Kenmare Kloof’s temporary closure due to serious violations
The municipality provides clarity on the reasons for the Kenmare Kloof's temporary closure and that all visitors, including religious groups, will be affected.
The temporary closure of the Kenmare Kloof will affect all visitors, especially religious groups, spiritual practitioners and traditional healers who often use the area.
• Also read: Kenmare Kloof to be temporarily closed due to repeated violations
Following Mogale City Local Municipality’s (MCLM) announcement of the temporary closure from May 25, their Department of Integrated Environment Management stressed that it needs to be clarified.
Therefore, MCLM communications officer Refilwe Mahlangu said the closure comes after inspections revealed serious violations of the National Environmental Management’s Protected Areas Act, where the Kloof was recently declared a protected area by the Gauteng Department of Environment, and these violations are not allowed under its new status.
For years, MCLM has struggled with illegal activities in the kloof, including pollution, habitat destruction, and unauthorised use of land.
“Some visitors have harvested protected plants, performed animal sacrifices, or set up permanent shelters – all of which are illegal in protected areas,” Mahlangu explained.
“While the area is closed, the municipality will work on fixing the damage and creating a long-term plan to protect the environment. During this time, all access, use, or occupation of the kloof is banned. The public is asked to stay away from the area until further notice,” she concluded.
