The future of the Blesbokspruit

Since being observed as a Ramsar Site in 1986, the Blesbokspruit has had its problems. It was placed on the Montreux Record, which is established in Switzerland, in 1996 and has been on the record for the past 17 years.

This is not a good thing, as this record is the equivalent of a person being blacklisted. It is for environmental sites that are experiencing serious ecological problems, both for humans and wildlife.

Hosted by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD), the meeting was held for all the stakeholders and other interested parties to discuss and give comment on where the Blesbokspruit stands today and if it should be removed from the Montreux Record or not.

Vukozi Ndlopfu from GDARD looked at the different challenges currently facing the Blesbokspruit.

Acid mine drainage is still a problem, but it has been established that mines decanting into the Blesbokspruit will treat the water before it is pumped into the spruit.

He also noted that in the 17 years the site has been on the Montreux Record, attempts to better the status of the site have not been very effective.

A presentation given by founder of the Marievale and Grootvlei Bird Sanctuaries and member of the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, Stan Madden, showed that although efforts are being made to spray the ever present reeds, more must be done to renew the Blesbokspruit area.

In an evaluation of the water quality of the Blesbokspruit, Mark De-Fontaine from Rand Water showed how the quality of the water is improving slightly, but the phosphate and ammonia levels are cause for concern.

“The phosphate levels are climbing at an alarming rate and this is mostly due to waste water treatment,” he explained.

Edward Netshithothole from the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) advised that the site be taken off of the Montreux Record.

“The Blesbokspruit should be deleted off the Record so that we can solve the problems without the international attention,” he said.

The response to this statement from most of those present was negative.

“The problems have not been eliminated yet,” said De-Fontaine.

“Is the reason why you want it to be taken off the Record that it has become a blemish to South Africa? If it is taken off, then the international pressure on GDARD and national government is reduced.”

Stan agreed, saying that it should remain on the Record.

“We need a time frame from GDARD stating the steps to be taken at different stages, with an ambition for it to be taken off within, say, the next two years.”

This was agreed on by all stakeholders.

GDARD and DEA also agreed to draw up the management plan and the meeting ended on this hopeful and positive note.