KNRA annual general meeting
“This year visitors in the reserve have increased enormously, with over 21 000 hikers between March this year and now."
KLIPRIVIER Nature Reserve Association’s AGM was held on Thursday, August 18, and great news was shared with the members. Over 21 000 hikers from March until August have been into the reserve, enjoying all the natural beauty it offers.
The meeting, chaired by Harry Meyer, was well attended and two guest speakers were called upon to talk to the members and guests.
Melo Mathonsi spoke about the role he is playing in the reserve. “I’d like to thank KNRA and JCPZ (Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo) for their support in assisting me with my job. I’ve recently attended a course learning about grasses and trees, and presently I am in the reserve during the week days picking up litter, cleaning the streams of rubbish, controlling alien plants and generally keeping an eye open, making sure the reserve is looked after,” Mathonsi said.
Bishop Ngobeli (manager, protected area), gave his talk, which included news about the revamp of the Entrance Precinct area, a game count, checking the animals regularly, controlling alien and invasive plants, and firebreaks. “This year we’ve only had one fire in the reserve, which didn’t do much damage and was well controlled. The boundary fence is also regularly checked for damage.
“The game count resulted in a total of 111 animals in the reserve, including, zebra, springbok, blesbok and red hartebeest. Projects under way include water testing in the reserve and vegetation monitoring.
“This year visitors to the reserve have increased enormously, with over 21 000 hikers between March this year and now. I’m sure newspaper articles and the Get It South article about the reserve, have also dramatically improved awareness of the reserve and for this we are grateful,” Ngobeli added.
Lea Brash read the treasurer’s report, which everyone was happy with.
Meyer added, “Hiking and other events have definitely created awareness within the community and we are in the process of having our website updated to be more user-friendly. Four information boards have been erected in the reserve and a noticeboard will be up in the next week or two at the Entrance Precinct.
“Benches have been placed in the reserve and some of the lighting has been replaced. There have been two major hikes which were very successful, as well as a couple of evening events.
“Thank you to Johannesburg South Garden Club members who are always ready to assist with plants and planting, as well as the Enviro Club who are involved with the KNRA. Thanks also to Cathy Naude who is responsible for the monthly newsletter and the outgoing committee. Welcome to the new committee, we all wish you the best of luck for the future. If anyone would like to volunteer their time and expertise we will be happy to welcome you on board,” Meyer added.
It was noted dogs are not allowed in the nature reserve and residents who throw their garden refuse over their walls into the reserve will be dealt with accordingly.
The meeting ended with the new committee welcomed and refreshments were enjoyed.
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