Guiding principles for reserve management - NCC Environmental ...

3.4 Key Performance Areas and Objectives ........................................................................................... 233.5 Zonation ........................................................................................................................................... 244. STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK ................................................................................... 26KPA 1: BIODIVERSITY AND HERITAGE CONSERVATION ......................................................................... 27Guiding principles for reserve management ......................................................................................... 27Management actions and targets .......................................................................................................... 29KPA 2: SUSTAINABLE USE ....................................................................................................................... 32Guiding principles for reserve management ......................................................................................... 32Management actions and targets .......................................................................................................... 34KPA 3: ENFORCEMENT, SECURITY AND ACCESS CONTROL .................................................................... 37Guiding principles for reserve management ......................................................................................... 37Management actions and targets .......................................................................................................... 38KPA 4: INFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT (OPERATIONS) ................................................................. 40Guiding principles for reserve management ......................................................................................... 40Management actions and targets .......................................................................................................... 41KPA 5: STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT.................................................................................................... 44Guiding principles for reserve management ......................................................................................... 44Management actions and targets .......................................................................................................... 45KPA 6: ADMINISTRATION AND PLANNING............................................................................................. 47Guiding principles for reserve management ......................................................................................... 47Management actions and targets .......................................................................................................... 485. RESOURCING AND GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK ............................................................................... 505.1 Staffing Requirements ..................................................................................................................... 505.2 Funding Requirements ..................................................................................................................... 515.3 Roles and Responsibilities ................................................................................................................ 526. BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................................................................... 54ANNEXURE 1: ZONATION CATEGORIES (CHARACTERISTICS)..................................................................... 55LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 4

ABBREVIATIONS AND PLANNING TERMSABBREVIATIONS:APOAnnual Plan of OperationsBCEA Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997 (Act No. 75 of 1997)CAPEXCapital ExpendituresCARA Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act No. 43 of 1983)CPACommunal Property AssociationEEA Employment Equity Act, 1998 (Act No. 55 of 1998)EPWPExtended Public Works ProgrammeESKOMElectricity Supply CommissionFFAFFA Holdings (Pty) Ltd.FPAFire Protection Association [in terms of the National Veld and Forest FireAct, 1998 (Act No. 101 of 1998)]HDIHistorically Disadvantaged IndividualHOHead OfficeHODHead of DepartmentHRHuman ResourcesHRDHuman Resources DevelopmentIDP(municipal) Integrated Development PlanIUCNInternational Union for the Conservation of NatureKPAKey Performance AreaLEDETLimpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and TourismLTALimpopo Tourism AgencyLRA Labour Relations Act, 1995 (Act No. 66 of 1995)MECMember of the Executive CouncilMETTManagement Effectiveness Tracking ToolMETT-SAManagement Effectiveness Tracking Tool for South AfricaNBRBSANational Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of1977)NEMA National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998)NEMBANational Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of2004)NEMPAA National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57of 2003)NEMWA National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2009 (Act No. 58 of 2009)NHRA National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999)NVFFA National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998 (Act No. 101 of 1998)OHSA Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993)OPEXOperating ExpendituresPFMA Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999)PSA Public Service Act, 1994 (Act No. 103 of 1994)RMPReserve Management PlanRPTReserve Planning TeamSANSSouth African National StandardSDA Skills Development Act, 1998 (Act No. 97 of 1998)SISSecurity and Investigation ServicesSONRState Owned Nature ReserveSPStrategic PlanLEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 6

This SP has the following structure:SECTION 1SECTION 2SECTION 3SECTION 4SECTION 5INTRODUCTIONThis section briefly describes the: (i) planning context for the SP; (ii) purpose of the SP;(iii) structure of the SP; and (iv) approach to developing the SP.CONTEXTUAL FRAMEWORKThis section provides a succinct summary of contextual information about the reserve.STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES FRAMEWORKThis section defines the ambitions for the reserve, through the formulation of a visionand a set of objectives.This section also spatially represents the desired state of the reserve in the form of ause zone map for the reserve.STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORKThis section defines how the vision and the objectives will be delivered. It details thekey management guidelines and management actions for six thematic areas (KeyPerformance Areas or KPAs): biodiversity and heritage conservation; sustainable use;enforcement, security and access control; infrastructure and equipment (operations);stakeholder involvement; and administration and planning.RESOURCING AND GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORKThis section describes the: (i) governance arrangements for decision-making; (ii) rolesand responsibilities of affected institutions and stakeholders; (iii) the projected staffingrequirements; and (iv) the projected funding requirements for the implementation ofthe SP.1.3 The steps in preparing the Strategic PlanEight basic steps were taken in preparing this SP. These steps are outlined in the Table 1 below.Table 1: The eight basic steps taken in preparing the Strategic Plan of the Witvinger Nature ReserveSTEPSTEP 1: Data collection,background researchand site visit.STEP 2: Establishmentof a Reserve PlanningTeam (RPT).STEP 3: Identificationof the reserve values.STEP 4: Deciding on thedesired state for thereserve.STEP 5: Developmentof an action plan forthe reserve.STEP 6: Preparation ofthe first draft of the SPfor the reserve.PURPOSE OF STEPTo collect, collate and review the contextual reserve information thatinforms the reserve management planning process.To establish an inter-disciplinary team to guide and advise on thepreparation, and ongoing review and evaluation, of the RMP.To describe why the reserve was designated, and its associated values andbenefits.To develop and articulate a desired condition, state or appearance of thereserve (vision, objectives and use zone plan).To identify and develop the key management actions needed to achieve thedesired state for the reserve.To integrate all the information from Step 1 and Steps 3 to 5 into a first draftof the SP.LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 10

Table 1 (contd.):The eight basic steps taken in preparing the Strategic Plan of the Witvinger Nature ReserveSTEPSTEP 7: Stakeholderconsultation.STEP 8: Revision of theSP to includecomments andrecommendations fromthe RPT and otherstakeholders.PURPOSE OF STEPTo create an opportunity for the RPT, and later the general public and otherstakeholders/interested parties, to review and comment on iterative draftsof the SP.To revise the draft SP, taking into account the comments received from theRPT and other stakeholders/interested parties and the public.LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 11

2. CONTEXTUAL FRAMEWORK2.1 LocationThe Witvinger Nature Reserve (WNR) is located in the Waterberg District of Limpopo Province, SouthAfrica and is situated approximately 80 km to the west of Polokwane and 17 km to the north ofMokopane (Figure 2). The reserve is situated approximately 80 km from the Polokwane InternationalAirport and 303 km from O.R. Tambo International Airport, two important sources of domestic andinternational tourists to the area, and can be accessed via the R101.of the Witvinger Nature Reserve.Figure 2:Regional locationLEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 12

2.2 Legal StatusThe WNR was proclaimed as a nature reserve on 3 March 1993 in terms of the Nature Conservation inBlack Areas Act, 1978 (Proclamation No. R. 6 of 1978), read with Proclamation No. R. 26 of 31 March1992, and is therefore legally defined as a provincial nature reserve in terms of the NationalEnvironmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003) (NEMPAA). The reservecurrently falls under the legal protection of NEMPAA in terms of Section 12 thereof.Table 2 lists key national, provincial and local legislation that has a direct influence on all reservemanagement activities.Table 2: Key national, provincial and local legislation with a direct influence on all reserve management activities 3NATIONAL LEGISLATION National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107of 1998) (NEMA); National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004(Act No. 10 of 2004) (NEMBA); National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act,2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003) (NEMPAA); National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2009 (ActNo. 58 of 2009) (NEMWA); National Forest Act, 1998 (Act No. 84 of 1998); Agriculture Laws Extension Act, 1996 (Act No. 87 of 1996); Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act No. 43of 1983) (CARA); Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989); National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998); Water Services Act, 1997 (Act No. 108 of 1997) (WSA); National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998 (Act No. 101 of 1998)(NVFFA); National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999)(NHRA); Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984); Animal Health Act, 2002 (Act No. 7 of 2002); Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002); Fencing Act, 1963 (Act No. 31 of 1963); Tourism Act, 1993 (Act No. 72 of 1993); Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993)(OHSA); National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act,1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977) (NBRBSA); Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999)(PFMA); Public Service Act, 1994, (Act No. 103 of 1994), as amended(PSA); Labour Relations Act, 1995 (Act No. 66 of 1995) (LRA); Basic Condition of Employment Act, 1997 (Act No. 75 of 1997)(BCEA); Employment Equity Act, 1998 (Act No. 55 of 1998) (EEA); Skills Development Act, 1998 (Act No. 97 of 1998) (SDA); and Game Theft Act, 1991 (Act No. 105 of 1991).PROVINCIAL AND LOCAL LEGISLATION Limpopo Environmental ManagementAct, 2003 (Act No. 7 of 2003); Limpopo Tourism Act, 2009 (Act No. 2of 2009); Mogalakwena Local Municipality:Waste Management By-laws, 2011(Local Authority Notice 164); Mogalakwena Local Municipality:Water Services By-laws, 2009; and Mogalakwena Local Municipality:Building and Drainage By-laws.2 Current actual size of the reserve, as confirmed by LEDET.3 Including all regulations promulgated in terms of the legislation listed.LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 13

2.4 Reserve description2.4.1 HistoryDetailed information on the history of the WNR is currently unavailable.2.4.2 ClimateThe WNR receives summer rainfall and experiences cold, dry winter months. Frost occurs in this areafrom June to August.The reserve receives an average annual rainfall of 590 mm per year, the bulk of which is received duringthe summer months. The area receives the least amount of rainfall in August (with an average monthlyrainfall of 0 mm per month) and the most in December (with an average monthly rainfall of 136 mm permonth) (Figure 4).The monthly average of maximum temperatures for the reserve ranges from 22°C in July to 31°C inFebruary. The region is coldest in July, when temperatures drop to an average of 3°C at night (Figure 4).Figure 4: Graph illustrating the monthly averages for rainfall and minimum and maximum temperatures for the WitvingerNature Reserve (Mapela Weather Station: Latitude: 23.9512°S; Longitude: 28.8438°E; Altitude: 1044 m above sea level).2.4.3 TopographyThe topography of the largest section of the WNR can be classified as rugged. Only the extremewestern, southern and north-north-eastern corners of the reserve are located at lower altitudes and arecharacterised by the presence of plains and valleys (Figure 3).Altitudes within the WNR vary from 1 219 m above sea level in the western and southern corners of thereserve, to 1 832 m above sea level in the hilly central parts.LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 15

2.4.4 Geology and Soils2.4.4.1 GeologyA variety of geological formations occurs within the WNR and can generally be grouped according to thevegetation unit it supports.Makhado Sweet Bushveld (Figure 5) is underlain by gneisses and migmatites of the Hout River Gneiss(Randian Erathem) and gneisses of the Goudplaats Gneiss (Swazian Erathem), which are potassiumdeficient.Sandstones and mudstones of the Matlabas Subgroup (Mokolian Waterberg Group) are alsofound.Mamabolo Mountain Bushveld (Figure 5) occurs on varied geology and includes basement granite andgneiss, and clastic sediments of the Pretoria Group (Vaalian) and ultramafic and mafic metavolcanics ofthe Pietersburg Group (Swazian).Polokwane Plateau Bushveld (Figure 5) is predominantly underlain by migmatites and gneisses of theHout River Gneiss and the Turfloop Granite (both of Randian Erathem). Some ultramafic and maficmetavolcanics, quartzite and chlorite schist of the Pieterburg Group (Swazian Erathem) also occur.2.4.4.2 SoilA variety of soil forms occur in the WNR, which can generally be grouped according to the vegetationunit it supports.Makhado Sweet Bushveld soils (Figure 5) include deep, greyish sands, eutrophic plinthic catenas andred-yellow apedal, freely drained soils with a high base status. Soils are clayey in the bottomlands.Mamabolo Mountain Bushveld soils (Figure 5) are shallow and skeletal and include Mispah andGlenrosa soil forms.Polokwane Plateau Bushveld (Figure 5) occurs on a variety of soils, which are freely drained soils with ahigh base status and some dystrophic/mesotrophic, eutrophic plinthic catenas of the Glenrosa andMispah soil forms.2.4.4.3 Soil ErosionErosion has been recorded along a number of the roads located in the north-eastern, central andwestern parts of the WNR.2.4.5 Drainage and HydrologyThe mountainous topography of the WNR results in the presence of a number of drainage lines, as wellas the formation of a number of temporary water pools during the summer rainfall season.Ten earth dams, which capture seasonal runoff, are spread throughout the north-eastern, northwesternand western parts of the reserve.Two springs are located within the WNR: One in the central part and the other in the north-eastern partof the reserve.LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 16

2.4.6 Vegetation2.4.6.1 Vegetation TypesThe vegetation of the WNR comprises Central Bushveld vegetation units of the Savanna Biome (Figure5).Savanna is characterized by a herbaceous layer (usually dominated by grasses) with a woodycomponent – most typically an overstorey of trees. In southern Africa, bushveld is an apt description ofthe vegetation structure, as the vegetation most often does not comprise distinct shrub and tree layersand the shrubs and trees occur in a matrix with a grass-dominated herb layer.The vegetation description for the WNR follows Mucina and Rutherford (2006) (Figure 5).Figure 5: Vegetation map of the Witvinger Nature Reserve.Makhado Sweet Bushveld (VU)Makhado Sweet Bushveld (Figure 5) is a short, shrub dominated vegetation unit with a poorlydeveloped grass layer. Tree and shrub species include Acacia erubescens, A. gerrardii, A. melliferasubsp. detinens and A. rehmanniana (small trees); Commiphora pyracanthoides, Dichrostachys cinerea,Grewia flava, Hibiscus calyphyllus and Lycium shawii (tall shrubs); and Barleria lancifolia, Hirpiciumbechuanense and Indigofera poliotes (low shrubs). The field layer comprises Anthephora pubescens,Aristida stipitata subsp. graciflora, Cenchrus ciliaris and Enneapogon scoparius (grasses); andChamaecrista absus, Corbichonia decumbens, Geigeria acaulis and Hemizygia elliottii (herbs), amongstothers.The following endemic plant species is associated with Makhado Sweet Bushveld: Dicliptera minorsubsp. pratis-manna (herb).LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 17

Mamabolo Mountain Bushveld (LT)Mamabolo Mountain Bushveld (Figure 5) occurs on moderately steep, rocky slopes covered by smalltrees and shrubs. Rock slabs or domes are sparsely vegetated by species which are dominantly amixture of xerophytic or resurrection plants, with several succulent species. Tree, shrub and climberspecies include Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra (tall tree); Combretum molle, Croton gratissimus,Heteropyxis natalensis, Acacia caffra and A. davyi (small trees); Euphorbia cooperi, E. ingens and Aloemarlothii subsp. marlothii (succulent trees); Clerodendrum glabrum, Elephantorrhiza burkei,Acokanthera oppositifolia and A. rotundata (tall shrubs); Diospyros lycioides subsp. nitens, Grewiavernicosa and Barleria rotundifolia (low shrubs); Kalanchoe sexangularis, Kleinia longiflora and Aloearborescens (succulent shrubs); Asparagus buchananii, Jasminum multipartitum and Acaciaataxacantha (woody climbers); and Pentarrhinum insipidum (herbaceous climber). The field layer iscomprised of Cymbopogon caesius, Digitaria eriantha subsp. eriantha, Heteropogon contortus, Aristidacongesta and A. diffusa (grasses); Vahlia capensis subsp. vulgaris (herb); Boophone disticha, Drimiaaltissima and D. robusta (geophytic herbs); and Aloe greatheadii var. greatheadii, Aeollanthusrehmannii, Avonia rhodesica and Crassula swaziensis (succulent herbs), amongst others.The following endemic plant species is associated with Mamabolo Mountain Bushveld: Euphorbiaclivicola (succulent shrub).Polokwane Plateau BushveldPolokwane Plateau Bushveld (Figure 5) has a well-developed grass layer, and grass plains withoccasional trees at higher altitudes. Hills and low mountains of Mamabolo Mountain Bushveld areembedded within this vegetation unit. Tree, shrub and climber species include Acacia caffra, A.permixta, A. rehmanniana, A. karroo and Combretum molle (small trees); Aloe marlothii subsp. marlothii(succulent tree); Acacia hebeclada subsp. hebeclada, Gymnosporia senegalensis, Combretumhereroense and Diospyros lycoides subsp. sericea (tall shrubs); Anthospermum rigidum subsp. rigidum,Gymnosporia glaucophylla, Hirpicium bechuanense and Lantana rugosa (low shrubs); Aloe cryptopoda(succulent shrub); Asparagus africanus (woody climber); and Momordica balsamina and Rubia petiolaris(herbaceous climbers). The field layer includes Aristida diffusa, Brachiaria nigropedata, Digitariaeriantha subsp. eriantha, Eragrostis curvula and A. congesta (grasses); Felicia mossamedensis,Hermbsteadtia odorata and Pollichia campestris (herbs); Eulophia petersii and Hypoxis hemerocallidea(geophytic herbs); and Aloe greatheadii var. greatheadii (succulent herb), amongst others.2.4.6.2 Species of Conservation ConcernTable 4 lists the plant species of conservation concern known to occur in the WNR area 4 .Table 4: Plant species of conservation concern known to occur in the Witvinger Nature Reserve areaPLANT SCIENTIFIC NAMEEuphorbia clivicolaArgyrolobium muddiiBowiea volubilis subsp. volubilisPrunus africanaAdenia fruticosa subsp. fruticosaBrachystelma hirtellumIUCN STATUSCritically EndangeredEndangeredVulnerableVulnerableNear ThreatenedNear Threatened4 The species of conservation concern indicated in this section have a strong probability of occurrence at this reserve, based on the Plants ofSouth Africa (POSA) database. The POSA includes a database of all plants recorded by means of voucher specimens lodged with one of therecognised herbaria in South Africa. The actual occurrence of these species will, however, need to be ground-truthed as part of KPA 1:Biodiversity and Heritage Conservation (Objective 1.5).LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 18

Table 4 (contd.):Plant species of conservation concern known to occur in the Witvinger Nature Reserve areaPLANT SCIENTIFIC NAMECurtisia dentataElaeodendron transvaalenseBrachystelma inconspicuumGladiolus dolomiticusAcacia eriolobaAdenia gummifera var. gummiferaBoophone distichaCallilepis leptophyllaDrimia altissimaEulophia speciosaHypoxis hemerocallideaIlex mitis var. mitisRapanea melanophloeosIUCN STATUSNear ThreatenedNear ThreatenedRareRareDecliningDecliningDecliningDecliningDecliningDecliningDecliningDecliningDeclining2.4.6.3 Invasive Alien PlantsThe following invasive plant species are known to occur in WNR: Prickly Pear Opuntia stricta, SourPrickly Pear O. vulgaris, Queen of the Night Cereus peruvianus, Sisal Agave americana, JacarandaJacaranda mimosifolia, Thorny Apple Datura ferox, Pine Pinus pinaster, Guava Psidium guava andJapanese Loquat Eriobotrya japonica.2.4.7 FaunaThe following mammal species are known to have occurred in the WNR: Burchell’s Zebra, Bushbuck,Bushpig, Common Duiker, Eland, Impala, Klipspringer, Kudu, Mountain Reedbuck, Red Hartebeest,Tsessebe and Warthog.2.4.8 Heritage ResourcesThe following heritage resources are located within the boundaries of the WNR:A cave network containing rock paintings that is located within the hills of the reserve;A number of old graves that occur in two separate areas in the north-western part of thereserve;Tsotsoli Mountain, which is of high local cultural significance; andA number of interesting archaeological sites.2.4.9 Reserve InfrastructureThe R101, which provides access to the WNR, is tarred and currently in a good condition.The reserve can be accessed via two different entrance gates. The main gate on located along thewestern boundary fence of the reserve and is used by both tourists and management staff. The secondentrance gate is kept locked and is not currently in use.An extensive road network, consisting mostly of unmaintained gravel roads, has been developed in theWNR. Bush encroachment, a lack of staff and the absence of a grading machine are some of the factorscontributing to the current poor condition of the roads.LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 19

The administrative hub of the WNR is located in the south-western part of the reserve, approximately 1km from the main entrance gate and consists of a main office building (an old farmstead), two storerooms and a lapa. All of these structures, with the exception of the lapa, are currently in a poorcondition.Staff accommodation facilities consist of an old, three bedroomed house and three hostels. All of thesestructures are currently in a poor condition.There is currently no tourist accommodation, or other tourism facilities, available at the WNR.2.5 Local and Regional PlanningThe WNR is located within the Mogalakwena Local Municipality, which forms part of the WaterbergDistrict Municipality of Limpopo Province.The Integrated Development Plan (IDP) of the Waterberg District Municipality for the period 2011/2012makes no mention of the WNR.The draft IDP of the Mogalakwena Local Municipality for the period 2012 to 2016 mentions the WNR asone of the proclaimed nature reserves located within the municipal boundaries, but does not considerthe reserve in any development planning.The WNR is not included as part of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve (WBR), but is located only a fewkilometres east of the WBR. The WNR would therefore be affected by and should respond to WBRplanning initiatives.2.6 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and ThreatsTable 5 lists the key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that were identified for the WNR.Table 5: Key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats identified for the Witvinger Nature ReserveKEY STRENGTHSThe reserve is easily accessible from both Mokopane and Polokwane.The access road to the reserve is tarred.The reserve is located in a malaria free area.The reserve has plentiful natural, perennial water.The reserve’s topography provides very limited opportunities for development and agriculture, andits inaccessibility promotes wilderness areas.The reserve has several interesting archaeological sites, rock paintings and a mountain (Tsotsoli) ofhigh cultural significance.The reserve has pristine wilderness areas and very high scenic and aesthetic qualities.Staff morale is good.The reserve is situated in an area that supports a whole range of other game parks, nature reservesand tourist attractions.The interest in and support of the private sector in the reserve is highly valuable.KEY WEAKNESSES (ISSUES & CHALLENGES)The reserve currently has no reserve manager and has not had one for at least five years.All information relating to the reserve is very dated.Topography makes management access within the reserve very difficult and is very hard onequipment.The north-eastern side of the reserve cannot be reached by internal roads and a long drive isLEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 20

equired to move staff and equipment from the administration centre in the south-west to thenorth-eastern sectors.There are no administrative or operational structures in the north-eastern sector of the reserve.The staff complement and budget for the reserve are both extremely limited.The vegetation type limits game carrying capacities.All infrastructure is in a very bad condition.There are multiple problematic management issues (erosion, wide-scale poaching, over-grazing,bush encroachment, alien plant invasion, unregulated resource use, lack of compliance, securityetc.) caused by long-standing neglect of the reserve.No research programmes are currently running within the reserve.The management authority (LEDET) is ineffective and incapacitated by internal political issues.Information about, and marketing of, the reserve is non-existent.Most reserve operational equipment is not in a good working order.The reserve appears to have been abandoned by LEDET.OPPORTUNITIESThe reserve has high potential as a niche tourist destination (rugged hiking and pristine wilderness).Pristine environment provides unique research potential.Several attractive faunal species occur in the reserve, including a breeding population of BlackEagle; Leopard; African Bullfrog; and Red Rock Rabbit, as well as 16 species of bats.Proximity to urban environments makes the reserve highly suitable as a day visitor destination.The reserve contains good habitat for breeding Sable Antelope and Tsessebe.The reserve has several interesting archaeological sites and a mountain (Tsotsoli) of high localcultural significance.The reserve has pristine wilderness areas and outstanding scenic and aesthetic qualities.The Machikiri CPA has plans to build a lodge facility very close to the reserve, which is anticipated toprovide a number of job opportunities to locals.THREATSThe reserve is surrounded by impoverished rural communities.Part of the reserve is subject to a land claim.The reserve generates no benefits to local communities.Fires are extremely difficult to control because of the topography and lack internal roads.Roads along the outer boundaries facilitate poaching with both traps and dogs.There is a complete lack of security and law enforcement. Vandalism and theft are rife.There are mining concerns to the immediate north-west of the reserve.There is wide-spread invasion by alien vegetation.The co-management agreement between LEDET and the Machikiri CPA is not yet signed.Staff complement is aging and very poorly capacitated.LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 21

3. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES FRAMEWORK3.1 PurposeThe WNR was established with a view to becoming an important breeding centre for Roan Antelope.White Rhinoceros also occurred in the area historically.In present times, the value of the LNR as a conservation area can also be attributed to the following:It includes a portion of the vulnerable Polokwane Plateau Bushveld and Makhado SweetBushveld vegetation units, the former which is regarded as being poorly protected and thelatter as hardly protected.It includes a portion of the Mamabolo Mountain Bushveld vegetation unit, which is regarded asbeing poorly protected.A combined total of nine threatened reptile, amphibian, bird and/or mammal species occur atthe reserve.The reserve is regarded as playing an important role in terms of ecological processes associatedwith ridges and escarpments.The reserve contains areas classified as “important and necessary” in terms of CriticalBiodiversity Values.The reserve is regarded as playing an important social support role in local and surroundingcommunities.The reserve is regarded as having a medium income generating potential.3.2 Reserve ValuesThe following key values of the WNR were identified by the RPT:KEY RESERVE VALUESThe reserve has the potential to demonstrate the efficacy, and benefits, of functionalpartnerships between the State and communal land owners in the collaborative administrationand management of provincial nature reserves.The reserve has very high archaeological and cultural values reflected in the multiple gravesites, San painting sites, footprints on the rocks, and the Tsotsoli mountain (the place of localcommunity ancestors).The reserve has exceptional mountainous and wilderness scenic qualities, including bare granitemountain koppies, steep mountain slopes and deep valleys, permanent water springs and flatplains to the north and south.The reserve has an interesting array of unusual animal species and is the meeting point of threedifferent vegetation types, which results in high diversity.There are opportunities to physically link the reserve to the Percy Fyfe Nature Reserve directlyto the north-east.3.3 The Reserve VisionThe vision of the reserve describes the overall long-term goal for the operation, protection anddevelopment of the WNR. The following vision was developed by the RPT:LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 22

VISIONOur vision is to have a reserve in which the provincial management authority investsresources to provide a desirable and useful asset for local people and visitors. We want areserve that people seek out for its unique landscapes, cultural attributes and biodiversity.We would like to develop a reserve that is a collaborative partnership between the Stateand the Machikiri community in the on-going conservation and sustainable use of theWitvinger Nature Reserve and the surrounding environment. From this partnership, wewould like to secure: The protection of the reserve’s unique scenic and sensitive cultural elements; The promotion of the interior mountainous elements of the reserve as a landscapethat will provide a true wilderness experience; Conservation of the biodiversity of the Makhado Sweet Bushveld, the MamaboloMountain Bushveld, and the Polokwane Plateau Bushveld and its associatedbiodiversity;Equitable access to, and responsible use of, the reserve and its natural resources; andMeaningful and sustained benefits for the communities surrounding the WitvingerNature Reserve.3.4 Key Performance Areas and ObjectivesThe RPT identified 24 Objectives for the WNR.contribute to realising the Vision for the reserve.Collectively these objectives are anticipated toThese objectives have, in turn, been grouped into six Key Performance Areas (KPAs), as follows:KEY PERFORMANCEAREAS (KPA)KPA 1:Biodiversity andHeritageConservationKPA 2:Sustainable UseOBJECTIVES1.1 Re-establish, manage and maintain viable populations of locallyindigenous fauna in the WNR.1.2 Maintain a controlled fire regime within the WNR.1.3 Contain the spread, and impacts, of invasive alien plants and bushencroachment in the WNR.1.4 Protect the heritage resources of the WNR.1.5 Update key baseline information, and develop and maintain a targetedresearch and monitoring programme to guide biodiversity management inthe WNR.2.1 Construct, upgrade and maintain day visitor and overnight visitor buildingsand infrastructure in the WNR.2.2 Develop, deliver and maintain a diverse range of tourism and recreationalservices for visitors to the WNR.2.3 Develop and implement a focused and cost-effective marketing,awareness-raising and educational programme for the WNR.2.4 Facilitate the sustainable use of natural resources by the communitiessurrounding the WNR.2.5 Manage and mitigate the environmental impacts of conservationmanagement, tourism, recreation and natural resource use in the WNR.LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 23

KPA 3:Enforcement,Security and AccessControlKPA 4:Infrastructure andEquipment(Operations)KPA 5:StakeholderInvolvementKPA 6:Administration andPlanning3.1 Secure the boundaries of, and maintain controlled access to, the WNR.3.2 Sustain an effective law enforcement and compliance capacity in theWNR.4.1 Develop and maintain the road, track and footpath network in the WNR.4.2 Construct, maintain and upgrade the bulk services infrastructure in theWNR.4.3 Construct, upgrade and maintain administrative, staff and operationalbuildings and infrastructure in the WNR.4.4 Acquire and maintain operational equipment and vehicles for the WNR.5.1 Ensure the on-going involvement of a representative and functionalWitvinger Nature Reserve Management Committee (WNRMC) in theplanning, development and management of the WNR.5.2 Develop and implement effective mechanisms for ongoingcommunications with local stakeholders and neighbouring communities.5.3 Actively participate in local and regional conservation and socio-economicdevelopment initiatives that may affect or benefit the WNR.5.4 Identify, and enable access to, employment, empowerment and capacitybuilding opportunities for the Witvinger community.6.1 Secure the legal tenure of, and management authority for, the WNR.6.2 Maintain an adequately equipped, resourced and trained staffcomplement for the WNR.6.3 Institute and maintain an effective administrative and planning capabilityin the WNR.6.4 Establish, maintain and host a reliable inventory of key information on theWNR and its ongoing management.3.5 ZonationBased on available information, and in consultation with the RPT, a Use Zone Map (UZM) is presentedas a broad, overarching, medium-term spatial planning framework for the WNR (Figure 6).The UZM indicates the extent and location of suitable visitor use zones for the WNR, with managementguidelines and broad conservation and tourism infrastructural requirements designated for each usezone.Annexure 1 describes the objectives, characteristics, uses and management guidelines for each of theuse zones shown in Figure 6.LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 24

Figure 6: Use Zone Map for the Witvinger Nature Reserve.LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 25

4. STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORKThis section translates the strategic objectives framework described in Section 3 into guiding principlesfor management, management actions and management targets (for each set of objectives withineach KPA), which will be used to inform APOs and the resources required to implement it.The guiding principles are the norms and standards by which the WNR will make its operationalmanagement decisions and conduct its activities.Management actions are the key strategic activities that should be implemented to achieve the reserveobjectives. Management actions are defined and prioritized for the five-year time horizon of this SP.Each management action has been prioritised as follows:CATEGORYHIGHMEDIUMLOWPRIORITIESCritical to the effective management 5 of the reserve. Funding and resources should besecured to implement these actions.Important to the effective management of the reserve, but its implementation may bedelayed because of limited funds or resources.Constitutes good management practice, but not necessarily critical or important toreserve management effectiveness. Implementation may be dependent on theavailability of external funding or support.Time Frames, Targets, Key Performance Indicators and Responsibilities are, in turn, allocated for eachmanagement action, or a group of linked management actions.In this section, the guiding principles and management activities (organised by management action,priority, target, performance indicator, responsibility and timelines) are presented separately for eachKPA and its set of related objectives.It is important to note that almost none of the measures included in this management plan can beimplemented at the WNR unless LEDET devotes resources to making the reserve functional. Thismanagement plan describes a series of basic management actions that need to take place in a reservethat has at least some equipment and basic operational infrastructure, and a minimum of capacitatedstaff that includes a manager. These requirements are currently not present at the WNR and veryfew of the recommended management actions can be undertaken. Unless LEDET addresses theexisting neglect of the reserve, the management of the reserve should be outsourced or the reserveshould be de-proclaimed.5 As reflected in the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT).LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 26

KPA 1: BIODIVERSITY AND HERITAGE CONSERVATIONGuiding principles for reserve managementFauna# GUIDING PRINCIPLEThe reserve shall conform to the following LEDET policies, procedures and/or guidelinesrelating to wildlife management: Guideline for aerial game census on provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/1); Guidelines for culling on provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/7); Technical management guidelines and procedures for game registers on provincialnature reserves (12/6/12/7/8); Technical management guidelines and procedures for game capture on provincial1nature reserves (12/6/12/7/8); Technical management guidelines and procedures for the introduction of mammalsinto provincial nature reserves (2008); Policy on the donation of game from State-owned nature reserves to HistoricallyDisadvantaged Individuals (HDIs) in the wildlife industry; Provincial directive on the control and management of damage-causing wild animalsin Limpopo Province; and Draft policy for the reduction of game from (provincial) nature reserves.2Wildlife management in the reserve must be focused primarily on protecting the ecologicalfunctioning of the reserve.3456Wildlife stocking densities should be maintained within the ecological capacity of thesupporting habitats of the reserve.A regular programme for monitoring the veld condition, the animal numbers and the physicalcondition of animals must be in place to ensure that the ecological capacity of the reserve isnot exceeded.Population management of wildlife species shall be required to ensure that such species arenot causing the ecological degradation of the reserve.Wherever practicable, non-lethal and environmentally-friendly measures should bedeveloped and implemented to limit, or mitigate, the impacts of any indigenous problemcausinganimal in, or escaping from, the reserve.Fire# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1 The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the NVFFA.23Unplanned wildfires that occur in areas where it could have undesirable ecological effects,threaten reserve infrastructure or threaten neighbouring properties shall be suppressed orcontrolled wherever possible.Unplanned wildfires that occur in reserve areas where it will do no ecological harm and/orthreaten properties may be allowed to burn, provided that safety concerns are notcompromised.LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 27

456Fire protection measures and resources (equipment, trained personnel, firebreaks, etc.) mustbe maintained and effective in the reserve at all times.The reserve management shall, wherever possible, establish partnerships with neighboursand other role-players through agreements and membership of Fire Protection Associations(FPAs).Controlled block burns can only be implemented after an ecological assessment of the drymatter/fuel load has been completed.Invasive alien plants / bush encroachment# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of Sections 64-77 of NEMBA and therelevant sections of CARA, as amended.23All declared invasive alien plant species occurring in the reserve shall be eradicated, using themost cost-effective and environmentally friendly methods.While active bush encroachment control measures (mechanical, fire, biological and/orchemical) shall be adopted in the reserve in the short-term, the primary long-termmanagement objective is sound veld management practices (conservative wildlife stockingrates, natural patch burn regimes, adequate water provision and soil conservation).Heritage resources# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1 The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the NHRA.Biodiversity inventory, research and monitoring# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The reserve shall conform to the following LEDET policies, procedures and/or guidelinesrelating to monitoring: Guideline for monitoring of climate and maintenance and establishment of climaterelatedinfrastructure on provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/2).2The collection of baseline information, support for research projects and the on-goingimplementation of monitoring programmes shall be focused on, and directed towards,supporting operational planning and decision-making in the reserve.LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 28

Management actions and targetsKPA 1: Biodiversity and Heritage ConservationObjective 1.1: Re-establish, manage and maintain viable populations of locally indigenous fauna in the WNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Develop and maintain a basic Wildlife Management ProgrammeAll wildlife stocking Carrying capacity of(WMP) for the WNR.densities contained vegetation (based on(ii) Under the direction of the WMP, implement a game census at leastat levels below the VCA) vs. Large andonce every two years (during August to November).ecological capacity of medium-sized game(iii) Based on the outcomes of the most recent game census data, thevegetation.counts (based on gamecurrent veld condition assessment (VCA) and the stocking ratescensus).determined in the WMP, annually determine and implement theculling/capture requirements for medium-sized and large gamespecies.(iv) Annually determine and allocate, in accordance with therequirements of the Witvinger Co-Management Agreement, thecommunity portion of culling activities.(v) Maintain and implement the water provision requirements forgame species, as described in the WMP.(vi) Under direction of the WMP (supplemented by consultation withwildlife specialists and the Machikiri community), implement anywildlife restocking or new introductions that may be required, with afocus on Sable Antelope and Tsessebe.(vii) Assess, and implement, environmentally friendly measures toreduce the impacts of any damage-causing and problem animals (e.g.Leopard, Chacma Baboon, Warthog and Vervet Monkey).Objective 1.2: Maintain a controlled fire regime within the WNRResponsibilityLEDET (BiodiversityUnit)LEDET (BiodiversityUnit)LEDET (BiodiversityUnit); ReserveManagerWitvinger NatureReserveManagementCommitteeReserve ManagerLEDET (BiodiversityUnit)Reserve ManagerManagement action Priority Management targets Key performance Responsibilityindicators(i) Prepare a simple, functional Fire Management Programme for the Fires in the reserve Cost of damage resulting LEDET (BiodiversityTime frame1 2 3 4 5Time frame1 2 3 4 5LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 29

WNR.(ii) Under the direction of the Fire Management Programme, maintaina system of perimeter fire breaks and fire breaks around keyinfrastructure (administration facilities and staff housing).(iii) Ensure that all reserve management staff are adequately trainedand equipped to implement the Fire Management Programme.(Prioritise the purchasing of protective gear, beating equipment and aBakkie Sakkie.)(iv) Establish and maintain formal and informal partnerships withneighbouring landowners and fire management agencies (e.g. thelocal FPA, Waterberg District Municipality, Mogalakwena LocalMunicipality and Working on Fire (WOF)/FFA) to improve thecapacity of the reserve to implement the Fire ManagementProgramme.(v) Install and maintain basic fire protection measures (e.g. fireextinguishers, fire hoses and fire buckets) in all administrative andstaff accommodation buildings.(vi) Maintain, in accordance with the requirements of the FireManagement Programme, records of all fires occurring in the reserve.do not haveundesirableecological effects,threaten reserveinfrastructure orthreatenneighbouringproperties.from fires spreading toneighbouring properties(based on insuranceclaim).Cost of damage toreserve infrastructurefrom fires (based oninsurance claim).Ecological condition(based on vegetationmonitoring).Objective 1.3: Contain the spread, and impacts, of invasive alien plants and bush encroachment in the WNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Eradicate, on an ongoing basis, all known invasive alien plantinfestations occurring in the reserve (incl. Pine, Prickly Pear, Queen ofthe Night, Sisal, Thorny Apple, Guava and Jacaranda).(ii) Develop partnerships with funding and implementing agencies(e.g. WfW) to improve the capacity of the reserve to sustain itsinvasive alien plant control programme.(iii) Update the mapped areas in the reserve subject to unacceptablelevels of bush encroachment, and annually monitor the extent anddensity of bush encroachment.(iv) Implement an ad hoc programme of mechanical and chemicalcontrol to contain the further spread, densification and impacts ofbush encroachment.No seeding invasivealien plants.No spread, ordensification, of bushencroachment.Extent, by density, ofinvasive alien plants.Extent, by density, ofbush encroachment.Unit)Reserve ManagerReserve ManagerRegional Manager;Reserve ManagerReserve ManagerReserve ManagerResponsibilityLEDET (BiodiversityUnit); ReserveManagerRegional Manager;Reserve ManagerLEDET (BiodiversityUnit); ReserveManagerReserve ManagerTime frame1 2 3 4 5LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 30

Objective 1.4: Protect the heritage resources of the WNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) In collaboration with academic institutions, research and compileHeritage resources State (using a gradingan inventory of the heritage resources of the reserve.documented, and system) of heritage(ii) Develop informational and interpretive materials about theproperly maintained. resources.reserve’s heritage resources.(iii) Develop and implement a prioritised programme of maintenanceof these heritage resources.ResponsibilityRegional Manager;Reserve ManagerTourismOperator/s;Witvinger NatureReserveManagementCommitteeReserve ManagerTime frame1 2 3 4 5Objective 1.5: Update key baseline information and develop and maintain a targeted research and monitoring programme to guide biodiversity management inthe WNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Identify, and prioritise, the reserve’s biodiversity managementrequirements for baseline information, research and monitoring.(ii) Collect key baseline biodiversity data and research information forthe reserve, including vegetation community and species mapping;faunal species data and population profiles; the ecological capacity ofthe reserve; optimal stocking rates of wildlife; fire history; optimal fireregimes for the reserve; the state of bush encroachment; wateravailability and quality; and temperature and rainfall data.(iii) Develop, implement and/or maintain key biodiversity monitoringactivities in the reserve, including vegetation monitoring; the state ofbush encroachment; and game counts.(iv) Facilitate access for external research institutions to implementthe reserve’s priority research and monitoring requirements.(v) Maintain information from field patrol fauna and flora records.Reserve database ofmanagementorientedbiodiversityinformation.Reserve database ofmanagement-orientedbiodiversity information.Number of researchprogrammes in progress.ResponsibilityLEDET (BiodiversityUnit); ReserveManagerLEDET (BiodiversityUnit); ReserveManagerLEDET (BiodiversityUnit); ReserveManagerLEDET (BiodiversityUnit); ReserveManagerReserve ManagerTime frame1 2 3 4 5LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 31

KPA 2: SUSTAINABLE USEGuiding principles for reserve managementTourism and recreation infrastructure and services# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1In developing and maintaining tourism and recreational infrastructure and services, thereserve shall obtain the necessary authorisation in terms of the relevant building, water,drainage, health, safety, waste, traffic and environmental Acts, Regulations and By-laws.234Tourism and recreational infrastructure and services developed within the nature reservemust be appropriate to the purpose for which the reserve has been proclaimed, and must notthreaten its biodiversity or ecological function.Tourism and recreational infrastructure and services shall be developed in response totourism market demands and opportunities within the reserve, and should be carefullyassessed to determine its viability.A portion of the income derived from tourism and recreational services in the reserve shall bedistributed to the communities surrounding the WNR in accordance with the relevant clausesin the Witvinger Co-Management Agreement.Marketing, awareness-raising and education# GUIDING PRINCIPLEThe reserve shall collaborate and cooperate with key local, regional and institutional partnersto: (i) strengthen the marketing of the reserve’s tourism and recreational infrastructure and1 services; (ii) improve the awareness of the reserve, and its prospective uses, in localcommunities; and (iii) further develop the use of the reserve as a local educational resourcefor teaching institutions.Natural resource harvesting# GUIDING PRINCIPLEThe reserve shall conform to the following LEDET policies, procedures and/or guidelinesrelating to natural resource use: Guidelines for culling on provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/7); Technical management guidelines and procedures for game capture on provincial1nature reserves (12/6/12/7/8); Policy on the donation of game from State-owned nature reserves to HistoricallyDisadvantaged Individuals (HDIs) in the wildlife industry; and Draft policy for the reduction of game from (provincial) nature reserves.2Sustainable use of natural and biological resources may be undertaken under strictlycontrolled conditions, provided that it does not compromise the ecological functioning orbiodiversity conservation imperatives of the reserve.3The WNRMC shall review options for, and make recommendations regarding, the distributionof benefits accruing from the consumptive harvesting of natural and biological resources inthe reserve.LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 32

Managing environmental impacts of use# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The reserve shall strive to continually improve its environmental management systems,through reducing or mitigating the environmental impacts of, inter alia: administrative andvisitor infrastructure; solid waste disposal; water supply and distribution systems; energysupply and distribution networks; sewage systems; and herbicide and fuel supplies.LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 33

Management actions and targetsKPA 2: Sustainable UseObjective 2.1: Construct, upgrade and maintain day visitor and overnight visitor buildings and infrastructure in the WNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Assess the cost-effectiveness of different management options (e.g.Functional tourism Agreement on costeffective/preferredconcessioning, leasing, service agreement, community-managed, etc.)facilities.for the operating of any potential tourism facilities in the WNR andtourism facilityselect the preferred/optimal management option/s.management option.(ii) Implement, and formalise (as required), the selected managementoption for the development of a trail camp, wilderness hiking trail andpicnic site with associated facilities within the reserve, targetingThabaphaswa Hiking and Mountain Bike Trails as a key partner.(iii) Standardise, install and maintain directional and informationalsignage within, and en route to, the reserve.Objective 2.2: Develop, deliver and maintain a range of tourism and recreational services for visitors to the WNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Support entrepreneurial opportunities for local communities toparticipate in the provision and management of tourism andrecreational products.(ii) Explore the practicality of developing a guided interpretiveheritage route for reserve visitors.(iii) Facilitate controlled access to the reserve for othercomplementary recreational activities, including mountain biking, rockclimbing, horse riding; trail running and hot-air ballooning.Effectively managedand regularlymaintained tourismand recreationalservices.Level of conformance(%) with South AfricanNational Standard(SANS) 1197:2012.ResponsibilityWitvinger NatureReserveManagementCommittee; LTATourism Operator;Regional Manager;Witvinger NatureReserveManagementCommitteeReserve ManagerResponsibilityLTA; ReserveManager; WitvingerNature ReserveManagementCommitteeLTA; WitvingerNature ReserveManagementCommitteeReserve ManagerTime frame1 2 3 4 5Time frame1 2 3 4 5LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 34

Objective 2.3: Develop and implement a focused and cost-effective marketing, awareness-raising and educational programme for the WNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Where possible, provide updated information in the ongoingNumbers of visitors anddevelopment of corporate, regional and provincial tourism marketingusers.products and materials.(ii) Design, publish and distribute reserve-specific brochures andpamphlets for visitors and users.(iii) Establish links with local educational institutions and networks inorder to promote subsidised access to, and use of, the reserve as aneducational resource.(iv) Maintain daily information about the reserve visitors and users(e.g. numbers/group, age category, gender, time of visit, length ofstay, nationality, etc.) in a standardised corporate format.Improved awarenessof the tourism andrecreational productsin the reserve.Objective 2.4: Facilitate the sustainable use of natural resources by the communities surrounding the WNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Annually determine the culling allocations to the communitiessurrounding the WNR.(ii) Develop, and administer, guidelines for the implementation of anyannual culling activities. Sell carcases to local communities inaccordance with the agreement entered into with the Machikiri CPA.(iii) Develop, and administer, guidelines for the sustainable harvestingof thatch grass, medicinal roots, Moepel fruits, broom grass and SickleBush (on request) from the reserve.Levels of naturalresource use by thecommunities aroundthe WNR areecologicallysustainable.Compliance withguidelines (measured byfield ranger reports).ResponsibilityReserve Manager;Regional ManagerLTA; ReserveManager; TourismOperator/sTourismOperator/s;Reserve ManagerTourismOperator/s;Reserve ManagerResponsibilityLEDET (BiodiversityUnit); WitvingerNature ReserveManagementCommitteeLEDET (BiodiversityUnit); ReserveManager; WitvingerNature ReserveManagementCommitteeReserve Manager;Witvinger NatureReserveManagementCommitteeTime frame1 2 3 4 5Time frame1 2 3 4 5LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 35

Objective 2.5: Manage and mitigate the environmental impacts of conservation management, tourism, recreation and natural resource use in the WNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Introduce more environmentally-friendly technologies (e.g. lowNo negativeRecords ofwattage lighting, dual flush toilets, waterless urinals, water savingecological impacts environmentally-friendlyshower heads, the removal of baths, bio-technology for wasteresulting from technology purchases.treatment, drought tolerant grass, etc.) during the renovation andmanagement,upgrading of the administration and staff buildings and infrastructure,resource use andwherever this is cost-effective.tourism.(ii) Close and rehabilitate all solid waste dumpsites in the reserve (ifany), and remove all solid waste to the nearest municipal dumpsite.(iii) Remove all discarded building materials, equipment,infrastructure components, piping and old fencing from the reserve.ResponsibilityTourismOperator/s;Reserve ManagerReserve ManagerReserve ManagerTime frame1 2 3 4 5LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 36

KPA 3: ENFORCEMENT, SECURITY AND ACCESS CONTROLGuiding principles for reserve managementBoundaries and access control# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The reserve shall conform to the following LEDET policies, procedures and/or guidelinesrelating to boundaries and access control: Technical management guidelines and procedures for the management of access andaccess control on provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/4); and Guidelines for fencing of provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/3).23The boundaries of the reserve shall, at all times, be clearly demarcated and regularlymaintained.All entry and exit points shall be properly managed to ensure that access to, and through, thereserve is effectively controlled at all times.Law enforcement and compliance# GUIDING PRINCIPLEAn adequately trained and suitably equipped field ranger complement shall be deployed inand around the reserve to, inter alia: control illegal activities; ensure the safety of visitors;monitor the activities of users and visitors; collect baseline information; and undertake the1basic maintenance of equipment and infrastructure. Law enforcement and complianceactivities will be guided by the following LEDET document: Strategic planning for lawenforcement in State-owned nature reserves.LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 37

Management actions and targetsKPA 3: Enforcement, Security and Access ControlObjective3.1: Secure the boundaries of, and maintain controlled access to, the WNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Upgrade the main entrance gate and gatehouse and maintain as aThe reserve assets Profile of reserve visitorsstaffed entry control point, including records of access and departure.are secure.and users.(ii) Repair and maintain the reserve boundary according to theThe reserve visitors Incident record of illegalrequirements of the LEDET Technical Guidelines and Procedures (TGP)and users have access.for fencing, prioritising the western boundary fence. Secure allequitable access tomanagement gates.the reserve, and are(iii) Maintain regular patrols (per vehicle and on foot), including nightsafe from harm.patrols, within the reserve and along the reserve boundary.(iv) Develop, and implement, mechanisms for subsidised entry forlocal community user and school groups.(v) Provide, on request, controlled access to recognisedcultural/religious or other special interest groups for non-destructiveor consumptive cultural/religious practices.(vi) Facilitate controlled access for external institutions undertakingrelevant research and monitoring programmes within the reserve.Objective 3.2: Sustain an effective law enforcement and compliance capacity in the WNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Ensure an adequately resourced and capable enforcement andSteady decrease in Number of formalcompliance staff complement that is capable of fulfilling an effectiveincidences of illegal warnings and finesResponsibilityReserve ManagerReserve ManagerReserve ManagerReserve Manager;Witvinger NatureReserveManagementCommitteeReserve Manager;Witvinger NatureReserveManagementCommitteeLEDET (BiodiversityUnit); ReserveManagerResponsibilityLEDET: HR, HRD &SISTime frame1 2 3 4 5Time frame1 2 3 4 5LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 38

enforcement and compliance function in the WNR.(ii) Ensure the provision of ongoing enforcement and compliancetraining for all reserve field staff.(iii) Maintain regular patrols of the reserve and its boundaries.(iv) Maintain and collate information on all enforcement incidents.(v) Maintain an effective enforcement and compliance presence in thenorthern sectors of the reserve [see KRA 4.3 (v)].(vi) Undertake a threat analysis to determine all potential threats tothe safety and security of the reserve.activities occurring inthe reserve.issued, and successfulprosecutions concluded.LEDET: HR & HRDReserve ManagerReserve ManagerReserve ManagerLEDET: SONR &SpecialInvestigationsLEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 39

KPA 4: INFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT (OPERATIONS)Guiding principles for reserve managementRoads, track and footpaths# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The reserve shall conform to the following LEDET policies, procedures and/or guidelinesrelating to the development, maintenance and upgrading of roads: Technical management guidelines and procedures for the development, maintenanceand upgrading of roads in provincial nature reserves.2The reserve shall rationalise the network of roads, tracks and footpaths to reducemaintenance costs and limit environmental impacts, while ensuring adequate access fortourism and operational management requirements.Bulk services# GUIDING PRINCIPLEThe reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the following legislation in supplyingbulk services: NEMWA;1 NEMA EIA Regulations; WSA; NBRBSA; and Municipal By-laws.2The reserve shall strive to phase out bulk services that have a detrimental impact on theenvironment. It shall, in turn, seek to introduce more sustainable technologies, whereverpracticable and cost-effective.Administrative and other operations infrastructure# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1In developing and maintaining administrative and operations infrastructure, the reserve shallobtain the necessary authorisation in terms of the relevant building, water, drainage, health,safety, waste, traffic and environmental Acts, Regulations and By-laws.2Administrative and operations infrastructure and services must be limited, and appropriatelyscaled, to the necessary administrative and operational requirements of the reserve, andmust not threaten its biodiversity or ecological function.Operations equipment and vehicles# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The reserve shall acquire and/or replace the equipment and vehicles necessary to implementthe high priority activities identified in this SP.2All reserve equipment and vehicles shall be regularly maintained in accordance with themanufacturers’ specifications.LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 40

Management actions and targetsKPA 4: Infrastructure and equipment (operations)Objective 4.1: Develop and maintain the road, track and footpath network in the WNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Schedule, and implement, the upgrade and maintenance of thenetwork of visitor and management roads, tracks and footpaths in thereserve, with a strong focus on reducing highly erodible areas.(ii) Close and rehabilitate all unused, unnecessary and/or highlyerodible roads, tracks and footpaths in the reserve.Rationalised networkof well-maintainedvisitor managementroads tracks andfootpaths.Objective 4.2: Construct, maintain and upgrade the bulk services infrastructure in the WNRState (using a gradingsystem) of visitor andmanagement roads,tracks and footpaths.Management action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Facilitate the provision of ESKOM power to the WNR staffCapacity of bulk Records of instances ofaccommodation.services exceeds overloading of the bulk(ii) Install solar hot water geysers in the administration building andadministrative use service supplies.staff quarters.requirements and(iii) Upgrade and maintain all water provision infrastructurereserve wildlife(boreholes, pumps, pump motors and housing, pipe work, reservoirsdemands.and cement dams) for both wildlife and management requirements.(iv) Upgrade and maintain all the sewage treatment facilities in thereserve to a pre-determined minimum standard in order to preventany environmental harm. Prioritise the upgrading of the staff pitlatrines. Investigate the replacement of pit latrines and septic tankswith dry package sewage systems.(v) Remove all derelict infrastructure (old pumps, piping, drums, scrap,etc.) from the reserve.No infrastructurewaste present in thereserve.No stockpiles ofinfrastructure wastematerial present in thereserve.ResponsibilityReserve ManagerReserve ManagerResponsibilityRegional Manager;Reserve ManagerRegional Manager;Reserve ManagerRegional Manager;Reserve ManagerRegional Manager;Reserve ManagerReserve ManagerTime frame1 2 3 4 5Time frame1 2 3 4 5LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 41

Objective 4.3: Construct, upgrade and maintain administrative, staff and operational buildings and infrastructure in the WNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Renovate the administration building at the main gatehouse, aswell as the storerooms and all associated facilities.(ii) Upgrade the existing staff housing facilities.(iii) Construct an appropriate, functional slaughter house/carcasshandling facility.(iv) Construct and furnish temporary (prefabricated/Nissan hut type)accommodation at the north-eastern gate to accommodate staffduring over-night patrols.(v) Ensure the regular maintenance of all reserve administrative, staffand operational buildings and infrastructure.Sufficient, andadequatelymaintained, reserveadministration, staffand operationsbuildings andinfrastructure.Objective 4.4: Acquire and maintain operational equipment and vehicles for the WNRState (using a gradingsystem) of reservebuildings andinfrastructure.Records of regularpatrols in the north andnorth-eastern sectors ofthe reserve.Management action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Procure, install and maintain a reliable internal communicationsSufficient, and State (using a gradingnetwork for the reserve, including repeaters, a base station, handheldadequatelysystem) of reserveradios and vehicle radios.maintained reserve equipment and vehicles.(ii) Establish and maintain a communications network with local lawequipment andenforcement agencies and with the Percy Fyfe Nature Reserve.vehicles.(iii) Acquire one 4x4 vehicle, one all-terrain quad bike, one tractor andone trailer.(iv) Maintain and/or replace all reserve vehicles and equipmentaccording to the manufacturers’ specifications and/or corporatereplacement cycles.ResponsibilityDepartment ofPublic Works;Regional ManagerDepartment ofPublic Works;Regional ManagerDepartment ofPublic Works;Regional Manager;Reserve ManagerDepartment ofPublic Works;Regional Manager;Reserve ManagerReserve ManagerResponsibilityRegional Manager;Reserve ManagerReserve ManagerLEDET: TransportReserve Manager;Regional ManagerTime frame1 2 3 4 5Time frame1 2 3 4 5LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 42

(v) Establish an electronic network (i.e. internet and e-mail) for, andconnect services and applications to, the reserve.LEDET: ITLEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 43

KPA 5: STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENTGuiding principles for reserve managementWitvinger Nature Reserve Management Committee# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The reserve shall actively participate in, and support, the WNRMC as an importantgovernance mechanism to achieve the aims and objectives of the Witvinger Co-ManagementAgreement.Stakeholder communications# GUIDING PRINCIPLEStakeholder communications shall be focused on strengthening a sense of ownership andempowerment in the Witvinger communities, through an improved understanding of the1contribution of the reserve to socio-economic development and heritage/biodiversityconservation.2Stakeholder communications shall seek to develop a common understanding in surroundingcommunities of the issues affecting the integrity of the reserve, and collaborative approachesto resolve these.Local and regional initiatives# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The reserve management shall actively collaborate with national, provincial and local tourismand conservation initiatives that could contribute to meeting the objectives of this SP.2The reserve shall strive to work with the relevant government institutions in order tointegrate all local and regional planning and socio-economic development activities affectingthe reserve.Employment, empowerment and capacity building# GUIDING PRINCIPLEThe reserve shall strive to meet to the socio-economic development commitments made in1 the Witvinger Co-Management Agreement and in the mission statement of the LTA, and theLEDET Employment Equity Plan 2011/2012.LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 44

Management actions and targetsKPA 5: Stakeholder InvolvementObjective 5.1: Ensure the ongoing involvement of a representative and functional Witvinger Nature Reserve Management Committee in the planning,development and management of the WNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Finalise and formalise the terms of the co-management agreementRecord of meetings and(the Witvinger Co-Management Agreement) between the Machikiridecisions.CPA and LEDET.(ii) Provide on-going support (logistical, administrative, technical,professional, financial and/or leadership) to, and actively participatein, an effectively functioning WNRMC.(iii) Every two years, review, and amend (as required), the structure,representation and TOR of the WNRMC to ensure that it contributesto realising the intent of the Witvinger Co-Management Agreement.(iv) Support the ongoing capacity building of the Machikiri communityrepresentatives serving on the WNRMC.(v) Allocate office space in the renovated administrative building (see4.3 (i) above) for office bearers of the WNRMC.Regular meetings ofthe WNRMC.Implementation ofdecisions made bythe WNRMC.ResponsibilityLEDET; MachikiriCPAReserve Manager;Regional ManagerWitvinger NatureReserveManagementCommitteeReserve Manager;Regional ManagerReserve ManagerObjective 5.2: Develop and implement effective mechanisms for ongoing communications with local stakeholders and neighbouring communitiesManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Every three months, host a meeting, each in a differentRegular meetings Record of meetings.neighbouring village, and include relevant private landowners, towith neighbouringpresent and discuss issues of mutual concern.villages and privatelandowners.(ii) Initiate and sustain ongoing communications with ThabaphaswaHiking and Mountain Bike Trails to discuss opportunities forcollaboration and future development.ResponsibilityWitvinger NatureReserveManagementCommitteeWitvinger NatureReserveManagementCommitteeTime frame1 2 3 4 5Time frame1 2 3 4 5LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 45

Objective 5.3: Actively participate in local and regional conservation and socio-economic initiatives that may affect or benefit the WNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Participate in local municipal IDP planning processes, with a specificn/afocus on the provision of municipal infrastructure and services to thereserve and supporting local economic development initiatives in theWitvinger communities.(ii) Pursue, and maintain the representation of the reserve in relevantprovincial and local conservation and tourism planning structures andinitiatives prioritising the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve (WBR).(iii) Support local/regional initiatives to establish a FPA, with a specificfocus on rationalising the reserve firebreaks and improving access tofire-fighting resources and support.Improved costeffectivenessofreserve operations asa result oflocal/regionalpartnerships.ResponsibilityReserve ManagerReserve Manager;Regional ManagerReserve ManagerObjective 5.4: Identify, and enable access to, employment, empowerment and capacity building opportunities for the Witvinger communityManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Explore, and where possible support, the participation of localDirect andcommunity members in conservation opportunities in the WNR, suchmeasurable benefitsas road maintenance, cleaning services, fencing, fire management,accrue to theinvasive alien plant and bush encroachment control, security, ecotourismWitvinger communityactivities and tourism infrastructure upgrading/development.from theWNR.(ii) Identify, and apply for, EPWP and other related funding (povertyalleviation, WfW, WOF) for relevant tourism and conservationinitiatives in the reserve.(iii) Identify, and if feasible develop, opportunities for theestablishment of community-based entrepreneurial opportunitieswithin, or linked to, the reserve, including game drives; the selling ofcurios and crafts; guided heritage trails; village tourism; conservationenterprises; horse trails; event management and commercial huntingpackages.Extent (number ofbeneficiaries) and nature(employment –permanent/ temporary;business opportunity;training; capacitybuilding)of communitybenefits.ResponsibilityWitvinger NatureReserveManagementCommitteeLEDET: EconomicDevelopmentLEDET: EconomicDevelopmentTime frame1 2 3 4 5Time frame1 2 3 4 5LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 46

KPA 6: ADMINISTRATION AND PLANNINGGuiding principles for reserve managementLegal status# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The legal tenure for the effective planning and management of the reserve as a provincialprotected area shall be secured.Human resources# GUIDING PRINCIPLEThe reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the following human resourceslegislation: LRA; BCEA; EEA;1 SDA; OHSA; and PSA;and be guided by the LEDET Human resource plan for State-owned nature reserves and theLimpopo Provincial Government Employment Equity Plan 2011/2012.2The reserve shall, in partnership with the Witvinger community, identify opportunities for thetraining, capacity building and/or preferential employment of individuals permanentlyresident in surrounding villages.Administration# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the following financial managementlegislation: PFMA (and associated Treasury Regulations).23The reserve shall conform to the following LEDET policies, procedures and/or guidelinesrelating supply chain management: Draft procedure manual for demand and acquisition management.The reserve shall conform to all relevant provincial/departmental financial and administrativereporting requirements.Information management# GUIDING PRINCIPLEAll information that is used to support the operational planning and decision-making in thereserve shall be collected, collated, updated, maintained and presented in a cost-effective1 format that is readily accessible for use by management. Information gathering activities shallbe guided by the LEDET Strategic Planning for Law Enforcement in State Owned NatureReserves – Operational PlanLEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 47

Management actions and targetsKPA 6: Administration and PlanningObjective 6.1: Secure the legal tenure of, and management authority for, the WNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicatorsResponsibility(i) Pursue the finalisation of the land claim by the Machikiri CPA. Finalised land claim. Finalised land claim. LEDET: Policy(ii) Finalise and formalise the Witvinger Co-Management AgreementFormal comanagemenmanagementFunctional co-Witvinger Natureand review (every two years) its efficacy and ongoing relevance.ReserveAmend or revise, as required.agreement.agreement.ManagementCommitteeObjective 6.2: Maintain an adequately equipped, resourced and trained staff complement for the WNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Fill any vacant posts in the reserve’s approved organogram andFunctional and Vacant posts in WNRmotivate for additional necessary staff.effective staff organogram.(ii) Identify training needs, and facilitate access to trainingcomplement capable Record of trainingprogrammes for reserve staff, with a priority focus on field ranger,of implementing all programs completed byfirst aid, and hand held communication systems training.management actions. staff.(iii) Ensure that staff members have uniforms and any otherEquipment issue records.equipment (boots, headgear, binoculars, protective gear, etc.) neededto carry out their duties.(iv) Ensure staff compliance with the institutional Code of Conduct.Number of disciplinaryhearings.(v) Maintain all staff information for the reserve (leave records,Staff records.attendance registers, overtime, etc.).ResponsibilityRegional ManagerRegional Manager;Reserve ManagerReserve ManagerReserve ManagerReserve Manager(vi) Implement the institutional staff performance appraisal system. Staff appraisal records. Regional Manager;Reserve Manager(vii) Implement the institutional Occupational Health and Safetypolicies and procedures in the reserve.OHS ManagementSystem.Regional Manager;Reserve ManagerTime frame1 2 3 4 5Time frame1 2 3 4 5LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 48

Objective 6.3: Institute and maintain an effective administrative and planning capability in the WNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Update and maintain all asset and stock inventory registers andAsset inventory, Completed APO.reports for the reserve.stock registers, Financial transactions(ii) Maintain a reserve-based record of all purchases made, accountsfinancial records, records, asset registers,paid and services procured in support of reserve operations over eachmonthly reports and stock inventories.financial year.APOs are all up to(iii) Prepare the reserve Annual Plan of Operation (APO).date.(iv) Facilitate the implementation of annual METT-SA assessments forthe reserve.Objective 6.4: Establish, maintain and host a reliable inventory of key information on the WNR and its ongoing managementManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Prepare and submit monthly reports to the Regional Manager.Up to date, and Up to date, and(ii) Institute and maintain an electronic and/or hard copy filing systemaccessible,accessible, informationfor all reserve-specific information.information on the on the reserve and its(iii) Ensure that data records are clearly marked and accessible, andreserve and its management.that electronic information is regularly backed up.management.ResponsibilityReserve ManagerReserve ManagerReserve ManagerRegional Manager;Reserve ManagerResponsibilityReserve ManagerReserve ManagerReserve ManagerTime frame1 2 3 4 5Time frame1 2 3 4 5LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 49

5. RESOURCING AND GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORKThis section provides brief recommendations on the minimum staffing complement and funding thatwould be required to implement the RMP (i.e. the SP and APO).This section also briefly describes the key responsibilities of the reserve management team and theWitvinger Nature Reserve Management Committee (WNRMC) in the development, implementation,monitoring and review of the RMP.5.1 Staffing RequirementsIt is proposed that the following minimum staffing complement 6 would be required to implement thisSP 7 :POST DESIGNATIONNUMBERReserve Manager 1Nature Conservator 1Field Ranger 8 – Maintenance, fires, roads. 9Field Ranger 9 - Law enforcement. 9Gate Guard 4Logistical Support Services:Cleaner 1Administrative Officer 1Storeman 1Artisan 1Total 286 This minimum staff complement assumes that the overnight tourism facilities and services are outsourced to an operator or concessionaireand that the reserve management is not directly responsible for the management of these facilities and services.7 The staffing requirements reflected in the SP are premised on two elements: (i) a critical assessment of the efficacy of the current approved(not actual) organogram for the reserve in respect of current reserve management responsibilities; and (ii) a facilitated discussion with the RPTon any (mostly minor) adjustments/changes that may be required to this approved organogram in order to more effectively implement the SPfor the next five years.8 Including Senior/Sergeant/Principal Field Ranger.9 Including Senior/Sergeant/Principal Field Ranger.LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 50

5.2 Funding RequirementsIt is proposed that the following operational 10 and capital 11 budget would be required to implement this SP:KEY PERFORMANCE AREA2013/2014 2014/2015 2015/2016 2016/2017 2017/2018CAPEX(R)OPEX(R)CAPEX(R)OPEX(R)CAPEX(R)OPEX(R)CAPEX(R)OPEX(R)CAPEX(R)OPEX(R)KPA 1: Biodiversity and heritage conservation 30,000 54,179 396,666 56,888 46,666 59,732 6,666 62,719 0 65,855KPA 2: Sustainable use 0 85,000 10,000 89,250 85,000 93,713 85,000 98,398 150,000 103,318KPA 3: Enforcement, security and access control 132,500 30,000 125,000 31,500 10,000 33,075 10,000 34,729 15,000 36,465KPA 4: Infrastructure and equipment 413,666 265,000 273,666 120,000 261,666 121,000 465,000 121,000 220,000 121,000KPA 5: Stakeholder involvement 0 15,200 0 16,720 0 18,392 0 20,231 0 22,254KPA 6: Administration and planning 0 18,600 0 18,600 0 18,600 0 26,100 0 26,100Total 576,166 467,979 805,332 332,958 403,332 344,512 566,666 363,177 385,000 374,99210 Operational costs are roughly based on an area-complexity factor (i.e. different cost ranges per ha, based on the level (high, medium or low) of management complexity). This was then moderated against documentedexpenditure for operational costs in LEDET reserves, wherever available. This was then again moderated against equivalent reserves in Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Western Cape, as well as reserves of SANParks and ECParks,where operating costs have stabilised and are well documented over a period of three to five years.11 Capital budget requirements are roughly based on known costs for similar capital investments, either in terms of replacement costs (e.g. vehicles), infrastructure development costs (e.g. cost/ha or cost/km for fencing orroads), bulk services (e.g. costs/m for pipelines, etc.), or building costs (e.g. cost/m 2 for staff accommodation or chalets), etc.LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 51

5.3 Roles and ResponsibilitiesThe key responsibilities of the reserve management team and the WITVINGER NRMV in thedevelopment, implementation, monitoring and review of the Reserve Management Plan aresummarised as follows:Reserve Management Team (SONR)Regional Manager(Waterberg)Reserve Manager(Witvinger NatureReserve)Biodiversity Unit(LEDET HO)The Regional Manager shall have overall responsibility for: Ensuring the alignment of the SP with Provincial and LEDET policies andguidelines; Ensuring the coordination and alignment of the SP with other LEDETdepartmental activities and initiatives; Providing oversight of the implementation the SP and APO; Reporting on the performance of the WNR in the implementation ofthe SP and APO to the Senior Manager (SONR); Instituting corrective actions to ensure that the SP and linked APO isimplemented, reviewed and updated; and Approval of the APO.The Reserve Manager shall have direct responsibility for: Annually drafting an APO to operationalise the priority activitiesidentified in the SP; Implementation of the APO; Monitoring of performance against the APO (and the SP); Reporting on the performance of the WNR against the APO (and theSP) to the WNRMC; Management of reserve staff, resources and finances in theimplementation of the APO; and Communicating with the Regional Manager about obstacles in theimplementation of the APO.The Biodiversity Unit of LEDET shall have direct responsibility for: Implementation of the designated priority activities in the SP, andlinked APO; and Providing professional and technical support to the Regional Manager,Reserve Manager and WNRMC in the implementation of the SP andAPO.Witvinger Nature Reserve Management CommitteeThe Witvinger Nature Reserve Management Committee shall have overall responsibility for: Representing the interests of the different reserve stakeholder groups and institutions duringthe preparation of the SP and APOs; Overseeing the drafting of the SP and APOs; Providing strategic inputs into the drafting of the SP, and technical inputs into the annualdrafting of the APOs; Making recommendations to the Regional Manager on the adoption of the SP and annual APOs; Reviewing the quarterly and annual performance of the WNR against the APO (and SP); and Providing inputs into ad hoc and emergency reserve decision-making not adequately addressedin the SP/APO.The Regional Manager and Senior Manager (SONR) are the officials responsible for submitting the SP tothe Head of Department (HOD, Economic Development, Environment and Tourism) for formal approvaland adoption. The HOD will then submit the approved SP to the Limpopo MEC for EconomicLEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 52

Development, Environment and Tourism, as per the requirements of NEMPAA. This can be summarizedas follows:RESERVEMANAGEMENTPLANCOMPONENTSP / APO Reserve Manager WitvingerNature ReserveManagementSP / APORESPONSIBILITY SUBMIT TO OUTCOME SOUGHT FREQUENCYRegionalManagerCommitteeSenior Manager(SONR)Approval of finaldraft.Approval of finalversion of SP andAPO.DepartmentalSPSenior Manager HOD (LEDET)(SONR)adoption of SP.SP HOD (LEDET) MEC (LEDET) Formal approvaland adoption as perlegal requirements.SP (at 5-yearintervals);APO (annually)SP (5-yearly);APO (annually)SP (5-yearly)SP (5-yearly)LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 53

6. BIBLIOGRAPHYThe following references were extensively consulted during the drafting of this document:Cowan, G.I. & Mpongoma, N. 2011. Guidelines for the development of a management plan for aprotected area in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003.Unpublished document.IUCN. 2012. [online] Available at: [Accessed July 2012].LEDET. 2012. Guidelines for the development of Management Plans for Limpopo’s Provincial NatureReserves. Unpublished planning guideline.Limpopo Department of Agriculture. 2012. [online] Available at: [AccessedJune 2012].Mogalakwena Local Municipality. 2012. IDP: 2012 – 2016. Local Municipal Integrated DevelopmentPlan: First Draft.Mucina, L. & Rutherford, M.C. (eds.). 2006. The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland.Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.Nel, E.J. & Kruger, J.W. 2012. Scientific Review: State Owned Nature Reserves – Limpopo. Unpublishedreport.Visagie, C. Undated. Records of operational activities and bio-physical elements: Witvinger NatureReserve 1994 – 1998. Unpublished records. LEDET Policy Unit.Waterberg District Municipality. 2011. IDP: 2011/2012. District Municipal Integrated DevelopmentPlan.LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 54

ANNEXURE 1: ZONATION CATEGORIES (CHARACTERISTICS)The main characteristics of each use zone are summarized in the tables below:ZONEZONE OBJECTIVECHARACTERISTICSVISITORACTIVITIESFACILITIES /INFRASTRUCTUREVISITOR ACCESSMANAGEMENTGUIDELINESNaturalUsers:− To provide easy accessto experience thereserve’s naturallandscapes, habitats,species and heritageresources.Conservation:− To minimise andmitigate the effects ofvisitor use on thereserve’s naturalhabitats and speciesand its cultural sites.- Areas of extensive andaccessible naturalhabitats and species.- Areas with importantheritage sites andfeatures.- Areas whose primaryhabitats, species andcultural sites areresilient to the impactsof regular visitor use.- Areas with popular viewsites or natural andcultural attractions.- Areas with an extensiveand accessible road, trailand track network.- Areas that require activeconservationmanagementinterventions.- Areas with moderatelevels of visibilityobtrusiveness.- Game viewing.- Motorised 2x4 selfdriveaccess ondesignated routes.- Permitted motorised4x4 trails ondesignated routes.- Day hiking trailsand/or short trails.- Bird hides, canoeing,mountain biking androck-climbing,where appropriate.- Other recreationalactivities that maybe consideredappropriate byreservemanagement.- No accommodationor camping.−−−−−−−Self-drive roads and 4x4tracks. Roads may besurfaced where visitor uselevels are high.Management accessroads and managementtracks.Perimeter firebreaks.Small picnic areas andablution facilities may beprovided.Parking or viewing sites/areas may be provided.No accommodation orcamping.Signage may be erectedto designate routes(including 4x4, horse,MTB, canoe, 2x4 selfdrive,etc.), closed areasor junctions.- Cater for all reservevisitors.- Vehicle access ondedicated routes,with pedestrianaccess from parkingareas or adjacentdevelopment zones.- On water, only nonmotorisedcraftsallowed, unlessotherwise agreed.Visitor andconservationmanagement:- Intensivemaintenance ofvisitor facilitiesandinfrastructure.- Activeenforcement ofreserveregulations.− Intensiveconservationmanagementactivitiesundertaken.Consumptive Use:− Sustainable useof naturalresources may,where feasible,be considered onapplication, andsubject to aformal permittingarrangement.LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 55

Development – Low IntensityUsers:− To provide small tomedium-sized picnic,accommodationand/or campingfacilities and services.− To facilitate access toenvironmentaleducational facilitiesand services.Conservation:− To contain the impactsand footprint ofreserve visitorfacilities, services andinfrastructure.−−−−−−−−−−Areas with acontained, low-densitydevelopmentfootprint.Areas with roads, trailsand small to mediumscalerecreationalfacilities andaccommodationinfrastructure.Degraded ortransformed areas.Natural or seminaturalhabitats.Areas with a highvisitor absorptivecapacity.Areas with limitedbiodiversitysignificance.Areas that are easilyaccessible from thereserve entry points.Areas where risk offire damage toinfrastructure is low,or can be mitigated.Areas with lowvisibility from thesurroundinglandscape.Areas that have accessto potable water, andnot sensitive todisposal of treatedwastewater.−−−−−Picnic and braaiing.Parking.Overnightaccommodation.Camping/caravanning.Environmentaleducation.- Reception offices.- Small camping/caravanning facilities.- Small lodges/ tentedcamps/ self-catering units.- Small restaurant orcatering facilities forovernight guests only.- Surfaced roads andparking areas.- Bird hides.- Services (power, wastemanagement, water,etc.).- Cater for all reservevisitors.- Motorised self-drivecar access.- Tour bus access.- Parking and walk-infor day and overnightvisitors.- Intensivedevelopment andmaintenance ofvisitor facilities,services andinfrastructure.- Activeenforcement ofreserveregulations.- Limitedconservationmanagementactivitiesundertaken.− Risk management(e.g. fire safety)measuresimplemented.− Developmentfootprint activelycontained.Consumptive Use:− Sustainable useof naturalresources may,where feasible,be considered onapplication, andsubject to aformal permittingarrangement.LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 56

Development – High IntensityUsers:− To provide mediumsized to large scaleaccommodationfacilities, andassociated attractionsand conveniences.Conservation:− To contain the impactsand footprint ofreserve visitorfacilities, services andinfrastructure.−−−−−−−−−−Areas with an extensivehigh-densitydevelopment footprint.Areas with roads, trailsand small to mediumscalerecreationalfacilities andaccommodationinfrastructure.Degraded ortransformed areas.Natural or semi-naturalhabitats.Areas with a high visitorabsorptive capacity.Areas with limitedbiodiversity significance.Areas that are easilyaccessible from thereserve entry points.Areas where risk of firedamage toinfrastructure is low, orcan be mitigated.Areas with low visibilityfrom the surroundinglandscape.Areas that have accessto potable water, andnot sensitive to disposalof treated wastewater.- Picnicking andbraaiing.- Overnightaccommodation.- Camping/caravanning.- Meetings, workshopor mini conferenceactivities.- Parking.- Swimming.- Medium-sized lodges orhotels.- High density self-cateringunits.- Medium to large-scalecamping/ caravanningfacilities.- Fuel supply pump.- Amenities, includingrestaurants and shops.- Surfaced roads.- Services (power, wastemanagement, water, etc.).- Swimming pool.- Air strip.- Cater for all reservevisitors.- Motorised self-drivecar access.- Tour bus access.- Parking and walk-infor day and overnightvisitors.- Air access may bepermitted.Visitor andconservationmanagement:- Intensivedevelopment andmaintenance ofvisitor facilities,services andinfrastructure.- Activeenforcement ofreserveregulations.- Limitedconservationmanagementactivitiesundertaken.− Risk management(e.g. fire safety)measures−implemented.Developmentfootprint activelycontained.Consumptive Use:- None.LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 57

Development - Reserve AdministrationTo define the location ofthe infrastructure andfacilities for reserveadministration.- Areas with extensivedegraded or transformedfootprints.- Areas able toaccommodate highdisturbance, with noidentified sensitivebiodiversity.- Areas proximate to highand low intensitydevelopment zones.- Areas with low visibilityfrom the surroundinglandscape.- Areas that are easilyaccessible from thereserve entry points.- Areas that have access topotable water, and notsensitive to disposal oftreated wastewater.n/a − Administrative offices.− Storage facilities.− Garage facilities.− Workshops.− Game capture andholding facilities.− Parking.NOTE:Reserve administrative officesmay also be located within theDevelopment - Low/HighIntensity Zones.Access to reservereception andadministrative offices.n/aLEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 58

Special Protection / Special ManagementSpecial Protection (Species, Habitats,Heritage)Special Management (Resource Utilisation)−−−Protection ofspecies,habitats orheritage sitesof specialconservationconcern.Restrictaccess topreventdisturbanceand/ordamage.Regulationand control ofresourceutilisation(commercialand/orcommunitybased),includinghunting.- Sites or areas whereuncontrolled publicaccess is undesirable dueto the presence ofthreatened species andhabitats or sensitiveheritage features.- Demarcated sites orareas where seasonalutilisation of naturalresources (e.g.harvesting of grass forthatching, collection ofreeds for buildingmaterial, hunting ofwildlife for trophies ormeat, etc.) takes place.- Research.- Guided nature/heritage visits understrictly controlledconditions.- Motorised access ondesignated routes(primarily gravelroads).- Walking access ondesignated footpathsand trails.- Commercial hunting,under strict permitconditions.Usually none, but footpathsand tracks to allowmanagement access may bepermitted.Where visitor access ispermitted, strict accesscontrol is required to delimitaccess routes, and, ifnecessary, screen visitors; i.e.hides, boardwalks, screenedroutes, and paths with railingsmay be appropriate.Self-drive roads, 4x4 tracks,management access roadsand management tracks.Parking or viewing sites/ areasmay be provided.Basic accommodation orcamping facilities may beprovided.Signage may be erected todesignate seasonally closedareas.Public / tourism accessnormally not allowed.May be permitted undervery tightly controlledconditions, to bedetermined per site.Public / tourism accesswill only be regulatedduring the resourceutilisation season.For hunting areas, thezone will be closed for allother visitors.For other resourceutilisation zones,public/tourism accessmay be permitted,although the specificaccess conditions willvary from site to site.Visitor andconservationmanagement:− Restrictions onaccess andnumbers ofvisitors may beenforced.− Activeconservationand heritagemanagementactivitiesundertaken, asrequired.Consumptive Use:- None.Visitor andconservationmanagement:−−Seasonalrestrictions onaccess may beenforced.Activemanagement ofresourceutilisationpermits.Consumptive Use:- Naturalresourceharvesting andcollection.LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Witvinger Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 59

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