CBC Zandvlei Nature Reserve 1Q Report 2019

SPATIAL PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
Kyran Wright
Reserve Supervisor
T: 021 444 1485 E: Kyran.Wright@capetown.gov.za
ZANDVLEI ESTUARY NATURE RESERVE
QUARTERLY REPORT
January – March 2019
Table of Contents
Page
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ......................................................................................................................................................... 2
2. HIGHLIGHTS & CHALLENGES .............................................................................................................................................. 2
3. CONSERVATION PLANNING ............................................................................................................................................. 2
4. FLORA.................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
5. FAUNA ................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
6. SOIL ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
7. WATER ................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
8. FIRE......................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
9. PEOPLE, TOURISM & EDUCATION ...................................................................................................................................... 11
10. STAFF ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
11. LAW ENFORCEMENT ........................................................................................................................................................... 17
12. INFRASTRUCTURE & EQUIPMENT ........................................................................................................................................ 19
Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve | Zandvlei-natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo Zandvlei
City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 January to 31 March 2019
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
 The False Bay Rendezvous has dramatically increased its visitor numbers, primarily due to the
change in starting point for the Zandvlei Parkrun
 An African longfin eel (Anguilla mossambica) was discovered for the first time in Capricorn
Business Park. This is the first Cape Town sighting of this species in over ten years
 ZPAAC held its quarterly meeting on 30/03/2019
 General invasive species removal was conducted in various sections of the Reserve
 Reserve staff assisted in the search and rescue of Imperatus cylindrica
 A quarterly night count took place on 17/02/2019
 DAFF’s quarterly trek net survey took place on 26/03/2019
 Capricorn Business Park Lake suffered a fish die-off. 4 tonnes of fish were removed from the
system
 There were three sewage spills for the quarter albeit of low severity
 A report of a Golden Algae bloom was a false alarm
 The annual wetlands programme was extremely successful and the Reserve volunteers had
great impact
 Liezal Slinger joined ZENR as a WIL student
 Staff attended a variety of training modules
 ZENR staff were able to protect 3.5ha of Cape Flats Dune Strandveld during the SANDF Night
Shoot
 A section of revetments by the Sea Scouts Base was repaired by a Springbok Scout
candidate and his colleagues
2. HIGHLIGHTS & CHALLENGES
2.1 HIGHLIGHT: Four African Longfin eels (Anguilla mossambica) were discovered to have been living in
Capricorn Business Park Lake. This is the first recording of this species in Cape Town in over ten years. These
animals travel long distances from river systems in Mozambique where they are born and will return to their river
of birth in turn to breed. They are extremely cryptic as they live a sedentary lifestyle in the muddy depths of
water bodies.
2.2 CHALLENGE: The fish die-off at Capricorn Business Park was an unfortunate incident and although the
majority of species to have perished were invasive, it is a sign that the system is under threat and could
collapse if interventions are not taken soon to mimic a natural system.
3. CONSERVATION PLANNING
3.1. The Zandvlei Protected Area Advisory Committee Meeting was held on 30/03/2018
The meeting was attended by:
Angus Hemp (AH) Marina da Gama Association (MDGA)
Andy Killick (AMK) Geology specialist, recreational fisherman
Aimee Kuhl (AK) Ward Councilor
Anthony Roberts (AR) CTEET
Andrew Taylor (AT) CoCT Water & Sanitation branch
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Bernelle Verster (BV) Chair, ZPAAC

Cherry Giljam (CG) Friends of Park Island
Dave Jubb (DJ) Marina da Gama Association (MDGA)
David Roux (DR) Sea Scouts
John Fawkes (observer)
Kyran Wright (KW) Manager, ZENR
A. Lathif Gafoor (LG) Ward 64 civic
Neil Armitage (NPA) Yacht Club / UCT
Nyanisa Tshaya (NT) DEA & DP, Coastal Management
Sandra Fawkes (observer)
The main development to come out of the meeting was the announcement of the chairperson, Ms Bernelle
Vester’s, resignation. ZENR are sad to see Ms Vester leave ZPAAC as she has undeniably added purpose and
drive to the forum. We wish her well in her future endeavors. Other items of note that were discussed were:
- The zonations for usage in different sections of the Reserve, a meeting was set for 24/04/2019
- An update on sewage issues affecting Zandvlei
- General discussions regarding the litter problem
- Progress with the procurement of a replacement weedharvester;
3.2. Muizenberg East Operational Environmental Management Plan: The MOA was signed and the process of
appointing Ecosense to draw up the Operational Environmental Management Plan (OEMP) for the site is
underway. A site visit was held during February. A. von Gunten met on site with Ecosense.
3.3. Muizenberg East Heritage Management Plan: The MPHOA have decided to appoint Cedar Tower Services
to draw up the Heritage Management Plan for the site. A site visit was held during February. A. von Gunten
met on site with Cedar Towers.
4. FLORA
4.1 Invasive species:
4.1.1 Westlake wetlands:

4.1.1.1 Reserve house: Port Jackson, Stinkbean and
Madeira vine removed from behind the
19/02/2019-21/02/2019 (30pd).
4.1.1.2 Westlake River: Water hyacinth removed
28/01/2019-08/02/2019
4.1.2 Frogmore Estate: Palm tree removed from
07/02/2019 (10pd)
4.1.3 Old Boyes drive: Port Jacksons cleared by
Zandvlei Trust Alien Hack team 02/02/2019 and
09/03/2019. ZENR herbicide used.
4.1.4 Rendezvous: Manatoka removed 08/02/2019
4.1.5 Muizenberg East: miscellaneous alien invasive
species removal on 10/01/2019 (1pd)
4.1.6 Soralia: miscellaneous alien invasive species
removal on 07/02/2019 (1pd) Above: Long-arm crane removes Water hyacinth from
5 Sunrise Villas: weeding on 18/02/2019 (3pd) the Westlake River
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4.2 Indigenous species:
4.2.1 The Kingfisher weedharvester operated within Zandvlei for a total of 80 hours this quarter. Operating
hours were hindered by unseasonal winds, general maintenance and repair works and operational
requirements within ZENR.
33%
67%
Marina da Gama Main vlei
Above: Isgaak Crombie operates the Kingfisher in the Marina waterways (left and right); and proportion of time spent in the
Marina and Main vlei (centre).
4.2.2 Imperata cylindrica search and rescue was conducted on 13/02/2019. This grass is critical habitat for
the Kedestes butterflies which are endangered and for which ZENR are housing an active breeding
programme. In order to ensure that the correct habitat is adequately set aside for receptor sites, new
Imperata sites must be established and/or rehabilitated.
10 ZENR staff, EPWP workers and volunteers assisted with this operation. Pictures of the operation can be
seen below.
Above: ZENR and Westlake Conservation Centre staff conduct a search and rescue in Retreat of Imperata cylindrica grass
for the Kedestes project
4.2.3 The Zandvlei Herbarium was inspected for pests and damage on 07/02/2019. The Reserve Manager met
with Tim Hoffman, Robin and Patricia Burnett to discuss the future of the Herbarium and its
management. It was decided that ZENR staff would take care of the specimens going forward and
new keys for the herbarium were handed over to the Reserve
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4.2.4 Some floral observations of the previous quarter can be seen below:
Above: Orpheum fruticans (left); and Nylandtia spinosa (right)
Above: Muraltia satureioides (left); Leucadendron levisanus (middle); and Brunsvigia orientalis (right)
5. FAUNA
5.1 Indigenous fauna management
5.1.1 A monthly bird survey is conducted every month for all Muizenberg East conservation sites. All sightings
are recorded on the South African Biodiversity Database where all records are kept. As part of
biodiversity monitoring within the Muizenberg East conservation cluster, bird surveys are conducted on
a monthly basis by the Muizenberg East Conservation Manager as well as students/interns.
Capricorn Business Park registered 23 different species for January and 24 for February, 12 species were
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recorded for January and 15 species for February in Muizenberg East and 12 species were recorded for
January and 16 species for February in Soralia.
5.1.2 A quarterly night count was conducted on 17/02/2019 throughout ZENR. All sightings were uploaded to
the Biodiversity Database. Highlights included; Cape grysbok (Raphicerus melanotis), Spotted eagle-
owl (Bubo africanus) and Cape dune mole-rat (Bathyergus suillus).
5.1.3 Grysbok release at Muizenberg East Private Nature Reserve on 5 January 2019, a call was received from
a resident at Dunecrest (bordering MEPNR) about a stressed Grysbok in the complex that had made its
way in from the adjacent conservation area. The SPCA was contacted who responded quickly and
managed to capture the grysbok. It was kept overnight and was released the next day back into the
conservation area.
Above: A distressed grysbok is captured by SPCA officials in Dunecrest, bordering Muizenberg East Private Nature Reserve,
it was returned to the conservation area the following day
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5.1.4 A quarterly CWAC count (waterfowl census) was

conducted at ZENR on 19/01/2019. These counts are
organised by the Cape Bird Club with ZENR’s assistance
and provide valuable historical data for the vlei.
Upper Zandvlei recorded 33 distinct species and 2,059

individual birds, lower Zandvlei recorded 27 distinct
species and 1,091 individual birds and the Westlake
wetlands recorded 16 distinct species and 77 individual
birds during this count. 4 ZENR staff members assisted with
the count.
5.1.5 DAFF conducted a quarterly trek netting survey within

Zandvlei on 26/03/2019. Fisheries officials were assisted
by City staff, interns and students; in total 23 City
affiliated junior staff members were present for the
exercise.
The group was excited to find longsnout pipefish

however; overall, the trek had a low yield.
Right: Cape Bird Club members conduct the quarterly CWAC count
5.2 Invasive Fauna Management
5.2.1 A mallard duck operation was conducted on 08/02/2019 in the Reserve. The operation was a success
with 19 invasive ducks being removed from the ecosystem. According to Invasive Species Unit officials,
the overall population seems to have declined, indicating the success of the programme to date.
5.3 Capricorn Fish Die off

On the 2nd/3rd January 2019, a fish-die off at the Capricorn Business Park lake occurred.
The cause of the die off was as a result of a blue-green algae (Cylindropermopsis sp) which was confirmed by
City lab technicians. The algae are naturally occurring and poses no threat to humans if not ingested. As usual
at this site, no person should drink or be in full contact with this water. Algal blooms cause a depletion of
oxygen in the water which as a result causes the fish die off.
A brief summary of the event and the work that went in below:
Date staff Species Total tonnes fish p/hours
collected from
lake
03/01 6 (CTEET, CCT, EPWP) Common carp 42
04/01 6 (CTEET, CCT, EPWP) 1x Common 42
05/01 5 (CTEET, CCT) platanna 20
06/01 1 (CCT) Mozambican 2?
07/01 6 (CTEET, CCT, 1x tilapia 4 Tonnes 18
volunteer) Banded tilapia
08/01 5 (CTEET, CCT, 1x Southern mullet 10
Nile kurper
volunteer)
1 dead reed
09/01 4 (CTEET, 1x volunteer) 16
cormorant
11/01 3 (CTEET, 1x volunteer) 4.5
4x African longfin
eels
TOTAL PERSON HOURS: 154.5 p/hours
In total, 4 tonnes of fish were collected with a total of 154.5 person hours.
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As a result of the fish die-off, a new species for the Muizenberg East Biodiversity Cluster has been identified- 4
African longfin eels (Anguilla mossambica) were found by the team. It is further noteworthy as it has not been
sighted in Cape Town for over ten years!
Above: Reserve staff conduct the clean-up operation to remove the dead fish (top row); and a new species for the site,
African longfin eel (bottom row).
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5.4 Research
5.4.1 The Kedestes Project which seeks to secure the future of two endemic, threatened butterfly species
continued its work this quarter. Captive rearing of larvae continued with only a small number of losses
occurring. A number of the eggs collected during the month of November were of a common butterfly
species - Pelopidas thrax, which utilises that same habitat as both Kedestes species. These larvae were
reared up through to adulthood and used as surrogates on which to test captive breeding treatments.
Adult butterflies of both sex were placed in a custom-made breeding enclosure for a number of days,
females were then removed and placed in egg laying cages. Two females subsequently laid a number
of eggs, half of which were fertile.
Maintenance of the host site at ZENR continued with weeds and invasive species being removed. A
team from the Westlake Conservation Centre, led by Penelope Grey, assisted with a search and rescue
of the butterflies host plant at a site in Retreat. See 4.2.2 above
5.5 Presentations
5.5.1 City staff members completing their BTech qualifications presented their project proposals to the
Biodiversity Management Branch on 06/03/2019. The proposals were well received, ZENR’s Robyn
Morton’s project, “The correlation between microplastic and macroplastic distribution in Zandvlei
Estuary Nature Reserve” was well received and ZENR looks forward to her final findings.
6. SOIL
Nothing to report.
7. WATER
7.1 Water level management
The estuary mouth was breached on 18/01/2019 and

18/03/2019 during this quarter, to assist in maintaining
water levels in the vlei and Marina. This is necessary
to counteract the evaporative effect of summer as
sea water is deposited into the vlei. Raising water
levels has the added benefit of aiding recreational
use of the waterbody.
The mouth was unable to be breached during the
month of February due to operational restrictions in
securing a machine operator. Fortunately, this issue
was resolved by the breach scheduled for March
and the operation proceeded without complication.
Above: A bobcat opens a channel between the vlei and the
sea to allow seawater to flow into Zandvlei.
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7.2 Sewage spills

Three sewerage spills were reported during the
quarter. In each instance Reserve staff were quick to
follow the sewage spill protocol as were other
relevant officials. Stakeholders were informed
immediately of the spills via the ZPAAC, raw sewage
was treated directly with bioenzymes and no
persistent impacts were detected. Spills occurred on:
7.2.1 16/01/2019 in the Sand river canal. The spill
was contained within a few hours an no
further action was taken.
7.2.2 25-26/01/2019 in the Sand river canal. The

spill was detected on a Friday evening and
ran through the night. Ad-hoc water quality
tests were performed the following Monday
throughout the vlei. No clear signs of
contamination were detected.
7.2.3 19/03/2019 in Texel Court, Marina da Gama.

This spill was contained within an hour by
Reticulation officials and ‘trapped in’ by
algae, maximising the efficacy of the
bioenzymes. No further action was taken.
Right: Sewage leaks through a stormwater drain into the
Marina by the Texel Court jetty (top); and Biodiversity
officials conduct adhoc water sampling following a
sewage spill (bottom)
7.3 Golden Algae

On 09/01/2019, Reserve staff received a report of a possible Golden Algae bloom developing in the Westlake
Wetlands. Staff immediately took water samples and inspected the site. Thankfully, the sample returned
negative for Golden algae rendering the report a false alarm. Golden algae has caused major issues at
Zandvlei in the past, resulting in fish die-offs and a full closure of the waterbody. As such, any report must be
quickly investigated so that appropriate, informed action can be taken
7.4 Water quality results for Capricorn Business Park Fish die-off
Water quality test results confirmed initial suspicions regarding the cause of the mass fish die-off event that
occurred at Capricorn Business Park Lake (5.3 above). Cylindrospermo was present in the sample at over 3.5
million cells per ml of water, this organism is a cyanobacterium (or blue-green algae) and toxic to humans and
aquatic life if ingested.
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8. FIRE
8.1 ZENR staff assisted in fighting the Kogelberg/Betty’s Bay fire

between 04/01/2019- 08/01/2019. The fire began in Betty’s Bay on
01/01/2019 and raged for a week, eventually threatening City
infrastructure. Staff assisted the fire-fighting efforts after hours,
through the night and with the combined effort of various
departments, were able to successfully avert any major damage
to City infrastructure. 10 person days were incurred for these
efforts.
8.2 Veld Fire nearby Reserve

On 14/02/2019 at 17h14, Quemic Rangers reported a veld fire
next to the northern fence of the reserve near Opel Road.
Lakeside Fire Department was contacted and arrived at 17h25.
The fire was extinguished by 17h45. Rangers remained in the area
until 18h10 to monitor possible flare-ups.
Right: I Crombie assists in firefighting efforts at the Kogelberg Fire (top);

and Lakeside Fire department extinguish a fire near to ZENR (bottom)
9. PEOPLE, TOURISM & EDUCATION
9.1 Environmental education
9.1.1 Wetlands Programme

This quarter, Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve hosted its annual wetlands event, kindly assisted by the Zandvlei
Trust who arrange for transport of the learners. Whilst lectures are included in the programme, the emphasis is
on out-door and hands-on learning. Each learner is provided with a worksheet which is to be completed during
the day of the visit.
The programme consists of an ice-breaker and welcoming after which the learners are given a worksheet and
are divided into smaller groups and assigned to different stations. These stations consist of:
- Online educational videos describing wetlands, ecosystems, food-webs, pollution and the
meaning of the term ‘indigenous’.
- A field visit to a wetland where learners are taught about how wetlands function, the
biodiversity present and associated threats.
- A polluted wetland where learners must describe what they witness
- A birding spot where learners are encouraged to learn to identify different species and record
them
- An activity station where learners must ‘build’ their own wetland, drawing on their experiences
throughout the day
Overall the programme this year was a great success, ably assisted by Reserve staff and volunteers. Feedback
was encouraging from both the learners and teachers who participated in the programmes.
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Schools that participated in this year’s programme included:
 Zerilda Park Primary School

 Levana Primary School
 Hillwood Primary School
 Prince George Primary School
 Sullivan Primary School
 Christian Davis Primary School
 Norman Henshilwood High School
 Floreat Primary School
Above: Learners participate in the annual Wetlands Programme with Reserve staff and volunteers
9.1.2 Volunteers
During the last quarter, the Reserve hosted eleven volunteers, (six international and five local) from
Germany, Portugal, Brazil, Lavender Hill, Grassy Park, Heathfield and Pelican Park. The impact of this
group of volunteers cannot be overstated. They were on hand to assist during the January fish die-off,
a task they set to without complaint. Crucially, volunteers are important to the Reserve’s Environmental
Education programmes not only from a capacity perspective but also as they bring in a wealth of
fresh ideas and activities. Teachers and Reserve staff had never seen the children as engaged as they
were during this year’s programmes and not one incident of squabbling amongst learners was
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reported; instead, smiles were visible all round and when not directly occupied, much singing and
dancing was on display.
9.1.3 Stats
Formal Environmental Education – from Excel Education support

stats (at reserves, outreach, camps, holiday
programmes etc.)
Total number learners 1189 Total number teachers 22
Total number adults 134 Total number scholars
Total number schools Total number volunteers 11

(non-repeat)
Other: Other:
Exhibitions and awareness (informal) Communities
Name of exhibition/s 0 Name and number 0
of community
meetings
Total estimated Total number
number persons community members
(children and adults) attending meetings
Awareness theme type Name and number
(e.g. snake, fire) of community
training sessions
Total number persons Total number
INDIRECTLY reached community members
(i.e. pamphlets attending training
handed out) sessions
Total number persons Other:
DIRECTLY reached (i.e.
talk/show)
Events (concerts, open days, birdathons etc.) Guided hikes
Name of event Number of guided 4
hikes
Total number 1 Total number 66
children attending children attending
Total number adults Total number adults
attending attending
Other: Other:
Resource development Activity based learning
Presentations 1 Type of intervention
developed (e.g. beach clean-
up, hack, count)
Activities/games 4 Total number of
developed children attending
Programmes 1 Total number of
developed adults attending
Other: Other:
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9.2 Stakeholder engagement
9.2.1 The Cape Bird Club held a birding walk through the Reserve on 13/01/2019. They were escorted by
QUEMIC rangers
9.2.2 35 BTech students from CPUT visited the Reserve on 25/01/2019. The Reserve Manager gave them an
introductory talk regarding ZENR and the challenges it faces as an urban estuary. Following this
discussion, the group proceeded to visit various sites around the Reserve
9.2.3 The Reserve Manager attended the initial ‘Dream Zandvlei’ workshop on 07/02/2019 where a variety of
stakeholders were given the chance to express their vision for the Reserve over the long-term. It was a
fruitful exercise with many promising ideas that could lead to projects in the future.
9.2.4 The Zandvlei Trust hosted a Botanical Walk through the Reserve on 09/02/2019. The walk was well
attended and feedback overwhelmingly positive. The group of 20 was led by Robin and Patricia
Burnett, aided by the Reserve Manager and QUEMIC rangers. See pics below.
9.2.5 The Reserve Manager attended the Zandvlei Trust Exco meeting on 28/02/2019. The Trust are a close
partner with ZENR and these monthly meetings provide an open line of communication between the
organisations, in order to better serve stakeholders.
9.2.6 The Zandvlei Trust hosted a Bird Walk through the Reserve on 17/03/2019, led by Gavin Lawson and
escorted by QUEMIC Rangers. Feedback from the day was positive with many interesting finds for the
group along the way.
9.2.7 The Reserve Manager gave a talk on indigenous gardening to the Fish Hoek Garden Club on
20/03/2019. 50 members were present at the group‘s AGM. The goal of the talk was to encourage
neighbouring residents to Nature Reserves to help create refuge for faunal species so as to soften the
urban edge and provide connectivity between green spaces.
9.2.8 The Reserve Manager led Councillor M Pieterse and the local Conisiton Neighbourhood watch around
the Reserve on 23/03/2019. The goal of the exercise was to meet after dark and inspect the Reserve for
any nefarious behaviour as there had been reports of criminals using the Reserve as an access and
escape route in order to burgle neighbouring houses. It also provided an opportunity for the various
groups (ZENR, Neighbourhood Watch and QUEMIC) to acquaint them with one another better so as to
effectively manage the impact of crime in the area. No irregularities were found during the walk,
although many participants enjoyed the Cape dwarf chameleons on display!
Above: Zandvlei Trust members enjoy a guided botanical walk (left); and the Coniston Neighbourhood watch conducts an
afterhours patrol through the Reserve
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9.3 Benefit to people
9.3.1 The False Bay Rendezvous facility has had a

profound impact on servicing the communities
surrounding ZENR. In this quarter alone, 8,600 users
have made use of the facility in one form or
another. Recurring user groups accounted for
approximately 2,000 separate visits, special
events 578 visits and the Zandvlei Parkrun moved
its start to the facility, bringing in an additional
6,022 visitors (5,850 of those being runners!). The
facility is currently undergoing major renovations
and ZENR has no doubt that the facility will
continue to grow in its ability to service the
communities and provide a space that is both
welcoming and educational.
9.3.2 The Sea Scouts Base hosted a Helmsman Course

on 09/02/2019. I Crombie, ZENR’s Kingfisher
operator received many compliments for the
state of the Main vlei for this event and ZENR is
happy to have been able to provide a space for
young members of our community to engage in
outdoor recreation.
Right: A private function is held at the False Bay

Rendezvous hall (top); and the first Parkrun to start at
the Rendezvous gets underway (bottom)
10. STAFF
10.1 New staff

ZENR welcomes the addition of a new staff member, Ms Liezal Slinger.
Liezal is set to complete her Work Integrated Learning year in completion
of her National Diploma through Centurion Academy.
10.2 Staff establishment
10.2.1. Integrated Performance Management (IPM) templates and

Personal Development Plans (PDPs) were implemented and
updated for all permanent staff at the Reserve in January 2019.
Training Needs Identification(TNI) forms were so submitted during this
time.
Right: New WIL student at ZENR, Liezal Slinger
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10.3. Training and development
10.3.1. Training interventions for staff members at ZENR over the course of the quarter included:
- First Aid (Level 3), 3 staff members - NQF training sessions x2, 1 staff
- Health and Safety, 1 staff member member
- SASS 5 accreditation, 1 staff member - Facilitator course, 1 staff member
- Smart Driver, 1 staff member - Assessor course, 1 staff member
- Reserve Supervisor Camp, 2 staff - Biodiversity Database training, 4 staff
members members
- MPA workshop, 2 staff members
Below: Biodiversity staff participates in the SASS5 Accreditation course. SASS5 is a method of assessing river health by
recording invertebrate species and habitat against a scoring system. Examples of aquatic invertebrates are visible on the
bottom row (from left to right: Caenidae; Coenagrionidae; Leptoceridae; and Hydropsyycidae)
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Below: Images from the Reserve Supervisor camp, which was attended by all Reserve Supervisors in the City. The camp was
held at Rondevlei and particpants received expert training and theoretical lectures in order to improve skills within the
Biodiversity Management Branch. An Arum lily frog (left); Regional Manager for the South, Dalton Gibbs, shares insights into
the unique flora present at Rondevlei; and Sarcocorniain a rehabilitated wetland.
11. LAW ENFORCEMENT
11.1 QUEMIC Integrity team
The QUEMIC rangers reported 34 instances of direct involvement at ZENR for the quarter. These ranged from
security issues to escorts provided to visitors, staff and researchers of the course of the January- March period.
A breakdown of these involvements can be seen in the graph overleaf.
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Possesion of drugs,
1
Veld fire, 1
Possesion of
burnt cable, 1
Fence cut, 1
Robbery, 1
Illegal fishing, 1
Escort, 13
Damage/fault, 3
Activation of alarm,
1
Vagrancy, 6
Security
risk, 3 Litter clean up, 2
11.2 SANDF Night Shoot

The South African National Defense Force conducted a
Night Shoot exercise on 18/02/2019 ans 19/02/2019 on
Sunrise Beach in Muizenberg. During this exercise, 22 pieces
of heavy artillery fired live ammunition into False Bay. The
goal of the exercise was two-fold, to ensure battle-readiness
as well as bring the demonstration to the people of Cape
Town. Unfortunately, the area directly surrounding the firing
area is comprised of the Critically Endangered, Cape Flats
Dune Strandveld Vegetation and without adequate crowd
control measures in place, posed a severe risk to the dune
vegetation along the coastal strip.
In preparation for large crowds, ZENR issued a Protected
Area Notice, declaring certain sections of the Reserve
temporarirly closed. This was to prevent spectators from
trampl;ing over Reserve land, vehicle access and abuse as Above: The Protected Area Notice on display at a
relevant section of the Reserve
well as to ensure spectator safety around the vlei. ZENR was
present at the Night Shoot on both evenings to ensure the
protection of the sensitive vegetation in and around the
fevent area.
An estimated 10,000 spectators lined the beach on the
night of 19/02/2019 and with the help of athe QUEMIC
integrity team and Military personel, ZENR were successful in
not only defending the closed Reserve land, but 3.5
hectares of Strandveld east of sunrise circle. It was an
immense task controlling large crowds but staff performed
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admirably and can be proud that they were able to

protect a sensitive environment from destruction.
Ultimately the impact of the event was minimal on the
surrounding environment, this was in no small part due to
the efforts of those on the ground.
Right: an Olifant tank on the beach

Bottom: Spectators ignore boundaries in order to get a better
vantage point (left); and the crowd swelled in anticipation of the
main event (right)
12. INFRASTRUCTURE & EQUIPMENT
12.1 Camera traps removed from the field

Camera traps that had been set up in the Reserve were removed by Masters student, Andrea Schnetler, as she
had completed the data capture portion of her research project. These traps were set in the field in 2018 and
removed on 01/02/2019. Unfortunately, one camera trap was stolen on 15/01/2019; this however did not have
a major impact on Ms Schnetler’s project.
12.2 New pedestrian bridge, Park Island

Approval was given to the Friends of Park Island to construct a new pedestrian walkway bridge on Park Island.
Funds for the project were sourced from a successful application to the Rowland and Leta Trust for funding.
ZENR views the potential impact of the new bridge as negligible and will monitor the construction process.
12.3 Gate of Reserve house

EPWP staff repaired the dilapidated gate to the Reserve house on 15/02/2019. This gate was in dire need of
repair and is now secure, helping to protect a Reserve asset.
12.4 Repair of Sea Scouts Base revetments and jetty

A group of Sea Scouts took it upon themselves to repair an old and eroding section of revetments which served
as a jetty between the Sea Scouts Base and Naval Cadets premises. Thomas Wood and his peers worked
19
tirelessly to complete a herculean task and accomplished what they set out to do. Old concrete sandbags
lining 20m of vlei bank were removed and dug out and replaced with new reinforced concrete sandbags. By
incorporating a metal chain into their design, the Scouts have allowed tyres to be easily attached to protect
vessels when mounting. Mr Wood and his colleagues commenced work on16/02/2019 and had completed the
job by 30/03/2019. The work was signed off by the Reserve Manager and Mr Talcott Persent of Roads and
Stormwater. It has been determined that this work, saved the City R10,000.00.
Below: EPWP staff clear the bank in preparation for its restoration (left); and the completed revetments on the afternoon of
the Scouts Kontiki event (right)
20

CBC Zandvlei Nature Reserve 1Q Report 2019

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CBC Zandvlei Nature Reserve 1Q Report 2019

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SPATIAL PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

ZANDVLEI ESTUARY NATURE RESERVE

January – March 2019

2. HIGHLIGHTS & CHALLENGES

Bernelle Verster (BV) Chair, ZPAAC

4.1 Invasive species:

4.1.1 Westlake wetlands:

4.2 Indigenous species:

Marina da Gama Main vlei

Above: Orpheum fruticans (left); and Nylandtia spinosa (right)

5.1 Indigenous fauna management

5.1.4 A quarterly CWAC count (waterfowl census) was

Upper Zandvlei recorded 33 distinct species and 2,059

5.1.5 DAFF conducted a quarterly trek netting survey within

The group was excited to find longsnout pipefish

5.2 Invasive Fauna Management

5.3 Capricorn Fish Die off

7.1 Water level management

The estuary mouth was breached on 18/01/2019 and

7.2 Sewage spills

7.2.2 25-26/01/2019 in the Sand river canal. The

7.2.3 19/03/2019 in Texel Court, Marina da Gama.

7.3 Golden Algae

8.1 ZENR staff assisted in fighting the Kogelberg/Betty’s Bay fire

8.2 Veld Fire nearby Reserve

Right: I Crombie assists in firefighting efforts at the Kogelberg Fire (top);

9. PEOPLE, TOURISM & EDUCATION

9.1 Environmental education

9.1.1 Wetlands Programme

Schools that participated in this year’s programme included:

 Zerilda Park Primary School

Formal Environmental Education – from Excel Education support

Total number adults 134 Total number scholars

Total number schools Total number volunteers 11

9.2 Stakeholder engagement

9.3 Benefit to people

9.3.1 The False Bay Rendezvous facility has had a

9.3.2 The Sea Scouts Base hosted a Helmsman Course

Right: A private function is held at the False Bay

10.1 New staff

10.2 Staff establishment

10.2.1. Integrated Performance Management (IPM) templates and

Right: New WIL student at ZENR, Liezal Slinger

10.3. Training and development

11. LAW ENFORCEMENT

11.1 QUEMIC Integrity team

11.2 SANDF Night Shoot

admirably and can be proud that they were able to

Right: an Olifant tank on the beach

12. INFRASTRUCTURE & EQUIPMENT

12.1 Camera traps removed from the field

12.2 New pedestrian bridge, Park Island

12.3 Gate of Reserve house

12.4 Repair of Sea Scouts Base revetments and jetty

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