SEDIBENG – The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Sedibeng District Municipality conducted an oversight visit to the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve on Friday, highlighting persistent challenges facing one of the district’s most valuable assets.

Councillor Sibusiso Dyonase, DA caucus leader, said the reserve, valued at over R2 billion, is underutilised and struggling with infrastructure issues. “There is a water pipeline running through the reserve that has been incomplete for more than 15 years. Several buildings, including the main hotel, are falling apart. Health and safety concerns have led to the closure of key facilities, and the reserve is not fully leveraging its tourism potential,” Dyonase said in a video update.

The DA noted that despite these challenges, the reserve continues to attract day visitors for hiking and cycling, with some revenue generated through game auctions. “We saw the main office near the entrance, which has been declared unsafe. Windows were broken, roofing was collapsing, and vegetation had begun growing inside. Nearby farmhouses and camp facilities are either abandoned or poorly maintained,” Dyonase explained.

During the inspection, the DA team encountered logistical challenges, including accessing a gate no longer in use and finding staff tied up in meetings, prompting councillors to explore the facilities independently.

Dyonase urged the Gauteng provincial government to prioritise investment in Suikerbosrand. “This reserve has immense potential to drive tourism and create jobs for residents. With proper management and infrastructure investment, it can become a key economic driver for Sedibeng,” he said.

Currently, the reserve’s main revenue-generating activities are limited to hiking, cycling, and occasional game sales, with its hotel and other tourist facilities lying dormant. The DA’s visit aimed to draw attention to these shortcomings and advocate for renewed investment and strategic management to unlock the reserve’s full potential.