Zeekoevlei is the main recreation node of the reserve, and has
also had the most impact in terms of job opportunities. The
vlei has long been popular for watersports, but the eastern
shore – a previously neglected area that attracted a ‘bad
element’ – has undergone a major upgrade over the past two
years, and now has lush lawns, paved parking areas, smart new
ablution facilities and formal braai areas to lure local residents.
The project was made possible by a R25-million contribution of
Expanded Public Works Programme funding from the national
Department of Tourism and R1-million from the provincial
government, and provided temporary jobs for 160 previously
unemployed and unskilled people drawn from the surrounding
communities. The training they received and experience gained
has improved their chances of finding other employment now
that the project is complete.
“And then there’s Pelican Park, where there are fantastically
beautiful dunes – 40 m high in places – with dune-slack
wetlands at the base of them,” says Khan. “The vegetation
there is quite unique, and is home to a butterfly species found
nowhere else in the world, so we try to keep human impacts out
of that area.”
“Obviously with people living right on the reserve’s boundary
it does present challenges, and there will be impacts – we’ve
had metal poles stolen for scrap and reports of quad bikers in
Top: Zeekoevlei is the main recreational node of the reserve,
popular for watersports such as rowing and dinghy sailing, as well
as fishing.
Left: Cape Bird Club stalwart Felicity Ellmore shows nature
conservation student Adriel Cloete how to measure wing-length
during a bird-ringing exercise at Rondevlei.
Sue Matthews
Sue Matthews
The Water Wheel May/June 2015 15
Wetlands
the dunes, for example – so we try and
establish relationships with as many
people as possible. But that takes time
and effort, and you only see the results
on a long-term basis.”