environmental management framework and strategic environmental management … · 2018-04-04 · ndm...

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

AND

STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Namakwa District Municipality

Final Report

4 March 2011

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL CONSULTANTS

147 Bram Fisher Drive

FERNDALE

2194

Phone: (011) 781 1730

Fax: (011) 781 1731

Email: [email protected]

Copyright Nemai Consulting 2011

NDM EMF & SEMP FINAL REPORT

Nemai Consulting C.C. i

TITLE AND APPROVAL PAGE

TITLE: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

AND STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL

MANAGEMENT PLAN

CLIENT : Namakwa District Municipality

P O Box 5

Van Riebeeck street

SPRINGBOK

8240

PREPARED BY Nemai Consulting C.C.

P.O. Box 1673

Sunninghill

2157

Telephone: (011) 781 1730

Facsimile : (011) 781 1731

AUTHORS C. Chidley, R. Le Roux, E. Holton

__________________________ __________________

Signature Date

APPROVAL

__________________________ __________________

Signature Date


Nemai Consulting C.C. ii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Namakwa Environmental Management Framework (EMF) and Strategic

Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) was developed in order to provide a

high level plan for sustainable development in the Namakwa District Municipality

of the Northern Cape Province.

The EMF and SEMP provides an evaluation of the state of the environment,

sets out an environmental vision and details the constraints, opportunities,

management measures, monitoring indicators and desired state of the

environment for the various environmental elements. The EMF, the spatial

section of the study, is presented as a series of environmental management

zones which present the sensitive aspects of the environment, which land uses

are suitable in each zone and which environmental studies should be conducted

for proposed developments in each zone.

The status quo in the district can be characterised as a large arid area with a

dispersed population and high population densities where settlements have

been established. Water sources include the Orange River to the north of the

district, which has allocable water available. Groundwater sources are limited

and both ground water and surface water pollution represent a threat. The

central region of the district is dominated topographically by the Kamiesberg

Mountains which provide important habitats for both flora and fauna. The

southern and eastern regions of the district are largely plains.

The coastline has been highly impacted upon by diamond mining and access

has been restricted for the best part of two generations. As diamond resources

become fully exploited, and access to the coastline improves, the extent of the

damage, and of the opportunities that the change of landuse presents will

become evident to the residents of the district and the region.

Higher biodiversity is generally found to the north-west and along the coastline

than in the interior and eastern areas of the district. The district is home to the

Succulent Karoo biome and is a biodiversity hotspot of worldwide significance.

Due to the importance of biodiversity to the tourism economy, the district has a

well-developed biodiversity plan that has formed an important input to this

SEMP and EFM. The district supports a large variety of fauna, which include

endemic reptile, tortoise, frogs, scorpion and the Riverine Rabbit. There is large

variety of buck including Grey Reedbuck, Steenbok, Springbok and Gemsbok.


Nemai Consulting C.C. iii

District geology is generally stable and the district has general poor quality soils

that do not readily support cropping. Soil quality increases in the south and

supports agricultural crops.

With regards the impact of climate change, the district is expected to get warmer

and drier which will have important downstream impacts upon social and

economic development. The impacts will first be felt by various environmental

elements including water availability and habitat change.

The district’s population is located in relatively few settlements and is generally

poor with low education levels. Due to the relatively highly concentrated

economy with its focus on mining, agriculture, government service and tourism,

economic dislocations affect the population more than it would in larger and

more diverse economies. The population of the district is ageing and migrating

towards the better economic opportunities in the district and the broader region.

The district is has a rich and long history with many heritage artefacts that merit

preservation.

The Strategic Environmental Management Plan considers fourteen

environmental elements in the District. These fourteen are:

Climate;

Hydrology;

Groundwater;

Topography;

Soils;

Flora;

Fauna;

Coastal Environment;

Social Environment;

Tourism;

Mining; and

Agriculture.

Each of these elements are important components of the biophysical, economic

and social environment of the Namakwa District Municipality.

The management measures acknowledge the need for social and economic

development and provide strategic issues which should be addressed to take

advantage of the environmental goods and services in the district. On the other


Nemai Consulting C.C. iv

hand, the strategic issues in the SEMP provide strategic actions that should be

taken to protect and conserve environmental resources.

Noteworthy amongst the strategic action plans is the once-in-a-generation

opportunity to re-make the coastal strip and to secure its use for the greater

good. This opportunity presents itself as coastal diamond mining activities

decline and access to the coastal strip becomes available.

The Environmental Management Framework is presented as a map showing the

Environmental Management Zones in the Namakwa District Municipality. There

are six Environment Managements Zones and one additional zone for areas

where insufficient information exists to make a determination. The seven zones

are named from A to G. The zone descriptions are as follows:

A. The zone includes a number of environmentally sensitive features

and development should be avoided. If the development is critical to

the economic and social wellbeing of the local population, utmost

care should be taken to avoid impacts and mitigate where possible.

B. Several environmentally sensitive features are present. Development

should be restricted in terms of type and magnitude of impact. This

rating is not very lenient in terms of development but does recognise

that development cannot be excluded where compelling economic

and social benefits will be derived for the local and regional

population. All legislative requirements should be adhered to and a

fully inclusive consideration of the biophysical receptors should be

undertaken. Development in these areas will also require a

comprehensive public participation process with input from

stakeholders and government organisations.

C. These areas include environmentally sensitive features. Development

in this zone must serve to complement the area and should be limited

where relevant. Adequate provision should be made for the protection

of environmental features and a fully inclusive participation process

should be conducted.

D. These areas include environmentally sensitive features which are

relatively common in the study area. Development must be guided by

the constraints offered by the site and must be ensure that adequate

provision is made for protection of environmental features. Applicable

legislation should drive the process to be followed.

E. The area is regarded to have little environmental sensitivity in

comparison to the Zones A to D. Development should be facilitated in


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this area whilst ensuring compliance to existing legislation and best

practice approaches.

F. The area is regarded to have been potentially has been heavily

impacted upon. Development should be facilitated in this area whilst

ensuring compliance to existing legislation and best practice

approaches.

G. No rating was provided due to lack of relevant information.

The focus of the Environmental Management Zones is to restrict development in

the zones with the greatest sensitivity, and allow development in the zones of

low sensitivity.

The EMF does not prohibit development in any one zone, neither does it give

carte blanche for un-restricted development in any zone. The EMF should be

used as guidance to the sensitivities of the proposed development area and

tailor development planning and environmental authorisation approaches to the

level of sensitivity in each zone.

The blocks forming the components of each zone are large and reflect the size

of the study area, as well as the degree of certainty of the input data. The use of

these large component blocks provides environmental planners with the

necessary latitude to strike the balance between the use of environmental goods

and services, and protection of environmental resources.

The SEMP and EMF serves as a framework for environmental planning and a

desktop tool for the analysis of development proposals. The tool should be

reviewed in five years’ time to keep pace with development in the district.


Nemai Consulting C.C. vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................. II

TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................................. VI

TABLE OF FIGURES ...................................................................................................................... IX

ABBREVIATIONS .............................................................................................. XII

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................... 1

1.1 Background ............................................................................................. 1

1.2 Project Area ............................................................................................. 2

1.3 Environmental Orientation ....................................................................... 4

1.4 Aims and Objectives of the EMF .............................................................. 6

1.5 Methodology and Approach ..................................................................... 6

1.6 Assumptions and Limitations ................................................................... 7

CHAPTER 2. ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION REVIEW ............................. 8

2.1 National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) .................... 8

2.2 NEMA Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations ................ 11

CHAPTER 3. STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATION AND PUBLIC

PARTICIPATION ................................................................................... 13

3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................ 13

3.2 Project Steering Committee ................................................................... 14

3.3 Public Open Days .................................................................................. 14

3.4 Stakeholder Consultation ....................................................................... 16

CHAPTER 4. STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT ............................................. 17

4.1 Physical Environment ............................................................................ 17

4.1.1 Climate ................................................................................................................. 17 4.1.2 Geology ................................................................................................................ 24 4.1.3 Hydrology ............................................................................................................. 26 4.1.4 Groundwater ........................................................................................................ 32 4.1.5 Topography .......................................................................................................... 38 4.1.6 Soils ..................................................................................................................... 39 4.1.7 Flora ..................................................................................................................... 40 4.1.8 Fauna ................................................................................................................... 61


Nemai Consulting C.C. vii

4.1.9 Coastal Areas ...................................................................................................... 66

4.2 Social Environment ................................................................................ 75

4.2.1 Municipal Setting .................................................................................................. 75 4.2.2 Demographic Profile ............................................................................................ 88 4.2.3 Household and Population Analysis .................................................................... 91 4.2.4 Population Structure ............................................................................................ 94 4.2.5 Income Distribution .............................................................................................. 96 4.2.6 Education and Literacy ........................................................................................ 99 4.2.7 Living Conditions ................................................................................................ 102

4.3 Economic Environment ........................................................................ 106

4.3.1 General Economy and Employment .................................................................. 106 4.3.2 Tourism .............................................................................................................. 112 4.3.3 Land Use ............................................................................................................ 119 4.3.4 Mining ................................................................................................................ 124 4.3.5 Agriculture .......................................................................................................... 131 4.3.6 Infrastructure and Service Provision .................................................................. 133

CHAPTER 5. STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 148

5.1 Environmental Management Planning Considerations ......................... 148

5.2 Vision for the Environment ................................................................... 149

5.2.1 Natural Environment .......................................................................................... 150 5.2.2 Socio-Economic Environment ............................................................................ 151 5.2.3 Services Environment ........................................................................................ 152 5.2.4 Land Use Environment ...................................................................................... 152 5.2.5 Policy Environment ............................................................................................ 153

5.3 Legislative Framework ......................................................................... 153

5.3.1 Environmental Law ............................................................................................ 154 5.3.2 Management of Environmental Elements .......................................................... 162

5.4 Environmental Elements ...................................................................... 167

5.4.1 Climate ............................................................................................................... 168 5.4.2 Hydrology ........................................................................................................... 176 5.4.3 Groundwater ...................................................................................................... 184 5.4.4 Topography ........................................................................................................ 193 5.4.5 Soils ................................................................................................................... 201 5.4.6 Flora ................................................................................................................... 208 5.4.7 Fauna ................................................................................................................. 219 5.4.8 Coastal Environment.......................................................................................... 229 5.4.9 Social Environment ............................................................................................ 240 5.4.10 Infrastructure and Service Provision .................................................................. 247 5.4.11 Economic Environment ...................................................................................... 251 5.4.12 Tourism .............................................................................................................. 255 5.4.13 Mining ................................................................................................................ 260


Nemai Consulting C.C. viii

5.4.14 Agriculture .......................................................................................................... 267

CHAPTER 6. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ZONES ......................... 275

6.1 Purpose ............................................................................................... 275

6.2 Methodology ........................................................................................ 276

6.2.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 276 6.2.2 Process for Development of Environmental Management Zones ..................... 276

6.3 Environmental Management Zones ..................................................... 280

6.3.1 Critical Sites ....................................................................................................... 281 6.3.2 Important Sites ................................................................................................... 282 6.3.3 Protected Areas ................................................................................................. 282 6.3.4 Coastal line ........................................................................................................ 282 6.3.5 Priority Areas ..................................................................................................... 283 6.3.6 Ecological Supporting Areas .............................................................................. 283 6.3.7 Rivers ................................................................................................................. 284 6.3.8 Wetlands ............................................................................................................ 284 6.3.9 Slopes ................................................................................................................ 284 6.3.10 Population Centres ............................................................................................ 285 6.3.11 Cultural and Historical Features ........................................................................ 285 6.3.12 Mines.................................................................................................................. 286

6.4 Management of Environmental Management Zones ............................ 286

6.5 Environmental Investigations ............................................................... 289

CHAPTER 7. MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT .................................... 292

7.1 Monitoring ............................................................................................ 292

CHAPTER 8. REFERENCES ........................................................................ 293


Nemai Consulting C.C. ix

TABLE OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Rainfall Regions of South Africa 18

Figure 2 Climatic regions within the NDM. 20

Figure 3 Wind Rose at Alexander Bay 22

Figure 4 Geological Map, NDM. 25

Figure 5 National Water Management Areas 28

Figure 6 NDM Water Management Areas 29

Figure 7 TDS Mapping in the Lower Orange Water Management Area 34

Figure 8 Wetlands, NDM. 37

Figure 9 SKEP Priority Areas, NDM 43

Figure 10 Vegetation Map, NDM 45

Figure 11 Municipal Setting: Richtersveld Local Municipality 77

Figure 12 Municipal Setting: Nama Khoi Local Municipality 79

Figure 13 Municipal Setting: Khai Ma Local Municipality 81

Figure 14 Municipal Setting: Kamiesberg Local Municipality 83

Figure 15 Municipal Setting: Hantam Local Municipality 85

Figure 16 Municipal Setting: Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality 87

Figure 17 Namakwa Demarcation Population Centres, NDM. 89

Figure 18 Total Employment by Industry 111

Figure 19 Cultural and Historical Features, NDM. 118

Figure 20 Location of Conservation Areas 121

Figure 21 Active Mines, NDM. 126

TABLE OF TABLES

Table 1 Details for Round One Public Meetings 14

Table 2 Status Quo Public Meetings – Newspaper Adverts 15

Table 3 Minimum and maximum temperatures - main towns of the NDM 21

Table 4 Water Management Areas in the NDM 27

Table 5 Biomes, vegetation types and area covered within the NDM (SANBI, 2006) 44

Table 6: Biomes and Vegetation Types within the Hantam Local Municipality 46

Table 7: Biomes and Vegetation Types within the Kamiesberg Local Municipality 48

Table 8: Biomes and Vegetation Types within the Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality 49

Table 9 Biomes and Vegetation Types within the Khai - Ma Local Municipality 50

Table 10 Biomes and Vegetation Types within the Nama Koi Local Municipality 51

Table 11 Biomes and Vegetation Types within the Richtersveld Local Municipality 53

Table 12 Biomes and Vegetation Types within the DMA 56

Table 13 SANParks New Biodiversity Corridors, NDM. 60


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Table 14 Population Centres, NDM. 90

Table 15 Number of individuals by urban / non urban 91

Table 16 Total number of persons within the NDM 92

Table 17 Total number of households within the NDM, (Community Survey 2007 and

Census 2001) 94

Table 18 Age structure within the NDM (Census, 2001). 94

Table 19 Gender structure within the NDM 96

Table 20 Person Income per Income Bracket and Municipality (% of District Total) 96

Table 21 Person Income per Income Bracket and Municipality (% of LM Total) 97

Table 22 Percentage of households by annual household income within the NDM

(Census, 2001) 98

Table 23 Number of individuals (age 20+) by highest education level reached (Census

2001) 100

Table 24 Number of individuals (age 20+) by higher education levels (Census 2001) 100

Table 25 Percentage distribution of households by type of main dwelling 103

Table 26 Percentage distribution of households by type of water source 104

Table 27 Percentage distribution of households by tenure status 105

Table 28 Percentage distribution of households by type of energy/fuel used for cooking

105

Table 29 Local municipalities contribution to NDM GGP 108

Table 30 Number of individuals (Age 15-65) by employment status (Census 2001) 108

Table 31 Number of employed individuals (age 15-65) by industry (Census 2001) 110

Table 32 Number of employed individuals (age 15-65) by occupation (Census 2001) 112

Table 33 Cultural and historical features, NDM. 115

Table 34 Types of mining activities within the NDM 127

Table 35 Types of farming within the NDM 132

Table 36 Types of crops within the NDM 132

Table 37 Transport Mode within the Northern Cape Province and the NDM (Census,

2001) 133

Table 38 Percentage distribution of households by type of water source in the NDM

(Community Survey 2007 and Census, 2001) 134

Table 39 Percentage distribution of households by type of toilet facilities in the NDM

(Community Survey 2007 and Census, 2001) 138

Table 40 Percentage distribution of households by type of energy/fuel used for lighting

within the NDM (Community Survey 2007 and Census, 2001) 139

Table 41 Percentage distribution of households by type of energy/fuel used for heating


Table 42 Percentage distribution of households by type of energy/fuel used for cooking



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Table 43 Percentage distribution of households by type of refuse disposal within the

NDM (Community Survey 2007 and Census, 2001) 143

Table 44 Percentage distribution of households by type of refuse disposal by local

municipalities (Community Survey 2007) 143

Table 45 Landfill sites mixed use within the NDM. 145

Table 46 Environmental Sensitivity Index 280

Table 47 Development Types Suitable for Each Environmental Management Zone 287

Table 48 Environmental Investigations Suitable for Each Environmental Management

Zone 289

TABLE OF APPENDICES

Appendix A. THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS ........................................... 298

Appendix B. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ZONES ........................................ 324


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ABBREVIATIONS

ABET Adult Basic Education Training Programme

ADEs Aquifer Dependent Ecosystems

AKTP Artisan Skills Training Programmes

BCLME Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem

BID Background Information System

CARA Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (43 of 1983)

CBA’s Critical biodiversity areas

CEPF Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund

CITES The Convention on the Trade In Endangered Species of Wild

Fauna and Flora

CPP Coastal Public Property

CPZ Coastal Protection Zone

DALREC Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, Environment and

Conservation:

DEAT Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism

DMA District Management Area

DWA Department of Water Affairs

DWAF Department of Water Affairs and Forestry

ECA Environmental Conservation Act

ECO Environment Control Officer

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EMF Environmental Management Framework

EMP Environmental Management Plan

EMPRs Environmental Management Programme Reports

EPWP Expanded Public Works Programme

ESI Environmental Sensitivity Index

GDP Gross Domestic Product

GGP Gross Geographic Product

GIS Geographical Information System

HACCP Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point

HLM Hantam Local Municipality

IDP Integrated Development Plan

IEM Integrated Environmental Management

IWMP Integrated Waste Management Plan

KHLM Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality

KLM Kamiesberg Local Municipality

KMLM Khai-Ma Local Municipality

LOWMA Lower Orange Water Management Area


Nemai Consulting C.C. xiii

NCDALR Northern Cape Department of Agriculture and Land Reform

NC DENC Northern Cape Department of Environment and Nature

Conservation

NDM Namakwa District Municipality

NEMA National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998)

NEMAQA National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act

NEMBA National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act

NEMPAA National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act

NGO Non-Governmental Organisation

NHRA National Heritage Resources Act (25 of 1999)

NKLM Nama Khoi Local Municipality

NWA National Water Act (38 of 1998)

MEC Member of the Executive Council

ORM Orange River Mouth

PSC Project Steering Committee

RLM Richtersveld Local Municipality

SAHRA South African Heritage Resources Agency

SALT South African Large Telescope

SANBI South African National Biodiversity Institute

SANParks South Africa National Parks

SDF Spatial Development Framework

SEMP Strategic Environmental Management Plan

SKA Square Kilometre Array

SKEP Succulent Karoo Ecosystem Programme

SMME Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise

TDS Total dissolved solids

WMAs Water Management Areas


Nemai Consulting C.C. 1

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

An Environmental Management Framework (EMF) and Strategic Environmental

Management (SEMP) plan is a document that aims to ensure that environmental

limits to development are included in spatial planning documents. The need for

spatial environmental information is critical both as a guide to areas that should

be protected from excessive development, as well as to highlight to other

planning disciplines the opportunities those environmental resources present to

enhancing development.

It is often the case that planning disciplines neglect environmental constraints

and opportunities owing to a lack of information or of knowledge with regards to

the resources and services that the environment of a particular areas offers.

With this in mind, an EMF and SEMP was commissioned by the Northern Cape

Department of Environment and Nature Conservation (NC DENC) and the

Namakwa District Municipality (NDM) for the entire area of the NDM. Nemai

Consulting was appointed to carry out the work.

The aim of the EMF is to facilitate decision-making that will ensure sustainable

management of natural resources. The EMF will be used as an input to the

revised Namakwa Spatial Development Plan and will provide a basis for co-

ordinated decision-making between the local and district municipalities to

manage sustainable development.

The EMF will include a biophysical assessment of the status quo of the

environment in the NDM and an assessment of the factors affecting the natural

environment. These factors such as pollution, population growth, poverty and

development negatively impact the natural resources and the ecosystem.

A challenge facing the Northern Cape province is to engage in a multi-

dimensional approach to spatial planning and development that goes beyond

single perspectives (i.e. economic growth, infrastructure provision, poverty

alleviation etc) to, both space and time (long- & short-term). This calls for a

socio-spatial approach to planning, taking into account the need for a place-

making approach, while simultaneously considering the bigger whole and the

public good (both in the short term and over the long term). This implies flexible,



yet institutional, readiness and capacity in governance to ensure a balance

between short-term needs and long term visions and costs.

This entails the balancing of elements of development that are:

based on economic potentials and marginal environmental impacts;

based on identification of resource potentials;

based on achieving development readiness – resources, infrastructure,

institutional;

based on balanced development – urban/rural;

based on social need identification; and

based on measurable targets and indicators (Provincial Growth and

Development Strategy Abridged Discussion Document, www.info.gov.za).

This draft of the document is intended to be gazetted for public comment, prior

to adoption.

1.2 Project Area

The NDM is situated in the north western area of South Africa and in the

western part of the Northern Cape. It borders Namibia to the north, the Western

Cape Province to the south, the Siyanda and Pixley ka Seme Districts of the

Northern Cape Province to the north-east and east and the Atlantic Ocean to the

west.

The NDM is the largest district municipality in the country measured by surface

area (approximately 126 747km2). It comprises the following local municipalities:

Nama Khoi Local Municipality (NKLM);

Hantam Local Municipality (HLM);

Khai-Ma Local Municipality (KMLM);

Kamiesberg Local Municipality (KLM);

Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality (KHLM); and

Richtersveld Local Municipality (RLM).

Major towns in the NDM include Springbok, Calvinia. Williston and Sutherland.

http://www.northerncape.org.za/getting_around/towns/Calvinia/



Figure 1 Locality Map: NDM.



1.3 Environmental Orientation

Although environmental practitioners are well aware, and of no need of,

orientation with regards to what the term ‘environment’ means and what aspects

encompass sustainable management, it is worthwhile repeating this information

for practitioners and interested parties outside the field.

The environment comprises the social, biophysical and economic spheres.

The social sphere encompasses all community interactions with the

environment, it represents the human element of the field and is of paramount

importance. One has to look no further than the National Environmental

Management Act, which holds as one its principles that “Environmental

management must place people and their needs at the forefront of its concern,

and serve their physical, psychological, developmental, cultural and social

interests equitably”. This admonition should not be forgotten when conducting a

study such as this.

The second sphere is biophysical. This area encompasses all the areas that

have traditionally been the preserve of ecological and geographical scientists.

Areas include the land, water and atmosphere of the earth, micro organisms,

plant and animal life and the intersections and interaction between these

aspects.

The third sphere is the economic sphere. Economics enters the environmental

field owing to there being an economic cost and benefit from impacting upon the

environment. This aspect is closely linked to the social aspect, since economic

considerations are a human construct and regulate the resources that should be

allocated to environmental protection, or non-protection, as the case may be.

These three spheres interact and create the field “environment” that is used in

this document.

Central to this document, and any other environmental protection and

management measure is the notion that the environment is a necessary

condition for human advancement. All human activity is linked to the

environment in some way or another. It is true to say that without the ecosystem

services that the environment provides, human development and human

happiness will both be negatively impacted.



To illustrate this point and to persuade the reader of the centrality of the

environment to all of our lives, it is necessary to list the goods and services that

the environment provides.

In terms of goods, the environment provides the following:

Food;

Fresh water;

Construction material;

Medicinal ingredients;

Recreation; and

Tourism.

This list is not exhaustive but demonstrates that these goods are essential to

human life.

The services that the environment provides include the following:

Maintaining hydrological cycles – rainwater cycles, providing

water, the essences of life;

Regulating climate – an amenable climate is essential to

human existence;

Purification of air and water – again, central to human

existence;

Storing and cycling of nutrients; and

Flood regulation.

The services again go the heart of human existence and demonstrate the need

for environmental protection.

Consequent to the above, any threats to the environment will eventually impact

upon the quality of life. The key threats to the environment, and which will be

addressed during the EMF process include:

Pollution;

Loss of Biodiversity;

Mining;

Climate Change; and

Erosion.

This EMF and SEMP is one of many tools that can be used to ensure that the

environment is managed in such way as to continue providing these goods and

services in order to sustain the livelihoods of the people resident in the NDM.



1.4 Aims and Objectives of the EMF

The aim of the project is to develop an EMF that will guide local and provincial

decision-making to manage sustainable development of the NDM. This EMF will

outline the environmental, social and economic aspects of the NDM. The EMF

will also provide the provincial, district and local authorities with decision support

guidelines that will assist in executing their respective mandates in an objective

and efficient manner. The specific objectives of the EMF include the following:

To develop an EMF and a SEMP to facilitate decision-making

which will ensure sustainable management of the natural

resources;

To provide strategic guidance on both environmental,

economic and social issues in the EMF area;

To identify environmentally sensitive areas;

To identify the environmental and development opportunities

and constraints;

To assess the economic and environmental potential of the

area;

To provide a decision support system in respect of

environmental issues and priorities in the EMF area;

To formulate a strategy that will incorporate issues such as

land use, planning and sensitive environmental resources; and

To include existing policies as frameworks for establishing

values, guidelines and standards for future developments.

1.5 Methodology and Approach

An Environmental Management Framework (EMF) is a framework of spatially

represented information connected to parameters, such as ecology, hydrology,

infrastructure and services. The main purpose of an EMF is to proactively

identify areas of potential conflict between development proposals and

critical/sensitive environments (DEAT, 1998).

An EMF provides a framework that defines the environmental attributes of an

area in a manner that evaluates the environmental opportunities and constraints

of the area. A Spatial Development Framework (SDF) defines the framework to

interpret future development and planning principles.



Specific areas such as the ones listed below need to be addressed as a

minimum requirement:

Geology;

Hydrology;

Climate;

Vegetation;

Fauna;

Agriculture; and

Land Use.

The technical development of an EMF consists of the integration of spatially

represented data with environmental policies and management frameworks. The

EMF is an information source which provides guidance for all environmental and

development initiatives and aims at minimizing the gap between the policy

jurisdiction of local and provincial departments.

1.6 Assumptions and Limitations

The following limitations and assumptions are implicit in this report:

Environmental and social descriptions are based on limited

available literature; and

Various available data sources were used and it is assumed

that this data is accurate and correct;

The Terms of Reference for the project were based upon

Regulation 385, the EIA regulations, gazetted on 21 April 2006

regulations, not upon Regulation 547, the EMF regulations,

gazetted in 18 June 2010.



CHAPTER 2. ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION REVIEW

The legislative framework that governs the development of an EMF consists of

the following acts, regulations and guidelines:

The National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of

1998), in particular Sections 2, 23 and 24; and

The NEMA Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Regulations (Government Notices R 385, R 386 and R 387)

promulgated in terms of chapter 5 NEMA, 1998, in particular

the guidelines and regulations relating to Environmental

Management Frameworks.

Key aspects of each of these legislative and regulatory documents are

described below.

2.1 National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998)

National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998), or NEMA, as it is

simply known, is the foundation piece of legislation for environmental

management on South Africa. EMFs are covered in Sections 2, 23 and 24.

Section 2 covers the principles that govern environmental management in the

country. This section covers the sustainable development factors that should be

considered when carrying out environmental planning, these are:

That the disturbance of ecosystems and loss of biological diversity are

avoided, or, where they cannot be altogether avoided, are minimised and

remedied;

that pollution and degradation of the environment are avoided, or, where

they cannot be altogether avoided, are minimised and remedied; that 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;

that waste is avoided, or where it cannot be altogether avoided, is

minimised and re-used or recycled where possible and otherwise

disposed of in a responsible manner;



that 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;

that 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;

that a risk-averse and cautious approach is applied, which takes into

account the limits of current knowledge about the consequences of

decisions and actions; and

that negative impacts on the environment and on people’s environmental

rights be anticipated and prevented, and where they cannot be altogether

prevented, are minimised and remedied.

Coupled with these considerations, the following is stipulated with regards to

integrating social and economic aspects into the purely biophysical aspects of

the environment:

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.

Thus, the principles to be followed by EMFs are established.

Section 24 (3) of NEMA, as amended which provides the legal standing of EMF

initiation, development and adoption and also lays out the objectives of such

tools. These objectives are to:



promote the integration of the principles of environmental

management set out in section 2 into the making of all

decisions which may have a significant effect on the

environment;

identify, predict and evaluate the actual and potential impact

on the environment, socio-economic conditions and cultural

heritage, the risks and consequences and alternatives and

options for mitigation of activities, with a view to minimising

negative impacts, maximising benefits, and promoting

compliance with the principles of environmental management

as set out in section 2;

ensure that the effects of activities on the environment receive

adequate consideration before actions are taken in connection

with them;

ensure adequate and appropriate opportunity for public

participation in decisions that may affect the environment;

ensure the consideration of environmental attributes in

management and decision-making which may have a

significant effect on the environment; and

identify and employ the modes of environmental management

best suited to ensuring that a particular activity is pursued in

accordance with the principles of environmental management

set out in section 2.

The final paragraph of the section instructs the Director-General to co-ordinate

the development of such tools and to issue guidelines and manuals on how to

develop each tool.

One such tool has proven to be the EMF and SEMP, the subject of this study.

This tool has been relatively widely used in South Africa, especially in sensitive

or protected areas, and its development is the subject of debate and refinement.

There is currently no formal EMF guideline or manual which stipulates the

methodologies, content and format to be followed in the development of the

document.

Section 24 gives the Minister and her provincial counter-part, the MEC, the

power to regulate which activities need permission to proceed and to accept

spatial plans to assist in the authorization of new activities.

The relevant paragraph states:



“…prepare compilations of information and maps that specify the attributes of

the environment in particular geographical areas, including the sensitivity,

extent, interrelationship and significance of such attributes which must be taken

into account by every organ of state charged by law with authorising, permitting

or otherwise allowing the implementation of a new activity, or with considering,

assessing and evaluating an existing activity”

In the case of the EMF and SEMP, this is clause that gives the authority to use

such a document as guidance for future EIA approvals.

The rest of section 24 provides the procedures for the development of

regulations and for the authorization of new activities.

2.2 NEMA Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations

The NEMA Regulations were promulgated in April 2006 and consist of a set of

three separate regulations: GNR 385, GNR 386 and GNR 387.

GNR 385 gives the requirements for authorizing new activities. These detail the

administrative procedures and the evaluation processes to be followed for any

new activity that has been listed in the following two regulations.

GNR 386 provides a list of activities that require a Basic Assessment in order for

them to be authorised. These apply to activities that have a lesser impact upon

the environment.

GNR 386 provides a list of activities that require a so-called “full EIA”, which

consists of a Scoping Report and an Environmental Impact Assessment Report

in order for them to be authorized. These apply to activities that have a greater

impact upon the environment.

GNR 385 is the regulation most relevant to the EMF and SEMP, in particular,

section 69 to 72.

Section 69 gives the “compilations of information and maps that specify the

attributes of the environment in particular geographical areas” to in section 24 of

NEMA the name, Environmental Management Framework and links the

development of an EMF to NEMA.



Section 70 states that either the Minister or the MEC should formally initiate and

complete an EMF process. This is to present a draft EMF for public review and

comment and then to review the draft in the light of any comments received.

Section 71 provides the contents for a draft EMF. These are to:

identify by way of a map or otherwise the geographical area to

which it applies;

specify the attributes of the environment in the area, including

the sensitivity, extent, interrelationship and significance of

those attributes;

identify any parts in the area to which those attributes relate;

state the conservation status of the area and in those parts;

state the environmental management priorities of the area;

indicate the kind of activities that would have a significant

impact on those attributes and those that would not;

indicate the kind of activities that would be undesirable in the

area or in specific parts of the area; and

include any other matters that may be specified.

These requirements will be built into the EMF and SEMP developed for the

NDM.

Section 72 deals with the adoption and use of EMFs. It states that once

adopted, the EMF must be taken into account when reviewing EIA applications

for new activities. Formal adoption is achieved by notice in the Government

Gazette.



CHAPTER 3. STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATION AND

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

3.1 Introduction

Public Participation in the development of the EMF was required in terms of the

principles of NEMA as well as it being formally required during the process of

adoption of the EMF.

The aim of stakeholders’ consultation is to identify issues of concern and

suggestions as to the strategic actions to be taken regarding the content of the

SEMP and EMF.

Public participation began by identifying stakeholders in the project.

Stakeholders are the people and organizations that are involved and affected by

changes.

The stakeholders identified for this project are as follows:

The Namakwa District Municipality;

Nama Khoi Local Municipality;

Hantam Local Municipality;

Khai-Ma Local Municipality;

Kamiesberg Local Municipality;

Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality;

Richtersveld Local Municipality;

The local ward councillors;

The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry;

South African National Parks;

Department of Environmental Affairs and Nature Conservation;

The Succulent Karoo Ecosystem Plan (SKEP);

The Farmers Association;

The Department of Minerals and Energy;

Local communities;

Private Sector;

NGO’s; and

Local and provincial government.



In order for the adoption of the EMF to proceed with few comments during the

public review period, prior to adoption, the project strategy has been to involve

the stakeholders and the public in the development of this draft document.

Stakeholder involvement and public participation was achieved through the

establishment of a Project Steering Committee (PSC), with regular meetings

and through the holding of public meetings during the Status Quo phase of the

project.

3.2 Project Steering Committee

The PSC’s membership includes all government departments and municipalities

affected by the EMF as well as the most prominent environmental Non-

Governmental Organisation active in the District. The PSC’s aim was to guide

the development of the document, provide information to be used in the

document and approve the stages of the document.

The inception meeting of the PSC was held in Springbok on 29 July 2009 and

the finalisations meeting was held, after numerous delays and postponed

meetings, on 27 Janaury 2011.

3.3 Public Open Days

The public open days was conducted at the following venues with the dates and

times provided in the table below:

Table 1 Details for Round One Public Meetings

Alexander Bay Springbok Calvinia

Venue: Alexander Bay City Hall Venue: Namakwa High

School Hall

Venue: Calvinia Show

Hall

Date: 6 October 2009 Date: 7 October 2009 Date: 8 October 2009

Time: 13h00 – 17h00 Time: 13h00 – 17h00 Time: 13h00 – 17h00

A Background Information Document (BID) was made available to all

stakeholders. The purpose of the open days was to present the Status Quo

Report and to allow the public and other stakeholders to raise concerns and to

provide input on the status quo. The Comment and Reply Form attached to the



BID as well as the newspaper ads that provided the consultant’s contact details

were the methods used for feedback.

The project was advertised in the following newspapers:

Table 2 Status Quo Public Meetings – Newspaper Adverts

Newspaper Distribution Area Date Of Publication Distribution

The Diamond Field

Advertiser Springbok 17 September 2009 10 000 copies

The Noordwester Calvinia 17 September 2009 3 000 copies

Die Gemsbok Upington 23 September 2009 10 000 copies

Die Eland Alexander Bay 25 September 2009 9 000 copies

Die Burger NDM 25 September 2009 15 000 copies

Die Gemsbok was used even though it is published in the Siyanda District

Municipality, centred around Upington, because it is a major urban centre in the

Northern Cape and that may contain a number of environmental groups

interested in the project.

The Plattelander (circulation 4 000) and The Rooihand (circulation 3 000) were

not used because their circulation is low and overlaps with The Diamond Field

Advertiser and Die Burger. No contact details were found for The

Richtersvelder.

The public open days did not achive the degree of participation that the project

managers had anticipitated. It did not appear, despite the advertisements, and

the following up with local cpouncillors, that the project was suffieicntly

interesting to attract large numbers of the public to the meetings.

However, valuable suggestions as to the environmental resources in each area,

their sensitivities and plans to take advange of the resources that existed were

made by the people who attended the meetings. These comments and

suggestions have been worked into this document.

The lack of attendance at the public meetings prompted the project managers to

review the use of this tool in favour of individual stakeholder consultation and

reviews at the PSC meetings. This approach was, with modifications, was taken

for the remainder of the development of document.



3.4 Stakeholder Consultation

The public and the stakeholders were provided with the opportunity to give input

into the project. One-on-one meetings with the targeted groups were undertaken

within a 30 days review period.

The tools that will be used during the Stakeholder Consulation process were as

follows:

Registering of all I&APs and compilation of a comments and responses

database. The database will be continually updated throughout the

process;

A series of project meetings to explain the EMF to key stakeholders;

Email correspondence with IAPs to inform them of the availability of the

document and an appeal for comments.

This phase was undertaken from March 2010 to May 2010, with formal

responses being received from DENC:Conservation and IEM. Consultations

were also held with DEA: Decision Support Tools and Conersavtion

International, a prominent NGO operating in the NDM.

All comments and suggestions received during this phase were incorporated

into the document.

The Public Participation process is documented in Appendix A and comments

received from stakeholders are contained in Annexure A.



CHAPTER 4. STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

This section describes the state of the natural, social and economic environment

within the NDM.

4.1 Physical Environment

4.1.1 Climate

The NDM is characterised as a dry region with weather that is typical of desert

and semi-desert areas. Summer temperatures usually reach between 30 and

35°C degrees during the month of January and can sometimes exceed 40°C.

Winter temperatures are mild during the day reaching between 20 and 25°C.

Nights can be extremely cold with night temperatures often below 0°C (Northern

Cape Tourism Board, 2007).

According to the Northern Cape Tourism Board (2007), the highest temperature

to date of 47.8°C was recorded in 1939 at Goodhouse on the Orange River.

Sutherland, in the Hantam Karoo, is one of the coldest towns in South Africa

and often experiences snow and its average minimum temperature in June is -

6°C.

The rainfall is low and unreliable. The annual rainfall is between 50 mm to

400mm. Potential annual evapotranspiration is between 12-15 times the mean

annual precipitations. The Atlantic Ocean located west of the NDM influences

the climatic conditions within the District by producing coastal fog and dew

during winter months.

The figure below shows the mean annual rainfall across the entire Republic of

South Africa.



Figure 1 Rainfall Regions of South Africa (http://134.76.173.220/rainfall/database/images/annual/1141500_3.gif)



Figure1 clearly demonstrates that rainfall in the area of the district is amongst

the lowest in the country. This has implications for the ability of the area to be

used for crop and livestock production, with most parts of the country being

better suited to these activities than the NDM Municipal area.



Figure 2 Climatic regions within the NDM.



From the above map (Figure 2) it can be seen that the majority of the NDM is

characterised by arid climatic regions with an average annual temperature of

less than 18°C. These climatic regions include Steinkopf, Kamieskroom,

Namakwaland, Brandvlei and Williston.

Arid and warm areas with an average annual temperature of more than 18° C

include Kuboes, Alexander Bay, Lekkersing, Komaggas, Voolsdrift, Aggeneys

as well as areas south of Namakwaland and areas north and south of

Nieuwoudtville.

The arid areas that receive most of the rainfall in summer are Onseepkans,

Pofadder and Pella.

The areas that are characterised by winter rainfall are Kleinzee, Koiingnaas,

Garies and areas west and south of Lekkersing. The semiarid areas with annual

rainfall and cool average annual temperatures of less than 18°C include

Sutherland and areas northwest and southeast of Sutherland.

The semiarid areas with winter rainfall and cool and an average annual

temperature of less than 18°C include Nieuwoudtville and areas north and south

of Nieuwoudtville.

The table below (Table 3) indicates the minimum and maximum temperatures

within the main towns of the NDM.

Table 3 Minimum and maximum temperatures - main towns of the NDM

Namakwa Min Temperature Max Temperature

Alexander Bay 9°C 19°C

Calvinia 8°C 20°C

Springbok 13°C 18°C

Sutherland 0°C 16°C

In the NDM, the cold Benguela current has a strong influence on climate and

temperature with relatively mild temperatures, for example, Port Nolloth with

average daily maximum and minimum temperatures of 22°C and 14°C

respectively.

Wind measurements are taken for various stations in South Africa, the most

reliable of which being the seventeen automatic stations situated throughout the



country which have high data availability and integrity. The only one of these

stations that is located in the NDM is the station at Alexander Bay. The wind

rose from this station (Sadco, 2005) is shown in the figure 3 below.

Figure 3 Wind Rose at Alexander Bay (Sadco, 2005)

The wind rose shows that the predominant wind is southerly and reaches

maximum speeds of 20 m/s, about 39 knots. These figures are likely to be

representative of the coastal areas of the NDM, but will be invalid for inland

wind.

An American company, Third Planet Enterprises, has erected a 60m mast on a

farm in the Richtersveld Local Municipality to measure wind for the possible

generating of wind energy (Richtersveld IDP, 2008).

Insolation, a measure of solar radiation received per square meter of surface

area, in the NDM ranges between 2 200 and 2 600 kWh/m2. The greater the

height above sea level, the greater the insolation. Thus areas such as those

around Springbok and southwards along the Kamiesberg to the Garies

mountains experiences insolation in the higher end of the range. The coastal

areas experience insolation at the lower end of the range (Reason et al., 2006).

There is growing consensus from climate modelling of the reality of climate

change. Variability in atmospheric circulation over the southern African region

has significant influences on the climate of South Africa, producing patterns over



several years or decades, particularly with regard to the timing, duration and

intensity of rainfall and drought (Reason et al., 2006). There has been a trend of

increasing temperature over the long term, and this has affected southern Africa

by producing a progressive increase in the duration of dry spells. An overall

decreasing trend in summer rainfall was also noted (Reason et al 2006). Climate

change modelling has predicted these trends to continue, with a drier west

coast, wetter east coast, and less frequent but more intense precipitation

(Hewitson, 2007, Reason et al., 2006; DEAT, 2005).

The NDM is predicted to become generally warmer and drier, but with more

severe storms. Rainfall is anticipated to become more variable (Bates, et al.,

2008; Hewitson, 2007; Reason et al., 2006; DEAT, 2005).

Natural reserves of water, both surface water and groundwater, are likely to be

detrimentally impacted by the less frequent, but more intense, precipitation

(DEAT 2005). Overall, the amount of precipitation is anticipated to decrease,

although the intensity of storm events is expected to be greater (DEAT, 2005).

The design of existing infrastructure is not able to exploit this adequately, and

could potentially be damaged by flooding.

Flooding will also become more common, with increased scouring as a

consequence of faster-moving water through watercourse channels.

Groundwater recharge will be impaired with the more rapid movement of water

across the landscape, as well as the infiltration capacity of the soil being

exceeded by heavy precipitation, which limits the effectiveness of percolation

(Bates et al., 2008).

Periodic flooding followed by drought would also affect the efficiency of dams,

which would become prone to increased siltation, thus shallowing, and having

reduced capacity (DEAT, 2005). The reliability (and thus predictability) of stream

flow would decrease, and the effects of variable rainfall would affect the

reserves of groundwater as people would overexploit these during dry periods

(Mukheibir & Sparks, 2006).

Agriculture demands the greatest amount of the NDM`s water, and in a warming

climate, the water loss to evapotranspiration through agricultural crops will

increase (Mukheibir, 2007; DEAT, 2005). Much of the existing land surface used

for agriculture and grazing is only marginally productive, with low arable (or

long-term grazing) potential, further stretching the available water resources with

their additional irrigation demands (DEAT, 2005). The demand for water is



expected to increase as the country becomes warmer and drier, and more land

becomes only marginally productive.

During drought periods more water is abstracted from groundwater sources

which may have higher dissolved mineral concentrations. This affects human

health directly, and where this water is used to irrigate, the effects of salinisation

are exacerbated. Water reuse is enhanced, and often includes water from

polluted sources.

Reduced river flow volumes impair their ability to dilute effluent, which makes

outbreaks of disease more likely (as pathogens are concentrated), increases the

solute load, and makes treatment of water more difficult (Bates et al., 2008;

DEAT, 2005).

Flooding, however, has a greater impact on water quality. Eutrophication,

increased sediment load, the occurrence and spread of disease, the

contamination of water courses with pollutants, and the overburdening of

wastewater treatment processes are the most common consequences (Bates et

al., 2008; DEAT, 2005).

Due to changing climatic conditions as a result of global warming, future

proposed activities in the region should seek to:

Include actions to manage the existing and predicted effects of climate

change, including impacts on temperature, rainfall and water availability;

Consider the mitigation of climate change, including the curbing of

greenhouse emissions associated with transport and electricity use.

4.1.2 Geology

The northern section of the NDM is dominated by the Namakwaland

Metamorphic Sequence with a section of the Gariep Supergroup on the west

coast at the border of South Africa and Namibia, as indicated in Figure 4.

Relatively small patches of the Cape Granite Suite and the Nama Group occur

in the north west of the District Municipality (Council of Geosciences; 2010).



Figure 4 Geological Map of NDM .



The Namakwaland Metamorphic consists of sedimentary, volcanic and intrusive

rock types. There is a wide variety of intrusive rock types, however they are

predominantly granites. The Gariep Supergroup consists of both igneous and

sedimentary rocks. The Kuboos Pluton is part of the Cape Granite Suite, the

Pluton is a gronadioritic intrusion (Council of Geosciences; 2010).

To the south of the District Municipality are the Dwyka and Ecca Groups with a

small section of the Nama Group on the border with the Western Cape (Council

of Geosciences; 2010).

The Nama Group is believed to have been formed from a peripheral basin; a

discontinuous conglomerate layer lies at the base of this Group. The Nama

Group also consists of quartzites and shales. The Ecca Group predominantly

consists of dark grey shales with interlayered sandstones. The Dwyka Group

contains sedimentary rocks such as shales and mudstones. The presence of

scraped and faceted pebbles as well as conglomerate is thought to be from

glacial movement and deposition (Council of Geosciences; 2010).

The geology of the NDM is stable with very little influence from seismic activity.

This despite the fact that Springbok suffered a light tremor of 1.6 on the Richter

scale on 25 May 2009. The closest known area of seismic activity is the

Milnerton Fault, 8 kilometres offshore in the vicinity of Cape Town. Seismic

activity in South Africa is monitored by the South African Seismograph Network,

which has 23 stations placed countrywide. One of these stations is located in

Komaggas, in the NDM. The network is maintained by the Council for

Geoscience (Linzer et al., 2007).

4.1.3 Hydrology

The NDM has within its boundaries two Water Management Areas, as indicated

in Table 4. Water Management Areas (WMAs) are the division between water

boards, both existing and future planned entities. They are established as a

management unit in the National Water Resource Strategy.

Catchment boundaries fall within WMAs and are, like the WMAs, based upon

the topography of a region and do not follow administrative boundaries, hence

the Water Management Areas do not fit into the district boundaries at all.

The two water management areas which fall within the district are tabulated

below.



Table 4 Water Management Areas in the NDM

Designation Name Locality Capacity

[m3]

14 Lower Orange

Major Rivers include the Ongers,

Hartbees and Orange. Stretches

from Alexander Bay in the west to

Hanover and Richmond in the East

36 000

17 Olifants Doorn

Major Rivers include Olifants, Doorn,

Krom Sand and Sout. Stretches from

north of Loeriesfontein to De Doorns

in the South

128 000

The capacity figures indicate the capacity, in cubic meters, of each WMA. The

figures area placed in context by the Upper Orange WMA, which has the largest

capacity in the country of 11 566 000 m3and contains cities and towns such as

Bloemfontein, Barkley East, Hanover and Jacobsdal. The Lower Orange Water

Management Area occupies the largest geographic area of any WMA, but also

has the smallest capacity, by a factor of three, from the next smallest WMA. The

WMA with the next smallest capacity is a group of two, one of which is the

Olifants/Doorn WMA.

The figure 5 below provides additional locality information on the Water

Management Areas in South Africa.



Figure 5 National Water Management Areas (Oosthuizen)

The locations of the two WMAs that lie within the NDM are shown in the figure 6 below.



Figure 6 NDM Water Management Areas



The Lower Orange WMA is the furthest downstream in the Orange River Basin

and as such is affected by upstream activities. Flows are largely supported by

means of releases from Gariep and Vanderkloof dams in the Upper Orange

WMA. Ninety percent of the runoff generated in the two Orange River WMAs is

generated in the Upper Orange WMA. Approximately 60% of the runoff

generated in the Lower Orange comes from the Fish River in Namibia which

enters the Orange River close to the river mouth (DWAF, 2004).

Sheep and goat farming is practised over most of the area. Large parts of the

WMA contain conservation areas. Cultivation is restricted to isolated patches

where higher rainfall occurs, and extensive irrigation is practised in the fertile

alluvial soils along the Orange River valley. Irrigation water is supplied by

releases from the Vanderkloof Dam.

Large mining operations occur in various parts of the WMA. There are no large

urban developments or power stations. Groundwater plays a major role in

meeting the water requirements of the towns and rural settlements along the

tributaries of the Orange.

Less than 1% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP, 2003) of South Africa

originates from the Lower Orange WMA. Economic activity is largely

concentrated along the Orange River, with several towns located on the banks

of the river, and at mining developments. (DWAF, 2004).

There are no storage dams in the WMA, with only a few smaller dams on some

of the main tributaries, all of which lie outside the NDM.

Potential for a dam in the Lower Orange River has been identified for the re-

regulation of releases from Vanderkloof Dam as well as the storage of flood

flows mainly from the Upper Orange WMA. This would facilitate more water

being made available for use in agriculture (DWAF, 2004).

Irrigation is the dominant water use sector in the Lower Orange WMA,

representing 94% of the total requirement for water of 1 130 million m³/a. Water

requirements for urban, rural and mining use respectively represents 3%, 2%

and 1% of the total water requirements in the WMA. Virtually all of the irrigation

developments are situated along the main stem of the Orange River, with most

of the irrigation being for high-value orchard crops (DWAF, 2004).



Water is transferred from the Orange River for urban and mining use. Water

requirements in this regard are small and are associated with towns such as

Springbok, Steinkopf and Port Nolloth, as well as the mines in the area.

The Lower Orange WMA is in surplus which is available for allocation to users

or to large projects and also ecological reserve at Orange River mouth Ramsar

site (DWAF, 2004).

Water quality in the Orange River has been severely impacted upon by

extensive upstream developments. Salinity has increased due to the transfer of

high quality water out of the Orange River for development use and due to high

salinity irrigation return flows along the Orange River. Poor quality water from

the Vaal River, which contains a high proportion of irrigation return flows as well

as treated urban effluent, also enters the Orange.

There are algal blooms experienced in the main stem due to a combination of

irrigation return flows, diffuse sources, and poor quality water from the upstream

Vaal WMAs.

The Olifants-Doring WMA has a total area of 49 066 km2. It extends from the

Bokkeveld Plateau and Cedarberg mountains in the east and to the coastal

plains in the west and from the Hex River Mountains in the south to the

Knersvlakte in the north. The area has several high mountain ranges running in

a north-south direction and smaller ranges and valleys running in a north-

easterly direction (DWAF, 2002).

The WMA is generally arid, with an average annual rainfall of less than 300mm

per annum, although this varies considerably. The northern part of the basin,

which lies within the NDM, is extremely arid, with an average rainfall of less than

100mm. The southern areas of the WMA dominate the hydrology and contribute

the bulk of the flows in the basin. The area that lies within the NDM is

hydrologically unimportant. The mean annual runoff (MAR) for the entire WMA is

low, with the natural MAR to the estuary estimated to be 1 070 000 m3,

corresponding to about 2% to the country’s natural MAR (DWAF, 2002).

The Olifants River is the main river in the WMA, and is a perennial river which

rises 280 km from the mouth at about 800 m altitude on the Witzenberg plateau

- a winter rainfall area. Two major tributaries, the Doring and Hol Rivers, join the

river near Klawer and Vredendal, respectively (Figure 3).



There are two major dams on the WMA, the Clanwilliam Dam and the Bulshoek

Dam (DWAF, 2005), both of which do not lie in the NDM. Hence river flows

control does not lie within the NDM. Since the estuary of the Olifants River

contains the largest salt marshes in South Africa, protection of this resource, in

terms of water quantity, does not fall to the NDM.

The Olifants/Doorn WMA contributes almost 3% of the agricultural output of the

national economy, and 1.5% of trade output, with most other sectors

contributing less than 0.3%. Overall, the Olifants/Doorn WMA makes the

smallest contribution of any WMA in the country, contributing under 0.5% of the

national economic output, and less than 1% of formal employment. Given that

the bulk of the hydrology lies outside the NDM, this WMA can be said to

contribute negligible value to the NDM Gross Geographic Product (DWAF,

2005).

The Olifants/Doorn WMA is in deficit, no surplus water is available for allocation

(DWAF, 2002).

4.1.4 Groundwater

Groundwater represents one of the most important water sources in NDM as it

services most of the community water supply schemes. Groundwater has a vital

role in providing water supply in urban and rural areas within the NDM.

Groundwater is supplied for agricultural, municipal and industrial use by

constructing and operating extraction wells.

The NDM does not play host to many Aquifer Dependent Ecosystems (ADEs),

since groundwater contributes less than one percent to total water flows (Colvin

et al, 2008), thus groundwater is a not a major risk to natural floral and faunal

communities. There are areas around in the KLM, west of Garies, towards the

coast where ADEs exist, in addition, ADEs exist in the areas north of

Hondeklipbaai in the NKLM.

Groundwater utilisation is of major importance in the Lower Orange WMA and

often constitutes the only source of water for many rural towns and settlements.

Groundwater availability in the Coastal sub-area, near Alexander Bay and Port

Nolloth is very limited.

In the NDM, the hydrogeology is such that the unconsolidated sub-structure

hosts intergranular aquifers which have low yield due to the presence of fine and



clayey materials. Aquifers are dependent upon rainfall for recharge. Recharge

varies with, amongst others, the frequency of rainfall, rock type, soil and ground

cover. It is estimated that for rainfall events larger than 20mm, between 1 and

10% of the rainfall will infiltrate to aquifers. Episodic weather events such as the

flood events of 1973-6 and in 1988 and the droughts on 1985, 1985 and 1992

are large determinants of the full recharge or large recession of groundwater

levels. In general, the major recharge events occur with a frequency of fifteen

years (DWAF, 2008).

The periods in between these events are characterised by gradual natural draw

downs, which fluctuates by season. Groundwater abstraction for social and

economic purposes is superimposed on this drawdown and can have great

impacts upon the rate of draw down. Once an aquifer has been de-watered,

surface instability is possible, especially in areas of dolomites. This will

negatively influence the structure of the aquifer and limited future recharge.

Groundwater quality in the Lower Orange WMA varies from good to

unacceptable, with a bias towards unacceptable, and is one of the main factors

affecting the development of available groundwater resources. Total dissolved

solids (TDS), nitrates and fluorides represent the majority of water quality

problems that occur. Water quality issues that need to be addressed include

diffuse pollution sources from agriculture, management of local sanitation

problems at small towns, and the algae problem on the Orange River main stem

(DWAF, 2004).

TDS, a measure of the total organic and inorganic substances in the water, is an

indicator of the aesthetic characteristics of the ground water, and it is an

indicator for chemical contamination. Thus high values present water that is

cloudy in appearance and which may be polluted from various point of diffuse

pollution sources (DWAF, 2004). Generally TDS are high in all areas of the

NDM apart from the areas around Springbok, as indicated in figure 7.



Figure 7 TDS Mapping in the Lower Orange Water Management Area



Nitrates are a concern since they are a health risk (particularly to bottle fed

infants and livestock), and are water soluble and do not bind to the soil. Thus

they migrate very easily into ground water. The main source of nitrates in the

WMA is from agricultural fertilisers. Areas of intensive irrigated agriculture are

most at risk from pollution by nitrates, and these include areas along the Orange

River. There is an area of high nitrate concentration in the groundwater near

Garies and the surrounding area. Concentrations of between 50 mg/l and

greater than 200mg/l have been observed in the area (DWAF, 2004).

Pollution sources for the groundwater in the area are most likely to be from the

use of agricultural soil enhancers. It is also likely that most of these pollutants

enter the groundwater from agricultural activity in the Upper Orange Catchment.

(DWAF, 2004). Other sources of groundwater pollution are from poorly

managed sewer treatment works, landfill sites, on-site sanitation (mainly in

informal settlements), and mining activities. Additional sources of nitrates

include feedlots and dairy farms (Colvin et al, 2008).

In general, the NDM groundwater flow pattern is towards the coast and there is

usually little connection between surface water flows and groundwater aquifer.

This is mainly due to the lack of surface water in the Northern Cape generally

and in the NDM in particular (DWAF, 2004). However, this is an area of further

study and the comment above should be viewed with the appropriate caution.

The aquifers in the RLM, KMLM are currently at levels observed in 1990 and

boreholes sunk into these aquifers should have sustainable yields, if used within

their limits. An exception to this is the aquifer in Port Nolloth/MacDougalls Bay,

which is between 10 and 50m below levels observed in 1990 (DWAF, 2008).

Aquifers in the KLM are also generally at levels observed in 1990, however

boreholes in all the population centres i.e. Garies, Kamieskroon, Hondeklipbaai,

Koiingnaas, amongst others, exhibit levels that are between 5 to 50m lower than

those observed in 1990 (DWAF, 2008).

NKLM’s aquifers are generally at their natural levels, the baseline for which was

established in 1990. The area east of Concordia has limited groundwater

monitoring information, thus boreholes sunk in this area should be thoroughly

tested for yield and sustainability.

Wetlands are important for biodiversity conservation and should, as far as

possible, be protected and conserved. Services performed by wetlands are flood



attenuation; trapping sediments, nutrients and pathogens and supporting high

levels of biodiversity. Wetlands can also serve as popular tourist attractions

(Bledzki, 2008).

The wetlands within the NDM (Figure 8) are mainly situated in the eastern part

of the District around Brandvlei. Some wetlands also feature north and east of

Kamieskroon; north and southeast of Garies; north and south of Hondeklipbaai;

north of Koiingnaas; and north of Kleinzee. Wetland areas are also registered

south of Alexander Bay; south of Lekkersing; near Port Nolloth; southeast of

MacDougalls Bay; north and south of Koiingnaas; north and south of

Hondeklipbaai; north and south of Kamieskroon; north and south of Garies; west

and south of Aggeneys; north and south of Loeriesfontein; north and south of

Niewoudtville; north, south and east of Calvinia; north and south of Williston;

north, north and southeast of Sutherland and southeast of Fraserburg.



Figure 8 Wetlands, NDM.



Wetlands in the Brandvlei area, in the east of the study, area are often used for

the planting of wheat (Plate 1). This is done to improve crop yields due to the

improved availability of water and to reduce the need for irrigation.

Plate 1 Wheat planting in Wetlands near Brandvlei

Given the low rainfall in the NDM and the consequent shortage of surface water

flows, wetlands in the NDM are generally used to support human activities.

Small livestock watering has been observed in wetlands in the Kamiesberg and

this practice, along with crop production is likely to affect all but the most

inaccessible wetlands.

4.1.5 Topography

The topography of the region is diverse and is characterised by mountainous

areas, ridges, steep slopes, undulating hills and plateaus, flat plains and coastal

dunes.

The eastern side of the NDM area forms the escarpment that is characterized by

the Kamiesberg Mountain range. The escarpment is followed by the hardveld or



granitic uplands which feature to the west the Richtersveld National Park. The

coastal belt located west thereof is very narrow. The coastal plain is very

shallow and features a small coastline with no natural harbours.

The Kamiesberg Mountain Range lies from Garies in the south to Springbok in

the north. The Kamiesberg Mountain Range is characterised by various granite

rock formations and gneisses and steep and rocky scarp slopes, separated by

sandy plains. The area features rocky upland and sandy lowland areas. The

topography ranges from gently undulating to steeply rolling with large areas

featuring granitic boulders. The Kamiesberg region is characterised by unique

landscapes with unique rock formations. The diverse vegetation of the region is

largely supported by the Kamiesberg Mountain Range which represents an

important rain catchment (http://www.openafrica.org/route/kamiesberg-route).

The coastal belt is characterised by sandy dunes located north to northwest

from Alexander Bay to Port Nolloth, McDougall’s Bay and Hondeklipbaai.

Khai Ma Local Municipality is characterized by undulating landscapes. The

Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality features a flat undulating landscape. The

Hantam Local Municipality consists of undulating rocky plains in the east and

mountainous areas in the west. Kamiesberg Local Municipality consists of

mountainous areas as well as coastal areas with undulating coastal plains. The

Nama Khoi Local Municipality is characterized by coastal plains and granite hills

in the west and low lying Bushmanland plains to the east of Springbok. The

Richtersveld Municipality consists of a diverse geology including mountains,

lowlands and undulating hills. The landscape features low-lying coastal plains in

the west and the escarpment in the east (www.northerncape.org.za).

4.1.6 Soils

The NDM is characterised by considerable variation in the types of soils. The

area is characterised as semi-arid to arid and this indicates that the soil moisture

deficit is high. The soil characteristics over most of the area are a function of

insitu weathering.

The coastal areas are characterized by a dune landscape with deep red sandy

soils. Richtersveld is characterized by rocky soils which are more suited to crop

production than the soils of the rest of the NDM, but the unfavourable climatic

conditions and the steep mountainous topography make crop production non-

viable (NDM Economic Profile Report).



NDM is characterized by generally poor quality soils due to scarce or no water

retaining capabilities. Due to the sandy nature of the soils within the region,

many areas in the District are prone to wind erosion when the natural vegetation

cover is disturbed. The erosion levels within an area depend on slopes’

steepness, rainfall patterns and land-use activities in the area. Soils on steep

gradients are subject to geological erosion. Extreme topography and soil

characteristics within the NDM indicate that soil erosion is an important factor

that limits development options (NDM Economic Profile Report).

The most significant negative impacts on soils are overgrazing and mining. The

marginal nature of the soils, combined with lower rain, makes the vegetation

vulnerable to overuse. Small livestock, such as goats and sheep crop the

vegetation close to the ground, further increasing the vulnerability. This

phenomenon is located mainly in the rural areas of the NDM, particularly the old

rural reserves. Areas around the following towns or areas are most affected:

Pella;

Komagas;

The Richtersveld Municipality;

Steinkopf;

Concordia and

Kamiesfontein.

In a similar vein, off-road recreational driving has the same impact on the natural

vegetation as small livestock. Large-scale evidence of habitat destruction due to

this activity has not been uncovered, but cognisance should be taken of the

issue.

4.1.7 Flora

The Succulent Karoo (winter rainfall system), the Nama Karoo (summer rainfall

system) and the Fynbos (Mediterranean climate) provide the NDM with a high

floral diversity. The Succulent Karroo, in particular, is one of two semi-arid

biodiversity hotspots in the world

(http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/hotspots/karoo/Pages/biodiversity.aspx).

Biodiversity is important for economic, cultural, aesthetic, scientific and

educational purposes. For example biodiversity conservation makes a variety of

genes available that can be used for food, materials and medicine (Young;



1999). There are many threats to biodiversity, most as a direct or indirect result

of human interference, for example:

The introduction of invasive species;

Habitat loss due to destruction or degradation such as agriculture, mining

and urbanisation;

Overexploitation of species of interest; and

Climate change.

Vegetation has been divided into biomes and their associated vegetation units.

According to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) a biome is a “broad ecological

spatial unit...defined mainly by vegetation structure, climate as well as major

large-scale disturbance factors”. Nested within the biomes are the vegetation

units. A vegetation unit is a unit of plant communities that share similar climatic,

geological and soil requirements and consequently have similar management

and conservation requirements and the same potential uses.

The NDM has a rich biodiversity and there are several areas that government

and non-government organisations are conserving in order to preserve this

biodiversity. These areas include, but are by no means limited to:

The Orange River Mouth, a Ramsar wetland site;

The Richtersveld Community Conservancy, the centre of a World

Heritage Site. The Richtersveld Community Conservancy falls within the

Succulent Karoo Biodiversity Hotspot;

Namakwa National Park;

Goepag Nature Reserve;

Nababiep Nature Reserve;

Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve;

Tankwa Karoo National Park; and

Richtersveld National Park.

The Succulent Karoo Ecosystem Programme (SKEP) is a bi-national initiative,

between South African and Namibia, with the aim of promoting the conservation

of biodiversity and sustainable land-use within the Succulent Karoo biodiversity

hotspot. Through a comprehensive stakeholder engagement process, nine

priority conservation areas were identified. All, or most, of five of these areas fall

within the NDM (Figure 9). The purpose of these priority areas is to expand the

protected area corridors through public, private and community partnerships

(SKEP; 2003).



According to Turpie & Joubert (2004), the Bokkeveld Plateau is situated at the

interface between the Cape Floristic Region and the Succulent Karoo and has

high levels of endemism and plant biodiversity. During spring, the area attracts

tourists to view the wildflowers in bloom. Wildflower tourism has been suggested

as a means to protect the plant biodiversity of the region. It was estimated that

R2,35 million is spent annually in the area. According to the travel-cost analysis,

the average consumer surplus was R28 per person. On average, 37 per cent of

visitor enjoyment came from seeing expanses or carpets of flowers and 26 per

cent from seeing the variety of flowers. The average length of stay would be

reduced to 37 per cent of its original length if there were no flowers present. The

conjoint analysis showed that seeing carpets of flowers contributed by far the

most to the scores given to scenarios, as compared with seeing a variety of

species of flowers or bulbs. Biodiversity conservation will therefore depend on

marketing the biodiversity and other attributes of the area rather than relying on

the visual displays that are highly weather dependent.

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is working closely with SKEP

in promoting biodiversity conservation in the Succulent Karoo. In 2003 the

Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund allocated $8 million over five years to

support civil society groups and conservation initiatives in the Succulent Karoo.

A key objective of which was to develop approaches that will promote local

community involvement with sustainable development and conservation projects

(CEPF; 2008).



Figure 9 SKEP Priority Areas, NDM



There are several biomes within the NDM, these are the:

Desert Biome;

Fynbos biome;

Nama Karoo biome;

Succulent Karoo biome; and

Azonal Vegetation types.

Table 5 below provides a general description on the location of the various

biome types within the District Municipality, the number of vegetation types as

well as the area each type encompasses.

Table 5 Biomes, vegetation types and area covered within the NDM (SANBI, 2006)

Biomes Area No. of Veg

Types Area (Ha)

Azonal Vegetation

Mainly Brandvlei; Williston;

Fraserburg; west and south of

Nieuwoudtville; east of Pofadder

and smaller areas around

Kleinzee; Hondeklipbaai and

Garies. Minimal occurrences

feature south of Alexander Bay

and Port Nolloth.

9 539 076

Desert Biome To the north, including Alexander

Bay and Pofadder. 15 707 039

Fynbos Biome

Niewoudtville and surrounds; north

and south of Calvinia; Sutherland

and surrounds; and smaller areas

south of Kleinzee; south of

Hondeklipbaai and south of

Kamieskroon.

12 663 854

Nama Karoo Biome Aggeneys; Brandvlei; Williston;

Fraserburg. 9 5 679 603

Succulent Karoo Biome

Port Nolloth; Steinkopf; Kleinzee;

Springbok; Hondeklipbaai;

Kamieskroon; Garies; Calvinia and

the south of Calvinia.

48 5 083 128

TOTAL 93 12 672 701



Figure 10 Vegetation Map, NDM



4.1.7.1 Hantam Local Municipality

According to the NDM Biodiversity Sector Plan (2009), the Hantam Local

Municipality is regarded world-wide as a centre for bulb endemism and

consequently the vegetation and vegetation types are highly diverse.

The Hantam Local Municipality has 10 vegetation types that are endemic

to the region. The Vanrhynsdorp Gannabosveld and Bokkeveld Sandstone

Fynbos are classified as vulnerable. The Nieuwoudtville Shale

Renosterveld is endemic to the Local Municipality and is classified as

endangered (NDM Biodiversity Sector Plan Draft, 2009).

Table 6 below shows the biomes and vegetation types found within the

Hantam Local Municipality. The status of the vegetation unit is in relation to

its conservation status in South Africa.

Table 6: Biomes and Vegetation Types within the Hantam Local Municipality

Biome Vegetation Type Status

Azonal

Vegetation

Bushmanland Vloere Least threatened

Namakwaland Riviere Least threatened

Tanqua Wash Riviere Least threatened

Fynbos Bokkeveld Sandstone Fynbos Vulnerable

Hantam Plateau Dolerite Renosterveld Least threatened

Nieuwoudtville Shale Renosterveld Endangered

Niewoudville-Roggeveld Dolerite

Renosterveld

Least threatened

Roggeveld Shale Renosterveld Least threatened

Vanrhynsdorp Shale Renosterveld Least threatened

Nama Karoo Bushmanland Arid Grassland Least threatened

Bushmanland Basin Shrubland Least threatened

Upper Karoo Hardeveld Least threatened

Western Upper Karoo Least threatened

Succulent Agter-Sederberg Shrubland Least threatened




Karoo Doringrivier Quartzite Karoo Least threatened

Hantam Karoo Least threatened

Kamiesberg Mountains Shrubland Least threatened

Knersvlakte Shale Vygieveld Least threatened

Namakwaland Arid Grassland -

Namakwaland Blomveld -

Namakwaland Klipkoppe Shrubland Least threatened

Northern Knersvlakte Vygieveld Least threatened

Roggeveld Karoo Least threatened

Tanqua Escarpment Shrubland Least threatened

Tanqua Karoo Least threatened

Vanrhynsdorp Gannabosveld Vulnerable

Western Bushmanland Klipveld

Least threatened

Fifty- eight percent of the Bokkeveld Sandstone Fynbos occurs within the

Hantam Local Municipality. This vegetation is estimated to be 60% - 80%

transformed.

4.1.7.2 Kamiesberg Local Municipality

To the north of the town of Garies, the Kamiesberg Local Municipality

contains the Kamiesberg centre of endemism, a biodiversity hotspot (NDM

Biodiversity Sector Plan Draft, 2008).

The Kamiesberg Granite Fynbos is restricted to the Kamiesberg Uplands.

This vegetation type has 29 plant species that are either restricted to, or

primarily found within, the vegetation type.

This Local Municipality contains 48 known endemic species, 11 threatened

species and 9 near threatened species. More endemics are found within

the mountainous areas of this Municipality, 19 species within the

Kamiesberg Granite Fynbos and 15 in the Namakwaland Klipkoppe

Shrubland.



Table 7 below indicates the vegetation types and their status within the

Kamiesberg Local Municipality.

Table 7: Biomes and Vegetation Types within the Kamiesberg Local Municipality


Azonal Vegetation Bushmanland Vloere Least threatened

Namakwaland Riviere Least threatened

Arid Estuarine Salt Marshes Least threatened

Namakwaland Salt Pans Least threatened

Namakwaland Seashore Vegetation -

Fynbos Kamiesberg Granite Fynbos Least threatened

Namakwaland Granite Renosterveld Vulnerable

Namakwaland Sand Fynbos Least threatened


Succulent Karoo Kamiesberg Mountains Shrubland Least threatened




Namakwaland Coastal Duneveld -

Namakwaland Heuweltjieveld -

Namakwaland Inland Duneveld Least threatened

Namakwaland Strandveld -

Platbakkies Succulent Shrubland Not protected (Endemic)

Riethuis-Wallekraal Quartz Vygieveld -

Western Bushmanland Klipveld

Least threatened

4.1.7.3 Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality

The Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality contains of 14 vegetation types

with 3 endemic species, 10 threatened species and 4 near threatened

species. The Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality also features a large



variety of endemic bulb species such as the critically endangered and

endemic rye grass Secale strictum subsp. africanum. Another important

species is Daubenis (Daubenya aurea) which is classified as vulnerable.

Roggeveld Koekoemakranka (Gethyllis roggeveldensis) is found only

within the Karoo Hoogland District Municipality but there is limited

information regarding its habitat (NDM Biodiversity Sector Plan Draft,

2008).

Table 8 below indicates the vegetation types and their status within the

Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality.

Table 8: Biomes and Vegetation Types within the Karoo Hoogland Local

Municipality




Fynbos Central Mountain Shale Renosterveld Least threatened

Niewoudville-Roggeveld Dolerite

Renosterveld

Least threatened

Roggeveld Shale Renosterveld Least threatened

Nama Karoo Bushmanland Basin Shrubland Least threatened

Eastern Upper Karoo Least threatened

Gamka Karoo Least threatened

Upper Karoo Hardeveld Least threatened

Western Upper Karoo Least threatened

Succulent Karoo

Koedoesberge-Moordenaars Karoo Least threatened

Roggeveld Karoo Least threatened

Tanqua Escarpment Shrubland Least threatened

Tanqua Karoo

Least threatened



4.1.7.4 Khai-Ma Local Municipality

Khai Ma Local Municipality is characterized by desert grasslands and

inselbergs; ancient rocky outcrops. The region contains numerous rare

habitat types including the fine grain quartz patches featuring special dwarf

succulents.

The Khai Ma Local Municipality contains 11 vegetation types of which 3

are entirely endemic and one endangered, the Lower Gariep Alluvial

Vegetation. There are 854 recorded plant species with 41 endemic species

(i.e. Conophytum ratum and Trachyandra species), 20 potentially endemic

species, 5 threatened species and 3 Near Threatened species. Some of

the local plant species include Conopithum burgheri (Burger’s onion),

Lithops dorotheae (Pella se bababoudtjie) and Pachypodium

namakwanum (halfmens). The bushmanland inselbergs have 429 plant

species with 67 only found in the inselbergs and 87 red listed species

(NDM Biodiversity Sector Plan Draft, 2008).

Table 9 below indicates the biomes and vegetation types within the Khai-

Mai Local Municipality.

Table 9 Biomes and Vegetation Types within the Khai - Ma Local Municipality


Azonal Vegetation Lower Gariep Alluvial Vegetation Endangered

Bushmanland Vloere Least threatened

Desert Eastern Gariep Plains Desert -

Eastern Gariep Rocky Desert -

Nama Karoo Blouputs Karroid Thornveld Least threatened

Bushmanland Arid Grassland Least threatened


Bushmanland Sandy Grassveld Least threatened

Lower Gariep Broken Veld Least threatened

Succulent Karoo Aggeneys Gravel Vygieveld Least threatened




Bushmanland Inselberg Shrubland

Threatened

4.1.7.5 Nama Koi Local Municipality

The Nama Khoi Local Municipality contains 37 vegetation types of which

23 are endemic; this indicates the high degree of diversity in the region.

The Aggeneys Gravel Vygieveld contains 17 endemic species and the

Namakwaland Klipkoppe Shrubland 15 species. The endemic vegetation

species includes amongst others, the critically endangered Eselore

(Cheiridopsis peculiaris), Komaggas camelthorn forest (Acacia erioloba)

and Komaggas Aloe (Aloe striata subsp. komaggasensis) listed as

vulnerable (NDM Biodiversity Sector Plan Draft, 2008).

Table 10 indicates the biomes and their associated vegetation units within

the Nama Koi Local Municipality.

Table 10 Biomes and Vegetation Types within the Nama Koi Local Municipality


Azonal Vegetation Arid Estuarine Salt Marshes Least threatened

Lower Gariep Alluvial Vegetation Endangered


Desert Eastern Gariep Plains Desert -

Eastern Gariep Rocky Desert -

Helskloof Canyon Desert Least threatened

Kahams Mountain Desert Least threatened

Northern Nababiepsberge Mountain

Desert

Least threatened

Southern Nababiepsberge Mountain

Desert

Least threatened

Fynbos Namakwaland Granite Renosterveld Vulnerable

Namakwaland Sand Fynbos Least threatened





Bushmanland Sandy Grassland Least threatened

Succulent Karoo Aggenys Gravel Vygieveld Least threatened

Anenous Plateau Shrubland Least threatened

Bushmanland Inselberg Shrubland Threatened

Eenriet Plains Succulent Shrubland Least threatened

Kamiessberg Mountains Shrubland Least threatened

Kosiesberg Succulent Shrubland Least threatened



Namakwaland Coastal Duneveld -


Namakwaland Shale Shrubland Least threatened


Reithuis-Wallekraal Quartz Vygieveld -

Rooiberg Quartz Vygieveld Not protected

(Endemic)

Southern Richtersveld Inselberg

Shrubland

Least threatened

Southern Richtersveld Scorpionstailveld Least threatened

Umdaus Mountains Succulent Shrubland

Least threatened

4.1.7.6 Richtersveld Local Municipality

The Richtersveld Local Municipality contains 41 vegetation types of which

34 are endemic. This indicates that there is a high degree of vegetation

diversity in the region. The Richtersveld Coastal Duneveld and the Namib

Coastal Vegetation are classified as vulnerable and the Lower Gariep

Alluvial Vegetation is listed as endangered. The Namib Lichen Fields and

the Alexander Bay Coastal Duneveld are critically endangered. The

Richtersveld Local Municipality contains the largest and the most varied

types of endemic species such as the endangered Baster kokerboom (Aloe



pillansii); Halfmens (Pachypodium namakwanum) and the Window plant

(Fenestraria rhodophylla subsp. aurantiacum). There are approximately

200 plant species endemic to the Richtersveld Local Municipality (NDM

Biodiversity Sector Plan Draft, 2008).

The biomes and vegetation types within the Richtersveld Local Municipality

are provided in Table 11 below.

Table 11 Biomes and Vegetation Types within the Richtersveld Local Municipality


Azonal

Vegetation

Arid Estuarine Salt Marshes Least threatened

Lower Gariep Alluvial Vegetation Endangered


Namakwaland Seashore Vegetation -

Namib Seashore Vegetation Vulnerable

Desert Alexander Bay Coastal Duneveld Critically

endangered

Kahams Mountain Desert Least threatened

Kwaggarug Mountain Desert Least threatened

Namib Lichen Fields Critically

endangered

Noms Mountain Desert Least threatened

Richtersberg Mountain Desert Least threatened

Richtersveld Sheet Wash Desert Least threatened

Southern Nababiepsberge Mountain Desert Least threatened

Western Gariep Hills Desert - (Endemic)

Western Gariep Lowland Desert - (Endemic)

Western Gariep Plains Desert - (Endemic)

Fynbos Stinkfonteinberge Quartzite Fynbos Least threatened

Succulent Karoo Central Richtersveld Mountain Shrubland Least threatened

Die Plate Succulent Shrubland Least threatened

Goariep Mountain Succulent Shrubland Least threatened




Kosiesberg Succulent Shrubland Least threatened

Lekkersing Succulent Shrubland Least threatened

Namakwaland Coastal Duneveld - (Endemic)

Namakwaland Heuweltjieveld - (Endemic)



Northern Richtersveld Scorpionstailveld Least threatened

Northern Richtersveld Yellow Duneveld Least threatened

Oograbies Plains Sandy Grassland Least threatened

Richtersveld Coastal Duneveld Vulnerable

Richtersveld Red Duneveld Least threatened

Richtersveld Sandy Coastal Scorpionstailveld Least threatened

Rooiberg Quartz Vygieveld Not protected

(Endemic)

Rosyntjieberg Succulent Shrubland Least threatened

Southern Richtersveld Inselberg Shrubland Least threatened

Southern Richtersveld Scorpionstailveld Least threatened

Southern Richterveld Yellow Duneveld Least threatened

Stinkfonteinberge Eastern Apron Shrubland Least threatened

Tatasberg Mountain Succulent Shrubland Least threatened

Upper Annisvlakte Succulent Shrubland Least threatened

Vyftienmyl se Berge Succulent Shrubland

- (Endemic)

4.1.7.7 District Management Area (DMA)

The District Municipality manages an area that does not form part of the six

Local Municipalities.

The biomes within the DMA and their associated vegetation types are

provided in



Table 12.



Table 12 Biomes and Vegetation Types within the DMA




Fynbos Swartruggens Quartzite Fynbos Least threatened



Bushmanland Sandy Grassland Least threatened

Succulent Karoo Agter-Sederberg Shrubland Least threatened



Platbakkies Succulent Shrubland Not protected

(Endemic)

Swartruggens Quartzite Karoo Least threatened

Tanqua Karoo Least threatened

Western Bushmanland Klipveld Least threatened

The following photographs are examples of the flora found within the NDM.



Plate 2: The lichen field at Alexander Bay, Richtersveld Local Municipality.

The lichen field (Plate 2) is classed as Critically Endangered (NDM Biodiversity

Sector Plan, 2008)



Plate 3: Conophytum burgeri near Aggeneys

The Conophytum burgeri (Plate 3) is located within the Khai Ma Local

Municipality (NDM Biodiversity Sector Plan, 2008)

Plate 4: Protea namaquana (Critically Endangered)

The Protea namaquana (Plate 4), which is considered as Critically endangered,

is located within the Kamiesberg Local Municipality (NDM Biodiversity Sector

Plan, 2008)



Plate 5: Spring flowering bulbs near Nieuwoudtville

The spring flowering bulbs (Plate 5) near Nieuwoudtville are located within the

Hantam Local Municipality (NDM Biodiversity Sector Plan, 2008).

The comments made about overgrazing and the potential impacts of

recreational off-road driving made in Section 4.1.6, holds true for this section.

Ecological supporting areas are defined as areas that allow fauna and flora to

travel from one part of a natural area to another. These ecological supporting

areas provide shelter, food and protection of indigenous vegetation. Ecological

supporting areas can help maintain the long-term survival of the species

following local disturbances and habitat fragmentation. Ecological supporting

areas in NDM, according to SANParks are indicated in Table 13.



Table 13 SANParks Ecological supporting areas, NDM.



4.1.8 Fauna

The NDM has a rich biodiversity, it contains all, or the majority of, five of the nine

Succulent Karoo Ecosystem Programme’s geographic priority areas. The

majority of these five areas are outside of formally protected areas, therefore in

order to conserve these areas, favourable land-use practices must be

implemented (Todd et. al; 2009).

There are several threats to the District Municipality’s biodiversity (Todd et. al.,

2009), these include:

Livestock grazing;

Mining and crop growing;

Illegal plants and reptiles collection;

Alien invasive plants;

Climate change and

Unsustainable water abstraction.

These threats may result in habitat transformation and local extinctions (Todd et.

al., 2009). A Provincial Development Initiative and hence an initiative the District

Municipality must strive to uphold, is to conserve and protect, by 2014, 6.5% of

the biodiversity.

In addition to its terrestrial biodiversity, the Namakwa coast is adjacent to one of

the richest and most prolific marine eco-systems in the world (DTI, 2008).

The Succulent Karoo is a biodiversity hotspot. There are 115 reptile species, 36

of which are endemic. The majority of the reptile species are lizards. There are

70 recorded lizard species, 30 of these are endemic. Four of the recorded 38

snake species are endemic. There are eight tortoise species in the Succulent

Karoo hotspot and three of these species are endemic. Of the 17 recorded frog

species, five are endemic, this includes the Desert Rain Frog (Breviceps

macrops). Eighteen out of the 70 scorpion species are endemic. There are also

several insect groups with high endemism; Monkey Beetles (Rutelinae: Hoplini),

wasps and various specialised bees. The Namakwa Pollen Wasp (Ceramius

rex) is confined to small refuge populations. There are 269 recorded bird

species and 24 are near-endemic. There are 78 mammal species including four

small endemic mammals (SKEP, 2003).

The Succulent Karoo and Nama Karoo provide habitats for the Riverine Rabbit

(Bunolagus monticularis). The Riverine Rabbit is endemic to the semi-arid Great



Karoo and parts of the Klein Karoo, and is Critically Endangered. The Riverine

Rabbit is a habitat specialist that occupies the discontinuous and dense

vegetation associated with the seasonal rivers of the Karoo. These areas along

the rivers are however favoured for livestock grazing and crop growing (EWT,

2010).

The mouth of the Orange River is within the Richtersveld Local Municipality. The

wetland at the mouth of the Orange River forms an important stop over for a

great variety of migratory birds and has accordingly been declared a Ramsar

site. The endemic Barlow's Lark, a must for any birder, is also found along the

riverbanks, along with smooth pebbles and semi-precious stones for rock and

gemstone enthusiasts. Unfortunately this wetland is currently under major threat

from several sources including reduced flow and desertification, but efforts are

underway to restore this wetland. Also of interest are fields of green and orange

lichen growing on a hill near the turnoff of the town. These lichen fields are soon

to be declared a national monument (DALREC, 2003).

The fauna that inhabits the Khai Ma Local Municipality include, amongst others,

the endemic Red Lark which occurs in the Koa River Valley. It is also expected

that a wide variety of unique invertebrates are found in the area especially the

south-facing slopes of the inselbergs and kloofs that have a much more

moderated micro-climate. The aquatic pans in the region provide habitat for

wading birds when inundated.

The Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality provides habitat for the critically

endangered Riverine Rabbit and the endangered Visagie’s Golden Mole which

is unique to the area. These species are amongst the ten most threatened

species in the country. Local fauna also includes the rare nomadic lark species,

indigenous fish species, amphibians, various species of birds, as well as a wide

variety of insects such as bees, wasps and beetles (NDM Biodiversity Sector

Plan, 2008).

The fauna that inhabits the Hantam Local Municipality includes a variety of small

fauna such as, amphibians; indigenous fish species, various species of birds

such as the blue crane and the black harrier and a variety of insects such as

monkey beetles, bees and wasps.

The fauna that inhabits the Richtersveld Local Municipality includes the

klipspringer, grey reebok, steenbok, duiker, springbok and gemsbok,

Hartmann’s mountain zebra, baboon, vervet monkey, caracal (Plate 6), black-

backed jackal (Plate 8), black-footed cat, brown hyena, leopard; Cape clawless



otter, the De Winton’s golden mole (occuring in the sand dunes of Port Nolloth)

and the Namakwa dune molerat. A variety of birds feature within the

Richtersveld Local Municipality along the river courses including the Barlows

lark, the Cape long-billed lark, the red lark, the Karoo scrub robin, the Namakwa

prinia and the damera tern. The area also features a variety of insect types

(i.e.scorpions, beetles, bees and wasps); reptiles including a variety of lizard

species and snakes (i.e. the Namakwa dwarf adder and the desert mountain

adder – both endemic) and frogs (i.e. the Namakwa rain frog - endemic; the

marbled rubber frog and the paradise toad). Fish species include the Namakwa

barb, the small mouth yellow fish, the large mouth yellow fish and Orange River

mudfish (NDM Biodiversity Sector Plan, 2008).

Plate 6 Felis caracal

(http://ekapa.ioisa.org.za/module6/Reserves/images/species/Caracal.

jpg)

Plate 7 Cephalopus sp (http://www.sa-venues.com/wildlife)



Plate 8 Canis mesomelas (http://www.sa-

venues.com/wildlife/wildlife_jackal.htm)

Plate 9 Raphicerus campestris (http://www.sa-venues.com/wildlife)

Plate 10 Panthera pardus (http://www.sa-venues.com/wildlife)



Plate 11 Cercopithecus aethiops (http://www.sa-

venues.com/wildlife/wildlife_vmonkey.htm)

Plate 12 Anthropoides paradiseus (Source: SANBI)



Plate 13 Sagittarius serpentarius (Source: SANBI)

Domestic animals within the NDM include sheep, goats, cattle, horses and

donkeys. Stock farming is one of the major economic sectors within the NDM

and it includes sheep, goat and cattle farming. Horses and donkeys are used for

agricultural activities and as a mode of transport by the local people. Karoo

Hoogland and Hantam Local Municipalities are the main agricultural centres

where stock farming is the main economic activity.

4.1.9 Coastal Areas

The Namakwa Coastline extends over three municipalities – Kamiesberg, Nama

Khoi and Richtersveld – and stretches over a length of approximately 313

kilometres. This coastline is also referred to as the Diamond Coast due to the

abundant diamond deposits found in this region. The coast of NDM is rich in

marine resources and the coastal and offshore environments have had a

significant impact on the development of these areas as well as on the ability of

the local residents to use these resources for financial, subsistence and

recreational benefits.

Large sections of the coastline have been transformed through diamond mining

and the remainder of this section will review the most important aspects

applicable to the Namakwa coast.



The coastline is very active and the cold water current makes the average sea

temperatures lower than most tourists would accept. Hence the coastline is a

generally unfriendly environment for recreational swimming.

Biodiversity

The coastal zone south of the Orange River and to the Olifants River, 30

kilometres wide contains the so-called “Strandveld Coastal Zone”. In the north of

this zone the rainfall is lower than in the south, with 50mm being the norm near

Port Nolloth and 150mm being the annual average near Papendorp, overlooking

the Olifants River Estuary (which is not within the NDM).

This coast includes some 432 terrestrial plant species of which 85 are unique to

the Succulent Karoo Hotspot and 44 of which are classified as globally

threatened.

The Strandveld Coastal Zone has four distinctive flora types (de Beers, 2008):

Short Strandveld;

Tall Strandveld;

Strandveld Dune Field

Grassy Sandveld.

Vegetation in all of these types is sparse and scrubby and well adapted to

limited moisture. The coastal zone experiences strong winds in summer which

limits the growth potential of the vegetation. They are sensitive to disturbance.

Agricultural potential of the Strandveld is poor but the annual flower displays

are, potentially, important tourist attractions. The Grassy Sandveld provides

forage for, amongst others, springbok and gemsbok. The largest carnivore in the

area is the brown hyena (de Beers, 2008).

SANParks intends to gazette a marine protected area and is acquiring private

land to establish the proposed Namakwa Coastal Park as well as the

biodiversity conservation corridor between it and the existing Namakwa National

Park in the vicinity of Kamieskroon.

Mining

The Namakwa coast mining activities are dominated by two mining houses –

Alexkor and De Beers Namakwaland (Pty) Ltd. Diamond mining houses control

the majority of the Namakwa coastal areas. This restricts public access to

coastal resources and, being a dominant employer, influences the lives of



people in the area to a large extent. Opportunities for local economic

development have been limited and physical infrastructure of the area is poorly

developed and those that do exist are mostly related to mining use.

Alexkor operates from the Orange River mouth to just south of Port Nolloth,

while De Beers operates from Alexkor’s border to slightly north of the Olifants

River. In addition to the onshore concessions, the diamond companies also hold

concessions for offshore diamond mining. This has implications for fishing.

Due to the fact that both companies are national and international entities

respectively, the benefits of these companies are limited to local employment,

taxes and secondary economic opportunities that develop around the mining

operations.

Both operations are scaling down. Alexkor has curtailed all land-based

operations and is now concentrating on marine mining. De Beers is mainly also

mining on the coastal shelf, after alluvial diamond mining activities were

suspended in December 2009. A date for the resumption of these activities has

not been set.

Smaller operators will continue in the area until all the resources have been

exhausted. The most significant newcomer will be the joint venture between the

Richtersveld Community and Alexkor, the so-called Pooling and Sharing Joint

Venture. This joint venture was formed after the Richtersveld Community won a

land claim over the area and all land mining operations will be transferred to the

joint venture. Alexkor will retain its marine mining rights. Trans Hex has a small

operation in Port Nolloth, but this seems to be secondary to their lower Orange

River operations. Trans Hex terminated all their marine diamond mining

activities in 2008.

The transformation of the coastline due to diamond mining activities is dramatic.

This transformation has affected the entire Coastal Protection Zone, along a

large percentage of the NDM coastline, as can be seen from the Google Earth

images shown below.



Plate 14 Coastal Transformation – 63km south of Alexander Bay

Plate 14 shows alluvial diamond mining activities 63 kilometres south of

Alexander Bay, in Alexkor’s mining area. What is shown is a network of haul

roads, spoil and processing heaps and access tracks into the dune areas of the

beach and into the high and low water marks. This activity is typical of the

activity between Alexander Bay and Port Nolloth. The plate15 below shows

some of the most intensive activity and transformation.



Plate 15 Coastal Transformation – 20km south of Alexander Bay

The plate above (Plate 15) shows a processing complex near Collins Harbour.

The perimeter of the dam south of Collin’s Harbour comes within 50 meters of

the wave zone of the coastline in this area.

These plates serve to demonstrate the degree of transformation that has taken

place in the northern sections of the coastline. It is presumed that a

rehabilitation operation, funded by Alexkor, will accompany the final closure of

this mine.

The Plate 16 shows the alluvial diamond mining activity undertaken by De Beers

Namakwaland around Kleinzee, about 50 kilometres south of Port Nolloth.



Plate 16 Coastal Transformation – 50km south of Port Nolloth, Kleinzee

The transformation of the Coastal Protected Zones in the area show is total, and

although this is the highest area of impact between Port Nolloth and Kleinzee,

visible evidence of diamond mining activity is clear along this entire distance.

Other areas which exhibit large areas of disturbance are Koiingnaas, and

Hondeklipbaai, which is shown in the Plate 17 below.



Plate 17 Coastal Transformation – Hondeklipbaai

The remaining length of coastline is less heavily impacted, with the Plate 18

showing the level of impacts near Skurfbaai, which is 8 kilometres north of the

end of the NDM coastline.



Plate 18 Coastal Transformation – Skurfbaai

Here transformation, when viewed at this scale, is limited to access roads and

the occasional small diggings.

Fishing and mari/agriculture

Fisheries along the NDM coast benefit from the presence of the Benguela

Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME). It is estimated that the BCLME is

one of the most productive ocean areas in the world and an important centre of

marine biodiversity and marine food production (Northern Cape Province -

Fishing and Mariculture Sector Development Strategy).

In theory, this abundance of marine and coastal resources could stimulate a

successful fishing and mariculture industry. However, due to the relative under-

development of the coastal infrastructure, insufficient fish quotas, distance from

markets and lack of access to the coast, this aspect has been developed only to

a small extent.

Despite this, the coastal towns of Port Nolloth and Hondeklipbaai have

developed as regional fishing nodes and in both localities existing infrastructure,

resource allocations, and levels of skills amongst local communities are



sufficient to sustain the fishing industry, albeit at a relatively low level of

development.

The lack of a safe deep-water harbor is a major constraint to the development of

the fishing industry in NDM. The town of Port Nolloth possesses a shallow water

harbor but the absence of a man-made breakwater means that the harbor is

exposed to a strong current and swells during storms when access to the harbor

is severely limited. The town of Hondeklipbaai has sheltered launching and a

jetty suitable for small vessels in close proximity to the disused Oceana fish

processing factory. Access to this town is however poor.

The only facility currently capable of operating as a fish processing facility is the

John Ovenstone factory in Port Nolloth developed in the 1930’s by the Premier

Group. It has a capacity of 3000t of fish a year and is currently completely

unutilized (Northern Cape Province - Fishing and Mariculture Sector

Development Strategy). During 1995 it was upgraded to Hazard Analysis Critical

Control Point (HACCP) health standards for the export of fresh fish during the

hake long-line experiment. Due to the low quota allocation, and the fact that no

other fish has been landed in Port Nolloth recently, the factory has been running

at a loss and Premier Fishing withdrew from the area in 2002.

As a consequence of the fact that fishing and the processing of fish has taken

place at Port Nolloth and Hondeklipbaai for many years, a well developed skills

base exists in the industry. In addition, recent transformation of the fishing

industry in line with government’s policies for small, medium and micro

enterprise development and black economic empowerment has also seen the

emergence of black-owned businesses in the industry in Port Nolloth.

The Namakwa Coast is a high-energy coastline with few sheltered bays and is

therefore not conducive to in-sea mariculture. The only possible exception is the

deep-water bay at Buchuberg where the use of the high-seas cages could be

evaluated for the farming of salmon or other high-value fish species. Buchuberg

Bay is characterised by very deep water (30 meters within one kilometre of the

shore) and is sheltered from the prevailing westerly swell (Northern Cape

Province - Fishing and Mariculture Sector Development Strategy).

Tourism



Tourism is not widely practised on the coastal areas of NDM. This can be

ascribed to the limited access to coastal areas, due to diamond mining activities,

and the distances from main areas.

An opportunity exists for the possible development of the Namakwa Coastal

Park, as mentioned above, to develop coastal areas for tourism and recreational

facilities. This will contribute to job creation and reduce the dependence of these

settlements on the mining industry as dominant employer.

4.2 Social Environment

4.2.1 Municipal Setting

The NDM covers the largest area (approximately

126 747km2) of all South African District Municipalities. Two national roads, the

N7 (between Western Cape and Namibia) and N14 (between Springbok,

Upington and Gauteng) pass through the District. The seat of governance of the

NDM is in Springbok (NMD annual report, 2008/9).

The NDM (DC06) comprises of the following municipalities with the main centre

as indicated:

Richtersveld Municipality (NC061) - Port Nolloth;

Nama Khoi Municipality (NC062) – Springbok;

Khai Ma Municipality (NC067) – Pofadder;

Kamiesberg Municipality (NC064) – Garies;

Hantam Municipality (NC065) – Calvinia;

Karoo Hoogland Municipality (NC066) – Williston; and

District Management Area, DMA, (NCDMA06).

The DMA is a largely un-inhabited area 24 428 km2 is extent. The population in

this area numbers 897, which gives a population density of 0.04 persons per

square kilometre.

Average population density for the Northern Cape Province is 2.9 per square

kilometre, whilst the average for South Africa is 40 persons per square

kilometre, forty times the population density of the NDM.

Richtersveld Local Municipality includes various towns such as Sanddrif,

Kuboes, Alexander Bay, Eksteenfontein, Lekkersing, MacDougalls Bay and



Baken, with the largest being Port Nolloth (Figure 11). The Municipality features

four wards with eight councillors. The area covers 9 607kms2 with a total

population estimated at 14 613 people. Population density is thus 1.5 people per

square kilometre. The majority of the population lives in the towns of Alexander

Bay and Port Nolloth, both located on the coast. The population living outside

the urban areas is very sparse and consists of scattered sheep and goat

herders (Community Survey, 2007).



Figure 11 Municipal Setting: Richtersveld Local Municipality



Port Nolloth, situated along the West Coast is a small-scale diamond mining and

crayfish industry centre as well as a tourist resort. Alexander Bay and Baken are

the main mining centres for alluvial diamond mining. Alexander Bay features a

shopping centre, banking facilities and numerous sporting facilities, however

these facilities need upgrading. Baken, a very small town adjacent to Sanddrif

has a number of facilities and social infrastructures such as a clinic, shop and

restaurant. Small scale harbours feature at Port Nolloth and Alexander Bay.

Nama Khoi Local Municipality includes towns such as Kleinzee, Komaggas,

Steinkopf and Nababeep with the largest being the towns of Springbok,

Concordia and O’kiep. Springbok is located along the N7 Highway and is in

close proximity to the border of Namibia and South Africa. Nama Khoi is

considered the hub of the NDM in terms of economic activities and population

(Figure 12). The Nama Khoi area covers 15 025 kms2 and the population is

estimated at 54 644 people. Population density is thus 3.6 people per square

kilometre (Community Survey, 2007). Springbok is the administrative,

commercial, farming and industrial centre. Springbok was the first commercial

mining operations centre where the first copper mine was developed. O’kiep and

Nababeep are copper mining towns. Steinkopf is a small stock sheep farming

town.



Figure 12 Municipal Setting: Nama Khoi Local Municipality



Khai Ma Local Municipality includes various towns with the largest being the

towns of Pofadder and Aggeneys (Figure 13). Khai Ma Local Municipality has

the smallest land cover of all the local municipalities within the NDM with an

area of 8 331km2 and has a population of approximately 12 571 people.

Population density is thus 1.5 people per square kilometre (Community Survey,

2007). Pofadder is situated on the N14 Highway between Springbok and

Kakamas is situated between Pofadder and Keimoes. Other towns within the

Khai Ma Local Municipality include Goodhouse, Pella and Onseepkans.

Pofadder is a sheep farming centre. Located on the Springbok-Pofadder road,

Aggeneys is a copper, zinc and lead mining town.



Figure 13 Municipal Setting: Khai Ma Local Municipality



Kamiesberg Local Municipality has Hondeklipbaai, Garies and Kamieskroon as

the largest towns (Figure 14). The area covers 11 742km2 and has a population

of approximately 12 117 people. Population density is thus 1.0 people per

square kilometre (Community Survey, 2007). The area is sparsely populated at

about one person per km2. Kamiesberg Local Municipality is located in Garies.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garies,_Northern_Cape



Figure 14 Municipal Setting: Kamiesberg Local Municipality



The Kamiesberg Local Municipality is divided into four municipal wards and

provides services to the towns and settlements of Camasses, Rooifontein,

Nourivier, Leliefontein, Paulshoek, (Ward 4), Kamieskroon, Kharkams,

Tweerivier (Ward 3) Koiingnaas, Hondeklipbaai, Soebatsfontein, Spoegrivier

(Ward 1) Garies, Lepelfontein, Klipfontein and Kheis (Ward 2).

Hondeklipbaai is a seaside town and has a harbour which serves fishing and

diamond-mining boats. It is also a mariculture (i.e. crayfish) and tourist centre

(i.e. scenic drives and 4 x 4 routes). Garies and Kamieskroon situated along the

N7 Highway are known for their abundance of spring wildflowers. Kleinzee is a

mining town for alluvial diamonds. Kamieskroon, Kharkams and Paulshoek are

tourist destinations.

Hantam Local Municipality has Calvinia, Niewoudtville and Loeriesfontein as the

main towns (Figure 15). Smaller towns in the region include Brandvlei and

Middelpos. The area covers 27 967 km2 and has a population of approximately

21 234 people. Population density is thus 0.8 people per square kilometre

(Community Survey, 2007). Hantam Local Municipality has the greatest number

of rural households.



Figure 15 Municipal Setting: Hantam Local Municipality



Calvinia has a local airport with a 1 250m long landing strip and the town is

considered to be the second largest wool-producing district in South Africa and

is also known for its spring wildflower shows. Nieuwoudtville is a farming (i.e

rooibos plantations) and tourist town known for its wild flowers and is referred to

as the “Bulb Capital of the World”. Loeriesfontein is a wool-production centre as

well as a salt-mining town (http://www.sa-

meanders.co.za/pubphp/region.php?lang=eng&x_reg_id=89).

Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality has Sutherland, Williston and Fraserburg as

the main towns (Figure 16). The Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality has the

biggest land area of all the local municipalities within the NDM. It covers an area

of 29 396 km2 and has a population of approximately 10 419 people (Community

Survey, 2007). Population density is thus 0.4 people per square kilometre.



Figure 16 Municipal Setting: Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality



Sutherland is home to the South African Astronomical Observatory and is known

for its excellent visibility of the stars (http://www.saao.ac.za/). It is also an

important wool and mutton producing centre. Williston is known as a sheep

farming centre and is home to the Tombstone Route. Fraserburg is a

commercial farming and tourist destination town.

4.2.2 Demographic Profile

The NDM covers the largest area of all South African District Municipalities. It

features scattered human settlements with a population of approximately 126

000 people (Figure 17). The majority of the population is located in urban areas

with approximately 55% within the Richtersveld and Nama Khoi Local

Municipalities (Community Survey, 2007).

The NDM which was previously characterised by mainly rural settlements

experienced a rapid urbanization between the 1996 and the 2001 census.



Figure 17 Namakwa Demarcation Population Centres, NDM.



The population centres within the NDM are presented in the table 14 below.

Table 14 Population Centres, NDM.

Municipality Population Centres

Richtersveld

Kuboes

Alexander Bay

Port Nolloth

MacDougalls Bay

Lekkersing

Eksteenfontein

Nama Khoi

Springbok

Nababeep

Vioolsdrif

Kleinzee

Komaggas

Steinkopf

Khai Ma

Onseepkans

Pofadder

Aggeneys

Pella

Kamiesberg

Koiingnaas

Kamieskroon

Kharkams

Hondeklipbaai

Garies

Paulshoek

Kheis

Soebatsfontein

Tweerivier

Hantam

Niewoudtville

Calvinia

Loeriesfontein

Brandvlei

Middelpos



Municipality Population Centres

Karoo Hoogland

Williston

Sutherland

Fraserburg

Table 15 Number of individuals by urban / non urban

Municipality Urban Non-Urban Total

Hantam 14 609 5 204 19 813

Kamiesberg 8 495 2 257 10 752

Karoo

Hoogland 7 169 3 344 10 513

Khai-Ma 7 309 4 034 11 343

Nama Khoi 41 380 3 367 44 747

Richtersveld 9 567 556 10 123

Total 88 529 18 762 107 291

Table 15 above indicates that the highest number of individuals within urban

areas was recorded within the Nama Khoi Local Municipality and the lowest

number was recorded within the Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality. The

highest number of individuals within rural areas was recorded within Hantam

Local Municipality and the lowest number was recorded within the Richtersveld

Local Municipality. Table 15 above indicates that the majority of people within

the NDM live in urban areas – 88 529 and only 18 762 people live within rural

areas.

It should be noted that the density of these urban settlements is much lower

than comparable settlements in the rest of South Africa, hence these is scope

for densification of human settlements in the NDM.

4.2.3 Household and Population Analysis

Table 16 indicates the number of persons recorded during the 2007 Community

Survey and the 2001 Census.



Table 16 Total number of persons within the NDM

Municipality CS 2007 Census 2001 Annual Growth

Rate

Richtersveld 14 613 10 125 6.31

Nama Khoi 54 644 44 750 3.39

Kamiesberg 12 117 10 754 2.01

Hantam 21 234 19 813 1.16

Karoo Hoogland 10 420 10 512 -0.15

Khai Ma 12 571 11 344 1.73

DMA 897 813 1.65

Total 126 496 108 111 2.65

Northern Cape Province 1 058 060 991 919 1.08%

South Africa 48 502 063 44 819 777 1.32%



Table 16 above indicates that the number of people within each local

municipality has increased from the 2001 Census to the 2007 Community

Survey, except for Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality where a slight decrease

was recorded. The highest annual average population growth rate was in the

Richtersveld Local Municipality at 6.31%, followed by the Nama Khoi Local

Municipality at 3.39%. The overall annual average percentage growth rate

experienced in the district was 2.65%. This is higher than the provincial average

population growth rate, which is 1.08%. From this statistic, we can conclude that

the population growth rates are due to natural growth and from inward migration

to the NDM. Population growth rates are also double that for South Africa as a

whole, further indication that inward migration to the NDM is occurring.

The table demonstrates further that, given there is overall migration into the

NDM, the population migration within the NDM trend is towards the larger

economic and social centres.

Economic migration takes place to improve one’s economic prospects, to take

advantages of a higher number of work opportunities or to access larger

markets. Social migration occurs as a result of humankind’s desire to form

groups. Migration into larger groups improves one’s chances of forming

relationships and developing family and friendship ties. Generally larger social

groups tend to offer better economic opportunities, although this is not the case

in areas where industry is establishing and population size is not yet very high.

Typical examples of these types of area include mining towns or military bases,

where the economic attraction is higher than the social attraction.

The population trends in the NDM point to the fact that the economic

opportunities offered by the RLM are perceived to be better than those offered

by the NKLM, hence the higher inward migration rates. This result could be

explained by the fact that Port Nolloth, and to a lesser extent, Alexander Bay,

are developing tourism nodes. This economic stimulus could be the factor that

attracts migrants over the relatively larger and more economically diverse towns

such as Springbok in the NKLM. This result has been achieved despite the fact

that the largest economic activity in RLM is mining and the main diamond mine

in Alexander Bay, Alexkor, is nearing the end of its operational life. This

demonstrates the economic power of tourism.

The 2007 Community Survey indicates that the total number of households

within the NDM increased to 36 437 compared to the 2001 Census figure of 27

776.



Table 17 Total number of households within the NDM, (Community Survey 2007 and

Census 2001)

Municipality CS 2007 Census 2001 Annual Growth

Rate

Richtersveld 3 953 2 604 7.20

Nama Khoi 15 656 10 903 6.22

Kamiesberg 3 881 2 834 5.38

Hantam 5 819 5 404 1.24

Karoo Hoogland 2 982 2 942 0.23

Khai Ma 3 787 2 752 5.46

DMA 359 337 1.06

Total 36 437 27 776 4.63

Table 17 above indicates that household numbers for each local municipality

within the NDM has increased from the 2001 Census to the 2007 Community

Survey with the highest growth rate being experienced in Richtersveld Local

Municipality, at 7.22%, with the Nama Khoi Local Municipality’s population

growing at 6.22% annually over the period. The lowest growth rate was 0.23%

for the Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality, followed by the District Management

Area.

The overall number of households in the NDM increased faster than the

population. This indicates that the age profile of the NDM is increasing. As a

population gets older, households tend to form as the result of long-term family

relationships forming. Household creation is also faster in economically active

areas, with the RLM and NKLM experiencing the highest growth.

The relative growth of household numbers against the growth in population, is

largest in KLM and KMLM. Here the population grew at around 2% per annum,

whilst the household count grew at around 5.4%. This phenomenon can again

be explained by an aging population as well as by relative economic hardship,

where the formation of families is a means to combine production and costs in a

family unit and reap economies of scale.

4.2.4 Population Structure

Table 18 Age structure within the NDM (Census, 2001).



Persons 2001 1996 Annual Average

Growth

Males 0 to 4 5 118 5 740 -1.89

Males 5 to 14 11 088 11 993 -1.30

Male 15 to 34 17 709 18 107 -0.37

Males 35 to 64 16 456 15 212 1.32

Males over 65 3 076 2 969 0.59

Males Total 53 447 54 021 -0.18

Females 0 to 4 4 870 5 494 -1.99

Females 5 to 14 10 637 11 637 -1.49

Females 15-34 17 325 17 844 -0.49

Females 35-64 17 648 15 909 1.74

Females over 65 4 182 3 735 1.90

Females Total 54 662 54 619 -0.01

Table 18 above indicates that there is a relatively even gender distribution

throughout the age groups within the NDM. The only exception is the higher

number in females over 65 years of age. This can be attributed to the fact that

life expectancy of women on a global scale is higher than male life expectancy.

The table demonstrates that between 1996 and 2001, the last time that

systematic age breakdown figures were available in the NDM, the trend was

towards an aging population. The numbers of people, of both genders, between

the ages of 0 and 34 decreased on average by 1.25%. This ageing is taking

place because the younger population groups within the NDM are migrating out

of the district, and therefore having and raising their children in other geographic

locations.

The main reason for an ageing population is outward migration of the youth due

to better economic and social prospects elsewhere. This phenomenon is an

economic risk factor since the most productive and energetic members of the

population are working in other jurisdictions and these people are not likely to be

replaced by births in the remaining population, nor by inward migration. This

trend is likely to continue, unless the economic climate in the NDM improves

On the surface, the relatively high population increase experienced by the NDM,

at 2.6% per annum, and the even faster growth in number of households, is at

odds with the trend of outward youth migration. This phenomenon can be



explained if the inward migrants are older members of the population, those who

have already formed family units. Reasons for this type of migration could be an

economic or social attraction, which could be enhanced by a relative lack of

skills and experience within the NDM. Thus it is suggested that the existing

workforce in the NDM has low levels of education.

This trend supports the assertions made in Section 4.2.3 above, that the

existing, aging NDM population is migrating towards the better economic and

social prospects of the larger centres in the NDM.

Table 19 Gender structure within the NDM

Richters-

veld

Nama

Khoi

Kamies-

berg Hantam

Karoo

Hoogland Khai-Ma DMA Total

Male 5 138 22 004 5 455 9 535 5 006 5 844 467 534 49

Female 4 986 22 746 5 299 10 278 5 506 5 501 345 54 661

%

Female 49% 51% 49% 52% 52% 48% 42% 51%

Total 10 125 44 750 10 754 19 813 10 512 11 344 813 108 111

Table 19 above indicates that there is a relatively even gender distribution within

the NDM. The lowest percentage of females was registered within the District

Management Area 42% followed by Kamiesberg Local Municipality with 48%.

4.2.5 Income Distribution

Census 2001 data has been presented and analysed to obtain an understanding

of the income profile of the NDM.

The table below gives income data, per income bracket, for all local

municipalities, as a percentage of the total number of people (between 15 and

65) in each income bracket.

Table 20 Person Income per Income Bracket and Municipality (% of District Total)

Local

Municipality

Percentage of Low

Income Earners

[0 to R3 200 pm]

Percentage of

Middle Income

Earners

[R3 201 to R25 600

pm]

Percentage of High

Income Earners

[R25 601 and above

pm]

Percentage

of Total

Income

Earners

Hantam 19% 14% 28% 18%



Local

Municipality

Percentage of Low

Income Earners

[0 to R3 200 pm]

Percentage of

Middle Income

Earners

[R3 201 to R25 600

pm]

Percentage of High

Income Earners

[R25 601 and above

pm]

Percentage

of Total

Income

Earners

Kamiesberg 8% 10% 6% 8%

Karoo

Hoogland 11% 6% 16% 10%

Khâi-Ma 15% 10% 8% 14%

Nama Khoi 37% 49% 36% 40%

Richtersveld 9% 12% 7% 10%

Grand Total 100% 100% 100% 100%

Table 20 demonstrates that NKLM has the highest number of income earners in

the NDM, at 40% of the total district income earning population. The next

highest number of income earners is in the HLM, with 18%. KMLM, KHLM, RLM

and KLM all contribute about 10% of the total number of income earners in the

district. Thus NKLM is by far the largest source of income for the residents on

NDM.

The table further demonstrates that NKLM has the highest percentage of low

income people in the district, at 37%, HLM and KHLM follow. Hence poverty

alleviation efforts and programmes to improve the economy in the NKLM will

yield the highest poverty alleviation benefits.

The table below gives income data, per income bracket, for all local

municipalities, as a percentage of the total number of people (between 15 and

65) in each local municipality.

Table 21 Person Income per Income Bracket and Municipality (% of LM Total).

Local

Municipality

Percentage of Low

Income Earners

[0 to R3 200 pm]

Percentage of

Middle Income

Earners

[R3 201 to R25 600

pm]

Percentage of High

Income Earners

[R25 601 and above

pm]

Percentage

of Total

Income

Earners

Hantam 82% 17% 1% 100%

Kamiesberg 71% 28% 1% 100%

Karoo

Hoogland 84% 14% 1% 100%



Local

Municipality

Percentage of Low

Income Earners

[0 to R3 200 pm]

Percentage of

Middle Income

Earners

[R3 201 to R25 600

pm]

Percentage of High

Income Earners

[R25 601 and above

pm]

Percentage

of Total

Income

Earners

Khâi-Ma 83% 16% 0% 100%

Nama Khoi 71% 28% 1% 100%

Richtersveld 72% 28% 1% 100%

Grand Total 76% 23% 1% 100%

Table 21 above demonstrates that the district has an overall average of 76% of

its residents in the low income bracket, i.e. between 0 and R 3 200 per month.

The HLM, KHLM and KMLM all have 82-84% of their residents in this income

bracket. This is compared to the NKLM which has the lowest percentage of low

income earners at 72%.

This table demonstrates that the levels of poverty in the NDM as a whole are

very high. Thus the level of economic activity is too low to adequately support its

population.

Census 2001 data has been used to analyse household income. The data

confirms the trends above. The majority of the households within the NDM,

76%, earn below R38 400 per annum. Of this figure 12% of households earn no

income and they depend on state grants and charity for their survival.

Table 22 Percentage of households by annual household income within the NDM

Municipality

No I

nco

me

R1

-R4 8

00

R4 8

01

-R9 6

00

R9 6

01

-R19

200

R19

20

1-R

38

40

0

R38

40

1-R

76

80

0

R76

80

1-R

15

3 6

00

R15

3 6

01

-R30

7

20

0

R30

7 2

01

-R61

4

40

0

R61

4 4

01

-R1 2

28

80

0

R1 2

28

80

1-R

2

45

7 6

00

R2 4

57

60

1 a

nd

mo

re

Hantam 472 375 1265 1381 869 462 314 175 49 24 17 6

Kamiesberg 447 201 591 588 413 259 169 59 9 12 66 19

Karoo

Hoogland 198 336 725 756 411 232 188 49 28 11 3 3

Khai Ma 386 181 580 549 396 325 217 95 23 3 0 6

Nama Khoi 1380 543 1719 2079 2201 1462 992 415 81 20 14 6

Richtersveld 465 151 358 396 461 385 279 77 19 3 3 3



Municipality

No

In

co

me

R1

-R4

80

0

R4

80

1-R

9 6

00

R9

60

1-R

19

200

R1

9 2

01

-R3

8 4

00

R3

8 4

01

-R7

6 8

00

R7

6 8

01

-R1

53

60

0

R1

53

601

-R3

07

20

0

R3

07

201

-R6

14

40

0

R6

14

401

-R1

22

8

80

0

R1

22

8 8

01

-R2

45

7 6

00

R2

45

7 6

01

an

d

mo

re

Total 3 348 1 787 5 238 5 749 4 751 3 125 2 159 870 209 73 103 43

Table 22 above provides additional detail on the percentage figures presented

above.

According to the 2001 Census, the average household income for the NDM is

R25 000 per household. However, the majority of individuals and households fall

in the R 2 401 – R 6 000 per annum bracket.

Further analysis indicates that the majority of households earn less than one

half of the total average i.e. less than R 12 000 per annum. Table 22 above

details the number of households by annual income for each local municipality

within the NDM as per the Census 2001.

The 2001 Census figures indicate low income levels in each local municipality

within the NDM and many individuals are unemployed and entirely dependent

on state grants and charity for their survival.

4.2.6 Education and Literacy

The education levels in the NDM are low. Approximately half of the population

over 20 years old within the District have some secondary education and a very

small percentage obtained Grade 12 qualification.

The statistics in Table 23 are from the 2001 Census. In total there were 6% of

the people within the NDM that have a higher education; 16% have Standard

10/Grade 12 education; fully 35%, or one third of the population have some

secondary education, 11% have complete primary education, another 22% have

some primary education and 11% of the population had no schooling.

The highest number of individuals with no schooling was recorded within the

Hantam Local Municipality.



Table 23 Number of individuals (age 20+) by highest education level reached

Municipality No

Schooling

Some

primary

Complete

primary

Some

secondary

Std

10/Grade

12

Higher Total

Hantam 3 083 2 492 997 2 837 1 735 719 11 863

% of LM 26% 21% 8% 24% 15% 6% 100%

Kamiesberg 563 1 563 782 2 502 983 238 6 631

% of LM 8% 24% 12% 38% 15% 4% 100%

Karoo

Hoogland 1 814 1 336 474 1 535 902 524 6 585

% of LM 28% 20% 7% 23% 14% 8% 100%

Khai-Ma 462 1 730 851 2 793 1 044 274 7 154

% of LM 6% 24% 12% 39% 15% 4% 100%

Nama Khoi 1 248 5 484 3 315 11 068 4 489 1 760 27 364

% of LM 5% 20% 12% 40% 16% 6% 100%

Richtersveld 329 1 357 1 109 2 246 1 080 271 6 392

% of LM 5% 21% 17% 35% 17% 4% 100%

Total 7 499 13 962 7 528 22 981 10 233 3 786 65 989

% of Total 11% 21% 11% 35% 16% 6% 100%

This implies that 44% of the population had an education level below high

school in 2001. Another 50% had some form of high school education. Only

21% of the population had received a matric certificate or higher, with matric

being seen as minimum required for a member of the workforce not engaged in

manual labour.

If it is assumed that those without matric are unlikely to have the necessary

skills to work on non-manual occupations, then 79% of the population of the

NDM is qualified for manual labour.

Following this basic education breakdown, Table 24 below provides a

breakdown in the classification “Higher” in the table above. This analysis is done

to determine the percentage of the workforce that is skilled and whose skills can

be harnessed to drive the economy of the NDM.

Table 24 Number of individuals (age 20+) by higher education levels



Municipality

Cert

ific

ate

with

less tha

n g

rade

12

Dip

lom

a w

ith

less tha

n g

rade

12

Bache

lor's

degre

e

Bache

lor's

degre

e a

nd

dip

lom

a

Hono

ur's d

egre

e

Hig

her

de

gre

e

(maste

r's o

r

docto

rate

)

Tota

ls

Hantam 10% 15% 29% 33% 5% 8% 100%

Kamiesberg 14% 10% 32% 23% 13% 8% 100%

Karoo

Hoogland 4% 15% 33% 24% 15% 9% 100%

Khai Ma 21% 21% 22% 15% 4% 16% 100%

Nama Khoi 24% 14% 23% 20% 10% 10% 100%

Richtersveld 16% 15% 24% 18% 19% 8% 100%

Total 8% 16% 29% 25% 11% 11% 100%

Table 24 above indicates that of those individuals with a level of education

beyond matric, 54% of the qualifications are at a bachelor’s degree level. 22% of

this population have a degree above Bachelor’s level. When the entire

population of the NDM is used, these figures translate to 3.2% and 1.3%

respectively.

The Richtersveld Local Municipality has three high schools, seven secondary

schools and several primary schools. Each of the rural towns has one primary

and one pre-primary school.

The Nama Khoi Local Municipality has twenty-four high or secondary schools

and a number of primary schools. Damelin College has opened a branch in

Springbok that provides community tourism and management courses.

Within the Khai Ma Local Municipality there are seven high or secondary

schools and several primary schools.

The Kamiesberg Local Municipality has fifteen high or secondary schools and

twelve primary schools.

The Hantam Local Municipality has nineteen high or secondary schools and

several primary schools.

The Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality has nine high or secondary schools and

a number of primary schools.



4.2.7 Living Conditions

Living conditions in the local municipality can be approximated by reference to

figures for the indicators listed below:

Type of main residential dwelling;

Household water source;

Energy used for cooking; and

Tenure status.

These four indicators are used since they reveal the socio-economic conditions

of the household.

The type of residential dwelling is a key indicator that reflects the degree to

which the household is permanently established in the area and has established

social ties. The more permanent the housing type, the more investment that

household has in the area in which they live. Thus they are ties that bind the

household to the community.

The household water source is an indicator of the overall level of service in the

community. The ideal service type is to have potable water supplies in the

house. Any other lower standard of service indicates either that the household is

highly impermanent or that the standards of service in the municipality do not

allow for adequate connection. This could be due to a lack of municipal

resources, or from the location of the household in question.

The energy source used for cooking is a further indicator of service level, as well

as being an indicator of household financial strength. The use of electricity for

cooking is relatively more expensive than alternatives such as wood or paraffin,

but the convenience of this energy source allows households to devote more

time to other productive activities. Similar to the case with water supplies, the

availability of electricity in the house points to a high level of service from the

municipality, especially if this availability is pervasive. The local environmental

impact of electricity is lower than the alternatives, and is thus more desirable

when seen from this viewpoint.

The tables below provide detail on the indicators. Each table is followed by a

discussion of the implications of the indicator and the percentage changes

between Census 2001 and the Community Survey 2007.



Table 25 Percentage distribution of households by type of main dwelling

Type of Main Dwelling Census

2001 CS 2007

Annual %

Change

House or brick structure on a separate stand or

yard 75.1 75.3 0%

Traditional dwelling/hut/structure made of

traditional materials 7.0 4.5 -6%

Flat in block of flats 1.6 1.4 -2%

Town/cluster/semi-detached house (simplex:

duplex: triplex) 1.5 2.0 6%

House/flat/room in back yard 1.9 1.1 -7%

Informal dwelling/shack

in backyard 2.4 1.6 -6%

Not in backyard e.g. Informal settlement 9.0 8.9 0%

Room/flatlet not in back yard but on a shared

property 0.8 0.5 -6%

Caravan or tent 0.7 0.2 -12%

Private ship/boat 0.0 0.0 n/a

Workers' hostel (bed/room) 0.0 4.0 n/a

Other 0.0 0.5 n/a

Total 100.0 100.0

Table 25 above shows that 75.3% of the population of the NDM live in formal

brick structures, located on a private stand or erf. The next largest dwelling type

is a shack located in an informal settlement, which comprise 8.9% of the total

households. The percentage change in the six years between the two surveys is

almost zero, which indicates that the pressure for housing stock is not acute.

This observation is confirmed by the fact that the annual decrease in occupancy

of a backyard shack is 6% (1.6% of the population) and that for traditional

dwellings is 6% (4.5% of the population). This is contrasted by a growth of 6% in

townhouse/cluster dwellings. Thus there is a degree of “trading up” within the

NDM, where backyard shack and traditional dwellers are decreasing.

This lack of pressure on urban housing stock is maintained despite the

urbanisation trends isolated in Section 4.2.3 above. This is due to a combination



of increasing urban densities and a portion of the youth moving out of the NDM

to seek better social and economic prospects elsewhere.

A trend towards increasing urban densities can be discerned by the 6% annual

growth in households living in townhouses or cluster complexes. This trend is

largely driven by economics, in that these types of dwelling are cheaper to

purchase and cheaper to maintain than an equivalent size of dwelling located on

its own private erf.

It should be noted that 10.5 of the households in the NDM are shacks. This

translates to 3 826 households living in shacks.

Table 26 Percentage distribution of households by type of water source

Type of Water Source Census

2001 CS 2007

Annual %

Change

Piped water inside the dwelling 34.3 50.0 8%

Piped water inside the yard 37.7 30.3 -3%

Piped water from access point outside

the yard 22.0 14.1 -6%

Borehole 1.7 2.7 10%

Spring 0.3 0.0 -17%

Dam/pool 0.9 0.8 -2%

River/Stream 1.3 0.7 -8%

Water vendor 0.1 0.4 50%

Rainwater tank 0.2 0.3 8%

Other 1.7 0.7 -10%

Total 100.0 100.0

Table 26 above shows that the dominant source of water for the residents of the

NDM was water in the household dwelling, with 50% of the population. A further

30% have water supplied to the yard. A remaining 14% have water supplied to

an access point outside their yards. When the households who have access to

borehole water are added, 98% of the population of the NDM has access to

some form of treated potable water. The method and effectiveness of the water

treatment varies from the formal water care works serving Springbok to the

community operated borehole schemes of Lekkersing in the Richtersveld LM.



The table further reinforces the fact that water is not easily available in the NDM

since fully 97% of people rely upon man-made systems for the provision of

water. This compares to 92.4% in South Africa and 84.0% in the more water

abundant province of Kwa-Zulu Natal.

The data imply that 1 057 households do not have access to an improved water

supply in the NDM.

Table 27 Percentage distribution of households by tenure status

Household Tenure Status Census

2001 CS2007

Annual %

Change

Owned and fully paid off 48.6 56.9 3%

Owned but not yet paid off 12.2 9.7 -3%

Rented 15.7 16.0 0%

Occupied rent-free 23.5 16.4 -5%

Other - 1 n/a

Total 100.0 100.0

Table 27 above shows that most (57%) of the households in the NDM own their

own dwelling, this figure is across all dwelling types, brick houses to shacks. A

further 10% are paying off debt in order to own the house. Thus 67% of the

population of the NDM live in houses owned and maintained by themselves.

Sixteen percent of the population of the NDM live in rented accommodation.

A further 16% live in rent free accommodation. This type of accommodation is

typically provided to farm labourers and mine workers, and the annual

percentage decrease in this type of accommodation is 5%, which is in-line with

expectations given the shrinking of the mining sector and the formalisation of the

labour relations in the agricultural sector.

Table 28 Percentage distribution of households by type of energy/fuel used

for cooking

Type of Energy/Fuel used for

Cooking

Census

2001 CS 2007

Annual %

Change

Electricity 54.1 77.2 7%

Gas 6.6 4.1 -6%

Paraffin 18.3 8.0 -9%



Wood 19.3 10.0 -8%

Coal 0.5 0.2 -10%

Animal dung 0.8 0.1 -15%

Solar 0.2 0.2 0%

Other 0.2 0.2 0%

Total 100.0 100.0

Table 28 above shows that 77% of the population of the NDM use electricity as

their main source of energy for cooking. This implies that the electricity grid has

a high degree of penetration in the NDM. The national average for this indicator

is 66.4%.

The high percentage decreases in the use of other fuels indicates that electricity

is deemed to be the most economic and convenient form of cooking energy

available in the NDM.

4.3 Economic Environment

4.3.1 General Economy and Employment

The main economic activities within the NDM are agriculture and mining. Stock

farming in the District includes sheep, cattle and goat farming and is the key

contributor to the agricultural sector. Ostrich farming is also practised within the

District. Flower bulbs and wool production are also important contributors to the

agricultural sector. The Orange River plays a key role in the regions’ agricultural

activities and alluvial diamond mining activities.

Karoo Hoogland and Hantam Local Municipalities are the relevant agricultural

centres where stock farming is the main economic sector with very little mining

occurring. The main mining activity centres are Kamiesberg, Richtersveld, Nama

Khoi and Khai Ma Local Municipalities.

In the Richtersveld Local Municipality mining is the main economic activity

providing most of the employment opportunities in the region.



The main mining activity centres where alluvial diamond mining and quarrying

are performed include Alexander Bay and Baken. Port Nolloth is a small-scale

diamond mining and crayfish industry centre as well as a tourist resort.

Lekkersing and Kuboes are characterised by small stock farming with most

farmers being small scale and/or subsistence. Small-scale harbours feature at

Alexander Bay and Port Nolloth.

In Nama Khoi Springbok is the main town. Springbok is an administrative,

commercial, farming and industrial centre and represents the economic activity

hub for the surrounding smaller towns. Springbok is the communications,

administrative, educational and commercial centre for the copper mining within

the Nama Khoi Local Municipality. The towns of Kleinzee and Koiingnaas mainly

house the mining industry staff. The inland area is mainly used for farming.

Nababeep, the headquarters of the O’kiep Copper Company, and Concordia are

copper mining towns. O’kiep hosts the copper mine and copper mining used to

be the main economic activity in the area. Steinkopf is a small stock sheep

farming town.

Kamiesberg Local Municipality has three main economic sectors: livestock

grazing, mining and tourism. The two emerging sectors are aquaculture and

conservation and ecological restoration. The main economic activities in Garies

are granite works and farming. The major economic activity in Koiingnaas is

mining. The main economic activity in Kamieskroon and Kharkams is stock

farming.

In the Khai Ma Local Municipality Pofadder and Aggeneys are the main towns.

Aggeneys is a copper, zinc and lead mining town. Pofadder has sheep farming

as the main economic activity. Pella is the fruit growing centre within the Khai

Ma Local Municipality where dates, figs, grapes and pomegranates are grown.

In the Hantam Local Municipality Calvinia, Niewoudtville and Loeriesfontein are

the main towns. Calvinia is a sheep and wool farming town. Niewoudtville’s main

economic activities are sheep farming as well as wheat and rooibos tea

production. Loeriesfontein is a wool farming and salt mining centre.

In the Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality Sutherland, Williston and Fraserburg

are the main towns. Sutherland is a farming town with the main activities being

sheep and wool farming. Williston is another farming town with the main activity



being sheep farming. Fraserburg is a commercial farming as a well as a tourist

town.

Table 29 Local municipalities contribution to NDM GGP

Municipality GDP (2007) % of District Total

Richtersveld R 652,467.04 17.3%

Nama Khoi R 1 573, 543.68 41.7%

Kamiesberg R 389,601.93 10.3%

Hantam LM R 444, 112.48 11.8%

Karoo Hoogland R 314,288.30 8.3%

Khai Ma R 388,427.06 10.3%

Namakwa R 10, 682.84 0.3%

Namakwa DM (TOTAL) R 3,773, 123.32 100%

(Quantec Database, Standardised Regional Data, 2007)

Table 29 above indicates that Nama Khoi Local Municipality has the highest

contribution to the NDM GDP 41.7% and the lowest contribution of 8.3% was

recorded within the Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality.

Accessibility to the area is a significant challenge as there are no major airports

within the NDM. The closest national airport is Kimberly and the nearest

international airport is Upington International. The closest major port is Saldanha

Bay in the Western Cape. There are no commuter railway networks within the

NDM which results in limited accessibility to the area.

The major south/north corridor, the N7 National Road which passes through

Springbok, Garies and Kamieskroon towns has been widened between

Springbok and Garies. However, there is need for further upgrading of the N7.

The major east west corridor is the N14 which connects O’kiep to Pofadder. The

N14 continues to Upington and then into the Gauteng Province.

The R358 secondary road is a gravel road between Pofadder and Onseepkans.

The R358 connects Pofadder to Kenhardt and Bitterfontein.

The major employment sectors within the NDM are the agriculture and mining

sectors.

Table 30 Number of individuals (Age 15-65) by employment status (Census 2001)



Municipality Employed Unemployed Not Economically

Active % Unemployment

Hantam 5 228 1 337 5 493 20%

Kamiesberg 2 355 1 108 3 209 32%

Karoo Hoogland 2 933 1 175 2 375 29%

Khâi-Ma 3 976 731 2 788 16%

Nama Khoi 11 535 5 754 12 254 33%

DMA 421 0 183 0%

Richtersveld 2 831 1 558 2 467 35%

Totals 29 279 11 663 28 769 28%

Table 30 above indicates that the highest number of employed individuals was

recorded within the Nama Khoi Local Municipality and the lowest number within

the Kamiesberg Local Municipality.

The table demonstrates that the size of the district workforce is 40 492 and the

unemployment rate was 28% in 2001. The highest unemployment rate is 35%

and 33% in the RLM and NKLM respectively. This indicates that work-seekers

are highest in these two municipalities given their economic size and diversity.

The lowest unemployment figures are in the DMA with no unemployment and

HLM with 20% unemployment. These figures indicate that the few people living

in the DMA are living there for a purpose; they are either sent there or retained

there by an employer. The low employment rate in HLM could be attributed to

the agricultural focus of the economy in the area which offers relatively few

economic opportunities outside that sector, thus not attracting migrant work-

seekers.



Table 31 Number of employed individuals (age 15-65) by industry (Census 2001)

Municipality

Agriculture

huntin

g;

fore

str

y a

nd fis

hin

g

Min

ing a

nd q

uarr

yin

g

Ma

nufa

ctu

rin

g

Ele

ctr

icity, gas a

nd

wate

r supply

Constr

uctio

n

Whole

s a

nd r

eta

il

trade

Tra

nsport

; sto

rage

and c

om

mu

nic

atio

n

Com

munity; socia

l

and p

ers

onal

serv

ices

Oth

er

and n

ot

adequate

ly d

efin

ed

Private

Household

s

Undete

rmin

ed

Hantam 1 806 56 141 17 236 610 98 813 0 658 588

Kamiesberg 477 613 44 6 51 222 61 410 3 202 185

Karoo Hoogland 1 327 0 45 3 83 241 50 419 0 410 253

Khai Ma 1 968 474 140 41 207 359 26 371 0 163 150

Nama Khoi 821 3 314 474 67 585 1 824 282 1 993 0 1 070 541

Richtersveld 114 1 155 67 4 85 369 68 418 0 245 148

Total 6 513 5 612 911 138 12 47 3 625 585 4 424 3 2 748 1 865

% of Total 24% 20% 3% 0% 5% 13% 2% 16% 0% 10% 7%



Table 31 above indicates that the highest number of individuals is employed

within the agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing sector followed by the mining

and quarrying sector. The above table indicates that agriculture and mining are

the dominant employment sectors within the District with few employment

opportunities within alternative industries.

Figure 18 Total Employment by Industry

The graphic above is derived from



Table 31 and clearly demonstrates the dominance of the agricultural and mining

industries towards employment creation in the NDM. Together these sectors

contributed 44% of total employment in 2001.

The next largest sectors are the community services and social grouping at 16%

and private households which employ 10% of the workforce.

Table 32 Number of employed individuals (age 15-65) by occupation (Census 2001)

Municipality

Legis

lato

rs;

se

nio

r

offic

ials

and m

ana

ge

rs

Pro

fessio

nals

Technic

ians a

nd

associa

te p

rofe

ssio

nals

Cle

rks

Serv

ice w

ork

ers

; sho

p

and

mark

et sale

s

work

ers

Skill

ed a

gri

cultura

l an

d

fishe

ry w

ork

ers

Cra

ft a

nd r

ela

ted tra

des

work

ers

Pla

nt

an

d m

achin

e

ope

rato

rs a

nd

asse

mble

rs

Ele

me

nta

ry o

ccu

pa

tion

s

Unde

term

ined

Hantam 238 174 269 400 294 845 294 121 2 184 401

Kamiesberg 120 90 180 232 216 277 366 118 593 165

Karoo Hoogland 117 67 147 150 168 327 133 78 1 515 231

Khai Ma 112 74 177 210 187 267 536 173 2 169 63

Nama Khoi 485 579 878 1 495 1 277 197 2 171 737 3 277 439

Richtersveld 178 138 200 323 259 137 510 333 642 108

Total 1 250 1 122 1 851 2 810 2 401 2 050 4 010 1 560 10 380 1 407

% of Total 4% 4% 6% 10% 8% 7% 14% 5% 36% 5%

Table 32 above indicates that the highest percentages (36%) of workers were

employed in the elementary occupations. These are occupations with a focus on

manual labour and un-skilled jobs. The next highest category is artisans at 14%.

Following this are a group of categories; clerks (10%), shop assistants and

skilled workers in the agricultural and forestry industries. Of the total workforce,

8% occupy positions such as managers.

These findings match the observations made in Section 4.2.6 that education

levels are low and this allows work seekers to carry out only manual and un-

skilled work.

4.3.2 Tourism

The NDM is characterised by a unique environment and contains numerous

areas of high conservation importance and high tourism potential. Tourism is a

growing and developing sector within the NDM and its potential is yet to be

fulfilled.



Access to the District is available through two national roads, the N7 (connecting

the Western Cape to Namibia) and the N14 (connecting Springbok to Upington

and further east to Gauteng). Three airports are located in the region of

Alexander Bay, Springbok and Calvinia.

The NDM has tourism potential in terms of the following areas:

a. Eco-tourism: NDM is characterized by unique natural flora and features

several national parks and nature reserves such as:

Namakwa National Park (near Kamieskroon);

Tankwa Karoo National Park (Namakwaland, south of Hantam Local

Municipality);

Richtersveld National Park (Richtersveld Local Municipality);

Groenspoeg (south of Hondeklipbaai);

Goegap Nature Reserve (Nama Khoi Local Municipality);

Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve (south of Niewoudtville);

Akkerdam Nature Reserve (north of Calvinia); and

Hantam National Botanical Gardens (Hantam Local Municipality).

b. Adventure Tourism: within the NDM includes 4x4 trails, hiking, mountain

biking; camping, fishing, river rafting and canoeing. Some of these facilities are

listed below:

Namakwa 4x4 Trail (from Pella to Alexander Bay);

The Richtersveld Route includes hiking, 4x4 trails and mountain biking;

Kamieskroon Trail;

Pofadder Hiking Trail (Pofadder);

Rooiberg Hiking Trail (east of Garies);

Skaaprivier Hiking Trail (near Nababeep);

Koperberg Tours and Safaris (Springbok);

Angling (Alexander Bay);

Scenic drives (Hondeklipbaai);

Hiking (Oorlogskloof);

Caracal Ecoroute (Namakwa National Park); and

Canoeing and river rafting on the Orange River.

c. Historical and Cultural Tourism: the NDM offers the rich heritage of the

Khoi San/Nama people with an ancient and indigenous culture; the Annual



Namakwa Festival of Culture and Light (Springbok); historical buildings;

churches and the mining museums with the history of diamond mining and

settlement in the region. Some of the historical and cultural tourism features

within the NDM are listed below, however a detailed list is presented in section 9

of this report.

The Dutch Reformed Church (Steinkopf);

Rhenish Mission Church (Concordia);

Fort Shelton (O’kiep);

Klipfontein (Steinkopf);

The Dutch Reformed Church (Brandvlei);

Calvinia Museum (Calvinia);

Calvinia Meat Festival (Calvinia);

Khoisan Rock Paintings (Niewoudtville);

Fraserburg Museum (Fraserburg);

The Methodist Church (Leliefontein);

Mining Museum (Nababeep);

Bosluispan (near Pofadder);

The Dutch Reformed Church (Sutherland); and

Williston Museum (Williston).

d. Technological Tourism: the undeveloped nature and climate of the NDM

makes it favourable for star-gazing. The South African Large Telescope (SALT)

at the Astronomical Observatory in Sutherland is the largest telescope in the

southern hemisphere. SALT has a redesigned optical system using more of the

mirror array and is able to record distant stars and galaxies. Potential projects

include:

Square Kilometre Array (SKA) – a US project for the development of the

world’s largest radio telescope

Mining tourism – tours of diamond mines would provide visitors with

fascinating insights into this largely closed and traditionally secretive

industry

The NDM is characterised by a rich cultural and historical heritage. The

historical buildings, the museums, the churches and the archaeological sites

located within the NDM offer an opportunity to explore the local history and

represent an important tourism attraction within the District.



The Nama, the largest group of the Khoikhoi people, most of whom have largely

disappeared, live in Namakwaland. The Nama culture is rich in music and

literature and the Nama are known for their crafts which include amongst others

leatherwork, musical instruments (such as reed flutes) and clay pots.

The table below indicates the rich cultural and historic heritage that features

within the NDM.

Table 33 Cultural and historical features, NDM.

Cultural And Historic Features Town Municipality

Namakwa Festival Springbok Nama Khoi

Anglo-Boer War Graves Springbok Nama Khoi

Dutch Reformed Church Springbok Nama Khoi

Monument Koppie Springbok Nama Khoi

Namakwaland Museum Springbok Nama Khoi

Old Cemetery outside Springbok Nama Khoi

Smelting Furnace north of Springbok Nama Khoi

Synagogue Springbok Nama Khoi

Concordia Grave Yard Concordia Nama Khoi

Granite Ore Bins near Concordia Nama Khoi

Rhenish Mission Church Concordia Nama Khoi

United Reformed Church Concordia Nama Khoi

Kleinzee Museum Kleinzee Nama Khoi

Cornish Pump House O’kiep Nama Khoi

Fort Shelton between O’kiep &

Concordia

Nama Khoi

Klondike Geological Site O’kiep Nama Khoi

Magabreccia Geological Site O’kiep Nama Khoi

Smokestack O’kiep Nama Khoi

Graveyard O’kiep Nama Khoi

The Dutch Reformed Church Steinkopf Nama Khoi

Klipfontein Steinkopf Nama Khoi

Kinderle Steinkopf Nama Khoi

The Dutch Reformed Church Brandvlei Hantam

The Dutch Reformed Church Calvinia Hantam



Cultural And Historic Features Town Municipality

Grave of Abraham Esau Calvinia Hantam

Calvinia Museum Calvinia Hantam

Hantam Huls Calvinia Hantam

Die Dorphuls Calvinia Hantam

Aspoort near Calvinia Hantam

Khoisan Rock Paintings Niewoudtville Hantam

Oorlogskloof 10kms south of

Niewoudtville

Hantam

Corbelled House Driefontein Farm

Fraserburg

Karoo Hoogland

Gansfontein Palaeosurface 5kms out of Fraserburg Karoo Hoogland

Fraserburg Museum Fraserburg Karoo Hoogland

Pepperbus Fraserburg Karoo Hoogland

Powder Magazine Depot Fraserburg Karoo Hoogland

Letterklip Garies Kamiesberg

Shipwreck Hondeklipbaai Kamiesberg

Lt. D.J. Darter’s Grave 15kms south of

Kamieskroon

Kamiesberg

Paulshoek Cultural Camp Paulshoek Kamiesberg

Leliefontein Mission Church Leliefontein Kamiesberg

The Methodist Church Leliefontein Kamiesberg

Parsonage Leliefontein Kamiesberg

Bushmans Fountain Klipfontein Kamiesberg

Mining Museum Nababeep Khai Ma

The Roman Catholic Mission Church Pella Khai Ma

The Dutch Reformed Church Pofadder Khai Ma

The Catholic Nunnery Pofadder Khai Ma

Bosluispan near Pofadder Khai Ma

The Dutch Reformed Church Sutherland Karoo Hoogland

Graves Sutherland Karoo Hoogland

Louw House Museum Sutherland Karoo Hoogland

Corbelled Houses Williston Karoo Hoogland

Williston Museum Williston Karoo Hoogland



Figure 19 below indicates the cultural and historical features within the NDM:



Figure 19 Cultural and Historical Features, NDM.



4.3.3 Land Use

The major economic drivers within the District are the agriculture and mining

sectors. Tourism and construction are smaller, developing industries. Tourism is

a developing industry which is currently seasonal with tourists visiting mainly

during the July to October months which feature the annual Namakwa spring

flower display. Urban development is not a major economic driver and is

expected to increase only slightly in the future.

The relevant agricultural centres within the NDM are the Karoo Hoogland and

Hantam Local Municipalities where stock farming is the main economic activity.

There is very little mining occurring within these municipalities.

Most of the cultivated dryland within the District occurs within the Kamiesberg,

Nama Khoi, Hantam and Karoo Hoogland Local Municipalities. There is very

little mining occurring within these municipalities. The main crops grown in the

District are Lucerne and wheat with rooibos being cultivated in Niewoudtville. In

the Orange River Valley, including Kakamas and Keimoes, fruits (i.e. grapes)

are cultivated intensively. Sheep-farming towns include Lekkersing, Kuboes,

Calvinia, Steinkopf, Niewoudtville, Loeriesfontein, Garies, Sutherland, Williston,

Fraserburg, Brandvlei; Middelpos and Pofadder. Pella is a fruit production centre

where dates, figs, grapes and pomegranates are grown. Niewoudtville is also a

bulb-production centre.

Mariculture activities are located at Port Nolloth, Alexander Bay and

Hondeklipbaai and focus on oysters and some experimental farming of abalone.

The main mining activity centres are Kamiesberg, Richtersveld, Nama Khoi and

Khai Ma Local Municipalities. Mining in the region comprises diamonds

(Alexander Bay, Port Nolloth, Baken, Kleinzee and Koiingnaas). Aggeneys is a

copper, zinc and lead mining town. O’kiep, Concordia and Nababeep are copper

mining towns and Garies is a granite mining town. Loeriesfontein is a salt-mining

centre.

Protected Areas

There are eleven protected areas in the NDM. Of these areas, three are

proclaimed as National Parks and are managed by SANParks. Tourists have

access to all these areas with the exception of Tankwa Karoo National Park that



is considered a scientific national park and access is allowed only by prior

arrangement (NDM Biodiversity Sector Plan, 2008).

The eleven parks/nature reserves/conservation areas are:

Namakwa National Park, near Kamieskroon;

Tankwa Karoo National Park, partially within the southern tip

of HLM;

Richtersveld National Park, in the most northern part of RLM;

The Orange River mouth, Alexander Bay;

Richterveld Community Conservancy, near the Richtersveld

National Park;

Nababiep Nature Reserve, at Vioolsdrift;

Akkerdam Nature Reserve, outside Calvinia;

Goegap Nature Reserve, east of Springbok;

Molineux Private Nature Reserve, near Kleinzee;

Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve, south of Nieuwoudtville; and

Black Mountain Private Nature Reserve, near Aggeneys.

The areas conserved in the NDM are not only protecting the rich biodiversity of

the area but also contributes to the protection of a cultural heritage, an example

of which is the Richtersveld Community Conservancy.

Please refer to

Figure 20 for distribution of the conservation areas in the NDM.



Figure 20 Location of Conservation Areas



Namakwa National Park

Namakwa National Park is a national park administered by SANParks and

is located 22 km northwest of Kamieskroon. It occupies an area of more

than 700km2. This park was established to protect the semi-desert

Succulent Karoo biome. The park has an arid environment with succulent

plants that bloom in the spring. These many-colored flowers include

daisies, lilies, aloes, and perennial herbs (NDM Biodiversity Sector Plan,

2008).

Amphibians and reptiles are well represented in the park, with a number of

endemic species. The mammal species include Klipspringer, Aardvark,

Baboon, Steenbok, Duiker, Porcupine, Black-Backed Jackal and Leopard.

Birds are typical of the dry arid western regions of the country. The

Speckled Padloper, a tortoise, is found in the park.

The park has been described as typical Namakwaland broken veld with a

great variety of smaller succulents, such as Crassula spp., Adromischus

spp., Pelargonium spp., stapeliands and cotyledon spp., as well as annuals

and bulbous plants. It is also described as part of the succulent Karoo

biome, dividing the area into the strandveld succulent Karoo, Upland

Succulent Karoo, Lowland Succulent Karoo and North-western Mountain

Renosterveld (Fynbos Biome).

The Namakwaland broken veld merges east into the mountain

renosterveld of the hills and mountains of the Kamiesberg Range, part of

the fynbos biome. Four of the highest peaks exceed 1 500 m while

Rooiberg (south), the highest land surface in Namakwaland, reaches 1 700

m. The Kamiesberg range consists of at least 22 endemic taxa

((http://www.sanparks.org/parks/namaqua/all.php).

Endemic species (especially dwarf succulent shrubs) are clustered in

broken, rocky habitats rather than sandy or loamy flats. Remaining

endemics are likely to be geophyte members of the Iridaceae,

Amarylliadaceae and Geraniaceae, also confined to winter rainfall areas.

The hills and mountains of the Kamiesberg Range contains 201 endemic

centre with 79 endemic species confined to this small area

(http://www.sanparks.org/parks/namaqua/all.php).

Tankwa Karoo National Park



Tankwa Karoo National Park lies about 70 km due west of Sutherland near

the border of the Northern Cape and Western Cape., Average annual

rainfall is 50 to 70 mm with temperature highs reaching 39°C. The winters

are cold, with an average temperature of 5.7°C. The park is designated as

a Scientific National Park, and thus offers no visitor facilities.

The park’s area is currently 1 110 km², the majority of which lies outside

the NDM. It is bounded on the east by the Roggeveld Mountains, on the

west by the Cedarberg, to the north by the Kouebokkeveld Mountains and

on the south by the foothills of the Koedoesberge and Klein Roggeveld

Mountains, and the Tankwa River.

The vegetation in the park falls within the Succulent Karoo biome and has

been described as very sparse shrubland and Dwarf Shrubland. The park

is home to a large variety of birds, such as the Black-headed Canary,

Karoo Long-billed Lark Burchell’s Courser, Ludwig’s Bustard, and the

Blackeared Sparrowlark (http://www.sanparks.org/parks/tankwa/).

Richtersveld National Park

The Richtersveld National Park comprises two sections, the first along the

northern border of the NDM, whilst a small section is located north east of

Port Nolloth.

The park ranges in altitude from 60m to 1 377m and is a unique Arid

Biodiversity Hotspot, worldwide. Temperatures vary between 50°C in

summer, with winter temperatures reaching zero. Rainfall is low. The park

has an area of 1 624 km2. The Richtersveld National Park is dominated by

the Succulent Karoo Biome.

In June 2007, the Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape, just to

the south of the National Park and of equivalent size, was named a

UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Richtersveld World Heritage Site is

located within this World Heritage Site. The World Heritage site has never

been subjected to diamond mining and is thus more ecologically pristine

that the Richtersveld National Park.

An international treaty, signed on 1 August 2003, incorporated the Ai–Ais

Hot Springs Game Park in Namibia and Richtersveld National Park in



South Africa, resulting in the establishment of the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld

Transfrontier National Park. One of the main features of the combined park

is the Fish River Canyon.

The Orange River Mouth

The Orange River is a Transfrontier RAMSAR Site of international

importance owing to its habitat for water birds, such as flamingos and

pelicans (NDM Biodiversity Sector Plan, 2008). The lichen fields outside

Alexander Bay are a notable feature of this ecosystem.

Nababiep Nature Reserve

Nababiep Nature Reserve is situated at Vioolsdrift and the size of of this

reserve is 10 804 ha. It is situated in the Nababiep Mountains. This

reserves borders the Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape on the

east.

Goegap Nature Reserve

Goegap Nature Reserve is sistuated east of Springbok; and is 15 004 ha in

size (http://go2southernafrica.com/northerncapetrip.html). This nature

reserves contains succulent that are endnic to the region and has 45

mammals, which includes species such as springbok, gemsbok, the

endangered Hartman's Zebra and the aardwolf amongst several others. In

terms of bird wildlife, the reserve has more than 92 recorded South African

bird species which can be viewed in the park and imcludes species such

as ostriches, black eagles, spotted dikkops and ground woodpeckers.

Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve

This Nature Reserve is found south of Nieuwoudtville and the size of this

reserve is 4 811 ha. The reserve is characterised by gorges, rivers, caves

and plateaus, which are suitable for hiking and is located on the transition

zone between fynbos and Karoo biomes.

4.3.4 Mining

Mining is one of the major sectors within the NDM. The main mining activity

centres are Kamiesberg, Richtersveld, Nama Khoi and Khai Ma Local

Municipalities. Mining of diamonds is also found at the mouth of the Orange

River. Diamond mining activities occur in Alexander Bay, Port Nolloth, Baken,

Kleinzee and Koiingnaas. Copper, zinc and lead mining occurs in Aggeneys



O’kiep and Nababiep are copper mining towns. Granite mining occurs in Garies.

Loeriesfontein is a salt mining centre.

The main mining houses within the District are Alexkor Ltd, De Beers

Consolidated Mines and the Trans Hex Group. The mines provide a number of

social and infrastructure services to employees and the rural towns.



Figure 21 Active Mines, NDM.



Table 34 Types of mining activities within the NDM

Municipality Town Type of Mining

Richtersveld Alexander Bay Alluvial diamond mining

Richtersveld Port Nolloth Marine diamond dredging

Richtersveld O’kiep Copper mining

Nama Khoi Kleinzee Diamond mining

Kamiesberg Koiingnaas Diamond mining

Kamiesberg Garies Granite mining

Khai Ma Aggeneys Lead and Zinc Mining

Mining has been carried out in the area for at least the past 120 years. As a

result of this long history there are many mines that have depleted their reserves

and have closed or are closing. One of the largest mines in the District is the

O’kiep Copper Company, situated north of Springbok. Its closure has impacted

greatly upon the economy of the district and has resulted in great social

dislocation. Connected to this has been a halting of the negative biophysical

impacts of mining, with rehabilitation of the mining area proceeding apace.

This duality, where the economic and social impacts have been negative, but the

biophysical impacts positive is the subject of a case study, which appears below.

The case study demonstrates the need to balance biophysical needs with

economic and social needs.

O’kiep Mine Closure Case Study



0 50

No income

R 1 - R 400

R 401 - R 800

R 801 - R 1600

R 1601 - R 3200

R 3201 - R 6400

R 6401 - R 12800

R 12801 - R 25600

R 25601 or more

Percentage

Inco

me

pe

r p

ers

on

Table 3 Nama Khoi Income Comparison 2007

2001

0 10 20 30 40 50

No income

R 1 - R 400

R 401 - R 800

R 801 - R 1600

R 1601 - R 3200

R 3201 - R 6400

R 6401 - R 12800

R 12801 - R 25600

R 25601 or more

Percentage

Inco

me

pe

r p

ers

on

Table 2 Nanakwa Income Comparison

20072001

Copper was first mined in O’kiep in 1855. It is the oldest mining town in South Africa. The village

of O’kiep gets its name from the Nama word “U-gieb” meaning the great brackish spring. The

mine closed during the copper slump of 1919, but reopened in 1937.

Metorex Ltd. of South Africa operated the O’kiep copper smelter. It was shut down in 2004

because of resource depletion.

The closure of mines has a devastating socio-economic impact on the region if an alternative

source of livelihoods to sustain the post-mining economy in the area is not identified.

To ascertain the extent of some of these effects, an analysis comparing socio economic pre mine

closure (using Stats SA Census data, 2001) to post mine closure (Stats SA Community Survey

data 2007) is done. The data is interrogated on a local municipal level (Nama Khoi being the

local municipality in which the O’kiep mine is located) and on a district municipal level (Namakwa

being the district municipality). The latter offers a point of comparison for the local municipal data.

The population in both the region and the local municipality has increased during the 6 year

comparison period.

Table 1 Population Size

Census 2001 CS 2007

Namakwa 108 111 126 494

Nama Khoi 44 750 54 644

There has been a significant decrease in income at both the regional and local municipal level. In

2001 3% of residents had no income, and this has increased to 45% in 2007 (the same

percentages at a regional and local level) (Table 2 and 3). The difference however is that on a

regional level a shift was from people earning R 1 – R 800 to having no income, whilst in Nama

Khoi it is from people earning R1601 – R 6400 to having no income. In other words, in the region,

people that previously did not have a reliable source of income, currently have no source of

income. In Nama Khoi people appear to have lost their reliable source of income.

Whilst the mining and quarrying sector continues to grow in the Namakwa region (Table 4), the

closure of the O’kiep mine in Nama Khoi has



resulted in mining no longer being the dominant employment provider in the area. The loss of

income mentioned above can thus be attributed to a lower percentage of residents involved in

the mining and quarrying sector. In 2001 it was the predominant employment provider in Nama

Khoi whilst in 2007 community, social and personal services has become the dominant industry

(Table 5).

According to a report study by Urban –Econ, trade catering and accommodation is the second

largest employment provider in the region after mining. It is possible that this accounts for the

growth in community, social and personal services in the Nama Khoi area (this is not a category

in the Stats SA data). This industry’s contribution to employment however remains small.

Table 6 Historical Performance and Prioritisations of Sectors in Namakwa

0 5 10 15 20 25

Agriculture; hunting; forestry and fishing

Mining and quarrying

Manufacturing

Electricity; gas and water supply

Construction

Wholesale and retail trade

Transport; storage and communication

Financial; insurance; real estate and business…

Community; social and personal services

Other and not adequately defined

Percentage

Ind

ust

ry

Table 4 Namakwa Industry Comparison

2007

2001

0 10 20 30 40

Agriculture; hunting; forestry and fishing

Mining and quarrying

Manufacturing

Electricity; gas and water supply

Construction

Wholesale and retail trade

Transport; storage and communication

Financial; insurance; real estate and business…

Community; social and personal services

Other and not adequately defined

Percentage

Ind

ust

ry

Table 5 Nama Khoi Industry Comparison

2007

2001



Sector Contribution to GDP

(2007)

Contribution to

GDP (2007)

Contribution to

Employment

Agriculture, forestry & fishing 4.4% 18.0%

Mining 52.3% 21.3%

Manufacturing 1.9% 4.6%

Electricity & water 0.4% 0.3%

Construction 1.6% 6.7%

Trade; catering & accommodation 13.2% 14.5%

Transport & communication 4.6% 2.2%

Finance & business services 7.9% 7.3%

Community, social & personal 6.6% 12.0%

General government services 7.2% 13.0%

A mine closure results in a devastating socio economic impact on an area. The degree of this

impact is dependent on the strategies adopted by mines. Additionally it is imperative that new

economic activities are identified. According to the Department of Economic Affairs and Tourism,

with proper planning and co-ordination, fishing and mariculture, agriculture and tourism could

lead to rejuvenation of the Namakwaland economy.

Nama Khoi is located too far from the ocean (80

km’s) for fishing and mariculture to be a viable

source of income. Thus agriculture (which has

not shown much growth between 2001 at 7.1%

and 8.1% in 2007) and tourism become the most

likely employment providers. In terms of

agriculture, environmental conditions are

condusive to cattle, goat and sheep farming.

Growth is however threatened by desertification

as a result of climate change (combined with poor

agricultural practices, such as over-grazing and

incorrect irrigation techniques). The natural wealth of Namakwa flora & fauna, coupled with close

proximity to the Goegap Nature Reserve lends itself to tourism although the seasonality of the

tourism market and poor marketing of the area remains an obstacle.

The negative environmental effects of mining have been alleviated

during the closure of the mine. Thuthuka Project Managers, a water-

engineering company assisted in the rehabilitation and closure of

operations and the management of the accompanying polluted water.

They were also involved in the removal and rehabilitation of

infrastructure and rehabilitating the remaining footprint by top-soiling and

vegetating.

Metorex O’kiep Copper Company donated 1 200 houses to the

employees and 7 700 hectares of land to the district council for

communal use.



However the O’kiep mine closed 5 years ago and alternative economic activities are yet to be

established. Socio economic devastation in the area is rife as is demonstrated by the high

unemployment rates and low income earned.

The largest remaining inland mine is the Black Mountain Mine in Aggeneys. This

mine which mines zinc, lead, copper and, silver, was scheduled for closure in

August 2002. However a new ore body “New Deeps” was discovered which has

prolonged the planned life of mine. The mine operations are currently focussed

upon exploiting this ore body, which includes a new open cast project, the

Gamsberg Project, which still requires development.

This mine is located in the Black Mountain Nature Reserve and as such the

expansion of the mine has excited controversy owing to the negative impacts

that the mine will have on the ecology of the mining area. These negative

impacts must be considered in future.

4.3.5 Agriculture

The NDM produces livestock consisting of beef cattle, sheep, goats, ostrich and

game farming. Agriculture is one of the most important aspects of the NDM’s

economy. Stock farming, flower bulbs and wool production are also important

contributors to the agricultural sector. The region is also involved in game

farming and food production for the local and international market.

The Karoo Hoogland and Hantam Local Municipalities are the major agricultural

centres where stock farming is the main economic sector. Wool production and

mohair are also produced within the NDM at Calvinia, Fraserburg and

Loeriesfontein. Kamiesberg, Nama Khoi, Hantam and Karoo Hoogland Local

Municipalities are the main centres for the cultivation of various crops such as

Lucerne (i.e. near Alexander Bay), wheat and rooibos. Niewoudtville within the

Hantam Local Municipality is the rooibos and bulb production centre. Pella within

the Khai Ma Local Municipality is a fruit production centre where dates, figs,

grapes and pomegranates are grown. In the Orange River Valley, especially at

Kakamas and Keimoes, fruit (i.e. grapes) is cultivated intensively. The main

crops cultivated along the Orange River corridor are grapes, dates, essential

oils, Hoodia, and a variety of cash crops. Cabbage and lettuce are also grown

seasonally in the irrigated areas.

Sheep farming towns include Lekkersing, Kuboes, Calvinia, Steinkopf,

Nieuwoudtville, Loeriesfontein, Garies, Sutherland, Williston, Fraserburg,



Brandvlei; Middelpos and Pofadder. Ostrich farming is found near Alexander Bay

and near Aggeneys.

Mariculture activities are located at Port Nolloth and Hondeklipbaai and focus on

oysters and some experimental farming of abalone.

The following information was provided by Mr. Sakkie van der Poll – District

Manager, Namakwa.

Table 35 Types of farming within the NDM

Local Municipality Type Of Farming

Nama Khoi Livestock and Crop Production

Kamiesberg Livestock and Crop Production

Hantam Livestock and Crop Production

Karoo Hoogland Livestock and Crop Production

Richtersveld Livestock and Crop Production

Khai Ma Livestock and Crop Production

Table 36 Types of crops within the NDM

Local Municipality Types Of Crops

Nama Khoi: Irrigation - Lower Orange River at

Henkries and Goodhouse

Dates, mangoes, Lucerne, runner crops

Kamiesberg: Kamiesberg area Small grains (dry land)

Hantam: Sak River flood plains Seed onions and Lucerne

Richtersveld: Irrigation – Lower Orange River

at Beauvallon

Mainly Lucerne

Khai Ma: Irrigation – Lower Orange River

1. Onseepkans

2. Pella

3. Witbank

4. Coboop

1. Grapes, pomegranates, Lucerne Rose

Geranium

2. Vegetables, runner crops, Lucerne Rose

Geranium

3. Lucerne

4. Citrus, mangoes, Lucerne and runner

crops.



4.3.6 Infrastructure and Service Provision

Roads and Transport

There are two major routes within the NDM. The major south/north corridor,

the N7 National Road passes through Springbok, Garies and Kamieskroon

towns. The N7 National Road has been widened between Springbok and

Garies but there is need for further upgrading of the N7. The major east

west corridor is the N14 which connects O’kiep to Pofadder. The N14

continues to Upington and then into the Gauteng Province.

Most of the roads within the Namakwa DM are not tarred roads. These

roads are mostly gravel roads and are often in poor condition. The low

quality of the access roads within the District also negatively affects the

services delivery to the area.

Roads from Calvinia in Hantam Local Municipality have been tarred to

Cape Town, Springbok, Upington and Kimberley. There are railways from

Calvinia to Sak River and eastwards inland but these railways are not in

use and are in very poor condition.

The state of the roads within the Richtersveld Local Municipality is very

poor and in need of upgrade with most of the roads between the rural

towns being gravel roads.

Kamiesberg Local Municipality is the only municipality in the NDM with all

roads being gravel roads. These roads are in poor condition and need

upgrading.

Table 37 Transport Mode within the Northern Cape Province and the NDM

(Census, 2001)

Mode of Transport to

work/school Northern Cape Namakwa DM

On foot 31.91% 32.61%

By bicycle 0.79% 0.63%

By motorcycle 0.16% 0.15%

By car as a driver 4.38% 4.96%

By car as a passenger 4.21% 3.95%



By minibus/taxi 3.30% 1.39%

By bus 2.94% 5.12%

By train 0.09% 0.00%

Transport: Other 0.81% 0.89%

Transport: Not applicable 51.41% 50.25%

Table 37 above indicates that the main mode of transport is walking with

32.61% and the cars, buses and minibuses / taxis being the second most

used modes of transport.

It is important to note that the people living within the NDM have limited

capacity to travel sometimes long distances between different cities and

towns. Improved public transport will positively impact the local people and

the economy of the region.

Water and Sanitation

The majority of households within the NDM have access to piped water

inside the dwelling, yard or from an access point outside the yard.

Table 38 Percentage distribution of households by type of water source in the NDM

(Community Survey 2007 and Census, 2001)

Households CS 2007 Census 2001

Piped water

inside the dwelling 64.4% 47.4%

inside the yard 28% 39.2%

from access point outside the yard 3.1% 9.4%

Borehole 2.5% 0.8%

Spring 0.1% 0.2%

Dam/pool 0.2% 0.3%

River/stream 0.4% 0.6%

Water vendor 0.2% 0.1%

Rainwater tank 0.4% 0.6%

Other 0.8% 1.5%

Total 100% 100%



Table 38 above indicates that the number of households that have access

to piped water inside the dwelling has increased from 47.4% as indicated in

the 2001 Census to 64.4% as indicated in the 2007 Community Survey. It is

also noted that the number of households that have access to piped water

inside the yard has decreased from 39.2% as indicated in the 2001 Census

to 28% as indicated in the 2007 Community Survey.

The information below was provided by Richtersveld Local Municipality.

The water sources for the Richtersveld Local Municipality are the Orange

River and boreholes. The Orange River forms the northern boundary of the

Richtersveld Local Municipality. The towns that benefit from the Orange

River include: Sendelingsdrift, Sanddrif, Kuboes, Brandkaros, Beauvallon,

Klengel, Alexander Bay and Port Nolloth.

Borehole water is provided for the following towns and areas:

Kuboes;

Lekkersing;

Eksteenfontein;

Port Nolloth;

The Commonage area of the Richtersveld Municipal Area; and


The water is used for household consumption and agricultural activities as

well as for industrial activities (i.e. diamond mining).

Khai Ma Local Municipality water sources information was provided by the

Khai Ma Local Municipality.

Pofadder, Pella, Onseepkans, Witbank and Aggeneys depend on the

Orange River as a water source for water supply. There are no dams or

catchment areas within the Khai Ma Local Municipality. Water is extracted

near Pella and is distributed to a nearby water purification plant - PellaDrift

Water Board Plant, and then the water is pumped to the towns of Pella,

Pofadder and Aggeneys.

In the case of Witbank (diesel pump) and Onseepkans (electrical pump),

water is extracted from the Orange River. The water is pumped into

conventional plastic tanks where the purification process takes place. There

are a number of boreholes, but predominantly on the commercial farms, to



provide water for the sheep and cattle. Water from boreholes on these

farms is also used for human consumption.

In the case of Witbank, Onseepkans and Pella (to a lesser extent) water

from the Orange River is also used for agricultural purposes alongside the

banks of the river.

The following information was provided by the Kamiesberg Local

Municipality.

The water sources within the Kamiesberg Local Municipality are boreholes.

The list below indicates the number and location of these boreholes.

Garies: Source 1; Source 2; Leliekloof; Voëlfontein; Putpomp;

Roodebergkloof;

Kheis: LF 90 146 and LF 90 29;

Lepelfontein: LF90-201 and G45821;

Kharkams/Tweerivier: G39001, G39007 and LF90-201;

Klipfontein: LF90-207;

Spoegrivier: LF90-208;

Soebatsfontein: Soebat-1 and Borehole B;

Leliefontein: LF131414-3;

Rooifontein: LF90-102;

Kamassies: KAM99-1;

Paulshoek: G45815;

Nourivier: LF98 -314; and

Kamieskroon: Kardou and Letterkop.

Water from the above-mentioned boreholes is used for consumption as well

as for industrial use. Agriculture activities use their own borehole water.

There are five desalination plants in the Kamiesberg Local Municipality and

they are located in Kheis, Lepelfontein, Spoegrivier, Soebatsfontein and

Klipfontein.

The information regarding water sources for the Hantam Local Municipality

was provided by the Hantam Local Municipality.

Calvinia is the only town within the Hantam Local Municipality that has a

dam - the Karee Dam: 1 000 000 ml which is fed by the Karee River and

catchment from the Hantam mountains to the north of the town. Boreholes

are utilized for emergencies. There are eight boreholes within Calvinia that



supply water for the town consumption. These boreholes are located as

follows: Calvinia Nature Reserve, Golf course, Witwal Farm, Willemsrus

Farm, Akkerenddam, Ramskop Farm with two boreholes at Downes Farm.

All the other towns including Nieuwoudtville, Loeriesfontein, Brandvlei and

Middelpos utilize boreholes for water supply. There are seven boreholes

located within Nieuwoudtville. These seven boreholes are located on

Oustal Farm (municipal land).

Loeriesfontein has seven boreholes but only six are in use. These

boreholes are located as follows: three boreholes on the Golf course; one

borehole at the Shooting range; three boreholes on the Hoek van Berg

Farm with only two operational boreholes. Middelpos has one borehole

which is located on the Middelpos Farm.

Brandvlei is supplied by six boreholes located on the Romanskolk Farm,

approximately 45km east of Brandvlei.

The earth dam – Romans Dam, is used to harvest rainwater for the

boreholes. The water gravitates from the 190ml reservoir on the farm for

approximately 45km to Brandvlei to a 536ml reservoir and a 90ml overhead

reservoir from where it is distributed for household consumption in

Brandvlei. The current issue in this area is that the hard borehole water is

causing limescale deposits in the water network. This affects the water

pipes which become completely blocked and water meters need regular

maintenance for proper operation.

The following information was provided by the Nama Khoi Local

Municipality.

The water sources within the Nama Khoi Local Municipality include the

Orange River and ten boreholes. The main water supply is piped from the

Orange River. From the ten existent boreholes, eight are located in

Komaggas. These boreholes are located as follows: one borehole is

located on the south side of Komaggas; two are located southeast of town;

three boreholes are located in the centre of town and two are located on

the east side outside of town. There are two boreholes in Buffelsrivier and

they are located on the south side of town. The water from these boreholes

is used for household consumption.



The following information was provided by the Karoo Hoogland Local

Municipality.

All the water within the Karoo Hoogland comes from boreholes. These

boreholes are located within Fraserburg, Williston and Sutherland and are

listed below:

Fraserburg:

o Rante Pump on Rante Road

o Jaap’s Pump on the Rante Road

o Williston Pump on Williston Road

o Nuwedam Pump at the Nuwedam

o Van Tonder Pump, next to the old power station

Williston:

o Pump No. 6 on Brandvlei Road

o Pump No. 9 on Carnavon Road

o Pump No. 10 on Carnavon Road

o Overflow Pump on Carnavon Road

Sutherland:

o One pump on the road to Matjiesfontein

o One pump above the town

o One pump next to the Rugby field

The water from the above mentioned boreholes is used exclusively for

household consumption. No borehole water is used for agriculture or

industrial uses.

Table 39 Percentage distribution of households by type of toilet facilities in the NDM

(Community Survey 2007 and Census, 2001)

Sanitation Type CS 2007 Census 2001

Flush toilet (connected to sewerage system) 67% 50.3%

Flush toilet (with septic tank) 5.8% 10.9%

Dry toilet facility 13.1% -

Chemical toilet 6.8% 2.1%

Pit latrine with ventilation (VIP) 1.4% 5.2%

Pit latrine without ventilation 0.3% 4.9%

Bucket latrine 2.4% 16.7%



Sanitation Type CS 2007 Census 2001

None 3.2% 9.8%

Total 100% 100%

Table 21 above indicates that the number of households with access to

flush toilets (connected to sewerage system) has increased from 50.3% as

indicated by the 2001 Census to 67% as indicated by the 2007 Community

Survey. The number of households with no toilet facilities has decreased

from 9.8% (Census, 2001) to 3.2% (Community Survey, 2007).

Electricity

The majority of the households within the NDM have access to electricity in

their homes.

The town of Witbank within the Khai Ma Local Municipality has no access

to electricity.

All the rural towns in the Richtersveld Local Municipality are directly

supplied with electricity from Eskom. Eksteenfontein has continuous

problems with its supply, despite being upgraded. Alexander Bay

experiences problems with its high tension network and Port Nolloth’s low

tension network needs upgrading or replacing.

All towns within Hantam Local Municipality are supplied with electricity from

Eskom, except Nieuwoudtville which has a municipality supply. All the rural

towns in the Hantam Local Municipality use generators as the main source

of energy.

In the Kamiesberg Local Municipality the electricity grid is fragmented and

does not form a coherent backbone connected to the National Grid

(Kamiesberg Municipality, IDP 2008/2009).

Table 40 Percentage distribution of households by type of energy/fuel used for

lighting within the NDM (Community Survey 2007 and Census, 2001)

Lighting Energy CS 2007 Census 2001

Electricity 91.4% 75.7%

Gas 0.6% 0.3%

Paraffin 0.6% 2.8%



Lighting Energy CS 2007 Census 2001

Candles 5.1% 17.5%

Solar 0.9% 2.4%

Other 1.4% 1.2%

Total 100% 100%

Table 40 above indicates that the number of households with access to

electricity has increased from 75.7% (Census, 2001) to 91.4% (Community

Survey, 2007). This resulted in the reduction of the number of households

using paraffin from 2.8% (Census, 2001) to 0.6% (Community Survey,

2007) and the number of households using candles from 17.5% (Census,

2001) to 5.1% (Community Survey, 2007). No significant changes were

noted between the 2001 Census and the 2007 Community Survey for the

other sources of energy / fuel used for lighting.

Table 41 Percentage distribution of households by type of energy/fuel used for

heating within the NDM (Community Survey 2007 and Census, 2001)

Heating Energy CS 2007 Census 2001


Gas 1.5% 3%

Paraffin 0.8% 2.2%

Wood 10.1% 30.2%

Coal 0.3% 0.6%

Animal dung 0% 0.1%

Sola 0.5% 0.2%

Other 1% 7.3%

Total 100% 100%

Table 23 above indicates that the number of households using electricity for

heating has increased from 56.4% (Census, 2001) to 85.7% (Community

Survey, 2007). This resulted in a decrease in the number of households

using wood for heating from 30.2% (Census, 2001) to 10.1% (Community

Survey, 2007) and other sources of energy have also decreased from 7.3%

(Census, 2001) to 1% (Community Survey, 2001). No significant changes

were noted between the 2001 Census and the 2007 Community Survey for

the other types of energy/fuel used for heating.



Table 42 Percentage distribution of households by type of energy/fuel used

for cooking within the NDM (Community Survey 2007 and Census, 2001)

Cooking Energy CS 2007 Census 2001


Gas 5.1% 17.6%

Paraffin 0.9% 2.4%

Wood 4.2% 15.9%

Coal 0.1% 0.7

Animal dung - 0.2%

Sola 0.4% 0.2%

Other 1.1% 0.2%

Total 100% 100%

Table 24 above indicates that the number of households by type of

energy/fuel used for cooking increased from 62.8% (Census, 2001) to

88.2% (Community Survey, 2007). This resulted in a decrease in the

number of households using gas from 17.6% (Census, 2001) to 5.1%

(Community Survey, 2007) and in the number of households using wood

from 15.9% (Census, 2001) to 4.2% (Community Survey, 2007). No

significant changes were noted between the 2001 Census and the 2007

Community Survey’s data regarding the other types of energy/fuel used for

cooking.

Health Facilities

There are twenty fixed clinics within the NDM: three in Khai Ma, nine in

Nam Khoi, three in Richtersveld, two in Kamiesberg and three in Hantam.

These clinics are operational eight hours a day and five days a week.

Port Nolloth has a hospital which is poorly equipped and a clinic which is

without any doctors. Alexander Bay has a well equipped 26-bed hospital

which functions as a private hospital for the people who can afford its

services.

In the rural towns of Richtersveld Local Municipality there are two full-time

sisters: one based at Kuboes and the other at Lekkersing. The sister in

Kuboes goes to Sanddrif twice a week and the sister in Lekkersing goes to

Eksteenfontein once a week. All rural towns have ambulances available.



Port Nolloth has an ambulance and Alexander Bay features an emergency

unit that is fully equipped and has a back up ambulance available.

There are also satellite clinic facilities within the NDM: four in Khai Ma,

eight in Nama Khoi, four in Richtersveld, thirteen in Kamiesberg and one in

Hantam. These clinics are operational for about eight hours a day fewer

than five days a week.

According to the Department of Health, in NDM the satellite facilities are

understaffed and only 3 professional nurses serve all the clinics within the

area (Kamiesberg Municipality, IDP 2006-2011).

Health care facilities in the area also include mobile services in the form of

mobile buses for the rural areas. They operate on a weekly basis, or once

every second week and on a monthly basis.

Police Stations

There are twenty-three police stations within the NDM: five are located in

Nama Khoi, five in Karoo Hoogland, four in Kamiesberg, two in

Richtersveld, four in Hantam and three in Khai Ma. It is noted that the

highest number of police stations is found within the Nama Khoi Local

Municipality and the lowest number is found within the Richtersveld Local

Municipality.

There are forty six libraries within the NDM: four in Hantam, four in Karoo

Hoogland, fourteen in Nama Khoi, seven in Richtersveld, five in Khai Ma

and twelve in Kamiesberg.

Information Technology

Approximately 31.5% of the households within the District have access to

telephone facilities in their homes. 56.6% of households have a cellular

phone. A small percentage of households 5.1% have access to internet

facilities.

The Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality will be introducing the Karoo

Hoogland Computer Project which will provide local community access to

computer facilities. There is also a Community Soup Kitchen project which

will be undertaken within the Karoo Hoogland.



Waste Management and Recycling

Solid waste in the NDM is currently managed by the six local municipalities.

The local mines manage their own waste.

Table 43 Percentage distribution of households by type of refuse disposal

within the NDM (Community Survey 2007 and Census, 2001)

Refuse Disposal CS 2007 Census 2001

Removed by local

authority/private company

at least once a week 85.5% 73.1%

less often 3% 2.5%

Communal refuse dump 0.6% 0.9%

Own refuse dump 9.6% 21%

No rubbish disposal 0.8% 2.5%

Other 0.4% -

Total 100% 100%

Table 43 above indicates that the number of households that have their

disposal removed by local authority or private company at least once a

week has increased from 73.1% (Census, 2001) to 85.5% (Community

Survey, 2007). It is also noted that the number of households that use their

own refuse dump had decreased from 21% (Census, 2001) to 9.6%

(Community Survey, 2007). No significant changes were noted between the

2001 Census and the 2007 Community Survey’s data regarding the other

types of refuse disposal. The majority of the households within the NDM

have access to waste removal by local authority/private company at least

once a week. A very small percentage of 0.8% (Community Survey, 2007)

has no access to rubbish disposal facilities.

Table 44 Percentage distribution of households by type of refuse disposal by local

municipalities (Community Survey 2007)

Type of Refuse

Disposal Richtersveld

Nama

Khoi Kamiesberg Hantam

Karoo

Hoogland

Khai

Ma DMA

Removed by local

authority/private

company

at least once a week 82.4% 92.5% 80.3% 87.7% 69.6% 81,6 9,5



less often 6.8% 2.1% 5.1% - 1.3% 6,2 5,3

Communal refuse

dump 1.6% 0.5% - 0.4% 0.4% 0,9 7,5

Own refuse dump 6.3% 4% 13.5% 10.7% 27.1% 10,7 73,0

No rubbish disposal 1.6% 0.7% - 1.2% 1% 0,6 4,5

Other 1.3% 0.2% 1.1% - 0.7% - -

Total

100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Table 44 above indicates that the majority of households within the local

municipalities have access to refuse disposal removed by local

authority/private company at least once a week.

In Port Nolloth, waste is collected on a weekly basis using a compactor

truck which currently needs upgrading. In the rural towns of the

Richtersveld Local Municipality waste is collected in open trucks except for

Lekkersing which has a closed truck.

The District Management Area has the highest number of households that

handle their own domestic waste and this is due to the isolated nature of

the region.

Witbank within Khai Ma Local Municipality has no access to refuse

removal.

Within the Richtersveld Local Municipality there is large scale informal

dumping of waste and landfill sites are not managed.

The following statistics are recorded for the Kamiesberg Local Municipality:

71% have waste removed by the local authority at least once a week; 26 %

have their own refuse dump, 2% have waste removed by local authority

less often and 1% has no rubbish disposal (NDM, Integrated Waste

Management Plan for Kamiesberg Municipality, 2006).

The information in the table below which includes the mixed use landfill

sites within the NDM was supplied by Mr. Willem Auret from the NDM.



Table 45 Landfill sites mixed use within the NDM.

Landfill Sites – Mixed Use Municipality

Black Mountain Aggeneys Khai Ma

Black Mountain Zuurwater Khai Ma

Transhex reuning Richtersveld

Transhex Baken (old site) Richtersveld

Alexkor Richtersveld

Buffelsriver Nama Khoi

Komaggas Transitional Council Nama Khoi

Steinkopf Nama Khoi

Paulshoek Kamiesberg

Kheis Kamiesberg

Klipfontein Kamiesberg

Rooifontein Kamaasses Kamiesberg

Lepelfontein Kamiesberg

Spoegrivier Kamiesberg

Rooifontein (closure) Kamiesberg

Lekkersing Richtersveld

Sanddrift Richtersveld

Eksteenfontein Richtersveld

Khuboes Richtersveld

Karkhams Kamiesberg

Tweerivier Kamiesberg

Klein Nourivier Kamiesberg

Port Nolloth Richtersveld

Springbok Nama Khoi

Kamieskroon Kamiesberg

Loerisfontein Hantam

Soebatsfontein Kamiesberg

Brandvlei Hantam

Onseepkans Khai Ma

Giftop Alexkor Richtersveld

Onseepkans Sendling Khai Ma



Landfill Sites – Mixed Use Municipality

Calvinia Hantam

Vaalputs Kamiesberg

Gamsberg Richtersveld

Baken (new site) Richtersveld

De Beers Annex Kleinzee HSD Nama Khoi

De Beers Kleinzee Salvage Dump Nama Khoi

De Beers Kleinzee Town GRD Nama Khoi

De Beers Kleinzee Town Dreyers Pan DRD Nama Khoi

De Beers Kleinzee Town Koiingnaas RHS Kamiesberg

De Beers Kleinzee Town BRS Nama Khoi

De Beers Buffels Inland Complex

Langlaagte HS

Nama Khoi

De Beers Buffels Inland Complex Nutabooi

SSD

Nama Khoi

De Beers Buffels Inland Complex

Langhoogte SS

Nama Khoi

De Beers Buffels Marine Complex Annex

Kleinzee

Nama Khoi

De Beers Buffels Marine Complex Tweepad

SS

Kamiesberg

De Beers Koiingnaas MHSD Kamiesberg

De Beers Koiingnaas Complex MSS Kamiesberg

De Beers Koiingnaas Complex Mitchellsbay

SS

Kamiesberg

De Beers Koiingnaas Town GRD Kamiesberg

De Beers Koiingnaas Town BR Kamiesberg

De Beers Koiingnaas Town HS Kamiesberg

De Beers Koiingnaas Town DRD Kamiesberg

De Beers Koiingnaas Town Hostel KR Kamiesberg

De Beer Mitchellsbay HSD Kamiesberg

De Beers Tweepad HSD Richtersveld

De Beers Samsons Bak CRD Nama Khoi

Brandkaros (Alexkor) Richtersveld

Beauvallon Richtersveld



The Integrated Waste Management Plan for NDM (Jeffares and Green, and

Ingerop Africa, April 2006) provides the following information regarding

waste management within the NDM.

The estimated total waste for the NDM is approximately 22 600

tons per year, the majority being household waste.

Waste generation is estimated at 0.5kg per household per day

for the low income class; 0.7kg per household per day for the

middle income class and 1kg per household per day for the

high income class.

76% of the households within the NDM have access to

municipal waste removal services while 24% of the households

manage their own waste.

There are no waste collection services in the rural areas and

domestic waste is dumped in local holes and burnt.

The general waste types include domestic waste, business

waste, industrial waste, garden refusal and building waste.

Vaalputs, located 100kms southeast of Springbok features a

500-1000 ha of land developed for low and intermediate

intensity radioactive waste. For the past fifteen years

radioactive waste has been transported from Koeberg to

Vaalputs.

Most waste recycling activities in the region are managed by

private companies.

With regards to recycling, waste minimisation is generally not undertaken

within the District. There are no large scales recycling projects within the

NDM.



CHAPTER 5. STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

PLAN

A Strategic Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) presents a management

framework and specifications for a large geographic area. This framework and

specifications are to be followed, at project level, by Environmental Impact

Assessments and their associated Environmental Management Plans. SEMPs

do not replace these documents since the scale of the SEMP is necessarily

different, and larger, than that used from a project level study. However the

project level study should takes its lead from the framework and specification

detailed in the SEMP.

Since SEMPs consider a larger geographic area than EIA and project level

EMPs, SEMPS are in the unique position of being able to identify aspects where

cumulative impacts of development projects will have an increasingly negative

impact on the environmental. SEMPs can warn of these areas of cumulative

impact and thus allow better management of the environment.

In addition SEMPs prescribe mitigation of possible impacts through

environmental guidelines and monitoring requirements.

5.1 Environmental Management Planning Considerations

As a result of the Status Quo investigation in the study area, each environmental

aspect under consideration offers opportunities and constraints. Opportunities

represent the environmental features that are underexploited or that have not

been exploited before in the District. Constraints are the environmental

resources that will be harmed through uncontrolled development. Damage to

these resources will impact negatively upon the population in the study area.

The opportunities and constraints are distilled into strategic issues. The strategic

issues are the issues that require management in terms of the SEMP.

Management of each issue is addressed using the following model



Management of the Element – what are the strategic issues

that management should consider when addressing this aspect

of the environment and what should the management

responses to these issues?

Monitoring Indicators – how should progress in achieving these

objectives be measured?

Desired State of the Environment – describes the final goal of

the management interventions and what aspects of the

environment would be in place if the element management is

successful.

The section that follows serves to develop the vision, the legislative framework

within which environmental management operates and then to provide the

strategic planning issues that should be considered by all environmental

managers in the NDM.

Strategic objectives have been formulated as a means to managing and

minimizing the impact of development on the environment. The approach used

included formulating strategic issues that would retain the environmental

opportunities as well as setting requirements to ensure that environmental

constraints are identified early in the development cycle. Management

responses follow best practice approaches and minimum requirements from a

legal compliance point of view.

The management responses are provided to give environmental managers the

key, and most highly prioritised responses to each strategic issue, which will

assist in achieving the desired state of the environment.

Indicators serve to track performance in relation to the specific strategic

objectives.

5.2 Vision for the Environment

The vision for the NDM is as follows:

“To ensure that economic and social development in the NDM advances to

meet inhabitants’ needs whilst ensuring that environmental goods and

services are protected where stressed and used where sustainable”.



The fundamental principles that should be applied to attain the vision

include:

Present and future generations must be assured of a healthy and

productive life;

The ecological integrity, biodiversity and physical attributes of the

district should be protected and sustainably utilised;

The impacts of development must be minimized and managed;

Emissions and discharges of pollutants onto soils, air and water must

not exceed the limits of nature;

The cultural and historical features should be preserved;

The opportunities for tourism, ecotourism and sustainable land use

should be explored and expanded;

Emerging technologies requiring open spaces for implementation

should be encouraged;

Adequate infrastructure provision should be made available to all

inhabitants, with due regard to environmental sustainability;

Renewable resources should be efficiently utilized so as to protect

natural systems;

Employment opportunities and business development strategies using

techniques that take advantage of the natural attributes of the district’s

environment and opportunities for income must be created; and

A high degree of environmental awareness should be encouraged

amongst all development planning and implementation entities, be they

public or private.

5.2.1 Natural Environment

The vision is to protect and promote the:

Natural vegetation and ecosystems;

Existing vegetation as an erosion control measure;

Viable agricultural areas;

Existing game reserves and parks;

Protected area network should be expanded

Prohibit development or impacts on critically important biodiversity

sites;

Preserve the visual appeal of the high ridges and mountains in the

NDM;

Natural veld through the management of overgrazing;

Sustainable utilization of biodiversity



Use of Orange River water resource to encourage irrigation farming;

Implement the NDM Bioregional Plan;

Wise utilisation of Surface water sources; and

Wise utilisation of Groundwater resources;

In addition, the vision includes preventing or halting:

Developing on steep slopes and ridges;

Developing or impacting upon critical biodiversity areas;

Locating or expanding human settlements to areas of high quality or

viable agricultural land;

Any activity that will add to the pollution loads of groundwater sources;

Any activity that will unsustainably utilise groundwater sources;

Polluting rivers;

Urban sprawl – limit the footprint of existing human settlements are far

as practical and

Illegal or unsustainable use of biodiversity.

5.2.2 Socio-Economic Environment


Activities that provide low skilled workers with a means to an income;

Access to studies and environmental information;

Local Economic Development Plan for NDM;

Cultural and historical sites, statues and buildings that occur in the

area;

Tourism in all its forms;

Educational leverage provided by large scale technological projects

being established in the NDM;

Information on the natural and cultural heritage that is stored in

publicly unavailable formats to inform environmental and local

authorities of such resources;

Establishment of well managed mining projects;

The proper use of sites accessible to the public by means of tourism-

related infrastructure to protect the sites.




Unplanned or poorly planned development that may impact negatively

on tourism;

The visual impact of development in mountainous areas or ridgelines;

Informal settlement growth; and

Exodus of the youth and skilled workers from the NDM;

5.2.3 Services Environment

The vision is to protect and promote:

Development of appropriate infrastructure;

Secure water supplies for all human settlements by improvements in

water treatment technology;

Establishment of high capacity data and voice links between

settlements;

Road infrastructure, particularly roads leading to tourism areas;

Operation of waste management facilities in accordance with the

license conditions;

Secure water supplies for small livestock, thereby encouraging

concentration and control and reducing reliance on wetlands for

livestock watering;

Provision of sewage services to rural areas by means of appropriate

technologies, but not septic tanks or VIP toilets.


Poorly managed sewer treatment works;

The establishment of on-site sanitation schemes;

The operation of illegal waste management facilities.

5.2.4 Land Use Environment


Irrigated agricultural activity using the Orange River resource, in the

northern areas of the NDM;

Agricultural practice that reduced groundwater pollution; and

The use of large areas for emerging technologies such as wind and

solar energy generation;

Overgrazing and



Mining


Extensive small livestock farming as a traditional activity; and

Informal settlements;

5.2.5 Policy Environment

The vision is to protect and promote:

Use of sustainable environmental practice through the use of the EMF

in conjunction with EIAs;

Inclusion of environmental principles into the town planning process;

Use of environmental enforcement of legislation to limit destruction of

environmental resources;

Establishment of a regular environmental co-ordinating committee

which oversees environmental issues in the NDM;

Institution of monitoring and liability assessments;

Improvement the timeframe for the EIA studies;

Provision of guidance through policy and strategic direction;

Ensuring the application of the existing regulations;

Ensuring staff and institutional capacity; and

Ensuring political leadership towards protection of the environment.

5.3 Legislative Framework

Development and conservation planning must be contextualised within the

framework of national government, provincial government, district municipality

and local municipality’s legal, regulatory and policy.

Environmental law provides mechanisms for the management and conservation

of environmental features and the sustainability of new developments. The

importance of environment management is to make responsible use of natural,

economic and human resources in ways that protect and improve the

environment.

Environment law is divided into various sections and most laws applicable to

protection and management of the environment were developed to protect and

manage specific sectors.



The most common laws applicable to environment management are described in

Section 5.3.1 with an explanation of the management of various environmental

features in Section 5.3.2.

5.3.1 Environmental Law

5.3.1.1 The Constitution of South Africa (108 of 1996)

Environmental Rights

Section 24 of the Constitution deals with Environmental Rights and gives

the right to all citizens:

“to an environment that is not harmful to their health and well being; and to

have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future

generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that:

o Prevent pollution and ecological degradation

o Promote conservation; and

o Secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural

resources while promoting justifiable economic and social

development”.

The Constitution of South Africa is the highest form of law enforceable on

any individual or organisation. This section therefore provides the basic

environmental rights to all citizens to safe and healthy environment.

5.3.1.2 National Environmental Management Amended Act (62 of 2008)

The NEMA is considered the overarching act in terms of environmental

legislation. Every act that relates to environmental matters is directly or

indirectly linked to the NEMA and provisions are made in acts that followed

publication of NEMA 1998 to accommodate conditions specified in various

acts.

The NEMAA act was promulgated in 2008 and was aimed at substituting

certain definitions, further regulating environmental authorisations and to

effect certain textual alterations.



NEMAA provides for cooperative governance and establishes principles for

decision-making on matters affecting the environment such as:

o People and their needs must be placed at the forefront of

environment management;

o Development must be sustainable and therefore requires

avoidances of pollution and degradation of the environment,

disturbances of landscapes and sites of cultural heritage

o The integrated nature of the environment and that responsibility for

environmental management exists throughout the life cycle of an

activity (from cradle to grave);

o Public Participation;

o Transparent decision making; and

o Intergovernmental co-ordination and harmonisation of policies,

legislation and actions.

Chapter Five of NEMA provides for Integrated Environmental Management

and defines the general objectives of IEM. Minimum procedures are laid

down with respect to investigating, assessing and communicating the

potential impacts of activities.

Section 24 of NEMA provides for Environmental Management Frameworks

through provisions for the identification of sensitive and geographical areas.

Chapter Eight of NEMA specifies the sensitive and geographical areas

mentioned above and maps created as a result thereof to be used as

environmental management framework.

5.3.1.3 National Environmental Laws Amendment Act (14 of 2009)

The above-mentioned act amended various sections of an array of laws

related to environmental management. Below is a summary of amended

laws:

Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act, 1965,;

Environment Conservation Act, 1989;

National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act,

2003;

National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004;

and

National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004.



5.3.1.4 National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (39 of

2004)

The purpose of this act was to reform the law regulating air quality by

providing measures for the prevention of pollution and ecological

degradation and for securing ecologically sustainable development.

The acts aims to promote justifiable economic and social development; to

provide for national norms and standards regulating air quality monitoring,

management and control by all spheres of government; and for specific air

quality measures.

5.3.1.5 National Environmental Management: Waste Act (59 of 2008)

This act was developed to reform the law regulating waste management in

order to protect health and the environment.

This act places a high liability on waste producers and government to

supply adequate waste removal, treatment and disposal facilities to ensure

that waste is not threatening the health and safety of citizens.

Waste management was previously conducted in terms of the NWA and

several sections of law have been repealed by NEMWA. This act must be

read with NEMA and application must be guided by principles set out in

section 2 of NEMA.

5.3.1.6 National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (10 of

2004)

The purpose of the National Environment Management Biodiversity Act

(NEMBA) is to provide for the management and conservation of South

Africa’s biodiversity within the framework of the National Environmental

Management Act (107 of 1998).

The Act allows for the publication of provincial and national lists of

ecosystems that are threatened and in need of protection.

The list should include:



Critically Endangered Ecosystems, which are ecosystems

that have undergone severe ecological degradation as a result

of human activity and are at extremely high risk of irreversible

transformation.

Endangered Ecosystems, which are ecosystems that,

although they are not critically endangered, have nevertheless

undergone ecological degradation as a result of human

activity.

Vulnerable Ecosystems, which are ecosystems that have a

high risk of undergoing significant ecological degradation.

Protected Ecosystems, which are ecosystems that are of a

high conservation value or contain indigenous species at high

risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.

Similarly, the Act allows for the listing of endangered species, including

critically endangered species, endangered species, vulnerable species and

protected species. A person may not carry out a restricted activity

(including trade) involving listed threatened or protected species without a

permit.

The NDM Biodiversity Sector Plan optimised on this opportunity and

defined and demarcated areas in need on protection in terms of their

vulnerability. Biodiversity sector plans does not have the legal weight of

bioregional plans but may be used on the interim until such plans become

available.

5.3.1.7 National Environmental Management: Protected Areas

Amendment Act (15 of 2009)

The purpose of NEMPAA is to amend the National Environmental

Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003, so as to provide for:

a comprehensive list in the schedule of all national parks;

the assignment of national parks, special nature reserves and

heritage sites to the South African National Parks;

flight corridors and permission of the management authority to

fly over special nature reserve, national park or heritage site;

specific areas available for training and testing of aircraft.



This act creates a national system of protected areas in order to protect

and conserve ecologically viable areas representative of biodiversity in the

country. It further seeks to achieve co-operative environmental governance

and to promote sustainable and equitable utilisation and community

participation.

The legislation requires the State to act as trustee of protected areas, and

to implement the Act ‘in partnership with the people' to achieve the

progressive realisation of the environmental rights contained in Section 24

of the Constitution.

Once an area is declared protected, the Minister must appoint management

authorities, who in turn must prepare management plans for the special

nature reserve, national park, nature reserve or protected environment.

These plans must, amongst other things, contain the terms and conditions

of any applicable biodiversity management plan, procedures for public

participation, including participation by the owner (if applicable), any

community or other interested party, and where appropriate, the

implementation of community-based natural resource management.

The management authority may enter into an agreement with another

organ of state, a local community, an individual or other party for the co-

management of the area by the parties, or the regulation of human

activities that affect the environment in the area.

5.3.1.8 National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal

Management Act (24 of 2008)

The aim of this act is to establish a system of integrated coastal and

estuary management in South Africa, including norms, standards and

policies, in order to promote the conservation of the coastal environment.

Additional aims are to:



maintain the natural attributes of coastal landscapes and

seascapes;

ensure that development and the use of natural resources

within the coastal zone is socially and economically justifiable

as well as being economically sustainable;

define rights and duties in relation to coastal areas;

determine the responsibilities of organs of state in relation to

coastal areas;

prohibit incineration at sea;

control dumping at sea, pollution in the coastal zone,

inappropriate development of the coastal environment and

other adverse effects on the coastal environment; and

give effect to South Africa's international obligations with

regard to coastal matters.

The South African coastline is currently not being managed and developed

in a way that optimises its resources and opportunities. Economic and

social opportunities for wealth creation and equity are being missed while

coastal ecosystems are being systematically degraded. This act will be the

regulating force to control these measures in an attempt to protect the

coastline. It also gives government the power to prevent development too

close to the sea by establishing 'set-back lines'. This stimulates a more

holistic way of thinking by promoting co-ordinated and integrated coastal

management, which views the coast as a system and emphasises the

importance of managing it as such.

An important concept contained in the act is Coastal Public Property.

Coastal Public Property covers all the non-privately owned area from the

sea, 12 kilometres from the coastline, to the top of an area traditionally

known as the Admiralty Reserve. The Admiralty Reserve is a traditional

concept but is roughly 45 - 60m from the High Water Mark of the shore,

where proof of the reserve exists in title deeds or any such similar

document. This area is to be managed for the benefit of the “whole

community” and should be held in trust. It can never be sold and rights to

this land cannot be acquired through prescription.

The Coastal Protection zone is, using simplification for the purposes of this

report, the area of land one kilometre inland from the High Water Mark,

where the land was not zoned or zoned for agriculture or is undermined.

This includes all privately owned land in the zone. The purpose of the



Coastal Protection zone is to manage, regulate or restrict activities that may

negatively affect the Coastal Public Property.

5.3.1.9 National Water Act (38 of 1998)

The purpose of this Act is to ensure that the nation's water resources are

protected, used, developed, conserved, managed and controlled in ways

which take into account amongst other factors:

meeting the basic human needs of present and future

generations;

promoting equitable access to water;

redressing the results of past racial and gender discrimination;

promoting the efficient, sustainable and beneficial use of water

in the public interest;

facilitating social and economic development;

providing for growing demand for water use; protecting aquatic

and associated ecosystems and their biological diversity;

reducing and preventing pollution and degradation of water

resources;

meeting international obligations;

promoting dam safety; and

managing floods and droughts.

The National Government is responsible for the equitable allocation and

use of the scarce and unevenly distributed water resources of the nation.

The aim of water resource management is to ensure the sustainable use of

water through the protection of the quality of water resources for the benefit

of all water users.

5.3.1.10 Environmental Conservation Act (73 of 1989)

The objective of the Environmental Conservation Act (ECA) is to provide for

the effective protection and controlled utilisation of the environment. This

Act was historically the main act that governed environmental management

in South Africa.

Several sections of ECA have been repealed by various pieces of

legislation mentioned in this section. ECA should therefore always be read



in conjunction with especially NEMA and other legislation applicable to the

subject in question.

5.3.1.11 National Heritage Resources Act (25 of 1999)

The purpose of the NHRA is to protect and promote good management of

South Africa's heritage resources, and to encourage and enable

communities to nurture and conserve their legacy so it is available to future

generations.

The Act makes heritage resources of cultural significance or other special

value part of the national State, and therefore places them under the care

of the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA).

Heritage resources may include buildings, historic settlements, landscapes

and natural features, burial grounds and certain moveable objects,

including objects of decorative art or scientific interest. Provincial and

municipal authorities also play a role in managing provincial heritage

resources and local-level functions.

New landowners should be made aware of any pre-existing heritage sites

or objects located on their properties, and be further educated on their

responsibilities regarding those sites or objects. They may also wish to

approach heritage authorities in order to obtain a designation for a

particular site or object under this Act.

5.3.1.12 Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (43 of 1983)

CARA seeks to provide for the conservation of natural agricultural

resources by maintaining the production potential of land, combating and

preventing erosion and weakening or destruction of water resources,

protecting vegetation and combating weeds and invader plant species.

CARA generally does not apply to any land situated in an urban area

(which is land under the control of a local authority, excluding any

commonage or other land used for agricultural purposes; or any land that is

subdivided). However, the provisions relating to weeds and invader plants

do apply in urban areas.



5.3.2 Management of Environmental Elements

The legislative framework governing each environmental element is discussed

below.

5.3.2.1 Water

Ensure compliance to the National Environmental Management Act.

Ensure compliance to the National Water Act in which each water use must

be licensed. It is a requirement that the 1:100 year flood line level appears

on all maps involving the proposed development of land. An assessment of

the impact of the proposed development on the water quality and quantity

must also be undertaken.

The control of storm water in urban areas falls under the ambit of the

Municipal Systems Act and is a local authority responsibility.

5.3.2.2 Air

Ensure compliance to the National Environmental Management Act and

National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act.

The National Environmental Management: Air Quality aims to provide the

framework for governance of air quality management through:



The establishment of national norms and standards,

Setting up a regulatory framework for an air quality

management planning;

Setting up a reporting regime and numerous regulatory

instruments for the control of air pollution; and

Ensuring a comprehensive approach to compliance and

enforcement.

Protecting, restoring and enhancing the air quality in the

Republic, having regard to the need to ensure sustainable

development;

Providing increased opportunities for public involvement and

participation in the protection of air quality;

Ensuring that the public has access to relevant and meaningful

information about air pollution; and

Reducing risks to human health and prevent the degradation of

air quality.

5.3.2.3 Soil

Ensure compliance to the National Environmental Management Act.

Pressure on soil resources is increasing as a result of land use change and

transformation. The CARA requires that alien species be removed or

controlled on site. Furthermore CARA excludes any urban soils from

agricultural soils and any area outside urban settings should therefore

consider impacts on potentially arable land.

5.3.2.4 Flora

Ensure compliance to the National Environmental Management Act,

National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, Environmental

Conservation Act and National Environmental Management: Protected

Areas Act:

The objectives of the Biodiversity Act include:



The management and conservation of biological diversity

within South Africa;

The use of indigenous biological resources in a sustainable

manner;

The fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the

commercialisation through bioprospecting of traditional uses

and knowledge of genetic resources;

Giving effect to international agreements relating to biodiversity

which are binding on South Africa;

Providing for co-operative governance in biodiversity

management and conservation;

Providing for a National Biodiversity Institute to assist in

achieving the above objectives.

The following principles should be applied in the application of a Red Data

Plant Policy, designed by the provincial government.

Conserve the diversity of landscapes, ecosystems, habitats,

communities, populations, species and genes in South Africa;

Species endemic to the province should receive the utmost

protection;

All populations of Red Data plant species should be protected;

In situ conservation is preferable to ex situ conservation;

The ecological processes of a population must be protected;

The natural habitat of the species must be retained;

Translocation of species should be avoided;

The occurrence of Red Data species on a site must be

evaluated in light of the ecosystem drivers;

Suitable habitat for such species should be protected;

Buffer zones should be used to protect species in a

fragmented landscape. A distance of 200m should be used in

such a case; and

Mining, overgrazing, infrastructure developments and

agricultural transformation of land are threats to Red Data

Plant species.

5.3.2.5 Fauna






Areas Act.

The objectives of the Biodiversity Act include:

The management and conservation of biological diversity

within South Africa;

The use of indigenous biological resources in a sustainable

manner;

The fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the

commercialisation through bioprospecting of traditional uses

and knowledge of genetic resources;

Giving effect to international agreements relating to biodiversity

which are binding on South Africa; and

Providing for co-operative governance in biodiversity

management and conservation.

The following principles should be applied in the application of a Red Data

Animal Policy, designed by the provincial government.

Conserve the diversity of landscapes, ecosystems, habitats,

communities, populations, species and genes in South Africa;

Species endemic to the province should receive the utmost

protection;

All populations of Red Data animal species should be

protected;

The ecological processes of a population must be protected;

The natural habitat of the species must be retained;

The occurrence of Red Data species on a site must be

evaluated in light of the ecosystem drivers; and

Suitable habitat for such species should be protected;

Mining, overgrazing, infrastructure developments and

agricultural transformation of land are threats to Red Data

animal species.

5.3.2.6 Ecology






Areas Act.

In terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act

the following legislation is provided for the management of the environment:

The management and conservation of the biological diversity of

South Africa;

The sustainable use of our biological resources; and

The fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use

and application of genetic resources.

5.3.2.7 Noise

No noise control policy could be traced within the NDM.

Control of noise is however dealt with as part of the Occupational Health

and Safety Act and the Environment Conservation Act. These regulations

include that it is necessary to:

Prevent, reduce or eliminate noise, vibration and shock;

Not exceed levels of noise, vibration and shock either in

general or by specified apparatus or machinery or in specified

instances or places.

Construction activities and other noise impacts can cause noise pollution. A

disturbing noise is one that exceeds the zone sound level or the ambient

sound level by 7dBA or more. A noise nuisance is defined as meaning “any

sound that disturbs or impairs or may disturb or impair the convenience or

peace of persons”. This includes the use of power tools, movement of

vehicles, etc.

An average of 20dBA is given for Rural Areas and 85dBA is given for

Urban Areas for ambient noise.

5.3.2.8 Waste and Pollution



Ensure compliance with the National Environmental Management Act and

the National Environmental Management: Waste Act. Important

requirements included in this legislation are:

Promote the prevention and minimization of waste generation

and hence pollution at source;

Promote the management and minimization of the impact of

unavoidable waste from its generation to final disposal;

Ensure the integrity and sustained “fitness for use” of all

environmental media, i.e. air, water and land;

Ensure the remediation of any pollution of the environment by

holding responsible parties accountable; and

Ensure environmental justice by integrating environmental

considerations with the social, political and development needs

and rights of all sectors, communities and individuals.

5.3.2.9 Open Spaces

In terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act

the following legislation is provided for the management of the environment:

The management and conservation of the biological diversity of

South Africa;

The sustainable use of our biological resources; and

The fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use

and application of genetic resources.

5.3.2.10 Cultural / Historic sites

The National Heritage Resources Act requires the submission of a Phase 1

cultural historic assessment (including archaeology) for any site greater

than 1000m2 that is proposed to be developed. This assessment must map

the site and indicate the significance of the site along with adequate

mitigation measures. The Heritage Impact Assessment report should

accompany and form part of the EIA, or alternatively the South African

Heritage Resources Agency should be notified of the report and findings

from it.

5.4 Environmental Elements



5.4.1 Climate

5.4.1.1 Constraints

There is very low rainfall in the entire district. Evapotranspiration greatly

exceeds the available annual average rainfall.

The climate is not conducive to large-scale agriculture. Rainfall is too

limited for crop production without supporting irrigation or other water

sources.

The climate does not encourage human settlement. Large areas of natural

refuge from the high temperatures and lack of water have been settled and

unless water supplies are made available it is unlikely that the

establishment of further human settlements will be successful or

sustainable. Thus new settlements established for mining or other

extraction purposes are not likely to survive the closure of the supporting

activity.

High evapotranspiration rates would limit the effectiveness of raw water

storage reservoirs. Such reservoirs, where proved feasible, would have to

have a very low surface area to storage volume ratio (i.e. be narrow and

deep) to limit evaporation from the water surfaces.

Climate change is likely to impact the district by making the climate hotter

and dryer. Rainfall patterns may shift seasonally. Groundwater and surface

water quality may deteriorate.

5.4.1.2 Opportunities

Insolation in the NDM is suitable for solar energy generation.

The relatively strong winds, coupled with wide open spaces, may also be

suitable for wind energy generation.

The climate is amenable to inbound international tourism. The inland areas

are reliably hot and dry, whilst the coastal areas are cool. These

characteristics present an opportunity to encourage tourism from the cold

areas of the world. The benefit of being able to experience desert-like



conditions, whilst a refuge is provided along the cooler coastal areas, would

appeal to residents of countries where total sunshine is limited and winter

dominates the annual seasons.

5.4.1.3 Management of the Element

Strategic Issue Management Measures

1. Very low and erratic rainfall.

Discourage new human settlements where

water supplies cannot be secured

Where new settlements are established, for

example new mines, ensure that provision has

been made for adequate water quality and

quantity in the project planning

Alternative water sources should be sought

ensure security of water supplies

Prohibit large scale extensive agriculture which

is not irrigated

Low rainfall has serious impacts on ability of

vegetation to recover after disturbance. Limit

any disturbances to vegetation

Water conservation awareness and technology

to reduce water use should be encouraged in

the NDM.

2. High evapotranspiration Storage reservoirs, where they are considered

should have a very low surface area to storage

volume ratio

Ground water supplies must be wisely used

Alternative means of securing water supplies

should encouraged e.g. groundwater

exploitation or water resource exploitation from

the Orange River

3. Changing climatic conditions

as a result of climate change.

Development planning, agricultural practices

and resource use should include actions to

manage the existing and predicted effects of

climate change, including impacts on

temperature, rainfall and water availability.

Effective measures for the management of

droughts and floods to be developed and




implemented where required. Drought resistant

crops to be investigated where needed.

Current industries and proposed new

developments should be encouraged to make

use of water and energy conservation

measures.

Ground water and surface water quality is

expected to drop, thus placing an emphasis on

the use of better water treatment technologies.

4. High insolation values,

coupled with large open

spaces make the climate

suitable for solar energy

generation

Private enterprise wishing to investigate the

feasibility of solar energy generation should be

encouraged

Land with high solar energy potential should be

identified and earmarked for potential use.

5. The climate is conducive to

international tourists from

colder climes

Develop a tourism strategy focused upon the

weather and the sights. The strong advantages

are the desert climate, flora and mountainous

terrain, coupled with cooler coastal areas

provide refuge.

6. High wind speeds, coupled

with large open spaces, make

the climate suitable for wind

energy generation


feasibility of wind energy generation should be

encouraged

Land with high wind energy potential should be

identified and earmarked for potential use.

5.4.1.4 Monitoring Indicators



The following monitoring indicators should be used to track progress on each of the issues above.

Strategic Issue Target Monitoring Indicator Roles and

Responsibilities

Discourage new human

settlements where

water supplies cannot

be secured.

No new human settlement

where water supplies cannot be

secured.

Number of new human

settlements with adequate

water supply.

DWA

DENC

Department of Cooperative

Governance, Human

Settlement and Traditional

Affairs

Relevant municipal unit

Where new settlements

are established, ensure

that provision has been

made for adequate

water quality and

quantity in the project

planning.

Adequate provision of quantity

and quality water. Proof of water provision for

each new settlement

required in EIAs.


DWA


Governance, Human


Affairs

Alternative water

sources should be

sought to ensure

security of water

supplies.

Identify suitable water sources. Water Resource

Development planning.

DWA


Prohibit large scale

extensive agriculture

which is not irrigated.

All large scale agriculture which

are not irrigated are allowed. Hectares under non-

irrigated cultivation. Use

legal processes such as

plough certificates.

NCDALR

DWA

Agricultural sector

Relevant municipal sector




Responsibilities

Water conservation

awareness and

technology to reduce

water use should be

encouraged in the

NDM.

Encourage water conservation

awareness.

Overall potable water use

volumes in the NDM.

DWA

Department of Education


Storage reservoirs,

where they are

considered should have

a very low surface area

to storage volume ratio.

Low surface area storage

reservoirs. Appropriate planning during

Water Resource

Development planning.

DWA


Alternative means of

securing water supplies

should encouraged e.g.

groundwater

exploitation or water

resource exploitation

from the Orange River

Identify alternative means of

securing water supply. Volumes of surface water

use and volumes of ground

water used.

DWA


Development planning,

agricultural practices

and resource use

should include actions

to manage the existing

and predicted effects of

Identify actions to manage

effects of climate change.

Project tracking

DWA


Agricultural sector

DENC




Responsibilities

climate change,

including impacts on

temperature, rainfall

and water availability.

Effective measures for

the management of

droughts and floods to

be developed and

implemented where

required. Drought

resistant crops to be

investigated where

needed.

Develop effect measures to

manage droughts and floods.

Project tracking

NCDALR

DWA

Agricultural sector


Current industries and

proposed

developments should

be encouraged to make

use of water and

energy conservation

measures.

Use of water and energy

conservation measures by

industries and proposed

developments.


volumes in the NDM

NCDALR

DWA





Responsibilities

Private enterprise

wishing to investigate

the feasibility of solar

energy generation

should be encouraged.

Encourage use of solar energy Project tracking

DENC

DWA


Land with high solar

energy potential should

be identified and

earmarked for potential

use.

Identify land with high solar

energy potential.

Project tracking

NCDALR

DMR

Agricultural sector


Develop a tourism

strategy focused upon

the weather and the

sights. The strong

advantages are the

desert climate, flora

and mountainous

terrain, coupled with

cooler coastal areas

provide refuge.

Develop a tourism strategy

focused upon the weather and

the sights.

Number of international

visitors, taken from

accommodation guest

registers.

NCDALR

DWA

DENC

Agricultural sector

Department of Finance,

Economic Development and

Tourism


Private enterprise


the feasibility of wind

energy generation

Identify private enterprise that

would utilise wind energy

generation.

Project tracking

NCDALR

DMR

Agricultural sector





Responsibilities

should be encouraged.

Land with high wind

energy potential should

be identified and


use.

Identify land with high wind

energy.

Project tracking NCDALR

DMR

DENC

Agricultural sector




5.4.1.5 Desired State of the Environment

A District Municipality that responds proactively to the need to adapt to

changing climatic conditions as a result of climate change, and which

promotes energy generation, tourism and water conservation measures.

Water resource plans are required that take the climate into account.

5.4.2 Hydrology

5.4.2.1 Constraints

The overall shortage of surface water flow represents the most significant

constraint to development in the NDM. The two WMAs which lie within the

NDM are amongst the two smallest capacity WMAs in South Africa, by a

wide margin.

The hydrology of the Olifants/Doorn catchment is in deficit, which implies

that no further water can be allocated for use. Thus the southern areas of

the NDM have no additional water resources to support expansionary

projects in agriculture or industry.

Agricultural activities involving irrigation are highly dependent on surface

water, and especially the Orange River. Sufficient water must be left in

Orange River for ecological reserve at ORM RAMSAR Site.

The lack of monitoring and control of water used for irrigation in the region

represents another constraint considering the scarcity of the resource and

thus potential abuse, over use or miss-allocation occurring.


The Orange River represents an extremely valuable source of water within

the District. The Lower Orange WMA is in surplus, which indicates that

additional water can be allocated for use in activities such as agriculture or

in large projects. This would mainly affect the northern areas of the NDM.

Given the surplus water availability, an opportunity exists to exploit the

large volumes of water that enter the Orange River from the Fish River.

This water enters the Orange River approximately 144 kilometres from the

mouth of the Orange River at Alexander Bay. An opportunity exists to



exploit the water resource along this stretch of river for large-scale

irrigation.

Given that the NDM lies upstream of the two dams in the Olifants/Doorn

WMA, an opportunity exists to maintain and possibly improve the water

qualities reaching these dams. This will improve overall water quality from

these dams and reduce water treatment costs. This benefit is in addition to

the ecological benefits to the river should it contain less solid and pollution

loads.

Water re-use and recycling schemes would find fertile scope for growth and

development. The NDM is an arid area that suffers from a shortage of

water, thus technology development in both re-use and water recycling

should be given official encouragement. The development of the necessary

technology and the adoption of such schemes could generate a new

economic sector in the NDM economy. The refurbishment of an existing

desalination plant in the Eastern Cape is set to make it the biggest plant of

its kind in South Africa. The plant is located at the Bushmans River Mouth,

near Kenton-on-Sea and once completed will have a throughput of

1800m3/d. The plant is within the Ndlambe Municipality and will serve a

population of about 50 000. (http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/large-

seawater-desalination-plant-being-established-in-eastern-cape-2010-01-05).



1. The water resources of the

NDM are very limited

Discourage new human settlements where

water supplies cannot be secured

Where new settlements are established, for

example new mines, ensure that provision has

been made for adequate water quality and

quantity in the project planning

Alternative water sources should be sought to

ensure security of water supplies

Prohibit large scale extensive agriculture which

is not irrigated and use legal processes such as

plough certificates.



the NDM.

2. The Olifants/Doorn WMA is in No new developments requiring surface water




deficit, which implies no

further water allocations can

be made

supplies can be developed in the

Olifants/Doorn WMA. Affected municipalities

include KLM, HLM and KHLM.

Groundwater sources should be used for

developments that require water. Sustainable

exploitation of groundwater is key.

3. Monitoring of water use

should be implemented.

Water use monitoring should be implemented in

conjunction with the regional office of DWA.

The aim of the monitoring would be to identify

areas of over-use and miss-allocation. The

monitoring would also perform a tracking

function to ensure that water supplies do not fall

below expected demand.

4. Water resource exploitation

from the lower reaches of the

Orange River has the

potential to expand irrigation

in the northern areas of the

NDM. It would also secure

water supplies to the towns of

Alexander Bay and Port

Nolloth.

Water resource exploitation would involve the

construction of a dam, with international

implications. This would be handled by DWA

Head Office in Pretoria. Motivations for its

development should be submitted to the

Directorate: Options Analysis.

Ensure ecological reserve at Ramsar site

5. Catchment management

measures should be

implemented in the southern

municipalities to improve

flows in the Olifants/Doorn

WMA.

Encourage catchment management actions

such as encouraging better land management

and removing alien plant species form the

upper catchment.

Catchment management actions such as these

are job creating and thus will benefit the local

economies.

6. Water re-use and recycling

schemes should be

encouraged in the district.

Effective water re-use and recycling will lower

total water demand in the NDM, thereby

reducing stress on the water resources in the

district.

The installation of water re-use and recycling

technology and infrastructure is a new area for

economic growth and should be exploited.

The NDM should encourage research into this

area by offering student bursaries, hosting pilot

projects on municipal property and making sure

that newly approved development plans

incorporate water re-use and recycling

measures.





Responsibilities

Discourage new human

settlements where water

supplies cannot be secured.

No new human settlement

where water cannot be

secured.

Number of new human

settlements

DWA

Department of

Cooperative

Governance, Human

Settlement and

Traditional Affairs

Relevant municipal

units

DENC

Water User

Associations

Where new settlements are

established, for example new

mines, ensure that provision

has been made for adequate

water quality and quantity in the

project planning.

Adequate provision of

quantity and quality water.

Proof of water provision for

each new settlement

required in EIAs

DWA

Department of

Cooperative

Governance, Human

Settlement and

Traditional Affairs

Relevant municipal

units

DENC

Water User

Associations

Alternative water sources

should be sought to ensure

Identify suitable water

sources.

Water Resource

Development planning

DWA

Relevant municipal

units




Responsibilities

security of water supplies.

DENC

Water User

Associations

Discourage large scale

extensive agriculture which is

not irrigated.

All large scale agriculture

which are not irrigated are

allowed.

Hectares under non-irrigated

cultivation

DWA

Agricultural sector

Relevant municipal

units

DENC

Water User

Associations

Water conservation awareness

and technology to reduce water

use should be encouraged in

the NDM.

Encourage water

conservation awareness.


volumes in the NDM

DWA

Department of

Education Relevant municipal

units

Water User

Associations

No new developments requiring

surface water supplies can be

developed in the Olifants/Doorn

WMA. Affected municipalities

include KLM, HLM and KHLM.

No new developments that

require surface water

supplies in Olifants/Door

WMA.

IDP prohibition of major new

water using developments

KLM, HLM and KHLM.

DWA

Agricultural sector

Relevant municipal

units

DENC

7. Groundwater sources should be

used for developments that

require water. Sustainable

Sustainable use of

groundwater.

Volumes of surface water


DWA

Relevant municipal

units




Responsibilities

exploitation of groundwater is

key.

water used.

Project tracking through

EIAs.

DENC

Water use monitoring should be

implemented in conjunction with

the regional office of DWA. The

aim of the monitoring would be

to identify areas of over-use and

miss-allocation. The monitoring

would also perform a tracking

function to ensure that water

supplies do not fall below

expected demand.

Implement water use

monitoring.

Project tracking

Review of water use licences

in the NDM.

DWA

Relevant municipal

units

Encourage catchment

management actions such as

encouraging better land

management and removing

alien species form the upper

catchment.

Encourage catchment

management actions.

Project tracking DWA

Agricultural sector

Relevant municipal

units

DENC

Catchment management action

are job creating and thus will

benefit the local economies.

Encourage catchment

management actions.


Agricultural sector

Relevant municipal

units

DENC




Responsibilities

Effective water re-use and

recycling will lower total water

demand in the NDM, thereby

reducing stress on the water

resources in the district.

Ensure effective water re-

use and recycling.



water used.

DWA

Relevant municipal

units

DENC

Water User

Associations

The installation of water re-use

and recycling technology and

infrastructure is a new area for

economic growth and should be

exploited.

Install water re-use and

recycling.



water used.

DWA

Agricultural sector

Relevant municipal

units

DENC

Water User

Associations

The NDM should encourage

research into this area by

offering student bursaries,

hosting pilot projects on

municipal property and making

sure that newly approved

development plans incorporate

water re-use and recycling

measures.

Offer bursaries to conduct

research in the area.

Number of bursaries offered.

DWA

Agricultural sector

Relevant municipal

units

DENC

Water User

Associations




Hydrological resources are protected and used within their capacity.

Catchment management and surface water sources are protected. Water

reuse and recycling is a key element towards ensuring continued economic

growth.

5.4.3 Groundwater

5.4.3.1 Constraints

Groundwater quality is generally poor with high levels of TDS and nitrates

in large areas of ground water. Thus water treatment costs will be high and

areas that rely upon groundwater supplies for domestic water do not enjoy

a high guarantee of supply.

The aquifer at Port Nolloth is stressed and is currently fully exploited.

Alternative water sources should be found for this area.

Nitrate loads are high around Garies, which limits borehole exploitation, or

places additional water-treatment burdens on water users.

Efforts to manage ground water resources in the NDM are limited by the

fact that much of the groundwater pollution is imported down the Orange

River, from the Upper Orange WMA. In addition, the geological structure of

much of the NDM limits the yield of boreholes.

Development projects can put a strain on wetlands within the District.

Owing to the shortage of surface water sources and low rainfall, reliable

groundwater sources attract a great deal of use from livestock, and in some

cases, direct human use. This natural competition between anthropogenic

influences and ecosystem uses limits the ecological state in which wetlands

can be maintained.


Groundwater resources of good quality are in the main not overexploited,

thus the groundwater capacity exists to continue to supply isolated

communities with water.



Given the relatively low volumes of groundwater that are present in the

NDM, improvement in the management of groundwater polluting activities

will yield improved groundwater quality. In this regard enforcement of anti-

pollution legislation, particularly that enacted by the National Water Act of

1998, will be beneficial. Targeted activities should be areas of intensive

agriculture, feedlots and dairy farms, poorly managed sewerage works,

sanitation in informal settlements and mining areas.

Groundwater management would also be enhanced should a

comprehensive borehole monitoring programme be implemented. This

would provide information in the management of groundwater yield and

pollution loads.

Treatment of groundwater could be improved through the use of technology

such as permeable reactive barriers containing slowly degradable carbon

sources, photochemical oxidation, microfiltration and electrokinetics.

Schemes for artificial recharge of groundwater should be considered.

Usually, the recharge water is surface water, which, where it exists in the

NDM, is exposed to high rates of evaporation. Artificial recharge schemes

aim to re-charge the aquifers by directing surface water to the groundwater,

either by using natural infiltration areas or by actively pumping water

underground. The feasibility of such schemes could be investigated.

Multiple- source schemes could be used for rural water supply.

Where surface, or tankered, water exists, but in insufficient qualities to

supply all the water needs of the community, consideration could be given

to treating surface water to potable standards and then using the lower

quality groundwater sources for other household uses such as toilet

flushing, clothes and household cleaning and small-scale irrigation

requirements.

Management of wetlands to prevent ground water pollution and sustainable

use for livestock watering is important in NDM. This will limit the pollution to

and overuse of these water sources. The goods and services that wetlands

provide will thus be protected.



1. Overall ground water quality Encourage the use of better water treatment




in the NDM is poor, unreliable

and requires expensive

treatment. This is particularly

true of Garies

technologies

Reduce the usage of ground water sources

where possible through the use of surface

water from the Orange River

Pollution control measures should be enforced

in the NDM. Particularly around sewerage

treatment works, intensive and irrigated

agriculture

No on-site sanitation systems (such as VIPs or

septic tanks) should be allowed for new human

settlements. Wherever possible this practise

should be phased out.



the NDM.

2. The Port Nolloth Aquifer is

stressed

Reduce the usage of ground water sources

where possible through increased use of

surface water from the Orange River

Investigate interim solutions such as the

provision of potable water from desalination.

Investigate water uses in Port Nolloth and

identify areas of misuse and where water re-

use and recycling would reduce overall water

demand.



the NDM.

3. Wetlands offer an opportunity

for groundwater recharge,

and if they are polluted, the

pollution will migrate to

nearby groundwater

Monitor agricultural practises around wetlands

to ensure that agricultural fertilisers do not enter

wetlands. Wetland based wheat farming

presents a particular challenge in this regard if

the soil is dosed using fertilisers.

The use by small livestock of wetlands for

watering should be discouraged through the

establishment of livestock watering points in

high impact areas

EIA tracking to ensure that wetlands are

identified and not impacted upon. Buffers of at

least 32m from the edges should be

implemented and enforced.




4. Groundwater resource

exploitation is possible over

the vast majority of the NDM.

This should be done in a

manner that limits to the

drawdown to the yield of the

borehole and the associated

aquifer.

Groundwater sources should be matched with

adequate treatment facilities. Due regard

should be had to the capacity of the receiving

community to manage these treatment facilities.

Geohydrological and water quality studies

should accompany all applications for

boreholes in the NDM.

5. Wetlands and the surrounding

areas, especially in

conservation areas are a

tourism resource that should

be developed.

Monitor important wetlands to ensure the

surrounding land uses and wetland use

practices support their use as tourism

resources.






Responsibilities

Encourage the use of

better water treatment

technologies.

Identify water treatment

technologies.

Project tracking

DWA

Relevant municipal units

DENC

Water User Associations

Reduce the usage of

ground water sources

where possible through

the use of surface

water from the Orange

River.

Reduction of ground water

usage.

Volumes of water used from

surface water sources

versus the volumes used for

groundwater sources in the

affected areas.

DWA


DENC


Pollution control

measures should be

enforced in the NDM.

Particularly around

sewerage treatment

works, intensive and

irrigated agriculture.

Enforce the usage of pollution

control measures.

Number of sewerage

treatment works complying

with discharge permits and

those that do not comply will

be closed.

DWA


DENC


Agricultural sector

No on-site sanitation

systems (such as VIPs

or septic tanks) should

be allowed for new

human settlements.

Wherever possible this

No on-site systems for new

human settlement.

Borehole monitoring results

near areas of intensive

agriculture.

DWA


DENC





Responsibilities

practise should be

phased out.

Water conservation

awareness and

technology to reduce

water use should be

encouraged in the

NDM.

Encourage water conservation

awareness.

Number of households

served with on-site

sanitation systems.


volumes in the NDM will be

monitored at the extraction

and end points and loss of

water along the way due to

poor infrastructure will be

maintained.

Ensure ecological reserve at

ORM.

DWA



DENC


Investigate interim

solutions such as the

provision of potable

water from

desalination.

Provide potable water. Feasibility report

DWA


DENC Water User Associations

Investigate water uses

in Port Nolloth and

identify areas of misuse

and where water re-use

and recycling would

Identify areas of water misuse. Water Usage Report

DWA






Responsibilities

reduce overall water

demand.

Monitor agricultural

practises around

wetlands to ensure that

agricultural fertilisers do

not enter wetlands.

Wetland based wheat

farming presents a

particular challenge in

this regard if the soil is

dosed using fertilisers.

No agricultural impacts on

wetlands.

Wetland monitoring reports

results.

DWA



The use by small

livestock of wetlands

for watering should be

discouraged through

the establishment of

livestock watering

points in high impact

areas.

No use of wetlands by small

livestock.


results

NCDALR

DWA



EIA tracking to ensure

that wetlands are

identified and not

impacts upon. Buffers

No impacts around 32m buffer

wetlands.

Number of livestock

watering points.


DENC





Responsibilities

of at least 32m from the

edges should be

implemented and

enforced.

results.

Project tracking

Groundwater sources

should be matched with

adequate treatment

facilities. Due regard to

the capacity of the

receiving community to

manage these

treatment facilities.

Identify ground water sources

to match treatment facilities.

Project tracking

DWA


Geohydrological and

water quality studies

should accompany all

applications for

boreholes in the NDM.

Geohydrological and water

quality studies.



Monitor important

wetlands to ensure the

surrounding land uses

and wetland use

practices support their

use as tourism

Monitor wetlands Wetland monitoring reports

results.

NCDALR

DWA

Relevant municipal units DENC






Responsibilities

resources. Tourism




Groundwater sources should be exploited within the limits of their potential.

Ground water treatment technology should be improved and overall misuse

reduced, whilst opportunities for water recycling and re-use are maximised.

It is important that water reticulation infrastructure is properly maintained.

5.4.4 Topography

5.4.4.1 Constraints

The steep, rugged nature of the terrain within the NDM plays an important

role in limiting potential developments. High elevations and steep gradients

limit development activities, especially infrastructure development.

Given the topography, increased visual impacts may also accrue, since

developments can be viewed from a far. This is especially severe with

developments that might include highly visible impacts e.g. lights at night,

noise, scarring of the landscape and associated impacts.

Ridges and high lying areas are sensitive environments and development

in these areas should be avoided.

As a result of steep gradients, development in the area also interferes with

soil stability. Thus, for example, construction may create the potential for

severe erosion within the area, unless proper management plans are put in

place during these activities.

Steep gradients increase the potential for surface water based soil erosion,

particularly where soils are bare during major rainfall months.


The varied topography increases the aesthetic appeal of the district. The

landscape can be used as a tool for promoting tourism-related

developments such as the development of tourism routes and destinations.

This opportunity is available in all the landscapes of the NDM.

Plains are suitable for extensive agriculture where climatic conditions are

favourable or where irrigation schemes replace the need for regular rainfall.



Plains are also suitable for any extensive projects that require vast,

uninhabited open spaces, except in areas where sensitive vegetation

occurs. Examples in this regard include astronomy, solar and wind power

generation, nuclear fuel storage, vehicle testing and racing and military

manoeuvres.

The NDM is also a potential location for the proposed Square Kilometre

Array (SKA) project. This is a project funded by the United States for the

development of the world’s largest radio telescope. One example is the

space and astronomy project South Africa Large Telescope (SALT) in

Sutherland. MeerKAT (Karoo Array Telescope) is a seven dish array

telescope project that is in the early implementation stages.





1. Ridges and high lying areas

play an important role in the

maintenance of biodiversity

and ecological integrity.

Ridges and high lying areas should be

regarded as sensitive areas. Where possible,

development should be limited to footpaths.

Development on slopes greater than or equal to

8º should be avoided.

Development on slopes between 5º to 8º

should consider appropriate development types

and mitigation measures for managing soil

erosion, surface runoff and other impacts.

An EIA with specialist studies must supersede

any development on a topographical feature.

Footpaths and lookout points should include

appropriate soil erosion reduction measures,

including path stabilisers and controlled water

runoff points.

2. Ridges and high lying areas

can exacerbate noise and

visual impacts.

Developments on high lying areas should be

planned to minimise visual impacts as part of

the EIA process.

Developments that include lights at night and

landscape scarring should be avoided where

possible.

Lighting should not be dispersed but focused

downwards.

Activities on slopes and ridges that could

generate significant noise for downstream

residents should be discouraged.

3. The mining of sand (sand

winning) on ridges, granite

and slopes can produce

permanent landscape

scarring and accelerate soil

erosion.

Sand winning should be avoided on steep

slopes.

Measures to rehabilitate indigenous vegetation

on slopes characterised by sand winning

should be followed.

4. Encouragement of the use of

open plains for extensive

activities where feasible, such

as agriculture, energy

generation, scientific projects,

vehicle testing and racing and

military manoeuvres.


feasibility of energy generation should be

encouraged.

Land with high energy generation potential

should be identified and earmarked for potential

use.

Ensure that sensitive vegetation is not

disturbed.




Opportunities for military sites should be

actively followed up, this includes contact with

international militaries who have a need for

specialised desert warfare training or

acclimatisation prior to deployment.

7. The topography is

aesthetically appealing and

conducive to tourism.

Develop a tourism strategy with a focus on

unique topographical features. The strong

advantages are the Kamiesberg and the desert

landscapes in the northern municipalities of the

district.






Responsibilities

Ridges and high lying

areas should be

regarded as sensitive

areas. Where possible,

development should be

limited to footpaths.

No development on ridges and

high lying areas.

Project tracking DENC


Development on slopes

greater than or equal to

8º should be avoided.

No development on slopes

greater or equal 8º.



Development on slopes

between 5º to 8º should

consider appropriate

development types and

mitigation measures for

managing soil erosion,

surface runoff and

other impacts.

No development on slopes

between 5º and 8º.



An EIA with specialist

studies must supersede

any development on a

topographical feature.

Specialists’ studies conducted

on any topograpgical feature.






Responsibilities

Footpaths and lookout

points should include

appropriate soil erosion

reduction measures,

including path

stabilisers and

controlled water runoff

points.

Soil erosion reduction

measures in any footpaths and

lookout points.



Developments on high

lying areas should be

planned to minimise

visual impacts as part

of the EIA process.

Minimise any visual impacts on

high lying developments.



Developments that

include lights at night

and landscape scarring

should be avoided

where possible.

No development that include

lights at night and landscape

scarring.



Lighting should not be

dispersed but focused

downwards.

No lightning should be

dispersed.



Activities on slopes and

ridges that could

generate significant

noise for downstream

No activities on slopes that

generate noise.






Responsibilities

residents should be

discouraged.

Sand winning should

be avoided on steep

slopes.

No sand winning on steep

slopes.



Measures to

rehabilitate indigenous

vegetation on slopes

characterised by sand

winning should be

followed.

Rehabilitate slopes

characterised by sand winning.



Private enterprise


the feasibility of energy

generation should be

encouraged.

Identify private enterprise

wishing to investigate feasibility

of energy generation.



Land with high energy

generation potential

should be identified and


use.

Identify land with high energy

generation.



Opportunities for

military sites should be

Identify opportunities for military

sites.






Responsibilities

actively followed up,

this includes contact

with international

militaries who have a

need for specialised

desert warfare training

or acclimatisation prior

to deployment.

Inclusion in the IDP

Develop a tourism

strategy with a focus on

unique topographical

features. The strong

advantages are the

Kamiesberg and the

desert landscapes in

the northern

municipalities of the

district.

Develop a tourism strategy with

a focus on unique

topographical features.

Number of visitors, taken

from accommodation guest

registers

DENC





Development in high lying areas should be restricted thereby protecting the

habitats supporting ecosystems in the affected areas. Restrictions limit

potential visual impacts and maintain the present undisturbed sense of

place.

5.4.5 Soils

5.4.5.1 Constraints

Generally, the soils within the NDM have little agricultural potential.

Exceptions are alluvial areas along the Orange River and the north western

part of the Richtersveld Local Municipality.

The sandy nature of the soils makes them prone to erosion when the

natural vegetation cover is negatively impacted.

Severe erosion has been caused due to long periods of overcultivation and

overgrazing.


There is a need to develop sustainable livestock grazing practices within

the NDM to minimize the impact on the natural vegetation and avoid the

loss of vegetation species.

Leisure activities such as off road recreational driving should be restricted

to areas that are not sensitive to vegetation disturbance.

Potential opportunities are noted along the Orange River – the soil type is

suitable for orchard-type agriculture.

Given the potentially productive nature of the soils in the north western part

of the Richtersveld Local Municipality, irrigation schemes could be

extended to these areas to encourage crop production.

The potential for irrigated agriculture along the Orange River and in the

north-western parts of the RLM can be linked to the opportunities in the

Hydrology section (Section 4.1.3) of this report. The development of

additional water resources in this area should be encouraged.





1. Soils within the NDM are

generally poorly suited to

agriculture (with important

exceptions).

Appropriate agricultural practices should be

promoted in order to maintain or enhance the

soil’s agricultural potential.

Consideration should be given to the impact

of future agricultural activity on the

maintenance of acceptable soil quality –

overexpansion would place stresses on

existing soil capacity (as well as water

sources).

Legal plough certificates are important.

2. The soils are particularly

vulnerable to erosion, given

their poor ability to support

vegetation and the long periods

of time it takes for vegetation to

re-establish. These points are

reinforced by the low rainfall

and sometimes steep

topography in some areas.

Therefore do not promote

destructive practices such as

large scale agriculture and

military exercises.

Areas susceptive to erosion (such as slopes

and steep areas) should be regarded as

sensitive and development limited in these

areas.

All developments in areas susceptible to

erosion must consider storm water runoff

control measures.

Measures to control soil erosion from

agricultural areas, must be implemented.

Agriculture should avoid use of land for

grazing, or for crops, that result in bare soils

on slopes during the major rainfall period of

November to March.

Proposed developments should demonstrate

compatibility of the proposed land use with

the soil type.

3. Soil erosion due to overgrazing. The implementation of soil conservation

measures is required in all areas. These

measures include:

The proper installation and placement of

erosion control structures, such as

sediment fences and retention ponds;

The planting of indigenous vegetation,

particularly as part of land rehabilitation

efforts;

The prevention of overgrazing through

controls on stocking rates and practising

of rotational grazing.

Effective storm water runoff management;

Soil conditions, including composition,

permeability, slope and carrying capacity to

be given careful consideration in the design

and planning of agricultural projects.

4. Sand winning activities can

permanently scar landscapes

Sand winning to be discouraged on steep

slopes and ridges. Methods to mitigate soil




and accelerate erosion. erosion during mining activities to be

employed.

5. Off-road recreational vehicle

driving, similar to small

livestock grazing, and military

activities can cause soil

erosion.

Information regarding good driving conduct

should be made available to the off-road

community. This can be provided on district

tourism websites and brochures produced for

use by training academies and clubs.

6. Expansion of existing irrigated

areas using water from the

Orange River.

The expansion of irrigation schemes would

increase the productivity of farming in the

northern areas of the NDM.

Ensure there is no destruction of sensitive

vegetation, especially lower Orange alluvial

vegetation.






Responsibilities

Appropriate agricultural

practices should be

promoted in order to

maintain or enhance

the soil’s agricultural

potential.

Promote agricultural practices. Agricultural productivity

measured in crop mass per

hectare.

NCDALR

DENC

DWA

Agricultural Sector


Consideration should

be given to the impact

of future agricultural

activity on the

maintenance of

acceptable soil quality

– overexpansion would

place stresses on

existing soil capacity

(as well as water

sources).

No overexploitation of existing

soil capacity.

Agricultural productivity

measured in crop mass per

hectare.

NCDALR

DENC

DWA

Agricultural Sector


Areas susceptive to

erosion (such as slopes

and steep areas)

should be regarded as

sensitive and

development should be

Limit development on areas

susceptible to erosion.

Project tracking

DENC

DWA





Responsibilities

limited in these areas.

All developments in

areas susceptible to

erosion must consider

storm water runoff

control measures.

Storm water runoff control

measures should be

considered in areas susceptible

to erosion.

Project tracking

NCDALR

DENC

DWA

Agricultural Sector


Measures to control soil

erosion from

agricultural areas, must

be implemented.

Implement measures to control

soil erosion.

Project tracking

NCDALR

DENC

DWA

Agricultural Sector


Agriculture should

avoid use of land for

grazing, or for crops,

that result in bare soils

on slopes during the

major rainfall periods.

Avoid bare soils due to grazing. Project tracking

NCDALR

DENC


Proposed

developments should

demonstrate

compatibility of the

proposed land use with

the soil type.

Any development should

demonstrate compatibility of

proposed land use with land

type.

Project tracking

NCDALR

DENC

Agricultural Sector





Responsibilities

The implementation of

soil conservation

measures is required in

all areas. These

measures include:

The proper

installation and

placement of

erosion control

structures, such as

wind breaks,

sediment fences

and retention

ponds;

The planting of

indigenous

vegetation,

particularly as part

of land

rehabilitation

efforts;

The prevention of

overgrazing

through controls on

stocking rates and

practising of

rotational grazing.

Effective storm

The implementation of soil

conservation measures.

Project tracking

NCDALR

DENC

DWA

Agricultural Sector





Responsibilities

water runoff

management.

Soil conditions,

including composition,

permeability, slope and

carrying capacity to be

given careful

consideration in the

design and planning of

agricultural projects.

Any agricultural projects should

consider soil conditions and

capabilities.

Project tracking NCDALR

DENC

Agricultural Sector


Information regarding

good driving conduct

should be made

available to the off-road

community. This can be

provided on district

tourism websites and

brochures produced for

use by training

academies and clubs.

Provide information regarding

good driving conduct.

Level of awareness

amongst target community.

NCDALR

DENC

Department of Transport,

Safety and Liaison

Agricultural Sector





Sound agricultural practices need to be encouraged in order to maintain a

balance between the productive use of land and the longer term

maintenance of soil resources. In addition, effective measures must be

taken to:

Mitigate the soil erosion potential of future developments;

Implement soil conservation and land rehabilitation efforts.

5.4.6 Flora

5.4.6.1 Constraints

The greatest threat to biodiversity within the NDM is livestock grazing; more

than 90% of the Municipality is utilized for livestock grazing. Ploughing and

game farming are considered to have an increasingly negative impact on

the biodiversity within the region. Mining (diamonds, heavy metals and

minerals) also threaten this fragile region and its biodiversity. The

cultivation of grapes, citrus and vegetables within the hotspot areas

negatively impact on its biodiversity. Although the extent of these activities

is limited, when compared to that of livestock grazing, the impact can be

severe and can result in species extinction and habitat disturbance. The

vegetation along the Orange River (Lower Orange River alluvial vegetation)

is the most threatened vegetation type in the province.

Approximately 2 560km2 (2.5%) of the Succulent Karoo, is protected in

Northern Cape. The lack of statutory protected areas in some parts of the

NDM prevents the conservation of biodiversity in these areas.

According to the 2004 Northern Cape State of the Environment Report

Overview, alien plant species are the second largest threat to biodiversity

after direct habitat destruction. An example of alien plant invasion is the

Orange River where Prosopis sp is spread along the river banks. Other

alien plant species include Black Wattle and poplar trees and may have

serious impact on species with limited destination ranges.

Urban and rural settlements also have a negative impact on the natural

vegetation cover.

Other threats to the biodiversity within the region include the illegal

collection of succulents, bulbs and reptiles.



Development within the 5 SKEP priority conservation areas should be

limited to those developments with a low environmental impact. If moderate

to high impact developments are required then mitigation measures for the

protection of the floral and faunal species and their habitat must be strictly

adhered to.


There is a need to develop well-managed livestock grazing practices that

are compatible with biodiversity conservation.

It is important to develop and implement alien vegetation clearing

programmes which will have a positive impact on biodiversity conservation

within the region.

It is important to integrate conservation priorities into land-use planning and

management practices and to promote sustainable practices within the

industrial sectors to promote biodiversity conservation.

The potential for tourism, both eco-tourism and adventure tourism (hiking

and fishing) is high as the NDM has large open spaces and unique flora, as

well as a number National parks and nature reserves, these are:

Namakwa National Park;

Tankwa Karoo National Park;

Goegap Nature Reserve;

Nababiep Nature Reserve;

Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve and


The Richtersveld Community Conservancy is the centre of a World

Heritage Site. This Conservancy should be retained.

There is the opportunity to expand the protected areas to include more of

the 5 SKEP priority conservation areas.



1. Biodiversity loss due to

overgrazing.

All local municipalities have promulgated

grazing by-laws. These should be enforced.

2. Presence of a number of All EIAs for developments to facilitate the




Category 1-3 alien invasives,

especially along river courses,

according to CARA.

removal of alien invasive plants where these

occur on development property.

The removal of alien invasive plants

prioritised, with or without the support of the

Working for Water programme.

Landowners educated and empowered

concerning their legal mandate to clear

Category 1 invasives on their property.

Specialist study conducted to ensure that all

invasive weeds in the study area are

catalogued.


ploughing or other development

activity.

Create biodiversity offsets

The loss of biodiversity should be weighed

against the economic and social gains that

development brings. Factors to be weighed

include:

The nature of the flora and fauna that will

be destroyed by the development – all

development is prohibited in areas of

critical biodiversity and all extensive

developments are prohibited in

conservation areas;

The chances of the development’s

success – the better chance the proposed

development has, the more likely the

biodiversity loss will be acceptable;

The size of the economic intervention, the

larger the size, the more likely the


The impacts that the development will

have on the poorest inhabitants of the

NDM. The larger the benefit to poorer

inhabitants, the more likely the loss of

biodiversity will be acceptable.

4. Biodiversity loss due to mining. The loss of biodiversity should be weighed


the mine brings. Factors to be weighed

include:


be destroyed by the mine – all mining is

prohibited in areas of critical biodiversity;

The proximity of the mine to established

tourist areas. Impacts of the proposed

mine should be limited to ensure the

minimum impact on tourism, which has a

longer economic impact than the typical

mine;

Large mines may destroy species with

limited destination ranges and the loss will




be unacceptable;






Mine rehabilitation measures should be

established at the start of mining. The final

land use should be established and planning

should start at feasibility stage to determine if

indeed the rehabilitated land will be suitable

for the use in which it was intended. NDM

officials should carefully review mining

applications for evidence of this type of

planning and reviews the plan’s effectiveness.

5. The need to protect more of the

SKEP Biodiversity Hotspot.

Approaches should be made to SANParks

and regional conservation bodies to formally

conserve more of the SKEP Biodiversity

Hotspot;

Floral tourism should be encouraged to

support the claim for additional conservation

space;

Development activities should be limited in

SKEP areas to ensure that the ability to

formally declare a conservation area is not

compromised.

6. The loss of biodiversity due to

human settlement expansion.

Biodiversity loss in this manner can be limited

through the establishment of town

boundaries, over which a town cannot

expand. This would encourage densification

of the NDM towns, reducing the biodiversity

impacts. This intervention will also have the

beneficial economic effects of being able to

supply social and infrastructural services at a

lower household cost than would be possible

for a sprawling town planning scheme;

7. Severing of biodiversity

corridors by longitudinal

developments.

Longitudinal developments should be planned

with due concern as established through

biodiversity corridors, any development that

traverses a biodiversity corridor should have

mitigation measures established to ensure

that the traverse does not sever the corridor.

8. Illegal trading of flora has a

large impact of biodiversity,

since the most threatened

species are those which are the

target of such trading.

This illegal trade should be controlled in

accordance with CITES (The Convention on

the Trade In Endangered Species of Wild

Fauna and Flora) and TRAFFIC regulations.





Responsibilities

All local municipalities

have promulgated

grazing by-laws. These

should be enforced.

Enforcement of grazing by-laws Number of enforcement

actions

Results of veld monitoring

visits

DENC

Agricultural Sector


All EIAs for

developments to

facilitate the removal of

alien invasive plants

where these occur on

development property.

Removal of alien invasive

species

Project tracking

DENC

Agricultural Sector


The removal of alien

invasive plants

prioritised, with or

without the support of

the Working for Water

programme.

Removal of all alien invasive

species

Results of veld monitoring

visits

Size of the area cleared

DENC

Agricultural Sector


Landowners educated

and empowered

concerning their legal

mandate to clear

Category 1 invasives

on their property.

Educate landowners about

Category 1 invasives

Number of landowners

reached

DENC

Agricultural Sector





Responsibilities

Specialist study

conducted to ensure

that all invasive weeds

in the study area are

catalogued.

Document/report with all

invasive species

Project Tracking

DENC

Agricultural Sector


The impacts that the

development will have

on the poorest

inhabitants of the NDM.

The larger the benefit

to poorer inhabitants,

the more likely the loss

of biodiversity will be

acceptable.

Measurement of biodiversity

loss against economic benefit

to poorest inhabitats.

Project Tracking

NCDALR

DENC


The loss of biodiversity

should be weighed

against the economic

and social gains that

the mine brings.

Factors to be weighed

include:

The nature of the

flora and fauna that

will be destroyed

by the mine – all

mining is prohibited

in areas of critical


loss against economic and

social gains.

Project Tracking

NCDALR

DENC

Relevant municipal




Responsibilities

biodiversity;

The proximity of

the mine to

established tourist

areas. Impacts of

the proposed mine

should be limited to

ensure the

minimum impact on

tourism, which has

a longer economic

impact than the

typical mine;

The size of the

mine, the larger the

size, the more

likely the

biodiversity loss will

be acceptable;

The impacts that

the development

will have on the

poorest inhabitants

of the NDM. The

larger the benefit to

poorer inhabitants,

the more likely the

loss of biodiversity




Responsibilities

will be acceptable.

Mine rehabilitation

measures should be

established at the start

of mining. The final

land use should be

established and

planning should start at

feasibility stage to

determine if indeed the

rehabilitated land will

be suitable for the use

in which it was

intended. NDM officials

should carefully review

mining applications for

evidence of this type of

planning and reviews

the plan’s

effectiveness.

Mine rehabilitation Plan Project Tracking

DENC

DMR


Approaches should be

made to SANParks and

regional conservation

bodies to formally

conserve more of the

SKEP Biodiversity

Hotspot.

More areas formally conserved

as SKEP Biodiversity Hotspots.

Number of SKEP

Biodiversity hotspots

DENC





Responsibilities

Floral tourism should

be encouraged to

support the claim for

additional conservation

space.

Floral tourism Project Tracking DENC


Development activities

should be limited in

SKEP areas to ensure

that the ability to

formally declare a

conservation area is

not compromised.

Limit developments on SKEP

areas.

Increases in the percentage

of the Succulent Karoo area

protected.

DENC


Biodiversity loss in this

manner can be limited

through the

establishment of town

boundaries, over which

a town cannot expand.

This would encourage

densification of the

NDM towns, reducing

the biodiversity

impacts. This

intervention will also

have the beneficial

Establishment of town

boundaries.

Number of established town

boundaries written into town

planning schemes.

DENC





Responsibilities

economic effects of

being able to supply

social and

infrastructural services

at a lower household

cost than would be

possible for a sprawling

town planning scheme.

Longitudinal

developments should

be planned with due

concern to the

biodiversity corridors,

any development that

traverses a biodiversity

corridor should have

mitigation measures

established to ensure

that the traverse does

not sever the corridor.

Develop biodiversity corridors. Project Tracking DENC


The illegal trade should

be controlled in

accordance with CITES

(The Convention on the

Trade In Endangered

Species of Wild Fauna

and Flora) regulations.

No illegal trading Number of enforcement

actions.

DENC





The preservation of the study area’s floral heritage through the promotion of

conservation and protection.

Particular attention is to be paid to the impacts of development of areas of

critical biodiversity and of the areas of succulent karoo.

Finally, a proactive and shared responsibility approach to the removal of

alien invasive plants and these alien plants systematically removed from

the system.

5.4.7 Fauna

5.4.7.1 Constraints

Tourism activities in terms of wildlife ranching would be limited because the

District Municipality does not have a large amount of habitat suitable for

that use (Todd et. al., 2009).

Development within areas of critical biodiversity should be prohibited.

Development within the Succulent Karoo should be limited, as far as

possible, to those with a minimal environmental impact. Where this is not

feasible, mitigation measures should be put in place to reduce the impact of

the development on the indigenous fauna or alternatively create the

biodiversity offsets.


According to Todd et. al. (2009), poor grazing management can lead to

land degradation and biodiversity loss at a landscape scale, however, well

managed livestock grazing is compatible with biodiversity conservation.

Ongoing biodiversity conservation would contribute to meeting the national

commitments to international biodiversity agreements (SKEP, 2003).

The Riverine Rabbit Working Group is a non-government conservation

group that is undertaking activities to conserve the Riverine Rabbit. There

is therefore the opportunity for government to engage with, and participate

in, the Riverine Rabbit Working Group.





1. There are natural limits placed

on the expansion of wildlife

ranching by the nature of the

climate, soils and vegetation.

Tourism plans that place a large focus on

game viewing should be discouraged. Game

viewing has a place in the NDM, but it is not

the natural strength of the area.

2. Presence of a number of alien

species.

All EIAs for developments to facilitate the

removal of alien species where they occur on


Landowners educated and empowered

concerning their legal mandate to remove

alien species on their property.

Specialist study conducted to ensure that all

alien species in the study area are

catalogued.


ploughing or other development

activity.

The loss of biodiversity should be weighed


development brings. Factors to be weighed

include:


be destroyed by the development – all

development is prohibited in areas of

critical biodiversity and all extensive

development is prohibited in conservation

areas;

The chances of the developments

success – the better chance the proposed

development has, the more likely the


The size of the economic intervention, the

larger the size, the more likely the







4. Biodiversity loss due to mining The loss of biodiversity should be weighed


the mine brings. Factors to be weighed

include:


be destroyed by the mine – all mining is

prohibited in areas of critical biodiversity;

The proximity of the mine to established

tourist areas. Impacts of the proposed




mine should be limited to ensure the

minimum impact on tourism, which has a

longer economic impact than the typical

mine;

The size of the mine, the larger the size,

the more likely the biodiversity loss will be

acceptable;






Mine rehabilitation measures should be

established at the start of mining. The final

land use should be established and planning

should start at feasibility stage to determine if

indeed the rehabilitated land will be suitable

for the use in which it was intended. NDM

officials should carefully review mining

applications for evidence of this type of

planning and reviews the plan’s effectiveness.

5. The need to protect more of the

SKEP Biodiversity Hotspot.

Approaches should be made to SANParks

and regional conservation bodies to formally

conserve more of the SKEP Biodiversity

Hotspot;

Floral tourism should be encouraged to

support the claim for additional conservation

space;

Development activities should be limited in

SKEP areas to ensure that the ability to

formally declare a conservation area is not

compromised.

6. The loss of biodiversity due to

human settlement expansion.

Biodiversity loss in this manner can be limited

through the establishment of town

boundaries, over which a town cannot

expand. This would encourage densification

of the NDM towns, reducing the biodiversity

impacts. This intervention will also have the

beneficial economic effects of being able to

supply social and infrastructural services at a

lower household cost than would be possible

for a sprawling town planning scheme;

7. Severing of biodiversity

corridors by longitudinal

developments.

Longitudinal developments should be planned

with due concern to the biodiversity corridors,

any development that traverses a biodiversity

corridor should have mitigation measures

established to ensure that the traverse does


8. Illegal trading of fauna has a This illegal trade should be controlled in




large impact of biodiversity,

since the most threatened

species are those which are the

target of such trading.

accordance with CITES (The Convention on

the Trade In Endangered Species of Wild

Fauna and Flora) and TRAFFIC regulations.






Responsibilities

There are natural limits

placed on the

expansion of wildlife

ranching by the nature

of the climate, soils and

vegetation.

Limit game ranching Number of enforcement

actions

DENC


All EIAs for

developments to

facilitate the removal of

alien species where

these occur on


Removal of alien species. Project tracking

DENC

DMR

DWA


Landowners educated

and empowered to

remove alien species

on their property.

Educate landowners about

alien species.

Number of landowners

reached

DENC

DWA


Specialist study

conducted to ensure

that all alien species in

the study area are

catalogued.

Document/report with all alien

species.

Project Tracking

DENC

DMR

DWA


The loss of biodiversity

should be weighed


loss against economic and

Project Tracking DENC

DMR




Responsibilities

against the economic

and social gains that

development brings.

Factors to be weighed

include:

The nature of the

flora and fauna that

will be destroyed

by the development

– all development

is prohibited in

areas of critical

biodiversity and all

extensive

development is

prohibited in

conservation areas;

The chances of the

developments

success – the

better chance the

proposed

development has,

the more likely the


be acceptable;

The size of the

economic

social gains. DWA





Responsibilities

intervention, the

larger the size, the

more likely the


be acceptable.

The impacts that the

development will have

on the poorest

inhabitants of the NDM.

The larger the benefit

to poorer inhabitants,

the more likely the loss

of biodiversity will be

acceptable.


loss against economic benefit

to poorest inhabitats.

Project Tracking

DENC


Mine rehabilitation

measures should be

established at the start

of mining. The final

land use should be

established and

planning should start at

feasibility stage to

determine if indeed the

rehabilitated land will

be suitable for the use

in which it was

intended. NDM officials

Mine rehabilitation Plan Project Tracking

DENC

DMR

DWA Relevant municipal units




Responsibilities

should carefully review

mining applications for

evidence of this type of

planning and reviews

the plan’s

effectiveness.

Approaches should be

made to SANParks and

regional conservation

bodies to formally

conserve more of the

SKEP Biodiversity

Hotspot.

More areas formally conserved

as SKEP Biodiversity Hotspots.

Number of SKEP

Biodiversity hotspots

DENC


Development activities

should be limited in

SKEP areas to ensure

that the ability to

formally declare a

conservation area is

not compromised.

Limit developments on SKEP

areas.

Increases in the percentage

of the Succulent Karoo area

protected.

DENC

DMR


Biodiversity loss in this

manner can be limited

through the

establishment of town

boundaries, over which

a town cannot expand.

This would encourage

Establishment of town

boundaries.

Number of established town

boundaries written into town

planning schemes.

DENC

DMR





Responsibilities

densification of the

NDM towns, reducing

the biodiversity

impacts. This

intervention will also

have the beneficial

economic effects of

being able to supply

social and

infrastructural services

at a lower household

cost than would be

possible for a sprawling

town planning scheme.

Longitudinal

developments should

be planned with due

concern to the

biodiversity corridors,

any development that

traverses a biodiversity

corridor should have

mitigation measures

established to ensure

that the traverse does


Develop biodiversity corridors. Project Tracking DENC


The illegal trade should

be controlled in

No illegal trading Number of enforcement DENC




Responsibilities

accordance with CITES

(The Convention on the

Trade In Endangered

Species of Wild Fauna

and Flora) regulations.

actions Relevant municipal units




Sound agricultural practices to be encouraged in order to maintain a

balance between the productive use of land and the longer term

maintenance of soil resources. In addition, effective measures must be

taken to:

Mitigate the soil erosion potential of future developments; and

Implement soil conservation and land rehabilitation efforts.

5.4.8 Coastal Environment

5.4.8.1 Constraints

Access to the coastline is a constraint that hampers the use of the area for

eco-tourism or for the development of marine fishing. Access to very long

portions of the coastline is controlled by diamond mining companies, who

are loath to give up this degree of control whilst mineral resources remain

to be exploited. This situation will however change as the mines close, and

planning for this event should begin.

Eco-tourism development along the northern section of the coastline, and

certainly above Port Nolloth, is constrained due to the degree to which the

environment has been transformed from its natural habitat. Rehabilitation

measures taken by the diamond mining companies help mitigate this

impact, but it seems likely that the ecosystem will not recover for a long

time after rehabilitation has been completed.

The life of the remaining alluvial diamond mining is relatively short, with

both dominant companies focusing on marine mining, whilst constraining

land-based mining. Thus, the economic benefits derived from mining

activities are waning, with the concomitant impact on the socio-economic

environment. No plans are in place to replace this source of economic

activity given the lack of clarity on closure of the mines.

The SANParks initiative for the development of a coastal park will

contribute largely to the conservation of this coastline. However, the

financial achievability of this initiative should be tested. Furthermore,

conservation of this section of coastline will not alleviate the current need of

access to coastal and marine resources and initiatives should be put in

place to address this issue by providing adequate access to local

entrepreneurs.



Development of tourism and large scale fisheries could lead to degradation

of the better preserved or pristine coastal area, which lie to the south of the

study area. Tourism and large-scale fisheries should therefore be planned

at a regional scale to improve management and reduce the impact on the

receiving environment.


The lack of a harbour suitable for the development of a fishing fleet is an

opportunity that could be seized by the RLM. If a breakwater were to be

constructed at Port Nolloth, access to the area for fishing and other

economic activities would be provided.

None of the beaches in the NDM have blue flag status. Blue flag status is

awarded to beaches that meet 14 water quality, safety, services and

environmental information criteria. These beaches are internationally

recognised as having excellent management and hence are a tourism draw

card. An opportunity exists to create a safe swimming beach in the NDM

which would be protected from harsh coastal action and which would have

blue flag status.

The mining companies on the coastal areas of NDM have invested in the

development of the residential areas for the development of infrastructure

and local economic development. This should be built upon to continue to

provide a basic standard of living to the affected settlements.

The high degree of transformation could be an opportunity to locate heavy

industry or energy generation projects, which need to be near the sea, on

heavily transformed land. An obvious choice for this type of activity would

be Nuclear Energy Generation projects. This opportunity would reduce the

potential impact of such a project by otherwise locating it on a better

preserved or pristine section of coastline.

Given that the land along the coastline is owned or controlled by relatively

few entities, a vibrant opportunity exists to manage the coastline for the

future. During closure negotiations, the area of theoretical Coastal Public

Property should be secured for the future use of inhabitants by acquiring

state ownership of all the land up to 40- to 60m of the HWM, for as much of

the coastline as possible. In conjunction with this measure, ensure that

management plans for the Coastal Protected Zone is drawn up and

implemented.





1. Lack of access to the shoreline

due on on-going mining

activities.

Clarity should be obtained from mining

companies on the closure plans for the mines.

Planning for the future use of the coastline

should be developed taking into account

these deadlines.

Access to the coastline, in the southern and

less disturbed parts of the NDM should be

secured. The objective is to open up further

areas of the coast for tourism development.

2. Rehabilitation of the coastal

areas as part of the mines’

closure plans.

Representations should be made to the

Department of Mineral Resources to intercede

on behalf of the NDM to determine the

planned scope and duration of rehabilitation

plans along the entire length of NDM

coastline.

Closure plans should be commented upon by

the NDM to ensure that the interests of the

NDM are contained in the plans.

3. Securing the Coastal Public

Property.

The NDM should initiate a programme to

ensure state ownership of as much of the

theoretical Coastal Public Property as

possible is secured for future use.

Landownership of the entire length of Atlantic

coast should be determined.

All municipal IDPs with an Atlantic coastline

should have the theoretical Coastal Public

Property demarcated. As state land

ownership over this land is achieved, the

theoretical demarcation can be changed to an

actual demarcation of the Coastal Public

Property.

Representations should be made to the

Department of Mineral Resources to intercede

on behalf of the NDM to negotiate transfer of

mining land to state hands. Funds to achieve

this object should be secured. Alexkor land

should present less of a challenge than De

Beers owned land, since Alexkor is state

owned.

Al development in the theoretical Coastal

Public Property zone should be prohibited.

4. Identifying the Coastal

Protection Zone and

establishing management rules

for its use.

All municipal IDPs with an Atlantic coastline

should have the Coastal Protection Zone

identified and demarcated. A Coastal

Management Plan should regulate

development in this zone.

To achieve management objectives in this




zone state ownership of the land is not

necessary, nor desirable.

5. Encouraging Coastal Tourism The coastline access points that have been

obtained should be improved to expand the

tourism offering in this regard;

Hondeklipbaai should have the road improved

to allow access and the necessary

infrastructure installed to cater for increased

volumes of tourists;

Expansion of the tourism product to include

industrial tours of the diamond mine workings

is a unique draw card that can be offered by

the NDM

Investigate the possibility of making the

necessary improvements to a beach at

McDougalls Bay or in Port Nolloth in order for

it the achieve Blue Flag Status.

6. Opening up of the marine

environment for other shipping.

Consideration should be given to constructing

a breakwater at Port Nolloth. This would allow

safe harbour for vessels other than diamond

miners and would potentially open up the

fishing industry and ocean based tourism.

7. The SANParks initiative to

expand the current Namakwa

National Park to the coastal

areas should be encouraged.

This initiative should receive a financial

feasibility study to ensure that it offers the

correct tourism product to the market;

The conservation aspects of the proposed

park are highly beneficial for a coastline that

is under-protected. NDM support for this

initiative should be secured.

8. Placing of energy generation of

heavy industry that needs to be

located close to a coastline.

The preference for locations for this type of

activity would be in heavily impacted upon

areas of the shoreline, i.e. along the coast,

north of Hondeklipbaai.

Notwithstanding the need to secure the

coastal management zones, location of this

type of activity will bring economic benefits to

the NDM, but could also inversely create

potentially serious environmental threats.

Possible sites to be identified along the

coastline and included in the relevant

municipal IDPs.






Responsibilities

Clarity should be

obtained from mining

companies on the

closure plans for the

mines. Planning for the

future use of the

coastline should be

development taking into

account these

deadlines.

Closure plan Mining Area Future Use

Planning Document

DMR

DENC


DWA

Access to the coastline,

in the southern and

less disturbed parts of

the NDM should be

secured. The objective

is to open up further

areas of the coast for

tourism development.

Secure access to coastline Number of additional coastal

access points

DENC

Relevant municipal units DWA

Representations should

be made to the

Department of Mineral

Resources to intercede

on behalf of the NDM to

determine the planned

scope and duration of

Duration of rehabilitation plan Analysis of mine Closure

Plans

DMR

DENC





Responsibilities

rehabilitation plans

along the entire length

of NDM coastline.

Closure plans should

be commented upon by

the NDM to ensure that

the interests of the

NDM are contained in

the plans.

Comments on closure plans by

NDM.

Analysis of mine Closure

Plans

DMR

DENC


The NDM should

initiate a programme to

ensure state ownership

of as much of the

theoretical Coastal

Public Property as

possible is secured for

future use.

Ownership of CPP by the state Length of CPP land in state

hands

DMR

DENC


Landownership of the

entire length of Atlantic

coast should be

determined.

Determine the landowners of

the entire Atlantic coast.

Land Ownership Report

DMR

DENC


All municipal IDPs with

an Atlantic coastline

should have the

theoretical Coastal

Public Property

All municipal IDPs with an

Atlantic coastline should have

the theoretical Coastal Public

Property demarcated.

CPP Line in each LM IDP

DENC





Responsibilities

demarcated. As state

land ownership over

this land is achieved,

the theoretical

demarcation can be

changed to an actual

demarcation of the

Coastal Public

Property.

Representations should

be made to the

Department of Mineral

Resources to intercede

on behalf of the NDM to

negotiate transfer of

mining land to state

hands. Funds to

achieve this object

should be secured.

Alexkor land should

present less of a

challenge than De

Beers owned land,

since Alexkor is state

owned.

Transfer on mining land to

state.

Length of CPP land in state

hands

DMR

DENC


All development in the

theoretical Coastal

Public Property zone

No development along in the

theoretical CCP zone.

Project tracking DMR

DENC





Responsibilities

should be prohibited. DWA

All municipal IDPs with

an Atlantic coastline

should have the

Coastal Protection

Zone identified and

demarcated. A Coastal

Management Plan

should regulate

development in this

zone. To achieve

management objectives

in this zone state

ownership of the land is

not necessary, nor

desirable.

All municipal IDPs with an

Atlantic coastline should have

the Coastal Protection Zone

identified and demarcated.

CPZ Line in each LM IDP

DMR

DENC


The coastline access

points that have been

obtained should be

improved to expand the

tourism offering in this

regard.

Improve coastline access Number of additional coastal

access points

DMR

DENC


Hondeklipbaai should

have the road improved

to allow access and the

necessary

Improve road on Hondeklipbaai Improved road to

Hondeklipbaai

Department of Roads and

Public Works Department of Transport,

Safety and Liaison




Responsibilities

infrastructure installed

to cater for increased

volumes of tourists.

DENC


Expansion of the

tourism product to

include industrial tours

of the diamond mine

workings is a unique

draw card that can be

offered by the NDM.

Industrial tours of the diamond

mine workings.

Project tracking

DENC




Tourism

Investigate the

possibility of making

the necessary

improvements to a

beach at McDougalls

Bay or in Port Nolloth in

order for it the achieve

Blue Flag Status.

Improve McDougalls Bay or

Port Nolloth beaches to achieve

Blue Flag status.

Project tracking

DWA

DENC



Safety and Liaison


Consideration should

be given to constructing

a breakwater at Port

Nolloth. This would

allow safe harbour for

vessels other that

diamond miners and

would potentially open

Construction of a breakwater at

Port Nolloth.

Project tracking

.

DWA

DENC



Safety and Liaison





Responsibilities

up the fishing industry

and ocean based

tourism.

The expansion of the

NNP should receive a

financial feasibility

study to ensure that it

offers the correct

tourism product to the

market.

Financial backing to the

expansion of NNP.

Project tracking

DWA

DENC


The conservation

aspects of the

proposed park are

highly beneficial for a

coastline that is under-

protected. NDM

support for this initiative

should be secured.

Secure support from NDM. Project tracking

DENC


The preference for

locations for this type of

activity would be in

heavily impacted upon

areas of the shoreline,

i.e. along the coast,

north of Hondeklipbaai.

Location should be along the

coast, north of Hondeklipbaai

Project Tracking

DENC

DWA


Notwithstanding the

need to secure the

coastal management

Conserve the coastal

management zones.

Project Tracking DENC

DWA




Responsibilities

zones, location of this

type of activity will bring

economic benefits to

the NDM.


Possible sites to be

identified along the

coastline and included

in the relevant

municipal IDPs.

Identify the possible sites along

the coastline.

IDP project DENC

DWA





The coastline should be secured for conservation management by establishing

desirable landownership and management frameworks along the entire length of

coastline. The coastline should be restored its previous condition and the

remaining pristine areas should be protected and conserved.

5.4.9 Social Environment

5.4.9.1 Constraints

The levels of education in the NDM are generally low. The vast majority of

the population’s educational status equips them for manual and/or other

forms of un-skilled labour.

All educational institutions within the District are located in the main towns

thus restricting access to education to youth within commuting distance of

the larger population settlements.

Population density in the NDM is very low thus increasing the costs of

providing basic services to the population. Either these costs are accepted,

or efforts are made to further encourage urbanisation and densification

within the district.

The outward migration of younger inhabitants of the NDM to other areas of

the country is cause for concern since economic and social dynamism

decreases. The cause of this migration is perceived to be better economic

and social opportunities elsewhere.

Income levels in the NDM are generally low, with 76% of the population in

2001 earning less than R3 200 per month. This implies that the level of

economic activity, and the nature of this activity, is insufficient to support

the population.

Education levels in the NDM are generally low, with 79% of the population

in 2001 not having matric. This implies that the level of economic activity,

and the nature of this activity, is insufficient to support the population.




An opportunity exists to expand the Adult Basic Education Programme

(ABEP) and Artisan Skills Training Programmes (AKTP) in the NDM. These

programmes have been established to re-skill and up-skill those whose

basic education has been lacking.

Large-scale success in this endeavour will result in a better skilled

workforce, ready to take advantage of the higher skilled jobs that are on

offer by a modern economy such as exists in the NDM.

The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is set up by the

Department of Public Works to provide work opportunities to un-skilled

people whilst carrying out works of regional importance. Projects that are

implemented using the EPWP programme include mass services

infrastructure such as road construction, water, and sanitation and

electricity provision. They also include environmental projects such as

Working for Water and Working for Wetlands. Given the higher proportion

of un-skilled people in the NDM, projects such as this will be highly effective

in poverty alleviation efforts and in providing working skills to many

programme beneficiaries.

Due to the migration of people towards the urban centres, an opportunity

exists to provide services at lower unit costs than would have been the

case if the migration had not occurred.

Most of the population lives in brick houses, which are more permanent and

thus easier to service than informal dwellings.



1. Low education levels amongst

the population of the NDM

Provision of suitable and sufficient

educational facilities for the youth;

Implement education awareness campaigns

that stress the need for an education in order

to access opportunities in the modern

economy;

Encourage the development and operation of

ABET facilities in the NDM.

2. Low income levels in the NDM Provision of economic opportunities geared

towards the employment of relatively low

skilled employees.

Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME)

developments and poverty alleviation projects

to target the unskilled.




Encourage economic sectors that are capable

of providing mass employment, examples

include tourism, logistics, retail and wholesale

trade and agriculture.

3. Relatively low population

density in the urban areas.

Encourage urban densification by creating

development boundaries around each

population centre in the NDM. This should be

done at SDF level for each local municipality.

Take advantage of the higher population

densities by proving better services to

residents of the main urban areas, this, in turn

will encourage further migration into these

areas.

4. Outward migration of younger

members of the NDM

population.

The measures taken to boost income levels

are applicable;

Increasing urban densities would enable

better social opportunities, thus the

management measures above are applicable.

5. Encouraging the use of labour

intensive or EPWP construction

methodologies.

Ensure that all government construction

projects are conducted using the EPWP

methodologies;

Encourage all private development projects to

use the same methodologies through the EIA

comment process or the town planning

approval process.

6. Reducing service provision cost

per unit of the population, thus

being able to service high

numbers of the population at

the same costs.

Increasing densities will increase the

efficiency of resource utilisation in the NDM.

Better quality services should be designed

into projects in the existing urban areas, to

encourage urban migration; Services in this

context include potable water, sanitation,

electricity supplies, roads, housing and

educational and health facilities.






Responsibilities

Provision of suitable

and sufficient

educational facilities for

the youth.

Educational facilities for youth. Number of schools per 1

000 children of school going

age



Implement education

awareness campaigns

that stress the need for

an education in order to

access opportunities in

the modern economy.

Provide education to NDM

communities.

Campaign awareness

measures

Department of Social

Development



Encourage the

development and

operation of ABET

facilities in the NDM.

ABET facilities Number of functioning ABET

Facilities

Department of Education Relevant municipal units

Provision of economic

opportunities geared

towards the

employment of

relatively low skilled

employees.

Opportunities for low skilled

employees

Project tracking



Tourism


Development Relevant municipal units

Small, Medium and

Micro Enterprise

Poverty alleviation projects Number of SMME projects Department of Finance,




(SMME) developments

and poverty alleviation

projects to target the

unskilled.

Tourism



Encourage economic

sectors that are

capable of providing

mass employment,

examples include

tourism, logistics, retail

and wholesale trade

and agriculture.

Employment opportunities to

NDM communities.

Unemployment rate



Tourism



Encourage urban

densification by

creating development

boundaries around

each population centre

in the NDM. This

should be done at SDF

level for each local

municipality.

Urban densification Population density within

urban settlements



Tourism




Governance, Human


Affairs

Take advantage of the

higher population

densities by proving

better services to

residents of the main

urban areas, this, in

turn will encourage

Provide better services to urban

areas.

SDF measures adopted



Tourism






further migration into

these areas. The

measures taken to

boost income levels are

applicable.

Governance, Human


Affairs

Increasing urban

densities would enable

better social

opportunities, thus the

management measures

above are applicable.


areas.

Project Tracking



Tourism




Governance, Human


Affairs

Ensure that all

government

construction projects

are conducted using

the EPWP

methodologies.

Projects through EPWP Project Tracking



Tourism




Governance, Human


Affairs

Encourage all private

development projects

to use the same

Projects through EPWP Project Tracking Department of Finance,


Tourism



methodologies through

the EIA comment

process or the town

planning approval

process.




Governance, Human


Affairs

DENC

Increasing densities will

increase the efficiency

of resource utilisation in

the NDM. Better quality

services should be

designed into project in

the existing urban

areas, to encourage

urban migration;

Services in this context

include potable water,

sanitation, electricity

supplies, roads,

housing and

educational and health

facilities.


areas.

Project Tracking



Tourism




Governance, Human


Affairs

Department of Health




A growing population in which the basic needs of all residents are

addressed, and to provide sufficient economic and social opportunities that

ensure the population’s health and happiness.

5.4.10 Infrastructure and Service Provision

5.4.10.1 Constraints

The lack of good quality transport routes to access the coastline and to

open up important tourism areas for further exploitation is a constraint to

the development of tourism.

Groundwater sources are subject to pollution and require high levels of

upkeep. This is a challenge in smaller, isolated communities.

Small communities in sparsely populated areas make effective electricity

distribution very expensive.

Rural dwellers and the poor do not have access to well developed public

transport infrastructure and it is difficult to establish these networks due to

low population densities.

Lack of waste collection services within the rural areas results in waste

being dumped in unsuitable areas and burned, thus negatively impacting

the environment.

There is a lack of recycling projects and initiatives to reduce waste levels

within the NDM.


Providing improved access to tourism destinations would increase the size

of the tourism market in the NDM. In particular, projects such as upgrading

the road to Hondeklipbaai and improving access to the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld

Transfrontier National Park would yield tourism benefits.

The number of households without piped water in the District is relatively

low.



Due to the climate of the region there is great potential to utilise solar

energy more widely, especially in the remote areas of the District

The main transport infrastructure in the District is well positioned to deal

with increased number of tourists and commercial traffic.

There is a need to upgrade landfill sites and implement recycling projects in

all settlements to DWAF standards; also to improve and develop waste

management practices that have minimal impact on the environment and to

develop recycling initiatives and projects that will benefit the environment

and will provide employment opportunities for the local people.



3. Opening of road networks to

allow better access to tourist

areas and maintenance of

existing roads.

Improve the road access to Hondeklipbaai;

Improve the road access to the Ai-

Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park.

4. Improved service for isolated

settlements and rural dwellers.

Retrofit groundwater sources with high

technology treatment plants that are lower

maintenance and provide better quality water.

Investigate the use of solar power to provide

electricity to isolated communities.

Efficient public transport networks should be

investigated in the NDM. These networks

would service isolated communities by means

of taxis. The NDM should improve the current

taxi rank infrastructure to all needy

communities to facilitate taxi route

development;

7. Improvements in waste

management practise.

All landfill sites in the NDM should be

permitted and operated in accordance with

their permit conditions.

Establish recycling initiatives in the larger

towns; Springbok, Port Nolloth and Calvinia.






Responsibilities

Improve the road

access to

Hondeklipbaai.

Improve the road access to

Hondeklipbaai.

Project tracking


Safety and Liaison


Public Works


Improve the road

access to the Ai-

Ais/Richtersveld

Transfrontier National

Park.

Improve the road access to the

Ai-Ais/Richtersveld

Transfrontier National Park.

Project Tracking


Safety and Liaison


Public Works


Retrofit groundwater

sources with high

technology treatment

plants that are lower

maintenance and

provide better quality

water.

Retrofit groundwater sources

with high technology treatment

plants.

Number of settlements using

low technology water

treatment systems.

DWA


Investigate the use of

solar power to provide

electricity to isolated

communities.

Provide electricity to poor

communities

Project Tracking

DMR



Development

Efficient public Provision of efficient public Average journey times Department of Transport,



transport networks

should be investigated

in the NDM. These

networks would service

isolated communities

by means of taxis. The

NDM should improve

the current taxi rank

infrastructure is all

needy communities to

facilitate taxi route

development.

transport to NDM communities. between isolated

settlements and the main

economic and social centres

Safety and Liaison


Public Works


All landfill sites in the

NDM should be

permitted and operated

in accordance with their

permit conditions.

All landfill sites should be

permitted in NDM

Number of unpermitted

landfills

DMR

DENC


Establish recycling

initiatives in the larger

towns; Springbok, Port

Nolloth and Calvinia.

Identify recycling initiatives. Project Tracking

DENC





Infrastructure and service provision should be at a level to provide the

necessary support to NDM inhabitants to improve their economic and social

condition. Service provision, and services, should be designed and

conducted so as to have as small an environmental impact as possible.

5.4.11 Economic Environment


High levels of unemployment and economic inactivity are of concern in the

NDM. This is due to the nature of the economy, the size of the markets and

education levels.

The economic environment is characterised by an undiversified economy

and a strong reliance on agriculture and mining. The region is also

characterised by a virtually nonexistent manufacturing industry. A traditional

mainstay of the NDM economy has been the mining industry. This industry

is in its sunset phase and thus cannot be relied upon to drive economic

growth in the future.


Sustainable alternative employment opportunities should be investigated.

There is a need for diversification of the economy within the NDM which will

strengthen the economy in the region and benefit the local community by

increased employment opportunities.

The diversification of the economy to include other economic activities such

as energy generation, technological projects and tourism represent options

that provide long term sustainable economic growth and development.

An increase and expansion of tourism in the NDM will yield great economic

benefits. Economic benefits will be derived from projects in energy

generation and technology. Every encouragement should be given to these

new sources of income.

An expansion of agricultural activity will have the potential to yield large

economic benefits, thus any expansion of the area under irrigation would

benefit the economy and provide mass employment opportunities. On the



other hand, sensitive areas such as the Bokkeveld Plateau will be

negatively influenced by an expansion of agricultural activities like the

planting of rooibos tea and will also destroy the biodiversity and decrease

water availability for the ecological reserve at the Ramsar site.

The NDM has developed the District Integrated Development Plans (IDPs)

and the Integrated Economic Development Plan to promote economic

growth within the District. The District aims to develop a Regional and Local

Tourism Development Plan which will also promote economic development

in the region. Implementation of these plans is crucial.

5.4.11.3 Management Strategy


1. High levels of unemployment and

economic inactivity

Diversification of the economy into new

sectors such as energy generation,

technological projects and expansion of

existing activities, such as tourism and

agriculture, should be encouraged.

Suitable job creation, SMME development

and skills development initiatives are

required to assist in raising employment

levels.

The recruitment of local labour for

developments should be encouraged

where possible.

Developments should prioritise the

creation of long-term employment

opportunities.

Involvement in the poverty alleviation and

job creation projects of the Expanded

Public Works Programme (EPWP) should

be investigated.

2. Implementation of the economic

development strategies proposed

in the various local municipal

IDPs.

Implementation of the economic aspects of

the IDPs






Responsibilities

Diversification of the

economy into new

sectors such as energy

generation,

technological projects

and expansion of

existing activities, such

as tourism and

agriculture, should be

encouraged.

Encourage diversification of

economy.

Sector contribution to NDM

GGP



Tourism

DMR


Suitable job creation,

SMME development

and skills development

initiatives are required

to assist in raising

employment levels.

Employment opportunities to

local people.

Project Tracking



Tourism


The recruitment of local

labour for

developments should

be encouraged where

possible.

Employ local people Project Tracking



Tourism


Developments should

prioritise the creation of

long-term employment

opportunities.

Long-term employment

opportunities.

Project Tracking



Tourism




Involvement in the

poverty alleviation and

job creation projects of

the Expanded Public

Works Programme

(EPWP) should be

investigated.

Involvement in EPWP Project Tracking



Tourism


Implementation of the

economic aspects of

the IDPs.

Implementation of IDP

programme.

Project Tracking




An economy that is sufficiently large to provide full employment, across the

employment spectrum, for all inhabitants. The economy should be

sufficiently diversified to reduce its reliance on sunset industries and

setbacks in particular economic sectors.

The goods and services provided by the environment, in the quest for

economic growth, should be sustainably used so as to benefit both present

and future residents of the NDM.

5.4.12 Tourism


The NDM offers natural and cultural heritage resources that can attract

both local and international tourists. However tourism in the District has not

reached its full potential.

Eco-tourism and adventure tourism need appropriate management. Poor

practices include uncontrolled quad biking and informal camping by river

rafters along the Orange River. These practices increase land degradation

through the deterioration and possible loss of natural vegetation.


Successful market awareness campaigns are important in order to promote

the NDM.

A tourism development plan should be implemented to identify

opportunities by promoting partnership investments.

Growth areas identified within the tourism industry are: eco-tourism,

adventure tourism and technological tourism.

The inclusion of local communities into tourism development programmes

is important for the sustainable economic growth of the NDM as well as

promoting biodiversity conservation in the region.



The varied landscape of the NDM represents an important factor in

promoting sustainable tourism developments. Wetlands can be promoted

as tourist attractions within the NDM. The development of scenic routes will

enhance tourism development in the region.

5.4.12.3 Management Strategy


1. Tourism as a relatively

underdeveloped industry in the

study area.

Further explore opportunities in both cultural

and ecological and technological tourism in

the region, given the proximity of various

significant sites.

Evaluate the protection of suitable visually

appealing and ecologically significant areas,

in order to promote the conservation value

of the study area.

Engage with the provincial roads authority to

provide improved access to area with high

tourist potential.

Ensure that places of cultural and ecological

interest in the secondary nodes are properly

advertised and accessible.

Individual enterprise encouraged as a

means for filling or developing the market

demand for tourism.

2. Environmental damage caused

by uncontrolled eco and

adventure tourism.

An Environmental Management Plan

focused upon the potential impacts of the

eco and adventure tourism markets should

be developed. This document would provide

a basis for control of such environmental

impacts. Where necessary by-laws for this

sector should be developed.

3. Local community involvement in

tourism activities should be

encouraged wherever possible.

The NDM should provide means for smaller

operators to access the tourism market,

ideas in this regard are to allow smaller

operators access to a central tourism

website and to facilitate the inclusion of

smaller operators in the booking systems of

the accommodation and tours booking

agencies active in the NDM.

Providing road access to isolated

communities would allow grater community

participation in tourism ventures.





Responsibilities

Further explore

opportunities in both

cultural and ecological

and technological

tourism in the region,

given the proximity of

various significant sites.

Opportunities in cultural,

ecological and technological

tourism.

Implement tourism

development plan



Tourism


Evaluate the protection

of suitable visually

appealing and

ecologically significant

areas, in order to

promote the

conservation value of

the study area.

Protection of visually appealing

and ecological important areas.

Project Tracking



Tourism


DENC

Engage with the

provincial roads

authority to provide

improved access to

area with high tourist

potential.

Improve access roads Kilometres of roads

improved to provide access

to tourism areas.


Safety and Liaison


Public Works




Ensure that places of

cultural and ecological

interest in the

secondary nodes are

properly advertised and

accessible.

Advertise cultural and

ecological important areas.

Project Tracking

DENC


Governance, Human


Affairs

Individual enterprise

encouraged as a

means for filling or

developing the market

demand for tourism.

Individual enterprise Tourism sector contribution

as a percentage of GGP.



Tourism


An Environmental

Management Plan

focused upon the

potential impacts of the

eco and adventure

tourism markets should

be developed. This

document would

provide a basis for

control of such

environmental impacts.

Where necessary by-

laws for this sector

should be developed.

Develop an EMP Final Environmental

Management Plan

Eco and adventure tourism

by-laws adopted.

DENC



Tourism





The preservation and sustainable utilisation of the region’s ecological,

cultural and historical heritage, in order to promote employment, tourism

and sustainable development that is of broad benefit to residents.

5.4.13 Mining


The areas of un-rehabilitated or poorly rehabilitated mining activities have a

negative impact on the natural and scenic environment within the NDM.

The constraint of having an unrehabilitated coastline in perpetuity cannot

be overstated and is estimated by the authors to be the most serious

environmental risk facing the NDM.

The curtailment of mining activity will have a negative effect upon

employment and the economy of the NDM. Whilst the protection of

ecological systems is an important goal, especially the securing of

biodiversity after mine closure, the economic and social benefits of mining

in the NDM cannot be ignored.


The rehabilitation of the old or declining mines within the NDM is important

for the protection of the natural environment and the increased tourism,

development and aesthetic appeal. Rehabilitation of mines is a critical issue

for the NDM, if large mines such as the coastal diamond mines are closed

without proper rehabilitation, the NDM will have to deal with the

unrehabilitated coastline in perpetuity. The NDM would be constrained in

developing its economy, tourism and ecological protection of the coastline.

Coastal diamond mines are of particular concern since the nature of the

impact, the extent of the impact and the duration of the existing

environmental impacts are larger than that of a traditional mine such as

Black Mountain or O’kiep. Concern is also heightened by the imminent

closure of the mines and the overall lack of engagement with mining

companies over this issue.

It is important to note the conservation agreement managed by the Black

Mountain mine covering approximately 23 000 ha of mine holdings near



Aggeneys which represents an important biodiversity habitat. If this

agreement is successfully implemented, it will provide a template on how

the protect ecosystems, whilst providing the economic benefits of the mine.

Mining projects should be encouraged in the NDM, subject to appropriate

environmental controls. Thus the NDM should actively provide support to

mining projects that are long-term and whose environmental impacts can

be successfully managed.



5. Mining activity should be

encouraged in the NDM. This

activity should have the

appropriate controls over the

environmental impacts.

NDM should provide mining projects with the

necessary institutional support that would be

required to get these projects into sustainable

operation;

The NDM reviews of mining project’s EMPRs

should focus on the environmental impacts of

the mine and whether or not these can be

successfully mitigated. A special focus should

be placed on the closure plans and the end

planned use of the area after mining has been

completed. If these aspects of the mining plan

are satisfactory, mining should be encouraged

by the NDM.

6. Rehabilitation of coastal

diamond mines.

Obtain the closure plans of mines with short

remaining life of mine and review these

documents critically. This applies especially to

the coastal diamond mines where

transformation of the natural vegetation over

large areas has been total.

The DME should be lobbied to ensure that

complete rehabilitation is carried-out by these

mines

Closure plans that offer to trade complete

rehabilitation off against the transfer of

infrastructure or land should be viewed with

suspicion. It is likely that the environmental

liability and the costs to the economy of

incomplete rehabilitation would be greater

than the benefit derived from infrastructure or

land ownership.

Any transfer of ownership of these declining

assets should be carefully reviewed whenever

the opportunity presents itself. Of particular

concern should be which party holds the

environmental liability of the mining land.

Strategically, the best outcome for the NDM




would be to ensure that the environmental

liability remains with the owner that has

access to the largest financial resources. In

this light ownership transfer schemes that

purport to improve local ownership should be

viewed with circumspection, since local

owners do not have access to the resources

to carry out rehabilitation works.

In the case of Alexkor, caution should be

exercised by NDM managers to ensure that

the primary result of the historic land claim

won by the Richtersveld Community is not

their ownership of the liability for

environmental cleanup of the mine. This may

be one of the unintended consequences of

the Pooling and Sharing Joint Venture

currently being embarked upon by both

parties.






Responsibilities

NDM should provide

mining projects with the

necessary institutional

support that would be

required to get these

projects into

sustainable operation.

Institutional support to mining. Number of new of

expansions to mining

projects

DMR


The NDM reviews of

mining project’s

EMPRs should focus

on the environmental

impacts of the mine

and whether or not

these can be

successfully mitigated.

A special focus should

be placed on the

closure plans and the

end planned use of the

area after mining has

been completed. If

these aspects of the

mining plan are

satisfactory, mining

Reviews of mining project’s

EMPRs should focus on

impacts of mine to

environment.

Formal result of EMPR

review;

Hectares of mine land

returned to planned closure

use

DMR

DENC




should be encouraged

by the NDM.

Obtain the closure

plans of mines with

short remaining life of

mine and review these

documents critically.

This applies especially

to the coastal diamond

mines where

transformation of the

natural vegetation over

large areas has been

total.

Closure plan Formal result of EMPR

review

DMR

DENC


The DMR should be

lobbied to ensure that

complete rehabilitation

is carried by these

mines.

Enforce rehabilitation of mines. Project Tracking

DMR

DENC


Closure plans that offer

to trade complete

rehabilitation off against

the transfer of

infrastructure or land

should be viewed with

suspicion. It is likely

that the environmental

liability and the costs to

the economy of

incomplete

Closure plan Memorandum of

understanding with DMR

DMR

DENC




rehabilitation would be

greater than the benefit

derived from

infrastructure or land

ownership.

Any transfer of

ownership of these

declining assets should

be carefully reviewed

whenever the

opportunity presents

itself. Of particular

concern should be

which party holds the

environmental liability

of the mining land.

Strategically, the best

outcome for the NDM

would be to ensure that

the environmental

liability remains with the

owner that has access

to the largest financial

resources. In this light

ownership transfer

schemes that purport to

improve local

ownership should be

viewed with

Ownership of assets Percentage of the impacted

coastline returned to

planned closure use

DMR

DENC




circumspection, since

local owners do not

have access to the

resources to carry out

rehabilitation works.

In the case of Alexkor,

caution should be

exercised by NDM

managers to ensure

that the primary result

of the historic land

claim won by the

Richtersveld

Community is not their

ownership of the

liability for

environmental cleanup

of the mine. This may

be one of the

unintended

consequences of the

Pooling and Sharing

Joint Venture currently

being embarked upon

by both parties.

NDM managers should ensure

that the primary result of the

historic land claim won by the

Richtersveld Community is not

their ownership of the liability

for environmental cleanup of

the mine

Percentage of the impacted

coastline returned to

planned closure use

DMR

DENC





Mining in the NDM should be encouraged where the mining can be carried

out with a minimum of environmental impact and where the mining area

can be returned to planned closure use after mine closure.

Existing mine rehabilitation should be complete and effective to allow

continued beneficial use of the mining area by all inhabitants of the NDM.

5.4.14 Agriculture


Overgrazing is a major threat to biodiversity within the NDM. The situation

is particularly severe in Pella, Komaggas, Richtersveld, Steinkopf,

Concordia and Kamiesfontein.

The NDM is an area which is susceptible to land degradation and

desertification. Policies and programs are required to promote and ensure

the sustainable management of land resources within the District. Williston

and Fraserburg are commercial farming areas within the District where land

degradation is a serious problem


Sustainable agricultural practices are needed to avoid further land

degradation within the NDM.

Stock farming guidelines are required and if adopted will have positive

conservation benefits.

The development of the fishing and mariculture sector is considered a good

alternative to mining. This alternative has good economic potential for the

three coastal local municipalities: Kamiesberg, Nama Khoi and

Richtersveld.

Increased manufacturing and sustainable growth can empower the local

farmers and in turn benefit the local community.





7. Overgrazing Implement and enforce the grazing by-laws

adopted by local municipalities in the district

Stock farming guidelines for the NDM should

be developed and used by authorities,

community representatives and organised

agriculture.

8. Addressing land degradation

generally, but with a focus on

the Williston and Fraserburg

area.

Sound agricultural practices to be promoted in

order to maintain and enhance the soil’s

agricultural potential.

Soil conservation measures to be adopted

where appropriate

Implementation of these measures should be

through the EIA process where the

agricultural project requires environmental

authorisation;

Enforcement using CARA should be used in

cases where the EIA process does not apply.

9. Game farming expansion Game farming should be encouraged where

possible due to its contribution to tourism and

its generally reduced ecological impact when

compared to stock farming;

Game management needs to be practised to

ensure that the farms are stocked with

indigenous species and that the carrying

capacity of the land is not exceeded.

The construction of access roads on game

farms should be controlled through the EIA

process. A layout plan of the tracks required

on the game farm should be submitted with all

EIA applications to allow for the appropriate

control.

Hunting regulations to be enforced.

10. Expansion of irrigated

agriculture, with water being

provided by the Orange River.

DWA should be approached with the

suggestion regarding the feasibility of a dam

located after the Fish River confluence on the

Orange River;

DWA should also be approached with regards

to increasing the scope for irrigated

agriculture, using water allocated from the

Lower Orange Water Management Area.

Dept of Agriculture should be approached to

determine the feasibility of expanding irrigated

agriculture in the vicinity of the Orange River

and alongside the existing raw water pipe to

Springbok.





Responsibilities

Implement and enforce

the grazing by-laws

adopted by local

municipalities in the

district.

Enforce grazing by-laws Number of enforcement

measures undertaken

NCDALR

Agricultural Sector



Stock farming

guidelines for the NDM

should be developed

and used by

authorities, community

representatives and

organised agriculture.

Develop guidelines for stock

farming

Development and use of

stock farming guidelines;

NCDALR

Agricultural Sector


Sound agricultural

practices to be

promoted in order to

maintain and enhance

the soil’s agricultural

potential.

Promote sound agricultural

practices

Number of enforcement

measures undertaken

NCDALR

Agricultural Sector


Soil conservation

measures to be

adopted where

appropriate.

Adopt soil conservation

measures

Project Tracking

NCDALR

Agricultural Sector




Implementation of

these measures should

be through the EIA

process where the

agricultural project

requires environmental

authorisation.

EIA process to be followed Project Tracking

NCDALR

Agricultural Sector

DENC


Enforcement using

CARA should be used

in cases where the EIA

process does not apply.

Apply CARA Project Tracking

DENC


Game farming should

be encouraged where

possible due to its

contribution to tourism

and its generally

reduced ecological

impact when compared

to stock farming.

Encourage game farming Project Tracking

NCDALR

Agricultural Sector

DENC


Game management

needs to be practised

to ensure that the farms

are stocked with

indigenous species and

that the carrying

capacity of the land is

not exceeded.

Practice game management Number of enforcement

measures undertaken

NCDALR

Agricultural Sector

DENC


The construction of Control construction of access Number of enforcement NCDALR



access roads on game

farms should be

controlled through the

EIA process. A layout

plan of the tracks

required on the game

farm should be

submitted with all EIA

applications to allow for

the appropriate control.

roads on game farms measures undertaken DENC


Hunting regulations to

be enforced.

Enforce hunting regulations Feasibility Investigation

NCDALR

Agricultural Sector

Hunting Associations


DWA should be

approached with the

suggestion regarding

the feasibility of a dam

located after the Fish

River confluence on the

Orange River.

Construction of Dam Feasibility Investigation

DWA

DENC

DWA should also be

approached with

regards increasing the

scope for irrigated

agriculture, using water

allocated from the

Lower Orange Water

Increase irrigated agriculture Feasibility Investigation

DWA

DENC



Management Area.

Dept of Agriculture

should be approached

to determine the

feasibility of expanding

irrigated agriculture in

the vicinity of the

Orange River and

alongside the existing

raw water pipe to

Springbok.

Increase irrigated agriculture Feasibility Investigation

NCDALR

Agricultural Sector

DENC

Hunting Associations





Agriculture in the NDM is an important economic resource and should be

expanded where ecological considerations allow and where good

agricultural practice is followed. Existing poor agricultural practice is to be

rectified and rehabilitated through enforcement actions. The feasibility of

securing additional water sources should be investigated.



CHAPTER 6. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ZONES

6.1 Purpose

The purpose of developing Environmental Management Zones (EMZ) in an

Environmental Management Framework is to establish the sensitivity of the

environment in a given area and the development of appropriate management

measures for each feature.

These control zones, along with the management measures will not dictate the

type of development allowed but will give an indication of that environment’s

resilience to various types of development.

Due to the scale of this project it is advisable that due cognisance of surrounding

management zones be undertaken in order to get a representative impression of

the area studied.

A computerized Geographical Information System (GIS) was used to map all the

biophysical elements recorded in the study area. For the Status Quo phase of

the Namakwa EMF and SEMP, the following biophysical attributes were

described, and mapped:

SKEP Sites;

SANParks;

Provincial Nature Reserves

Coastline;

Priority Areas;

Biodiversity Corridors;

Nature Reserves;

Kloofs;

Rivers;

Slopes;

Wetlands;

Population Centres;

Cultural and Historical Features;

Mines; and

Climatic Regions.

The information was used to compile an environmental sensitivity map that was

used to manage the area.



It is important to note that the accuracy of this document is restricted to the

accuracy of information sourced during the Status Quo phase of the

development of this EMP. In a constantly changing environment features may

change in significance, sensitivity and importance in a short time period. This

system is therefore a potential existing document that should be updated

constantly to keep up with changes in the environment.

An A3 map of the Environmental Management Zones is contained as Appendix

B.

6.2 Methodology

6.2.1 Introduction

The methodology for management zones has been developed based on

principles of various assessment methods but relies heavily on the Overlay

Analysis.

This refers to the integration of different data layers during a process of

overlaying. This could be conducted as a visual operation or analytical operation

that requires joining more than one data layer to show distinct combination of

attributes and determine the environmental vulnerability of a given area.

6.2.2 Process for Development of Environmental Management Zones

The NDM has been overlaid with a grid. The grid size is 4,7km x 5,5km. This

size was selected for a number of reasons:

Due to the size of the study, it is expected that this is the most

useful size to give an overall image of the study area without

compromising the importance level of each environmental

feature.

This is the same size as the 1:10 000 orthophotos. In other

words, a single block can be investigated and compared to the

Orthophoto of the area. This is useful in cross-referencing of

information.

This grid size makes provision for sufficient buffer areas

around each feature.

The second step in the development of the environmental management zones

was to assign a sensitivity rating to each environmental attribute that was

sourced during the status quo of this study. An explanation of the Environmental

Sensitivity Index (ESI) is provided in Section 6.3 of this document.



A standard query was conducted to assign each grid block with a rating

equivalent to the sensitivity of the environmental attributes in that block. The

highest sensitivity of each block took precedence over any other attributes and

the block was therefore by default assigned to an Environmental Management

Zone with the same rating as the highest rated environmental sensitivity in that

area. Please refer to Plate 19 and Plate 20 for a demonstration of process.



Plate 19 Calculation for ESI Rating

This is the area near Damsfontein River, in the Karoo Hoogland Municipality. The river has an ESI Rating of D but there

are critical biodiversity sites in the same area, with an ESI of A. This the whole block is assigned into EMZ “A”.

River –

ESI Rating D



Plate 20 Resultant EMZ Assignment



Population centres have been excluded from the principle above of precedence

of the highest rating. The reason for this is because there has been a high level

of impact on developed areas and it is therefore assumed that environmental

attributes have already been impacted upon and should therefore be reduced to

give a true reflection of the area in question.

6.3 Environmental Management Zones

The Environmental Management Zones are derived from the Environmental

Sensitivity Index for each of the environmental attributes within a given block.

The Environmental Sensitivity Index has been developed to make provision for

seven categories. These categories vary from critical to very low and there is a

category for not applicable. Please refer to Table 46 for a description of each

element of the sensitivity index.

Table 46 Environmental Sensitivity Index

EMZ ESI Description

A Critical

The zone includes a number of environmentally sensitive

features and development should be avoided. If the development

is critical to the economic and social wellbeing of the local

population, utmost care should be taken to avoid impacts and

mitigate where possible.

B Very High

Several environmentally sensitive features are present.

Development should be restricted in terms of type and magnitude

of impact. This rating is not very lenient in terms of development

but does recognise that development cannot be excluded where

compelling economic and social benefits will be derived for the

local and regional population. All legislative requirements should

be adhered to and a fully inclusive consideration of the

biophysical receptors should be undertaken. Development in

these areas will also require a comprehensive public participation

process with input from stakeholders and government

organisations.

C High

These areas include environmentally sensitive features.

Development in this zone must serve to complement the area

and should be limited where relevant. Adequate provision should

be made for the protection of environmental features and a fully

inclusive participation process should be conducted.

D Medium

These areas include environmentally sensitive features which are

relatively common in the study area. Development must be

guided by the constraints offered by the site and must be ensure

that adequate provision is made for protection of environmental

features. Applicable legislation should drive the process to be

followed.



EMZ ESI Description

E Low

The area is regarded to have little environmental sensitivity in

comparison to the Zones A to D. Development should be

facilitated in this area whilst ensuring compliance to existing

legislation and best practice approaches.

F Very Low

The area is regarded to have been potentially has been heavily

impacted upon. Development should be facilitated in this area

whilst ensuring compliance to existing legislation and best

practice approaches.

G Not applicable No rating was provided due to lack of relevant information.

The criteria used in determining the ESI rating was based on the following:

Uniqueness of the feature

Biophysical importance of the feature

Percentage of groundcover in the study area

Replaceability of the feature

Existing conservation status

Existing biophysical degradation

The following are the environmental elements that make up the ESI, which are in

turn allocated to various Environmental Management Zones.

6.3.1 Critical Sites

Critical biodiversity areas (CBA’s) are terrestrial and aquatic features in the

landscape that are critical for retaining biodiversity and supporting continued

ecosystem functioning and services.

The NDM Critical Biodiversity sites have been developed based on various

sources of biodiversity information. These areas have been defined according to

the Guideline Regarding the Determination of Bioregions and the Preparation

and Publication of Bioregional Plans. These sites reflected on reactive decision

making and land-use legislation, proactive forward planning and proactive

conservation.

All developments, irrespective of type or magnitude, will be subject to

environmental screening, EIA in terms of NEMA where applicable, specialist

investigations, project specific environmental management plans and a

comprehensive public consultation process.

ESI RATING: A



6.3.2 Important Sites

Important sites form part of the same spectrum as critical biodiversity sites but

are not considered on the same level as critical sites. In the study area important

sites specifically refer to quartz and gravel patches, areas with slopes that cover

surfaces of more than 25 hectares, kloofs that are larger than 50 hectares or

modelled Riverine Rabbit habitat.

ESI RATING: B

6.3.3 Protected Areas

SANPArks manages the indigenous fauna, flora, landscapes and associated

cultural heritage of the country in geographically defined areas. These protected

areas are recognized in the Protected Areas Act. Development in parks are

planned with due consideration of biodiversity of the area. It is therefore

considered appropriate to apply the precautionary principle in the development

of areas neighboring national parks and to cooperate with SANParks in this

regard. The provincial reserves such as Nababieps Nature Reserve and

Garlagskloof are also recognized in NEMPAA.

Furthermore, public nature reserves are included in conservation areas. Several

nature reserves are found in the area of which Goegap Nature Reserve and

Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve, Nababiep Nature Reserve and Richtersveld World

Heritage Site are some of the more prominent Nature Reserves.

ESI RATING: B

6.3.4 Coastal line

The Namakwaland Coast area includes 432 plant species, 85 of which are

unique to the Succulent Karoo Hotspot and 44 of which are classified as globally

threatened.

The Northern Cape has an abundance of diamond deposits both onshore and

offshore. Diamond mining and tourism development have transformed much of

the Namakwa coastline.

All mining concession areas have some level of restriction in terms of access to

the area. Marine and coastal resources can therefore not be utilised to their

maximum sustainable capacity for the socio-economic benefit of the people of

the Northern Cape. Due to the limited use of coastal areas, the physical



infrastructure of the area is also poorly developed and those that do exist are

mostly related to mining use.

The Coastal Public Property, an area 1.2km offshore of the high Water Mark and

45 – 60m above the High Water Mark, is considered a rating of ECI C. This

applies to state land. However, the Coastal Protection Zone covers an area of

approximately 1 km of the High Water Mark. This applies to all land that is un-

zoned or zoned undetermined or agricultural.

Even though large portions of the coast are owned by mining houses, the entire

coastal area has been included. Development in this zone will be restricted.

ESI RATING: C

6.3.5 Priority Areas

Only 2.5% of the Succulent Karoo is formally protected, and the locations of

formal protected areas mean that they do not represent the wide array of

environmental heterogeneity, biodiversity patterns and processes in the region.

Conservation planning exercises generally distinguish between different types of

protected areas, according to the degree of protection of biodiversity provided. A

common distinction made is between statutory and non-statutory reserves.

Statutory reserves are supported by strong legal and institutional structures,

while non-statutory reserves represent varying degrees of legal protection and

institutional capacity that are consistently weaker than statutory protected areas.

ESI RATING: C

6.3.6 Ecological Supporting Areas

The principal goal of corridor-planning is to maintain or restore connectivity

across the landscape. Achieving this requires stimulating the creation of

additional protected areas through voluntary stewardship agreements in the form

of conservation areas, biodiversity agreements and contract nature reserves.

ESI RATING: C



6.3.7 Rivers

The scarcity of water resources is a defining feature of this arid environment.

Two main rivers that are present in the area – the Orange River and the

Oliphants / Doring rivers are under pressure from agriculture and alien

vegetation encroachment.

The conservation of aquatic (river, wetland and estuary) resources can help

ensure that the region is able to withstand climate change, and sustain the

NDM’s people and globally unique biodiversity in the face of climate change.

However, water as a resource – especially in the riverine environment – can be

sufficiently managed while allowing for sustainable development of the area.

ESI RATING: D

6.3.8 Wetlands

Wetlands play an important role in accumulating sediment from rivers and

streams. This is important since it acts as a natural water purification system and

it also provide suitable habitat for an array of fauna and flora. Sediment overload

due to water pollution is a major threat as well as trampling of wetland vegetation

that leads to soil compaction and erosion.

Legislation with regards to wetlands and water bodies in terms of the National

Water Act is considered an appropriate enforcement means to protect wetlands

against unsustainable development.

ESI RATING: D

6.3.9 Slopes

South-facing slopes play an important role in biodiversity of the area. These

create unique habitats for invertebrates due to cooler habitats where species

under threat from changing climate colonise.

Furthermore slopes are at higher risk of exposure of soil that could lead to

erosion or settlement of invader plant species.

In terms of the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, cultivation of slopes

that exceed 20% is prohibited. Several measures are available to reduce the

impact on slopes for cultivation purposes



ESI RATING: D

6.3.10 Population Centres

Developed areas have already impacted on the environment and changed the

characteristic to such an extent that very little of the natural area is still visible in

most cases. It is therefore a fair assumption that environmental attributes that

are overlaid with population centres should be excluded from a higher

environmental sensitivity zoning.

Another factor to bear in mind where population centres are affected, is the

impact of humans and the possible consequences on socio-economic level.

Settlements in NDM are generally in the lower income groups and are therefore

more vulnerable to changes that could affect their well-being on a socio

economic level.

The exploitation of the natural environment in pursuit of achieving economic

growth and poverty alleviation, does not come without consequence- adversely

affecting land, water and soil quality and availability, pollution, desertification and

forest cover levels. Overexploitation not only results in environmental

degradation, but also worsens poverty conditions - counteracting the very goal

economic growth aims to achieve.

The rating of this attribute is therefore based on the town planning principle of

densification. Urban sprawl would lead to further degradation over a larger area

while densification will limit this.

ESI RATING: E

6.3.11 Cultural and Historical Features

Cultural and historical features are widely spread over NDM. These features

have a great deal of historical and cultural meaning for a number of ethnic

groups.

Most of the cultural and historical features are located in or near population

centres. It is important to protect these features from destruction of development

but is in most cases they are very small – less than one hectare – and are

difficult to consider geographically in this study area.

This feature will therefore be addressed in the SEMP.



ESI RATING: E

6.3.12 Mines

Mining is an important sector in providing jobs and contributing to the Gross

Geographic Product (GGP) of an area. Typical environmental impacts

associated with the mining sector include the loss of biodiversity due to the

transformation of natural habitats and ecosystems. Mining processes usually

require large volumes of water and this creates a huge demand on available

water resources. Other impacts include air pollution, noise pollution and the

visual impact of large open-cast mining operations.

It is therefore evident that mining has already transformed large portions of the

district and contributed to environmental degradation. This can never be

considered as a positive but, in the absence of more sensitive environmental

attributes, the advantages of this activity outweigh the damage done.

This attribute should be treated with caution and by no means exempts potential

development from compliance with applicable legislation.

ESI RATING: F

6.4 Management of Environmental Management Zones

The resultant Environmental Management Zones are presented in the figure in

Appendix B. The figure colouring shows each of the zones. The management

criteria for each zone are specificed in the table below.

The table below provides guidance on the resilience of each Environmental

Management Zone to absorb various development types.

It should however be noted that this document does not authorise or prohibit

certain development types but merely serves as guideline as to which

development types will be suitable in each Environmental Management Zone.



Table 47 Development Types Suitable for Each Environmental Management Zone

Environmental

Management

Zone

Conserv

ation

Agricu

lture

Serv

ice I

nfr

astr

uctu

re

Urb

an D

evelo

pm

ent

Lin

ear

Deve

lopm

ents

Energ

y G

enera

tio

n

Researc

h

Waste

re

late

d

Heavy Ind

ustr

y

Min

ing

Natu

ral R

eso

urc

e A

ctivitie

s

A Yes No Possible No No No Yes No No No Possible

B Yes No Possible No Possible No Yes Possible No No Possible

C Yes Possible Possible No Yes Possible Yes Possible No Possible Possible

D Yes Yes Yes Possible Yes Yes Yes Yes Possible Possible Yes

E Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Possible Possible Yes

F Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

G Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Conservation

Conservation activities in this sense refer to any activity that will promote

conservation. Conservation areas do not include tourism developments.

Agriculture

Agricultural activities refer to crop production and livestock production. This

is applicable to any vacant land, irrespective of existing land-use zoning.

Agricultural activities include commercial and subsistence farming larger

than 1 hectare.

Service Infrastructure

Service infrastructure includes any basic services that have not been

developed yet. This includes, water, electrical and sewer reticulation and

treatment works. If any existing services are to be expanded due

consideration should be taken of the receiving environment and the studies

required in terms of Section 6.5 of this report.

Urban Development



Urban development includes the provision of housing, commercial and

industrial facilities, tourism facilities. Development of this nature is

encouraged in areas that have already been developed.

Linear Developments

Linear developments include any activity that will result in the registration of

servitudes. Linear developments cannot be prohibited in most areas due to

the needs of people living in the area. It is however discouraged in EMZs A

and B and alternatives to traversing these areas should be investigated.

Energy Generation

Large portions of land need to be cleared for energy generation projects.

These types of projects usually pose a higher threat to the immediate

surrounding environments due to the nature of the project. However, the

need for sustainable energy provision is acknowledged and it is

recommended that energy generation projects be limited to EMZ D – G

areas.

Research

Due to the unique quality of the NDM it is expected that large scale

research projects will be conducted in this area. Research is allowed in all

areas of the district but it is expected that the precautionary principle be

applied at all times and that the nature of research conducted in EMZ A – C

areas is not destructive in any way.

Waste Related

Waste activities include any activity related to solid, hazardous, liquid or

gaseous wastes. This includes waste water treatment facilities. These

activities are discouraged, especially in EMZ A – B areas, but should be

allowed if the environmental consequences of the project not going ahead

outweigh the impacts if the project is allowed.

Heavy Industry

Heavy industry includes any activity that is capital and / or manufacturing

input-intensive such as automobile, industrial machinery, steel or

petroleum. Although these industries usually contribute significantly to job

creation, cognisance of the social impacts should be considered when

established near settlements. This type of development will not be allowed

in EMZ A – B areas.



Mining

Mining refers to any activity covered in the Minerals and Petroleum

Resources Act. Mining should be discouraged in EMZs A and B, but

projects with sufficient scale to make a large impact on the district

economic and social status quo should be considered as mitigation factors

when motiviating for a mine in EMZ B areas

6.5 Environmental Investigations

This Section provides a guideline in terms of the minimum environmental

investigations that should be conducted prior to any development in the various

environmental management zones. This section serves as guideline for initiating

environmental investigation but should not be considered complete. Best

practice and the precautionary principle should be applied at all times. This

section does not exempt any activity from applicable legislation.

Table 48 Environmental Investigations Suitable for Each Environmental Management Zone

Environmental

Management

Zone

Scre

en

ing

Enviro

nm

enta

l

Feasib

ility

Investig

ation

EIA

Basic

Assessm

ent

Activity S

pecific

EM

P

Specia

list

Investig

ation

Deta

iled P

ub

lic

Consultation

Conserv

ation P

lan

Lic

enses a

nd P

erm

its

Regio

na

l Im

pact

Consid

era

tion

EC

O

A Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

B Yes Yes Possible Possible Yes Yes Yes Possible Yes Yes Yes

C Yes No Possible Possible Yes Yes Possible Possible Yes No Possible

D Yes No Possible Possible Yes Possible Possible No Yes No Possible

E Yes No Possible Possible Yes Possible Possible No Yes No No

F Yes No Possible Possible Yes Possible Possible No Yes No No

G Possible Possible Possible Possible Possible Possible Possible Possible Possible Possible Possible

Screening – refers to the process of determining the type and magnitude of

study that will be required. Screening should consider all legislation, processes,

policies and frameworks applicable to the study area.

Environmental Feasibility Investigations – in this context means a environmental

practicability evaluation of the proposal, with due consideration of legal



requirements. This investigation should consider social, economic and natural

environmental features.

EIA or Basic Assessment – Refers to the processes as described in NEMA

Government Notice R385. It is recommended that for Environmental

Management Zone A, a full EIA is conducted, even when a Basic Assessment

Process is required due to the nature of the project. This is a precautionary

approach to ensure protection of EMZ A areas. In every other EMZ, the need for

a full EIA or a Basic Assessment will be determined by the nature of the project

in accordance with R386 and R387 of NEMA.

EMP – Environmental Management Plans are useful tools to ensure

environmental best practice and enforcement of conditions of approval. EMPs

should be developed, especially for the construction phase of developments, and

it is strongly recommended that due considerations of the operational phase be

taken into account and management principles be recommended where

applicable.

Specialist Investigations – Refers to any investigation that falls outside the

competency of the EAP conducting assessments for any envisaged activity.

Specialist investigations are not limited to the assessments listed below, but

merely serve as an indication of assessments that might be required:

Geotechnical Investigations;

Biodiversity assessments;

Geohydrological Assessments;

River Health Assessment;

Visual Impact Assessment;

Traffic Impact Assessment;

Agricultural Potential Assessment;

Social Impact Assessment;

Socio Economic Assessment;

Heritage Impact Assessment;

Air Quality Assessment; and

Noise Impact Assessment.

Public Consultation – refers to any interaction with stakeholders of Interested

and Affected parties. Public consultation should play a vital role in the

assessment of any envisaged development. It is recommended that as a

minimum, the process for public consultation is in line with the process described

in Chapter Six of NEMA. More detailed public participation is required in EMZs A

and B which should include interacting with the dominant environmental NGOs

and the Ratepayers Associations, or similar organisations, where these entities

exist.



Conservation Plan – refers to any planned action to salvage, protect and

successfully relocate conservation-worthy items in development areas. This plan

should be compiled with input from various specialists related to the field in

question. This item is listed only as a requirement for EMZ A sites. It should

however be applied to any area that hosts threatened or endangered items.

Licences and Permits – refers to any permit or licence required in terms of South

African legislation. The list provided below is not exhaustive but serves as

indication of licences and permits that might be required: Water Use Licence,

Water Use Authorisation, permit for demolishing old buildings, registration of

waste sites, prospecting rights or mining permits.

Regional Impact Considerations – describes a process to be included in the

environmental assessment that takes the broader environment into

consideration. This implies that the EIA should not only focus on the immediate

area to be affected but should also reflect on the impacts that might be suffered

by the regional environment.

ECO – Environmental Control Officers are appointed to ensure the application of

environmental conditions of approval. ECO’s are required to submit reports to

the Northern Cape Department of Environment, Agriculture and Nature

Conservation at a frequency that has been determined prior to occupation of

site. It is suggested that the frequency of ECO’s on sites with an ESI rating of A

– B be higher that other Environmental Management Zones e.g. bi-monthly.



CHAPTER 7. MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT

7.1 Monitoring

For both the relevant authorities and the general public to determine whether or

not an SEMP/EMF has been successfully implemented, measures should be

taken to regularly evaluate, assess and report on the actions that were taken to

comply with the SEMP/EMF and the results that were achieved. Indicators can

be used to evaluate the environmental impacts identified throughout the

SEMP/EMF. These indicators, which are described in greater detail in the next

section, should be measured annually and a report on the results should be

presented to the council on an annual basis. To determine whether or not there

has been an improvement in the environment the change in the indicator results

after time could be plotted.

Examples of some of the forms these measures can take are:

Regular meetings with representatives of organizations or stakeholders

affected by development planning.

Monthly reports on the nature and type of development applications that

are received by the district municipality, for example Environmental

Impact Assessments or Basic Assessment Reports.

Monthly reporting on the various environmental attributes in the area, for

example the water quality of the local streams, the air quality, loss of

agricultural land etc.

Suggestions of practical monitoring processes, to ensure that the

recommendations of the SEMP/EMF are met, have been identified and

explained in the SEMP section of the report.

The EMF must be implemented and mainstreamed parallel with the Namakwa

Biodiversity Sector Plan. Although the Biodiversity Sector Plan informed the EMF

on the Biodiversity Important Aspects, it must be consulted with any

development projects that might impact on the environment.



CHAPTER 8. REFERENCES

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and Water. Technical Paper of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

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Baydack, R.K., Campa III, H. and Haufler, J.B. (1999). Practical Approaches to

the Conservation of Biological Diversity. Island Press, USA.

Bledzki, A.L. 2008. Ecosystems and Human Well-being: Wetlands and Water:

Wetlands and Water: Ecosystems and Human Well-being.

CEPF. (2008). Assessing Five Years of CEPF Investment in the Succulent

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Community Survey, 2007. Basic Results: Municipalities. Statistical release

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Cousins, B; Hoffman, M; Allsopp, Rohded, N. (2007). A synthesis of sociological

and biological perspectives on sustainable land use in Namakwaland. In the

Journal of Arid Environments 70 834–846.

CSIR Environmentek, 2004. Northern Cape State of the Environment Report

Overview.

DALREC. (2003). Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, Environment and

Conservation: Northern Cape Environmental Implementation Plan (EIP).

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Management, Information Series 12, Department of Environmental Affairs and

Tourism (DEAT), Pretoria.

DEAT (2005): State of the Environment. www.deat.gov.za

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and Botanical Society of South Africa, Kirstenbosch.

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DTI. (2008). Department of Trade and Industry: Project Khuli’s Umnotho: NDM

Profile.

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Situation Assessment. Ninham Shand in association with Jakoet and Associates,

Volume 1 and 2, Report No. P17000/00/0101.

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Area. Prepared by PDNA, WRP Consulting Engineers (Pty) Ltd, WMB and

Kwezi-V3 on behalf of the Directorate: National Water Resource Planning.

DWAF Report No P WMA 14/000/00/0304

DWAF 2005. Olifants/Doorn Water Management Area Internal Strategic

Perspective. DWAF: Pretoria

DWAF, 2008. Groundwater Resources in the Northern Cape Province. DWAF:

Pretoria

DTI: 2008. Project Kulis’ Umnotho, NDM Profile,

Enviro-Fish Africa (Pty) Ltd, Northern Cape Province Coastal Management Plan,

2005

EWT. (2010). Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) Riverine Rabbit Working Group

Overview.

http://www.ewt.org.za/workgroups_overview.aspx?group=rabbit&page=overview.

Accessed on 15 November 2009.

Hewitson, B. (2007): High Resolution Regional Climate Change Scenarios for

Sub-Saharan Africa. In: Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation in

Developing Country Regions. (pp:56-59.) Eds. Leary, N. & Kulkarni, J. AIACC.

Washington, DC.

Huld T., Šúri M., Dunlop E., Albuisson M, Wald L (2005). Integration of

HelioClim-1 database into PVGIS to estimate solar electricity potential in Africa.

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Exhibition, 6-10 June 2005, Barcelona, Spain, http://re.jrc.ec.europa.eu/pvgis/.



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Integrated Development Plan, Karoo Hoogland Municipality, 2008/2009

Integrated Development Plan, Khai Ma Municipality, 2008/2009

Integrated Development Plan Review, Richtersveld Municipality, 2008

Jeffares and Green; and Ingerop Africa, 2006. Integrated Waste Management

Plan for NDM

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Linzer L.M., Bejaichund M., Cichowicz A., Durrheim, R.J., Goldbach O.D.,

Kataka M.O., Kijko A., Milev A.M., Saunders I., Spottiswoode S.M., Webb S.J.

2007. Recent research in seismology in South Africa, South African Journal of

Science, Vol.103 No.9 – 10, Pretoria: Sept./Oct.

Lochner, P. 2005. Guideline for Environmental Management Plans. CSIR Report

No ENV-S-C 2005-053 H. Republic of South Africa, Provincial Government of

the Western Cape, Department of Environmental Affairs & Development

Planning, Cape Town.

Marsh A., Dr. Desmet P. & Oosthuysen E. 2008. NDM Biodiversity Sector Plan

Draft.

Mucina L. and Rutherford M.C. 2006: The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho

and Swaziland. South African National Biodiversity Institute. Pretoria.

Mukheibir, P. (2007): Qualitative Assessment of Municipal Water Resource

Management Strategies under Climate Impacts: The Case of the Northern Cape,

South Africa. Water SA, 33 (11 pages).

NDM Growth and Development Strategy, 2008

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2006

Northern Cape Tourism Board. 2007. The Weather. Available from

http://www.northerncape.org.za/general_information. Downloaded 17 August

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Oosthuizen, L.K. Land and water resources management in South Africa.

University of Free State. Bloemfontein.

Reason, C.J.C.; Enelbrecht, F.; Landman, W.A.; Lutjeharms, J.R.E.; Piketh, S.;

Rautenbach, C.J. de W. & Hewitson, B.C. (2006): A Review of South African

Research in Atmospheric Science and Physical Oceanography During 2000-

2005. S.A.Jnl. of Sci. 102:35-45.

Southern African Data Centre for Oceanography, 2005. Sadco Workplan 2006.

Vol 17 No 2 - June 2006.

SKEP. (2003). SKEP 20 Year Strategy: Biodiversity Conservation and

Sustainable Land-Use in the Succulent Karoo.

South African Rain Atlas, http://134.76.173.220/rainfall/index.html, accessed 22

October 2009

Stabilis Development. (2009). NDM Economic Profile.

Statistics South Africa, Community Survey 2007

Statistics South Africa, Census 2001

Todd, S., Milton, S., Dean, R., Carrick, P. & Meyer, A. (2009). Ecological Best-

Practice Livestock Production Guidelines for the NDM.

Turpie, J. & Joubert, A. 2004. The value of flower tourism on the Bokkeveld

Plateau – a botanical hotspot. Development Southern Africa, 1470-3637, Volume

21, Issue 4, Pages 645 – 662

Wu Xiao-ping, Chen Xiu-fang, Ma Chao-qun, Yang Xiao-yu, Ran Mao-ping &

Meng Xiang-ding. 2007. Comprehensive assessment method for environmental

impact of railway based on geographic information system. Journal of Central

South University of Technology.

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Industry. Pure Appl. Chem. Vol. 71, No.9, pp. 1655 – 1661.

Additional Sources:



Correspondence with District Manager, Namakwa, November 2009

Correspondence with Annelise Le Roux – local vegetation specialist, November

2009

Correspondence with the Namakwaland Development Agency, October 2009

Correspondence with NDM, October 2009

Correspondence with Richtersveld Local Municipality, October 2009

Correspondence with Khai Ma Local Municipality, October 2009

Correspondence with Kamiesberg Local Municipality, October 2009

Correspondence with Hantam Local Municipality, October 2009

Correspondence with Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality, October 2009

Correspondence with the Department of Education, NDM, September 2009

Correspondence with the Department of Sports and Recreation, NDM,

September 2009



Appendix A. THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS

INTRODUCTION Background

Public participation is an integral requirement of the National Environmental Management Act

(Act 107 of 1998). The process followed for this project has taken into account all aspects of

public participation as stipulated in the legislation.

THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS

Process and Purpose

Public Participation provides the opportunity for all Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) to

participate on an informed basis. The primary purpose of public participation is to ensure that the

relevant stakeholders and all I&APs within the EMF jurisdiction are informed about the EMF

process, provide comments and input and identify relevant issues that need to be addressed in

relation to the findings during the project phase.

Purpose of the Project

The purpose of the Public Participation Report is to:

Provide a comprehensive list of stakeholders and I&APs;

Provide a list of people who attended the PSC meetings and workshops;

Provide a list of meetings with stakeholders; and

Provide a report on comments, concerns and issues raised during the process.

INCEPTION PHASE

An Inception Meeting was held on 23 June 2009.

A Project Steering Committee Meeting was held on 29 July 2009 with all PSC members.

Newspaper Adverts

Newspapers that were used to advertise the EMF and the Public Open Days were:

Die Eland, Alexander Baai on 25 September 2009;

Diamond Field Advertiser, Springbok on 17 September 2009;

Die Noordwester, Calvinia on 17 September 2009;

Die Burger, national distribution on 17 September 2009; and

The Gemsbok, Upington on 23 September 2009.

Public Open Days

The Status Quo analysis for the project was presented at the Public Open Days. The Public

Open Days were held as follows:

6 October 2009 at the Alexander Bay City Hall;

7 October 2009 at the Namakwa High School, Springbok; and

8 October 2009 at the Calvinia Community Hall.

CREATING AWARENESS

The aim of this phase was to inform the I&APs and PSC Members of the project and how it

would benefit the environment. A Background Information Document and a Comment and Reply



Form were prepared in order to inform participants of the EMF and were distributed to

stakeholders, district and local municipal officials, interest groups and I&APs.

DISSEMINATING INFORMATION Meeting with PSC Members

PSC MEETING 29 JULY 2009

A meeting was held at Springbok on 29 July 2009. The following main points were discussed:

The EMF will be carried out in accordance with accepted practises as no official guideline on the

developments of EMFs is currently available.

The proposed sections of the Status Quo section of the process will incorporate the following:

Status Quo;

GIS Mapping; and

Public Participation.

The final EMF will include the following:

Opportunities and Constraints Report;

Action Plans;

Development of Sustainability Parameters;

Strategic Environmental Management Plan;

Evaluation and Monitoring Plan; and

Public Participation.

THE MEETING WAS ATTENDED BY:

DENC: Kimberley Deputy Director: Impact Management Mr. Sibonelo Mbanjwa

DENC: Kimberley Assistant Director: Impact Management Mrs. Basani Ndindani

DENC: Kimberley EO: Impact Management Mrs. Lucille Flagg

DENC: Kimberley AD: Integrated Environmental Management Mrs. Elise Lameyer

DENC: Kimberley Principal EO: Waste Management Mr. Bronwen Cornelissen

DENC: Springbok Assistant Director: Coastal Resources Uses Ms. W. Oppel

NDM Acting Municipal Manager Mr. Jannie Laubser

NDM The LED Manager Mr. I. Groenewald

DENC: Springbok Conservation Planner Mr. E. Oosthuysen

DWA: Upington The Regional Manager Mr. Henry Abbott

DME: Springbok The Regional Manager Mr. Jasper Nieuwoudt

DPLG The Regional Manager Mr. A. Holland

DEAT: Springbok ASD: Local Government Support Mrs. N. Le Breton

Department of Agriculture The Regional Manager Mr. S. Van Der Poll

Nemai Consulting Project Manager Mr. Ciaran Chidley

The people listed below attended the meeting as representatives or alternates of the

departments where they are employed.

DENC: Springbok Intern Ms. Z. Nero

Namakwa District Municipality Head: Community Services Mr. William Auret

DENC: Upington EO: IEM Mr Adriaan le Roux

DENC: Upington PEO: EIM Ms Anga Yaphi



DENC: Springbok AD: Coastal Resources Uses Mr. Solly Vukeya

PSC MEETING 27 JANUARY 2011

A meeting was held at Kimberley 27 January 2011. The following main points were discussed:

The purpose of the PSC was to review the EMF and give an opportunity for DEA to make further

comments on the contents and way forward.

The purpose of the Project Meeting was to review the EMF and give an opportunity for DEA to

make further comments on the contents and way forward.

The EMF was presented to the PSC. Key points included:

Methodology – including a discussion regarding guidance over PSC meeting

postponements;

Status Quo Section;

SEMP – including the costal recommendations; and

EMF – including the GIS mapping and the rationale ehind the Environmental

Management Zones.

The following actions should be taken with regards finalisation of the project:

Include an Executive Summary for the Report;

Adjust the land-uses for the Environmental Management Zones to no prohibit

development in any zones. Ensure that sufficient controls exist in each zone

to protect environmental resources;

Add the final details to the Public Participation section of the report;

Prepare a poster and gloosy summary of the report;

Hand over the GIS layers to DENC for their further use; and

The EMF should be gazetted for public comment by DENC.

THE MEETING WAS ATTENDED BY:

DENC: Kimberley Deputy Director: Impact Management Mr. Sibonelo Mbanjwa

DENC: Kimberley EO: Impact Management Mrs. Lucille Flagg

DENC: Springbok Conservation Planner Mr. E. Oosthuysen

DEA: Pretoria DD: Decision Support Tools Mr Khanyiso Mtolo

Nemai Consulting Project Manager Mr. Ciaran Chidley

PROJECT PROGRESS MEETINGS

Project progress meetings were held to document progress with the project and to presen the

SEMP and EMF to officials in an effort to stimulate interest and debate in the project.

The meetings always started with a presentation of the document, followed by a question and

answer session where areas of uncertainty and aspects that should be addressed were

docussed.

These meetings were held in Kimberley.

Project Progress Meeetings were held on

4 December 2009;

3 March 2010;

3 August 2010



IAP DATABASE OF IAPs FOR THE NAMAKWA EMF:

IAP Category Name Organisation Position Telephone Fax E-Mail

Local

Government Mr. H. Visser Namakwa District Municipality Executive Mayor 027 712 8000 027 712 8040 [email protected]

Local

Government Mr. J. Loubser Namakwa District Municipality Acting Municipal Manager 027 712 8000 027 712 8040 [email protected]

Local

Government Mr. I. Groenewald Namakwa District Municipality LED Manager 027 712 8000 027 712 8040 [email protected]

Local

Government Mr. H. Thron Namakwa District Municipality Environmental Official 027 712 8000 027 712 8040 [email protected]

Local

Government Mr. M. Claasen Namakwa District Municipality Ward Councillor

Local

Government Mr. F. Van der Heever Nama Khoi Local Municipality Mayor (ward councillor contact point) 027 718 8100 027 7121635 [email protected]

Local

Government Mr. J.W. Nortje Nama Khoi Local Municipality Acting Municipal Manager 027 718 8100 027 7121635 [email protected]

Local

Government Mr. R. Hartley Nama Khoi Local Municipality LED Manager 027 718 8100 027 7121635 [email protected]

Local

Government Ms. Ntombi Feni Nama Khoi Local Municipality Environmental Official 027 718 8100 027 7121635 [email protected]

Local

Government Mr. L. Ambrosini Richtersveld Local Municipality Mayor 027 851 1111 027 851 1101 [email protected]

Local

Government M. J.G. Cloete Richtersveld Local Municipality Municipal Manager 027 851 1111 027 851 1101 [email protected]

Local

Government Mr. A. de Wet Richtersveld Local Municipality LED Manager 027 851 1111 027 851 1101 [email protected]

Local

Government Mr. Siabonga Richtersveld Local Municipality Environmental Official 027 851 1111 027 851 1101

Local

Government Mr. Singh Richtersveld Local Municipality Ward Councillor 027 851 1101

Local

Government Mr. M. Klaase Kamiesberg Local Municipality Acting Mayor 027 652 8000 0866 968996 [email protected]

Local

Government Mr. G. Maarman Kamiesberg Local Municipality Municipal Manager 027 652 8000 027 652 8001 [email protected]

Local

Government Position is still vacant Kamiesberg Local Municipality LED Manager 027 652 8000

Local

Government Ms. Sarah Cloete Kamiesberg Local Municipality Environmental Official 027 652 8000 027 652 8001

Local

Government Mr. M. Klaase Kamiesberg Local Municipality Ward Councillor 027 652 8000 0866 968996 [email protected]




Local

Government

Mrs. L. Bruinthies-

Groenewald Khai-Ma Local Municipality Mayor (ward councillor contact point) 054 933 0066 054 933 0252 [email protected]

Local

Government Mr. P.J. Baker Khai-Ma Local Municipality Acting Municipal Manager 054 933 0066 [email protected]

Local

Government Position is still vacant Khai-Ma Local Municipality LED Manager 054 933 0066 054 933 0252

Local

Government Mr. Roderikus Loster Khai-Ma Local Municipality Environmental Official [email protected]

Local

Government Ms. M. Dyers Hantam Local Municipality Mayor 027 341 8500 027 341 8501 [email protected]

Local

Government Mr. I. Valentein Hantam Local Municipality Acting Municipal Manager 027 341 8500 027 341 8501 [email protected]

Local

Government R. N. Viljoen Hantam Local Municipality LED Manager 027 341 8500 027 341 8501 [email protected]

Local

Government Mr. R. van Wyk Hantam Local Municipality Environmental Official 027 341 8500 027 341 85 [email protected]

Local

Government Mr. Koose Hantam Local Municipality Ward Councillor

Local

Government Ms. J. K. Malho Karoo-Hoogland Local Municipality Mayor 053 391 3003 053 391 3294

Local

Government Mr. V. Opperman Karoo-Hoogland Local Municipality LED Manager 053 391 3003 053 391 3294 [email protected]

Local

Government Mr. Alister Givons Karoo-Hoogland Local Municipality Environmental Official 023 5711 265 [email protected]

Local

Government Ms. J. K. Malho Karoo-Hoogland Local Municipality Mayor 053 391 3003 053 391 3294

Environmental

NGO Suzaan Erasmus WESSA Northern Cape 053 839 2717 053 842 1433

Environmental

NGO Sharon Bosma WESSA Western Cape 021 7011397 021 701 1390

Environmental

NGO Jurg Wagener Observatory 023 5711 405

Environmental

NGO Brian Northern Cape Rural Development Association 053 873 3183 053 833 4347

Environmental

NGO Coetzee Owen Northern Cape Tourism Authority 053 832 2657 053 831 2937

Environmental

NGO Anton Earle African Centre for Water Research 021 424 4738 021 422 3810

Environmental Dave Mcdonald Botanical Society of South Africa 021 650 2866 021 650 3791

mailto:[email protected]




NGO

Environmental

NGO Ronnie Newmen Namakwa Conservation

Environmental

NGO Richard Fuggle Environmental Evaluation Group 021 650 3791 021 650 2866

Environmental

NGO Noel Oettle Environmental Monotoring Group 021 448 2881

Environmental

NGO Keith Harrison Birdlile SA 022 713 3026

Environmental

NGO Elanza van Lengte Namakwa Parks Park Manager 027 672 1948 027 672 1010

Environmental

NGO Harr May Surplus People Project 021 448 4605 [email protected]

Client

Officials/PSC Sibonelo Mbanjwa DTEC: Kimberley Deputy Director: Impact Management 053 807 7470 053 832 1035 [email protected]

Client

Officials/PSC Basani Ndindani DTEC: Kimberley Assistant Director: Impact Management 053 807 7300 053 831 3530 [email protected]

Client

Officials/PSC Lucille Flagg DTEC: Springbok EO: Impact Management 027 718 8800 [email protected]

Client Officials Dineo Moleko DTEC:Kimberley 053 807 7430 [email protected]

Client Officials Thato Molefe DTEC: De Aar 053 361 0616 [email protected]

Client Officials Nditsheni DTEC: Kimberley 053 807 7430 [email protected]

Client Officials Lerato Sebuseng DTEC :Kimberley 053 807 7430 [email protected]

Client Officials J.J. Mutyorauta DTEC: Kimberley 053 807 7430 [email protected]

Client Officials L. Pienaar DTEC:Kimberley 053 807 7462 [email protected]

Client Officials T. Nakayoni DTEC: Kimberley 053 807 7430 [email protected]

Client

Officials/PSC Ciaran Chidley Nemai Consulting 011 781 1730 [email protected]

PSC Members Mrs. Elise Lameyer DTEC: Kimberley Assistant Director: Integrated Environmental

Management 053 80 77374 053 832 1035 [email protected]

PSC Members Mr. B. Cornelisson DTEC: Springbok Principal EO: Waste Management 027 718 8800 086 547 9698 [email protected]

PSC Members Ms. W. Oppel Department of Environmental Affairs & Conservation Asistant Director: Coastal Resources Uses 027 718 8000 027 718 8814 [email protected]

PSC Members Mr. Jannie Laubsher Namakwa District Municipality Municipal Manager 027 712 8000 027 712 8040 [email protected]

PSC Members Mr. I. Groenewald Namakwa District Municipality LED Manager 027 712 8000 027 712 8040 [email protected]

PSC Members Mr. E. Oosthuysen Department of Environmental Affairs & Conservation Conservation Planner 027 718 8800 086 646 4623 [email protected]

PSC Members Mr. Henry Abbott Department of Water Affairs and Forestry Regional Manager 054 338 5800 054 334 0205 [email protected]

PSC Members Mr. J. Niewoudt Department of Minerals and Energy Regional Manager 027 712 8163 027 712 1959 [email protected]













PSC Members Mr. A. Holland Department of Local Government and Housing Regional Manager 027 712 2090 027 712 2033 [email protected]

PSC Members Mrs. N. Le Brenton Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism Regional Manager 027 718 2957 027 718 1871 [email protected]

PSC Members Sarah Frazee Consevation International Manager 021 799 8655 021 762 6838 [email protected]

PSC Members Mr. S. van der Poll Department of Agriculture Regional Manager 027 712 1315 027 712 2270 [email protected]

Information

Sources Johan Van Schalkwyk DTEC: Kimberley

Information

Sources Willem Auret Namakwa DM 027 712 8000

Information

Sources Bryan Fischer DTEC: Kimberley

Information

Sources Mathieu Rouget SANBI GIS Specialist 012 843 5232 012 843 5205 [email protected]

Information

Sources MC Gregor Museum MC Gregor Museum Kimberley 053 839 2700

Information

Sources Leana Smith Richtersveld National Park Manager

Information

Sources Surprise Zwane Department of Environmental Affairs & Conservation Principal Environmental Officer 012 310 3145 012 310 3688 [email protected]

Simone Bugan O27 718 8800 O27 7188 814 [email protected]

Piet Alexander O27 341 8500

Katrina Galant O27 341 8500

Jacobus O27 341 8500

Zurleka Nero O27 718 8800 O27 718 8814

Deidre William O27 712 8163 O27 712 8163 deidre.william.dme.gov.za

Abraham Joseph O27 341 8500

Jasmine Appols O27 341 8500

Amanda Coetzee O27 341 8500

Solly Vuyeka O27 718 8800 O27 718 8814 [email protected]

Elanza Van-lengte O27 672 1948 O27 672 1015 [email protected]

Bernard Van-lengte O27 672 1948 O27 672 1015 [email protected]

Eddie Julius O27 712 8000 O86 602 6100 [email protected]

Arther Jansen O27 851 1101 [email protected]

Nick De-geode O27 831 1506 O27 831 1175 [email protected]

Pieter Scholtz









G.P.Huysamen O27 831 1765

S. Ntuli O27 831 1101

E. Hausiku O71 926 7734

Z. Nero O27 718 8800 O27 718 8814

Ziekas Blom O27 831 1457 [email protected]

W.J. Mureen O27 831 1279



SUMMARY OF PROJECT MEETINGS

04 DECEMBER 2009

Attendance

No Company/

Organisation Position Name and Surname Email Address Telephone Fax

1 DTEC:

Kimberley

Director: Impact

Management JJ Mutyorauta

[email protected]

a 053 807 7430

2 DACE:

Kimberley

Deputy Director:

Impact Management Mr Sibonelo Mbanjwa [email protected] 053 807 7470 053 832 1035

3 DACE:

Kimberley

Assistant Director:

Impact Management Mrs Basani Ndindani [email protected]

053 807 7430

082 335 7385 053-831 3530

4 DACE:

Kimberley

Assistant Director:

Integrated

Environmental

Management

Mrs Elise Lameyer [email protected] 053 807 7430 053 832 1035

5 Nemai

Consulting Director Mrs Nicky Naidoo [email protected] 011 781 1730 011 781 1731

6 Nemai

Consulting Project Manager Mr Ciaran Chidley [email protected] 011 781 1730 011 781 1731

7 DENC Conservation

Planner Enrico Oosthuysen [email protected] 027 718 8800



No Company/


8 DENC PEO Dineo Maseko [email protected] 053 807 7430 053 831 3530

9 DENC AD Elise Lameyer [email protected] 053 807 7374 053 831 3530

10 DENC PEO Lerato Mokhoantle [email protected] 053 807 7430 053 831 3530

11 DENC AD Bryan Fisher [email protected] 053 807 7300

12 DENC

CS Vhalinavho

Khavhagali

[email protected]

a 053 807 7430

13 DENC AS Peter Ramollo [email protected] 053 807 7442



03 MARCH 2010

Attendances

No Company/


1 DTEC:

Kimberley

Director: Impact

Management JJ Mutyorauta

[email protected]

a 053 807 7430

2 DACE:

Kimberley

Deputy Director:

Impact Management Mr Sibonelo Mbanjwa [email protected] 053 807 7470 053 832 1035

3 DACE:

Kimberley

Assistant Director:

Impact Management Mrs Basani Ndindani [email protected]

053 807 7430

082 335 7385 053-831 3530

4 DACE:

Kimberley

Assistant Director:

Integrated

Environmental

Management


5 Nemai

Consulting Director Mrs Nicky Naidoo [email protected] 011 781 1730 011 781 1731

6 Nemai

Consulting Project Manager Mr Ciaran Chidley [email protected] 011 781 1730 011 781 1731

7 Nemai

Consulting GIS Specialist Ms Elani Brits [email protected] 014 592 3448 014 592 3426

8 DENC Conservation Vhalinavho [email protected] 053 807 7430 053 831 3530



No Company/


Scientist Khavhagali a

9 DENC Environmental

Officer Ramuhulu Nnditsheni [email protected] 053 807 7430 053 831 3530

10 DENC Environmental

Officer Tshegofatso Lekutle [email protected] 053 807 7430 053 831 3530

11 DENC Ecologist Christine Pienaar [email protected] 053 807 7441 053 831 3530

12 DENC AD.RDS Elsabe Swart [email protected] 053 807 7430 053 831 3530

13

DENC

Environmental

Officer Dineo Kgosi [email protected] 053 807 7456

053 831 3530



03 AUGUST 2010

Attendance

No Company/

Organisation Position Name & Surname Email Address Telephone Fax

1 DENC Director: Impact

Management JJ Mutyorauta [email protected] 053 807 7430

2 DENC Deputy Director: Impact

Management Mr Sibonelo Mbanjwa [email protected] 053 807 7470 053 832 1035

3 DENC Assistant Director: Impact

Management Mrs Basani Ndindani [email protected]

053 807 7430

082 335 7385 053-831 3530

4 DENC

Assistant Director:

Integrated Environmental

Management


5 Nemai

Consulting Regional Manager Mr D Henning [email protected] 011 781 1730 011 781 1731

6 Nemai

Consulting Senior Consultant Mr R Phamphe [email protected] 011 781 1730 011 781 1731

7 DENC Admin Clerk Ms L. Pienaar [email protected] 053 807 7462 053 831 3530



Annexure A. Comments and Response Report

The comments below represent the correspondence received from I&APs and key Stakeholders.

No. Name Organisation Comments Response

1. Mr. S. Zwane

Department of

Environmental

Affairs (Pretoria)

Definition of terms and abbreviations

must be included before the actual

content of the report.

Second last sentence. It is Section 24

(3) of NEMA, as amended which

provides the legal standing for EMF

initiation, development and adoption.

Paragraph 2. How much time was

allocated for public comments and

what method was used to provide

feedback?

Figure 1: The rainfall regions of South

Abbreviations are included in the final

document.

Amended

The timeframe for comments was 30

days as per the BID and newspapers

adverts. The Comment and Reply Form

attached to the BID as well as the

newspaper adverts that provided the

consultant’s contact details were the

methods used for feedback. The method

used was one-on-one with targeted

groups.

Map is referenced in the final document.




Africa. Referencing required. How

recent is the data and is it verified with

WeatherSA?

To be consistent and to be in line with

the EMF process as regulated, it is

best that reference be made to the

status quo rather than redefining it to

state of the environment, as this may

create confusion. Referencing is also

required in this section. Please affect

this in the report.

Section 5.4.1.3: The management

objectives must also refer to existing

guidelines and strategies available.

The management objectives are

generic as they do not respond to ‘how

to’, which must clearly provide and

assign the management objectives, as

well as roles and responsibilities by all

organs of state.

Table 46. The colour coding on ‘Very

High’ and ‘Medium’ is almost similar

and can create confusion when

interpreted on a map. Kindly replace

Final document is referenced.

The management objectives include

targets, roles and responsibilities

Colour coding has been changed




the yellow with another different colour.

Section 6.2.1. What criteria was used

to determine the sensitivity zones and

how was this used to determine (in this

case classify) and define the different

management zones. Clearly indicate

the criteria used. Please attach map

that indicates the different

management zones. Table 47 makes

no sense without the spatial

representation on a map.

Section 7.1: Monitoring and

enforcement measures must be clearly

defined. The indicators must be

measurable on a set of parameters and

targets that are achievable. The

indicators provided in the SEMP

section that must be monitored are not

clear as to how it can be measured,

which makes them less practical to

implement this part. What mechanism

or actions may be suggested for which

implementation can be monitored on

clear targets that are achievable.

The criteria used to determine the

sensitivity zones is described in detail in

Section 6.2.1 and the Map is indicated in

Appendix B.

The Targets and Roles and

Responsibilities are included Section 5.4.




The maps provided do not clearly show

the alignment and conflicts between

SDF and the EMF. This must be well

reflected in the report and mapped

accordingly. Furthermore, what efforts

were made to align the spatial

information in the draft EMF report with

the local municipalities SDFs?

Maps are virtually illegible. Is it

possible to provide A3 size maps for

easy interpretation? Map and diagram

referencing must be included for each

of the maps used in the report,

particularly the ones not been

generated by the project team.

Sources of information must be clearly

indicated. Proper numbering of the

sub-topics is very crucial. (This applies

to the entire report)

The desired state section in the report

does not give a sense of the outcomes

taken from the status quo report and

public input does not seem to have

been incorporated in the desired state

At present, there are no SDFs available

from the NDM or the local municipalities.

Gerda Bezuidenhoudt from the

Namakwa District Municipality indicated

that consultancies have been appointed

to undertake SDFs.

Maps were enlarged and referenced in

the final document.

All the public inputs and comments are

incorporated into the final report.




reports. The desired state report needs

to reflect the situation on the ground as

well as the perspective of the local

people must be taken into

consideration. Management of the

natural resource base must be

reflected as a priority in this area and

ensure that other land uses and/ or

current use of land happens in a

responsible manner.

The desired state should reflect the

desired state as perceived by various

stakeholders and should highlight

opportunities and constraints between

various expectations, especially in

respect to the use of limited resources

and planning around those. The

management of those opportunities

and constraints should be the focus of

the SEMP which could for example:

-Set rules of the game based on the

identified principles and legal

obligations by organs of state in the

The Targets and Roles and

Responsibilities are included Section 5.4.




district;

-Set guidelines for the allocation of

resources;

-Set guidelines to ensure that strategic

potential to make decisions is not lost;

-Allocate responsibility to specific

authorities and organisations.

The human environment is not reflected

in the SEMP. How will the principles for

allowing growth in the area be

determined if the human environment

has not been assessed and integrated in

the overall strategic objectives of the

district. An EMF is a decision support

tool, to facilitate the conservation of

important natural resources, whilst at the

same time creating an enabling

environment the conservation of

important natural resources, whilst at the

same time creating an enabling

environment for the rapid delivery of the

municipal services in the areas of little or

no natural resource value and aimed at

describing the environmental attributes of

The human environment is discussed in

details under Social Environment section

and incorporated an analysis of the

population trends between the 2001,

2006 Censuses and the 2007

Community Survey.




an area, assessing the attributes in terms

of relative sensitivity to development and

guiding environmental decision-making

and sustainable development planning.

The framework must assess issues of

importance including the biophysical

(climate, landscape character, ecology,

hydrology, agricultural potential and the

build environment) as well as the human

environment.

Delineation of environmental

management zones must also include

features and/ or attributes of similarity,

opportunities and constraints thereof and

the inputs of all stakeholders. The reason

for this is that the areas have distinct

environmental features and it was also

clear that each area has very specific

opportunities and constraints as well as

expectations of stakeholders. Each of

these areas also requires a different set

of management interventions from

authorities.

The method used in ground truthing (if

Section 5.4 deals with the Constrains

and Opportunities, together with the

Targets and Roles and Responsibilities.

The delineation of environmental

management is based on environmental

features.

Appendix A detailed the Public




any was done), where ground truthing

was done and/ or where none was done,

it must be indicated in the report.

Participation. The ground truthing

includes detailed site visits, local

knowledge, interaction with local people

and aerial photographs.

2. Mr. Enrico Oosthuysen

Department of

Environment and

Nature

Conservation

(Northern Cape)

Pg 6 – replace NC DENC with DENC

(Department of Environment and Nature

Conservation)

Pg6 – Write out Namakwa District

Municipality and there after refer to NDM

Pg9 – replace Goods and Services with

Ecosystem Services

Pg17 – replace conservation agencies

with DENC

Pg31 – spelling error under 4.1.4 (coast

Amended

Amended

Amended

Amended

Amended




not cost)

Pg38 – include in list of protected areas

Goegap Nature Reserve, Nababiep

Nature Reserve and Oorlogskloof Nature

Reserve.

Pg41 – Bokkeveld Sandstone Fynbos is

Vulnerable, and not Least Threatened

Pg43 – Namakwa Granite Renosterveld

is Vulnerable, and not Least Threatened

Pg46 - Namakwa Granite Renosterveld

is Vulnerable, and not Least Threatened

Pg48 – Richtersveld Coastal Duneveld is

Vulnerable, and not Least Threatened

Pg53 – replace biodiversity corridors with

Ecological Supporting Areas

Pg59 – as far as I know, the Namakwa

Marine Protected Area has not been

gazetted yet?

Pg93 – replace conservancies with

nature reserves

Pg94 – include Oorlogskloof Nature

Reserve under Eco-tourism list

Pg94 – write out Oorlogskloof Nature

Reserve, under Adventure Tourism list

Amended

Amended

Amended

Amended

Amended

Amended

Amended

Amended

Amended

Amended




Pg95 – remove Namakwa Festival,

under Culture and Historical Features.

Otherwise include all festivals in the

district e.g. Calvinia Meat Festival.

Pg98 – replace Conservation Areas with

Protected Areas

Pg99 – write out Orange River Mouth

RAMSAR site

Pg99 – replace Richtersveld Community

Conservancy with Richtersveld World

Heritage Site

Pg99 – spelling error – replace with

Nababiep Nature Reserve, at Vioolsdrift

Pg99 – replace Kleinzee Nature

Reserve, near Kleinzee with Molineux

Private Nature Reserve

Pg99 – replace Black Mountain Nature

Reserve, near Aggeneys with Black

Mountain Private Nature Reserve

Pg99 – replace conservation areas with

Protected Areas

Pg101 – include information on Goegap,

Nababiep and Oorlogskloof Nature

Reserves, as you have done with the

Amended

Amended

Amended

Amended

Amended

Amended

Amended

Amended

Amended




national parks.

Pg162 – replace conservancies with

nature reserves

Pg162 – include Goegap, Nababiep and

Oorlogskloof Nature Reserves in list.

Pg202 – include Nature Reserves and

Kloofs in list

Pg207 – replace Conservation Areas

with Protected Areas

Pg207 – remove Black Mountain Nature

Reserve (not access able to the public)

Pg207 – include Oorlogskloof Nature

Reserve, Nababiep Nature Reserve and

Richtersveld World Heritage Site

Pg208 – replace biodiversity corridors

with Ecological Supporting Areas

Pg217 – include the following: The EMF

must be implemented and mainstreamed

parallel with the Namakwa Biodiversity

Sector Plan. Although the Biodiversity

Sector Plan informed the EMF on the

Biodiversity Important Aspects it must

always be consulted with any

development projects that might impact

Amended

Amended

Amended

Amended

Amended

Amended

Amended

Amended




on the environment.

The ranking of sensitivity zones works

well and I like the idea, but unfortunately

it is at a very broad scale. Many of the

critical biodiversity areas are lost in the

4.7x5.5km grids. Therefore it must be

stressed that the EMF does NOT replace

the Namakwa Biodiversity Sector Plan. It

must be used parallel with the Sector

Plan on any development projects that

might impact on the environment. Very

specific mentioning must be made

towards the Namakwa Biodiversity

Sector Plan in the EMF, as well as where

it could be obtained – LED Officials in

municipalities or at Department of

Environment and Nature Conservation,

Springbok Office. It is also available at

http://bgis.sanbi.org/

The EMF/SEMP is not a stand-alone

report and must be used in conjuction

with the Namakwa Biodiversity Sector

Plan



Appendix B. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ZONES

environmental management framework and strategic environmental management … · 2018-04-04 · ndm...

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