Friends of Zeekoevlei & Rondevlei
The Friends of Zeekoevlei and Rondevlei is an apolitical, community-based non-profit organisation that aims to assist the nature reserve authorities to protect the much-threatened flora and fauna that make this corner of the Cape Flats their home.
Since our inception in September 2006 we have:
- Persuaded the City to build a cut-off drain to limit seepage from the sewerage works into Zeekoevlei. This has reduced the nutrient loading of the vlei by 24% and has improved water quality.
- Prepared an application for RAMSAR international conservation status for Rondevlei and Zeekoevlei Nature Reserves
- Partially funded an assistant environmental education officer for Rondevlei
- Funded tree poppers to assist in alien clearing
- Helped to fund a water hyacinth ‘muncher’ designed by Zeekoevlei Nature Reserve and a local resident, Dunston Runciman
Removing invasive water hyacinth is an ongoing challenge
- Held two community fund-raising festivals with the Zeekoe Fees and will be launching the first Hipp-a-thon biathlon at this year’s Zeekoe Fees on 21 November 2009.
- Contributed to environmental impact assessment processes for:
- Pelikan Park extension on the eastern shore of Zeekoevlei – including objection to positive Record Of Decision because of operational problems at Strandfontein sewage works.
- The Schaapkraal stormwater system
- The proposed use/disposal of sediment from Zeekoevlei
- Actively objected to and canvassed against other proposed developments, which have yet to be built:
- Erf 259 (2006): Proposed townhouse development of 28 units and a clubhouse on vacant land on Peninsula Road.
- R300 Toll Road (2000): Proposed 6-lane highway that would have run along Zeekoevlei’s southern shore. Interested &Affected Parties last commented on the Environmental Impact Assessment formally four years ago and the final report is still yet to be submitted.
Spring Walk in Rondevlei Nature Reserve
Come visit Rondevlei and enjoy refreshments in a beautiful and serene natural setting only 20 minutes from central Cape Town!
- A tearoom has recently opened on the banks of Rondevlei, which forms part of the False Bay Nature Reserve (FBNR). Enjoy an outing to experience Rondevlei, a natural jewel only 20 minutes’ drive from central Cape Town, and home to the only population of Hippopotamus in Cape Town. Take a walk along the vlei-side trail, bird watch from well-located bird hides, and then enjoy light refreshments at the tearoom overlooking the water; abundant with birdlife.
- The tearoom operation is striving to be as environmentally responsible as possible, is intending to minimise the use of packaging and use biodegradable packaging, where possible. It is also aiming to assist a local community recycler by providing her with recyclables which can be on-sold thereby both assisting with income generation for the recycler and minimising the impact of waste and resource consumption on the environment.
- For directions to the reserve, visit www.rondevlei.co.za or call the reserve on 021-706-2404.
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