The Planning Process
The policies and vision are the initial part of the planning
process for each formally protected area under the jurisdiction
of the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWP&TB). They
provide management with the broad strategic direction necessary
to manage this Park. These strategies are expected to remain
relatively constant over the short to medium term and they
provide the basis for secondary, more detailed planning components
that include:
· A development plan which would identify the infrastructure
and resources required to realise the objectives and policies
articulated in the vision.
· An associated business plan to ensure the financial sustainability of
the Reserve and the achievement of the objectives.
· An operational plan and manuals which would identify functions to be
performed, by whom and at what frequency.
· An operating budget for the Park as set out in the Medium Term Expenditure
Framework (MTEF) of Government.
The vision and policies impose a responsibility on park
management that carries concomitant responsibility by the
Board to assist and support management in achieving the envisaged
objectives.
Parks in the North West Province are not planned and operated
in isolation. Each plays a co-ordinated role in achieving
collectively the objectives of the North West Parks and Tourism
Board Act No. 3 of 1997, namely:
· To establish and manage parks to conserve representative
indigenous biodiversity.
· To promote tourism in the Province.
· To encourage people from elsewhere to visit the province.
· To promote travel services and facilities in the province.
· To encourage the people within the province to travel.
The vision and policies were compiled at inter-active workshops
involving park management, other stakeholders and interested
parties combined with an open public participation process.
Overview of Kgaswane Mountain Reserve
The Kgaswane Mountain Reserve is situated to the south of
the town of Rustenburg with the Municipal boundary adjoining
the park. The topography is broken with steep cliffs, especially
on the western and southern boundary. There are numerous
steep cliffs and gorges. The area is very important as a
catchment area and the high altitude vlei is a significant
biological feature.
The high conservation value of the Reserve has necessitated
the development of a document which will guide management
in their broad strategic decisions and this document is seen
as serving this purpose. It must be seen as the first broad
plan which will set the long-term direction of the Reserve.
It will need operational guidelines and procedures to be
drawn up and formally adopted by management for it to become
more operational. However those are seen as subsequent steps
to this broad framework.
Area: 4 257 ha
Locality: Situated on the summit against the northern slopes
of the Magaliesberg, a few kilometers south-west of Rustenburg.
Main features: Extensive valley basin, lying between mountain
ridges, large reed vlei, giant quartzite boulders wildlife
and birding.
Visitors: The number of visitors per annum is not recorded.
Visitor Facilities
Self catering accommodation
Camp sites
Infrastructure
Staff accommodation
Office
Roads
Fence
Tourism facilities
Overall Vision and Objectives for the Reserve
It is recognised that Kgaswane Mountain Reserve has a number
of important attributes, these include:
Attributes
' An important catchment area with a significant wetland, the
largest in the Magaliesberg (possible Ramsar site)
' Good hiking area
' Supplies good clean water to the leaving the Reserve rivers
' Only significant public area of the Magaliesberg range
open and accessible to the public
' High biological value
' Scenic value
' Nucleus for expansion
' Forms part of the Magaliesberg Protected Natural Environment
(MPNE)
' It has some archaeological and cultural value, but this
has not been fully explored
' Probably has good potential for adding to economic activity
in the area
' Game conservation area
' An area for conducting environmental education and research
' Pivotal area for conservation, expansion, access etc.
From this a vision was developed, namely:
Vision
to contribute to the socio-economic well being of the people
of the region through appropriate management of the wetland,
its associated catchments and surrounding natural environment
and allow for controlled nature-based out door activities.
This vision incorporates the essence of the reserve within
the context of the North West Parks and Tourism Board.
From this vision a number of key objectives where identified
which would form the basis of prioritising management activities
within and around the reserve. These objectives are:
Objectives
- to ensure a supply of high quality water;
- to maintain the scenic beauty and integrity of this area
of the Magaliesberg;
- to conserve biological diversity and natural processes
and preserve the cultural and archaeological heritage;
- to allow public access for environmental education and
research;
- out door nature based experiences;
- to increase the land area managed under the above objectives;
- to more fully integrate the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve
with the surrounding; community and to contribute to the
local economy;
- to manage the area in a cost effective way and strive
to at least achieve operational sustainability; and
- to maintain populations of rare or endangered species.
It is recognised that the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve forms
part of the Magaliesberg Protected Natural Area (MPNA) and
therefore all efforts will be made to integrate the Reserve
into this area; by being an active participant and member
of any management body of his MPNA and to ensure its' goals
and objectives are implemented where relevant and appropriate.
These broad objectives are then translated in operational
policies for different aspects of the management of the Kgaswane
Mountain Reserve.
Park Management Policy and Operating Guidelines
Policy
Management of the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve should be achieved
through efficient use of resources in the most cost effective
manner, while systems are implemented where control, planning
and continuity is possible.
The warden is charged with the overall responsibility of
the ecological, human resource, tourist and financial management
of the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve within the Boards policies
and procedures. This will be carried out under the policies
of this document and within the social environment in which
the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve exists.
Operating Guidelines
The warden is to ensure operational plans and procedures
are in place which will ensure the Vision, Objectives and
Policies defined in this document are indeed implemented.
If performance cannot be achieved then remedial action must
be recommended, this may include the enlisting of other Board
resources. The operational plans and procedures must ensure
continuity between wardens.
Management Control and Efficiency
A system of monitoring and recording all aspects of the
reserve must be established by the warden so that control
can be exercised and management improved.
Reserve Assets
All Board assets are to be adequately protected and maintained
in working order and used only to contribute to the Vision,
Goals and Objectives spelt out in this document. Any relevant
Board policies and procedures must be adhered to.
Human Resources
The warden will ensure all North West Parks and Tourism
Board staff are employed according to the policies and procedures
laid down by the Board from time to time. A respectful efficient
working environment must be created for all staff, both Board
and others, working in the Reserve.
Funding
The funding of the reserve developments and operations will
be sourced in accordance with the needs of the respective
benefiting parties.
Any private sector initiates or developments must be funded
from their own sources.
Financial Management
The Kgaswane Mountain Reserve will strive to cover its funding
requirements from income it derives from activities arising
from its assets or from donors and Government grants. This
income must be used by the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve to offset
operational and development costs associated with the management
and development of these assets in an environmentally responsible
and financially prudent manner but in line with the Boards
policies and procedures.
Natural Resources and Ecological Management Policy and Operating
Guidelines
Policy
The ecological management will focus on the conservation
of biological and genetic diversity and the maintenance of
the dynamic natural processes to ensure environmental stability
and to enhance the visitor experience.
Where necessary and appropriate the natural resources will
be used in a sustained and responsible manner in line with
the key objectives of the reserve.
Operating Guidelines
Soil
Most of the soils of the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve are highly
erodible and management actions will be directed at reducing
erosion and intervening where necessary to reduce accelerated
erosion arising from bad planning and designs of infrastructure.
Reclamation will be directed primarily at those areas which
pose the greatest threat to any one of the key objectives
for the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve.
Water
The functional integrity of the wetlands and surrounding
catchments will be maintained to ensure an optimum yield
of high quality water from the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve.
Vegetation
The flora will be managed so as to maintain biological and
genetic diversity and where appropriate manipulated to ensure
that the key objectives of the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve
are met.
Burning
Fire will be used to achieve the objectives of the Kgaswane
Mountain Reserve and specifically those set for vegetation
and game management and water production.
It will also be used to keep fuel loads of the vegetation
low so as to reduce the risk of uncontrolled fires. Firebreaks
and other fire control measures that may be required by law
will be implemented where necessary and appropriate.
Alien Plants
It is recognized that alien plants are a significant part
of the South African landscape and eradication may not always
be feasible, however alien vegetation still occurs at low
densities in the Reserve and therefore priority should be
directed at eradicating them especially those species which
impact most significantly on the key objectives of the Kgaswane
Mountain Reserve and which can be controlled within budget
limitations.
Herbicides
Management efficiency can often be increased with the use
of herbicides, however these should only be used after thorough
screening and evaluation.
Fauna
The objective is to foster a diverse range of large game
species at limited carrying capacity to manipulate the vegetation
structure and composition and to supplement the scenic beauty
of the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve. However this will be achieved
within the overall objective of water production.
Carrying Capacity
The carrying capacity of the area will be allowed to fluctuate
according to feedback from monitoring, however an upper limit
of 8ha per Large Stock Unit (LSU) will be placed on the herbivore
population. This will be allocated to the following feeder
categories in the following percentages.
Mixed feeders 25%
Bulk Feeders 35%
Selective feeders 40%
No limits are set on the browsers, as they are seen as self-regulating
and move beyond the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve boundaries.
Species Composition
The Kgaswane Mountain Reserve is an important hiking area
and because of this dangerous game will be kept to a minimum.
Leopard do occur in the area and have not been a problem,
this will be allowed to continue. Further introductions of
game species will be considered against their role in the
achievement of the goals and objectives of the reserve.
Problem Animals
Some animals, after continued contact with humans, may become
problems. The warden will deal with these issues on a case-by-case
basis, but in line with any relevant Board Policies.
Introductions and Translocations
Any introductions of indigenous species must ensure they
do not carry any disease or genetic incompatibility which
may impact on existing populations and must be done with
the authorization of other departments.
Domestic Animals
No domestic animals will be permitted to reside in the reserve.
Staff may be allowed their own domestic animals provided
these do not pose any threat to or compete with the indigenous
wildlife. Visitors may not bring pets into the Reserve because
of the threats or problems they may pose to wildlife or visitors.
Horses for riding purposes may be permitted but subject
to the warden=s approval. They may not be allowed to freely
graze or wander in the Reserve.
Monitoring
Monitoring of all components of the system (fauna, flora,
climatological data, fire, erosion, water etc.) is essential
in order to measure the effectiveness of, and if necessary
adapt, management actions as well as provide an ecological/economic
audit of wildlife and natural resource use.
Use of Natural Resources
Wildlife based tourism (especially outdoor nature-based
experience) is the prime form of resource use, however consumptive
use of natural resources will be allowed from time to time
in order to contribute to financial sustainability, social
benefits or ecological requirements.
Zonation Policy
The Kgaswane Mountain Reserve will be zoned so as to accommodate
the different objectives.
Zonation Operating Guidelines
The natural resource base, including geology, topography,
soils and plants provides the basis for determining the zonation
of the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve.
From this an initial zonation was determined which was then
adapted to the specifics of the physical attributes and administrative
considerations of the NR. This identified three broad zones,
these are:
Special Areas
These are areas of a sensitive or critical nature where
human impact should be minimized. No roads, tracks or trails
are permitted and only controlled pedestrian traffic allowed.
No other permanent structures are permitted.
Low Use Areas
Minimal development is permitted and this is restricted
to roads, tracks, trails, vistas and hides. These however
should be minimized and EIA=s would be required for any earthworks.
Medium Use Areas
Areas suitable for more extensive development within the
limitations of the reserve and it objectives.
Development Sites
Specific sites must be identified before development is
permitted and a thorough EIA conducted, these would then
be identified as development areas within the Medium Use
Areas.
Concession Areas
Certain areas within the above categories may be used by
concessionaires within the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve. These
would be reserved for these concessionaires and their guests,
for which additional fees, above the normal entrance fee,
could be levied.
The physical location of these areas is identified on the
map. To view the zoning map click
here.
It is recognized that many developments have occurred in
the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve in the past that are inappropriate
within this zonation and reserve objectives. These include
the office complex and surrounding developments (campsites,
day use area, staff houses and workshops) as well as the
entrance road. It would be foolish to move these now but
no extensions should be allowed and any further development
must be moved to one of the identified areas. Monitoring
of the impact of these developments should be initiated,
especially the liquid waste.
Infrastructure Policy and Operating Guidelines
Policy
The Kgaswane Mountain Reserve will ensure that the conservation
related infrastructure will be developed and maintained by
the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve within the prevailing financial
constraints.
Operational and Development Guidelines
All developments are to comply with the standards set for
the different zones. All developments require the CEO's approval
before they can be implemented.
Gates
All gates will be controlled by the warden and at least
one gate will be available for the public to enter the Kgaswane
Mountain Reserve.
It is recognized that other gates may be allowed but the
party/ies benefiting from these must pay the full costs and
they must be managed and maintained to Kgaswane Mountain
Reserve standards.
Roads
It is recognized from the objectives of the Kgaswane Mountain
Reserve that the area is primarily for nature based activities
and therefore the road network should be minimized and restricted
to allow vehicle access to some strategic points as this
is not seen as an out door nature based activity. Some tracks
are required for emergency access to some areas and for management
purposes.
The Kgaswane Mountain Reserve will provide and maintain
a suitable road network to meet this objective.
Services
Services such as electricity, phones and water should be
confined to the periphery or on present facilities. Any new
additional services beyond the current network and which
are not peripheral will not be permitted without a thorough
EIA which must aim to reduce impacts, especially those which
will detract from the objectives or vision of the Kgaswane
Mountain Reserve.
Radio Communication
The warden may require a two-way radio system for efficient
park management. Any other radios must comply with licensing
and other regulatory requirements. Any repeater stations
must be comply with EIA conditions and formal agreements
must be entered into with the North West Parks and Tourism
Board.
Visitor Facilities
The Kgaswane Mountain Reserve will supply some visitor facilities
in line with the objectives of the area to enhance the visitor
experience and understanding of the natural environment.
These will be subject to funding being available and an EIA.
Waste Disposal
Where possible waste should be sorted for recycling and
removed from the Nature Reserve. All other waste to be disposed
of in an environmentally responsible manner and close monitoring
of pollution and other effects is critical, especially of
the water resources. EIA=s for all developments are to look
closely at waste processing and subsequent monitoring for
all developments.
A comprehensive waste management plan with procedures must
be developed and implemented for the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve.
Fencing
The Kgaswane Mountain Reserve will be adequately fenced
in the most cost effective manner to ensure assets are protected
and losses minimized and environmental damage kept to a minimum.
Siting of visitor accommodation
Any accommodation for visitors must be located within the
relevant zones, it must comply with EIA requirements and
should be peripheral especially if it has a large impact.
Private sector partnerships policy and operating guidelines
Policy
As a general principle the NWP&TB encourages strong,
mutually beneficial partnerships with the private sector
wherever such involvement can be handled cost-effectively
and in a manner that meets with the NWP&TBs quality standards.
Operating guidelines
Any opportunities which may arise in the Kgaswane Mountain
Reserve for outside parties to participate should be advertised
as widely as possible to ensure the following is achieved:
· Job creation is a priority and preference will
be given to those proposals which maximize both the number
and quality of jobs that will be developed.
· Investment in infrastructure, staff development and other social benefits
is maximized.
· Financial return to the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve is commensurate with
the opportunity.
· It contributes to the overall Vision, Goals and Objectives of the Reserve.
· All other things being equal, opportunities should be made available
to local people.
Marketing policy and operating guidelines
Policy
Kgaswane Mountain Reserve offers many opportunities and
benefits. These should be marketed as widely as possible
and the environmental benefits of the Reserve communicated
to as wide an audience as possible.
As a general principle, those that benefit the most, pay
the marketing cost.
Operating Guidelines
Marketing/awareness is split into four broad categories,
these are:
· promoting awareness of the benefits of the natural
environment and its systems; this is primarily seen as being
done through environmental education. The NR can play an
important role here but it is recognized that partnerships
with other parties is an important component of this;
· marketing of business opportunities to the private
sector that arise from the NR. This is seen as the function
of the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve and the Warden in particular,
subject to Board policies and procedures;
· the marketing of the individual tourist facilities.
This is borne by the party who runs and manages these facilities,
and;
· marketing of the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve and
the area as a 'destination'. This is seen as a joint responsibility
of the individual stakeholders in the reserve, the Kgaswane
Mountain Reserve and local, provincial and National tourism
marketing authorities and initiatives.
Tourism policy and operating guidelines
Policy
Outdoor nature-based tourism will form the basis of Kgaswane
Mountain Reserve's tourist product, with due regard to
the other Reserve objectives.
The Kgaswane Mountain Reserve offers the only substantial
area of the Magaliesberg accessible to the public. It is
recognized that it is a sensitive fragile environment where
other objectives are important. The town of Rustenburg
offers a wide range of activities to the public and the
Kgaswane Mountain Reserve is therefore seen as an area
where nature based outdoor tourism is the primary focus.
The facilities made available to the public will therefore
focus on this theme.
The Kgaswane Mountain Reserve must also rely on income from
visitors to contribute significantly to the Reserves operating
costs. Reserve user fees will therefore be levied to achieve
this goal. Differential rates may be payable for different
times, seasons and products, these will be agreed to from
time to time by the CEO after recommendation by the warden.
Operating Guidelines
The warden will ensure as many opportunities as possible
are developed so as to ensure the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve
is enjoyed by the public and that user fees are levied and
collected for the products offered.
Visitor Control
Visitors may need to be regulated to ensure impacts on the
natural environment and on the experience of other Reserve
users are not compromised. Regulations will be drafted to
ensure the warden can achieve this, if necessary these may
need to be approved by the Executive Council of the Province.
The warden will make recommendations in this regard from
time to time.
Visitor Carrying Capacity
Within the respective zones the visitor numbers should
be regulated to ensure that environmental impact is kept
within acceptable limits and visitor experience, within
the objectives for the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve, is maximized.
The need may arise where management needs to mitigate impacts.
This must be done with cognizance of financial limitations.
Community and social policy and operating guidelines
Policy
It is recognized that the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve forms
part of the local community and in principle the reserve
should be integrated into this community while recognizing
wider national and international responsibilities.
Operating Guidelines
Within the framework and objectives of the Kgaswane Mountain
Reserve the community should be accommodated. This can be
achieved through the following mechanisms;
Environmental Education
This should be actively encouraged especially in the context
of the natural benefits of the reserve to society. Where
possible partnerships should be established with role players
and interested parties to ensure this occurs.
Research
Research will only be permitted via formal agreements and
subject to registering of any projects. Investigation of
the archeological and cultural aspects of the Kgaswane Mountain
Reserve is seen as a high priority so that base line information
is available to assist with planning and EIA's.
Other
Where appropriate and necessary the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve
should interact with interested parties via their elected
representatives and establish fora where use of the Kgaswane
Mountain Reserve can be discussed and if deemed necessary
policies amended.
Land Policy and Operating Guidelines
Policy
The area of land administered under the objectives incorporated
in this document should be maximized.
Operating Guidelines
Before any fences are removed between the Kgaswane Mountain
Reserve and other land the following items need to be agreed
to:
· ownership and use of game is formally agreed;
· fencing costs and standards are agreed;
· traversing rights on different landowners properties
are agreed;
· management of the area must be agreed including
standards, costs and policy;
· the land use must be defined and if necessary limited
to that defined in this document;
· ownership of land is maintained by the individual
parties.
The Rustenburg Kloof area along with the southern cliff
faces of the Magaliesberg are seen as priority areas for
incorporation into the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve.
In this document the private sector refers
to large, medium, small and individually owned business,
including individuals or groups of individuals from the
local communities who are interested in pursuing economic
activities which are mutually beneficial (to the businesses
and the park) within the park.
April 2000 |
Copyright © 1997 - 2009 NWP&TB