Key takeaways from the Melville Koppies AGM
The Melville Koppies Annual General Meeting held their annual recap of the 2024 year and dived into community engagement, conservation efforts, and significant rainfall declines were key topics of discussion.
The Melville Koppies Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on Saturday, provided a comprehensive overview of the past year’s activities, challenges, and future plans for the conservation area in Johannesburg.
Melville Koppies conservationist Wendy Carstens gave a review of rainfall figures over the past three years, highlighting a significant decline in precipitation. “From July 2021 to June 2022, the area received 970mm of rain, which decreased to 827mm from July 2022 to June 2023, and further dropped to 664mm from July 2023 to June 2024. This trend raises concerns about the ecological health of the Koppies, particularly following an unusual snowfall on July 10, 2023.”
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She stated that the conservation team reported substantial progress in managing invasive species. “After years of dedicated efforts, alien invasive weeds and trees are now largely under control. The winter months saw the removal of bush encroachment, restoring sections of the Highveld Grassland Biome to its natural state.”
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Notably, a dense patch of Kraal spike thorn is being managed to eventually return to grassland. Controlled fire programs were conducted in June 2023, including a demonstration burn for university students. However, uncontrolled fires in October 2023 posed a significant threat, prompting City Power to create 40m wide firebreaks in March 2024, according to Carstens.
She emphasised that visitor numbers remain a crucial source of income for the Koppies. “The recorded visitors from July 2023 to June 2024 totaled 2 379, with a notable increase in booked groups. The Koppies have also resumed Sunday group hikes, attracting younger participants and fostering community engagement. Publicity efforts have been ramped up, with regular updates on social media and community newspapers.”
Carstens concluded that the financial report indicated an income of R291 724, primarily from visitor contributions and donations. However, expenditures totaled R295 115, with labor costs accounting for 84% of the total. “Security also remains a pressing concern, with theft incidents reported, particularly of metal and water infrastructure.”
Looking ahead, the Melville Koppies team aims to enhance security measures and continue their conservation efforts. The meeting concluded with a call for community involvement and support to maintain the Koppies as a treasured natural space in Johannesburg.
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