TRANSPORT FOR CAPE TOWN ENVIRONMENTAL ......16-Mar-17 16-Apr-17 16-May-17 16-Jun-17 RTV21...

City of Cape Town | Error! No text of specified style in document. 1

TRANSPORT FOR CAPE TOWN

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

Koos Retief

Biodiversity Area Manager: Milnerton

T: 021 444 0315 E: [email protected]

CONTENTS Pg.

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ......................................... 2

2 HIGHLIGHTS & CHALLENGES ............................. 3

3 CONSERVATION PLANNING .............................. 4

4 FLORA .................................................................... 5

5 FAUNA ................................................................... 8

6 SOIL ........................................................................ 11

7 WATER ................................................................... 11

8 FIRE ......................................................................... 13

9 PEOPLE, TOURISM & EDUCATION ..................... 14

10 STAFF ...................................................................... 17

11 LAW ENFORCEMENT ........................................... 18

12 INFRASTRUCTURE & EQUIPMENT ........................ 20

APPENDIX A: MAP OF RESERVE ......................... 21

APPENDIX B: PRESS ARTICLES ............................. 22

The City of Cape Town’s Nature Reserves webpage can be accessed by clicking this link.

T A B L E B A Y N A T U R E R E S E R V E

QUARTERLY REPORT

APRIL – JUNE 2017

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/Nature-and-outdoors/Our-precious-biodiversity/City-nature-reserves

Table Bay Nature Reserve | Tafelbaai-natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo lase-Table Bay

CITY OF CAPE TOWN QUARTERLY REPORT – 1 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH 2017 2

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A blue-green algal bloom in Rietvlei resulted in the closure of the water since 17/03/2017. Income from

visitors at the Rietvlei Water Area during this quarter was therefore the lowest ever recorded. The water was

only opened to the public again on 30/06/2017. The new visitor tariffs for the 2017/18 financial year came

into effect the next day on 1/07/2017. The daily entrance fees and environmental education fees at the

Rietvlei Water Area remained unchanged for the new financial year.

Two Cape grysbok surveys were conducted in Milnerton Racecourse, indicating that the grysbok numbers

are as high as 30 animals there. Other fauna monitoring activities included camera traps at Milnerton

Racecourse, small mammal trap arrays in the Milnerton Lagoon, and an integrated water bird census.

A Protected Area and Management Effectiveness Tracking review was conducted for the Nature Reserve

on 20/06/2017. The Protected Area Advisory Committee (PAAC) had its seventh meeting on 20/04/2017,

which was attended by 24 representatives from 17 organisations.

Alien and invasive plants that were cleared, including Port Jackson (Acacia saligna), Rooikrans (Acacia

cyclops), Manatoka (Myoporum tenuifolium), Smooth prickly pear (Opuntia monocantha), Yucca species,

Lavatera (Malva arborea), Spanish broom (Spartium junceum), Caster-oil plant (Ricinus communis), Spanish

Giant reed (Arundo donax), Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana), Red River gums (Eucalyptus

camaldulensis), and Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes).

The Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers (CREW) visited the Milnerton Racecourse on 26/04/2017

and the Coastal Section on 01/06/2017. CREW invited members of the staff and public to learn about

identifying indigenous plants and monitoring threatened and endangered flora.

The Milnerton Racecourse land swap restoration project started with the removal of compacted laterite

gravel and the transfer of topsoil, mulch, seeds, and bulbs to the receptor site. Plant cuttings were taken

from living plants in the Nature Reserve to propagate for later replanting into the restoration site.

The dust control operation, that was intended to suppress dust emanating from the season pans, was

stopped and all pipes and other materials were removed from the pans by 09/06/2017. Level 4 water

restrictions were approved by the City of Cape Town. Rainfall remained below average for most of this

quarter until June, when the measured rainfall at Rietvlei increased to above the average for that month. A

very large storm hit the Western Cape on 7/06/2017, bringing with it significant rainfall, strong winds, and a

very strong storm surge that pushed into the Milnerton Lagoon from the sea.

A firebreak was constructed at the northern edge of the Coastal Section adjacent to the Dolphin Beach

Hotel to prevent the possible spread of wildfires from the Nature Reserve onto the hotel property. Wildfires

occurred in the Zoarvlei Section on 24/04/2017 and in the Diep River Section on 14/05/2017.

The Nature Reserve facilities benefited 584 people over 24 event days. Environmental Education also

generated 340 person days of benefit over ten event days. Training of permanent and temporary staff

amounted to 24 person days over 11 training event days.

Illegal overnight structures and displaced people were removed from various locations in the Nature

Reserve, including the Coastal Section, Rietvlei Section, Zoarvlei Section and the Milnerton Lagoon. Other

illegal activities included illegal footpaths, dumping of building rubble, littering, and illegal cattle grazing in

the Diep River Section. Two site cleaning teams worked in the Zoarvlei Section to address the littering.

Figure 1. A group photo of the Table Bay Nature Reserve team.



2 HIGHLIGHTS & CHALLENGES

2.1 CHALLENGE: A blue-green algal bloom in the Rietvlei Water Area resulted in its closure since

17/03/2017. It remained closed for public safety reasons throughout this quarter. The water was only re-

opened to the public again on 30/06/2017 after a consistent decline in the algae toxins was observed.

The water was visibly green (sometimes almost opaque) and at certain times there were very toxic blue-

green scum layers that formed on the shoreline. Samples from these scum layers (sample code: RTV21) were

analysed, and the toxin levels were almost as high as 1600 micrograms of microcystin toxin per liter at times.

This exceeded the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) guidelines for recreational water bodies by two

orders of magnitude (see Figure 2 below).

Apart from the scum samples, weekly water samples from the Milnerton Aquatic Club shoreline (sample

code: MAC) and the Rietvlei jetty (sample code: RTV02) were analysed and graphs of the trends in the

various parameters were maintained. The total count of blue-green algae (Cyanophyceae) cells as well as

chlorophyll levels fluctuated throughout this quarter, but remained high. This indicated that blue-green algal

bloom was persistent (see Figures 3 and 4).

The most important parameter, however, was the microcystin toxins that are released from the algae cells.

Results indicated a gradual and consistent decline in these toxins over a period of three months, even

though some fluctuations were observed at times. The fluctuations could have been caused by variations in

the ambient temperature, the amount of light exposure and light penetration into the water, as well as the

effects of wind. Towards the end of the quarter it became clear that, despite there being high levels of

algae in the water, the quality approached the standard of drinking water (1 microgram of microcystin

toxin per liter) (see Figure 4 below). This justified the re-opening of the water to the public.

Figure 2. Microcystin toxin levels from scum samples at Rietvlei slipway (RTV21).

Figure 3. Cyanophyceae (Blue-green) cell count from MAC shore and Rietvlei jetty compared to WHO guidelines.

Figure 4. Chlorophyll-a levels from MAC shore and Rietvlei jetty compared to WHO guidelines.

Figure 5. Microcystin toxin levels from MAC shore and Rietvlei jetty compared to WHO guidelines.

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

16-Mar-17 16-Apr-17 16-May-17 16-Jun-17RTV21 microcystins 10 micrograms/liter

0

50000

100000

150000

200000

250000

300000

350000

400000

450000

16-Mar-17 16-Apr-17 16-May-17 16-Jun-17MAC CyanophyceaeRTV02 CyanophyceaeWHO moderate probability guideline

0

50

100

150

16-Mar-17 16-Apr-17 16-May-17 16-Jun-17

MAC Cholophyll-aRTV02 Chlorophyll-aWHO moderate probability guidelineRecreational chronic limitWHO low probability guideline

0

5

10

15

20

16-Mar-17 16-Apr-17 16-May-17 16-Jun-17MAC microcystins RTV02 microcystins

10 micrograms/liter 1 microgram/liter



2.2 HIGHLIGHT: Two Cape grysbok surveys were conducted in the Milnerton Racecourse Section by

contract reserve supervisor, Kyran Wright, on 26 and 28/06/2017 (see Figure 6 below). Kyran used Biodiversity

Management Branch staff in order to determine whether a previous survey that was conducted by the

former contract reserve supervisor, Landi Louw, and a team of public volunteers, was accurate.

Some fauna specialists were of the opinion that Landi Louw’s survey over-estimated the amount of grysbok,

due to the inexperience of the public volunteers. The results from Kyran’s survey however indicated that the

grysbok numbers were indeed very high with perhaps even more animals than what Landi’s team counted.

Figure 6. Biodiversity Management Branch staff conducted a drive-count census of Cape grysbok in the Milnerton Racecourse Section.

3 CONSERVATION PLANNING

3.1 Protected Area reviews and Management Effectiveness Tracking reviews of the North Region’s

nature reserves were conducted on 20/06/2017. Table Bay Nature Reserve was one of the reserves assessed

during the review, including also the Tygerberg, Blaauwberg and Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserves.

3.2 The Protected Area Advisory Committee (PAAC) for Table Bay Nature Reserve had its seventh

meeting on 20/04/2017. The meeting was attended by 24 representatives from 17 organisations, including:

African Institute for Marine and Underwater Research,

Exploration and Education (AIMURE)

Cape Bird Club

Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve

CCT: Biodiversity Management Branch

CCT: Environmental & Heritage Management Branch

CCT: Environmental Health

CCT: Subcouncil 1

CCT: Subcouncil 15

Friends of Blaauwberg Conservation Area

Friends of Rietvlei

Milnerton Aquatic Club

Milnerton Central Residents Association

Paardeneiland City Improvement District

SANCCOB

Sunset Beach Homeowners Association

Centurion Academy

Woodbridge Island Body Corporate

Some of the items on the agenda included:

Public participation process for the 'Haarlem' shipwreck test excavations, presentation by Dr Bruno

Werz (AIMURE)

SANCCOB upgrade construction works, presentation by Ms Nicky Stander (SANCCOB)

Determining Water Resources Classes and Associated Resource Quality Objectives in the Berg

Catchment (including Diep River), presentation by Mr Koos Retief on behalf of Ms Candice Haskins

Milnerton Lagoon Water Quality, feedback by Mr Koos Retief

Diep Estuary Action Plan, feedback by Mr Koos Retief

Protected Area Advisory Committee, new application from Table View Ratepayers Association.



4 FLORA

4.1 Alien and invasive vegetation was cleared in several of the Nature Reserve sections.

4.1.1 Hester Pentz, intern reserve supervisor at the Coastal Section, removed various alien species

including Port Jackson (Acacia saligna), Rooikrans (Acacia cyclops), Manatoka (Myoporum tenuifolium),

Smooth prickly pear (Opuntia monocantha), Yucca species, and Lavatera (Malva arborea) using a

combination of manual removal and chemical control methods (see Figures 7 – 10).

Figure 7. Felled Rooikrans plants near Dolphin Beach Hotel.

Figure 8. Felled Rooikrans plants in the Coastal Section.

Figure 9. Prickly pear plant about to be removed.

Figure 10. A Yucca plant.

We request neighbours to report alien plants that they might observe in the Nature Reserve and remember

to never dump garden plants into the Nature Reserve.



4.1.2 Reward Nzuza, intern reserve supervisor at the Zoarvlei Section, removed various alien species

including Spanish broom (Spartium junceum), Caster-oil plant (Ricinus communis), Port Jackson (Acacia

saligna) and Spanish Giant reeds (Arundo donax). The giant reeds concealed illegal structures for several

years and they were therefore cut to discourage illegal occupation (see Figures 11 & 12).

Figure 11. Cutting Spanish giant reed with a brushcutter.

Figure 12. Applying herbicide to Spanish giant reed stems.

4.1.3 Christopher Singo, reserve supervisor for the Diep River Section, removed various alien species

including Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana), Red River gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), and Water

Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) (see Figures 13 – 16). The water hyacinth clearing programme, which is

administered by a WESSA/Coke partnership project, came to an end on the 28/04/2017.

Figure 13. Cutting off the Pampas grass inflorescences to prevent seed dispersal.

Figure 14. Applying herbicide to the remaining Pampas grass plant.

Figure 15. Ring-barking of Red River Gums.

Figure 16. A stretch of the Diep River cleared of Water Hyacinth.



4.2 The Custodians of Rare and Endangered

Wildflowers (CREW) visited the Milnerton Racecourse

on 26/04/2017 and the Coastal Section on

01/06/2017 (see Figure 17 right).

CREW invited members of the staff and public to join

their expeditions in order to learn about identifying

indigenous plant species as well as monitoring

threatened and endangered flora.

CREW regularly visits portions of the Nature Reserve

including the Coastal Section, Diep River and the

Milnerton Racecourse.

Figure 17. Members of CREW visiting Milnerton Racecourse.

4.3 The Milnerton Racecourse land swap and restoration project was implemented by the

environmental consultant, working for the racecourse, and the contract reserve supervisor, Kyran Wright:

The compacted laterite gravel tracks and lunging rings in the land parcel that will be added to the

Nature Reserve (sites 2 and 3) were excavated and removed. This was done because the laterite

gravel was an artificial hard surface that was added by the Milnerton Racecourse some time ago,

and this covered the natural vegetation. The laterite’s removal will expose the original sand layer

again and thereby provide an opportunity for the natural vegetation to push through.

The site that will be lost to the racetrack re-alignment (site 1) was brush-cut to remove the

vegetation, and the cut material was stockpiled, chipped and then used to spread as mulching on

the bare sand areas in sites 2 and 3. This mulching contains some seeds and plant material that will

introduce nutrients and assist with the establishment of natural vegetation on the bare sand areas.

A layer of the topsoil was also removed from site 1 and used to fill in the excavated tracks and

lunging rings in sites 2 and 3. The topsoil contains the seed bank of the indigenous vegetation as well

as soil microorganisms that are required for nutrient cycling and other ecological processes.

Various bulbs (geophytes) that were previously excavated from site 1 were replanted in sites 2 and 3.

Plant cuttings were taken from living plants in the Nature Reserve. These cuttings will be propagated

into new plants at the Westlake Veld Restoration Facility to be re-planted in the restoration site at

Milnerton Racecourse next year.

Figure 18. Biodiversity staff selecting plants to take cuttings from.

Figure 19. Layout of the Milnerton Racecourse restoration project.



5 FAUNA

5.1 Monitoring of fauna included setting of camera traps at Milnerton Racecourse to gather data about

Cape grysbok densities, as well as small mammal trap arrays in the Lagoon section. The trap arrays included

funnel-, pitfall- and Sherman traps and are being used to collect baseline data on fauna species.

5.2 An integrated water bird census was conducted on 21/04/2017. The census was done by the Nature

Reserve team, covering 11 surveys sections. The water birds numbered a total of 3,874 birds comprising of 41

species (see Figures 20 – 22 for details).

15 species with single-figure counts (totalling 43

birds) accounted for 1,1% of the water bird census,

including: one Great crested grebe, Cattle egret,

Purple swamphen, Kittlitz's plover, and Three-banded

plover each, two Little grebe, Yellowbilled egret,

Redbilled teal, and African fish eagle each, three

Blackheaded heron and Caspian tern each, five

African black duck and Mallard hybrid (alien) each,

six African spoonbill, and eight African darter.

16 species with double-figure counts (totalling 530


including: 10 Spurwinged goose and Pied kingfisher

each, 16 Whitebreasted cormorant, 18 Cape teal,

23 Ringed plover, 25 Common moorhen, 31 African

black oystercatcher, 32 Grey heron, 33 Little egret,

34 Cape wagtail, 36 Blackwinged stilt, 45 Reed

cormorant, 50 Little stint and Swift tern each, 52

Cape shoveller, and 65 Greater flamingo.

10 species with triple-figure counts (totalling 3,301


including: 108 Sacred ibis, 140 Blacksmith lapwing,

146 Redknobbed coot, 200 White pelican, 212

Yellowbilled duck, 349 Hartlaub's gull, 420

Unidentified waders, 441 Kelp gull, 530Egyptian

goose, and 755 Lesser flamingo.

Figure 20. Relative contribution of low, medium and high counts.

Figure 21. Relative contribution from each survey section.

Figure 22. Relative contribution from the various bird groups.

43

530

3301

15 species with single-figure counts

16 species with double-figure counts

10 species with triple-figure counts

Diep River, 200

North Vlei, 889

South Vlei, 169 Central Pan,

307

Dolphin Beach, 960

Milnerton Channel, 8

Lagoon North, 453

Lagoon South, 144

Zoarvlei North, 24

Zoarvlei South,

209

Potsdam WWTW, 91

Ibis &

spoonbill,

114

Cormorant

s, 61 Herons,

egrets and

darter, 79

Ducks &

Geese, 829

Pelicans,

200

Coots &

Moorhens,

172

Grebes, 3

Flamingoes

, 820 Fish

predators,

12

Gulls &

Terns, 843

Plover &

waders,

736

Aliens, 5



5.3 A Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) was observed in the Rietvlei Section by wildlife photographers, Jan

and Frieda Prinsloo (see below Figure 23).

Figure 23. A Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) (photo by Jan and Frieda Prinsloo).

5.4 Lesser and Greater flamingoes often flock together at Rietvlei. The Figure 24 below illustrates the

differences between Lesser flamingo (left) and a Greater flamingo (right) as they stand together.

Figure 24. Lesser flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor) left and Greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) right (photo: Jan and Frieda Prinsloo).



5.5 A Cape Grysbok (Raphicerus melanotis)

drive count census was conducted 26 and

28/06/2017 at the Milnerton Racecourse Section.

Kyran Wright, contract reserve supervisor for the

Milnerton Racecourse, planned the census and used

City of Cape Town Biodiversity Management staff,

students and interns for the survey.

From the results of the survey it is estimated that

there are more than 30 Cape grysbok in the

Milnerton Racecourse Section (see Figures 25 – 27).

In order to protect the Critically Endangered Cape

Flats sand fynbos from over-browsing, some of these

animals will be relocated to other nature reserves.

Figure 25. Cape Grysbok trapped behind a fence at The Met residential complex was rescued & released in the Nature Reserve.

Figure 26. Kyran Wright briefing the drive-count team.

Figure 27. A very small baby Cape grysbok was observed in the Rietvlei Section (photo by Jan and Frieda Prinsloo).



6 SOIL

6.1 The dust control operation that was intended to suppress dust emanating from the season pans was

stopped and all pipes and other materials were removed from the pans by 09/06/2017.

7 WATER

7.1 Level 4 water restrictions were approved by the City of Cape Town, effective from 1 June 2017 until

further notice. The following prohibitions are in place:

RESTRICTIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS

No watering/irrigation with municipal drinking water allowed. This includes watering/irrigation of

flower beds, lawns, vegetables, agricultural crops, other plants, sports fields, golf courses, schools,

learning institutions facilities, nurseries, parks and other open spaces. (Nurseries and customers

involved in agricultural activities or with historical gardens may apply for exemption. See below.)

City departments may only irrigate sports fields, parks, etc. using non-drinking water and upon

agreement of days and times with Water and Sanitation department.

Facilities/customers making use of boreholes, treated effluent water, spring water or wellpoints are

encouraged not to water/irrigate within seven days after rainfall that provided adequate saturation.

All boreholes and wellpoints must be registered with the City and must display the official City of

Cape Town signage clearly visible from a public thoroughfare. For information on how to register,

see Register a borehole.

Flush toilets (manually using a bucket) with greywater, rainwater or other non-drinking water.

Borehole/wellpoint water must be used efficiently to avoid wastage and evaporation.

Borehole/wellpoint water users are strongly encouraged to irrigate only on Tuesdays and Saturdays

before 09:00 or after 18:00 for a maximum of one hour.

All properties where alternative, non-drinking water resources are used (including rain water

harvesting, grey water re-use, treated effluent water and spring water) must display signage to this

effect clearly visible from a public thoroughfare. Visit www.capetown.gov.za/thinkwater.

No washing or hosing down of hard-surfaced or paved areas with municipal drinking water allowed.

(Users, such as abattoirs, food processing industries, care facilities, animal shelters and other

industries or facilities with special needs may apply for exemption. See below for the process.)

The use of municipal drinking water for ornamental water fountains or water features is prohibited.

RESTRICTIONS APPLICABLE TO RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS

No washing of vehicles, trailers, caravans or boats using municipal drinking water is allowed. These

must be washed with nondrinking water or waterless products.

Customers are strongly encouraged to install water efficient parts, fittings and technologies to

minimise water use at all taps, showerheads and other plumbing components.

No topping up (manually or automatically) of swimming pools allowed, even if fitted with pool

cover. This includes the filling of new pools or the refilling of an existing pool after a repair.

The use of potable or any temporary play pools is prohibited.

No increase of the indigent water allocation over and above the free 350 litres a day will be

granted, unless through prior application and permission for specific events.

Use of municipal drinking water, at 100 litres per person per day is strongly encouraged.

RESTRICTIONS APPLICABLE TO NON-RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS

No washing of vehicles, trailers, caravans or boats with municipal drinking water allowed except

where an exemption has been granted. This applies to both formal and informal car washes.

Vehicles, trailers, caravans and boats should be washed with nondrinking water or waterless

products. Exemption on application may be granted if water recycling is used in the washing

process. (See below for the application process.)

The use of fitted pool covers for public swimming pools is strongly encouraged where possible.

No automatic top-up systems for swimming pools are allowed.

Customers/facilities must install water efficient parts, fittings and technologies to minimise water use

at all taps, showerheads and other plumbing components in public places.

Golf courses, sports facilities, parks, schools and learning institutions are not allowed to establish any

new landscaping or sports fields, except if irrigated only with non-drinking water.

For users supplied with water in terms of special contracts (notarial deeds, water service

intermediaries or water service providers), the contract conditions shall apply.

http://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Register/Water-and-sanitation/Register-a-borehole

http://www.capetown.gov.za/thinkwater



7.1 Level 4 water restrictions continued…

Other restrictive measures, not detailed above, still apply as stipulated in Schedule 1 of the Water By-law,

2010, available on our website: Know your water regulations. Visit our website to find out how to apply for

exemption from water restrictions. All exemptions granted under Level 2 or Level 3 restrictions are withdrawn

with immediate effect and re-application will not be considered unless otherwise stated above.

Please note that water pressure may be reduced to below applicable regulations or standards

requirements to limit water leaks and may cause intermittent water supply. For further information visit

www.capetown.gov.za/thinkwater or contact us at [email protected].

7.2 Rainfall recorded in the Table Bay Nature

Reserve remained below average for most of this

quarter until June, when the measured rainfall at the

Rietvlei Water Area increased to above the average

for that month only. The total rainfall during this

quarter was 147mm at Rietvlei and 111.5mm at

Milnerton Racecourse (see Figures 29 – 30 below).

7.3 A very large storm hit the Western Cape on

7/06/2017, bringing with it significant rainfall and

strong winds. While only 26mm of rain was recorded

at the Rietvlei Water Area in a 48-hour period during

the storm, a very strong storm surge from the sea was

observed pushing into the Milnerton Lagoon (see

Figure 28 right). The storm surge dislodged the

remnants of Commodore II’s wreck and floated it all

the way up to the historic Milnerton Wooden Bridge.

Figure 28. Storm surge pushing into the Milnerton Lagoon.

Figure 29 below indicates the monthly rainfall

records of Rietvlei and Milnerton Racecourse in 2017

plotted over the average rainfall pattern.

Figure 30 below indicates the rainfall accumulation

curves of Rietvlei and Milnerton Racecourse in 2017

plotted over the average accumulation curve.

Figure 29. Monthly rainfall records of Rietvlei and Milnerton Racecourse in 2017 plotted over the average rainfall pattern.

Figure 30. Rainfall accumulation curves of Rietvlei and Milnerton Racecourse in 2017 plotted over the average accumulation curve.

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Average Rietvlei Racecourse

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

Average Rietvlei Racecourse

http://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/commercial-utility-services/commercial-water-and-sanitation-services/know-your-water-regulations

http://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Municipal-services/Water-and-sanitation/Apply-for-exemption-from-water-restrictions

http://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Municipal-services/Water-and-sanitation/Apply-for-exemption-from-water-restrictions

http://www.capetown.gov.za/thinkwater

mailto:[email protected]



8 FIRE

8.1 A firebreak was constructed at the northern

edge of the Coastal Section adjacent to the Dolphin

Beach Hotel to prevent the possible spread of

wildfires from the Nature Reserve onto the Dolphin

Beach Hotel property and buildings (see Figure 31).

Intern reserve supervisor, Hester Pentz, used the

Nature Reserve team to clear the firebreak.

8.2 Wildfires occurred in several management

sections of the Nature Reserve, including in the

Zoarvlei Section on 24/04/2017 and in the Diep River

Section on 14/05/2017 (see Figures 32 – 33).

Several smaller spot fires also occurred and were all

suppressed by Fire Department and Nature Reserve

staff. All fire boundaries were mapped with a GPS.

Figure 31. Clearing of the firebreak next to Dolphin Beach Hotel.

Figure 32. Wildfire in the Zoarvlei Section.

Figure 33. Wildfire in the Diep River Section.



9 PEOPLE, TOURISM & EDUCATION

9.1 Stakeholder Engagement

Table Bay Nature Reserve staff engage with various stakeholders, both internal and external, by means of

meetings and other platforms. Below is a summary of the meetings that were attended by staff this quarter.

9.1.1 Internal Meetings

Table Bay Nature Reserve staff attended no less than 16 official internal meetings during this quarter:

05/04/2017: Organisational Development & Transformation Plan (ODTP) Phase 2 feedback;

07/04/2017: Ramsar City Wetland Accreditation planning;

19/04/2017: Hardening of cash receiving offices planning discussion;

21/04/2017: Table Bay Nature Reserve monthly operational meeting;

25/04/2017: Health & Safety representative election for Table Bay Nature Reserve;

03/05/2017: Boat trip with Jacques van der Merwe to Table Bay marine water sampling locations;

10-11/05/2017: Prioritisation for invasive species management in the city;

24/05/2017: Interviews with potential alternative placements candidates;

25/05/2017: Biodiversity Management Branch meeting;

29/05/2017: North Region Health & Safety committee meeting;

29/05/2017: North Region Biodiversity Management meeting;

30/05/2017: Veld restoration prioritization workshop with Dr Pat Holmes;

20/06/2017: North Region Protected Areas Reviews and Management Effectiveness Tracking;

23/06/2017: Project Management Capacity and Capability Assessment; and

28/06/2017: District Engineer Johan Massyn's Retirement Farewell.

9.1.2 External Meetings

Table Bay Nature Reserve staff attended no less than 13 official external meetings during this quarter:

19/04/2017: Camera trap research planning meeting with Andrea Schentler;

20/04/2017: Table Bay Nature Reserve Advisory Committee;

05/05/2017: Milnerton Racecourse Environmental Management Committee;

08/05/2017: Milnerton Aquatic Club representative, Johan van der Merwe;

11/05/2017: The state of the catchment areas, outlets and storm water systems in Milnerton, Joe

Slovo, Du Noon, Phoenix, Sand drift meeting;

11/05/2017: Friends of Rietvlei Annual General Meeting (guest speaker: Area Manager, Koos Retief);

17/05/2017: Protected Area Advisory Committee Chairperson's Forum;

18/05/2017: Blaauwberg Development Area Environmental Liaison Committee;

19/05/2017: CPUT Work-Integrated Learning progress meeting;

19/05/2017: Milnerton Aquatic Club representative regarding Rietvlei closure;

26/05/2017: Centurion Academy Work-Integrated Learning progress meeting;

27/06/2017: Al Mare Home Owners Association regarding erosion of the shoreline; and

27/06/2017: Site meeting at the Commodore II wreck between at the Milnerton Wooden Bridge.

9.2 Benefit to People

9.2.1 Rietvlei Education Centre Usage

The usage of the Rietvlei Education Centre, excluding formal environmental education programmes,

generated 65 person days of benefit to people over three event days.

DATE GROUP ACTIVITY PERSON DAYS

24/04/2017 EPWP workers First Aid, Health & Safety training 30

11/05/2017 Friends of Rietvlei AGM with Koos Retief as guest speaker 20

18/05/2017 Blaauwberg Development

Environmental Liaison Committee Monthly Meeting 15

TOTAL 65



9.2.2 Rietvlei Boma Usage

The usage of the Rietvlei Boma generated at least 519 person days of benefit to people over 21 event days.

DATE GROUP ACTIVITY PERSON DAYS

5-7/04/2017 NCC Environmental Services Environmental management training 27

11-12/04/2017 Social Development and Early

Childhood Development Leadership training 60

18-19/04/2017 EPWP workers / WESSA First Aid and Health & Safety training 60

20/04/2017 Protected Area Advisory Committee Quarterly meeting 24

21/04/2017 EPWP workers / WESSA First Aid and Health & Safety training 30

24-25/04/2017 NCC Environmental Services Learner support 18

11/05/2017 Khoisan Implementation OH&S and First Aid training 30

17/05/2017 Cape Nature Dassenberg Coastal Catchment

Partnership 20

18/05/2017 CTEET NQF 2 Nature Conservation

learnership Learner support 10

19/05/2017 Area Based service delivery, CCT Workshop 60

25/05/2017 Biodiversity Management Branch Quarterly meeting 43

27-28/05/2017 Cape Reptile Institute Snake handling ID and awareness course 70

29/05/2017 Water and Sanitation department Management team strategy session

30

01/06/2017 30

21/06/2017 CTEET NQF 2 Learner support 7

TOTAL 519

9.2.3 Environmental Education and Outreach

Environmental Education and Outreach generated 340 person days of benefit over ten event days.

DATE GROUP(S) LEARNERS TEACHER

+ADULTS

PERSON-

DAYS PROGRAMME

5-7/04/2017 Holiday programme

61 6 67 Mission H2O – water theme

10-12/04/2017 49 4 53

31/05/2017 Table View Seniors club 0 35 35 Introduction talk on TBNR (off site)

21/06/2017 Koos Sadie Primary school

54 2 56

Biodiversity programme (off site) 22/06/2017 56 2 58

26/06/2017 Wolraad Woltemade Primary

36 2 38

27/06/2017 32 1 33

TOTALS 288 52 340 TOTALS

9.3 Visitors and Income

9.3.1 The new Rietvlei Water Area visitor tariffs for the 2017/18 financial year came into effect on

1/07/2017. The daily entrance fees and environmental education fees at the Rietvlei Water Area remained

unchanged for the new financial year. Various other tariffs, however, were adjusted upward.

Two new tariffs were also added, including (1) an annual entry ticket for students with a valid student card,

and (2) the annual permit for Sail Board / Dinghy / Windsurfer / Canoe / Stand Up Paddling was split in two

categories, with separate fees for adults and children. – The tariff schedule for 2017/28 is printed overleaf.



Daily Entry

Adults 18 years of age and older per day 15.00

Children (3 years to 17 years) per day 8.00

Children under the age of 3 per day No charge

Senior citizen / Pensioner (60+ years) per day 8.00

Student with valid student card per day 8.00

Friends of Reserves

Daily Entry for Friends of Reserve to the relevant reserve only (positive proof required) per day No charge

Environmental Education Programmes

Learner / student Govt Schools Feeding scheme & Govt approved Urban Renewal Zones per day No charge

Learner / student "Green Flag Schools" in terms of the Eco Schools Programme per day 5.00

Learner / student All other schools per day 7.00

Vehicles and Watercraft

Vehicles per day 23.00

Vehicles (Physically disabled) Vehicles indicated as transporting physically disabled per day No charge

Buses (<25 seater, includes passenger tariff) per day 375.00

Power Boat per day 56.00

Sail Board / Dinghy / Windsurfer / Canoe / Stand Up Paddling, per Adult (18+ yrs) per day 22.00

Sail Board / Dinghy / Windsurfer / Canoe / Stand Up Paddling, per Child (-18 yrs) per day 14.00

Annual ticket for entry to Helderberg, Tygerberg, Table Bay (Rietvlei), False Bay (Rondevlei) and Blaauwberg NRs

Senior Citizens (60+) 365 day period of entry from date of issue annually 74.00

Adults 365 day period of entry from date of issue annually 144.00

Family (parents & 4 children to the age of 17) 365 day period of entry from date of issue annually 223.00

Student with valid student card 365 day period of entry from date of issue annually 75.00

Annual Tickets - Reserve Specific

Power Boat 365 day period from date of issue annually 465.00

Adults: Sail Board / Dinghy / Windsurfer / Canoe / Stand Up Paddling 365 day period annually 200.00

Children: Sail Board / Dinghy / Windsurfer / Canoe / Stand Up Paddling 365 day period annually 100.00

Power Boat Rescue Craft For boats that perform a public safety and rescue function annually No charge

General Charges - Reserve Specific (excluding entrance fees)

Day Fishing Permits, per Adult (18+) (max 2 rods with 2 hooks per rod) per day 45.00

Day Fishing Permits, per Child (3-17) (max 2 rods with 2 hooks per rod) per day 16.00

Day Fishing Permits, per Senior citizen (60+) (max 2 rods with 2 hooks per rod) per day 16.00

Fauna Management: City Wide

Call out fee If greater than 500 meters from a reserve, subject to resource availability. No fee will

be charged for collection of species of conservation concern.

per hour 170.00

Hire of trap per week 280.00

Permissible Commercial Activity

Conservation Fee

Film shoots, weddings, anniversaries, concerts and other events. Subject to the reserve

management plan and Film & Events Policy and tariffs

Activity involving 1 - 9 people per day 170.00

Activity involving 10 - 20 people per day 395.00

Activity with more than 20 people Groups above 20 people buy further bundles as per above



9.3.2 Income from visitors at the Rietvlei Water Area during this quarter was only R12,242 from 890

recorded visitors. This is the lowest amount recorded in any quarter since data collection started in 2010,

and less that 20% of the income that was received in the same quarter of the previous year (2016).

This massive decline in income was caused by the closure of the Rietvlei Water Area due to a persistent

blue-green algal bloom since 17/03/2017. The Water Area was re-opened to the public on 30/06/2017.

During this time no fishing or water-sports were allowed, but visitors could still use the bird watching routes

and picnic facilities (see Figures 34 & 35 below).

Figure 34. Trend in visitor numbers since 2010.

Figure 35. Trend in income since 2010.

10 STAFF

10.1 Staff establishment

10.1.1 Kyran Wright, contract reserve supervisor at Milnerton Racecourse and Milnerton Lagoon, passed his

driver’s assessment on 25/05/2017 and is now allowed to drive the Nature Reserve’s vehicles.

10.1.2 Fundiswa Sigwayi, senior worker at the Rietvlei office, was elected as the new health and safety

representative for the Nature Reserve on 25/04/2017.

10.1.3 The competence Assessments of nature conservation work-integrated learning student, Waseem

Parker, was conducted on 27/06/2017.

10.2 Training and development

10.2.1 Training of permanent and temporary staff at the Table Bay Nature Reserve amounted to no less

than 24 person days over 11 training event days, including the following training interventions:

Date(s) Course Number of

days x

Number of

learners =

Person

days

5-7/04/2017 NQF-5 Learnership: Demonstrate an understanding of integrated

environmental analysis tools 3 2 6

11/04/2017 SAP HR Performance Management (T5-T9)

1 2 2

13/04/2017 1 1 1

19-20/04/2017 Bird Identification Training 2 5 10

21/04/2017 NQF-5 Learnership: Learner Support Day 1 2 2

24-26/04/2017 Disciplinary Code: Chairman and Inititiator Training 3 1 3

TOTALS 11 24

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

Jan

-10

Jun

-10

No

v-1

0

Ap

r-1

1

Sep

-11

Feb

-12

Jul-

12

Dec

-12

May

-13

Oct

-13

Mar

-14

Au

g-1

4

Jan

-15

Jun

-15

No

v-1

5

Ap

r-1

6

Sep

-16

Feb

-17

Recorded visitors/month Linear trend

R-

R5,000

R10,000

R15,000

R20,000

R25,000

R30,000

R35,000

R40,000

R45,000

R50,000

Jan

-10

Jul-

10

Jan

-11

Jul-

11

Jan

-12

Jul-

12

Jan

-13

Jul-

13

Jan

-14

Jul-

14

Jan

-15

Jul-

15

Jan

-16

Jul-

16

Jan

-17

Total income/month Linear trend



11 LAW ENFORCEMENT

11.1 Illegal overnight structures and displaced people were removed from various locations in the Nature

Reserve, including the Coastal Section, Rietvlei Section, Zoarvlei Section and the Milnerton Lagoon.

Figure 36. Displaced person that started to set up a camp in the Rietvlei Section was prevented from staying overnight.

Figure 37. A displaced person's campsite that was broken down and removed from the Coastal Section.

Figure 38. Illegal overnight structure in the Coastal Section.

Figure 39. Remains of a Cape grysbok that was slaughtered by a displaced person in the field.

Figure 40. Illegal structures removed from the Zoarvlei Section.

Figure 41. Building material removed from the reed beds in Zoarvlei.



11.2 Other illegal activities that were addressed in

this quarter include,

(1) illegal footpaths through the Coastal Section

from houses in Sunset Beach,

(2) dumping of building rubble from various house-

building operations adjacent to the Nature

Reserve,

(3) alcohol bottles littering open access areas such

as the Coastal Section, and

(4) illegal cattle grazing in the Diep River Section.

The illegal cattle grazing problem was previously

addressed by meeting with the cattle owners and

the local Councillor, during which the cattle owners

agreed to stop grazing in the Nature Reserve. Since

the meeting, however, the cattle owners have

simply continued to graze their cattle in the reserve.

Figure 42. Illegal footpath through the Coastal Section.

Figure 43. Building rubble in the Coastal Section.

Figure 44. Alcohol bottles collected from the Coastal Section.

11.3 The cattle that are illegally grazing in the Nature Reserve are destroying the natural vegetation and

introducing a range of agricultural invasive species. There is no agreement with the cattle owners that

allows them to utilize the land for grazing purposes.

The Nature Reserve is planning to work with the Law Enforcement Department and the the Cape of Good

Hope SPCA to impound these animals during a joint operation (see Figure 45 below).

Figure 45. Illegal cattle grazing in the Diep River Section.



12 INFRASTRUCTURE & EQUIPMENT

12.1 Two site cleaning teams were working in the Zoarvlei Section under the supervision of intern reserve

supervisor, Reward Nzuza. The teams were established from a combination of Ward Allocation and

Expanded Public Works funding sources. The employees were selected from the Subcouncils’ job seekers

database, which aims make work opportunities available for unemployed people.

Their main focus was to clean areas where displaced people and illegal structures were removed from the

Nature Reserve, as well as to do alien and invasive plant clearing.

12.2 Other maintenance activities in various parts of the Nature Reserve included (1) repairing holes in

fences, (2) requesting that blocked stormwater and overflowing sewage drains be cleared, as well as (3)

repairing and servicing all the operational vehicles of the Nature Reserve.

Figure 46. Removal of litter from displaced people in the Zoarvlei Section.

Figure 47. Removal of matrasses and bedding material form displaced people.

Figure 48. Intern reserve supervisor, Reward Nzuza (left), with one of the site cleaning teams.



APPENDIX A: MAP OF THE MANAGEMENT SECTIONS OF THE NATURE RESERVE



APPENDIX B: ADDITIONAL PRESS ARTICLES THAT ARE RELEVANT TO THE NATURE RESERVE

TRANSPORT FOR CAPE TOWN ENVIRONMENTAL ......16-Mar-17 16-Apr-17 16-May-17 16-Jun-17 RTV21...

Documents

Transcript of TRANSPORT FOR CAPE TOWN ENVIRONMENTAL ......16-Mar-17 16-Apr-17 16-May-17 16-Jun-17 RTV21...