Some of the orchids found in the Proteadal area; Brachycorythis conica subsp transvaalensis.
Krugersdorp residents probably are unaware of an orchid haven right on their doorstep.
Not only is this beautiful, unspoiled area the home of a rare orchid, which is now on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s(IUCN’s) global Red List as critically endangered, but several other orchids and other beautiful indigenous flora and fauna also occur here.
When a species is critically endangered, it is facing extinction. Previously, when this orchid, Brachycorythis conica subsp. transvaalensis was listed as endangered, the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) required a buffer zone (in which no development is allowed) of 400 metres around each population.
As it is now classified as critically endangered, this buffer zone has been increased to 600 metres around each population.
Some of the orchids found in the Proteadal area; Holothrix randii.
According to a report by the Proteadal Conservation Association, this orchid was first found in Krugersdorp in 1956, but with urban sprawl, at some stage it was thought to have disappeared from our floral heritage. Our wild orchids cannot be propagated by cuttings or by collecting seeds as one would with most other plants.
However, some populations were rediscovered in 2007.
This area at Proteadal, Krugersdorp, was identified by Andrew Hankey (plant specialist and Assistant Curator at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden) as probably the most viable known population in our country. Although a few small populations of this orchid do exist elsewhere, they are not significant enough in numbers to be considered viable.
This area is also home to a variety of animals and is a vital hunting ground of the iconic Black Eagles of the Botanical Garden.
Some of the orchids found in the Proteadal area; Disa patula var transvaalensis.
As a result of these and other factors, the entire ridge system has been classified as a critically endangered ecosystem and listed as a site of irreplaceable value by GDARD.
Despite all of this, the Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM), in partnership with developer Tiamo Construction, have decided to develop high-density housing and office space on this land. When GDARD assessed the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for this proposed development, they issued a negative Record of Decision (ROD) on 22 July 2014, in effect prohibiting this development from going ahead.
“As custodians of this land, MCLM should be doing its utmost to help protect this natural heritage site for future generations. Instead, they have appealed against this ruling in favour of a more concentrated, higher density development,” the report stated.
The public is urged to join in the fight against this unnecessary and unsustainable development that threatens to change the face of Krugersdorp.
