Latest news with #ChantelvanZijl
The Citizen
31-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Kenmare Kloof at risk: Community urged to act now
The Kenmare Kloof is becoming a growing security threat and an increasing risk of instability to its surrounding communities. Co-director of the Kenmare Kloof Conservation Association (KKCA), Chantel van Zijl, says biodiversity has deteriorated over the last few years. The KKCA is a registered legal entity established by the community, and Van Zijl says they obtained guardianship over the Kloof in an arrangement with the Mogale City Local Municipality. The KKCA is now co-operating with community members from the surrounding residential areas to restore and protect the biodiversity in the Kloof. • Also read: Kenmare Kloof: Come and whack a wattle She says the Kloof has also been declared a biodiversity stewardship category two conservation area, as per the National Biodiversity Stewardship Guidelines of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment. 'This is a vital natural asset to all the current and future residential investors that needs to be respected and preserved for the benefit and enjoyment of all members in the surrounding community,' Van Zijl explains. While most of the community members are already aware of the latest status and sensitivity of the biodiversity of the Kloof, she notices that some residential property owners adjacent to the Kloof are not informed that their conduct is compromising its biodiversity. Illegal dumping The KKCA notices that some residents whose properties border the Kloof have been disposing of their garden refuse by dumping it into this protected area. 'This is, however, strictly prohibited insofar as the strict compliance requirements that are related to the biodiversity protection status. Illegal dumping is also against municipal by-law. Those who make them guilty of illegal dumping and the creation of a fire hazard will be issued a formal notice and granted 48 hours to remove the refuse.' She continues, failure to comply may result in the municipality imposing a fine of up to R10 600, which can be added directly to the offender's municipal account. • Also read: Kenmare Kloof's temporary closure due to serious violations The act of arson She says some people set alight the winter vegetation on the sidewalk that develops into veld fires that progress towards the biodiversity vegetation, which forms part of the Kloof. These fires can cause house fires adjacent to the Kloof. 'All community members are requested to report any person who sets fire to vegetation in the Kloof to the municipality – whether it be to burn refuse, or for any other reason – may face criminal charges of arson, in addition to liability for all call-out costs incurred by emergency services. Should any fire result in damage to neighbouring properties, homes, or infrastructure, the party responsible will be held liable for all resulting damages.' • Also read: Kenmare Kloof to be temporarily closed due to repeated violations Sewerage blockages She explains there is a mainline outfall sewer pipe running through the Kloof, which receives all the sewage discharges from the residential areas alongside the Kloof through various sewerage connections. 'When any of these pipes, including the mainline, gets blocked, it results in a spillage and overflow of the manholes on the sewerage line. These spillages result in a large sewage wetland area in the biodiversity-protected area.' The cleaning of these spillages is a major task between the municipality and the community, with assistance from the KKCA. 'During the clearing of these blockages, it was found that it is mostly blocked by wet wipes, earbuds, sanitary products and various materials that do not belong in the drainage system.' These items accumulate in the pipe and cause blockages in the sewer system, and she adds that this leads to spills that contaminate the natural waterways, including the river that feeds into the Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden. These spillages also contaminate the underground water aquifers and will soon make all the surrounding borehole water so toxic that it will not be possible to use it for normal household activities. • Also read: Municipality puts its foot down, warns offenders at Kenmare Kloof 'Sewage systems are an extremely sensitive method to transfer sewage from your house to the wastewater treatment works. It is designed only for human faeces and water-dilutable toilet paper. Community members are requested to refrain from putting anything else into the toilets and washbasins. Please make sure that no rainwater from your roof or surface drainage flows into the sewerage system. All rainwater must be channelled to a stormwater drainage system, which is separate from sewage drainage systems, as it overflows the pipes and the treatment works. 'This irresponsible behaviour not only damages our environment but also places unnecessary strain on municipal resources. Every week, significant funds are diverted to clear blockages – time and money that could be better spent addressing urgent service needs in other areas of our community. We appeal to every resident to make use of the sewage system within its design capability. This will assist in preventing sewage spillages. Respect and protect the environment so that future generations can also enjoy it as a unique environmental heritage.' The Krugersdorp News reached out to the municipality for comment; however, they did not give a response at the time of publication. Their feedback will be published once received. You can report these activities to the KKCA on 063 903 1370.
The Citizen
01-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Kenmare Kloof: Come and whack a wattle
The Kenmare Kloof Conservation Association (KKCA) proudly announces that the Kenmare Kloof is now officially designated as a Biodiversity Protected Area. • Also read: Kenmare Kloof's temporary closure due to serious violations Co-director of the KKCA, Chantel van Zijl, states that after the KKCA was granted guardianship of the Kloof, they are now even more committed to protecting its unique biodiversity for the benefit of the community. 'As part of this effort, we've launched a series of 'Whack a Wattle' events aimed at clearing invasive species – especially Black Wattle trees – that threaten the natural ecosystem. These events are crucial for maintaining and restoring the rich indigenous flora that makes our Kloof so special,' she explained. She invites the community to participate on May 10 at 08:00, at 29 Kwartel Road in Kenmare. 'Bring along chainsaws, weed eaters, or any tools that can assist with invasive plant removal. Whether you contribute your time, tools, or donations, your support helps protect and rejuvenate this beautiful piece of nature that we all share. Let's protect the Kloof – together!' she concluded. Residents wishing to donate can call Chantel on 063 903 1370 or email kenmarekloofconservation@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
