full sun or in light
shade under trees. Birds love the fruits.
Growing tips:
Fairly slow growing. Water well when young to speed up
growth.
(q) GOLDEN DAISY BUSH
Afrikaans:
Scientific:
Family:
Wolharpuisbos
Euryops pectinatus
Asteraceae (Daisy family)
Height:
A rounded, evergreen herbaceous shrub with a height and
spread of about 1 m.
Leaves:
The soft, grey-green leaves are finely divided.
Flowers:
The flowers are large and bright yellow.
Appendix A
10
Flowering time:
March to October
Uses:
A colourful shrub which produces masses of flowers. Cut off
dead flowers after flowering.
Growing tips:
It is frost-hardy and reasonably drought-resistant. Young
plants should be watered well though.
(r) EMERALD FERN
Afrikaans:
Scientific:
Family:
Smaragvaring
Protasparagus densiflorus
Asparagaceae (Asparagus family)
Height:
This plant grows to about 30 cm high, but its leafy branches
can sometimes reach a length of about 90cm.
Leaves:
leaves.
Its long branches carry many tiny, bright green, needle-like
Flowers:
Masses of tiny, white, star-shape flowers are carried along the
leafy branches.
Flowering time:
December to February
Fruits:
Bright red, round, fleshy berries.
Uses:
This plant forms a hardy groundcover and could be planted on
steep slopes to prevent soil erosion. Birds love the berries.
Growing tips:
In colder highveld gardens the leaves may be burnt by frost. If
so,
cut back to ground level and they will produce new leaves in
spring.
(s) DOGWOOD
Afrikaans:
S.Sotho:
Scientific:
Family:
Blinkblaar
Mofifi
Rhamnus prinoides
Rhamnaceae (Buffalo-thorn family)
National tree No. 452
Appendix A
11
Height:
A spreading, evergreen shrub or tree which can reach a height
of about 4m. It can have a spread of 3 – 4m.
Leaves:
The very dark green, oval, shiny leaves have serrated edges.
Flowers:
The greenish flowers are fairly small.
Flowering time:
October to December
Fruits:
The round, green, fleshy, pea-sized fruits become red and
then purple when ripe.
Uses:
An excellent hedge or screen plant with attractive foliage and
fruits. Birds love these berries wan will be attracted to the
garden.
Growing tips:
A fairly fast growing plant, which is frost-resistant and grows
easily in most soils. Water well when young.
(t) YELLOW POMEGRANATE KAROO GOLD
Afrikaans:
Scientific:
Family:
Geelberggranaat
Rhigozum obovatum
Bignoniceae (Jacranda family)
National tree No. 675
Height:
This deciduous shrub can grow up to 4m high with a spread of
about 2m.
Leaves:
tips.
Some of the twigs and branches have sharp spines at their
Flowers:
The small, oval, grayish leaves may occur singly at their tips.
Flowering time: September to December
Fruits:
The fruit is a long, thin, flattish, brown capsule which
resembles a pod. The seeds inside have large, papery wings.
Uses:
A useful plant for very dry areas. It is very beautiful in the
flowering season.
Appendix A
12
Growing tips:
It is frost- and drought-resistant and needs very little water or
attention.
(u) SUCCULENT BUSH-SENECIO
Afrikaans:
Scientific:
Family:
Vlesige bos-senecio
Senecio barbertonis
Asteraceae (Daisy family)
Height:
This succulent shrub forms a rounded bush with a height and
spread of about 1.5m.
Leaves:
The long, light green, narrow, needle-like leaves are succulent.
Flowers:
The small, yellow flowers are carried in bunches at the tips of
branches.
Flowering time:
July to January
Uses:
hot
A drought-resistant succulent useful for rockeries, or very dry,
gardens
Growing tips:
It is frost-hardy, grows fast, and needs very little water or
attention
(v) CAPE HONEYSUCKLE
Afrikaans:
Scientific:
Family:
Kaapse kanferfoelie
Tecomaria capensis
Bignoniaceae (Jacaranda family)
National tree No. 673.1
Height:
A rounded, sprawling shrub with a height and spread of about
2.5m.
Leaves:
Each shiny, dark green leaf is made up of a number of leaflets.
Flowers:
Large spikes of trumpet-shaped flowers, which may be yellow,
orange or red.
Appendix A
13
Flowering time:
September to October and February to April
Uses:
The attractive flowers produce nectar, which attracts birds to
the garden.
Growing tips:
In colder highveld gardens this shrub may be cut back by frost,
but it will shoot again in spring. Cover with hessian or a grass
tent to protect it the first few winters.
(w) APTENIA
Afrikaans:
Scientific:
Family:
Aptenia
Aptenia cordifolia
Mesembryanthemaceae (Vygie family)
Height:
This low-growing groundcover spreads and grows close to the
ground.
Leaves:
The light green, oval leaves are semi-succulent.
Flowers:
Very small, dark rose-pink flowers which resemble vygies.
Flowering time:
September to February
Uses:
Plant as a groundcover in very light shade under trees, or use
on banks and slopes to prevent soil erosion.
Growing tips:
It is frost-hardy, drought –resistant, grows very fast and
requires little water.
(x) STALKED BULBINE
Afrikaans:
Scientific:
Family:
Katstert
Bulbine frutescens
Asphodelaceae (Aloe family)
Height:
This plant has strong rhizomes and spreads to form an
attractive and hardy groundcover about 10-15cm high.
Leaves:
The long, narrow, grey-green leaves are succulent.
Flowers:
Masses of bright yellow or orange, star-shaped flowers are
carried on the tips of long stalks.
Appendix A
14
Flowering time:
September to March
Uses:
in a
Plant in large masses to form a groundcover on a rockery, or
hot, dry position.
Growing tips:
An easily grown plant which requires very little water or attention, and is
frost – and drought resistant. Remove old flower stalks.
(y) SOUR FIG
Afrikaans:
Scientific:
Family:
Suurvy
Carpobrotus acinaciformis
Mesembryanthemaceae (Vygie family)
Height:
This evergreen groundcover spreads and grows close to the
ground. It is only about 15cm high but may have a spread of
1m or more.
Leaves:
The three-sided, succulent leaves are almost finger-like in
appearance.
Flowers:
The large, skinny pink-mauve flowers resemble vygies.
Fruits:
The fruits, also known as “figs” are large and juicy, and can be
eaten fresh or made into jam.
Uses:
It is hardy, fast growing, drought-resistant groundcover which
will help to hold the soil and prevent it from being blown or
washed away.
Growing tips:
This plant grows very easily from cuttings and will not be
damaged if pieces are cut or broken off.
(z) OTHONNA
Afrikaans:
Scientific:
Family:
Othonna
Othonna carnosa
Asteracea (Daisy family)
Height:
This groundcover spreads and grows close to the ground.
Appendix A
15
Leaves:
It has short, narrow, grey-green, succulent leaves.
Flowers:
It is almost always covered in small, yellow flowers.
Flowering time:
January to December
Uses:
It forms a hardy, drought- and frost-resistant groundcover for a
rockery, or use on a steep bank to prevent soil erosion. The
flowers attract insects (food for birds).
Growing tips:
An easily grown plant which requires little care, If pieces break
off, they can be replanted and they will root and grow easily.
(aa) DWARF AGAPANTHUS
Afrikaans:
Scientific:
Family:
Klein bloulelie
Agapanthus africanus
Alliaceae (Lilly family)
Height:
of
This evergreen, dwarf, clump-forming plant grows to a height
about 40cm. It spreads by fleshy rhizomes.
Leaves:
The leaves are long, narrow and strap-shaped.
Flowers:
The large, rounded heads of tubular blue or white flowers are
carried on stalks above the leaves.
Flowering time:
December to March
Fruits:
The flattish, black seeds are carried in papery seedheads.
Uses:
Plant masses under trees to form a groundcover, or use as an
edging plant along the border of your flower bed.
Growing tips:
An easily grown, frost-hardy plant which needs a reasonable
amount of water to do well.
(bb) FALLING STARS
Appendix A
16
Afrikaans:
Scientific:
Family:
Vallende-sterre
Crocosmia aurea
Iridaceae (Iris family)
Height:
A deciduous, clump-forming plant which grows to about 1m
high. It has underground corms.
Leaves:
The leaves are long, light green and strap-shaped.
Flowers:
The large, bright orange flowers are carried on long stalks
above the foliage.
Flowering time:
January to March
Fruits:
Shiny, round, black seeds.
Uses:
Plant in large groups, in light shade or full sun. They are very
attractive in full flower.
Growing tips:
Cut back after leaves turn yellow and begin to die back . This
plant is frost-and drought-resistant, and spreads fairly easily.
(cc) YELLOW WILD IRIS
Afrikaans:
Scientific:
Family:
Poublom
Dietes bicolor
Iradaceae (Iris family)
Height:
This plant has sturdy, creeping rhizomes and grows to a height
of about 1m. It may eventually have a spread of about 1.5m.
Leaves:
The long, narrow, light green, strap-shaped leaves form a
large, grass-like clump.
Flowers:
Pretty, lemon-yellow flowers with black markings are carried
on long stalks.
Flowering time:
October to January
Uses:
An attractive plant which could be planted in a flower bed or
next to a pond.
Growing tips:
This fast growing plant is frost-and drought resistant, and
needs little attention. Easily grown from seed.
Appendix A
17
(dd) MOTHER-IN-LAW’S TONGUE
Afrikaans:
Scientific:
Family:
Skoonma-se-tong
Sansevieria hyacinthoides
Dracaenaceae (Dracaena family)
Height:
and
This hardy evergreen plant grows to a height of about 50cm,
spreads by means of underground rhizomes.
Leaves:
The broad, stiff, semi-succulent, strap-shaped leaves are
variegated (almost striped in appearance) and grow in clumps.
Flowers:
Masses of tiny, cream, lightly scented flowers are carried on
long stalks, above the leaves.
Uses:
Plant in large groups under trees, to form a groundcover, or
use on a rockery.
Growing tips:
These plants are drought- and frost-resistant, and need very
little attention. Water sparingly.
Appendix A
18
Appendix B: CURRENT LEGAL AND POLICY MECHANISMS
AVAILABLE TO ASSIST EBOSS
RELEVANCE OF POLICY (SUMMARY)
NATIONAL
1. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT, 1998 (NEMA)
Summary of NEMA themes and principles:
Sustainable Development
• Development must be socially, environmentally and economically sustainable.
• Pollution and degradation of the environment are avoided, or, where they cannot be
altogether avoided, are minimised and remedied.
• Waste is avoided, or where it cannot be altogether avoided, minimised and re-used
or recycled where possible and otherwise disposed of in a responsible manner.
• The use and exploitation of non-renewable natural resources is responsible and
equitable, and takes into account the consequences of the depletion of the resource.
• The development, use and exploitation of renewable resources and the ecosystems
of which they are part do not exceed the level beyond which their integrity is
jeopardised.
Environmental Justice and Equity
• Environmental management must place people and their needs at the forefront of its
concern, and serve their physical, psychological, developmental, cultural and social
interest equitably
• The right of workers to refuse work that is harmful to human health or the
environment and to be informed of dangers must be respected and protected.
• The environment is held in public trust for the people, the beneficial use of
environmental resources must serve the public interest and the environment must be
protected as the people’s common heritage.
• Environmental justice must be pursued so that adverse environmental impacts shall
not be distributed in such a manner as to unfairly discriminate against any person,
particularly vulnerable and disadvantaged persons.
• Equitable access to environmental resources, benefits and services to meet basic
human needs and ensure human well-being must be pursued and special measures
may be taken to ensure access thereto by categories of persons disadvantaged by
unfair discrimination.
• Negative impacts on the environment and on peoples environmental rights be
anticipated and prevented, and where they cannot be altogether prevented, are
minimised and remedied.
Participation, Empowerment & Transparency
• The participation of all interested and affected parties in environmental governance
must be promoted, and all people must have the opportunity to develop the
understanding, skills and capacity necessary for achieving equitable and effective
participation, and participation by vulnerable and disadvantaged peoples must be
ensured.
• Decisions must take into account the interests, needs and values of all interested
and affected parties, and this includes recognising all forms of knowledge, including
traditional and ordinary knowledge.
• Community wellbeing and empowerment must be promoted through environmental
education, the raising of environmental awareness, the sharing of knowledge and
Appendix B
1
•
•
RELEVANCE OF POLICY (SUMMARY)
experience and other appropriate means.
Decisions must be taken in an open and transparent manner, and access to
information must be provided in accordance with the law.
The vital role of women and youth in environmental management and development
must be recognised and their full participation therein must be promoted
Co-operative Governance
• There must be intergovernmental co-ordination and harmonisation of policies,
legislation and actions relating to the environment.
• Actual or potential conflicts of interest between organs of state should be resolved
through conflict resolution procedures.
• Global and international responsibilities relating to the environment must be
discharged in the national interest.
Integration of environmental considerations into decision making
• Environmental management must be integrated, acknowledging that all elements of
the environment are linked and interrelated, and it must take into account the effects
of decisions on all aspects of the environment and all people in the environment by
pursuing the selection of the best practicable environmental option.
• Responsibility for the environmental health and safety consequences of a policy,
programme, project, product, process, service or activity exists throughout its life
cycle.
• The costs of remedying pollution, environmental degradation and consequent
adverse health effects and of preventing, controlling or minimising further pollution;
environmental damage or adverse health effects must be paid for by those
responsible for harming the environment.
• A risk-averse and cautious approach is applied, which takes into account the limits of
current knowledge about the consequences of decisions and actions.
• The social, economic and environmental impacts of activities, including
disadvantages and benefits, must be considered, assessed and evaluated, and
decisions must be appropriate in the light of such consideration and assessment.
• Negative impacts on the environment and on peoples environmental rights be
anticipated and prevented, and where they cannot be altogether prevented, are
minimised and remedied.
Ecological Integrity
The disturbance of the ecosystem and loss of biological diversity are avoided, or,
where they cannot be altogether avoided, are minimised and remedied.
•
The disturbance of landscapes and sites that constitute the nation’s cultural heritage
is avoided, or where it cannot be altogether avoided, is minimised and remedied.
•
The development, use and exploitation of renewable resources and the ecosystems
of which they are part do not exceed the level beyond which their integrity is
jeopardised.
•
Sensitive, vulnerable, highly dynamic or stressed ecosystems, such as coastal
shores, wetlands and similar systems require specific attention in management and
planning procedures, especially where they are subject to significant human
resource usage and development pressure.
•
2. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS, 2006
3. NATIONAL WATER ACT, 1998
Appendix B
2
RELEVANCE OF POLICY (SUMMARY)
3.1 General
The NWA identifies 11 consumptive and non-consumptive water uses and all water uses
must be authorised under a tiered authorisation system, which include scheduled uses,
general authorizations (GA), licences or, as a transitional arrangement, existing lawful
uses
Where a water use is not authorised under Schedule 1 of the NWA or a general
authorisation (GA) promulgated in terms of the NWA, it will have to be evaluated to
determine whether it can be authorised under a license issued by the responsible
authority
In terms of section 22(1) of the NWA, a person may only use water (a) without a license:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(b)
if that water use is permissible under Schedule 1;
if that water use is permissible as a continuation of an existing lawful use (ELU); or
if that water use is permissible in terms of a GA issued under section 39;
if the water use is authorised by a license under the NWA; or if the responsible
authority has dispensed with a license requirement under subsection (3).
3.2 Schedule 1
Schedule 1 of the NWA addresses the de minimis water uses and permits a person to,
subject to the NWA:
(a) take water for reasonable domestic use in that person’s household directly from any
water resource to which that person has lawful access;
(b) take water for use on land owned or occupied by that person, for:
(i) reasonable domestic use;
(ii) small gardening not for commercial purposes; and
(iii) the watering of animals (excluding feedlots) which graze on that land within the
grazing capacity of that land, from any water resource which is situated on or
forms a boundary of that land, if the use is not excessive in relation to the capacity
of the water resource and the needs of other users;
(c) store and use run-off water from a roof;
(d)
in emergency situations, take water from any water resource for human
consumption or firefighting;
(e) for recreational purposes:
(i) use the water or the water surface of a water resource to which that person has
lawful access; or
(ii) portage any boat or canoe on any land adjacent to a watercourse in order to
continue boating on that watercourse;
(f) discharge:
(i) waste or water containing waste; or
(ii) run-off water, including stormwater from any residential, recreational, commercial
or industrial site, into a canal, sea outfall or other conduit controlled by another
person authorised to undertake the purification, treatment or disposal of waste or
water containing waste, subject to the approval of the person controlling the canal,
sea outfall or other conduit.
An entitlement to use water under this Schedule does not override any other law,
ordinance, by-law or regulation and is subject to any limitation or prohibition there under.
However, a person that uses water in accordance with Schedule 1 need not to take any
further action in terms of the NWA to ensure the authorisation of the use.
Appendix B
3
RELEVANCE OF POLICY (SUMMARY)
If a water use is not described under Schedule 1, but authorised under a GA as
promulgated in GN 389 and GN 399 on 26 March 2006, such water use does not require
a license unless the GA is repealed or lapses, in which case licensing will be necessary.
GAs generally authorise some water uses that are not de minimis, but will have impacts
of low significance. GAs are, however, only applicable in certain areas, and subject to
qualifying conditions.
3.3 Definition of “Water Use”
Proposed development activities should be evaluated in terms of their need to apply for
a water use license. Section 21 of the NWA defines “water use” as:
(a) taking water from a water resource;
(b) storing water;
(c) impeding or diverting the flow of water in a watercourse;
(d) engaging in a stream flow reduction activity contemplated in section 36. Section 36
identifies the following as stream flow reduction activities: the use of land for
afforestation which has been or is being established for commercial purposes
(section 36(1)(a)); an activity which has been declared as such under subsection (2)
(section 36(1)(b)). No activities have yet been declared as stream flow reduction
activities in terms of section 36(2);
(e) engaging in a controlled activity identified as such in section 37(1) or declared under
section 38(1). Section 37(1) identifies the following as controlled activities:
irrigation of any land with waste or water containing waste generated through any
industrial activity or by a waterwork (section 37(1)(a));
an activity aimed at the modification of atmospheric precipitation (section
37(1)(b));
a power generation activity which alters the flow regime or a water resource
(section 37(1)(c));
intentional recharging of an aquifer with any waste or water containing waste
(section 37(1)(d));
an activity which has been declared as such under section 38 (section 37(1)(e)).
No activities have yet been declared as controlled activities in terms of section 38;
(f) discharging waste or water containing waste into a water resource through a pipe,
canal, sewer, sea outfall or other conduit;
(g) disposing of waste in a manner which may detrimentally impact on a water resource;
(h) disposing in any manner of water which contains waste from, or which has been
heated in, any industrial or power generation process;
(i) altering the bed, banks, course or characteristics of a watercourse;
(j) removing, discharging or disposing of water found underground if it is necessary for
the efficient continuation of an activity or for the safety of people; and
(k) using water for recreational purposes.
4. DEVELOPMENT FACILITATION ACT, 1995
The guiding principles contained in chapter 1 of the DFA set the standards against which
all spatial development must be measured:
•
•
•
•
•
Integration of the physical, social, economic and institutional aspects of planning.
Integration of urban and rural areas.
Compacting the city and optimizing the use of resources.
Sustainable development – financially, socially and ecologically.
Stimulate economic activity and strengthens the local economy to provide
Appendix B
4
•
•
•
RELEVANCE OF POLICY (SUMMARY)
opportunities for al to participate.
Promote accessibility for all.
Provide affordable services for all members of the community.
Involve the community in planning and development.
5. HERITAGE RESOURCE CONSERVATION ACT
Projects should be reported to the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA)
prior to commencement of the development. The type of development is defined in
section 38 of the NHRA as follows:
38. (1) Subject to the provisions of subsections (7), (8) and (9), any person who intends
to undertake a development categorised as—
(a) the construction of a road, wall, powerline, pipeline, canal or other similar form of
linear development or barrier exceeding 300m in length;
(b) the construction of a bridge or similar structure exceeding 50 m in length;
(c) any development or other activity which will change the character of a site—
(i) exceeding 5 000 m2 in extent; or
(ii) involving three or more existing erven or subdivisions thereof; or
(iii) involving three or more erven or divisions thereof which have been consolidated
within the past five years; or
(iv) the costs of which will exceed a sum set in terms of regulations by SAHRA or a
provincial heritage resources authority;
(d) the re-zoning of a site exceeding 10 000 m2 in extent; or
(e) any other category of development provided for in regulations by SAHRA or a
provincial heritage resources authority,
6. CARA
7. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: BIODIVERSITY ACT
Chapter 3 of the Act describes in detail a regime for planning and monitoring of South
Africa’s biodiversity. The planning and monitoring regime relies on three types of
planning instruments namely, a national biodiversity framework; bioregional plans and
biodiversity management plans. Due to the plethora of different environmental plans
prescribed in environmental laws the Act also stresses the need for co-ordination.
Specific reference is made in the Act to EIP’s and EMP’s required by NEMA as well as
IDP’s prepared by municipalities. The national biodiversity strategy has since been
published and some examples of bioregional plans have been prepared in South Africa.
The main aim of a bioregional plan is to manage biodiversity within a so-called bioregion.
The biodiversity management plans operate at a more detailed level, more focused on
specific ecosystems and species.
PROVINCIAL
8. BREAKING NEW GROUND POLICY
The focus of this plan is the contribution of the housing sector to more sustainable
human settlements based on a number of key components which include:
•
•
•
•
Progressive informal settlement eradication
Promoting densification and integration
Enhancing spatial planning
Enhancing the location of new housing projects
Appendix B
5
•
•
•
RELEVANCE OF POLICY (SUMMARY)
o Access well located state owned and pora-statal land
o Acquisition of well located private land
o Funding for land acquisition
o Fiscal incentives
Supporting urban renewal and inner city regeneration
Developing social and economic infrastructure
Enhancing housing products
o Enhancing settlement design
o Enhancing housing design
o Addressing housing quantity
9. GUILDELINES FOR HUMAN SETTLEMENT PLANNING AND DESIGN
PROVINCIAL
1. ROVINCIAL INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
The Gauteng IWM Policy and its objectives is to be applied to all waste generators,
water managers and waste service providers in all sectors, including, but not limited to:
• Provincial and Local Government
• Industry and commerce
• Agriculture
• Mining and power generation
• The military
• Residents of, and visitors to, Gauteng
The policy is seen to be the implementation of fifteen overall objectives. The objective of
waste treatment and disposal including dealing with the aspect of illegal waste dumping
and objective fourteen which deals with environmental management and waste
management facility and environmental control could be potentially applicable to the biodiversity and open space strategy
2. PROVINCIAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
The GSSD identified seven overall key objectives in pursuit of the sustainable
development vision of the province:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Provide efficient and reliable public transport
Improved human resource potential and capital
Efficient and sustainable utilisation of land
Sustaining ecosystem functioning and using resources efficiently
Linking sustainable resource use and economic development
Strengthening inter-governmental relations and Integrating sustainability into key
programmes
Improved Environmental Health Management
The GSSD identifies four priority areas for implementation. These priorities are seen
as addressing the key concerns of sustainable development and are relevant to the
development context of Gauteng:
•
•
•
•
Capacity building and human resource development for sustainable development
Intergovernmental and societal relations
Economic development for sustainable development
Sustainable human settlements
Appendix B
6
RELEVANCE OF POLICY (SUMMARY)
Of specific relevance is the priority of Sustainable Human Settlements, which its
priority stages and implementation initiatives are outlined below:
•
•
•
Sustainable use of natural resources and ecosystems
o Rehabilitation and reclamation of strategically located land
o Develop housing at higher densities
o Conservation of land
o Rehabilitation of water resource
o Improvement of air quality
Reduce consumption of resources through investing in sustainable infrastructure
o Invest in sustainable infrastructure technology
o Minimise waste production
o Promote public transport
Creating sustainable, integrated human settlements
o Promote mixed use development
o Creating quality environments through investment in the public environment
3. GAUTENG HILLS AND RIDGES POLICY
The general objective of policy is that the ecological and socio-cultural value of ridges
must be conserved. The ridges have, however, undergone different degrees of habitat
loss due to human activities such as urban development and quarrying. This approach
adopted by GDACE to realizing this general objective is to provide for the maximum
feasible conservation of a ridge within the exiting constraints of the habitat loss that has
already taken place.
In order to give practical effect to this policy, the Department has classified all ridges in
Gauteng into one of four classes, based on the existing extent and percentage of area
converted to urban development or other human activities. The classes are as follows:
•
•
•
•
Class 1 ridges include ridges of which 5% or less of their surface area has been
converted to urban development, quarries and/or alien vegetation. (Approximately
51% of ridges currently fall within Class 1, including the Suikerbosrand and parts of
the Magaliesberg).
Class 2 ridges include ridges of which more than 5%, but less than 35% of their
surface area has been converted to urban development, quarries and/or alien
vegetation. (Approximately 28% of ridges currently fall within Class 2, including parts
of the Magaliesberg, ridges falling with the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site,
the Klipriviersberg, the Bronberg and the Skurweberg).
Class 3 ridges include ridges of which 35% or more, but less than 65% of their
surface area has been converted to urban development, quarries and/or alien
vegetation. (Approximately 9% of ridges currently fall within Class 3, including the
ridge that traverses the Northcliff, Roodepoort and Krugersdorp areas).
Class 4 ridges include ridges of which 65% or more of their surface area has been
converted to urban development, quarries and/or alien vegetation. (Approximately
11% of ridges currently fall within Class 4, including the Melville Koppies and the
Linksfield Ridge).
The guidelines which are applicable to the use and development of the different classes
of ridges are summarised below:
1. Class 1 Ridges
Appendix B
7
RELEVANCE OF POLICY (SUMMARY)
• The consolidation of properties on Class 1 ridges is supported
• Further development activities and subdivisions will not be permitted on Class 1
ridges
• Only low impact activities with an ecological footprint of 5% or less will be permitted
in the 200 metre buffer zone of the ridge
2. Class 2 Ridges
• The consolidation of properties on Class 2 ridges is supported
• The subdivision of property on Class 2 ridges will not be permitted
• Development activities and uses that have a high environmental impact on a Class
2 ridge will not be permitted
• Low impact development activities, such as tourism facilities, which comprise of an
ecological footprint of 5% or less of the property may be permitted. (The ecological
footprint includes all areas directly impacted on by a development activity, including
all paved surfaces, landscaping, property access and service provision)
• Low impact development activities on a ridge will not be supported where it is
feasible to undertake the development on a portion of the property abutting the
ridge
3. Class 3 Ridges
• The consolidation of properties on Class 3 ridges is supported
• The guidelines for Class 2 ridges will be applied to areas of the ridge that have not
been significantly impacted on by human activity
• The guidelines for Class 4 ridges will be applied to areas of the ridge that have
been significantly impacted on by human activity
4. Class 4 Ridges
• The consolidation of properties on Class 4 ridges is supported
• The subdivision of property on Class 4 ridges will not be permitted in areas of the
ridge where the remaining contiguous extent of natural habitat is 4ha or more
• Further development activities will not be permitted in areas of the ridge where the
remaining contiguous extent of natural habitat is 4ha or more
4. GAUTENG AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
The basic building blocks of the GADS include the following:
• Natural Agricultural Resource Protection. This refers to the protection of high
potential agricultural land of which Gauteng has the highest percentage,
proportionate of its size, of all the provinces.
This is a non-renewable resource and its protection should be balanced with other
land use demands in a sustainable manner.
• Agricultural Planning and Market Analysis. This refers to the strategic management
of agricultural resources, utilising spatial planning tools, inventories, databases
(including climatological and hydrological datasets), economic and marketing
principles and modelling. The formation of agricultural hubs or commodity zones
around a distinct competitive advantage (in the case of Gauteng, it would be high
potential agricultural land) would be an example of an outcome of such planning.
• Farmer Development and Support. This refers to all the development and support
measures (these will be further defined in the text later on) directed at farmers in
the first and second economies. The focus here will be on second economy
farmers, whilst maintaining and enhancing the competitiveness of the first economy.
Its main objective will be the integration of second economy farmers into the first
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RELEVANCE OF POLICY (SUMMARY)
economy.
• Enhancing the competitiveness of the sector. One of the objectives of the GDS is to
obtain a GDP growth rate of 8%. In order to achieve this, GADS need to contribute
to, and not detract from, this target. This can be achieved through better planning,
research and innovation. Gauteng is unlike any of the other provinces which have
at their disposal large tracts of agricultural land and, in some instances, suitable
climatic conditions. It has to therefore select "niche market" agricultural products it
should concentrate on.
• Partnership formation and maintenance (intra and extra governmental).A number of
national programmes such as CASP and Landcare are cascaded down to the
province for implementation. Likewise local authorities and other provincial
departments also engage in agricultural programmes.
• Focus on vulnerable groups in agriculture. Women, persons with disabilities and the
elderly should be given preference in accessing support and other services.
5. GAUTENG GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
The strategic focus of the GDS is to build on the smart province concept, through
improving all growth sectors, enhancing their employment generating potential,
transformation of the economic sector in respect of representivity of the population,
appropriate provision of economic and social infrastructure and building of sustainable
communities in the Province, and contributing to this on a national and Continental level.
The GDS reflects six strategic objectives towards achieving its vision, namely:
• Provision of social and economic infrastructure and services that will build
sustainable communities and contribute to halving poverty;
• Accelerated, labour absorbing economic growth that increases per annum and that
will create long-term sustainable jobs and contribute to halving unemployment;
• Sustainable socio-economic development;
• Enhanced government efficiency and cooperative governance;
• Deepening participatory democracy, provincial and national unity and citizenship;
• Contributing to the successful achievement of NEPAD's goal and objectives
A number of common threads between these objectives are also identified in the GDS.
One of these common threads is defined as "long term environmental sustainability".
Environmental related aspects have not been identified as one of the main mechanisms
identified for implementation in the GDS, but are however identified as a transversal
issue, with specific reference to the following aspects:
• Conducting environmental impact assessments as part of development planning
initiatives.
• Ensuring compliance with all necessary environmental requirements in
infrastructure development activities.
6. TOWN PLANNING AND TOWNSHIPS ORDINANCE, 15 OF 1986
Ordinance 15 of 1986 (“The Ordinance”) relates to town planning and the establishment
of township and provide for matters incidental thereto.
•
•
•
Sec 17 provides for the establishment of a compensation court to settle disputes
relating to compensation payable i.t.o. “The Ordinance”.
Sec 18 provides for the preparation of a town planning scheme by a local
authority.
The general purpose of a town planning scheme shall be the co-ordinated and
harmonious development of the area to which it relates in such a way as will
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RELEVANCE OF POLICY (SUMMARY)
most effectively tend to promote the health, safety, good order, amenity,
convenience and general welfare of such area as well as efficiency and economy
in the process of such development (S. 19)
Sec 20 provides for the granting of consent use by the local authority and the
Administrator.
A town planning scheme shall not be prepared for proclaimed mining land or land
on which prospecting, digging or mining operations are carried out. (Sec 21).
Where a local authority intends to acquire land it may prohibit (Sec 24):
Proposed erection or alteration of or addition to any building on the land.
Any other proposed work on the land.
Any particular use of the land
Sec 42 describes the powers of the local authority where a town planning
scheme in operation is contravened
Sec 44 provides for payment of compensation where any person has directly or
indirectly suffered any diminution in value as a result of the operation of a
provision of an approved scheme.
Sec 45 provides for the amendment of the town planning scheme in operation for
a local authority that is not an authorised local authority.
Sec 48 provides for the payment of contributions in respect of engineering
services, open spaces and parks. ;
(b) Contributions for open spaces and parks are allowed where the
commencement fo the amendment scheme will bring about a higher residential
density. In respect of open spaces and parks the contribution shall be determined
as prescribed in Regulation 43.
Any contribution shall be paid before the approval of a building plan and/or before
a change of land use.
Sec 49 sets out the power of the local authority to promote fulfilment of purposes
of town planning scheme in operation. A local authority may adopt proposals to
acquire land, erect buildings, let, alienate or dispose of any building and may take
such steps as it may deem necessary. Refer to Regulation 13 of The Ordinance
for procedures.
Sec 50 allows for the establishment of a town planning fund, which fund may be
utilised for defraying and expenditure in connection with a town planning scheme
contemplated in sub-sec (1), including any compensation payable i.t.o. the
provisions of the Ordinance and any expenditure arising from a proposal in Sec
49.
Sec 51 states that any expenditure arising from a proposal contemplated in Sec
49 shall be defrayed from the revenue of the local authority. Sub sec 2 allows the
local authority to levy a special rate to defray such expenditure.
Sec 55 states that sections 28, 29, 42, 43, 44, 50, 51, 52 and 53 apply mutatis
mutandis for authorised local authorities.
Section 56 provides for the amendment of the town planning scheme in operation
for a local authority that is an authorised local authority.
Section 63 allows for the payment of contributions to the local authority in
respect of engineering services, open spaces or parks. Refer to Sec 48.
Sec 64 is similar to Sec 49.
Sec 92(3) allows for the payment of contributions i.r.o. engineering services and
open spaces or parks where erven in approved townships are subdivided.
Sections 94 to 104 set the procedures to establish a township within the
boundaries of an authorised local authority.
Sections 105 to 115 set the procedures to be followed by a local authority to
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RELEVANCE OF POLICY (SUMMARY)
establish a township.
Chapter V (Sections 116 to 124) deals with requirements regarding the
installation of engineering services.
Section 128 describes the powers of the local authority in respect of land
transferred to it.
(1) Where land was transferred to the local authority in accordance with this
Ordinance the local authority may sell or donate such land or any portion
thereof or exchange it for other land.
(2) Where land is sold, donated or exchanged in terms of subsection (1)
(a) the administrator may, subject to the provisions of any interim or
approved scheme, authorise the transfer thereof free from restriction
applicable by virtue of any condition set out in the schedule contemplated
in Sec 79 and 103 (proclamation of township).
(b) The proceeds from the sale or exchange of land transferred to the local
authority for the purpose of open spaces or parks shall be utilised only for
the acquisition or development of land for that purpose or such purpose
as the Administrator may determine.
• The calculation of the amount or contribution payable in respect of the provision
of open spaces or parks is set out Regulation 43
24m2 per unit is required per “Residential 1” or “Residential 2”
18m2 per unit is required per “Residential 3”, “Residential 4” or “Residential
5”
The land value (per m2) determines the amount.
• The local authority may, on the basis of an approved guide plan, grant a discount
on the amount or contribution.
• Where the local authority requires that the applicant provides land for open
spaces or parks, the area of land shall be determined at a ratio of 24m2 per
Residential 1 or 2 unit and 18m2 per Residential 3, 4 or 5 unit (Reg. 44).
• Any area of land subject to flooding (1:50 years) shall be shown as an open
space or park if so required by the local authority.
• If the land subject to flooding is less than 32m (measured from the centre line),
the area of land shown as an open space of park shall be extended to measure
32m from the centre line of the water course.
• The area of land to be provided for open spaces or parks in terms of shall
reduced by the area of land shown as open spaces or parks above.
The local authority may, on the basis of an approved guide plan reduce the area of land
to be provided for open spaces and parks.
7. DIVISION OF LAND ORDINANCE, 20 OF 1986
MUNICIPAL
1. EMM INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN
2. EMM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
• The EMM Spatial Development Framework (MSDF) is an integral part of the
Integrated Development Framework (IDP) and set out the objectives that reflect the
desired spatial form.
• The MSDF is to be followed through with the review of Regional Spatial Frameworks
(RSDF’s) and compilation of Local Spatial Development Frameworks (LSDF’s)
• All plans / maps are conceptual and strategic in nature.
• One of the eight (8) development objectives is the creation of a sustainable and
Appendix B
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RELEVANCE OF POLICY (SUMMARY)
functional open space network that is acceptable to the public, which
• protects, highlight and link the natural elements of the EMM to form a high quality,
tactile and functional living environment and movement system for fauna, flora and
humans;
• link up with, and enhance the man made elements of the EMM, making open
spaces such as squares (nodal), important road and other servitudes (linear) part
of the open space network.
• Include as many of the EMM public open spaces (linear linkage / nodal cluster) as
possible
• The development concept and approach includes;
• Implementation of Urban Development Boundary to contain urban sprawl and
protect agricultural areas.
• Formalise and protect the Metropolitan Open Space System based no:
• Gauteng Open Space Policy – Phase 2 and
• Eastern Gauteng Region Environmental Management Framework.
• The open space system must be designed around sensitive areas, the parks,
sport and recreation grounds and large open space.
• A holistic and integrated approach, where environmental considerations are
integrated into spatial and economic activities. basically includes
• The SDF is represented on Map 24. The Regional Open Space System (to be refined)
comprise of primary and secondary open spaces. The primary open space network
functions on a city wide scale includes the most important natural assets. This network
will also link with the overall Gauteng Open Space Network.
The secondary open space system should link/include the open spaces of importance to
a specific neighbourhood in the EMM and have a neighbourhood function.
3. REGIONAL SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORKS
Ekurhuleni was divided into three (3) planning regions, namely North, East and South.
The RSDF’s includes more detail than the MSDF and also shows the Regional Open
Space System.
• Southern RSDF
o Major components in the Regional Open Space System are the Meyersdal
(Klipriviersberg) Nature Reserve; Natalspruit Wetland System (including Rondebult
Bird Sanctuary) and the southern portions of the region that links up with the
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve
o Two categories of parks and open spaces are proposed, namely regional open
space (>3ha) and local open space (> 300m2 and < 3ha).
• Eastern RSDF
o Major components in the Regional Open Space System are the Blesbokspruit and
tributaries, Lakes in Benoni, Bullfrog habitats, Leeupan and Westdene pan, Jan
Smuts dam, Nigel dam, Spaarwater dam and Marievale Bird Sanctury.
o Red data habitats should be designated as no-go areas.
o The Development objectives for the ESDR include:
Development of a compact urban structure.
The creation of a sustainable and functional open space system that is
accessible to the public, by
o Optimising the unique characteristics of the ESDR, e.g. Maryvale Bird
Sanctuary and Blesbokspruit, etc;
o Incorporating the open space system into the urban fabric;
o Creating a Regional Park: and
o Optimising unutilised open space in the urban fabric.
o Five categories of open space (open space associated with roads; parks and
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RELEVANCE OF POLICY (SUMMARY)
passive recreational areas; open veld and grazing; natural open space and
conservation areas) were identified. The following proposals are also made:
Focus on provision of active open space in Kwatsaduze and Daveyton /
Etwatwa and general maintenance of existing facilities.
The southern portion of the Region can be preserved for open veld and grazing.
Agriculture can be used as a method to preserve Dunnottar airfields and
surrounding areas.
Natural open space occur within developed areas and form clusters and
linkages of open space in the urban environment and can be linked through
careful planning and selective development.
• Northern RSDF
Many of parks in the NSDR is undeveloped and poorly maintained and green areas
are disjointed and fragmented and natural areas are poorly protected and a
conservation plan needs to be compiled.
The main open space features in the area includes the Swartspruit & Kaalspruit
watercourses and a number of pans, such as Bonaero Park, Blaaupan, Esselen
Park, Isikelo, Parkhaven and Bullfrog.
Two categories of parks and open spaces are proposed, namely regional open
space (>3ha) and local open space (> 300m2 and < 3ha).
Eight (8) development objectives were determined for the region and include:
• The development of a compact urban structure.
• Promote the formulation of an environmental strategy to:
o Protect and conserve sensitive ecological and hydrological areas.
o Manage urban sprawl.
Manage urban open space (road reserves, parks and passive recreational areas, open
veld and grazing, natural open space and conservation areas)
4. LOCAL SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORKS
5. OTHER SECTORAL PLANS
6. EMM GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
7. EMM ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK (EMF)
The purpose of the EMF is to aid decision-making processes in respect of present landuse, as well as decisions on new development activities in the area.
The main purpose of the strategic environmental management plan is to establish
constraint zones and geographical areas within which some additional activities are
proposed to be listed for impact assessment in certain areas, while a number of exiting
activities on the list for impact assessment is proposed to be excluded from having to
under impact assessment.
The development constraint zones indicate the environmental suitability of land parcels
for various types of land uses or activities. The management plan does not specify which
land uses should occur in which zones, but rather indicate specific minimum
environmental requirements which must be met before applications for development
projects can be considered. The strategic environmental management plan also
indicates the level of assessment required and should be used as environmental input in
the integrated development plan.
The Strategic Environmental Management Plan also deals with specified activities on the
national lists which are excluded from Basic Assessment (Government Notice R. 386) or
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RELEVANCE OF POLICY (SUMMARY)
Scoping and EIA (Government Notice R. 387), as the case may be. The purpose is to
limit the number of applications to the minimum that are necessary.
The purpose of environmental strategy is to ensure that concerns in the environmental
management framework are addressed by the authorities responsible for the area.
The strategy also outlines specifically areas of concern, guidelines policies and legal
mechanisms, current programmes and projects and strategic priorities for a number of
key environmental challenges identified in the EMF.
8. EMM MUNICIPAL BY-LAWS
9. CITY DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
+ REZONING OF FARM LAND POLICY
• This policy deals with the rezoning and farm land (Agricultural Holdings and Farm
Portions).
• The policy states that where land use rights on farm land is changed the
township establishment procedure must be the preferred procedure to follow.
• Only single development will be allowed. If for instance road widening must be
provided township establishment is required.
• The policy requires that certain documents, as normally required with, such as a
flood line certificate and geo-technical report.
+ URBAN EDGE POLICY
• This policy strives to create a compact urban structure.
• The policy aims to:
o contribute to a sustainable and continuous open space network that is
accessible to the public.
o Optimise food production of agricultural areas and to functionally link these
areas to the disadvantaged communities.
o Uses of a rural nature should be located outside the Urban Edge. These uses
include Extensive agriculture; conservation/nature areas; tourism & related
recreational facilities; farm stalls & home Indus; rural residential and other
related developments or services.
+ SECOND DWELLING POLICY
• Subject thereto that all legislation is complied with all Residential 1 (or 5) and
Agricultural zoned properties > 500m2 has an automatic right to the erection of a
second dwelling unit.
• Second dwellings may not be > 100m2, excluding garages.
Only 1 second dwelling allowed for agricultural holdings and farm portions, but
accommodation for bona fide employees may be erected.
+ SECURITY TOWNSHIP POLICY
All parks in security townships (access control) shall be zoned as “Private Open Space”
and owned by the Section 21 Company or home owner’s association.
+ ACCOMMODATION ESTABLISHMENT POLICY
• The policy provides a uniform procedure for the establishment of bed and
breakfast establishments, guest houses, backpacker establishments, self
catering establishments and rooming or lodging establishments.
• An accommodation establishment is accepted as a primary right for
Appendix B
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RELEVANCE OF POLICY (SUMMARY)
accommodation of four or less unrelated persons on any residential zoned erven.
• Primary right on “Residential 4” or “Residential 5” erven.
• Rezoning of “Residential 1” properties is required when more than six bedrooms
is established.
The maximum number of rooms allowed for a guest house is 16 bedrooms.
+ MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE POLICY
• No town planning approval required for erection for mobile telecommunications
infrastructure, other input into building plans.
Mobile telecommunications infrastructure is not viewed as a land use, but as service
infrastructure.
Appendix B
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