[PHOTOS] You can help save the Kenmare Kloof
The Kenmare Kloof Conservation Association recently had their year-end function and update about what is being done to save the Kloof.
The Kenmare Kloof Conservation Association’s members all came together at the Khosa Club on 30 November to end off a year of hard work.
This organisation has been working tirelessly throughout the year to return the Kloof, that stretches through the whole of Krugersdorp all the way to Roodepoort, to its original state.
Photos: Natasha Pretorius.
This year they have been removing the black and silver wattle trees that grow in the Kloof. Although it seems they are removing the trees unnecessarily, Hanno Moller, the chairperson of the organisation, explained that these trees are in fact more of a problem than a solution.
They use up to 80 per cent more water than indigenous trees. They are prolific plants that kill everything that grows around them, taking away the water and nutrients needed by the other plants that grow in the Kloof.
However, getting rid of these trees is difficult as they grow back quickly and more aggressive. But, Hanno explained, they have estimated that if they can get rid of all the wattles, an extra 50 to 100 million litres of clean water will be coming out of the Kloof.
The Kloof has the only river in Gauteng of which the water is so clean that one can drink straight from it.
Apart from all their hard work, the organisation has become the West Rand branch for the Wildlife Environmental Society of South Africa recently, which is a big accomplishment.
Hanno said that it costs their organisation about R35 000 per month to maintain the Kloof and get rid of the wattles.
These funds are mostly sponsored by association members and they would like the community to get involved too by sponsoring them or even taking the time to come and help them.
The aim is to get the Kloof back to its natural state, have hiking trails and convert the Manie Mulder camping grounds into a conservation education centre.
The Kloof is also home to the Albertina Sisulu Orchid, an endangered Mountain Reedbuck and recently, they have found a Marico Barb fish that was thought to be extinct. The Black Eagles use this area for hunting and feeding.
The organisation recently appointed a full-time ranger to patrol the Kloof as people come in and use it for religious rituals or a picnic space and then leave the Kloof damaged and polluted.
The night was enjoyed with fabulous food, and entertainment by Jacques Steyn.
If you would like to help this organisation to save ‘our Kloof’, please phone Hanno on 076 475 1249 or Andries Eksteen on 081 714 8919.
