Author: Nadine Payle

Alien invasive plants may look harmless – some even attractive – but they pose a serious threat to George’s water security, biodiversity, and fire safety. These plants are not native to South Africa, spread uncontrollably because they have no natural predators, and compete with indigenous plants for water and nutrients. The Kat River Alien Vegetation Management Project, led by George Municipality’s Task Team in collaboration with stakeholders, is at the heart of efforts to clear these species in the Kat River and Upper Kat River catchment areas. This work is essential to safeguarding the Garden Route Dam, the city’s main water source.

Alien vegetation consumes large amounts of water, reducing dam levels and threatening the city’s water security. It also increases fire risk by creating dense, dry stands of vegetation that fuel wildfires. At the same time, these species threaten biodiversity by displacing indigenous plants, animals, and local ecosystems.

Alien invasive plants are non-native species introduced into a new environment and which without natural checks and balances, spread aggressively, causing harm to the environment, human well-being, and the economy.
South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has listed invasive plants under four legal categories. Category 1a species must be eradicated immediately, while Category 1b species must be controlled. Category 2 species require a permit for restricted use, and Category 3 species are subject to certain exemptions, although if they occur in riparian areas they are treated as Category 1b.

Common Alien Invaders in George
Some of the most problematic alien species in the George area include Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii), a fast-growing tree classified as Category 2. Port Jackson (Acacia saligna), a spreading shrub or tree, is a Category 1b species. Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon), which was introduced for timber, falls under Category 2. Bluegum (Eucalyptus spp.), tall evergreen trees, are listed as Category 1b in riparian zones. Bugweed (Solanum mauritianum), a shrub or small tree, is classified as Category 1b. Pine species (Pinus spp.) are considered Category 2 in plantations but Category 1b everywhere else. Lantana (Lantana camara), an ornamental flowering shrub, is a Category 1b species, and Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana), a large tussock grass, is also Category 1b.

How Residents Can Help
The Municipality encourages residents to inspect their properties regularly, particularly near rivers, slopes, or disturbed land, and to remove alien plants where possible. To identify alien vegetation, residents should pay attention to leaves, bark, seed pods, and flower types, as well as signs of rapid spread or dense growth.

For small-scale removal, homeowners can pull out seedlings by hand or with garden tools. Adult trees should be cut and felled, and the stumps treated with herbicide immediately to prevent regrowth. Plants should be disposed of carefully to avoid seed dispersal by bagging seeds, removing flowers before they mature, and cleaning tools after use. In some cases, safe chemical treatment is necessary for species such as bugweed, lantana, and pampas grass. Guidance on herbicide use is available at www.invasives.org.za/herbicides.

Through the Kat River Alien Vegetation Management Project, the Municipality is committed to ongoing removal efforts and will continue to combine control burns, manual clearing, and public participation to restore balance to our natural ecosystems. The multidisciplinary Task Team established continues to meet weekly to coordinate activities, including controlled burns (three blocks already addressed), manual clearing of riverbeds to protect aquatic ecosystems, securing environmental approvals for sensitive zones, and upgrading access roads for safe operations.

While the Municipality acknowledges that smoke and disruption may cause discomfort for residents, controlled burns remain one of the most effective tools to reduce invasive vegetation and long-term fire risks. Advance notices are shared across all official channels, and the Municipality sincerely apologises for any inconvenience.

Stay Informed
The Municipality will continue updating residents on project progress and urges all households and businesses to adhere to the Level 2B water restrictions currently in place.

Stay connected via official George Municipality platforms:
• Facebook: @george.municipality
• X (Twitter): @george_mun
• George Municipal App: mysmart.city
• Website: www.george.gov.za
• WhatsApp Channel: George Municipality WhatsApp

In a decisive move to safeguard the water security of the Garden Route Dam, George Municipality has launched a comprehensive alien vegetation management programme in the Katrivier catchment area. This strategic initiative aims to restore ecological balance and improve water flow into one of the region’s most critical water sources.

Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis applauded the project, saying, “The alien vegetation clearance in the Kat River catchment area is a vital step in protecting the Garden Route Dam and saving every drop of water. Alongside this, we have our R1,115 billion BFI investment, (plus R300 million of municipal funding) in upgrading projects for water treatment works, reservoirs, and pumpstations to secure a reliable water supply for all residents. Together, these initiatives show our commitment to long-term water security, environmental sustainability, and a resilient future for George.”

Following a strategic meeting on 12 September 2025, a multidisciplinary Task Team was established to oversee the project. The team includes representatives from various municipal departments, including the Environmental Officer from the Department of Planning, who will ensure compliance with environmental regulations and conservation best practices.

The Task Team will meet weekly to coordinate a range of efforts. These include controlled burns to reduce dense alien plant growth in several identified blocks, manual clearing—including hand-clearing of riverbeds to protect sensitive aquatic ecosystems—securing environmental approvals for conservation-sensitive zones and upgrading access roads to facilitate safe and efficient operations.

The first two controlled block burns were successfully conducted on 15 September 2025, following favourable weather conditions that allowed for safe and effective implementation. While the Municipality acknowledges that smoke and disruption may cause discomfort for nearby residents, this method remains the quickest and most effective way to remove invasive vegetation and reduce long-term fire risks. Notices will be circulated in advance, where feasible, across all media channels, and the Municipality sincerely apologizes for any discomfort experienced.

“This initiative is about more than just clearing invasive species,” said Godfrey Louw, Municipal Manager. “It’s a strategic effort to protect our water resources, support the Level 2B water restrictions that have been in place since 1 May 2024, and ensure long-term sustainability for the communities that rely on the Garden Route Dam.” A detailed scope of work, including timelines, deliverables, and risk assessments, is currently being finalised.

The Municipality urges all households and businesses to continue adhering strictly to the current 2B Water Restrictions while supporting this vital environmental initiative and encourages residents to follow updates on the progress of the project and join in conserving our precious water resources.

Stay updated and access information from George Municipality through our official platforms:

• Facebook: @george.municipality
• X (Twitter): @george_mun
• George Municipal App: city (register using your cell phone number)
• Website: george.gov.za
• WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaRHVS9HAdNXTJPKis3k