Guiding principles for reserve management - NCC Environmental ...

AUTHORIZATION 

This Strategic Plan (SP) for the Nylsvley Nature Reserve (NNR) was drafted and recommended by the 

Reserve Planning Team (RPT), a multi-disciplinary team consisting of: 

NAME 

POSITION AND ORGANIZATION 

N. du Plessis Reserve Manager: NNR 

N.S. Makhari 

Regional Manager (Waterberg), LEDET 

The drafting of this SP was supported by the following Reserve Planning Specialist and other project 

team members: 

NAME 

POSITION AND ORGANISATION 

A. Pretorius Reserve Planning Specialist, NCC Group 

D. Ferreira Core Planning Team Member, NCC Group 

J. Jackelman Core Planning Team Member, Envirocentric 

M. Norval Core Planning Team Member, NCC Group 

A. Purnell Core Planning Team Member, NCC Group 

R.D. Dyer 

Project Manager, NCC Group 

K. Potgieter Technical Scribe & Editor, NCC Group 

G. Benn Scientific Support Services, GeoCline Consulting 

R. Colyn Scientific Support Services, NCC Group 

R. Jangle Scientific Support Services, NCC Group 

F. Ally Technical Team Member, NCC Group 

S. Atmore Technical Team Member, NCC Group 

F. Domingo Technical Team Member, NCC Group 

T. Esack Technical Team Member, NCC Group 

S. Rhoda Technical Team Member, NCC Group 

Reserve Management Documents: Nylsvley Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 1

This SP is recommended for approval by: 

NAME AND TITLE 

Mr Solly Kgopong 

Acting Head of 

Department 

LEDET 

SIGNATURE AND DATE 

This SP is approved by: 

NAME AND TITLE 

Member of the 

Executive Council 

LEDET 

Insert name 

SIGNATURE AND DATE 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 

AUTHORIZATION .......................................................................................................................................... 1 

PREFACE ....................................................................................................................................................... 6 

ABBREVIATIONS AND PLANNING TERMS..................................................................................................... 7 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................. 9 

1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 10 

1.1 The Reserve Management Plan ....................................................................................................... 10 

1.2 Purpose and structure of the Strategic Plan .................................................................................... 11 

1.3 The steps in preparing the Strategic Plan ........................................................................................ 11 

2. CONTEXTUAL FRAMEWORK ............................................................................................................... 13 

2.1 Location ............................................................................................................................................ 13 

2.2 Legal status ...................................................................................................................................... 14 

2.3 Institutional arrangements .............................................................................................................. 15 

2.4 Reserve description .......................................................................................................................... 16 

2.4.1 History ....................................................................................................................................... 16 

2.4.2 Climate ...................................................................................................................................... 16 

2.4.3 Topography ............................................................................................................................... 17 

2.4.4 Geology and Soils ...................................................................................................................... 17 

2.4.4.1 Geology .................................................................................................................................. 17 

2.4.4.2 Soils ........................................................................................................................................ 17 

2.4.4.3 Soil Erosion ............................................................................................................................. 17 

2.4.5 Drainage and Hydrology ........................................................................................................... 18 

2.4.6 Vegetation ................................................................................................................................. 18 

2.4.6.1 Vegetation Types.................................................................................................................... 18 

Central Sandy Bushveld ..................................................................................................................... 19 

Subtropical Freshwater Wetlands ...................................................................................................... 20 

2.4.6.2 Species of Conservation Concern ........................................................................................... 20 

2.4.6.3 Invasive Alien Plants ............................................................................................................... 21 

2.4.6.4 Bush Encroachment ............................................................................................................... 21 

2.4.7 Fauna ......................................................................................................................................... 21 

2.4.7.1 Mammals ............................................................................................................................... 21 

2.4.7.1.1 Mammal Species of Conservation Concern ......................................................................... 22 

2.4.7.2 Avifauna ................................................................................................................................. 22 

2.4.7.3 Reptiles and Amphibians ........................................................................................................ 22 


2.4.7.4 Fish ......................................................................................................................................... 23 

2.4.8 Heritage Resources ................................................................................................................... 23 

2.4.9 Reserve Infrastructure .............................................................................................................. 23 

2.4.10 Social Context.......................................................................................................................... 25 

2.5 Local and Regional Planning ............................................................................................................ 25 

2.6 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats ........................................................................ 25 

3. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES FRAMEWORK ............................................................................................... 27 

3.1 Purpose ............................................................................................................................................ 27 

3.2 Reserve Values ................................................................................................................................. 27 

3.3 The Reserve Vision ........................................................................................................................... 27 

3.4 Key Performance Areas and Objectives ........................................................................................... 28 

3.5 Zonation ........................................................................................................................................... 29 

4. STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK ................................................................................... 31 

KPA 1: BIODIVERSITY AND HERITAGE CONSERVATION ......................................................................... 32 

Guiding principles for reserve management ......................................................................................... 32 

Management actions and targets .......................................................................................................... 34 

KPA 2: SUSTAINABLE USE ....................................................................................................................... 38 



KPA 3: ENFORCEMENT, SECURITY AND ACCESS CONTROL .................................................................... 42 



KPA 4: INFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT (OPERATIONS) ................................................................. 44 



KPA 5: STRATEGIC PARTNER INVOLVEMENT ......................................................................................... 47 



KPA 6: ADMINISTRATION AND PLANNING............................................................................................. 49 



5. RESOURCING AND GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK ............................................................................... 52 

5.1 Staffing Requirements ..................................................................................................................... 52 

5.2 Funding Requirements ..................................................................................................................... 53 

5.3 Roles and Responsibilities ................................................................................................................ 54 


6. BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................................................................... 56 

ANNEXURE 1: ZONATION CATEGORIES (CHARACTERISTICS) ..................................................................... 57 


PREFACE 

Mr Solly Kgopong 

Acting Head of Department: Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism 

Date: Insert Date 


ABBREVIATIONS AND PLANNING TERMS 

ABBREVIATIONS: 

APO 

Annual Plan of Operations 

BCEA Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997 (Act No. 75 of 1997) 

CAPEX 

Capital Expenditures 

CARA Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act No. 43 of 1983) 

CED 

Conservation Education Directorate 

ECParks 

Eastern Cape Parks 

EEA Employment Equity Act, 1998 (Act No. 55 of 1998) 

FEPA 

Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area 

FPA 

Fire Protection Association [in terms of the National Veld and Forest Fire 

Act, 1998 (Act No. 101 of 1998)] 

HDI 

Historically Disadvantaged Individual 

HO 

Head Office 

HOD 

Head of Department 

IDP 

(municipal) Integrated Development Plan 

IT 

Information Technology 

IUCN 

International Union for the Conservation of Nature 

KPA 

Key Performance Area 

LEDET 

Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism 

LTA 

Limpopo Tourism Agency 

LRA Labour Relations Act, 1995 (Act No. 66 of 1995) 

MEC 

Member of the Executive Council 

METT 

Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool 

METT-SA 

Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool for South Africa 

NBRBSA 

National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 

1977) 

NEMBA 

National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 

2004) 

NEMPAA National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 

of 2003) 

NEMWA National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2009 (Act No. 58 of 2009) 

NHRA National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999) 

NNR 

Nylsvley Nature Reserve 

NNRMAC 

Nylsvley Nature Reserve Management Advisory Committee 

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) 

OPEX 

Operating Expenditures 

PAM 

Protected Area Management 

PFMA Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999) 

PSA Public Service Act, 1994 (Act No. 103 of 1994) 

Ramsar 

Name of a town in Iran where the Convention of Wetlands of International 

Importance was adopted in 1971. 

RMP 

Reserve Management Plan 

RPT 

Reserve Planning Team 

SANParks 

South African National Parks 

SANS 

South African National Standard 

SDA Skills Development Act, 1998 (Act No. 97 of 1998) 


SIS 

Security and Investigation Services 

SOKDR 

State of Knowledge Data Repository 

SONR 

State Owned Nature Reserve 

SP 

Strategic Plan 

TOR 

Terms of Reference 

UNESCO 

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization 

UZM 

Use Zone Map 

VCA 

Veld Condition Assessment 

WBR 

Waterberg Biosphere Reserve 

WfW 

Working for Water 

WOF 

Working on Fire 

WSA Water Services Act, 1997 (Act No. 108 of 1997) 

DEFINITION OF KEY PLANNING TERMS: 

Activities 

Guiding principles 

Monitoring 

Objectives 

Outcomes 

Outputs 

Performance 

assessment 

Performance indicator 

Resources 

Target 

Use zone map 

Value 

Vision 

Activities are management tasks required to collectively realise the 

objectives. 

Guiding principles provide overall direction to the implementation of 

activities. 

Monitoring is the collection of data and information in a consistent manner 

over time for the purpose of evaluation. 

Objectives are derived from the vision. They represent key areas in which 

achievements must be obtained in total, or in some combination, to give 

direction to the management aspiration (the vision). 

Ideally outcomes are benefits produced from objectives and activities. 

Outputs are tangible results produced by activities. 

Performance assessment is a measurement of accomplishment against a set 

of pre-determined criteria (e.g. efficiency or effectiveness). 

A performance indicator is a measurement used to evaluate the success in 

achieving targets and realising objectives. 

Resources include the people, materials, technologies, money, etc. required 

to implement the activities. 

Targets are set for particular aspects of performance – financial returns, 

efficiency, quality of services, etc. – against which performance is monitored 

and measured. 

A use zone map is a spatial framework that guides and co-ordinates 

conservation and development activities in a protected area. 

A value is a specific attribute or feature (cultural, ecological or recreational) 

within a reserve that may require additional/special consideration during 

the planning process and subsequent management. 

Vision indicates the direction of management aspiration. 


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 


1. INTRODUCTION 

1.1 The Reserve Management Plan 

The Reserve Management Plan (RMP) is the overarching management planning document for the 

Nylsvley Nature Reserve (NNR). 

The accompanying guideline document ‘Guidelines for the development of management plans for 

Limpopo’s Provincial Nature Reserves’ details the purpose, scope, approach to, and elements of all 

RMPs for State-managed conservation areas in Limpopo Province. 

The Nylsvley Nature Reserve Management Plan comprises two complementary documents 1 : 

 

 

A Strategic Plan (SP) covering a period of five years (this document); and 

An Annual Plan of Operation (APO) covering the current financial year. 

The relationship between these two documents is shown in Figure 1 below. 

Figure 1: The relationship between the five-year Strategic Plan (SP) and the consecutive Annual Plans of Operation (APO) that 

guide the year-on-year reserve budget and activity planning. 

All the information necessary to guide the management of the NNR is included in these two documents. 

No major decisions potentially affecting the future of the reserve will be taken without reference to the 

RMP. 

This document constitutes the SP for the NNR and covers the period 2013-2017. 

1 These two planning documents may, in turn, be supported by a Reserve Database and program-specific, more detailed Subsidiary Plans. 


1.2 Purpose and structure of the Strategic Plan 

The purpose of the SP for the NNR is to set out the medium-term ambitions for the reserve. These 

ambitions are expressed through the vision and objectives. The SP then describes how these ambitions 

will be delivered through a range of management guidelines and management actions. 

This SP has the following structure: 

SECTION 1 

SECTION 2 

SECTION 3 

SECTION 4 

SECTION 5 

INTRODUCTION 

This 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 FRAMEWORK 

This section provides a succinct summary of contextual information about the reserve. 

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES FRAMEWORK 

This section defines the ambitions for the reserve, through the formulation of a vision 

and a set of objectives. 

This section also spatially represents the desired state of the reserve in the form of a 

use zone map for the reserve. 

STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK 

This section defines how the vision and the objectives will be delivered. It details the 

key management guidelines and management actions for six thematic areas (Key 

Performance Areas): biodiversity and heritage conservation; sustainable use; 

enforcement, security and access control; infrastructure and equipment (operations); 

stakeholder involvement; and administration and planning. 

RESOURCING AND GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK 

This section describes the: (i) governance arrangements for decision-making; (ii) roles 

and responsibilities of affected institutions and stakeholders; (iii) the projected staffing 

requirements; and (iv) the projected funding requirements for the implementation of 

the SP. 

1.3 The steps in preparing the Strategic Plan 

Eight 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 Nylsvley Nature Reserve 

STEP 

STEP 1: Data collection, 

background research 

and site visit. 

STEP 2: Establishment 

of a Reserve Planning 

Team (RPT). 

STEP 3: Identification 

of the reserve values. 

STEP 4: Deciding on the 

desired state for the 

reserve. 

STEP 5: Development 

of an action plan for 

the reserve. 

PURPOSE OF STEP 

To collect, collate and review the contextual reserve information that 

informs the reserve management planning process. 

To establish an inter-disciplinary team to guide and advise on the 

preparation, and ongoing review and evaluation, of the RMP. 

To describe why the reserve was designated, and its associated values and 

benefits. 

To develop and articulate a desired condition, state or appearance of the 

reserve (vision, objectives and use zone plan). 

To identify and develop the key management actions needed to achieve the 

desired state for the reserve. 


Table 1 (contd.): 

The eight basic steps taken in preparing the Strategic Plan of the Nylsvley Nature Reserve 

STEP 

STEP 6: Preparation of 

the first draft of the SP 

for the reserve. 

STEP 7: Stakeholder 

consultation. 

STEP 8: Revision of the 

SP to include 

comments and 

recommendations from 

the RPT and other 

stakeholders. 

PURPOSE OF STEP 

To integrate all the information from Step 1 and Steps 3 to 5 into a first draft 

of the SP. 

To create an opportunity for the RPT, and later the general public and other 

stakeholders/interested parties, to review and comment on iterative drafts 

of the SP. 

To revise the draft SP, taking into account the comments received from the 

RPT and other stakeholders/interested parties and the public. 


2. CONTEXTUAL FRAMEWORK 

2.1 Location 

The Nylsvley Nature Reserve (NNR) is located in the Waterberg Region of Limpopo Province, South 

Africa and is situated approximately 12 km to the south of Mookopong and 50 km to the north-west of 

Bela Bela (Figure 2). The reserve is situated approximately 135 km to the south-west of the Polokwane 

International Airport and 212 km to the north of the O.R. Tambo International Airport – two important 

sources of both domestic and international tourists to the area. 

The reserve can be accessed via a gravel road off the R101 that measures approximately 7 km and is 

currently in a good condition. 

The NNR provides protection to a portion (approximately 800 ha) of the larger Nyl River floodplain 

wetland system, which extends from Middelfontein (to the west of Nylstroom) in a north-westerly 

direction to Moorddrift, and covers a total area of 24 250 ha. This floodplain wetland, referred to as 

Nylsvley, was designated as a Ramsar Site (i.e. a wetland of international importance) in July 1998, 

following South Africa’s accession to the Ramsar Convention. Nylsvley is regarded as one of the premier 

bird watching spots in South Africa, boasting one of the highest diversities in avifaunal species in the 

country. 

Figure 2: Regional location of the Nylsvley Nature Reserve. 


The NNR forms part of the planned extension of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, an UNESCO 

registered biosphere reserve. 

The NNR covers a total of 3965.251 ha 2 and is situated on portions of the following farms: Nylsvley No. 

560 KR and Vogelfontein No. 527 KR (Figure 3). 

Figure 3: Locality map of the Nylsvley Nature Reserve. 

2.2 Legal status 

The farm Nylsvley No. 560 KR was proclaimed as a game reserve and native flora reserve, known as the 

Nylsvly Private Nature Reserve, on 13 September 1967 (effective from 25 July 1967) in terms of Section 

11 of the Transvaal Game Ordinance, 1949 (Ordinance No. 23 of 1949) and Section 2 of the Transvaal 

Native Flora Protection Ordinance, 1940 (Ordinance No. 9 of 1940). 

In light of the above, the NNR is legally defined as a provincial nature reserve in terms of the National 

Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003) (NEMPAA) and 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 reserve 

management activities. 

2 Current actual size of the NNR, as confirmed by LEDET. 


Table 2: Key national, provincial and local legislation with a direct influence on all reserve management activities 3 

NATIONAL LEGISLATION 

National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 

of 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 (Act 

No. 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. 43 

of 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 Management 

Act, 2003 (Act No. 7 of 2003); 

Limpopo Tourism Act, 2009 (Act No. 2 

of 2009); and 

Mookgophong Local Municipality Bylaws. 

2.3 Institutional arrangements 

The NNR is State-owned. 

The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) and the 

Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) are currently responsible for the conservation and tourism 

management, respectively, of the NNR. 

Table 3 details the current staff complement of the NNR. 

3 Including all regulations promulgated in terms of the legislation listed. 


2.4 Reserve description 

2.4.1 History 

Table 3: The current staff complement of the Nylsvley Nature Reserve 

POST 

NUMBER 

Reserve Manager 1 

Field Ranger 12 

Cleaner 1 

Resort General Manager 1 

Tourism Staff (Permanent) 11 

Tourism Staff (Contract) 2 

Total 28 

The farm Nylsvley No. 560 KR, which forms part of the NNR, was obtained by the Whitehouse family in 

1914 and used primarily for cattle farming purposes. The family implemented a rotational grazing 

system on the property from 1952. 

In addition to the cattle enterprise of the Whitehouse family, a number of antelope and other game 

species also naturally occurred on the farm Nylsvley No. 560 KR, with numbers varying as a result of 

seasonal migrations. 

The farm was proclaimed as the Nylsvly Private Nature Reserve on 13 September 1967 (effective from 

25 July 1967) (Section 2.2), where-after it was sold to the Administration of the former Transvaal 

Province in 1974. 

2.4.2 Climate 

The NNR receives summer rainfall and experiences cold winter months. Frost does not occur regularly 

in this area. 

The NNR receives an average annual rainfall of 648 mm per year, the bulk of which is received during 

the summer months. The area receives the least amount of rainfall during July (with an average 

monthly rainfall of 3 mm per month) and the most in November (with an average monthly rainfall of 

150 mm per month) (Figure 4). 

Figure 4: Average monthly rainfall and maximum and minimum temperatures for the Nylsvley Nature Reserve (Tompi Seleka 

Weather Station: Latitude: 24.7937°S; Longitude: 29.4527°E; Altitude: 870 m above sea level). 


The monthly average of maximum temperatures for the reserve ranges from 22°C in July to 31°C in 

February. The region is coldest during July, when temperatures drop to an average of 5.7°C at night 

(Figure 4). 

2.4.3 Topography 

The landscape of the NNR can be described as gently sloping, with a number of rocky outcrops spread 

throughout the area. One of these outcrops, Stemmerskop, is located in the central interior of the 

reserve at an altitude of 1 132 m above sea level. A second outcrop, Maroelakop, is located in the 

eastern corner of the reserve at an altitude of 1 154.2 m above sea level. A third outcrop is located in 

the western corner of the nature reserve at an altitude of 1 122 m above sea level (Figure 3). 

2.4.4 Geology and Soils 

2.4.4.1 Geology 

A variety of geological formations occurs at the NNR and can generally be grouped according to the 

vegetation unit it supports. 

Central Sandy Bushveld at the NNR is predominantly underlain by sedimentary rocks of the Waterberg 

Group. Rocks specific to the Waterberg Group include sandstone, conglomerate and siltstone of the 

Alma Formation and sandstone, shale and siltstone of the Vaalwater Formation. 

Springbokvlakte Thornveld is underlain by volcano-sedimentary rocks of the Karoo Supergroup. Mafic 

volcanics (tholeitic and olivine basalts and nephalinites) of the Letaba Formation are most abundant, 

with mudstones of the Irrigasie Formation and shale and sandstone units of the Ecca Group being less 

prominent. 

The most dominant geology found in Subtropical Freshwater Wetlands is Cenozoic alluvium, with Karoo 

Supergroup volcanic rocks and sediments and Cretaceous (and younger coastal) sediment of the 

Zululand and Maputaland Groups also present. 

2.4.4.2 Soils 

A variety of soil forms occurs in the NNR, which can generally be grouped according to the vegetation 

unit it supports. 

Central Sandy Bushveld is associated with well-drained, deep Hutton or Clovelly soils, often with a 

centenary sequence from Hutton at the hilltops to Clovelly on the lower slopes. Shallow, skeletal 

Glenrosa soils also occur. 

Springbokvlakte Thornveld soils are red-yellow apedal, freely drained with a high base status and selfmulching, 

black, vertic clays. The vertic soils, with a fluctuating water table, experience prolonged 

periods of swelling and shrinking during wet and dry periods; considerable soil cracking when dry; a 

loose soil surface; high calcium carbonate content; and gilgai micro-relief. 

Champagne and Arcadia clayey, waterlogged soils, containing certain levels of decaying organic matter, 

especially in highly productive reed beds, are associated with Subtropical Freshwater Wetlands. 

2.4.4.3 Soil Erosion 

According to Bass Air Aviation (2010) no signs of soil erosion were recorded in the NNR during an aerial 

survey conducted in the area in 2010. 


2.4.5 Drainage and Hydrology 

The Nyl River, which flows through the central and north-eastern parts of the NNR, forms a grassland 

floodplain measuring 70 km in length - one of the largest in South Africa. This natural inland wetland, 

Nylsvley, is classified as a seasonal floodplain wetland, comprising a seasonal river associated with a 

grassland floodplain. 

The floodplain receives most of its inflow from streams and rivers draining the south-eastern edge of 

the Waterberg Plateau, with its primary water input being the Olifantsspruit (contributing 80% of the 

total annual flow), with the Groot Nyl and Klein Nyl Rivers making smaller contributions. Subcatchments 

feeding the floodplain are: the Groot Nyl, Klein Nyl, Olifantspruit, Modderloop/Rasloop, 

Middelfonteinspruit, Hessie-se-Water, De Wet Zyn Loop, Bad se Loop, Tobiasspruit, Andriesspruit and 

Kootjie se Loop sub-catchments. The dynamic nature of the run-off received from the various 

tributaries, caused by differing flow gradients and degrees of surface water storage, causes water 

supply to the floodplain to be erratic and difficult to quantify. 

As a result of the variability in water supply, the Nylsvley area is naturally subjected to seasonal flooding 

and fluctuation in water levels. These alternating wetter and drier periods allow for an extremely 

diverse and dynamic ecosystem. On average, inundation of at least parts of the floodplain occurs 

during three out of every five years, during the summer season that lasts from October to April. Only 

occasionally do flood waters persist throughout the year until the following wet season. The depth of 

Nylsvley depends on the type of flooding that occurs, but seldom exceeds one meter. During the dry 

season the floodplain generally dries up completely, with water only occurring in permanent pools 

located within the main stream of the Nyl River. 

Hydrologically the floodplain essentially acts as a basin by temporarily storing floodwater and then later 

releasing it slowly back into the main river channel. 

It is believed that the floodplain contributes significantly to groundwater recharge within the region 

(although this has not been confirmed through adequate investigation), with moderately high 

groundwater yields in the Waterberg area occurring within the lower floodplain area. 

The Nylsvley floodplain wetland plays an important role in supplying water for local wildlife, which is 

key in supporting the biodiversity of the area. 

The NNR is located within an Upstream Freshwater Priority Area. 

2.4.6 Vegetation 

2.4.6.1 Vegetation Types 

The vegetation of the reserve comprises Central Bushveld vegetation units of the Savanna Biome and a 

Freshwater Wetland vegetation unit (Alluvium vegetation) of Inland Azonal Vegetation (Figure 5). 

Savanna is characterized by a herbaceous layer (usually dominated by grasses) with a woody 

component – most typically an overstorey of trees. In southern Africa, bushveld is an apt description of 

the vegetation structure, as the vegetation most often does not comprise distinct shrub and tree layers 

and the shrubs and trees occur in a matrix with a grass-dominated herb layer. 

Savannas are fire prone ecosystems and therefore fire is essential to maintaining both its structure and 

floristic composition. The exclusion of fire results in bush encroachment and a diminishing grass and 

herbaceous layer. Mid-dry season burns favour scrubby and coppiced savannah (i.e. an increase in 

browse capacity at the expense of grazing), while early wet season burns favour grass production. 


Patch mosaic burning favours a higher diversity of vegetation structure and floristic composition. High 

intensity fire can kill shrub and tree components, thereby resulting in a reduced browse capacity. 

Alluvium vegetation is a complex and dynamic vegetation determined by the interplay of several 

ecological factors, such as sedimentation-to-erosion rates; sediment load; water chemistry and nutrient 

load; and the frequency and duration of flooding, amongst others. The vegetation comprises an 

intricate complex of aquatic macrophytes; marginal reed beds and extensive flooded grasslands; 

ephemeral herblands; and riverine thickets. Alluvium vegetation is not fire prone and fire must be 

excluded from vegetation units in this biome. 

The vegetation description for the NNR follows Mucina and Rutherford (2006). 

Figure 5: Vegetation map of the Nylsvley Nature Reserve. 

Central Sandy Bushveld 

Central Sandy Bushveld (Figure 5) is characterised by sandy plains and catenas supporting tall, 

deciduous Terminalia sericea and Burkea africana woodland on deep sandy soils, with T. sericea often 

dominant on the lower slopes of sandy catenas. Low broad-leaved Combretum woodland is dominant 

on shallow, rocky or gravelly soils. Species of Acacia, Ziziphus and Euclea are often found on the flats 

and lower slopes on eutrophic sands, as well as less sandy soils. Dominant tree and shrub species 

include Acacia erubescens, Acacia nilotica and Acacia tenuispina. Dominant grasses include Aristida 

bipartita and Bothriochloa insculpta. 

Springbokvlakte Thornveld (Endangered) 

Springbokvlakte Thornveld (Figure 5) is open to dense, low thorn savanna dominated by Acacia species 

or shrub dominated grassland with a very low shrub layer. Tree and shrubs species include Acacia 


karoo, Acacia luederitzii var. retinens, Acacia melifera subsp. detinens, A. nitolica and Ziziphus 

mucronata (small trees); Euclea undulata, Searsia engleri, Dichrostachys cinerea and Diospyros lycoides 

subsp. lycoides (tall shrubs); Acacia tenuispina and Ptycholobium plicatum (low shrubs); Kleinia 

longiflora (succulent shrub); and Momordica balsamina and Rhynchosia minima (herbaceous climbers), 

amongst others. The field layer includes Aristida bipartita, Dichanthium annulatum var. papillosum, 

Ischaemum afrum and Setaria incassata (grasses); and Aspilia mossambicensis, Indigastrum parviflorum, 

Nidorella hottentotica and Orthosiphon suffrutescens (herbs). 

Subtropical Freshwater Wetlands 

Subtropical Freshwater Wetlands are characterised by low beds dominated by reeds, sedges and 

rushes, as well as grass-dominated, waterlogged meadows. This vegetation unit is usually found along 

the edges of often seasonal pools in aeolian depressions and alluvial backwater pans and artificial dams. 

Plant species occurring in marshes include Hyphaene coriacea and Phoenix reclinata (small trees); 

Chloris virgata, Cynodon dactylon, Cyperus articulatus, Dactyloctenium aegyptium and Diplachne fusca 

(grasses); Pentodon pentandrus, Persicaria senegalensis and Burmannia madagascariensis (herbs); 

Eulophia angolensis and Zeuxine africana (geophytic herbs); Salicornia pachystachya (succulent herb); 

Buchnera longespicata (semiparasitic herb); and Bergia salaria and Lagarosiphon crispus (aquatic 

herbs). 

Plant species occurring in lakes and ponds include Eleocharis dulcis (grass); Azolla pinnata var. africana, 

Ceratophyllum demersum, Lemna minor and Pista stratiotes (aquatic herbs); Utricularia gibba subsp. 

exoleta, Utricularia inflex and Utricularia subulata (carnivorous herbs); and Crinum paludosum 

(geophytic herb). 

Plant species occurring in reed and sedge beds include Cladium mariscus subsp. jamaicense, Cyperus 

papyrus, Phragmites australis, Phragmites mauritianus and Schoenoplectus corymbosus 

(megagraminoids); and Cyperus fastigiatus, Cyperus difformis, Cyperus digitatus and Fuirena ciliaris 

(grasses). 

Endemic plant species associated with Subtropical Freshwater Wetlands include: Cyperus sensilis (a 

grass species found in marshes); Crinium campanulatum (a geophytic herb found in lakes and ponds); 

and Isoetes wormaldii and Wolffiella denticulata (aquatic herbs found in lakes and ponds). 

2.4.6.2 Species of Conservation Concern 

The plant species of conservation concern listed in Table 4 are known to occur in the NNR area 4 . 

Table 4: Plant species known to occur in the Nylsvley Nature Reserve area 

PLANT SCIENTIFIC NAME 

Ceropegia stentiae 

Cucumis humifructus 

Cullen holubii 

Oryza longistaminata 

Ceropegia turricula 

Elaeodendron transvaalense 

IUCN STATUS 

Vulnerable 

Vulnerable 

Vulnerable 

Vulnerable 

Near-threatened 

Near-threatened 

4 The species of conservation concern indicated in this section have a strong probability of occurrence at this reserve, based on the Plants of 

South Africa (POSA) database. The POSA includes a database of all plants recorded by means of voucher specimens lodged with one of the 

recognised 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). 


Table 4 (contd.): 

Plant species known to occur in the Nylsvley Nature Reserve area 

PLANT SCIENTIFIC NAME 

Justicia minima 

Acacia erioloba 

Boophone disticha 

Drimia altissima 

IUCN STATUS 

Rare 

Declining 

Declining 

Declining 

2.4.6.3 Invasive Alien Plants 

Invasive species present at the NNR include Queen of the Night Cereus peruvianus (Category 1), Prickly 

Pear Opuntia ficus-indica (Category 1), Lantana Lantana camara (Category 1), Eucalyptus species 

(Category 2 and 3 depending on the species), Jacaranda Jacaranda mimosifolia, Red Sesbania Sesbania 

punicea (Categoy 1) and Purple Top Verbena bonariensis. 

2.4.6.4 Bush Encroachment 

Slangbos Seriphium plumosum is known to encroach in certain parts of the NNR. The extent and cause 

of encroachment of this species is, however, unknown. 

2.4.7 Fauna 

The NNR was designated as a Ramsar site in 1998 and is located within the WBR. It provides a suitable 

habitat to a wide variety of bird, mammal, reptile, fish and insect species. 

Before the proclamation of the reserve, the floodplain wetlands were predominantly used for 

agriculture and the current biodiversity of wild fauna is testament to the resilience of this dynamic 

system. Seventy-nine mammal species have been recorded in the reserve, as well as 382 bird, 22 fish, 

23 lizard, 1 worm lizard, 17 frog and 29 snake species. 

The importance of the invertebrates of the NNR is not being overlooked, but within the scope of this SP 

will not be considered in any detail. 

2.4.7.1 Mammals 

During the latest aerial survey of the NNR, which was conducted in 2012, a total of 1 002 head of game 

was recorded. This included 15 different mammal species, as well as Ostrich. Thirty-eight individuals of 

Roan Antelope, 105 individuals of Tsessebe and one individual of eland were recorded, amongst others. 

Of the total of 79 mammal species that have been recorded at the NNR to date, some of the more 

important species are: Giraffe, Common Eland, Greater Kudu and Bushbuck (browsers); Roan Antelope, 

Tsessebe (the reserve acts as an important breeding station for the latter two species), Blue Wildebeest, 

Common Waterbuck, Burchell’s Zebra, Common Reedbuck, Common Warthog and Bushpig (grazers); 

Common Duiker, Impala and Steenbok (mixed feeders); and Brown Hyaena, Aardwolf, Black-backed 

Jackal, Honey Badger, Leopard, Caracal, Serval, African Wildcat, Large Spotted Genet, Small Spotted 

Genet (other feeders); and Chacma Baboon, Vervet Monkey and Southern Lesser Galago (primates). 

Smaller mammal species recorded at the reserve include Porcupine, Cape Clawless Otter, Striped 

Polecat, Southern African Hedgehog, Tree Squirrel, Jameson’s Red Rock Rabbit, Scrub Hare, Spring Hare, 

numerous mongoose, bat and other rodent species. A complete mammal species list for the NNR is 

available as part of the State of Knowledge Data Repository (SOKDR). 

With reference to the distribution of Roan Antelope, the NNR is located on the fringe of its distribution 

domain, where it has thrived since its introduction. Because Roan Antelope has such strictly defined 


habitat requirements and grazing preferences, and because the survival strategies of their calves are so 

intimately dependent on optimal habitat conditions, this species is particularly susceptible to habitat 

degradation. This makes the species a very sensitive indicator of the health of the ecosystems of which 

they form an integral part. The loss of Roan Antelope from such large areas of their erstwhile 

distribution range serves as a tragic reminder of the loss of ecological qualities in those areas. The NNR 

therefore plays an important role in the conservation of this keystone species of South Africa. 

2.4.7.1.1 Mammal Species of Conservation Concern 

The mammal species of conservation concern listed in Table 5 are known to occur in the NNR. 

Table 5: Mammal species of conservation concern known to occur in the Nylsvley Nature Reserve 

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME IUCN STATUS 

Hyaena brunnea Brown Hyena Vulnerable. 

Hippotragus equinus Roan Antelope Least Concern, but locally rare. 

Damaliscus lunatus Tsessebe Least Concern, but locally rare. 

Neamblysomus julianae Juliana’s Golden Mole Vulnerable and endemic to SA. 

Panthera pardus Leopard Near-threatened. 

2.4.7.2 Avifauna 

The NNR is well-known for its avifaunal diversity and has been identified as a Global Important Birding 

Area (IBA No. 007). It is one of the largest and most important birding areas in South Africa, with a total 

of 382 bird species recorded within the NNR and 426 bird species recorded in the broader Nyl River 

floodplain to date. The latter figure accounts for 46% of all bird species found in southern Africa. 

Additionally, the species diversity within the NNR constitutes a high level of endemism, with 11 endemic 

and 18 near-endemic species recorded to date. 

A total of 23 waterfowl species included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species are found at the 

NNR, with eight of these species known to breed within the reserve. These are: Rufousbellied Heron, 

Little Bittern, Dwarf Bittern, Bittern (Critically Endangered), Pygmy Goose, Bailon’s Crake, Striped Crake 

(which occurs nowhere else in South Africa) and Black Stork. Other bird species included in the IUCN 

Red List of Threatened Species that occur at the NNR include the Saddle-billed Stork (Endangered), 16 

species of birds that are classified as “Vunerable” (including four vulture and three eagle species), and 

21 bird species that are classified as “Near-threatened”. The importance of the NNR as a foraging and 

breeding range for IUCN listed threatened species extends beyond resident species, with the reserve 

hosting three recorded paleartic-breeding migrants, namely Black-winged Pratincole (Near-threatened), 

Lesser Kestrel (Near-threatened) and Pallid Harrier (Near-threatened). 

A number of bird species that are reported to breed only at a limited number of sites within South 

Africa is known to occur in the NNR area, including: Great White Egret, Squacco Heron, Black- crowned 

Night Heron, Dwarf Bittern, African Spoonbill, White Faced Duck, Southern Pochard, Ethiopian Snipe, 

Lesser Moorhen and Lesser Gallinule. Nylsvley has furthermore become a crital habitat for the Bittern, 

which has experienced numerous range contractions in southern Africa, as well as for the Rufousbellied 

Heron, which is known to only breed at this one site in South Africa. 

2.4.7.3 Reptiles and Amphibians 

Approximately 61 reptile species have been recorded at the NNR, including Common Purple-glossed 

Snake, Puff Adder, Brown House Snake, Snouted Night Adder, Common Egg-eater, Black Mamba, 

Boomslang, Southern File Snake, Black File Snake, Snouted Cobra, Mozambique Spitting Cobra, Green 


Water Snake, Olive Whip Snake and Eastern Tiger Snake, amongst others. A detailed reptile species list 

is available as part of the SOKDR. 

A total of 25 different amphibian species have been recorded at NNR, none of which are classified as 

vulnerable. Ongoing research and monitoring is, however, required in this regard. Some of the 

amphibian species found at the reserve are: Red Toad, Bushveld Rain Frog, Banded Rubber Frog, 

Snoring puddle Frog, Common Platanna, Giant Bullfrog and Natal Sand Frog, amongst others. An 

amphibian species list is available as part of the SOKDR. 

2.4.7.4 Fish 

Twenty-two fish species have been recorded at the NNR to date. This diversity of fish is able to sustain 

a wide variety of fish-eating birds and mammals and is fundemental to the overall health of the wetland 

ecosystem. The importance of fish is often underestimated as a result of them not being visible, but 

their presence is indicative of a well-functioning wetland system. 

Some of the more common species found at the NNR include Sharptooth Catfish, Large-scale Yellowfish, 

as well as various Tilapia, Barb, and Topminnow species, amongst others. A comprehensive fish species 

list of the NNR is available as part of the SOKDR. 

2.4.8 Heritage Resources 

A small graveyard consisting of 13 graves is located in the north-eastern corner of the farm Vogelfontein 

No. 527 KR. 

A number of old buildings that could potentially be classified as heritage resources in terms of Section 

34 of the NHRA occur within the NNR. The heritage value of these buildings has, however, not been 

confirmed to date. 

2.4.9 Reserve Infrastructure 

The main entry point into the NNR, which is located along the western boundary fence of the reserve, is 

located approximately 7 km from the nearest main tarred road, the R101. The gravel access road 

leading to this gate is generally in a good condition and can be accessed by means of a normal sedan 

vehicle. Two additional entry gates exist, but are used for management purposes only. 

The NNR is completely fenced-in and the boundary fence is currently in a good condition. 

A limited network of dirt roads has been developed within the NNR for game-viewing purposes. These 

roads are supplemented by an extensive trail network. 

Signage leading to and within the reserve is adequate and in a good condition. 

Tourist accommodation facilities within the NNR consist of the following, all of which are located next to 

the reserve office and are currently in a good condition: 

 

 

 

 

 

One six bedroom guest house; 

Three chalets, sleeping two persons each; 

One presidential chalet, sleeping two persons; 

Two dormitories, sleeping a maximum of 18 people in total, with shared ablution and kitchen 

facilities; 

A camping site comprising six plots and an ablution block. This facility is not equipped with 

electricity. 


Picnic facilities with an ablution block are available for day visitors and are currently in a good condition. 

These facilities are also located in close proximity to the reserve office. 

A restaurant facility, the Spoonbill Restaurant, is located near the reserve office and is currently in a 

good condition. 

A conference facility, consisting of two conference rooms that can accommodate up to 120 delegates in 

total, is also located in close proximity to the reserve office. This facility is currently in a good condition. 

The administrative hub of the NNR is located approximately 500 m from the main entrance gate of the 

reserve and consists of one office block that is currently in a good condition. 

Three bird hides are located along the eastern boundary fence of the reserve. A fourth hide is located 

in the central interior of the reserve and a fifth one along the western boundary fence, next to 

Stemmerskop. All five these structures are currently in a good condition. 

An old farmhouse located within the reserve is used for research purposes. 

Swimming and cycling facilities are available at the NNR. 

A servitude is located along the south-eastern boundary of the NNR. 

servitude is indicated in Figure 6. 

The exact location of this 

Figure 6: Servitudes located in the vicinity of the NNR. 


2.4.10 Social Context 

The NNR is surrounded by a population of approximately 11 000 individuals 5 . 

2.5 Local and Regional Planning 

The NNR is located within the Mookgophong Local Municipality, which forms part of the Waterberg 

District Municipality of Limpopo Province. 

The Integrated Development Plan (IDP) of the Waterberg District Municipality for the period 2011/2012 

identifies Nylsvley as an important wetland with international protection status (a Ramsar Site). It is 

regarded as a premier birding site, where bird watchers are provided with the perfect opportunity to 

photograph rare bird species from within one of the five modern bird hides that are located within the 

NNR. 

The IDP of the Mookgophong Local Municipality for the period 2012/2017 acknowledges the value of 

the NNR as an important core conservation area within the different zones of the Waterberg Biosphere 

Reserve (WBR). 

2.6 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats 

Table 6 lists the key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that were identified for the NNR. 

Table 6: Key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats identified for the Nylsvley Nature Reserve 

KEY STRENGTHS 

Exceptional scenic qualities. 

Ease of vehicular access to the reserve from provincial and national roads. 

Database of scientific information available to inform management. 

Internationally recognised conservation site (Ramsar Site). 

International reputation as an important research site with good research opportunities and 

infrastructure. 

Friends of Nylsvley conducts research, updates species lists and generates revenue. 

Working for Wetlands is currently active within the NNR. 

The reserve is located in a malaria free area. 

The reserve is a member of a FPA. 

Tourist accommodation is in good condition. 

Houses part of the largest wetland area in the country. 

The NNR is a relatively large reserve. 

The reserve has always had a very good veld condition. 

KEY WEAKNESSES (ISSUES & CHALLENGES) 

Centralised budget, and de-capacitated reserve management. 

Lack of fire management within the reserve has reportedly negatively affected habitats suitable for 

birds and, as a result, bird viewing opportunities. 

The reserve has to compete against other, well-known private resorts in the area. 

Lack of supported budget to operate the reserve properly. 

The reserve has a peculiar shape. 

5 The social context of the MNR was determined by identifying the municipal wards within which the reserve is located, as well as those 

immediately bordering the reserve. Using the results of the South African National Census of 2011, the total number of people within these 

wards was then calculated to give a representation of the population in the vicinity of the reserve. It should be kept in mind that ward sizes 

differ considerably and that the value listed may include individuals residing relatively far from the reserve. 


OPPORTUNITIES 

The reserve is located in the Waterberg Region and is well positioned to offer a valuable tourism 

experience and generate profits from the tourism sector that is drawn to this area by its very 

nature. 

The expansion of the formally protected area to include unprotected sections of the Nyl floodplain. 

THREATS 

Poaching. 

A decrease in water quality as a result of activities taking place within catchment areas (particularly 

waste water works). 

Water extraction for urban and agricultural purposes within the catchment areas. 

The occurrence of exotic plants within catchment areas. 

Activities associated with agricultural programmes implemented in the catchment areas (e.g. the 

use of pesticides) could be detrimental to the health of aquatic animals and birds. 

Proposed platinum and coal mining operations in the catchment areas. 


3. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES FRAMEWORK 

3.1 Purpose 

The NNR was established to provide protection to a portion (measuring approximately 800 ha) of the 

larger Nyl River floodplain wetland system and its associated birdlife. The reserve also acts as a 

breeding station for Roan Antelope and Tsessebe. 

In present times, the value of the LNR as a conservation area can also be attributed to the following: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It hosts a portion of the threatened and protected Springbokvlakte Thornveld ecosystem. 

It includes a portion of the endangered Springbokvlakte Thornveld and vulnerable Central Sandy 

Bushveld vegetation units, the former which is regarded as hardly protected and the latter as 

poorly protected. 

A combined total of 15 threatened reptile, amphibian, bird and/or mammal species occur at the 


The reserve falls within a National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area (FEPA) and an Upstream 

FEPA. 

It is dissected by the endangered Nyl River 

It is identified as playing an important role in terms of hydrological processes and ecological 

processes associated with floodplains. 

The reserve contains areas classified as “irreplaceable” in terms of Critical Biodiversity Values. 

The reserve forms part of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve and is therefore of international 

importance. 

Nylsvley is registered as a Ramsar Site. 

The reserve is regarded as having a high income generating potential. 

3.2 Reserve Values 

The following key values of the NNR were identified by the RPT: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KEY RESERVE VALUES 

Nylsvley was declared as a Ramsar site and is one of the largest wetlands in South Africa. 

The reserve offers some of the best bird watching opportunities in southern Africa and hosts 

the breeding grounds of a variety of rare bird species. 

The reserve is home to healthy populations of Roan Antelope and Tsessebe. 

Exceptional scenic qualities. 

The reserve is easily accessible by tourists and offers a self-drive option for normal sedan 

vehicles. 

Good quality accommodation is available at the reserve. 

3.3 The Reserve Vision 

The vision of the reserve describes the overall long-term goal for the operation, protection and 

development of the NNR. The following vision was developed by the RPT: 


VISION 

The conservation of the unique biodiversity of the Nyl River floodplain 

eco-system. 

The effective management of the Nylsvley Ramsar site and promotion of 

conservation. 

The sustainable use of the floodplain and catchment area for the benefit 

of present and future generations through strategic partnerships. 

The preservation of the bird species of conservation concern found in the 

area; the Nylsvley floodplain and the habitats present within the 


3.4 Key Performance Areas and Objectives 

The RPT identified 21 Objectives for the NNR. 

contribute to realising the Vision for the reserve. 

Collectively these objectives are anticipated to 

These objectives have, in turn, been grouped into six Key Performance Areas (KPAs), as follows: 

KEY PERFORMANCE 

AREAS (KPA) 

KPA 1: 

Biodiversity and 

Heritage 

Conservation 

KPA 2: 

Sustainable Use 

KPA 3: 

Enforcement, 

Security and Access 

Control 

KPA 4: 

Infrastructure and 

Equipment 

(Operations) 

OBJECTIVES 

1.1 Re-establish, manage and maintain viable populations of locally 

indigenous fauna in the NNR. 

1.2 Maintain a natural fire regime within the NNR. 

1.3 Contain the spread, and impacts, of invasive plants and bush 

encroachment in the NNR. 

1.4 Protect the heritage resources of the NNR. 

1.5 Update key baseline information, and develop and maintain a targeted 

research and monitoring programme, to guide biodiversity management 

in the NNR. 

1.6 Effectively manage the Nylsvley Ramsar Site. 

2.1 Construct, upgrade and maintain day visitor and overnight visitor buildings 

and infrastructure in the NNR. 

2.2 Develop, deliver and maintain a diverse range of tourism and recreational 

services for visitors to the NNR. 

2.3 Develop and implement a focused and cost-effective marketing, 

awareness-raising and educational programme for the NNR. 

2.4 Manage and mitigate the environmental impacts of conservation 

management, tourism, recreation and natural resource use in the NNR. 

3.1 Maintain controlled access to the NNR. 

3.2 Sustain an effective law enforcement and compliance capacity in the NNR. 

4.1 Maintain the road and track network in the NNR. 

4.2 Construct, maintain and upgrade the bulk services infrastructure in the 

NNR. 

4.3 Acquire and maintain operational equipment and vehicles for the NNR. 


KPA 5: 

Strategic partner 

Involvement 

KPA 6: 

Administration and 

Planning 

5.1 Ensure the ongoing involvement of a representative and functional 

Nylsvley Nature Reserve Management Advisory Committee (NNRMAC). 

5.2 Actively participate in local and regional conservation and socio-economic 

development initiatives that may affect or benefit the NNR. 

6.1 Review and amend the administrative system of the NNR. 

6.2 Maintain an adequately equipped, resourced and trained staff 

complement for the NNR. 

6.3 Institute and maintain an effective administrative and planning capability 

in the NNR. 

6.4 Establish, maintain and host a reliable inventory of key information on the 

NNR and its ongoing management. 

3.5 Zonation 

Based on available information, and in consultation with the RPT, a Use Zone Map (UZM) is presented 

as a broad overarching medium-term spatial planning framework for the NNR (Figure 7). 

The UZM indicates the extent and location of suitable visitor use zones for the NNR, with management 

guidelines and broad conservation and tourism infrastructural requirements designated for each use 

zone. 

Annexure 1 describes the objectives, characteristics, uses and management guidelines for each of the 

use zones shown in Figure 7. 


Figure 7: Use Zone Map for the Nylsvley Nature Reserve. 


4. STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK 

This section translates the strategic objectives framework described in Section 3 into guiding principles 

for management, management actions and management targets (for each set of objectives within 

each KPA), which will be used to inform Annual Plans of Operation (APOs) and the resources required to 

implement it. 

The guiding principles are the norms and standards by which NNR will make its operational 

management decisions and conduct its activities. 

Management actions are the key strategic activities that should be implemented to achieve the reserve 

objectives. Management actions are defined and prioritized for the five-year time horizon of this SP. 

Each management action has been prioritized as follows: 

CATEGORY 

HIGH 

MEDIUM 

LOW 

PRIORITIES 

Critical to the effective management 6 of the reserve. Funding and resources should be 

secured to implement these actions. 

Important to the effective management of the reserve, but its implementation may be 

delayed because of limited funds or resources. 

Constitutes good management practice, but not necessarily critical or important to 

reserve management effectiveness. Implementation may be dependent on the 

availability of external funding or support. 

Time Frames, Targets, Key Performance Indicators and Responsibilities are, in turn, allocated for each 

management 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 each 

KPA and its set of related objectives. 

6 As reflected in the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT). 


KPA 1: BIODIVERSITY AND HERITAGE CONSERVATION 

Guiding principles for reserve management 

Fauna 

# GUIDING PRINCIPLE 

The reserve shall conform to the following LEDET policies, procedures and/or guidelines 

relating to wildlife management: 

Guidelines 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 provincial 

nature reserves (12/6/12/7/8); 

Technical management guidelines and procedures for game capture on provincial 

1 


Technical management guidelines and procedures for the introduction of mammals 

into provincial nature reserves (2008); 

Policy on the donation of game from State-owned nature reserves to Historically 

Disadvantaged Individuals (HDIs) in the wildlife industry; 

Provincial directive on the control and management of damage-causing wild animals 

in Limpopo Province; and 

Draft policy for the reduction of game from (provincial) nature reserves. 

2 

Wildlife management in the reserve shall be focused primarily on protecting the ecological 

functioning of the reserve. 

3 

4 

5 

6 

Wildlife stocking densities shall be maintained within the ecological capacity of the supporting 

habitats of the reserve. 

A regular programme for monitoring the veld condition, animal numbers and physical 

condition of animals shall be in place to ensure that the ecological capacity of the reserve is 

not exceeded. 

Population management of wildlife species shall be required to ensure that such species are 

not causing the ecological degradation of the reserve. 

Wherever practicable, non-lethal and environmentally-friendly measures shall be developed 

and implemented to limit, or mitigate, the impacts of any indigenous problem-causing animal 

in, or escaping from, the reserve. 

Fire 


1 The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the NVFFA. 

2 

3 

Unplanned wildfires that occur in areas where it could have undesirable ecological effects, 

threaten reserve infrastructure or threaten neighbouring properties shall be suppressed or 

controlled wherever possible. 

Unplanned wildfires that occur in reserve areas where it will do no ecological harm and/or 

threaten properties may be allowed to burn, provided that safety concerns are not 

compromised. 


4 

5 

6 

Fire protection measures and resources (equipment, trained personnel, firebreaks, etc.) must 

be maintained and effective in the reserve at all times. 

The reserve management shall, wherever possible, establish partnerships with neighbours 

and other role-players through agreements and membership of FPAs. 

Controlled block burns can only be implemented after an ecological assessment of the dry 

matter/fuel load has been completed. 

Invasive alien plants / bush encroachment 


1 

The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of Sections 64-77 of NEMBA and the 

relevant sections of CARA, as amended. 

2 

3 

All declared invasive alien plant species occurring in the reserve shall be eradicated, using the 

most cost-effective and environmentally friendly methods. 

While active bush encroachment control measures (mechanical, fire, biological and/or 

chemical) shall be adopted in the reserve in the short-term, the primary long-term 

management objective is sound veld management practices (conservative wildlife stocking 

rates, natural patch burn regimes, adequate water provision and soil conservation). 

Heritage resources 


1 The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the NHRA. 

Biodiversity inventory, research and monitoring 


1 


relating to monitoring: 

Guidelines for monitoring of climate and maintenance and establishment of climaterelated 

infrastructure on provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/2). 

2 

The collection of baseline information, support for research projects and the ongoing 

implementation of monitoring programmes shall be focused on, and directed towards, 

supporting operational planning and decision-making in the reserve. 


Management actions and targets 

KPA 1: Biodiversity and Heritage Conservation 

Objective 1.1: Re-establish, manage and maintain viable populations of locally indigenous fauna in the NNR 

Management action Priority Management targets Key performance 

indicators 

(i) Develop and maintain a basic Wildlife Management Programme for 

the NNR. 

(ii) Under the direction of the LEDET Game Monitoring Strategy, 

conduct an aerial game census (during late winter). 

(iii) Based on the outcomes of the most recent game census data, the 

current Veld Condition Assessment (VCA) and the stocking rates 

determined in the Wildlife Management Programme, annually 

determine and implement the culling, selling and capturing 

requirements for medium-sized and large game species (specifically 

also for Roan Antelope). 

(iv) Maintain and implement the water provision requirements for 

game species, especially the areas far from the Nyl River floodplain. 

(v) Under direction of the Wildlife Management Programme 

(supplemented by consultation with wildlife specialists), implement 

any wildlife restocking or new introductions that may be required. 

(vi) Under the direction of the Wildlife Management Programme, 

maintain the supplementary feeding programme, parasite control and 

provision of salt licks specifically for Roan Antelope. 

Objective 1.2: Maintain a natural fire regime within the NNR 

All wildlife stocking 

densities contained 

at levels below the 

ecological capacity of 

vegetation. 

The effective selling 

of rare animals (i.e. 

Roan Antelope) to 

benefit the NNR 

financially. 

Carrying capacity of 

vegetation (based on 

VCA) vs. Large and 

medium-sized game 

counts (based on game 

census). 


indicators 

(i) Prepare a simple, functional Fire Management Programme for the 

NNR. 

Fires in the reserve 

do not have 

undesirable 

Cost of damage resulting 

from fires spreading to 

neighbouring properties 

Responsibility Time frame (Years 1-5) 

1 2 3 4 5 

Management 

Authority 

(Biodiversity Unit) 

Management 

Authority 


Management 

Authority 

(Biodiversity Unit, 

SONR); Reserve 

Manager 

Reserve Manager 

Management 

Authority 




1 2 3 4 5 

Management 

Authority 



(ii) Under the direction of the Fire Management Programme, maintain 

a system of perimeter fire breaks and fire breaks around key 

infrastructure (e.g. tourism infrastructure, administrative facilities and 

staff housing). 

(iii) Ensure that all reserve management staff are adequately trained 

and equipped to implement the Fire Management Programme. 

(iv) Plan and do block burns according to the existing Fire 

Management Plan. 

(v) Install and maintain basic fire protection measures (e.g. fire 

extinguishers, fire hoses and/or roof sprinklers) in all affected tourism, 

administrative and staff accommodation buildings. 

(vi) Maintain, in accordance with the requirements of the Fire 

Management Programme, records of all fires occurring in the reserve. 

ecological effects or 

threaten reserve 

infrastructure, 

neighbouring 

properties or the Nyl 

River floodplain. 

(based on insurance 

claim). 

Cost of damage to 

reserve infrastructure 

from fires (based on 

insurance claim). 

Ecological condition 

(based on vegetation 

monitoring). 

Objective 1.3: Contain the spread, and impacts, of invasive alien plants and bush encroachment in the NNR 


indicators 

(i) Eradicate, on an ongoing basis, all known invasive alien plant 

No seeding invasive Extent, by density, of 

infestations occurring in the reserve (incl. Bluegum, Lantana, 

alien plants. 

invasive alien plants. 

Jacaranda, Red Sesbania, Purple Top, Prickly Pear and Queen of the 

No spread, or Extent, by density, of 

Night). 

densification, of bush bush encroachment. 

(ii) Develop partnerships with funding and implementing agencies 

encroachment. 

(e.g. WfW) to improve the capacity of the reserve to sustain its 

invasive alien plant control program. 

(iii) Map, and annually monitor, the extent and density of areas in the 

reserve subject to unacceptable levels of bush encroachment. 

(iv) Implement an ad hoc programme of mechanical and chemical 

control to contain the further spread, densification and impacts of 

bush encroachment. 

Objective 1.4: Protect the heritage resources of the NNR 


indicators 

(i) In collaboration with academic institutions, research, document 

Heritage resources State (using a grading 

and inventorize the heritage resources of the reserve. 

documented, and system) of heritage 




Reserve Manager; 

LTA 



1 2 3 4 5 

Management 

Authority 

(Biodiversity Unit); 


Regional Manager; 


Management 

Authority 





1 2 3 4 5 

Regional Manager; 



(ii) Develop informational and interpretive materials about the 

reserve’s heritage resources. 

(iii) Develop and implement a prioritised programme of maintenance 

of these heritage resources. 

properly maintained. resources. LTA 


Objective 1.5: Update key baseline information, and develop and maintain a targeted research and monitoring program to guide biodiversity management in 

the NNR 


indicators 

(i) Identify, and prioritise, the reserve’s biodiversity management 

requirements for baseline information, research and monitoring. 

(ii) Collect key baseline biodiversity data and research information for 

the reserve, including vegetation community and species mapping; 

faunal species data and population profiles; the ecological capacity of 

the reserve; optimal stocking rates of wildlife; climatological data 

collection; fire history; optimal fire regimes for the reserve; the state 

of bush encroachment; and water availability and quality. 

(iii) Develop, implement and/or maintain key biodiversity monitoring 

activities in the reserve, including vegetation monitoring; the state of 

bush encroachment; and game counts. 

(iv) Facilitate access for external research institutions to implement 

the reserve’s priority research and monitoring requirements. 

(v) Maintain information from field patrol fauna and flora records. 

Objective 1.6: Effectively manage the Nylsvley Ramsar Site 

Reserve database of 

managementoriented 

biodiversity 

information. 

Management decisions 

based on information 

contained in the 

biodiversity database. 


indicators 

(i) Manage the Nylsvley Ramsar Site according to the 2012 Nylsvley 

Effective 

n/a 

Ramsar Site Management Plan. 

management of 


1 2 3 4 5 

Management 

Authority 



Management 

Authority 



Management 

Authority 



Management 

Authority 





1 2 3 4 5 

Management 

Authority 


Nylsvley Ramsar Site. 




KPA 2: SUSTAINABLE USE 


Tourism and recreation infrastructure and services 


1 

In developing and maintaining tourism and recreational infrastructure and services, the 

reserve shall obtain the necessary authorisation in terms of the relevant building, water, 

drainage, health, safety, waste, traffic and environmental Acts, Regulations and By-laws. 

2 

3 

Tourism and recreational infrastructure and services developed within the nature reserve 

must be appropriate to the purpose for which the reserve has been proclaimed, and must not 

threaten its biodiversity or ecological function. 

Tourism and recreational infrastructure and services shall be developed in response to 

tourism market demands and opportunities within the reserve, and should be carefully 

assessed to determine its viability. 

Marketing, awareness-raising and education 


The reserve shall collaborate and cooperate with key local, regional and institutional partners 

to: (i) strengthen the marketing of the reserve’s tourism and recreational infrastructure and 

1 services; (ii) improve the awareness of the reserve, and its prospective uses, in local 

communities; and (iii) further develop the use of the reserve as a local educational resource 

for teaching institutions. 

Natural resource harvesting 



relating 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 provincial 

1 


Policy on the donation of game from State-owned nature reserves to Historically 

Disadvantaged Individuals (HDIs) in the wildlife industry; and 

Draft policy for the reduction of game from (provincial) nature reserves. 

2 

Sustainable use of natural and biological resources may be undertaken under strictly 

controlled conditions, provided that it does not compromise the ecological functioning or 

biodiversity conservation imperatives of the reserve. 


Managing environmental impacts of use 


1 

The reserve shall strive to continually improve its environmental management systems, 

through reducing or mitigating the environmental impacts of, inter alia: administrative and 

visitor infrastructure; solid waste disposal; water supply and distribution systems; energy 

supply and distribution networks; sewage systems; and herbicide and fuel supplies. 



KPA 2: Sustainable Use 

Objective 2.1: Construct, upgrade and maintain day visitor and overnight visitor buildings and infrastructure in the NNR 


indicators 

(i) Upgrade, renovate and maintain the overnight visitor buildings, 

Functional overnight Level of conformance 

facilities, equipment and linked infrastructure (including bulk 

and day visitor (%) with South African 

infrastructure), to meet the relevant LTA/LEDET standards for the 

buildings and 

National Standard 

provision of nature-based tourism products. 

infrastructure. (SANS) 1197:2012. 

(ii) Upgrade and expand overnight facilities to accommodate more 

guests, especially with a view to the conference facilities available at 

the NNR. 

(iii) Assess the feasibility of developing a camping/caravanning site 

proximate to the designated picnic site. 

(iv) Upgrade all birding hides within the NNR. 

(v) Standardise, install and maintain directional and informational 

signage 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 NNR 


indicators 

(i) Offer day and night drives, as well as special birding tours for 

visitors to the NNR (in battery operated vehicles). 

(ii)Expand and develop guided informative mountain biking tours 

across the floodplain to enhance the game viewing experience. 

(iii) Facilitate controlled access to the reserve for other 

complementary recreational activities, including additional hiking 

trails. 

Effectively managed 

and regularly 

maintained tourism 

and recreational 

services. 

Level of conformance 

(%) with South African 

National Standard 

(SANS) 1197:2012. 


1 2 3 4 5 

LTA 

LTA; Senior 

Manager (SONR) 

LTA 


LTA 

LTA 


1 2 3 4 5 

LTA 

LTA 

LTA 


Objective 2.3: Develop and implement a focused and cost-effective marketing, awareness-raising and educational programme for the NNR 


indicators 

(i) Continually provide updated information in the ongoing 

Improved awareness Numbers of visitors and 

development of corporate, regional and provincial tourism marketing 

of tourism and users. 

products and materials. 

recreational products 

(ii) Design, publish and distribute reserve-specific brochures and 

of the reserve. 

pamphlets for visitors and users. 

(iii) Establish links with local educational institutions and networks in 

order to promote subsidised access to, and use of, the reserve as an 

educational resource. 

(iv) Maintain daily information on the reserve visitors and users (e.g. 

numbers/group, age category, gender, time of visit, length of stay, 

nationality, etc.) in a standardised corporate format. 


1 2 3 4 5 

LTA; Management 

Authority: Tourism 

LTA 

LTA; Management 

Authority: 

Conservation 

Education 

Directorate (CED) 

LTA 

Objective 2.4: Manage and mitigate the environmental impacts of conservation management, tourism, recreation and natural resource use in the NNR 


indicators 

(i) Introduce more environmentally-friendly technologies (e.g. low 

No extraneous Spot checks and audits. 

wattage lighting, dual flush toilets, waterless urinals, water saving 

building, equipment 

shower heads, the removal of baths, bio-technology for waste 

and infrastructure in 

treatment, drought tolerant grass, etc.) during the renovation and 


upgrading of the tourism and recreational buildings and 

infrastructure, wherever this is cost-effective. 

(ii) Close and rehabilitate all solid waste dumpsites in the reserve, and 

remove all solid waste to the nearest municipal dumpsite. 

(iii) Close/remove/demolish and rehabilitate all extraneous and 

unused buildings and foundations, dumped materials, old equipment, 

gravel pits and old fencing. 


1 2 3 4 5 

LTA 


LTA 



KPA 3: ENFORCEMENT, SECURITY AND ACCESS CONTROL 


Boundaries and access control 


1 


relating to boundaries and access control: 

Technical management guidelines and procedures for the management of access and 

access control on provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/4); and 

Guidelines for fencing of provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/3). 

2 

3 

The boundaries of the reserve shall, at all times, be clearly demarcated and be regularly 

maintained. 

All entry and exit points shall be properly managed to ensure that access to, and through, the 

reserve is effectively controlled at all times. 

Law enforcement and compliance 


1 

An adequately trained and suitably equipped field ranger complement shall be deployed in 

and 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 the 

basic maintenance of equipment and infrastructure. 



KPA 3: Enforcement, Security and Access Control 

Objective 3.1: Maintain controlled access to the NNR 


indicators 

(i) Ensure that all reserve visitor gates and management entry points 

The reserve assets Profile of reserve visitors 

are adequately staffed and administered. 

are secure. 

and users. 

(ii) Intensify patrols inside the NNR and especially along gravel roads. 

The reserve visitors Incident record of illegal 

(iii) Ensure regular maintenance of the perimeter fencing. 

and users have access. 

(iv) Develop, and implement, mechanisms for subsidised entry for 

equitable access to 

local community user and interest groups. 

the reserve, and are 

(v) Facilitate controlled access for external institutions undertaking 

safe from harm. 

relevant research and monitoring programs within the reserve. 

Objective 3.2: Sustain an effective law enforcement and compliance capacity in the NNR 


indicators 

(i) Ensure the provision of enforcement and compliance training for all 

reserve field staff. 

(ii) Ensure that the field ranger staff complement is adequately 

resourced and equipped to fulfil an effective enforcement and 

compliance function. 

(iii) Maintain regular patrols of the reserve and its boundaries. 

(iv) Maintain and collate information on all enforcement incidents. 

(v) Undertake a threat analysis to determine all potential threats to 

the safety and security of the reserve. 

Incremental decrease 

in incidences of 

illegal activities 

occurring in the 


Number of formal 

warnings and fines 

issued, and successful 

prosecutions concluded. 


1 2 3 4 5 

LTA; Reserve 

Manager 



LTA 



1 2 3 4 5 


Management 

Authority: HRD 


Management 

Authority: HR, HRD, 

SIS 



Management 

Authority: SONR & 

Special 

Investigations 


KPA 4: INFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT (OPERATIONS) 


Roads, track and footpaths 


1 


relating to the development, maintenance and upgrading of roads: 

Technical management guidelines and procedures for the development, maintenance 

and upgrading of roads in provincial nature reserves. 

2 

The reserve shall rationalise the network of roads, tracks and footpaths to reduce 

maintenance costs and limit environmental impacts, while ensuring adequate access for 

tourism and operational management requirements. 

Bulk services 


The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the following legislation in supplying 

bulk services: 

NEMWA; 

1 

WSA; 

NBRBSA; and 

Municipal By-laws. 

2 

The reserve shall strive to phase out bulk services that have a detrimental impact on the 

environment. It will, in turn, seek to introduce more sustainable technologies, wherever 

practicable and cost-effective. 

Administrative and other operations infrastructure 


1 

In developing and maintaining administrative and operations infrastructure, the reserve shall 

obtain the necessary authorisation in terms of the relevant building, water, drainage, health, 

safety, waste, traffic and environmental Acts, Regulations and By-laws. 

2 

Administrative and operations infrastructure and services must be limited, and appropriately 

scaled, to the necessary administrative and operational requirements of the reserve, and 

must not threaten its biodiversity or ecological function. 

Operations equipment and vehicles 


1 

The reserve shall acquire and/or replace the equipment and vehicles necessary to implement 

the high priority activities identified in this SP. 

2 

All reserve equipment and vehicles shall be regularly maintained in accordance with the 

manufacturers’ specifications. 



KPA 4: Infrastructure and equipment (operations) 

Objective 4.1: Maintain the road and track network in the NNR 


indicators 

(i) Schedule, and implement, the upgrading and maintenance of all 

Rationalised network State (using a grading 

management roads in the reserve. 

of well-maintained system) of visitor roads 

(ii) Close and rehabilitate all unused, extraneous and/or highly 

visitor roads and and tracks. 

erodible tracks and roads in the reserve. 

tracks. 

(iii) Renovate and maintain a rationalised network of self-guided 

and/or guided hiking trails traversing the reserve. 

Objective 4.2: Construct, maintain and upgrade the bulk services infrastructure in the NNR 


indicators 

(i) Facilitate the provision of more staff accommodation and ablution 

Sufficient 

Number of staff 

facilities, where required. 

accommodation for members leaving the 

(ii) Install and maintain generator and/or solar power systems for the 

all staff members. reserve. 

operation of the waterholes in the NNR. 

A positive staff 

(iii) Expand and upgrade the water supply, storage and treatment 

morale. 

capacity for the reserve, with a specific focus on tourist 

Fully operational 

accommodation facilities. 

waterholes. 

Objective 4.3: Acquire and maintain operational equipment and vehicles for the NNR 


indicators 

(i) Maintain a reliable internal communications network for the 

State (using a grading 

reserve, including repeaters, a base station, hand-held radios and car 

system) of reserve 

radios. 

equipment and vehicles. 

(ii) Maintain and service diesel pumps at all game water points and 

renovate the pipelines and water troughs at these water points, as 

required. 

Sufficient, and 

adequately 

maintained reserve 

equipment and 

vehicles. 


1 2 3 4 5 




LTA 


1 2 3 4 5 

Management 

Authority; LTA 



LTA 


1 2 3 4 5 




(iii) Assess the cost effectiveness of the acquisition of a grader (or 

sharing of a grader within the cluster) and, if feasible, procuring it. 

(iv) Maintain and/or replace all reserve vehicles and equipment 

according to the manufacturers’ specifications and/or corporate 

replacement cycles. 

(v) Establish an electronic network (i.e. internet and e-mail) for, and 

connect services and applications to, the reserve. 

(vi) Maintain and constantly update an equipment register and 

develop an infrastructure register. 

Regional Manager 


Management 

Authority: 

Transport 

Management 

Authority: IT 


Management 

Authority: PAM 


KPA 5: STRATEGIC PARTNER INVOLVEMENT 


Stakeholder communications 


1 

Stakeholder communications shall be focused on strengthening a sense of ownership and 

empowerment in the Nylsvley community, through an improved understanding of the 

contribution of the reserve to socio-economic development and biodiversity conservation. 

2 

Stakeholder communications shall seek to develop a common understanding in surrounding 

communities of the issues affecting the integrity of the reserve, and collaborative approaches 

to resolve these. 

Local and regional initiatives 


1 

2 

The reserve management shall actively collaborate with national, provincial and local tourism 

and conservation initiatives that could contribute to meeting the objectives of this SP. 

The reserve shall strive to work with the relevant government institutions in order to 

integrate all local and regional planning and socio-economic development activities affecting 


Employment, empowerment and capacity building 


The reserve shall strive to contribute to the socio-economic development of local surrounding 

1 

communities. 



KPA 5: Stakeholder Involvement 

Objective 5.1: Ensure the ongoing involvement of a representative and functional Nylsvley Nature Reserve Management Advisory Committee 


indicators 

(i) Draft a Terms of Reference (TOR) for a reserve management 

Record of meetings and 

advisory committee, with specific attention to the decision-making 

decisions. 

role of the committee. 

(ii) Identify the stakeholder groups (e.g. Friends of Nylsvley, WfW, 

WOF and the Department of Public Works) for, recruit members to, 

and constitute, the management advisory committee. 

(iii) Provide support (logistical, administrative, technical, professional, 

financial and/or leadership) to, and actively participate in, the reserve 

management advisory committee. 

Regular meetings of 

the reserve 

management 

advisory committee. 


1 2 3 4 5 


Tourism Manager 





Objective 5.2: Actively participate in local and regional conservation and socio-economic initiatives that may affect or benefit the NNR 


indicators 

(i) Participate in local municipal IDP planning processes, with a specific 

Improved costeffectiveness 

n/a 

focus on the provision of municipal infrastructure and services to the 

of the 

reserve and supporting local economic development initiatives in the 

reserve operations as 

Nylsvley community. 

a result of 

(ii) Build positive partnerships that benefit the operations and 

local/regional 

management activities of the NNR. 

partnerships. 

(iii) Support local/regional initiatives (e.g. FPAs) with a specific focus 

on rationalising the reserve firebreaks and improving access to firefighting 

resources and support. 

. 


1 2 3 4 5 






KPA 6: ADMINISTRATION AND PLANNING 


Legal status 


1 

The legal tenure for the effective planning and management of the reserve as a provincial 

protected area shall be secured. 

Human resources 


The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the following human resources 

legislation: 

LRA; 

BCEA; 

1 

EEA; 

SDA; 

OHSA; and 

PSA. 

2 

The reserve shall, in partnership with the Nylsvley community, identify opportunities for the 

training, capacity building and/or preferential employment of individuals permanently 

resident in surrounding villages. 

Administration 


1 

The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the following financial management 

legislation: 

PFMA (and associated Treasury Regulations). 

2 

3 


relating to supply chain management: 

Draft procedure manual for demand and acquisition management. 

The reserve shall conform to all relevant provincial/departmental financial and administrative 

reporting requirements. 

Information management 


1 

All information that is used to support the operational planning and decision-making in the 

reserve shall be collected, collated, updated, maintained and presented in a cost-effective 

format that is readily accessible for use by management. 



KPA 6: Administration and Planning 

Objective 6.1: Review and amend the administrative system of the NNR 


indicators 

(i) Review and amend the administrative system of the NNR to be 

A more efficient, less Effective day to day 

more efficient and less time consuming. 

time consuming and financial management of 

(ii) Open accounts at several procurement companies. 

practical 


administration 

(iii) Implement a petty cash system with a strict control system. 

system. 

Objective 6.2: Maintain an adequately equipped, resourced and trained staff complement for the NNR 


indicators 

(i) Ensure that all vacant posts in the reserve’s approved organogram 

are filled. 

(ii) Identify training needs, and facilitate access to training programs 

for reserve staff, with a priority focus on field ranger and IT skills. 

(iii) Implement the institutional staff performance appraisal system. 

(iv) Ensure that each staff member is regularly issued with uniform, 

protective clothing (as may be required) and the necessary equipment 

to fulfil their job function. Have clear job descriptions on record. 

(v) Maintain all staff information for the reserve (leave records, 

attendance registers, overtime, etc.). 

(vi) Implement the institutional Occupational Health and Safety 

policies and procedures in the reserve. 

n/a n/a Regional Manager; 

Management 

Authority 


1 2 3 4 5 

Management 

Authority 

Management 

Authority 

Management 

Authority 


1 2 3 4 5 

Management 

Authority: HR 



Management 

Authority 




Objective 6.3: Institute and maintain an effective administrative and planning capability in the NNR 


indicators 

(i) Maintain and update all assets and stock inventory registers and 

Asset inventory, Spot checks and audits. 

reports for the reserve. 

stock registers, 

(ii) Maintain a reserve-based record of all purchases made, accounts 

financial records, 

paid and services procured in support of reserve operations over each 

monthly reports and 

financial year. 

APOs are all up to 

(iii) Prepare the reserve Annual Plan of Operations (APO). 

date. 

(iv) Facilitate the implementation of annual METT-SA assessments for 


Objective 6.4: Establish, maintain and host a reliable inventory of key information on the NNR and its ongoing management 


indicators 

(i) Prepare and submit monthly reports to the Regional Manager. 

Up to date, and 

n/a 

(ii) Institute and maintain an electronic and/or hard copy filing system 

accessible, 

for all reserve-specific information. 

information on the 

(iii) Determine the economic valuation of the NNR. 

reserve and its 

management. 


1 2 3 4 5 





Management 

Authority: PAM 


1 2 3 4 5 





5. RESOURCING AND GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK 

This section provides brief recommendations on the minimum staffing complement and funding that 

would 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 the 

Nylsvley Nature Reserve Management Advisory Committee (NNRMAC) in the development, 

implementation, monitoring and review of the RMP. 

5.1 Staffing Requirements 

It is proposed that the following minimum staffing complement would be required to implement this 

SP 7 : 

POST DESIGNATION 

NUMBER 

Reserve Manager 1 

Tourism Manager 1 

Biodiversity Manager 1 

Infrastructure Manager 1 

Senior Ranger 1 

Field Ranger 14 

Gate Guard 2 

Logistical Support Services: 

Cleaner 1 

Administrative Officer 1 

Artisan 1 

Tourism Staff (Including Resort 

General Manager) 

14 

Total 38 

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 RPT 

on any (mostly minor) adjustments/changes that may be required to this approved organogram in order to more effectively implement the SP 

for the next five years. 


5.2 Funding Requirements 

It is proposed that the following operational 8 and capital 9 budget would be required to implement this SP: 

KEY PERFORMANCE AREA 

2013/2014 2014/2015 2015/2016 2016/2017 2017/2018 

CAPEX 

(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 500,000 100,000 250,000 60,000 150,000 65,000 200,000 50,000 0 30,000 

KPA 2: Sustainable use 800,000 45,000 500,00 50,000 250,000 50,000 20,000 15,000 100,000 35,000 

KPA 3: Enforcement, security and access control 150,000 100,000 100,000 20,000 100,000 25,000 50,00 35,000 0 15,000 

KPA 4: Infrastructure and equipment 4,000,000 200,000 1,000,000 65,000 500,000 50,000 200,000 50,000 150,000 100,000 

KPA 5: Strategic partner involvement 50,000 100,000 20,000 15,000 20,000 20,000 10,000 0 0 20,000 

KPA 6: Administration and planning 100,000 30,000 10,000 35,000 10,000 15,000 5,000 55,000 0 5,000 

Total 5,600,000 575,000 1,880,000 245,000 1,300,000 225,000 485,000 205,000 250,000 205,000 

8 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 documented 

expenditure for operational costs in Limpopo’s provincial 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. 

9 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 or 

roads), bulk services (e.g. costs/m for pipelines, etc.), or building costs (e.g. cost/m 2 for staff accommodation or chalets), etc. 


5.3 Roles and Responsibilities 

The key responsibilities of the reserve management team and the NNRMAC in the development, 

implementation, monitoring and review of the RMP are summarised as follows: 

Reserve Management Team (SONR) 


(Waterberg) 


(Nylsvley Nature 

Reserve) 

Biodiversity Unit 

(Management 

Authority HO) 

The Regional Manager shall have overall responsibility for: 

Ensuring the alignment of the SP with Provincial and LEDET policies and 

guidelines; 

Ensuring the coordination and alignment of the SP with other 

departmental activities and initiatives; 

Providing oversight of the implementation the SP and APO; 

Reporting on the performance of the NNR in the implementation of the 

SP and APO to the Senior Manager (SONR); 

Instituting corrective actions to ensure that the SP and linked APO is 

implemented, reviewed and updated; and 

Approval of the APO. 

The Reserve Manager shall have direct responsibility for: 

Annually drafting an APO to operationalise the priority activities 

identified in the SP; 

Implementation of the APO; 

Monitoring of performance against the APO (and the SP); 

Management of reserve staff, resources and finances in the 

implementation of the APO; and 

Communicating with the Regional Manager about obstacles in the 

implementation of the APO. 

The Biodiversity Unit of the Management Authority shall have direct 

responsibility for: 

Implementation of the designated priority activities in the SP, and 

linked APO; and 

Providing professional and technical support to the Regional Manager, 

Reserve Manager and NNRMAC in the implementation of the SP and 

APO. 

The Regional Manager and Senior Manager (SONR) are the officials responsible for submitting the SP to 

the Head of Department (HOD, Economic Development, Environment and Tourism) for formal approval 

and adoption. The HOD will then submit the approved SP to the Limpopo MEC for Economic 

Development, Environment and Tourism as per the requirements of NEMPAA. This can be summarized 

as follows: 


RESERVE 

MANAGEMENT 

PLAN 

COMPONENT 

SP / APO Reserve Manager Nylsvley Nature 

Reserve 

Management 

Advisory 

SP / APO 

RESPONSIBILITY SUBMIT TO OUTCOME SOUGHT FREQUENCY 

Regional 

Manager 

Committee 

Senior Manager 

(SONR) 

Approval of final 

draft. 

Approval of final 

version of SP and 

APO. 

Departmental 

SP 

Senior Manager HOD (LEDET) 

(SONR) 

adoption of SP. 

SP HOD (LEDET) MEC (LEDET) Formal approval 

and adoption as per 

legal requirements. 

SP (at 5-year 

intervals); 

APO (annually) 

SP (5-yearly); 

APO (annually) 

SP (5-yearly) 

SP (5-yearly) 


6. BIBLIOGRAPHY 

The following references were extensively consulted during the drafting of this document: 

Bass Air Aviation. 2010. Game count: Nylsvley Nature Reserve – 2010. Unpublished report. 

Cowan, G.I. & Mpongoma, N. 2011. Guidelines for the development of a management plan for a 

protected area in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003. 

Unpublished document. 

Envirodel. 2004. Nylsvley Nature Reserve Ecological Management Plan. Unpublished report. 

IUCN. 2012. [online] Available at: [Accessed July 2012]. 

LEDET. 2012. Guidelines for the development of Management Plans for Limpopo’s Provincial Nature 

Reserves. Unpublished planning guideline. 

Limpopo Department of Agriculture. 2012. [online] Available at: 

[Accessed 

June 2012]. 

Limpopo Tourism and Parks. Undated. Request for proposals: Upgrading of Nylsvley Birding Lodge and 

Nature Reserve. 

Macfarlane, D.M. and Teixeira-Leite, A. 2012. Nylsvley Ramsar Site Management Plan. Version. 0.1. 

Report prepared for the Department of Environmental Affairs. 

Mookgophong Local Municipality. 2012. IDP: 2012-2017. Local Municipal Integrated Development 

Plan. 

Mucina, L. & Rutherford, M.C. (eds.). 2006. The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. 

Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. 

Municipal Demarcation Board. 2012. [online] Available at: http://www.demarcation.org.za/# 

[Accessed December 2012]. 

Nel, E.J. & Kruger, J.W. 2012. Scientific Review: State Owned Nature Reserves – Limpopo. Unpublished 

report. 

Stats SA. 2012. [online] Available at: 

http://interactive.statssa.gov.za/superweb/loadDatabase.do?db=Descriptive11_wd [Accessed 

December 2012]. 

Waterberg District Municipality. 2011. IDP: 2011/2012. District Municipal Integrated Development 

Plan. 


ANNEXURE 1: ZONATION CATEGORIES (CHARACTERISTICS) 

The main characteristics of each use zone are summarized in the tables below: 

ZONE ZONE OBJECTIVE CHARACTERISTICS 

Natural 

Users: 

− To provide easy access 

to experience the 

reserve’s natural 

landscapes, habitats, 

species and heritage 

resources. 

Conservation: 

− To minimise and 

mitigate the effects of 

visitor use on the 

reserve’s natural 

habitats and species 

and its cultural sites. 

- Areas of extensive and 

accessible natural 

habitats and species. 

- Areas with important 

heritage sites and 

features. 

- Areas whose primary 

habitats, species and 

cultural sites are 

resilient to the impacts 

of regular visitor use. 

- Areas with popular view 

sites or natural and 

cultural attractions. 

- Areas with an extensive 

and accessible road, trail 

and track network. 

- Areas that require active 

conservation 


interventions. 

- Areas with moderate 

levels of visibility 

obtrusiveness. 

VISITOR 

ACTIVITIES 

- Game viewing. 

- Motorised 2x4 selfdrive 

access on 

designated routes. 

- Permitted motorised 

4x4 trails on 

designated routes. 

- Day hiking trails 

and/or short trails. 

- Bird hides, canoeing, 

mountain biking and 

rock-climbing, 

where appropriate. 

- Other recreational 

activities that may 

be considered 

appropriate by 

reserve 

management. 

- No accommodation 

or camping. 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

FACILITIES / 

INFRASTRUCTURE 

Self-drive roads and 4x4 

tracks. Roads may be 

surfaced where visitor use 

levels are high. 

Management access 

roads and management 

tracks. 

Perimeter firebreaks. 

Small picnic areas and 

ablution facilities may be 

provided. 

Parking or viewing sites/ 

areas may be provided. 

No accommodation or 

camping. 

Signage may be erected 

to designate routes 

(including 4x4, horse, 

MTB, canoe, 2x4 selfdrive, 

etc.), closed areas 

or junctions. 

VISITOR ACCESS 

- Cater for all reserve 

visitors. 

- Vehicle access on 

dedicated routes, 

with pedestrian 

access from parking 

areas or adjacent 

development zones. 

- On water, only nonmotorised 

crafts 

allowed, unless 

otherwise agreed. 

MANAGEMENT 

GUIDELINES 

Visitor and 

conservation 

management: 

- Intensive 

maintenance of 

visitor facilities 

and 


- Active 

enforcement of 


regulations. 

− Intensive 

conservation 


activities 

undertaken. 

Consumptive Use: 

− Sustainable use 

of natural 

resources may, 

where feasible, 

be considered on 

application, and 

subject to a 

formal permitting 

arrangement. 


Development – Low Intensity 

Users: 

− To provide small to 

medium-sized picnic, 

accommodation 

and/or camping 

facilities and services. 

− To facilitate access to 

environmental 

educational facilities 

and services. 

Conservation: 

− To contain the impacts 

and footprint of 

reserve visitor 

facilities, services and 


− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

Areas with a 

contained, low-density 

development 

footprint. 

Areas with roads, trails 

and small to mediumscale 

recreational 

facilities and 

accommodation 


Degraded or 

transformed areas. 

Natural or seminatural 

habitats. 

Areas with a high 

visitor absorptive 

capacity. 

Areas with limited 

biodiversity 

significance. 

Areas that are easily 

accessible from the 

reserve entry points. 

Areas where risk of 

fire damage to 

infrastructure is low, 

or can be mitigated. 

Areas with low 

visibility from the 

surrounding 

landscape. 

Areas that have access 

to potable water, and 

not sensitive to 

disposal of treated 

wastewater. 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

Picnic and braaiing. 

Parking. 

Overnight 

accommodation. 

Camping/ 

caravanning. 

Environmental 

education. 

- Reception offices. 

- Small camping/ 

caravanning facilities. 

- Small lodges/ tented 

camps/ self-catering units. 

- Small restaurant or 

catering facilities for 

overnight guests only. 

- Surfaced roads and 

parking areas. 

- Bird hides. 

- Services (power, waste 

management, water, 

etc.). 


visitors. 

- Motorised self-drive 

car access. 

- Tour bus access. 

- Parking and walk-in 

for day and overnight 

visitors. 

- Intensive 

development and 


visitor facilities, 

services and 


- Active 



regulations. 

- Limited 

conservation 


activities 

undertaken. 

− Risk management 

(e.g. fire safety) 

measures 

implemented. 

− Development 

footprint actively 

contained. 


− Sustainable use 

of natural 

resources may, 

where feasible, 

be considered on 

application, and 

subject to a 

formal permitting 

arrangement. 


Development – High Intensity 

Users: 

− To provide medium 

sized to large scale 

accommodation 

facilities, and 

associated attractions 

and conveniences. 

Conservation: 

− To contain the impacts 

and footprint of 

reserve visitor 

facilities, services and 


− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

Areas with an extensive 

high-density 

development footprint. 

Areas with roads, trails 

and small to mediumscale 

recreational 

facilities and 

accommodation 


Degraded or 

transformed areas. 

Natural or semi-natural 

habitats. 

Areas with a high visitor 

absorptive capacity. 

Areas with limited 

biodiversity significance. 

Areas that are easily 



Areas where risk of fire 

damage to 

infrastructure is low, or 

can be mitigated. 

Areas with low visibility 

from the surrounding 

landscape. 

Areas that have access 

to potable water, and 

not sensitive to disposal 

of treated wastewater. 

- Picnicking and 

braaiing. 

- Overnight 

accommodation. 

- Camping/ 

caravanning. 

- Meetings, workshop 

or mini conference 

activities. 

- Parking. 

- Swimming. 

- Medium-sized lodges or 

hotels. 

- High density self-catering 

units. 

- Medium to large-scale 

camping/ caravanning 

facilities. 

- Fuel supply pump. 

- Amenities, including 

restaurants and shops. 

- Surfaced roads. 

- Services (power, waste 

management, water, etc.). 

- Swimming pool. 

- Air strip. 


visitors. 

- Motorised self-drive 

car access. 

- Tour bus access. 

- Parking and walk-in 

for day and overnight 

visitors. 

- Air access may be 

permitted. 

Visitor and 

conservation 


- Intensive 

development and 


visitor facilities, 

services and 


- Active 



regulations. 

- Limited 

conservation 


activities 

undertaken. 

− Risk management 

(e.g. fire safety) 

measures 

− 

implemented. 

Development 

footprint actively 

contained. 


- None. 


Development - Reserve Administration 

To define the location of 

the infrastructure and 

facilities for reserve 

administration. 

- Areas with extensive 

degraded or transformed 

footprints. 

- Areas able to 

accommodate high 

disturbance, with no 

identified sensitive 

biodiversity. 

- Areas proximate to high 

and low intensity 

development zones. 

- Areas with low visibility 

from the surrounding 

landscape. 

- Areas that are easily 



- Areas that have access to 

potable water, and not 

sensitive to disposal of 

treated wastewater. 

n/a − Administrative offices. 

− Storage facilities. 

− Garage facilities. 

− Workshops. 

− Game capture and 

holding facilities. 

− Parking. 

NOTE: 

Reserve administrative offices 

may also be located within the 

Development - Low/High 

Intensity Zones. 

Access to reserve 

reception and 

administrative offices. 

n/a 


Special Protection / Special Management 

Special Protection (Species, Habitats, 

Heritage) 

Special Management (Resource 

Utilisation) 

− 

− 

− 

Protection of 

species, 

habitats or 

heritage sites 

of special 

conservation 

concern. 

Restrict 

access to 

prevent 

disturbance 

and/or 

damage. 

Regulation 

and control of 

resource 

utilisation 

(commercial 

and/or 

communitybased), 

including 

hunting. 

- Sites or areas where 

uncontrolled public 

access is undesirable due 

to the presence of 

threatened species and 

habitats or sensitive 

heritage features. 

- Demarcated sites or 

areas where seasonal 

utilisation of natural 

resources (e.g. 

harvesting of grass for 

thatching, collection of 

reeds for building 

material, hunting of 

wildlife for trophies or 

meat, etc.) takes place. 

- Research. 

- Guided nature/ 

heritage visits under 

strictly controlled 

conditions. 

- Motorised access on 

designated routes 

(primarily gravel 

roads). 

- Walking access on 

designated footpaths 

and trails. 

- Commercial hunting, 

under strict permit 

conditions. 

Usually none, but footpaths 

and tracks to allow 

management access may be 

permitted. 

Where visitor access is 

permitted, strict access 

control is required to delimit 

access routes, and, if 

necessary, screen visitors; i.e. 

hides, boardwalks, screened 

routes, and paths with railings 

may be appropriate. 

Self-drive roads, 4x4 tracks, 

management access roads 

and management tracks. 

Parking or viewing sites/ areas 

may be provided. 

Basic accommodation or 

camping facilities may be 

provided. 

Signage may be erected to 

designate seasonally closed 

areas. 

Public / tourism access 

normally not allowed. 

May be permitted under 

very tightly controlled 

conditions, to be 

determined per site. 

Public / tourism access 

will only be regulated 

during the resource 

utilisation season. 

For hunting areas, the 

zone will be closed for all 

other visitors. 

For other resource 

utilisation zones, 

public/tourism access 

may be permitted, 

although the specific 

access conditions will 

vary from site to site. 

Visitor and 

conservation 


− Restrictions on 

access and 

numbers of 

visitors may be 

enforced. 

− Active 

conservation 

and heritage 


activities 

undertaken, as 

required. 


- None. 

Visitor and 

conservation 


− 

− 

Seasonal 

restrictions on 

access may be 

enforced. 

Active 

management of 

resource 

utilisation 

permits. 


- Natural 

resource 

harvesting and 

collection.

Guiding principles for reserve management - NCC Environmental ...

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