Illegal miners bring challenges to Ramsar site
Because of the broken down boundary fence, access control became one of the major issues
The activities of illegal miners is the biggest challenge Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) experience in the greater Marievale area.
Andile Gumede, spokesman for GDARD, answered questions the Advertiser asked on management of their part of the Blesbokspruit Ramsar site.
This part, situated between Grootvaly and Marievale, used to be Anglo American property. It was handed over to the province in 2009. This area then became part of the short- and long-term plans of managing the Ramsar site when it was incorporated into the Marievale Integrated Management Plan in 2012.
This management plan, amongst others, included undertaking daily patrols, control of alien plants, undertaking bird counts and research.
At the handing over in 2009 Anglo gave GDARD R1-million that was used for the demolition of old infrastructure, procurement of fencing material, surveying of the area’s boundary and procurement of machinery like chainsaws.
Currently they were investigating ways of securing the area.
Gumede said there were no plans for infrastructure development because the remoteness of the area brought associated risks.
“Once security has been stabilised, GDARD will review its position on the matter.”
He said illegal mining in the area was identified as the main challenge of the greater Marievale area, including Daggafontein.
Because of the broken down boundary fence, access control became one of the major issues.
“We are working with the local South African Police Service, which includes joint planned monthly operations in the area.”
He said GDARD was also investigating long-term security management options like extending the current services of a private security contractor, as well as a game ranger system.
On the issue of overgrown reeds, Gumede said GDARD, as part of the overall management of Marievale Bird Sanctuary, developed a reed management document which allows for systematic planning and reed management.
“This work rolls out as part of habitat management of the greater Blesbokspruit Ramsar initiative. During the 2013/14 financial year, GDARD sprayed selected areas of the main Marievale Bird Sanctuary,” he said.
