Community urged to protect Rosendal Dam from Illegal fishing practices
Image: City of Cape Town
The City of Cape Town's Recreation and Parks Department has issued a heartfelt plea to the community to help safeguard Rosendal Dam in Durbanville, which is currently under threat from unlawful fishing practices.
Despite the clear signage and consistent patrols aimed at enforcing no-fishing regulations, illegal angling continues to wreak havoc on the local wildlife and undermines the city's efforts to rehabilitate this vital natural resource.
Despite clear signage prohibiting fishing in the Rosendal Dam in Durbanville, unlawful fishing practices continue
Image: City of Cape Town
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
A disturbing incident involving a Cormorant found dead and entangled in fishing line serves as a grim testament to the dangerous impact of unregulated fishing on local ecosystems. This incident underscores the immediate need for collective action among community members to respect and uphold existing regulations that protect the delicate balance of Rosendal's aquatic life.
Rosendal Dam is home to a variety of indigenous bird species, including Cormorants, Cattle Egrets, and Egyptian Geese, alongside numerous indigenous plant types critical to the larger aquatic ecosystem. The conservation of this biodiversity is essential to achieving the city's broader environmental objectives and enhancing the well-being of the local community.
It is crucial to note that fishing without a valid permit is illegal. Under the policies established by the City and CapeNature, all anglers must obtain a CapeNature recreational fishing licence to ensure the protection of both fish populations and other species dependent on the ecosystem.
Another alarming episode was reported over the weekend at Sonstraal Dam, where an Egyptian Goose was found trapped with its legs ensnared in fishing line. Although attempts were made to assist the distressed bird, it returned to the water, exposing itself to further danger. This incident has been escalated to the appropriate channels for urgent attention.
A dead Cormorant caught in fishing line from illegal fishing in the Rosendal dam in Durbanville
Image: City of Cape Town
'The incidents at Rosendal and Sonstraal Dams are heartbreaking for our local wildlife and reflect a blatant disregard for public space and environmental responsibility. These dams are sensitive natural areas, and the City will not hesitate to enforce no-fishing rules to protect our natural heritage. Together, we can protect indigenous birdlife and aquatic ecosystems, ensuring these spaces remain safe and vibrant for both wildlife and residents,' said Councillor Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.
'Our community deserves safe, healthy, and thriving green spaces. Reports of illegal fishing—and the harm it causes to birds and other wildlife at Rosendal and Sonstraal Dams—are deeply concerning. We urge residents to report any illegal activity and support the City's efforts to safeguard these important areas,' added Ward 21 Councillor Hendri Terblanche.
Maintaining the protection of public spaces remains a key priority for the city. Recently, Law Enforcement officers patrolled the Vierlanden Dam Dog Park, issuing fines to individuals who were fishing illegally.
Community members interested in fishing legally in the greater Durbanville region are encouraged to obtain a permit and fish exclusively at designated City sites, such as Door De Kraal Dam in Bellville.
As efforts to restore Rosendal Dam continue, the focus remains on addressing environmental challenges while preserving the area as a safe habitat for local wildlife and a welcoming public space for residents.
If you witness illegal fishing or discover injured or deceased animals at any of the local dams within this region, or if you require more information regarding the permitting process, please contact the City's Recreation and Parks Department at rp.enquiries@capetown.gov.za or report directly to Law Enforcement at 021 480 7700.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Western Cape declares Wilderness Nature Reserve to protect biodiversity
The Wilderness Nature Reserve Image: CapeNature In a significant stride towards bolstering environmental conservation, the Western Cape has officially declared the Wilderness Nature Reserve, encompassing over 643 hectares near Heidelberg. Declared as a Provincial Nature Reserve on 17 July 2025, this new sanctuary plays a crucial role in preserving freshwater biodiversity, safeguarding endangered species, and establishing vital ecological corridors. The Wilderness Nature Reserve features a wealth of biodiversity, including the Critically Endangered Breede River Redfin. It also provides a crucial breeding area for the Black Harrier, recognised as the rarest raptor in southern Africa, and classified as an Endangered species. This new reserve is not just a haven for wildlife; it is paramount for maintaining the delicate balance of local ecosystems. Approximately 615 hectares of the reserve have been designated as a Priority Biodiversity Area, linking directly to the Boosmansbos Wilderness Area—a formally protected Provincial Nature Reserve recognised as part of a World Heritage Site. This strategic connection enhances biodiversity conservation efforts across the region. MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, praised the collaborative efforts between CapeNature and various landowners that led to this declaration. 'This new reserve is not only a haven for wildlife; it is paramount for maintaining the delicate balance of local ecosystems,' he said. 'Our commitment to expanding protected areas is essential in the face of biodiversity loss and climate change.' The establishment of the Wilderness Nature Reserve is a proactive measure that guarantees the long-term health and resilience of the province's biodiversity. It protects critical components of the ecosystem, ensuring that vital species have a secure habitat where they can flourish. Moreover, this nature reserve serves as a key ecological link to the adjoining Boosmansbos Nature Reserve, significantly enhancing the overall network of protected areas. The properties hold immense conservation value, not only by offering habitat for threatened species but also through their contribution to essential ecosystem services, acting as a critical catchment for the Duivenhoks Dam that supplies water to communities downstream. Landowners interested in protecting their land formally are encouraged to reach out to CapeNature's Antia Wheeler at awheeler@ or Kaylin Reid at kreid@ for guidance and assistance.
TimesLIVE
4 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Displaced Sudanese stream home from Egypt after army retakes Khartoum
Toting large suitcases and bags of belongings, the Sudanese families crowding into Cairo's main railway station hoped to return to relative stability after fleeing Sudan's civil war. They are among thousands of displaced Sudanese streaming back home from Egypt into territory retaken by the Sudanese armed forces from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary in Khartoum and its environs since the start of the year. "I miss every corner of Sudan. I'm very happy I'm going back," one of the returnees, Malaz Atef, told Reuters. The families were waiting to board a free train to the southern Egyptian city of Aswan, from where they would take buses to the Sudanese capital Khartoum. A few young girls wore hats reading "Thank you, Egypt" in Arabic. More than 4-million Sudanese fled to neighbouring countries, including more than 1.5-million to Egypt, after war broke out between the army and the RSF in April 2023, according to figures from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Since the start of the year, more than 190,000 people have crossed the border from Egypt into Sudan, more than five times the number who returned in 2024, an IOM report said earlier this month. Sudan's ambassador to Egypt, Emad el-Din Adawy, who visited the station on Monday, said the returns marked "an important stage for reconstruction and bringing back stability". Despite the relative calm in the capital, fighting between the RSF and the army continues to rage in the central Kordofan region and al-Fashir in Darfur in the west. The war, triggered by a dispute over a transition to civilian rule between the army and the RSF, has displaced more than 12-million people and pushed half the population into acute hunger, according to the UN. Some Sudanese in Egypt have complained of difficulty finding jobs and discrimination, and Egypt has deported thousands of refugees it said entered illegally. Thousands of others have fled onwards to Libya. The weekly trains from Cairo to help Sudanese to return home voluntarily have been financed by Sudanese businessmen, according to Adawy. The Sudanese who have gone back so far have mostly headed to Khartoum, Sennar and El Gezira states to the capital's south, according to the IOM.
IOL News
4 days ago
- IOL News
Community urged to protect Rosendal Dam from Illegal fishing practices
Egyptian geese swim in the Rosendal Dam in Durbanville, which is currently under threat from unlawful fishing practices Image: City of Cape Town The City of Cape Town's Recreation and Parks Department has issued a heartfelt plea to the community to help safeguard Rosendal Dam in Durbanville, which is currently under threat from unlawful fishing practices. Despite the clear signage and consistent patrols aimed at enforcing no-fishing regulations, illegal angling continues to wreak havoc on the local wildlife and undermines the city's efforts to rehabilitate this vital natural resource. Despite clear signage prohibiting fishing in the Rosendal Dam in Durbanville, unlawful fishing practices continue Image: City of Cape Town Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ A disturbing incident involving a Cormorant found dead and entangled in fishing line serves as a grim testament to the dangerous impact of unregulated fishing on local ecosystems. This incident underscores the immediate need for collective action among community members to respect and uphold existing regulations that protect the delicate balance of Rosendal's aquatic life. Rosendal Dam is home to a variety of indigenous bird species, including Cormorants, Cattle Egrets, and Egyptian Geese, alongside numerous indigenous plant types critical to the larger aquatic ecosystem. The conservation of this biodiversity is essential to achieving the city's broader environmental objectives and enhancing the well-being of the local community. It is crucial to note that fishing without a valid permit is illegal. Under the policies established by the City and CapeNature, all anglers must obtain a CapeNature recreational fishing licence to ensure the protection of both fish populations and other species dependent on the ecosystem. Another alarming episode was reported over the weekend at Sonstraal Dam, where an Egyptian Goose was found trapped with its legs ensnared in fishing line. Although attempts were made to assist the distressed bird, it returned to the water, exposing itself to further danger. This incident has been escalated to the appropriate channels for urgent attention. A dead Cormorant caught in fishing line from illegal fishing in the Rosendal dam in Durbanville Image: City of Cape Town 'The incidents at Rosendal and Sonstraal Dams are heartbreaking for our local wildlife and reflect a blatant disregard for public space and environmental responsibility. These dams are sensitive natural areas, and the City will not hesitate to enforce no-fishing rules to protect our natural heritage. Together, we can protect indigenous birdlife and aquatic ecosystems, ensuring these spaces remain safe and vibrant for both wildlife and residents,' said Councillor Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health. 'Our community deserves safe, healthy, and thriving green spaces. Reports of illegal fishing—and the harm it causes to birds and other wildlife at Rosendal and Sonstraal Dams—are deeply concerning. We urge residents to report any illegal activity and support the City's efforts to safeguard these important areas,' added Ward 21 Councillor Hendri Terblanche. Maintaining the protection of public spaces remains a key priority for the city. Recently, Law Enforcement officers patrolled the Vierlanden Dam Dog Park, issuing fines to individuals who were fishing illegally. Community members interested in fishing legally in the greater Durbanville region are encouraged to obtain a permit and fish exclusively at designated City sites, such as Door De Kraal Dam in Bellville. As efforts to restore Rosendal Dam continue, the focus remains on addressing environmental challenges while preserving the area as a safe habitat for local wildlife and a welcoming public space for residents. If you witness illegal fishing or discover injured or deceased animals at any of the local dams within this region, or if you require more information regarding the permitting process, please contact the City's Recreation and Parks Department at or report directly to Law Enforcement at 021 480 7700.
