1 March 2026

A long-awaited project to rehabilitate the Rietfontein and Egoli Granite Grasslands is underway. Between the Gauteng Department of Environment, and the Directorate, Environmental Empowerment Services, 2 teams of 15 people each were trained and then sent into the field to eradicate alien vegetation.  The project started in October last year and was supposed to run until the end of February this year. It has been decided however to extend the project by another two months. Large amounts of Bankrupt Bush, Pompom, and Lantana have already been removed from the Offset properties.

The Bankrupt Bush (Seriphium plumosum) was spread across 271 hectares with a density of 20 to 25%. No herbicides were used and it was removed mechanically, with the use of Bush Picks and Pangas. 

The Pompom (Campuloclinium macrocephalum) was cleared over 24 hectares with a density of 5 to 25%. No herbicide was applied. The heads were cut off and bagged and the roots were removed with the use of Bush Picks. The bags were disposed of by PL Roodeplaat.

The Lantana (Lantana Camara), fast becoming a serious threat in Doornrandje was cleared from 6,7 hectares with a density varying between 5 and 25%, using Chainsaws, Pangas and the herbicide, Kaput Gel. 

The improvement is clearly visible in the before and after photographs. 

This does not signal the end of the project. An annual follow up will be carried out to ensure these Invasive Aliens remain under control.  The work done gives the natural vegetation a chance to recover, improves the biodiversity and lessens the spread of these destructive plants.