What is happening in the South African conservation world?
The Makhatini flats are part of the Maputaland Coastal Plain in the KwaZulu-Natal Province in South Africa. This region hosts about half of the country’s mires. “Ezemvelo KwaZuluNatal Wildlife projects unit (EKW) has been found to be involved in draining and clearing a wetland in the Makhathini near Josini. This wetland is substantial and 3km long with indigenous vegetation (predominantly Typha Bulrushes). There is an argument that it is an artificial wetland which is incorrect as this wetland is “was” in a natural state. Apparently EKW projects are used by Department of Agriculture as they have a quicker procurement process and somehow managed to secure R25 Mil (Euro 2Mil) under the guise to "rehabilitate" the wetland.
This rehabilitation comprises the excavation of a massive herringbone and the construction of drains and the clearing of the indigenous veg and the top soil layer. This can hardly be called rehabilitation as this is most likely going to destroy the wetland.
Ezemvelo KwaZuluNatal Wildlife is the conservation agency for the Kwazulu-Natal Province in South Africa. Is wetland draining a mandate of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) in terms of the KZN Nature Conservation Act?
This activity also requires a water use license and an authorization following a successful consideration of an impact assessment in terms of the National Environmental Management Act. A directive ito Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act is also required. Can KZN Dept. of Agriculture and EKZNW produce these authorizations?
For more information contact Piet-Louis Grundling.