The City of Johannesburg launched the National Invasive Species Project to create awareness and control invasive plant species around the city.
The keynote address at the launch on 11 October was delivered by the new Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) of Community Development, councillor Nonhlanhla Sifumba, who said the aim of the project was to eradicate species that threaten the ecosystem. She explained that the City would be partnered with organisations such as Working for Water and the Department of Environmental Affairs among others, where all players, and even residents, are to be active in the project.
Sifumba acknowledged that more resources should be allocated to such projects, as they can restore water bodies and the ecosystem, create jobs and maintain a secure food base.
The City and partners spent most of the day cutting down, chipping and treating invasive species on Hercules Road in Helderkruin. This project will continue into next year and will be targeting affected areas in each region of the City.
Ward 83 councillor Susan Clarke, was also present at the launch as she has been very active in the area and keeps City Parks and Zoos on their toes about invasive plants. “It is a tough job but I am so glad to see you here. We love you and we need you,” said Clarke when she addressed City members and workers.
Senzo Nyembe, general manager of ecosystem enhancement and open space management for City Parks and Zoos, addressed the crowd and said that 80 per cent of Johannesburg’s plants were exotic and came during the mining rush. Since the world is experiencing climate change, these exotic plants could out-compete our indigenous species.
Additionally, with the drastic drop in water levels in the City, removing invasive plants that consume more water than indigenous plants will help conserve the supply. “We have to start to understand the link between you opening a tap and invasive plants,” Nyembe said.
