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ekurhuleni METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY WETLAND REPORT | 2017 LOCAL ACTION FOR BIODIVERSITY (LAB): WETLANDS SOUTH AFRICA

Biodiversity for Life South African National Biodiversity Institute

Full Program Title: Sponsoring USAID Office: Cooperative Agreement Number: Contractor: Date of Publication: Author:

Local Action for Biodiversity: Wetland Management in a Changing Climate USAID/Southern Africa AID-674-A-14-00014 ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability – Africa Secretariat May 2017 R. Fisher

DISCLAIMER: The author’s views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.

Foreword

Ekurhuleni boasts a rich natural and cultural heritage which serves as potential for tourism development, most notably is the network of wetlands, pans and open space which serve to house a large diversity of fauna and flora. Ekurhuleni, the industrial hub of South Africa, faces challenges in ensuring a more equitable distribution of economic benefits, while managing the environmental impacts associated with its industrial, mining and related activities. Wetlands are one of the most valuable and diverse ecosystems on this planet and are essential for human existence. Wetlands clean the water we drink as well as provide nutritious food in the form of plants and fish as well as organic materials which can be used for medicinal purposes. They help protect us from flooding and storm surges and also have the ability to store water which is then released in times of drought. Wetlands also provide key habitat for a significant array of critically endangered flora and fauna. Wetlands also play a key role in the mitigation of climate change which is predicted to have a major impact on human livelihoods. They can store large amounts of carbon and thus can help with the regulation of greenhouse gases, thereby assisting in the control of mitigating climate change. These ecosystems also have the ability to protect against the effects of natural disaster by reducing flooding risk, stabilizing shorelines and controlling erosion. Despite the essential role wetlands play in maintaining the delicate balance of life on Earth, they are being lost and degraded at an unprecedented rate, faster than any other ecosystem worldwide. Since the 1900s, it is estimated that 64% ofthe world’s wetlands have been destroyed in the name of development. 50% of South Africa’s wetlands alone have been lost. Wetlands have been ‘reclaimed’ for building or agricultural expansion, increasingly polluted and degraded. As a result, species which once populated these areas in

vast numbers are seeing a rapid decline and countless animals and plants have been brought to the verge of extinction. Wetlands are also increasingly unable to perform the ecosystem services so vital for human life. In the 21st century we need wetlands more than ever before. The conservation and wise use of wetlands which are managed more holistically, effectively and cohesively is therefore essential to sustain human livelihoods and local economies, protect our valuable biodiversity and buffer the impacts of climate change. Ekurhuleni’s wetlands, open space and biodiversity are under immense pressure from both competing land uses and a shortage of resources. The continued growth of Ekurhuleni’s population and economy is increasing the pressure on available land. Local government is tasked with service provision and ensuring that social and economic development proceeds within the carrying capacity of the biological resource base, it is therefore a significant front-line manager in wetland management. The City of Ekurhuleni commits to continuous and stringent maintenance and rehabilitation of wetlands across the City. Strong emphasis and attention is also placed on implementing the Lakes and Dams masterplan for Ekurhuleni, which will see waterbodies within the City being elevated to key strategic land parcels that will contribute to potential economic investment and leveraging on the water economy. Mr. Hezekiel Nkosi Head of Department: Environmental Resource Management Department

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ekurhuleni METROPOLITAN Municipality: Wetland Report 2017

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ICLEI – LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR SUSTAINABILITY [email protected]

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ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is the leading global network of over 1,500 cities, towns and regions committed to building a sustainable future. By helping the ICLEI Network to become sustainable, low-carbon, ecomobile, resilient, biodiverse, resourceefficient, healthy and happy, with a green economy and smart infrastructure, we impact over 25% of the global urban population. ICLEI Africa’s work is conducted by a dynamic and passionate team of professionals that seek to work with cities to ensure a more sustainable future, with a specific focus on urban biodiversity matters.

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In order to strengthen the role cities and local governments play in the pursuit of greater sustainability through the collaborative design and implementation of integrated urban development and effective biodiversity management, the ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center (ICLEI CBC) was created in 2009. The ICLEI CBC is located in Cape Town, South Africa, embedded in the Africa Regional Office of ICLEI. We offer cities a broad portfolio of supportive services through our dedicated team of passionate, skilled and dynamic biodiversity and urban development experts.

2017 ekurhuleni METROPOLITAN Municipality: Wetland Report

ICLEI CITIES BIODIVERSITY CENTEr LOCAL ACTION FOR BIODIVERSITY PROGRAMME [email protected]

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The ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center aims to create BiodiverCities, which promote urban biodiversity for the many benefits they offer, including human wellbeing, poverty alleviation, habitat conservation, air and water quality, climate change adaptation and mitigation, food provision, fortified infrastructure resilience, and happiness of citizens. BiodiverCities are aware that ecosystem services contribute towards many essential municipal services, as well as towards the local economy, sustainability and social well-being of their cities. Biodiversity in cities provides a critical contribution towards achieving the global biodiversity targets. It

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buffers further biodiversity loss, improves the urban standard of living, and provides local opportunities for global education and awareness. ICLEI’s Local Action for Biodiversity (LAB) programme is a unique global biodiversity programme run by The ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center. The LAB Program is aimed at improving and enhancing ecosystem management at the local level, and is recognized globally as the leading results-driven local government biodiversity initiative. Currently, LAB is working on wetland restoration in South Africa under the Local Action for Biodiversity: Wetlands South Africa (LAB Wetlands SA) project.

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Table of Contents Foreword��1 ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability��2 ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center��3 Local Action for Biodiversity Programme��3 Table of Contents��4 List of Tables��6 List of Acronyms and Abbreviations��6 List of Figures��7 Executive Summary��8 Introduction��9

1 i What is a Wetland?�� 11 2 i What is Biodiversity?�� 13 3 i Wetlands and Biodiversity in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality�� 14 3.1

Wetland Ecosystem Services in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality��14

3.2

Mapping Wetlands in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality��17

3.3 Current use and opportunities posed by specific waterbodies in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality��20 3.4

Biodiversity in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality��25

3.5 Key Wetlands in the Municipal Area��26 3.6

The value of Wetlands in Ekurhuleni��27

3.7

Threats to Ekurhuleni Wetlands ��29

3.8

Drivers of Ecological Change��33

4 i Disaster Management and Climate Change �� 37

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4.1

Disaster Management in the Municipality��37

4.2

Risk Mapping ��38

4.3

Climate Change in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality��39

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4.3.1

Current Climate Information�� 39

4.3.2

Future Climate Info��40

4.3.3

Consequences��43


5 i Governance & Management�� 44 5.1

Policy Framework ��44

5.2

Wetland Management within the Municipality ��45

6 i Local and regional partnerships and programmes �� 47 7 i Communication and Public Awareness�� 48 7.1

Communication and Education ��48

7.2

Public Participation and Awareness ��48

Conclusion��49 Acknowledgements ��50 Definitions as per EMM Bioregional Plan��51 Resources ��53 Footnotes��55 Notes��56

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List of Acronyms and Abbreviations

AS AMD BGIS

Africa Secretariat Acid mine drainage Biodiversity Geographic Information System Bioregional Plan Critical Biodiversity Area Communication, education and public awareness Corporate Disaster Management Plan Department of Environmental Affairs Ecosystem-based adaptation Environmental Impact Assessment Environmental Management Framework Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Ecological Support Areas Geographic Information System Hydro-geomorphic Invasive Alien Plants Important Bird Areas Integrated Development Plan International Union for the Conservation of Nature

BRP CBA CEPA CDMP DEA EbA EIA EMF EMM ESA GIS HGM IAP IBA IDP IUCN

LAB MTSF Metro NDP NEMA NEMBA NFEPA NSBA NWA SA SANBI SDF SoER USAID WFW WWTW

Local Action for Biodiversity Medium Term Strategic Framework Metropolitan National Development Plan National Environmental Management Act National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act Natural Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment National Water Act South Africa South African National Biodiversity Institute Spatial Development Framework State of Environment Report United States Agency for International Development Working for Wetlands Waste Water Treatment Works

List of Tables Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 Table 4 Table 5

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Ecosystem services provided by wetlands EMM river and wetland ecosystems threats status Main drivers of ecological change in Ekurhuleni Role of wetlands in disaster risk mitigation Legislative framework governing wetlands in Ekurhuleni

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List of Figures

Figure 1

Figure 2 & 3

Figure 4

Figure 5 Figure 6

Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10

Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 13 Figure 14 Figure 15 Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality’s’ location depicted in Gauteng Province and South Africa. Images depicting mottled soils (top) and specially adapted wetlands vegetation (bottom). Image depicting the different types of wetland systems within South Africa. Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis subsp. niger). Grasaalwyn (Aloe ecklonis), one of the vegetation species found in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. Image of a Giant/Highveld Bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adspersus). Illustration of the EMM landcover showing waterbodies and wetlands. Bird watching is a popular recreational activity at wetlands. Map indicating the spatial distribution of the NFEPA wetlands within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. Surface Hydrology systems of the EMM area. Esselen Park Pan in Tembisa. The Boksburg Lake. Korman Bird Sanctuary. Ecosystem protection levels within Ekurhuleni. Internationally renowned RAMSAR Site, Blesbokspruit Catchment in EMM. Blesbokspruit RAMSAR site in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. Threatened wetland ecosystems types and river ecosystem types in the Ekurhuleni Municipality identified in the National Freshwater Ecosystems Priority Areas Project.

Figure 19 Figure 20

A dam wall in the Benoni area. Extraction of wetland material in the Benoni area. Figure 21 Marievale bird sanctuary (with Springs goldmine waste dump in the background). Figure 22 Example of the water filtration capabilities of wetlands. Figure 23 Patrick Ganda, environmental officer at the Grootvaly Blesbokspruit Wetland Reserve with the Pampass grass in the reserve. Figure 24 Tinos Mauchira, an employee on Tamuka’s plot, holds two dead koi fish found in the polluted water of the Blesbokspruit. Figure 25 Historical climate monthly averages for EMM. Figure 26 Average maximum temperatures for EMM. Figure 27 Average minimum temperate for EMM. Figure 28 Total monthly rainfall for EMM. Figure 29 Count of wet days for EMM. Figure 30 Mean dry spells for EMM. Figure 31 Frost days for EMM. Figure 32 Schematic representation on the hydrological buffering capability of wetlands. Figure 33 Organogram showing where the Wetlands division is situated with the EMM structure. Figure 34 Delegates at the Ekurhuleni Wetland Strategy and Action Planning workshop. Figure 35 & 36 LAB Wetlands SA project municipal delegates including EMM receiving on the ground wetland and Google Earth training at the 2016 National Wetlands Indaba. Figure 37 Fulvous Ducks species found at the Blesbokspruit wetland (Dendrocygna bicolor).

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Executive Summary

The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) is one of six metropolitan municipalities in South Africa (SA) and is located in the eastern region of the Gauteng Province. It is bordered by the metropolitan areas of the City of Johannesburg to the west, and the City of Tshwane to the north-west. The Kungwini Municipality (Metsweding District Municipality), and the Delmas Municipality within the Mpumalanga Province (Nkangala District Municipality) lie to the north and east respectively. Midvaal and Lesedi are the southern bordering municipalities (Sedibeng District Municipality). The wetlands throughout the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality are considered to be high-value ‘ecological infrastructure’ as they provide habitat to key flora and fauna, but also provide critical ecosystem services to the municipality. These include flood attenuation, water filtration, erosion control and water storage (regulatory services), passive recreation in the form of bird watching as well as food provision, supply of raw materials and clean drinking water (provisioning services). The wetlands within the municipality also play a pivotal role in disaster risk management as well as potentially reducing the impacts of climate change within the municipality. Despite the wetlands within the municipality being of high value in terms of ecosystem service provision, a large number of the wetlands in the region are under threat or have already been lost. This is largely due to the spread of invasive alien

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plants (IAPs), mining activity, including extraction and infilling, inappropriate development within the close proximity to the wetlands, poorly regulated agricultural practices (overgrazing and cultivating) and the poor state of Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW). Degraded wetlands are unable to function to the same degree as healthy wetlands and as such, ecosystem service provision is severely hindered or even lost. More importantly, careful management as well as the investment in the maintenance of healthy wetlands and the rehabilitation and restoration of damaged or degraded wetlands is required. This will ensure the continued provision of these vital ecosystem services to the municipality. In order to streamline and improve the management of wetlands, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality is implementing the Local Action for Biodiversity: Wetlands South Africa (LAB: Wetlands SA) programme with support from ICLEI Africa Secretariat (ICLEI AS). The LAB: Wetlands SA project aims to ensure the protection of priority natural wetland resources, thus enabling the supply of ecosystem services, and promoting resilient communities and sustainable local economies under a changing climate within South African local governments. Through the development of this Wetland Report, ICLEI AS will assist Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in identifying the gaps in management and assist with devising new and better wetlands management strategies going forward.


Introduction

South Africa is endowed with a rich wealth of biodiversity, which offers an immense opportunity to support the country’s development path by providing many goods and services which contribute to municipal service delivery, water and food security, and quality of life, especially under a changing climate. Wetlands in particular, are high-value ‘ecological infrastructure’, providing critical ecosystem services such as clean water, clean air, food, medicines, water storage and habitat for biodiversity. Wetlands also play a role in disaster management, and could lessen the negative effects of climate change through flood attenuation, temperature regulation as well as water and food security. However, wetlands are South Africa’s most threatened ecosystems, with 48% of wetland ecosystems critically endangered,1 resulting in an urgent need to increase awareness of wetland importance and to incorporate natural wetland resource considerations into municipal governance mechanisms and planning. The Metropolitan Municipalities of Gauteng Province are home to a high proportion of South Africa’s mining activity, heavy industry, commercial enterprise and urban population. The pressures placed on the environment and the remaining natural ecosystems are very high and the loss of habitat and ecological processes is expected. Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) lies in the eastern part of Gauteng Province, South Africa (Figure 1), and it covers an area of 1 923 km2. It stretches for approximately 45 kilometres from west to east and 55 kilometres from north to south. EMM is bordered by the metropolitan areas of the City of Johannesburg to the west, the City of Tshwane to the north, Nkangala District (Mpumalanga) to the east and Sedibeng District to the south. It is located on the Southern African continental divide and falls within the Highveld Region. EMM is well known for its

numerous waterbodies, including lakes, pans, dams, wetlands and streams. The natural environment of EMM is pre-dominantly Highveld Grasses. However, due to massive urbanisation and industrialisation, the natural environment has largely been transformed or highly impacted, but still provides ecological services. Wetlands are exceptionally high value ecosystems that make up a small fraction of the country. Given their strategic importance for ensuring water quality and regulating water supplies, investment in conserving, managing and restoring wetlands are likely to generate disproportionately large returns. These important ecosystems also constitute irreplaceable natural infrastructure for managing water resources, as well as providing a range of other ecosystem services. Society cannot rely solely on complex and expensive engineering solutions to provide drinking water and to cleanse waste water. The ecosystem services provided by wetlands include their ability to improve water quality and contribute to the maintenance of base-flows in rivers. In the context of climate change, with predicted increases in the variability and intensity of rainfall events, wetlands have the potential to play a more important role than ever before in mitigating extreme episodes such as floods and droughts. The natural extent of wetlands in South Africa is low, and individual wetlands tend to be small, with approximately 300 000 remaining wetlands covering only 2.4% of the country, ultimately meaning that the consequences of destruction of these small wetland ecosystems are much greater as opposed to what it would have been if wetlands were larger ecosystems covering large space of land. It also means that managing and conserving the tiny proportion of the country’s surface area covered by wetlands can make a big contribution to improving water quality and to enhancing resilience to climate change by improving flood and drought regulation.

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introduction (continued)

In South Africa, natural resources from wetlands are often central to the livelihoods of people and natural biodiversity. These resources include water for agricultural, industrial and domestic use for both local and down-stream users. At the same time, these wetlands and the resources they supply are coming under increasing pressure, e.g. through extensive conversion to settlement and urban development.

This report draws together the range of knowledge about wetlands in the municipality, and provides a detailed overview of the stakeholders and programmes working towards improved wetland management in this region.

Figure 1: Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality’s’ location depicted in Gauteng Province and South Africa.

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| What is a Wetland?

etlands are land which is transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems, where the water W table is usually at or near the surface, or the land is periodically covered with shallow water, and which land in normal circumstances supports or would support vegetation typically adapted to life in saturated soil.

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National Water Act No. 36 of 1998.

In simpler terms, a wetland is a feature in the landscape which is saturated with water for a long enough period that the soil conditions change (mottling as a result of the anaerobic conditions) and the vegetation shifts to respond to these changes. Six different types of wetlands occur across the country. These vary based on the underlying geology and include seeps, depressions, wetland flats, floodplain wetlands, channelled valleybottom wetlands and unchannelled valley bottom wetlands. SANBI has compiled a detailed hydrogeomorphic classification system to assist with wetland identification. An illustrative overview from this document of the different types of wetlands is included in Figure 4. Wetlands also vary on a temporal scale based on the climate and season. As such, once a wetland type has been established, it can then be categorised into either a temporary, seasonal or permanent wetland. A temporary wetland is saturated for a very short period (approximately one month) during the rainy season only. Vegetation associated with this type of wetland are predominantly grass species, as well as a mixture of species that occur in non-wetland areas and hydrophytic plants that are largely restricted to wetland areas. A seasonal wetland is saturated for most of the growing season. Vegetation associated with this type of wetland are predominantly sedges and grasses that are restricted to wetland areas, usually < 1 m tall. Lastly, a permanent wetland is saturated all year round. This type of wetland is dominated by highly specialised aquatic plants adapted to permanently wet conditions.

Figure 2 & 3: Images depicting mottled soils (top) and specially adapted wetlands vegetation (bottom).2

For further details regarding specific wetlands located within EMM, please refer to Section 3.3 of this report.

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Figure 4: Image depicting the different types of wetland systems within South Africa.3

All wetland types can be classified as high value ‘ecological infrastructure’ due to the large number of ecosystem services that they provide. Wetland ecosystem services can be classified into four separate categories, namely ‘provisioning services’, ‘regulating services’, ‘cultural services’ and ‘supporting services’.4 Provisioning services can be described as the products one can physically obtain from wetlands such as fresh water, food and natural medicines. Regulatory services can be described as the benefits one receives from the wetland such as stream flow regulation, erosion control, water filtration and flood attenuation. Cultural services are the nonmaterial benefits that one can obtain from wetlands such as spiritual enrichment, sense of place and aesthetic

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experience. Lastly supporting services are the services provided that are necessary for the production of all other ecosystem services namely, nutrient cycling and water cycling. Please refer to Section 3.1 of this report for a detailed description of the ecosystem services that wetlands within Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality provide. It should be noted that ecosystem services provided by wetlands come at no cost to the municipality and as such, all that needs to be done to ensure continued provision of these services is to protect and maintain local wetlands.


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| What is Biodiversity?

he variability among living organisms from all sources, including, terrestrial, marine and other T aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part and also includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems.

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National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act No. 10 of 2004

To expand on this, biological diversity or the shorter more commonly used term ‘biodiversity’, is the variety of genes, species and ecosystems on Earth, and the processes that maintain this diversity. It is the living species and natural processes that constitute nature. Rather than simply considering plant and animal populations (i.e. total numbers), biodiversity reflects the variability of plants and animals and crucially, the processes by which they are supported, and the functions that they deliver. Essentially, as biodiversity includes natural processes, it describes the health and functioning of a given area. For example, if a wetland becomes polluted and its ecological condition deteriorates, it is no longer able to function correctly and natural processes such as providing food (e.g. fish), materials (e.g. reeds) and water purification no longer take place. The real value in the term biodiversity is that by describing the variety of life forms rather than total numbers, biodiversity can be used at any scale (e.g. for landscapes such as grasslands or habitat such as a woodland or koppie) to reflect the health of any area – not just wild landscapes, but pockets of biodiversity such as wetlands, too.

Figure 6: Grasaalwyn (Aloe ecklonis), one of the vegetation species found in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.6 Figure 5: Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis subsp. niger).5

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etlands and Biodiversity in | WEkurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality

Within Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, there are at least 16 threatened plant species and 14 threatened animal species, and 10 ecosystems listed as threatened according to National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA). Aquatic systems are equally unique in the bioregion, with 97% of wetland types and 29% of river types in the Metro listed as threatened. Just over a third of the EMM is in a natural or near natural state (36%), with urbanisation (35%), agriculture (23%) and mining (7%) together covering 64% of the Metro. Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA) cover 18% of the Metro; with CBA 1 (natural or near natural state) covering 17% and CBA 2 (cultivated landscapes which retain importance for threatened species) covering 1%. Ecological Support Areas (ESA) cover a further 18% of the municipality; with ESA 1 (natural, near natural or degraded state) covering 6% and ESA 2 (no remaining natural habitat) covering 12%. Protected Areas cover just over 1% of the Ekurhuleni Metro.7 An impressive feature of the EMM region is the occurrence of a number of wetlands, pans, lakes and dams. The pans are generally as a direct result of the flat topography in those areas. The pans cover a total area of approximately 3 559 ha and are mostly

3.1

The EMM falls within two priority areas identified in the National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment (SANBI, 2004), and is home to a disproportionately high percentage of rare and threatened species and threatened ecosystems. A high proportion of South Africa’s mining activity, heavy industry, commercial enterprise and urban development occur in EMM, and consequently, the pressures placed on the environment and the remaining natural ecosystems are very high, and opportunities for conservation of biodiversity are limited. These factors together make a bioregional plan an appropriate tool for addressing the threats to biodiversity in the Metro.

Wetland Ecosystem Services in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality

Wetlands provide many benefits at very little cost. They are unique and vital ecological resources, providing a host of services to society. Thus, every individual wetland is important. However, wetlands differ according to their characteristics and the particular ecosystem services that they supply to society. Thus, society may deem some wetlands to be more important than others.9 Flood Reduction and Stream-flow Regulation – Wetlands retain large amounts of water, which would reduce the impact of floodwaters further down the river. This is particularly important in urban areas, as developments have increased the rate and volume

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seasonal in nature. The few that are perennial are found within the agricultural areas. A number of lakes are found within the region and are primarily a creation of the Gold Mines in the area. The Germiston, Benoni and Boksburg lakes are prime examples of this and are utilized as recreational parks. However the water quality of these systems is severely under stress due to problems associated with water hyacinth, mine dust pollution and storm water drainage (EMF, 2007). The Lakes are not natural in origin, but are manmade impoundments or dams. In the strict sense of the definition no natural lakes occur in the EMM.8

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of surface water runoff. Wetlands also recharge groundwater. In EMM, a substantial percentage of the population live within the 1:50 year flood-line, for example in Moleleki Section in Katlehong where a township was established within the flood-line of the Natalspruit and the community is flooded regularly. The conservation and rehabilitation of wetlands will reduce the impact on these people caused by the periodic floods in the Municipality. Water Quality Improvement – Wetlands are good water filters. The wetland vegetation intercepts runoff before it reaches the river and filters out nutrients, wastes and sediments. Wetlands reduce nitrates


3.1

Wetland ecosystem services in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (continued)

and phosphates; this prevents eutrophication of rivers and dams. The reduction in sediment prevents siltation of rivers, dams and ports. Sediments also transport absorbed nutrients, pesticides, heavy metal and other toxins that would lower the quality of water and make it harmful for consumption. Wetlands therefore provide cost effective and efficient wastewater treatment. Biodiversity Banks – Wetlands are one of the most biodiverse ecosystems. They support a wide variety of plants, invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and water birds. They serve as important breeding grounds for these species. The destruction and degradation of wetlands has led to the loss of habitat for a number of endangered species. These include a large number of different migratory waterfowl, as well as the Giant Bullfrog.

Erosion Control – Wetland vegetation binds the soil, preventing it from being washed downstream and in the process it reduces the erosive power of the water. Wetlands also reduce the velocity of the water through friction thereby allowing the sediments to settle. Recreational Purposes – Wetlands act as recreational areas for people, as places where they go for relaxation and to enjoy nature. They are used for water sports, bird watching and fishing. Victoria Lake in Germiston is a man-made waterbody located in the Natalspruit catchment and Middle Lake in Benoni are examples of waterbodies used for recreational purposes where fishing and water sports take place. Korman Bird Sanctuary situated at Westdene Pan, Glen Austin Bird Sanctuary in Glen Austin Pan and Marievale Bird Sanctuary and Grootvaly Blesbokspruit Conservation area in the Blesbokspruit all have bird watching facilities. Medicinal Properties – People have used wetland animals and plants for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. The importance of plants for human health is evident by the estimated 70-80% of people worldwide who rely mainly on traditional, largely herbal medicine to meet their primary health care needs. Educational and tertiary research potential – the wetlands and rivers in EMM present vast environmental educational as well as research opportunities for students.

Figure 7: Image of a Giant/Highveld Bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adspersus).10 The wetlands fauna and flora are also important from an aesthetic point of view, especially in a city where loss of open space is constantly occurring through development. People do not have time to visit the countryside, thus wetlands provide green lungs where people can relax in pleasant surroundings.

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3.1

Wetland ecosystem services in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (continued)

Figure 8: Illustration of the EMM landcover showing waterbodies and wetlands. The EMM contains a high diversity of river and wetland ecosystems. The Natural Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (NFEPA) project (Nel et al., 2011) identified 30 unique wetland systems and 7 river types in the area. The EMM contains a high portion of South Africa’s urban, industrial and mining activity, as well as significant areas of arable agriculture all of which potentially negatively impact on the condition of hydrological systems. Impacts include changes in water quality (e.g. acid mine drainage, waste water from treatment plants, fertilizer and pesticide run-off) and water flow regimes (e.g. catchment hardening and increased storm water flows). Consequently, 97% of the wetland and 29% of the river systems are threatened.

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Figure 9: Bird watching is a popular recreational activity at wetlands.


3.2

Mapping Wetlands in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality

Figure 10: Map indicating the spatial distribution of the NFEPA wetlands within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.11 The majority of waterbodies in the northern part of EMM drain north into the Limpopo and Olifants Rivers before eventually ending up in the Indian Ocean. The southern waterbodies drain into the Vaal River and ultimately into the Atlantic Ocean. EMM falls within the Crocodile, Olifants and Upper Vaal Water Management Areas and under the jurisdiction of the newly proposed Limpopo, Olifants and Vaal Management Agencies. An impressive feature of the EMM is the prevalence of a number of wetlands, pans, lakes and dams. The Geographic Information System (GIS) layers from the existing topographical maps (1:50 000) identified 695 wetlands, however, during ground truthing only 206 were identified (Ekurhuleni Wetlands Inventory, 2007). Some of the wetlands reflected as more than

one wetland system on the GIS satellite whilst others have been destroyed completely by land use change and could not be found during the ground truthing process. A number of lakes and dams are found within the region and are man-made, primarily created by the Gold Mines in the area. The Germiston, Benoni and Boksburg lakes are prime examples of this and are utilized as recreational parks. However, the water quality of these systems is severely under stress due to problems associated with water hyacinth, mine dust pollution and storm water drainage (EMF, 2007). Pans on the other hand are naturally occurring waterbodies and in terms of definitions, a pan is a type of wetland. In terms of legislation, pans (along with

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3.2

Mapping wetlands in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (continued)

other wetlands) have differing and more stringent legislation in terms of development and associated activities than dams or even streams and rivers. In terms of strict definitions, there are no true lakes occurring within the EMM. A true lake is a naturally occurring waterbody.

Kaalspruit/Olifantspruit

The surface hydrological system of the EMM consists of 6 main river or stream systems12.

Jukskei River

Blesbokspruit This system originates to the north of Benoni and Daveyton and flows southwards through Springs and Nigel towards the Vaal River. The eastern part of the catchment contains extensive natural wetlands, while the western part is highly modified by agriculture and human settlements. Key industries such as mines (mine dumps and slimes dams), waste disposal sites, intensive agriculture and sewage works impact negatively on water quality.

Klip River and its tributaries The Rietspruit originates in the southwest of the Benoni area and joins the Klip River outside the EMM boundary. The Natalspruit, which is another tributary of the Klip River, has its origin in and around the Germiston and Boksburg areas. The  upper reaches of the Klip River can be found to originate within Kathlehong. The pollution within these spruits (streams) can be attributed to human settlements, agricultural practices and industrial activities. Although these rivers join the Vaal River, just beyond the Vaal dam, the effects of pollution on the quality of drinking water is not problematic. However the pollution impacts on both the aesthetic and natural aspect of the Vaal River.

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The stream (spruit) originates in Kempton Park and Tembisa and flows north to join the Hennops River in Centurion. The serious pollution in this system is attributed once again to human settlements and agricultural activities (EMF, 2007).

A number of small tributaries of this system drains to the western region of EMM around Edenvale. This system stabilises as it leaves Ekurhuleni through parts of Alexandria.

Bronkhorstspruit Two small streams, namely the Osspruit and Kofffiespruit, which feed the Bronkhorstspruit, drain the eastern area.

Rietvlei Stream The system starts in the small-holdings area of Kempton Park and flows northwards past OR Tambo International Airport to Rietvlei Dam. This dam is a high contributor of water supply in the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. The primary supply of this water originates from agricultural and industrial surface run-off. The Grootvlei River in the Bapsfontein area is a tributary of this system. The sewage works plant in Kempton Park is responsible for serious pollution of this system. However, the system consists of a number of wetlands between the dam and the sewage works which helps filter the pollution. The Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality also operates an extensive filtering plant at the dam. While EMM has good information relating to their wetlands, there is a real need for improved mapping of wetlands in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.


3.2

Mapping wetlands in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (continued)

Figure 11: Surface Hydrology systems of the EMM area.

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3.3

Current use and opportunities posed by specific waterbodies in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality

The following lakes, pans and dams have been identified as key waterbodies for opportunities such as economic development, where the EMM can impose entrance fees for the use of a particular space in and around the waterbody. Alternatively, the property could be leased to private companies which would operate certain recreational activities, and other development, like the development of office parks and hotels within the EMM. Olifantspruit Dam – Olifantspruit Dam is a manmade waterbody situated in Olifantsfontein. The dam can be accessed from the R562, Olifantsfontein Road, south of the Midstream Estates. The area of the waterbody can be calculated to be 15,7 ha. Olifantspruit Dam is a well maintained dam built within an unnamed tributary of the Kaalspruit River. There are two non-perennial streams that feed into the Olifantspruit Dam. There are existing recreational

activities in and around the dam, swimming and the Stoke City Wake Park provides wakeboard and waterski opportunities on the cable lakes. Esselen Park Pan – The Esselen Park Pan is a naturally occurring body of water located in Tembisa, in the north western region of EMM. The pan is in the catchment of the Kaalspruit and the land directly adjacent to the pan (shores) is open land, but further away and surrounding the area of the dam there is a large high density residential area. The pan is estimated that it is at a full level and the approximate size of the surface water of the dam is 15,4 ha. The water in the pan is dirty and there is litter on the shores of the pan. Reeds inhabit the shores of the dam, various species of bird can be observed on site (Plovers, Swallows, Sacred Ibis, Coots, Ducks and Hadida Ibis). The pan does not have an official human water use at present which makes it a hotspot for unwanted activity such as illegal dumping.

Figure 12: Esselen Park Pan in Tembisa.13

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3.3

Current use and opportunities posed by specific waterbodies in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (continued)

Blaaupan – The Blaaupan is located near OR Tambo International Airport, between the R43 (Atlas Road) and M45, in the catchment of the Blesbokspruit. The existing land uses surrounding the pan are recreational, small residential areas and Pumula Park Bird Nature Reserve. The pan is estimated at 70% of its maximum water level and the approximate size of the surface water of the dam is 37 ha. The water in the pan is fairly clean, reeds and sparse trees surround the edge of the pan. The existing use of the waterbody includes fishing, boating and nature views (birds). Sand Pan – The Sand Pan is situated in the catchment of the Blesbokspruit, north of the N12 in Benoni, amongst an upmarket residential area and unproclaimed open land. At present it is mainly used for its aesthetic value. An estimated 20% is surrounded by the residential area, whereas the rest remains unproclaimed. Around the water’s edge both reeds and a few trees are growing, but not to the extent that the dam is chocked with reeds. The color of the water is muddy brown and does not have an odour. There are birds at the Sand Pan, but it has not been established if they nest or breed here. The pan is approximately 73 ha in size. Bullfrog Pan – Bullfrog Pan is a pan that is situated close to Sand Pan. Bullfrog Pan is a shallow waterbody that is fed with storm-water run-off from surrounding low- to medium density urbanization. Surrounding land uses included urbanization (houses) and open veld areas. The approximate size of the surface water of the dam is 55,5 ha. Van Ryn Dam – Van Ryn Dam is located in Rynfield, just a few kilometers away from the Bunny Park in Benoni. The dam is enclosed within a residential development called Ebotse Golf and Country Estate. Van Ryn Dam is a manmade, in-stream dam built along an unnamed tributary of the Blesbokspruit River. The area of the dam is about 37,8 ha. There are existing recreational activities which include boating, fishing and bird watching for the Ebotse Residents. No further developments have been recommended for this waterbody.

Westdene Pan – Westdene Pan sits in the heart of the residential areas of Benoni. Westdene is a naturally occurring pan that has been largely impacted by high-density development around it and the resulting stormwater run-off from hardened surfaces. The temporary zone and parts of the permanent zone are choked with reeds. The approximate surface area of the permanent open water area of the pan is 35,2 ha. The Korman Bird Sanctuary is situated at Westdene Pan and is an important bird area in terms of conservation within the EMM. Middle Lake – Middle Lake also known as Benoni Lake is located along the N12 (south) Road just between the R21, Bunyan Street and M44 (Main) Road. The Middle Lake is found downstream of the Homestead Lake which is on the opposite side of the N12 Road and it is upstream of the Civic Lake. The waterbody has an estimated area of 21,8 ha and a 6 m high dam wall. The identified land uses around the Middle Lake are recreational, (the Benoni Lake Golf course and club house) and commercial use, (the Lake Hotel and Conference Centre). Reeds and trees were noted on the banks of the lake estimated to be around 50%. Algae infestation has been noted on the boundaries of the Lake. Civic Lake – The Civic Lake waterbody is found in Benoni and can be accessed through Tom Jones Road which off-ramps from the N12 National Road. The Civic and the Kleinfontein Lakes are separated by the Voortreker Road. The surrounding land uses are industrial or commercial with the Lakeside Mall situated at the southern part of the Lake. The lake is about 9,8 ha. Beautification and rehabilitation of some parts of the lake have been recommended. Kleinfontein Lake – Kleinfontein Lake is located on the eastern side of the Civic Lake. The lake occurs along a stream which is a tributary of the Blesbokspruit. There is a large mine dump on the western side of the Kleinfontein Lake. The total area of the lake is estimated to be around 36,6 ha. The surrounding area is an un-proclaimed land and there is an existing recreational boating activity. There is an 80% growth of reeds around the Lake but they don’t

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3.3

Current use and opportunities posed by specific waterbodies in EMM (continued)

choke the waterbody. Potential development around the Kleinfontein Lake includes Office complex, Residential, Recreation and Conservation Park. Boksburg Lake – Boksburg Lake is a man made instream waterbody located on the Elsburgspruit. The areas immediately adjacent to the waterbody (shores) are vegetated by grass and trees. The areas in the vicinity of the lake are developed for commercial or industrial land use. Increased urbanization in the past 15 years in the upstream reaches of the area results in a dramatic increase in silt loads in the Lake. Results from water extracts showed extremely high concentrations of heavy metals and organic pollution in the sediment, especially Ammonia-N (21 mg/l). The approximate size of the surface water of the dam is 18 ha.

Victoria Lake – Victoria or Germiston Lake is a man-made waterbody located in the catchment of the Natalspruit, near the Rand Airport. The areas immediately adjacent to the lake are open with grass and tree (including the golf course), although in the surrounding areas there are residential and industrial land uses, with a major road and railway line running on the eastern side of the lake. The lake is estimated that it is at 100% of its maximum water level and the approximate size of the surface water of the dam is 67 ha. The water in the lake is fairly clean and clear, reeds and sparse trees surround the edge of the pan. The existing use of the waterbody is mainly recreational, annual multi-sport events are held at this waterbody. Cinderella Dam – Cinderella Dam, along with Boksburg Lake is situated on the Elsburgspruit. The manmade dam is an impoundment built within the main channel of the Elsburgspruit. Large slimes dams and urbanized areas impact on the dam. The dam surface covers an area of approximately 31 ha. Leeupan – Leeupan is a naturally occurring pan within the EMM. It is similar to a lake, however, a pan is significantly shallower and therefore the outer edge shrinks or enlarges significantly during rainy or dry seasons. Although Leeupan is surrounded by open space, the pan is still impacted on by industrial, urban and to a lesser extent agricultural practices. The pan’s permanent surface covers an area of approximately 62 ha.

Figure 13: The Boksburg Lake.

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Glenshaft Pan – The Glenshaft Pan is a natural waterbody located south of the N12 between Benoni South and Apex. It is located in the upper catchment of the Rietspruit. The pan is surrounded by low to medium income residential areas and there is a waste water treatment works north east of the pan. There are no developments on the shores of the pan and a large open grass area surrounds the northern shores. The water is clear but there is a presence of algae and the shores are choked with reeds. It is estimated that the pan is at 85% of the maximum capacity and it is approximately 8,6 ha.


3.3


Apex Pan – Apex Pan is predominantly bordered by industrial and agricultural areas. Water quality is generally poor, causing problems for the aquatic biota and thus the overall health of the pan. The surface area of the open water is approximately 51 ha. Jan Smuts Dam – Jan Smuts is a large dam or pan. It does not have a specific dam wall typical of most manmade impoundments (dams). However, the dam is much larger than it would have been under completely natural conditions. There is large surface storm-water run-off into the dam and it therefore takes on many manmade dam characteristics. The surface area of the dam is approximately 65 ha. Alexander Dam – Alexander Dam is situated upstream from and close to Cowles Dam. Both are situated within the main channel of a main tributary of the Blesbokspruit. Alexander is one of the larger manmade impoundments situated along the Blesbokspruit. The open surface water of the dam is at least 77 ha, depending where the measurements are taken from. A road ‘cut’ the open surface water up into a few smaller dams. Cowles Dam – Cowles Dam is a manmade impoundment within the main channel of a tributary of the Blesbokspruit. It is situated about 2,1 km downstream from Alexander Dam. Until recently the land uses around and close to the dam have been predominantly mining and agriculture. These are the main ecological drivers of the quality of the dam. Other important impacts on water quality and ecological state originate upstream. The approximate open surface water of the dam is 56 ha. Van Wyks Dam – Van Wyks Dam is an instream manmade waterbody, located near the intersection of the N17 and R23, on the Rietspruit. The land use surrounding the Van Wyks Dam is upmarket residential. At present it is estimated that it is at 100% of its maximum volume. The water is a murky green colour, yet there are no signs of reeds choking the waterbody. The dam is used for aesthetic views and not any other purpose. The area of the Van Wyks Dam is approximately 13,5 ha.

Spaarwater Pan – The Spaarwater Pan is located in an area that is not proclaimed and developed, south east of the Tsakane Township, and on a tributary of the Blesbokspruit. It is a naturally occurring waterbody. At present it does not have an official use by residents of EMM but is important in terms of regulatory ecological functions and supporting animal life. It is estimated that it is at 100% of its total volume. It is approximately 63 ha. Duduza 1 Pan – The Duduza 1 Pan is located south east of Tsakane Township, in the southern portion of the Blesbokspruit Catchment. Mining and grazing of livestock are the main land uses on the surrounding areas. The water is clear, but is potentially polluted by the tailings in the vicinity and there is also evidence of dumping of rubble on the shores of the pan. It is estimated that it is at 100% of its maximum volume. Reeds are present but do not choke the waterbody. The area of the Duduza 1 Pan is approximately 58,1 ha. Nigel Dam – Nigel Dam is a manmade waterbody, situated outside Nigel industrial area called Vosterkroon. Other land uses in the surrounding area include the gold mine dump on the south eastern side of the Dam and the Nigel Golf Course is located about 700 m from the dam (Upstream). The dam is built along an unnamed tributary of the Blesbokspruit and is identified as the main water source to the dam. The surface area is estimated to be 58,8 ha. There are reeds and grass along the boundary but are not choking the waterbody. There is existing fishing activity in the dam. Mackenzieville Pan – The Mackenzieville Pan is a naturally occurring body of water, located in the vicinity of the Nigel, in the south eastern region of EMM. The pan is in the Blesbokspruit catchment. The land directly adjacent to the pan is open land, but further away and south of the pan there is a large medium density residential area. North of the pan and on the shore of the Nigel Dam the land use is mainly industrial. It is estimated that it is at 85% of its maximum level and the approximate size of the surface water of the dam is 48 ha. The water in the

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3.3


pan is murky green and infested with algae and there were signs of littering on the shores. Large amounts of reeds are present on the shores, and are thought to be choking the pan. A road has been constructed across the south western part of the pan. Other waterbodies – Many of South Africa’s bird species, including those within the Gauteng area are under extreme pressure due to a variety of threats. The biggest threat is probably loss of natural habitat needed for breeding, nesting, feeding, etc. Every year large areas of bird habitat are lost due to industrial and housing developments. This is especially relevant to the Gauteng Province, which includes the EMM. Currently, South Africa has 124 Important Bird Areas (IBAs), covering over 14 million hectares of habitat for our threatened, endemic and congregatory birds. Yet only 41% of the total land surface covered by our IBAs is legally protected (www.bigs.sanbi.org/birds). Korman Bird Sanctuary – Korman Bird Sanctuary is situated at Westdene Pan. The sanctuary is seen as part of the pan and needs to be included in any proposed development. Glen Austin Bird Sanctuary – Glen Austin Bird Sanctuary is situated at Glen Austin Pan. Any proposed development at, or around the pan, needs to include the bird sanctuary.

Marievale Bird Sanctuary – The Marievale Bird Sanctuary is situated in the southern half of the Blesbokspruit RAMSAR site, an area that is also a designated IBA in South Africa. Although the construction of roads, railways, pipelines and power lines in the area has reduced the flood-plains to small dams, water-birds still prefer Marievale as a feeding and breeding place. Habitats of the sanctuary includes shallow open water, reed-beds and grassland, so the variety of birds is immense. Over 240 bird species have been recently recorded. There are over 65 species of water-birds, including large populations of Reed Cormorant, Red knobbed Coot and Yellow-billed Duck. Goliath, Black, Squacco and Purple Herons are usually present. Grootvaly Blesbokspruit Conservation Area – is situated in the upper section of the Blesbokspruit RAMSAR site. This area is well equipped with an environmental education center, a bird ringing laboratory, two bird viewing hides and other infrastructure. The Blesbokspruit RAMSAR site was placed on the Montreux Record in 1996 due to the mine water discharge into the system. The site is still on the Montreux Record and requires urgent intervention.

Figure 14: Korman Bird Sanctuary.

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3.4

Biodiversity in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality

Figure 15: Ecosystem protection levels within Ekurhuleni. Biodiversity in the EMM is under a lot of pressure from certain human activities. The conversion of natural habitats into manmade structures has fragmented the natural Grasslands in the EMM. Pans have been filled in for urban development, and wetlands and surface waterbodies have become isolated. All these developments in the area have resulted in the loss of natural ecosystem function and biodiversity. Natural migration of animal species is prohibited by fences and walls built on the edges of the pans and wetlands. The symbiotic relationship within the ecosystem is also disturbed by human activities and the introduction of invasive alien species. Trade in medicinal plants has increased and is practiced in an unsustainable manner by traditional healers, shop traders, street traders and commercial gatherers in the area. The EMM area is also faced with the

challenge of increasing its number of protected areas. It also needs to involve the Working for Water Programme to identify and remove the vast number of invasive alien plant species (IAPs). In South Africa, only 11 ecosystem types are well protected and 71% is not protected at all, reflecting the fact that wetland ecosystems have not been taken systematically into account in establishing and expanding land-based protected areas.

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3.5 Key Wetlands in the Municipal Area

Figure 16: Internationally renowned RAMSAR Site, Blesbokspruit Catchment in EMM. A small percentage of surface area is formally protected in the EMM. The main areas include the Blesbokspruit (lower southeast); parts of the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve (lower south); and a section of the Rietvlei Dam Municipal Nature Reserve (upper north). The RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands identified wetlands as one of the most important life support systems on earth. Only one RAMSAR site is found within the EMM, namely the Blesbokspruit and its associated wetlands (Figure 16). The Blesbokspruit and its associated wetlands are very important in terms of biodiversity, bird life and conservation. Further highlighting the importance of this RAMSAR site in the EMM is that there are currently only 20 RAMSAR sites in the whole of South Africa. The Blesbokspruit RAMSAR site is currently the only one in SA on the Montreux Record.

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Figure 17: Blesbokspruit RAMSAR site in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.14


3.6

The value of Wetlands in Ekurhuleni

Wetlands provide many benefits at very little cost. They are unique and vital ecological resources, providing a host of services to society. Thus, every individual wetland is important. However, individual wetlands differ according to their characteristics and the particular ecosystem services that they supply to society. Thus, society may deem some wetlands to be more important than others. Kotze et al., (2005) has described ecosystem services that South African wetlands are considered to provide (Table 1).

The list is by no means complete, but only includes those benefits that can be readily and rapidly described. Other potentially important benefits including groundwater recharge and discharge and biomass export are difficult to characterize at a rapid assessment level. No proper assessment of ecosystem goods and services was undertaken in this project, however based on the different wetlands Hydro-geomorphic (HGM) types, a basic assessment of functionality was achieved.

Sediment trapping Phosphate assimilation

benefits

enhancement

quality

Stream flow regulation

Water

Hydro geochemical benefits

Indirect benefits

Flood attenuation

Nitrate assimilation Toxicant assimilation Erosion control Carbon storage Biodiversity maintenance Provision of water for human use

Direct benefits

Ecosystem services supplied by wetlands

Table 1 Ecosystem services provided by wetlands

Provision of harvestable resources Provision of cultivated foods Cultural significance Tourism and recreation Education and research

The most abundant wetland types within Ekurhuleni are pans or depression wetlands. Pans receive both surface and groundwater flows, which accumulate in the depression, owing to their generally watertight underlying layer that prevents water from draining away. The opportunity for flood attenuation by pans is limited by their positioning on the landscape, which is generally isolated from stream channels. However, they still do capture run-off because of their inward draining nature. This results in reduced surface water volumes that would otherwise reach the stream and contribute to storm flows.

The inward draining nature, together with the impervious underlying layer means that pans are not effective in stream flow regulation. Pans are also not important for sediment trapping due to their topographic isolation from other systems. They have a low biodiversity value because they are inaccessible to aquatic organisms that are dependent on streams. They can, however, be areas of endemism. Nitrogen cycling in pans is likely to be important with some losses due to denitrification, and volatilization in the case of high pH’s (Kotze et al., 2005)

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3.6 The value of wetlands in Ekurhuleni (continued)

Palmer et al. (2002) identified pans as being probably the most important habitats for birds such as flamingos and owls, because they usually provide shallow-water and shoreline habitats which are rare in other types of wetlands (e.g. Leeupan in Wattville). Pans in Ekurhuleni are very different. They range from reed pan to grass pan. Floodplains: Palmer et al. (2002) compared nonfloodplain riparian wetlands with floodplain riparian wetlands and showed that flood plain riparian wetlands are more valuable. The study indicated that floodplain wetlands offer a more extensive habitat than a non-floodplain riparian habitat, i.e. the floodplain offers open water and vegetative habitats. Dams: Kotze et al. (2004) indicated that dams perform certain wetland functions such as sediments trapping, e.g. Boksburg Lake and Brakpan Lake but they do not perform other functions well. The study also showed that the habitat required by wetland species is lost when a wetland is dammed. Moreover dams reduce the in-stream flow requirement (Kotze et al., 2004). Palmer et al. (2002) pointed out that dams are crucial for supporting high numbers of waterfowl species. Kotze et al. (2004) classified wetland functions according to direct and indirect benefits. The study showed that indirect benefits include water purification and enhancing water quality, flood attenuation, water storage and enhancement of sustained streamflow, recharging groundwater, erosion control, maintenance of biological diversity and global climate stabilizing. Despite the identified problems in Ekurhuleni wetlands, and although not in detail, a study (The Draft Reclamation, Rehabilitation, Landscaping and Enhancement Feasibility Master Plan of Ekurhuleni Waterbodies, 2016) has identified several functions of Ekurhuleni wetlands. The study

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has identified that many of Ekurhuleni wetlands are currently used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, picnic areas, golf courses, quad biking and bird watching. This is the case for many dams/ lakes and pan wetlands such as Jan Smuts Dam, Benoni Lake, and Kempton Park Golf Course. Many of the pans are also attracting developers wanting to establish residential estates around water features. A good example will be the Clear Waters Residential Estate along the Atlas Road. There are also rural communities that still depend on these wetlands for water resources. These people still wash their clothes and their bodies in the streams. This is a very important function since not all people live in the cities and towns where there is steady water supply system. An example is the farm community living along the R25, just outside the R21 high way from Pretoria to Kempton Park, in Kaalfontein. This specific example is found opposite the new Serengeti Residential Estate. Agricultural activities, both cultivation and livestock farming, are one of the major land use activities in rural Ekurhuleni. Most farmers still depend on water from these wetlands for sustaining their agricultural activities. Livestock such as cattle and sheep are grazing in the wetlands, especially during winter when most vegetation patches are dry and wetlands provide the isolated green pasture. Most commercial farmers are cultivating maize and this is taking place from the top of catchment areas down to the wetland areas. Most people still pump water straight from the rivers to irrigate their crops. An example of this are the farmers in the Bredell Agricultural Holdings area.


3.7

Threats to Ekurhuleni Wetlands

Figure 18: Threatened wetland ecosystems types and river ecosystem types in the Ekurhuleni Municipality identified in the National Freshwater Ecosystems Priority Areas Project. Despite the huge benefits that wetlands provide in terms of ecosystem services, 50% of wetlands in South Africa have already been lost and 48% of the remaining wetlands are critically endangered and/or degraded.15 This loss is a direct result of deliberate

draining of wetlands, development and expansion (both urban and agricultural) and pollution. Damage to wetlands results in increasingly limited functionality and subsequently a decrease in the ability to provide valuable ecosystem services.

This is an overview of wetland disturbance factors or threats affecting wetlands within Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.

Table 2 EMM river and wetland ecosystems threats status River and Wetland Threat Status

Number of Critically Endangered Types

Number of Endangered Types

Number of Vulnerable Types

Number of Least Threatened Types

Total

Wetlands

20

8

1

1

30

Rivers

0

0

2

5

7

Total

20

8

3

6

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3.7 Threats to Ekurhuleni wetlands (continued)

Mining/Quarrying and Other Excavations – Sand Quarrying and other excavations were identified at different wetland sites around EMM. These activities have led to the degradation of most wetland systems. Sand mining mostly occurs mostly in and around new construction sites, mostly residential developments. In some areas such as Boksburg, Springs and Nigel, mining, quarries and other excavations were a common factor in active and dormant mining sites such as one site in Hill View, Germiston. Acid mine drainage (AMD) occurs when water flows over exposed sulphide minerals, which oxidise in the presence of water and oxygen, causing the water to become acidic, which then dissolves other toxic metals. Exposure and oxidation of pyrite and other sulphide minerals occur in mine wall rocks, backfill, waste rock piles, low grade ore stockpiles and tailings deposits. In and around South African gold mines, pyrite (FeS2) present in gold ore dissolves on oxidation and releases iron and sulphuric acids. According to a report (December 2010) commissioned by the Inter-ministerial Committee on Acid Mine Drainage, the mining companies and government had until June 2012 to control acid mine drainage before the toxic water under central Johannesburg begins to flood the tourist mine in Gold Reef City, with estimates the water reaching the surface – possibly initially in the Boksburg area – in March 2013. On the East Rand,

as pumping of water from the Grootvlei mine near Springs stopped in early 2011, estimates suggest that acid mine drainage will flow onto the surface of the ground near Nigel central business district three or five years following the closure of the mine – if action is not taken. The Blesbokspruit and the Marievale Bird Sanctuary are already contaminated with toxic mine water. (Earthlife Africa website) Dams – Filling of dams leads to the inundation upstream of the dam wall and the immediate area around (Figure 19). In many instances the outlets of the dams are poorly maintained creating opportunity for erosion gullies and bursting. A large number of wetlands on private land, especially farms and agricultural holdings, were mostly small artificial dams or ponds. Usually the water is kept for irrigation purposes and drinking water for livestock. These dams hold a lot of water which affects water supply to downstream users, hence the drying out of most wetlands. A large number of these small dams are found in the Petit/ Pomona areas. The study (The Draft Reclamation, Rehabilitation, Landscaping and Enhancement Feasibility Master Plan of Ekurhuleni’s Waterbodies) also found that many wetlands are dammed for recreation purposes. A good example of this is the Rynfield Bunny Park dams which are used for recreation in the park.

Figure 19: A dam wall in the Benoni area.

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3.7 Threats to Ekurhuleni wetlands (continued)

Water Abstraction and Extraction of Wetland Material – Most agricultural activities are dependent on water from wetlands, thus increasing the level direct impacts on the water regime within wetlands. Although to a lesser extent, extraction of wetland material is a concern when done unsustainably. Phragmites and bull rush are the most extracted wetland material (Figure 20). These are mostly used for manufacturing of artifacts and crafts (i.e. mats and bags).

Figure 20: Extraction of wetland material in the Benoni area. Drainage Channels and Diversions – Drainage has negative effects on wetlands. Drainage channels speed up the movement of water through and out of the wetland, reducing its effectiveness in regulating stream flow and increasing danger of erosion. Wetlands are difficult areas to work, due to their waterlogged conditions. This leads to the drainage of culverts to divert water from the wetland to create conditions that will suit the envisaged land use. As a result, most of these wetlands have dried out completely. In the case of Ekurhuleni the wetland in Glen Marais has been impacted by a manmade drain which deposits excess water from the road into the adjacent wetland. Most drainage channels are created in agricultural fields when wetlands are drained to give way to crops. This in many cases leads to the development of erosion gullies which grow and develop into a big donga. The end result is water flowing in an incised channel, drying out the whole wetland area.

Cultivation: Commercial and Subsistence – Agriculture accounts for a large part of land coverage in the EMM with irrigated agriculture being the most dominant activity. It was found that most cultivated farms extend to parts of or within wetlands areas. Some wetlands have been cultivated, and thus irreversibly transformed. Consequently, agricultural activities have significantly altered the size and shape of most wetlands around the Metro area. Additionally, water regimes within most wetlands have been altered from permanent to either seasonal or temporal wetlands. Livestock – In areas where livestock farming is the dominant form of farming, wetlands have been significantly affected through trampling effects. The trampling effect of livestock leads to suppression and significantly affects the rate of wetland vegetation regeneration. This happens mostly on private land where extensive livestock grazing is predominant. Grazing of wetlands mostly occurs during winter when most pastures have dried out and wetlands provide the only viable pastures in the area. The trampling effect of livestock leads to suppression and significantly affects the rate of wetland vegetation regeneration. This happens mostly on private land where extensive livestock grazing is predominant. A good example is the wetland in Bapsfontein in the Olifants catchment where the wetland vegetation is lost due to trampling by livestock. Burning – Wetland burning has been identified as one of the most significant disturbance factors. This is commonly found in and around wetlands which are in close proximity to townships or informal settlements. Burning of solid wastes (papers, plastics, rubbers, etc.) in open dumping sites, mostly wetland sites, has led to extensive wetland losses and wetland degradation. Residential and Industrial Development – Due to an increase in population and economic growth, Ekurhuleni is experiencing major infrastructural developments such as residential estates and shopping malls. Most residential estates are located around water features such as wetlands, especially where Golf Estates are to be developed. This results in total modification of the wetland systems.

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3.7 Threats to Ekurhuleni wetlands (continued) Transportation Infrastructure (Roads and Railway) – Roads crossing wetlands modify flow patterns. In most cases a road will dam or drain the wetland of flow upstream of the road. The culverts often concentrate water flow downstream and increase the chance of donga erosion. The current economic growth in the country is also bringing more demand for upgrades of old and construction of new roads. Most of these are constructed across wetland areas and the result is that many wetlands are being fragmented and restricted to narrow culverts for allowing water to pass through. This reduces wetland area sizes into narrow strips or channels. In Ekurhuleni there are roads which are fragmenting wetlands. As a result the culverts on the road are concentrating the flow and causing head-cut in the wetland in Kempton Park Golf Course. Waste Disposal and/or Dumping – Infilling of wetland involves the dumping of solid waste onto the surface of the wetland. According to Kotze and Breen (2000) infilling generally has a very high and permanent impact on wetland functioning. Water flow patterns in the wetland are altered and the natural vegetation is lost. This leads to a complete destruction of wetland areas. In the case of Ekurhuleni, there is one wetland in the Benoni area wherein the developers constructed a filling station right inside a wetland area. Other developers dumped rubble and soil material on the remainder part of the wetland area. This was done to develop a shopping complex. A sewage pipe line has also been constructed right across the wetland in the same area. This has resulted in the wetland system changing shape and water regime completely. Erosion Gullies – Overgrazing, burning and draining or creation of diversion channels results in the destruction of land cover, which make the wetlands prone to various form of erosion and leads to the development of erosion head cuts and gullies. These have a potential to grow and cut through the entire wetland system, resulting in a complete drying out of a wetland due to lack of water.

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Invasive Alien Plants (IAPs) – Invasive Alien Plant species (IAPs) displace indigenous vegetation and therefore impact the integrity of the wetland system. They drain wetlands and destroy indigenous vegetation, reducing cover, rendering it poor quality habitat for wetland fauna (Palmer et al., 2002). Gauteng is one area that is heavily infested with invasive alien plant species and EMM is no exception. The most dominant invasive alien plants identified are blue gum, black wattle, poplar and willows. These plants occur within and/or on the temporal parts of wetland areas. Wetlands in particular and open waterbodies in general are of the most threatened habitats in the world today. In some catchments in South Africa, studies reveal that over 50% of the wetlands have already been largely transformed or totally destroyed. Other activities in the Blesbkspruit area include poaching, hunting with dogs, burning, illegal dumping, illegal mining by artisanal miners in the river bed and on the banks, chemical and pathogen pollution from water care works and industries.

Figure 21: Marievale bird sanctuary (with Springs goldmine waste dump in the background).16


3.8

Drivers of Ecological Change

The main drivers of ecological change within wetlands have been the drainage of wetlands for crops and pastures, poorly managed burning and grazing that has resulted in head cut and donga erosion, the planting of IAPs in wetlands, mining, pollution and urban development (Naledzi, 2007). A key finding of the freshwater ecosystem atlas is that 57% of river ecosystems and 65% of wetlands in South Africa are threatened. It was found that the high levels of threat result particularly from intense land use pressures, especially around cities.

All of these drivers, or negative impacts, alter the flow and quality of the water, not to mention the associated habitats such as riparian zones, floodplains, etc. According to Naledzi (2007) the continued destruction of wetlands and other waterbodies will result in less pure water, less reliable water supplies, increased severe flooding, lower agricultural productivity, and more endangered species. The main drivers impacting on the key waterbodies are shown in Table 3 below.

Table 3 Main drivers of ecological change in Ekurhuleni18 No.

Waterbody

Main drivers of ecological change19

1

Rietspruit

Agriculture, residential developments, industries developments

2

Natalspruit

Settlements, sewage, illegal dumping, litter

3

Elsburgspruit

Settlements, sewage, illegal dumping, litter, industrial, mining

4

Blesbokspruit

Settlements, mining agriculture, illegal dumping, siltation, illegal gold mining

5

Rietvlei

Agriculture, some mining and urbanisation, sewage

6

Kaalspruit

Agriculture, settlements

7

Olifantspruit Dam

Upstream runoff, upstream suburbs

8

Glen Austin Pan (incl. Glen Austin B.S.)

Close built-up suburbs, litter, illegal dumping

9

Esselen Park Pan

Close built-up suburbs, litter, illegal dumping, stormwater run-off

10

Blaaupan

Close built-up suburbs

11

Sand Pan

Close built-up suburbs, stormwater run-off, siltation

12

Bullfrog Dam

Close built-up suburbs, stormwater run-off

13

VanRyn


14

Westdene Pan (incl. Korman B.S.)


15

Middle Lake


16

Civic Lake


17

Kleinfontein Lake


18

Boksburg Lake


19

Germiston Lake


20

Cinderella Dam


21

Leeupan


22

Glenshaft Pan


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3.8 Drivers of ecological change (continued)

Figure 22: Example of the water filtration capabilities of wetlands.17 According to the EMM Bioregional Plan (BRP), impacts (or drivers of ecological change) include changes in water quality (e.g. acid mine drainage, waste water from treatment plants, fertilizer and pesticide runoff) and water flow regimes (e.g. catchment hardening and increased storm water flows).20 Consequently, 97% of the wetland ecosystems and 29% of the river ecosystem types are threatened (Nel & Driver, 2012) Thirteen of the 17 waste water treatment works (WWTW) in the EMM show trends of increased risk profiles from 2009 to 2011, meaning that wastewater treatment systems pose a risk to the receiving environment and public health in the short to medium term future. Three plants are in high-risk space and need urgent and targeted attention – Vlakplaats, Jan Smuts and Welgedacht (Green Drop Report 2011). According to a detailed study done by Naledzi in 2007, there were originally approximately 695 identifiable wetlands and other watercourses. Yet by the time of the study only 206 were found during groundtruthing. Many of the wetlands were transformed

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beyond recognition, with most others under threat. Urbanisation and associated development is very high on the agenda in Gauteng Province, with the result that massive pressure is placed on open areas, in which most, if not all of these wetlands are situated. Another main driver of ecological change on the waterbodies of EMM is urbanisation, and the associated activities. For example, according to Naledzi (2007), hill-slope seep wetlands in Birch Acres, Tembisa, were developed into a residential area and a shopping complex. Amongst those that were still visible, many of them are under threat or have large impacts from disturbance factors such as IAPs, residential and industrial development, commercial and/or subsistence cultivation, grazing, burning, roads and railway lines, dams, drainage channels and diversions and mining/ quarrying and other excavations (Naledzi, 2007). Washing of clothes in informal settlements was found to be the single most important source of grey water generation, accounting for a third to almost half of



all grey water generated. The smallest contribution comes from water used for cleaning (approx. 10%) while bathing and washing dishes accounts for equal proportions of the reminder. Chemical and microbiological analyses of grey water, sampled at selected sites across the four study areas, revealed significant variations in quality between the different sites, without allowing for clear distinctions between the impacts of different brands of detergents such as soaps, washing powder and dish washing liquids (Mofukeng, 2008). Contrary to the literature, E. coli contamination was found not be confined to bath and kitchen waste water only, but also appeared in laundry water, frequently exceeding values stipulated in the general standards of waste water or effluent in South Africa. This is of particular concern since some of the grey water is disposed of into stormwater canals and in other non-formal ways, which allows for subsequent exposure of humans to the contaminated waste water. In order to facilitate rapid drainage in some instances respondents created their own grey water disposal infrastructure. For example, by digging open wastewater trenches across backyard borders. Regarding potential health risks it is to be noted that at least one respondent reported the use of the water resource (Blesbokspruit) as toilet facility (Mofukeng, 2008). The paved surfaces of urban areas cause an increase in surface run-off during the wet summer months and a decrease in sub-surface flow during the winter months (Scott et al., 1996). In general, the direct use of river water for industrial use has declined over the past few years due to declining water quality and the increased accessibility to potable water (DWAF, 1999). The damming of most rivers and streams is a common problem, associated presently and historically with agricultural activities in the region. Many of the rivers have been canalised, mostly for stormwater control in urban areas or for agricultural purposes. The everincreasing urbanisation pressures in the area has caused many of the natural systems in the area to a downward cycle of deterioration.

The natural systems in EMM are overshadowed by contributions from sewage works and mining. The increase in urbanisation has seen surface water runoff increase by almost 300%. The higher river flood peaks and levels pose a threat to all developments (mainly informal housing) within designated flood zones. Many parts of Tembisa, Katlehong, Tsakane and Nigel are at risk (SOER, 2004). The water quality is generally poor in all river/stream systems within Ekurhuleni. The poor management of stormwater, sewage treatment plants, industries and agricultural activities all contributes greatly to the negative impacts on watercourse systems (SOER, 2004). Water quality index values for rivers and streams in the EMM generally ranges from poor to fair. According to a study conducted by Bodenstein et al. (2004) the aquatic macro-invertebrate diversity is very poor. The quality of the aquatic habitats was, in part, to blame for this. Bodenstein et al. (2004) found that most streams and rivers suffer from industrial and urban pollution, due to illegal industrial discharges, ill-managed and polluted storm water, waste water treatment works that do not comply to effluent discharge criteria, littering and illegal dumping, all of which contribute towards erosion and degradation of the streams and rivers. This situation in most cases has worsened over the years from 2004 to the present. Most of the wetlands in the EMM are dominated or choked by reeds (Phragmites spp. and Typha capensis). Although generally seen as useless areas by many people in terms of urbanisation or agriculture, wetlands perform vital functions, most of which depend on the presence of dense stands of reeds rushes and other large emergent plants. Firstly these wetlands are remarkably effective flood-control agents, forcing water to spread and reduce their damaging effects. It also ameliorates the impacts of floods by storing and slowly releasing floodwater to river channels. This feature reduces flood peaks and extends time taken for floodwater to drain to rivers. Probably the most important feature of wetlands is their ability to act as natural filters, trapping sediment,

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nutrients and even pathogenic bacteria. This action is brought about by the plants causing the water to flow much slower and thus drop its silt, and at the same time, the plants and microbes associated with them extract nutrients for their own growth. The wetlands furthermore provide vital habitat, food and shelter

for an enormous variety of plants and animals, both terrestrial and aquatic. Hundreds of waterfowl have been observed in the wetland areas during the study period, emphasising their importance in refuge areas even more (Davies & Day, 1998; Rand Water, 1998).

Figure 23: Patrick Ganda, environmental officer at the Grootvaly Blesbokspruit Wetland Reserve with the invasive Pampass grass in the reserve.21

Figure 24: Tinos Mauchira, an employee on Tamuka’s plot, holds two dead koi fish found in the polluted water of the Blesbokspruit.22

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‘

Management and | Disaster Climate Change

isaster means a progressive or sudden, widespread or localised, natural or human-caused D occurrence which is a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society involving widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses and impacts, which exceeds the ability of the affected community or society to cope using its own resources.

’

Disaster Management Act No. 57 of 2002 The National Disaster Management Act, Act 57 of 2002 directs in section 53(2) (a) that a disaster management plan must form an integral part of the municipality’s

4.1

integrated development plan. This is also directed as such by the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, Act 32 of 2000 in section 26(g).

Disaster Management in the Municipality

The Ekurhuleni Corporate Disaster Management Plan (CDMP) aims at gearing Ekurhuleni to identify and then reduce disaster risk through proper and timely risk reduction actions as well as the execution of disaster responses. The CDMP of Ekurhuleni predetermines, to the extent possible, actions to be taken by all departments, stakeholders and cooperating private organisations, to prevent disasters and to reduce the vulnerability of EMM residents to any disasters that may occur. The plan further aims to establish capabilities for protecting citizens from the effects of disasters and for mechanisms to respond effectively to the actual occurrence of disasters, and then to provide for recovery in the aftermath of any disaster involving extensive damage or other debilitating influence on the normal pattern of life within the community of the municipality. The CDMP provides the basis for the development of risk specific plans as well as Departmental Disaster Management Plans, which takes into account the peculiarities of different risks. A flood, as an example, has a different risk profile to drought and an earthquake has a different risk profile to a toxic chemical release.

development and the integration of disaster risk reduction measures must be a coordinated focus of all stakeholders. It is only through sustainable development which considers the impact of development on future generations that the EMM will be able to leave a legacy of a healthy and safe world for all to be enjoyed. The Ekurhuleni CDMP provides the results of consultation of disaster risk reduction and response role-players. Each Department of Council has identified its disaster responsibilities to ensure that any response to a disaster means that responders do not work against each other, but rather complement each other to ensure a speedy recovery from the disaster. The plan further aims to ensure that sustainable development remains just that, by the application of disaster management principals related to disaster risk reduction, mitigation of disaster risks and prevention into developmental projects. This is accomplished by the participation of the function in the Development Facilitation Committee as well as other committees whose primary functions are related to the identified disaster risks, i.e. Environmental Management Department, Health Department and Disaster and Emergency Management Services Department (Corporate Disaster Management Plan 2011).

Disaster Management is the business of all stakeholders in Ekurhuleni and so the integration of disaster response plans, the integration of sustainable

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4.2

Risk Mapping

Risks or hazards with a direct and or indirect/potential

●●

impact on wetlands in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan

●●

Municipality include:

●●

Vulnerabilities

Natural hazards ●●

Lightning strikes causing fires and / or damage to: –– Power lines

●●

●●

–– Residential, commercial and industrial buildings –– Grazing land/agricultural fields

Settlements ●●

Extreme weather events (extreme cold or heat waves; Strong winds and tornadoes)

●●

Fires in informal settlements

●●

Subsidence in dolomite areas

●●

Earthquakes

●●

Thunderstorms

●●

Health related disasters

Technological hazards ●●

●●

●●

Floods – especially close to or affecting informal settlements

●●

Mine tremors Sasol Gas pipeline leaks and explosions Petronet pipelines

Hazardous material spills and accidents (roads, rail and air)

Residents living in unsafe areas (dolomite, mine dumps, along major road and rail corridors, etc). Residents in informal settlements close to hazards, i.e. gas and fuel pipelines, high tension electrical / overhead wires. Residents not trained in disaster risk reduction actions and preparedness. Lack of awareness of disaster risks.

As noted in Section 3.6, wetlands are considered to be high-value ecological infrastructure as they provide a substantial number of ecosystem services to the surrounding local area as well as downstream. Wetlands also have the ability to buffer and reduce the impacts of a substantial array of disasters including flooding, drought, and inconsistent water supply, and soil erosion, loss of biodiversity and groundwater pollution. Given the severity of the potential impacts these risks pose to the EMM, wetlands can play a key role in disaster risk mitigation within the Metro. This is summarised in Table 4 below:

Table 4 Role of wetlands in disaster risk mitigation Disaster

Role of Wetlands is Disaster Risk Mitigation23

Flooding

Wetlands have the ability to reduce the velocity of flowing water and absorb some of the water into the wetland system. As such, rather than the flood water moving through the system in one go, water is retained and released at a slower rate. This means that not only is the intensity of the flood reduced or prevented all together, thereby reducing the potential impact on infrastructure and housing downstream, but there is sustained water flow long after the rainfall event.

Inconsistent Water Flow & Drought

Wetlands have the ability to act like sponges in that throughout the rainy season they absorb water. During the dry season, and even in times of drought, this water is slowly released thereby ensuring that rivers and streams maintain sustainable flows and supply continuous water despite lack of rainfall.

Groundwater Pollution

Wetlands have the ability to purify water by trapping pollutants, sediments, excess nutrients (especially nitrogen and phosphorus), heavy metals, disease-causing bacteria and viruses, and synthesized organic pollutants such as pesticides, thereby ensuring that the water leaving the wetland is cleaner than the water that entered it.

Loss of Biodiversity

Wetlands can be considered as biodiversity hotspots in themselves as they provide key habitat to a number of plant and animal species. Often these species are considered to be unique and are completely dependent on the system. Maintaining healthy wetlands therefore can contribute to halting loss of biodiversity within the municipality.

Soil Erosion

Due to the fact that wetlands are covered by specially adapted vegetation, little to no erosion occurs in wetland areas as the wetland plants have the ability to stabilise and bind the soil, reducing the risk of top soil loss downstream.

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4.3

‘

Climate Change in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality

limate change’ means a change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human C activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods.

’

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

In simpler terms, climate change can best be described as a long term change in the Earth’s global climate patterns including shifts in historical seasonality, rainfall patterns and average temperature ranges. These shifts are caused by an increase in global temperatures which are caused by increasing greenhouse gases (e.g. carbon dioxide) being emitted into the atmosphere. The rising of greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere is caused by large scale human activities including but not limited to industry, agriculture, transport and land use change. As a result, the long term historical climate trend is shifting towards unstable and unpredictable future climate conditions.

will increase the frequency at which some natural hazards occur, especially extreme weather events, and introduce new incremental impacts that are less immediate.

4.3.1 Current Climate Information Temperature: ●●

●●

●●

An increasing number of cities around the world have begun to plan for climate change by developing stand-alone climate plans or incorporating climate considerations into existing plans, policies and projects. The context of climate change within EMM means that significant efforts need to be made across all spheres within the organisational structures of our local government. The vision of the municipality to develop into Africa’s first Aerotropolis, meaning that functioning and infrastructural fabric needs to cater for all aspects of change and be resilient at the same time. As such EMM has identified climate change and the possible impacts thereof as a paramount aspect of integrated planning within the municipality. Climate change impacts range from an increase in extreme weather events such as hotter temperatures and flooding. The specific impacts on each city will depend on the actual changes in climate experienced, which will vary from place to place. Climate change

●●

Ekurhuleni falls in the Highveld region of the Gauteng Province and experiences typical Highveld climate conditions: Historically, the hottest months (summer) for Ekurhuleni are December, January and February where temperatures average around 25°C. The coldest months (winter) are June, July and August where temperatures below freezing are common in winter. The highest temperatures are generally experienced in January.

Rainfall: ●●

●●

●● ●●

●●

More than 80% of the annual rainfall falls between October and March, mainly as a result of thunderstorms, with the highest amount of rainfall falling in December (wettest month). The least amount of rainfall occurs during the winter months (May- August). The driest month is July. Average rainfall is 715 mm to 735 mm annually. Hail can be expected periodically and mild damage to fruit harvests usually occurs in two out of three years, while severe damage occurs every two out of five years. Severe frost occurs frequently from mid-April to September.

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4.3

Climate Change in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (continued) Historical climate monthly averages JOHANNESBURG INTNL. AIRPO

Rainfall 1979 to 2000

Tmax 1979 to 2000

30

Tmin 1979 to 2000

125

25

100

20

75

15

50

10

25

5

0

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Temperature (degrees C)

Rainfall (mm)

150

0

Highcharts.com

Figure 25: Historical climate monthly averages for EMM.24

4.3.2 Future Climate Info Maximum Temperature:

Average maximum temperature RCP 8.5 ( °C )

JOHANNESBURG INTNL. AIRPO ( altitude 1720m ) Average maximum temperature RCP 8.5

4

Observed 1979 to 2000 .

(increase)

(decrease) 10th to 90th percentile range 2040 - 2060

3.5

3

2.5

2

1.5

1

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Figure 26: Average maximum temperatures for EMM.25

40

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Oct

Nov

Dec

Highcharts.com

4.3

Climate Change in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (continued)

Minimum Temperature: ●●

●●

There will be a definite increase (red) in average monthly temperatures throughout the year. Overall increase in monthly average temperatures will most likely be between 0.5 – 2.5 °C.

●●

●●

Summer temperatures will increase slightly more than the winter temperatures. The summer maximum temperature range will increase slightly more than the minimum temperature range with an associated increased risk of heat waves.

Average minimum temperature RCP 8.5 ( °C )

JOHANNESBURG INTNL. AIRPO ( altitude 1720m ) Average minimum temperature RCP 8.5

4


3.5

(increase)


3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Highcharts.com

Figure 27: Average minimum temperate for EMM.

Rainfall: ●●

●●

●●

Overall no consistent indication on the direction of change. Despite uncertainty however, models generally indicate that that there will be a shift to generally drier conditions overall, particularly in the winter months. Models also indicate that there will be a shift in timing of seasonal rainfall as well as a shift in the rainfall patterns.

●●

●●

Rainfall quantity is likely to decrease overall however there could be an increase in the frequency and intensity of rainfall events during the summer months. It is anticipated that there will be an exacerbation of the existing climate conditions with the exception of a decrease in the number of frost days occurring in winter.

JOHANNESBURG INTNL. AIRPO ( altitude 1720m ) Total monthly rainfall RCP 8.5

Total monthly rainfall RCP 8.5 ( mm )

40


(increase)


20

0

-20

-40

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Highcharts.com

Figure 28: Total monthly rainfall for EMM.26

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4.3


Count of Wet Days: JOHANNESBURG INTNL. AIRPO ( altitude 1720m ) Count of wet days RCP 8.5

Count of wet days RCP 8.5 ( days )

3


(increase)


2

1

0

-1

-2

-3

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Highcharts.com

Figure 29: Count of wet days for EMM.27

Mean Dry Spells: JOHANNESBURG INTNL. AIRPO ( altitude 1720m ) Mean dry spell durations RCP 8.5

Mean dry spell durations RCP 8.5 ( days )

20


15

(increase)


10 5 0 -5 -10 -15

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Figure 30: Mean dry spells for EMM.28

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Oct

Nov

Dec

Highcharts.com

4.3


Frost Days: JOHANNESBURG INTNL. AIRPO ( altitude 1720m ) Frost days (tmin < 0°) RCP 8.5

Frost days (tmin < 0°) RCP 8.5 ( days )

0.5


(increase)


0

-0.5

-1

-1.5

-2

-2.5

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Highcharts.com

Figure 31: Frost days for EMM.29

4.3.3 Consequences ●●

●●

Increasing monthly temperatures and uncertain rainfall patterns combined with the increased duration of hot and dry spells between rainy seasons results in increased risk of more severe exacerbated dry periods in the winter months and a decrease in a the number of frost days in winter. Drought is also a risk. Increasing uncertainty of rainfall patterns could result in an increase in the magnitude and frequency of rainfall events resulting in increased risk of periodic flooding and more intense hail storms in the summer months.

Ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) is the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services for adapting to the impacts of climate change. Healthy, intact ecological infrastructure such as wetlands, coastal dunes and forests help to protect and buffer communities from the impacts of climate change, such as heavy storms, floods and storm surges. Maintenance of

these strategically important ecosystems can offer communities protection from climate change impacts. EbA programmes are often more cost-effective than ‘engineered’ solutions and provide valuable day-today ecosystem services such as water and food and livelihood opportunities to communities.

Figure 32: Schematic representation on the hydrological buffering capability of wetlands.

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5

| Governance & Management

South Africa has an extensive legislative framework concerning the environment and biodiversity is considered in both development planning as well as national government priorities. This section outlines

5.1

key legislation and policies as well as the governance structure within EMM which leads to the current wetland management strategy within the Metro.

Policy Framework

The following list of South African legislation, policies and strategies is a starting point and not exhaustive. Some of the items below (Table 5) set out explicit

direction (e.g. for water extraction) for specific actions. Others provide the ‘Terms of Reference’ and authority for wetland conservation and management.

Table 5 Legislative framework governing wetlands in Ekurhuleni LEGISLATION/ POLICY/ STRATEGY

HOW IT RELATES TO WETLANDS Legislation

The Constitution

Overarching principles of care for the environment.

The National Water Act

Water use control, including extraction and construction within the vicinity of a watercourse or wetland.

The National Environmental Management Act

Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for the development of a new or disturbed site within the vicinity of a watercourse or wetland.

The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act

Protection of biodiversity, and the formulation of a number of tools such as bioregional plans, and Threatened Ecosystem lists that feed into landuse planning and EIAs.

National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act – Alien and Invasive Species Regulations

All matters related to invasive species management (fauna and flora).

National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act

Protection of national parks, protected areas and conservation sites. This includes the protection of wetland site.

The Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act

Protect the utilization of the natural agricultural resources to promote the conservation of the soil, the water sources and the vegetation and the combating of weeds and invasive plants.

National Environmental Management: Waste Act

Regulation of illegal dumping.

The Municipal Systems Act

Role of local governments and the requirements for IDPs and SDFs and disaster management. Policies

National Development Plan, and associated Medium Term Strategic Framework.

The NDP sets out measures to protect natural resources in South Africa. Through the creation of the MTSF and associated ‘Delivery Agreements’, required outputs and targets are set. continued

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5.1 Policy framework (continued)

Table 5 Legislative framework governing wetlands in Ekurhuleni LEGISLATION/ POLICY/ STRATEGY

HOW IT RELATES TO WETLANDS

Local and Provincial Development Policies

Is the green economy or the role of biodiversity considered? Municipal planning

IDPs

Overall strategy document for a municipality.

SDFs

Spatial translation (i.e. a map) of the IDP.

Open Space Frameworks

Demarcation of municipal Open Space areas.

Environmental Management Frameworks

Map and land use guidelines for areas of environmental importance.

Sector Plans

e.g. Disaster Management Plans.

Ekurhuleni Environmental Policy

Although there are a number of statutory mandates and responsibilities that require Local Government to develop environmental policies, the real purpose of a policy should be linked to the possibilities for an improved living and working environment for the area of focus. This can be expressed simply as two main benefits to be pursued: making Ekurhuleni a desirable place to be in on the one hand, and turning it into a globally acceptable efficient and clean industrial and transportation nexus on the other.

Ekurhuleni Bioregional plan

As published in terms of the Biodiversity Act. Strategies

The National Biodiversity Framework

Provides biodiversity targets for South Africa.

National Water Resource Strategy

Speaks to protection and rehabilitation of wetlands.

Local or Provincial Climate Change Strategies

Where they exist, do they include biodiversity/wetlands as important for mitigation and adaptation? Other

Bioregional plans (draft or gazetted)

Maps Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) and Ecological Support Areas (ESAs).

Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act

Provides a framework for spatial planning and land use management in South Africa. It sets out in its definitions that municipal planning is primarily the executive function of the local sphere of government and requires that biodiversity is adequately considered in spatial planning.

Disaster Management Amendment Bill

5.2

Outlines how ecosystems should be considered in the updated Disaster Management Act.

Wetland Management within the Municipality

The Environmental Resource Department in Ekurhuleni is dedicated to the protection of natural resources, the department has five divisions: Strategic Planning, Infrastructure Planning and Co-ordination, Environmental Protection and Resilience, Legislative

Compliance and Environmental Support Services. The Environmental Protection and Resilience Division is the division where biodiversity and wetlands management staff are placed, below is the organogram of the Environmental Protection and Resilience Division.

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5.2

Wetland management within the municipality (continued)

The department within EMM in charge of wetland management ensure rehabilitation and maintenance of wetlands. Activities include, erecting gabion structure and weirs as well as clearing of litter, water hyacinth and other invasive alien vegetation. It consists of a Manager, one Senior Environmental Officer, one Water Master Operator and eight Wetland Attendants. ●●

The following are departments which are directly or indirectly involved/impact on wetlands: ●● Real Estates: Parks Division – responsible for the maintenance of all park areas within Ekurhuleni. Environmental Resource Management department (ERM) normally works closely with Parks division. ●● Human Settlements – responsible for the development of sustainable human settlement, most of the low cost housing are developed close to wetlands and this results in most wetlands being degraded, especially since they are used as dumping sites. ●● Roads and Storm Water – responsible for development of roads and the management of storm water. Majority of the roads which are

ORGANOGRAM

●●

●●

●●

●●

developed cross through wetlands and rivers, this leads to bridges being built, and due to insufficient maintenance of these culverts they get blocked and cause flooding. Most of the Metro’s storm water discharges into wetlands and rivers. During the rainy season, the amount of water flowing into these systems is higher which normally leads to flooding and erosion. Water Services – responsible for the bulk supply of drinking water. Disaster Management – responsible for the management of all disasters occurring within the Metro. Economic Development – responsible for local economic development, which includes tourism. Health and Social Development – responsible for the health and well-being of the community. Transport – responsible sustainable transport planning. Most major freeways pass through Ekurhuleni and most industries are also situated within the Metro. During rainy season, various oils from the roads flow into the wetlands and streams which leads to pollution of the said systems.

DH: Environmental Protection and Resilience

Admin

PA/Secretary

Manager: Interated Pollution Control (vacant)

Manager: Education & Awareness

3 × Assistant Chief

1 × Snr Environmental Officer

3 × Snr Environmental Health Pratitioners

1 × Pollution Control Officer

3 × Environmental Officers

Manager: Wetlands

1 × Snr Environmental Officer

2 × Water Master Operators

1 × Environmental Officer

8 × Wetland Attendants

2 × Air quality Specialists (Contract expires 31/12/15)

Figure 33: Organogram showing where the Wetlands division is situated with the EMM structure.

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and regional partnerships | Local and programmes

Ekurhuleni has embarked on several wetland rehabilitation and maintenance projects, these involve installation of weirs and gabions, eradication of IAPs, removal and safe disposal of water grass, hyacinth and Mexican lilies. Ongoing rehabilitation and maintenance work is currently being undertaken in Germiston Lake, Boksburg Lake and Upper Rietvlei Wetland. Other wetland related projects include: ●● Rehabilitation of Kaalspruit wetland in Tembisa: stabilization and re-vegetation of stream banks and installation of weirs and gabion structures ●● Rehabilitation of Natalspruit in Tembelisha: Vegetation, installation of weirs and gabions structures ●● Controlled and managed Invasive alien plants at Benoni Lakes: Planned invasive alien management programme to be completed at four lakes

●●

●●

(Homestead, Civic, Middle and Kleinfontein). Invasive alien management of Blesbokspruit RAMSAR site: Planned invasive alien plant control; Aerial spraying to be conducted twice a year. What is needed is a controlled scientific approach to manage the phragmites and Typha capensis to improve water flow and the overall habitat for the various bird species for their various habitat needs. Murray Park upgrade: Construction of parking area, playground area, upgrade of ablutions, landscaping. Upgrade infrastructure – water, electricity, sewerage

Ekurhuleni is in partnership with all the other spheres of government, especially DEA’s Working for Wetlands programme.

Figure 34: Delegates at the Ekurhuleni Wetland Strategy and Action Planning workshop.

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| Communication and Public Awareness

Communication, education and public awareness (CEPA) play an essential role in gaining the cooperation and collaboration of individuals and organizations in the public, political and economic sectors to act to

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Communication and Education

Currently, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality does not have an environmental education strategy, but does have an Environmental Education and Awareness unit within the Environmental Protection and Resilience division. The purpose of the unit is to create environmental awareness within departments in Ekurhuleni and in the Metro as a whole. The unit runs awareness campaigns throughout the year on different aspects of the environment including

7.2

reduce wetland loss and degradation. This section details the current activities that the municipality engages in for raising awareness and educating the community at large.

on wetlands and biodiversity. The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality usually has an extensive annual programme for the month of February, in celebration of World Wetlands Month and World Wetlands Day, and in so doing, creating awareness and communicating relevant issues regarding wetlands.

Public Participation and Awareness

All projects that Ekurhuleni embarks on, where a public participation and awareness component is required (whether by law or as good practise), the public is engaged extensively.

Consultants are normally appointed to conduct public participation. Ekurhuleni has environmental forums where communities are engaged and environmental awareness is created.

Figure 35 & 36: LAB Wetlands SA project municipal delegates including EMM receiving on the ground wetland and Google Earth training at the 2016 National Wetlands Indaba.

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Conclusion The aim of the Ekurhuleni Wetland Report was to bring together all the available wetland related information for Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality as well as highlight gaps where wetland management within the municipality could be strengthened going forward. Though the municipality has a designated Wetland unit, the destruction and loss of wetlands in the area is occurring at an alarming rate, and due to everpresent stresses (including but not limited mining, infilling, pollution, development) the impact on these vital ecosystems are set to continue and worsen over the coming years.

The report indicates sound knowledge and understanding of the wetland ecosystems within the municipality. A lot is also known about their locations, status, main use and impacts, possible opportunities and what is needed to improve the overall management and protection of wetlands. The municipality has identified a real need for improved wetland management and protection in the region, perhaps exploring the possibilities of creating a holistic platform for knowledge and expertise sharing (through creating a designated forum) as well as metro wide wetland management plan (Wetland Strategy/ Action Plan). These possibilities will be continuously and extensively explored during the course of the LAB Wetlands SA project.

The main natural feature in Ekurhuleni is the amount of waterbodies located in the area. The conditions of most of these waterbodies are poor due to insufficient management of sewer spillages, littering, dumping, mining, development and agriculture. Efforts should be made to manage these waterbodies collectively within all affected departments within the Metro. Rehabilitation measures that are undertaken should also be performed holistically. There is also a real need for improved mapping of wetlands and update of wetland information for the municipality.

Figure 37: Fulvous Ducks species found at the Blesbokspruit wetland (Dendrocygna bicolor).

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Acknowledgements The compilation of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Wetlands Report would not have been possible without the significant contribution and support from the many active stakeholders who currently work within metro region. The EMM is in the unique position of having undergone numerous and extensive studies relating to watercourses in the municipality, and a wealth of literature documentation is available as a result. This report drew and built on existing policies, strategies and frameworks for EMM. ICLEI AS and Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality would like to thank USAID (United States Agency for International Development), the project funders, without whom the compilation of the Wetland Report would not be possible, as well as the Project Partners: Department of Environmental Affairs, South African Local Government Associated, Working for Wetlands as well as the South African National Biodiversity Institute for the unfailing support for the project received to date.

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ICLEI AS and Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality would also like to specifically thank the following for their meaningful contributions to the report: ●●

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Charl van der Merwe of the Blesbokspruit Trust for reviewing the report and providing information on the Blesbokspruit RAMSAR site. Mbali Kubheka of the Department of Environmental Affairs: Working for Wetlands Programme for providing basic wetland information as well as photographs of wetlands, distinctive wetland (mottled) soils and key wetland vegetation. Ryan Fisher of ICLEI AS for being the principle author of this report and for guiding the implementation of the LAB: Wetlands South Africa project in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. Vuyelwa Bahlekazi and Patricia Sithebe of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality for providing relevant information for and contributing to the development of this report.


Definitions as per EMM Bioregional Plan Biodiversity Assets

Species, ecosystems and other biodiversity- related resources that generate ecosystem services, support livelihoods and provide foundation for economic growth, social development and human wellbeing.

Biodiversity Planning

Spatial planning to identify geographic areas of importance for biodiversity.

Biome

An ecological unit of wide extent, characterised by complexes of plant communities and associated animal communities and ecosystem and determined mainly by climatic factors and soil exist in small discontinuous patches.

Bioregional plan (published in terms of the Biodiversity Act):

A map of Critical Biodiversity Areas and Ecological Support Areas, for a municipality or group of municipalities, accompanied by contextual and supporting GIS data. The map must be produced using the principles and methods of systematic biodiversity planning, in accordance with the Guidelines for Bioregional Plans. A bioregional plan represents the biodiversity sector’s input into planning and decision-making in a range of other sectors.

Catchment

The area contributing to run-off at a particular point in a river system.

Conservation area

Areas of land not formally protected by law but informally protected by the current owners and users and managed at least partly for biodiversity conservation.

Critical Biodiversity Area

Areas required to meet biodiversity targets for ecosystems, species or ecological processes, as identified in a systematic biodiversity plan. May be terrestrial or aquatic.

Critically endangered ecosystem

An ecosystem type that has very little of its original extent (measured as area, length or volume) left in natural or near-natural condition. Most of the ecosystem type has been severely or moderately modified from its natural state. The ecosystem is most likely to have lost much of its natural structure and functioning, and species associated with the ecosystem may have been lost.

Ecological infrastructure

The stock of ecosystems and species, or natural capital, that provides a flow of essential ecosystem services to human communities. Networks of ecological infrastructure may take the form of large tracts of natural land or ocean, or small remaining patches or corridors embedded in production landscapes. If ecological infrastructure is degraded or lost, the flow of ecosystem services will diminish. Ecological infrastructure is just as important as built infrastructure for providing vital services that underpin social and economic activity.

Ecological Support Area

An area that is not essential for meeting biodiversity targets but plays an important role in supporting the ecological functioning of one or more Critical Biodiversity Areas or in delivering ecosystem services. May be terrestrial or aquatic.

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Definitions as per EMM Bioregional Plan (continued) Ecosystem services

The benefits that people obtain from ecosystems, including provisioning services (such as food and water), regulating services (such as flood control), cultural services (such as recreational benefits), and supporting services (such as nutrient cycling, carbon storage) that maintain the conditions for life on Earth.

Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area

A river or wetland that is required to meet biodiversity targets for freshwater ecosystems.

Habitat

The natural home of species of plants and animals.

Hydromorphic soil

A soil that in its undrained condition is saturated or flooded long enough to develop anaerobic conditions favouring growth and regeneration of hydrophytes vegetation.

Hydrology

The study of the occurrence, distribution and movement of water over, on and under the land surface.

Hydrophyte

Any plant that grows in water or on a substratum that is at least periodically deficient in oxygen as a result of soil saturation or flooding.

Mottles

Soils with variegated colour patterns are described as being mottled, with the background colour referred to as the matrix and the spots or blotches of colour referred to as mottles.

Peat

A dark brown or black organic soil layer, composed of partly decomposed plant matter and formed under permanently saturated conditions.

Perennial

Flows all year round.

Permanent zone of wetness

The inner zone of a wetland that is permanently saturated.

Present Ecological State

A set of categories for describing the ecological condition of rivers, wetlands and estuaries.

Ramsar Site30

Ramsar Sites are designated because they meet the Criteria for identifying Wetlands of International Importance. The first criterion refers to Sites containing representative, rare or unique wetland types, and the other eight cover Sites of international importance for conserving biological diversity. These criteria emphasize the importance the Convention places on sustaining biodiversity.

Saturated Zone

The zone in which the soils and rock structure are saturated with water.

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Resources Barnard, H.C. 2000. An Explanation of the 1:500 000 general hydrogeological map: Johannesburg 2526. Department of Water Affairs & Forestry (DWAF). Bird Life South Africa http://www.birdlife.org.za/ conservation/important-bird-areas/iba-directory/ item/162-sa021-blesbokspruit. Bioregional Plan for the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. November 2011. Bodenstein, J.A., P.H. van Eeden, J. Legadima & J. Chaka. 2004. A preliminary assessment of the present ecological stat of the major rivers and stream within the northern service delivery region of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. Kempton Park. Breen, C., J. Dini, W. Ellery, S. Mitchell, & M. Uys (eds.). 2008. Wetland management series: A technique for rapidly assessing ecosystem services supplied by wetlands. WRC report: TT339/08. Davies, B & J. Day. 1998. Vanishing waters. University of Cape Town Press, Cape Town. DEA, SALGA, CoGTA. 2012. Let’s Respond Toolkit. A toolkit to assist in integrating climate change risks and opportunities into municipal planning. http://www2.giz.de/urbanet/focus/docdetail. asp?number=10970. DEAT. 2009. Guideline Regarding the Determination of Bioregions and the Preparation and Publication of Bioregional Plans (Government Gazette No.32006, 16 March 2009). Department Water Affairs & Forestry (DWAF). 1999. Development of a Water Quality Management Plan for the Klip River Catchment. Phase 1: Situation Analysis. Draft Final Report. Pretoria. Driver A., Sink, K.J., Nel, J.N., Holness, S., Van Niekerk, L., Daniels, F., Jonas, Z., Majiedt, P.A., Harris, L. & Maze, K. 2012. National Biodiversity Assessment 2011: An assessment of South Africa’s biodiversity and ecosystems. Synthesis Report. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Department of Environmental Affairs, Pretoria. Ekurhuleni Growth and Development Strategy 2025 (GDS, 2025).

EMF. 2007. Environmental Framework for Ekurhuleni. June 2007. Freshwater Ecosystem Atlas. 2011. WRC, SANBI. Gilau, R. 2011. Sensitivity analysis of alternative soil loss prediction model for urban impoundments. 12th International conference on urban drainage, Porto Alegre, Brazil. 11 – 16 September 2011. Green Drop Report. 2011. Chapter 5: Gauteng Province. Dept. Water & Sanitation. I-Spot http://www.ispotnature.org. Kotze, D.C., & Breen, C. 2000. Wetland-Use; A wetland management decision system for South African fresh water palustrine wetlands. Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Pretoria. Kotze, D.C., Marneweck, G.C., Batchelor, A.L., Lindley, D.S. & Collins, N.B. 2005. Wet-Ecoservices. A Technique for rapidly assessing ecosystem services supplied by wetlands. Unpublished report. Macfarlane, D.M., Kotze, D. Walters, D., Ellery, W., Koopman, V., Goodman, P. & Goge, C. 2005. WETHealth: a technique for rapidly assessing wetland health. Unpublished draft report submitted to the Water Research Commission, Pretoria. Mofukeng, N. 2008. The grey water situation in informal settlements of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality – Eastern Region (Gauteng Province). Mini-Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment for a Master’s Degree. NWU, Potchefstroom. November 2008. Naledzi. 2007. Wetland Inventory Report. Identification, classification, assessment and delineation of wetlands within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM). May 2007. Naledzi Environmental Consultants cc. National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act No. 10 of 2004. National Water Act No. 36 of 1998. Nel, J.L., Driver A., Strydom W., Maherry A., Petersen C., Roux D.J., Nienaber S., van Deventer H, SmithAdao LB and Hill L. 2011. Atlas of Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas in South Africa: Maps

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Resources (continued) to support sustainable development of water resources. WRC Report No. TT 500/11, Water Research Commission, Pretoria. Nel, J.L., & A. Driver. 2012. National Biodiversity Assessment 2011: Technical Report. Volume 2: Freshwater Component. CSIR Report Number CSIR/ NRE/ECO/IR/2012/0022/A. Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Stellenbosch. Ollis, D.J., Snaddon, K., Job, N. & Mbona, N. 2013. Classification system for wetlands and other aquatic ecosystems in South Africa. User manual: Inland systems. SANBI Biodiversity Series 22. SANBI, Pretoria. Palmer, R.W., Turpie, J., Marnewick, G.C. & Batchelor, A.L. (2002). Ecological and evaluation of wetlands in the upper Olifants River catchment, South Africa. WRC Report No. 1162/1/02. Water Research Commission, Pretoria. Ramsar Convention on Wetlands http://www. ramsar.org/about/the-importance-of-wetlands. Ramsar Sites of International Importance: http:// www.ramsar.org/sites-countries/the-ramsar-sites. Rand Water. 1998. The Socio-Economic Value of Wetlands in Highly Industrialised Catchments: Development of a Programme for the Klip River Catchment. Vol. 2 no. 1. 64 pp. Rand Water Head Office, Rietvlei, South Africa.

SANBI BGIS Mapping Tool. 2016. http://bgis.sanbi. org/MapViewer. SANBI. 2004. National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment http://bgis.sanbi.org/NSBA/project.asp. SANBI. 2010. Municipal Biodiversity Summaries Project http://bgis.sanbi.org/municipalities/ municipality.asp. SANBI. 2011. National Biodiversity Assessment http://bgis.sanbi.org/nba/project.asp. SANBI. 2014. Biodiversity Mainstreaming Toolbox for land-use planning and development in Gauteng. Compiled by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. http://cbc.iclei.org/Content/Docs/ Gauteng%20Biodiversity%20Mainstreaming%20 Toolbox_final.pdf. SOER. 2004. State of the Environment Report 2004. (www.soer.deat.gov.za). Stewart, S. 1996. Water Quality Impact Assessment of Johannesburg’s Southern Wastewater Treatment Works on the Klip River. Volume 2. Part one: Background to the Study and Overview of Study Area. Johannesburg. WRC. 2011. Implementation Manual for Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas, WRC Report No. 1801/1/11. http://bgis.sanbi.org/nfepa/NFEPA_ Implementation_Manual.pdf.

Retief, E. undated. Guide to access avian data for environmental impact assessment reports. Birdlife South Africa. Russi, D. Brink, P. Farmer, A. Badura, T. Coates, D. Förster, J. Kumar, R. Davidson, N. 2013. The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity for Water and Wetlands. IEEP, London and Brussels; RAMSAR Secretariat, Gland.

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Footnotes 1.

National Biodiversity Assessment, 2011.

2.

Images courtesy of Mbali Kubheka from Working for Wetlands.

3.

SANBI Classification System for Wetlands and other Aquatic Ecosystems in South Africa.

4.

“The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity for Water and Wetlands” (Russi et al., 2013).

5.

I-Spot (http://www.ispotnature.org/node/464568).

6.

I-Spot (http://www.ispotnature.org/node/859460).

7.

EMM Bioregional Plan, 2014.

8.

EMM Environmental Management Framework, 2007.

9.

EMM Wetland Inventory, 2007.

10. Image sourced from i-Spot (http://www.ispotnature.org/node/861715?nav=related). 11. Municipal Demarcation Board, ESRI Online, SANBI, NFEPA, Department of Trade & Industry. 12. EMM Environmental Management Framework, 2007. 13. http://albertonrecord.co.za/136210/scholars-commit-to-safeguarding-wetlands/. 14. Gauteng Tourism Authority: http://www.gauteng.net/attractions/blesbokspruit. 15. SANBI. 2011. National Biodiversity Assessment. 16. http://censorbugbear-reports.blogspot.co.za/2010/03/benoni-nigel-springs-face-permanent.html. 17. WWF. 2013. An introduction to South Africa’s Water Source Areas: The 8% land area that provides 50% of our surface water. 18. EMM Bioregional Plan, 2014. 19. EMM Bioregional Plan, 2014. 20. EMM Bioregional Plan, 2014. 21. http://springsadvertiser.co.za/111156/keeping-an-eye-on-invader-plants/. 22. http://springsadvertiser.co.za/141682/metro-confirms-pollution-in-blesbokspruit/. 23. Collins, N.B. 2005. Wetlands: The basics and some more. Free State Department of Tourism, Environmental and Economic Affairs. 24. Graph sourced from the CSAG Climate Information Portal: http://cip.csag.uct.ac.za/webclient2/app/. 25. Graph sourced from the CSAG Climate Information Portal: http://cip.csag.uct.ac.za/webclient2/app/. 26. Graph sourced from the CSAG Climate Information Portal: http://cip.csag.uct.ac.za/webclient2/app/. 27. Graph sourced from the CSAG Climate Information Portal: http://cip.csag.uct.ac.za/webclient2/app/. 28. Graph sourced from the CSAG Climate Information Portal: http://cip.csag.uct.ac.za/webclient2/app/. 29. Graph sourced from the CSAG Climate Information Portal: http://cip.csag.uct.ac.za/webclient2/app/. 30. http://www.ramsar.org/sites-countries/the-ramsar-sites.

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Notes

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Biodiversity for Life South African National Biodiversity Institute