General nature

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

The National Forests Act

Here protected species and forest areas are focused on. Many of the towns within Ndlambe have areas that are well forested and have been set aside for residential development. Property owners need to obtain permission from the Departnement of Water Affairs and Forestry prior to the clearing of indigenous forest or cutting of protected species. This process can be run through our office and entails a formal application to the Department of Forestry.

The Environmental Conservation Act

Certain developments within Ndlambe require authorization under the Environmental Conservation Act. In certain cases the Department of Environment Affairs require the completion of an Environmental Impact Assessment by the developer. Examples of listed activities under the Environmental Conservation Act that would require prior authorization include:

• Construction or development below the High Water Mark
• Resort development or upgrading of facilities or infrastructure of existing resorts
• Rezoning of land from undetermined or public open space to another land use

For a comprehensive list of these activities please contact the Ndlambe environmental conservation department.

The Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act

The national department of Agriculture makes provision for the conservation of South Africa’s natural resources through the combating of weeds and invader plants. Many properties in Ndlambe are infested with category 1, 2 and 3 invader plants. According to legislation category 1 invader plants are to be eradicated with immediate effect. Our environmental conservation department is willing to assist in the identification of these plants as well as provide property owners with information on described eradiation methods. Examples of the more common category 1 plants include Lantana Cestrum, Pereskia, Sesbania and Opuntia.

Property owners are reminded that contravention of the National Forests Act the Environmental Conservation Act and the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act are serious offences which are punishable by law. Please contact our department should you require any assistance or if you feel a site inspection of property is needed taking the above information into account.