Fight invasive species

It’s cool to care for our environment, here’s how you can personally help fight invasive species in the greater Fourways area.

In recent weeks, the Greater Kyalami Conservancy (Gekco) organisation has held two informative workshops for Kyalami residents who want to learn more about invasive species, landowner’s responsibilities around unwanted growth and how to combat them. One was held on 30 October and the second on 6 November, both took place at the Beaulieu Bird Sanctuary and included presentations by representatives from the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Department of Environmental Affairs and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF).

Concilence Sambo, the extension officer for DAFF, used his presentation time to give some helpful hints on how you can help in the fight against invasive species, his suggestions have been expanded below.

Know what’s growing on your land

The first step in fighting invasive species is being able to recognise invasive species on your property. The Environment website has a comprehensive list of invasive species found in South Africa, complete with photographs which will help you identify them. Find the list here: www.environment.co.za/weeds-invaders-alien-vegetation/alien-invasive-plants-list-for-south-africa.html

Familiarise yourself, your family and your staff with the legislation around invasive species

The legalities around invasive species and how landowners should respond to them is enshrined in Cara, the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act of 1983. The Agricultural Research Council website has some great information on the details of this law, but basically invasive species are divided into three categories: Category 1 invader plants must be removed and destroyed immediately (this includes screw-pod wattle, long-leaved wattle and burweed). Category 2 invader plants may only be grown under controlled conditions (this category includes St John’s wort and black wattle) and Category 3 plants do not need to be removed if they are already growing on your property, but may no longer be planted (such as the Australian silky oak and jacaranda).

Know the implications of harbouring invasive species

The legal ramifications of harbouring invasive species is set out in the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act of 2004. Those found guilty of offences can face fines up to R5 million, or a prison sentence of a maximum 10 years (depending on the circumstances) for a first offence.

Do not buy declared invader plants, and inform government structures of any businesses that sell them

Contact the DAFF with your concerns. They are situated on the corner of Union and Annie Botha Avenue, on the second floor of the Delpen Building. You can also contact Phyllystas Mmakola, the control resource auditor for the Land Use and Soil Management Directorate on phyllystasm@daff.gov.za or 012 319 7484.

Form a hack group or adopt-a-plot team in your community to fight invasive species

Sambo advised that you consult a professional on how best to remove these species in your area, and a number of methods are available to you including chemical, mechanical, biological and integrated methods.

Related article:

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/219519/illegal-invasive-alien-plants-hiding-garden/