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AUTHORIZATIONThis Strategic Plan (SP) for the Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (LRNR) was drafted and recommended bythe Reserve Planning Team (RPT), a multi-disciplinary team consisting of:NAMED.R. MabasaS.W. KrugerG.M. MoyoM.C. VorsterPOSITION AND ORGANIZATIONReserve Manager: LRNR, Limpopo Department of Economic Development,Environment and Tourism (LEDET)Manager: Biodiversity, LEDETSenior Field Ranger: LRNR, LEDETMajeje Tribal Authority, Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve Co-ManagementCommittee (LRNRCMC)The drafting of this SP was supported by the following Protected Area Planning Specialist, Core PlanningTeam, Project Management Team, and Scientific Support Services Team:P.J. Binney – Private ConsultantD. Ferreira - NCC GroupJ. Jackelman – EnvirocentricM. Norval - NCCA. Purnell – NCCR. Dyer (Project Manager) - NCCK. Potgieter (Technical Scribe & Editor) - NCCF. Domingo (Technical Support) – NCCF. Ally (Technical Support) – NCCT. Esack (Technical Support) – NCCS. Atmore (Technical Support) – NCCPROTECTED AREA PLANNING SPECIALISTCORE PLANNING TEAMPROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM & TECHNICIANSSCIENTIFIC SUPPORT SERVICESG. Benn (GIS) - GeoCline ConsultingR. Colyn (Climatological Data and Vegetation) – NCCR. Jangle (Vegetation) – NCCM. Burger (Amphibians) – Consulting HerpetologistB. Havemann (Mammals, Reptiles & Fish) - ConsultantR. Colyn (Avifauna) – NCCJ. du Plessis (Avifauna) – NCCThis SP is recommended for approval by:NAME AND TITLEMr Solly KgopongActing Head ofDepartmentLEDETSIGNATURE AND DATEReserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 1

This SP is approved by:NAME AND TITLEHonourable PinkyKekanaMember of theExecutive CouncilLEDETSIGNATURE AND DATEReserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 2

NOTEAt the time of writing, the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism(LEDET) is fulfilling the role of Management Authority of the provincial nature reserves of LimpopoProvince. It is, however, anticipated that this responsibility will be taken over by a different agencyduring the course of 2013. The details of this takeover were unfortunately not available during thecompilation of this Strategic Plan and, as a result, the term “Management Authority” is used to replacethe name of the existing Management Authority – LEDET - where relevant.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 3

TABLE OF CONTENTSAUTHORIZATION .......................................................................................................................................... 1FOREWORD .................................................................................................................................................. 7ABBREVIATIONS AND PLANNING TERMS..................................................................................................... 8EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................... 10i) Purpose of the plan ............................................................................................................................. 10ii) Reserve context ................................................................................................................................. 10iii) Reserve values ................................................................................................................................... 12iv) Management issues and challenges ................................................................................................. 12v) Desired condition of the reserve ....................................................................................................... 13vi) Key management activities and targets ............................................................................................ 13vii) Institutional arrangements and budget requirements .................................................................... 151. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 161.1 The Reserve Management Plan ....................................................................................................... 161.2 Purpose and structure of the Strategic Plan .................................................................................... 161.3 The steps in preparing the Strategic Plan ........................................................................................ 171.3.1 Stakeholder Consultation .......................................................................................................... 182. CONTEXTUAL FRAMEWORK ............................................................................................................... 192.1 Location ............................................................................................................................................ 192.2 Legal status ...................................................................................................................................... 192.3 Institutional arrangements .............................................................................................................. 232.3.1 General ...................................................................................................................................... 232.3.1.1 Limpopo Tourism Agency ....................................................................................................... 232.3.1.2 Department of Water Affairs ................................................................................................. 242.3.1.3 Department of Public Works .................................................................................................. 242.3.1.4 Department of Environmental Affairs .................................................................................... 252.3.1.5 Limpopo Department of Agriculture and the Expanded Public Works Programme .............. 252.3.2 Institutional Arrangements Specifically Relevant to the Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve .......... 252.4 Reserve description .......................................................................................................................... 262.4.1 History ....................................................................................................................................... 262.4.2 Climate ...................................................................................................................................... 262.4.3 Topography ............................................................................................................................... 272.4.4 Geology and Soils ...................................................................................................................... 272.4.4.1 Geology .................................................................................................................................. 27Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 4

2.4.4.2 Soils ........................................................................................................................................ 282.4.4.3 Soil Erosion ............................................................................................................................. 282.4.5 Drainage and Hydrology ........................................................................................................... 282.4.6 Vegetation ................................................................................................................................. 292.4.6.1 Vegetation Types.................................................................................................................... 292.4.6.2 Species of Conservation Concern ........................................................................................... 312.4.6.3 Invasive Alien Plants ............................................................................................................... 312.4.7 Fauna ......................................................................................................................................... 312.4.7.1 Mammals ............................................................................................................................... 322.4.7.1.1 Mammal Species of Conservation Concern ......................................................................... 332.4.7.2 Avifauna ................................................................................................................................. 332.4.7.3 Reptiles and Amphibians ........................................................................................................ 332.4.7.4 Fish ......................................................................................................................................... 342.4.8 Heritage Resources ................................................................................................................... 342.4.9 Reserve Infrastructure .............................................................................................................. 342.4.10 Social Context.......................................................................................................................... 352.5 Local and Regional Planning ............................................................................................................ 352.6 Reserve Expansion ........................................................................................................................... 362.7 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats ........................................................................ 363. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES FRAMEWORK ............................................................................................... 383.1 Purpose ............................................................................................................................................ 383.2 Reserve Values ................................................................................................................................. 383.3 The Reserve Vision ........................................................................................................................... 393.4 Key Performance Areas and Objectives ........................................................................................... 393.5 Zonation ........................................................................................................................................... 404. STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK ................................................................................... 42KPA 1: BIODIVERSITY AND HERITAGE CONSERVATION ......................................................................... 43Guiding principles for reserve management ......................................................................................... 43Management actions and targets .......................................................................................................... 45KPA 2: SUSTAINABLE USE ....................................................................................................................... 49Guiding principles for reserve management ......................................................................................... 49Management actions and targets .......................................................................................................... 51KPA 3: ENFORCEMENT, SECURITY AND ACCESS CONTROL .................................................................... 55Guiding principles for reserve management ......................................................................................... 55Management actions and targets .......................................................................................................... 56Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 5

KPA 4: INFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT (OPERATIONS) ................................................................. 58Guiding principles for reserve management ......................................................................................... 58Management actions and targets .......................................................................................................... 59KPA 5: STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT.................................................................................................... 61Guiding principles for reserve management ......................................................................................... 61Management actions and targets .......................................................................................................... 62KPA 6: ADMINISTRATION AND PLANNING............................................................................................. 65Guiding principles for reserve management ......................................................................................... 65Management actions and targets .......................................................................................................... 665. RESOURCING AND GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK ............................................................................... 695.1 Staffing Requirements ..................................................................................................................... 695.2 Funding Requirements ..................................................................................................................... 705.3 Roles and Responsibilities ................................................................................................................ 715.3.1 Reserve Management ............................................................................................................... 715.3.2 Reserve Planning Team ............................................................................................................. 725.3.3 Management Advisory Committee ........................................................................................... 725.3.4 Reserve Co-Management Committee ...................................................................................... 736. BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................................................................... 74ANNEXURE 1: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION REPORT ......................................................................................... 76ANNEXURE 2: ZONATION CATEGORIES (CHARACTERISTICS)..................................................................... 77Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 6

FOREWORDNature reserves have numerous benefits to both humans and natural ecosystems.They contribute directly to local, regional and national economies throughtourism, employment and expenditure on reserve management. Nature reservesalso facilitate complementary private sector investments, such as infrastructureand commercial services, which includes enabled industries such as the hospitalityindustry. Important social benefits to the public include the provision of aneducational resource; indigenous and heritage values; and in increased quality oflife, health and wellbeing.Nature reserves are established in Limpopo Province as a strategy to protectbiodiversity and enhance ecotourism through Wildlife Resorts which are managedby the Limpopo Tourism Agency. In many instances it has, however, beendetermined that biodiversity continues to decline despite the resources that areinvested in nature reserve management. The current president of South Africa,Mr J.Z. Zuma, has also expressed concern over the threat of extinction of wildlifespecies in the Great Limpopo Trans-frontier Park, especially Rhino. The presence of this species is known toattract criminal syndicates from other countries, where Rhino horn is used for medicinal purposes (Sapa, 2010).The poaching of Rhino causes a disturbance in ecological systems and contributes to environmental degradationand, as a result, strong conservation measures in the nature reserves of Limpopo Province are required in thisregard.In 2004, the 7 th Conference of Parties decided that all member states of the Convention on Biological Diversityshould develop and apply methodologies and criteria that would enable them to measure the effectiveness ofnature reserve (protected area) management in the conservation and protection of biodiversity. South Africa hasendorsed the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT-SA) in thisregard, which is being used in Limpopo Province to measure management effectiveness in nature reserves.Management effectiveness evaluations of nature reserves are vital for the measurement and improvement of theperformance of each provincial nature reserve against set management objectives.The management plans that have been developed for Limpopo Province include: Conservation and tourism objectives for the effective management of the nature reserves that fall under thejurisdiction of Limpopo Province; Tourism marketing and the facilitation of investment opportunities; Capacity building and tourism transformation; METT indicators to ensure the continuous improvement of the management of these nature reserves; and Provision of mechanisms for collaboration with communities and neighbours for harmonious co-existence andbeneficiation to the province and the country.By developing these management plans, the Department has ensured: That Limpopo Province meets its obligatory implementation of international agreements; the Convention onBiological Biodiversity; the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1998 (Act No. 108of 1998); the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003); and theLimpopo Environmental Management Act, 2003 (Act No. 7 of 2003), through which natural resources aremanaged. The provision of ecosystem services for everyone in order to facilitate employment, exports, economicgrowth and a good quality of life. That the sourcing of funds for the management of nature reserves beyond the scope of formal Treasuryallocations is enhanced.HONOURABLE P. KEKANAMEMBER OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL: LEDETMARCH 2013Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 7

ABBREVIATIONS AND PLANNING TERMSABBREVIATIONS:APOAnnual Plan of OperationsBCEA Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997 (Act No. 75 of 1997)CAPEXCapital ExpendituresCARA Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act No. 43 of 1983)DEADepartment of Environmental AffairsDPWDepartment of Public WorksDWADepartment of Water AffairsECParksEastern Cape ParksEEA Employment Equity Act, 1998 (Act No. 55 of 1998)EPWPExtended Public Works ProgrammeFEPAFreshwater Ecosystem Priority AreaFFAFFA Holdings (Pty) Ltd.FPAFire Protection Association [in terms of the National Veld and Forest FireAct, 1998 (Act No. 101 of 1998)]HDIHistorically Disadvantaged IndividualHOHead OfficeHODHead of DepartmentHRHuman ResourcesHRDHuman Resources DevelopmentIDP(municipal) Integrated Development PlanITInformation TechnologyIUCNInternational Union for the Conservation of NatureKNPKruger National ParkKPAKey Performance AreaLDALimpopo Department of AgricultureLEDETLimpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and TourismLTALimpopo Tourism AgencyLRA Labour Relations Act, 1995 (Act No. 66 of 1995)LRNRLetaba Ranch Nature ReserveLRNRCMCLetaba Ranch Nature Reserve Co-Management CommitteeMECMember of the Executive CouncilMETTManagement Effectiveness Tracking ToolMETT-SAManagement Effectiveness Tracking Tool for South AfricaNBRBSANational Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of1977)NCCNCC Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd.NEMBANational Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of2004)NEMPAA National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57of 2003)NEMWA National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 58 of 2008)NHRA National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999)NPAESNational Protected Area Expansion StrategyNVFFA National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998 (Act No. 101 of 1998)OHSA Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993)OPEXOperating ExpendituresReserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 8

PAMProtected Area ManagementPFMA Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999)PSA Public Service Act, 1994 (Act No. 103 of 1994)RMPReserve Management PlanRPTReserve Planning TeamSANFSouth African Nature FoundationSANParksSouth African National ParksSANSSouth African National StandardSDA Skills Development Act, 1998 (Act No. 97 of 1998)SISSecurity and Investigation ServicesSOKDRState of Knowledge Data RepositorySONRState-owned Nature ReservesSPStrategic PlanTORTerms of ReferenceUZMUse Zone MapVCAVeld Condition AssessmentWfWWorking for WaterWOFWorking on FireWSA Water Services Act, 1997 (Act No. 108 of 1997)DEFINITION OF KEY PLANNING TERMS:ActivitiesGuiding principlesMonitoringObjectivesOutcomesOutputsPerformanceassessmentPerformance indicatorResourcesTargetUse zone mapValueVisionActivities are management tasks required to collectively realise theobjectives.Guiding principles provide overall direction to the implementation ofactivities.Monitoring is the collection of data and information in a consistent mannerover time for the purpose of evaluation.Objectives are derived from the vision. They represent key areas in whichachievements must be obtained in total, or in some combination, to givedirection 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 setof pre-determined criteria (e.g. efficiency or effectiveness).A performance indicator is a measurement used to evaluate the success inachieving targets and realising objectives.Resources include the people, materials, technologies, money, etc. requiredto implement the activities.Targets are set for particular aspects of performance – financial returns,efficiency, quality of services, etc. – against which performance is monitoredand measured.A use zone map is a spatial framework that guides and co-ordinatesconservation 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 duringthe planning process and subsequent management.Vision indicates the direction of management aspiration.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 9

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThe following Executive Summary provides an overview of the 5-Year Strategic Plan.i) Purpose of the planThe Strategic Plan sets out the ambitions for the Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (LRNR), as articulatedthrough the vision and objectives for the nature reserve for the next 5 years. The plan sets out howthese ambitions will be achieved and delivered through a range of management guidelines and actions.The Strategic Plan strives to:Identify the defining qualities and characteristics of the reserve (i.e. what makes it special andunique);Describe the reserve’s management issues and challenges;Set out medium- and long-term ambitions for the desired state of the reserve;Provide a five-year implementation framework for delivering this desired state;Describe the specific activities to be implemented on an annual basis;Identify the measures required to evaluate if the management actions are collectivelycontributing to achieve the desired state; andDescribe the institutional, human resource and budget requirements for implementing themanagement plan.ii) Reserve contextThe LRNR, covers a total of 42 000 ha, making it the largest of all the provincial reserves currentlymanaged by LEDET. It is located in the Mopani Region of Limpopo Province.The LRNR was proclaimed as a game reserve and native flora reserve, known as the Rondalia-LetabaPrivate Nature Reserve, through Notice No. 392 of the Transvaal Official Gazette Extraordinary No. 195(3186) of 15 December 1965 in terms of Section 11 of the Transvaal Game Ordinance, 1949 (OrdinanceNo. 23 of 1949), and Section 2 of the Transvaal Native Flora Protection Ordinance, 1940 (Ordinance No.9 of 1940). The area was subsequently de-proclaimed as a reserve, effective from 1 September 1975,through Notice No. 1716 of 1 October 1975 in terms of Section 3 of the Transvaal Nature ConservationOrdinance, 1967 (Ordinance No. 17 of 1967). The reserve therefore does not currently fall under thelegal protection of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of2003) (NEMPAA), in terms of Section 12 thereof.The LRNR is strategically placed in the sense that it is situated along the western boundary of the KrugerNational Park (KNP), to the north of the Phalaborwa Gate, and forms part of the Greater Kruger ParkConservation Area. The LRNR also forms part of the African Ivory Route. The Mthimkhulu NatureReserve, which covers an area of 6 349 ha and is situated to the north of the Groot Letaba River, isincorporated into the LRNR.The LRNR is located within the Ba-Phalaborwa and Greater Giyani Local Municipalities, both of whichform part of the Mopani District Municipality of Limpopo Province.Different portions of the LRNR are owned by the State, the Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) Tribal Authority andthe Majeje Tribal Authority. The largest portion of the land is currently owned by the State. Currently,LEDET and the Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) are responsible for the conservation and tourismmanagement, respectively, of the LRNR. LEDET is currently in the process of drafting a co-managementagreement to be entered into with the Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) and Majeje Tribal Authorities re. theReserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 10

management of those sections of land owned by these authorities. In the interim these portions of landare being managed by LEDET, with tourism aspects of these sections being managed by the LTA throughthe African Ivory Route.Land claims in terms of Section 10 of the Restitution of Land Rights Act, 1994 (Act No. 22 of 1994) havebeen submitted over different sections of the LRNR by the following claimants: Makhushane; Selwane;and the Makhuva-Mathebula Royal council. All of these claims have been referred to the Land ClaimsCourt for adjudication and are currently still in process.The current staff complement of the LRNR comprises 36 staff members, which is 52 staff members shortof the full staff complement required to manage the reserve effectively.The LRNR is situated in a summer rainfall region, with a moderately high summer rainfall and frostrarely occurring during the winter months.The LRNR forms part of the Letaba River System. The Groot Letaba River (classified as an endangeredClass C river) runs through the reserve from west to east (and into the KNP), dividing the reserve intotwo sections, namely the Mthimkhulu (formerly Mbaula Ranch) section in the north and the LetabaRanch section in the south. The Klein Letaba River (classified as an endangered Class B river) forms thenorth- eastern boundary of the LRNR and drains the northern section of the reserve. Both of theserivers have their sources far away and therefore drain relatively large areas. The confluence of thesetwo rivers is located along the eastern boundary of the LRNR. Here the rivers join to become the LetabaRiver that flows through the KNP.The Nondweni Dam is located approximately 15 km upstream of the Groot Letaba River, to the west ofthe reserve. A well-defined watershed, consisting of a series of koppies known as Sable Mountain,divides the southern (Letaba Ranch) section of the LRNR into two. The Baderoukwe and NhlarhweniRivers form the two main seasonal drainage lines of the area located to the south of the watershed.Four main seasonal drainage lines can be identified to the north of the watershed. The majority ofdrainage lines within the LRNR are seasonal, sandy watercourses, the largest of which is the KleinLetaba River. Most of these sandy watercourses flow only after heavy rainfall events, or a series of suchevents.The vegetation of the LRNR comprises Mopane and Lowveld Bushveld vegetation units of the SavannaBiome, and includes two potential plant species of Conservation Concern. There is currently a gooddiversity of bird, reptile, amphibian, fish and invertebrate species associated with Mopani Bushveld ofthe Savanna Biome. In terms of its overwhelming biodiversity, the LRNR must rank as one of the mostimportant nature reserves of Limpopo Province; playing an integral part in acting not only as a buffer tothe surrounding communities and mining operations, but also as an overflow for all wildlife from theKNP.A historical mammal list has been compiled for LRNR based on the results of aerial game countsconducted between 2003- 2012. During this period, a total of 36 larger mammal species wererecorded. The most recent game count (2012) revealed a total of 5 967 head of game at the reserve,including five mammal species of conservation concern. The LEDET Biodiversity Unit is currently in theprocess of compiling an Elephant Management Plan for the LRNR. The greatest challenge in thecompilation of this plan is the fact that the LRNR is not completely fenced, i.e. it shares an open borderwith the KNP.The presence of the perennial Letaba River, as well as associated tributaries and drainage lines; and theheterogeneous landscape, with multiple vegetation units offer various breeding and/or foraginghabitats to a wide range of waterfowl and other wetland/riparian/floodplain associated avian species.There are currently 101 verified avian species occurring at the reserve, of which five occur on the IUCNRed List of Threatened Species. The level of endemism reflected within the current verified speciesReserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 11

inventory includes seven near-endemic species. The potential species richness within the LRNR ispotentially much higher than the current species inventory, but is yet to be determined and/orrecorded.Thirty-one different amphibian species, thirty-one fish species and a number of reptile species havebeen recorded in the LRNR, including the Nile Crocodile.Reserve Infrastructure includes seven entrance gates, three of which are used by tourists and reservemanagement staff; two of which are used only by reserve management staff; and two of which are nolonger in use. A building divided into four offices is used for administrative purposes. The LRNR has onestoreroom building with three separate store rooms and a slaughtering facility. Reserve staffaccommodation facilities consist of three park homes; a number of old brick buildings, one communalablution block and five patrol “pickets” consisting of old farmsteads. The road network in LRNR consistsof gravel roads. The water supply within the reserve, for both human and animal consumption isprovided via boreholes. In some areas with no water pumping facilities, water for human consumptionis delivered by way of mobile water tanks and/or drums. Overnight facilities for tourists consist of theMtomeni Tented Bush Camp, which is operated by The African Ivory Route. This facility comprises 5permanent safari tents, each with its own ablution facilities and a communal kitchen and lapa area.The LRNR is not included in one of the focus areas identified for protected area expansion by theNational Protected Area Expansion Strategy. An expansion project has nonetheless been identified forthe LRNR by the Management Authority and is currently being implemented. This project involves thelinking of the LRNR to the KNP and Mthimkhulu, as well as possible further expansion to the north.iii) Reserve valuesThe following key values were identified for the LRNR: The reserve has the potential to demonstrate the efficacy, and benefits, of functionalpartnerships between the State and communal land owners in the collaborative administrationand management of provincial nature reserves. The reserve is committed to management in accordance with best practice and rationally drivenby current knowledge. The reserve is committed to good administration and the efficient use and good maintenance ofresources. The reserve is committed to be a good employer and socially affirmative neighbour in the localcommunities. The reserve boasts approximately 24 km of Groot Letaba River frontage and approximately 20km of Klein Letaba River frontage. The confluence of these rivers occurs along the easternboundary of the reserve. The reserve creates a sense of wilderness as a result of its size, wildness and inaccessibility. The reserve boasts varied and healthy habitat types with naturally occurring wildlife; east/westmigration routes for game; high species diversity, including the Big Five and African Wild Dog;and excellent bird viewing opportunities, including healthy Ground Hornbill populations. The reserve forms an integral part of the Greater Kruger Conservation Area.iv) Management issues and challengesThe LRNR is faced with a number of management issues and challenges in light of serving its function asa nature reserve. These include:Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 12

The reserve is not officially proclaimed as a nature reserve and therefore does not fall under thelegal protection of NEMPAA. The reserve experiences extremely hot temperatures during mid-summer and is susceptible todrought in varying degrees. Located far from Gauteng. Located in a malaria area and therefore precautions should be taken when visiting the reserve. Access to the northern section of the reserve is limited. Some of the artificial water sources within the reserve are not ideally located; with no permanentwater at outlying pickets. Poor road conditions and insufficient, poor signage. Existing developments within the reserve are located in the most sensitive areas of highestconservation importance. Ageing staff component and shortage of staff. Centralised budget, and de-capacitated reserve management. Lack of resources. Insufficient information re. the heritage resources of the reserve. Lack of communication/co-operation between management and stakeholders. Very little scientific data available as a result of a lack of research and monitoring. Ineffective management. Present hunting quota is not sustainable as it is not backed by good scientific data. Present hunting zone is not well positioned. Large distances between infrastructure/management tools and the main complex could lead to theneglect of infrastructure and management tools. Some areas within the reserve are prone to erosion. Tourist safety within big game areas. Poor road conditions make vehicle access difficult for management purposes. Alien vegetation, especially aquatic species.v) Desired condition of the reserveThe vision of the LRNR can be summarised as follows: A collaborative partnership between the Stateand the Majeje, Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) and other affected communities in the ongoing conservationand sustainable use of the Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve. From this partnership, it is envisaged that thefollowing will be secured:Meaningful and sustained benefits derived for the Majeje, Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) and otheraffected communities;Protection of the reserve’s outstanding scenic qualities;Conservation of the diverse habitats and associated fauna and flora of the reserve;Conservation of the biodiversity of the Groot and Klein Letaba Rivers;Equitable access to, and responsible use of, the reserve and its natural resources; andPositioning the Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve as one of the ultimate eco-tourism destinationsamidst all of the eco-tourism products offered by Limpopo and the Great Limpopo TFCA.vi) Key management activities and targetsTwenty-five objectives, anticipated to contribute to realising the vision of the LRNR, were identified bythe RPT and can be grouped according to the following six key performance areas: Biodiversity andheritage conservation; sustainable use; enforcement, security and access control; infrastructure andequipment (operations); stakeholder involvement; and administration and planning. These objectivesare:Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 13

1. Biodiversity and Heritage Conservation1.1 Re-establish, manage and maintain viable populations of locally indigenous fauna and flora in theLRNR.1.2 Maintain a natural fire regime within the LRNR.1.3 Contain the spread, and impacts, of invasive alien plants and bush encroachment in the LRNR.1.4 Protect the heritage resources of the LRNR.1.5 Update key baseline information, and develop and maintain a targeted research and monitoringprogramme to guide biodiversity management in the LRNR.1.6 Establish a basic soil erosion control programme for the LRNR.2. Sustainable Use2.1 Construct, upgrade and maintain day visitor and overnight visitor buildings and infrastructure in theLRNR.2.2 Develop, deliver and maintain a diverse range of tourism and recreational services for visitors to theLRNR.2.3 Develop and implement a focused and cost-effective marketing, awareness-raising and educationalprogramme for the LRNR.2.4 Facilitate the sustainable use of natural resources by the Majeje, Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) and othercommunities in the LRNR.2.5 Manage and mitigate the environmental impacts of conservation management, tourism, recreationand natural resource use in the LRNR.3. Enforcement, Security and Access Control3.1 Secure the boundaries of, and maintain controlled access to, the LRNR.3.2 Sustain an effective law enforcement and compliance capacity in the LRNR.4. Infrastructure and Equipment(Operations)4.1 Develop and maintain the road, track and footpath network in the LRNR.4.2 Construct, maintain and upgrade the bulk services infrastructure in the LRNR.4.3 Construct, upgrade and maintain administrative, staff and operational buildings and infrastructurein the LRNR.4.4 Acquire and maintain operational equipment and vehicles for the LRNR.5. Stakeholder Involvement5.1 Ensure the ongoing involvement of a representative and functional Letaba Ranch Nature ReserveCo-Management Committee (LRNRCMC) in the planning, development and management of theLRNR.5.2 Develop, implement and maintain effective mechanisms for ongoing communications with comanagementpartners, private stakeholders and neighbouring land owners.5.3 Actively participate in local and regional conservation and socio-economic development initiativesthat may affect or benefit the LRNR.5.4 Identify, and enable access to employment, empowerment and capacity building opportunities forthe Majeje, Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) and other communities.6. Administration and Planning6.1 Secure the legal tenure of, and management authority for, the LRNR.6.2 Maintain an adequately equipped, resourced and trained staff complement for the LRNR.6.3 Institute and maintain an effective administrative and planning capability in the LRNR.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 14

6.4 Establish, maintain and host a reliable inventory of key information on the LRNR and its ongoingmanagement.For each one of the aforementioned twenty-five objectives, a number of guiding managementprinciples (i.e. norms and standards by which operational decisions re. the LRNR will be made);management actions (i.e. key strategic activities to be implemented in order to achieve the reserve’sobjectives); and management targets were set by the RPT. Each management action was defined andprioritised as being of a high, medium or low priority for the five year horizon covered by this StrategicPlan. Time frames, targets, key performance indicators and responsibilities were also allocated to eachmanagement action, or to a group of linked management actions.The aforementioned principles, actions and targets will be used to inform the annual plans of operationof the LRNR, as well as the resources required to implement it.A Use Zone Map (UZM) was compiled for the LRNR as a broad overarching medium-term spatialplanning framework.vii) Institutional arrangements and budget requirementsThe following recommendations regarding the minimum staffing complement and funding required forthe successful implementation of the Reserve Management Plan (i.e. the SP and APO) was made by theRPT:It was proposed that a total of 88 staff members (consisting of a reserve manager, chief natureconservator, two nature conservators, eight senior field rangers, forty-five field rangers, fifteen gateguards, two administrative officers, an artisan, ten general workers and two cleaners) would berequired for the successful implementation of this Strategic Plan.The following capital and operational budgets are proposed for the successful implementation of thisSP: 2013/2014: A total capital budget of R13 350 000 and an operational budget of R370 000. 2014/2015: A total capital budget of R7 100 000 and an operational budget of R245 000. 2015/2016: A total capital budget of R2 700 000 and an operational budget of R285 000. 2016/2017: A total capital budget of R500 000 and an operational budget of R315 000. 2017/2018: A total capital budget of R250 000 and an operational budget of R320 000.The key responsibilities of the Reserve Planning Team, as well as the Letaba Ranch Nature ReserveAdvisory Committee are defined and recorded and are regarded as crucial in the development,implementation, monitoring and review of the RMP.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 15

1. INTRODUCTION1.1 The Reserve Management PlanThe Reserve Management Plan (RMP) is the overarching management planning document for theLetaba Ranch Nature Reserve (LRNR).The accompanying guideline document ‘Guidelines for the development of management plans forLimpopo’s Provincial Nature Reserves’ details the purpose, scope, approach to, and elements of allRMPs for State-managed conservation areas in Limpopo Province.The Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve Management Plan comprises two complementary documents 1 :A Strategic Plan (SP) covering a period of five years (this document); andAn 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) thatguide the year-on-year reserve budget and activity planning.All the information necessary to guide the management of the LRNR is included in these twodocuments. No major decisions potentially affecting the future of the reserve will be taken withoutreference to the RMP.This document constitutes the SP for the LRNR and covers the period 2013-2017.1.2 Purpose and structure of the Strategic PlanThe purpose of the SP for the LRNR is to set out the medium-term ambitions for the reserve. Theseambitions are expressed through the vision and objectives. The SP then describes how these ambitionswill be delivered through a range of management guidelines and management actions.1 These two planning documents may, in turn, be supported by a Reserve Database and program-specific, more detailed Subsidiary Plans.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 16

This SP has the following structure:SECTION 1SECTION 2SECTION 3SECTION 4SECTION 5INTRODUCTIONThis section briefly describes the: (i) planning context for the SP; (ii) purpose of the SP;(iii) structure of the SP; and (iv) approach to developing the SP.CONTEXTUAL FRAMEWORKThis section provides a succinct summary of contextual information about the reserve.STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES FRAMEWORKThis section defines the ambitions for the reserve, through the formulation of a visionand a set of objectives.This section also spatially represents the desired state of the reserve in the form of ause zone map for the reserve.STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORKThis section defines how the vision and the objectives will be delivered. It details thekey management guidelines and management actions for six thematic areas (KeyPerformance Areas): biodiversity and heritage conservation; sustainable use;enforcement, security and access control; infrastructure and equipment (operations);stakeholder involvement; and administration and planning.RESOURCING AND GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORKThis section describes the: (i) governance arrangements for decision-making; (ii) rolesand responsibilities of affected institutions and stakeholders; (iii) the projected staffingrequirements; and (iv) the projected funding requirements for the implementation ofthe SP.1.3 The steps in preparing the Strategic PlanEight basic steps were taken in preparing this SP. These steps are outlined in the Table 1 below.Table 1: The eight basic steps taken in preparing the Strategic Plan of the Letaba Ranch Nature ReserveSTEPSTEP 1: Data collection,background researchand site visit.STEP 2: Establishmentof a Reserve PlanningTeam (RPT).STEP 3: Identificationof the reserve values.STEP 4: Deciding on thedesired state for thereserve.STEP 5: Developmentof an action plan forthe reserve.STEP 6: Preparation ofthe first draft of the SPfor the reserve.PURPOSE OF STEPTo collect, collate and review the contextual reserve information thatinforms the reserve management planning process.To establish an inter-disciplinary team to guide and advise on thepreparation, and ongoing review and evaluation, of the RMP.To describe why the reserve was designated, and its associated values andbenefits.To develop and articulate a desired condition, state or appearance of thereserve (vision, objectives and use zone plan).To identify and develop the key management actions needed to achieve thedesired state for the reserve.To integrate all the information from Step 1 and Steps 3 to 5 into a first draftof the SP.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 17

Table 1 (contd.):The eight basic steps taken in preparing the Strategic Plan of the Letaba Ranch Nature ReserveSTEPSTEP 7: Stakeholderconsultation (refer toSection 1.3.1 below).STEP 8: Revision of theSP to includecomments andrecommendations fromthe RPT and otherstakeholders.PURPOSE OF STEPTo create an opportunity for the RPT, and later the general public and otherstakeholders/interested parties, to review and comment on iterative draftsof the SP.To revise the draft SP, taking into account the comments received from theRPT and other stakeholders/interested parties and the public.1.3.1 Stakeholder ConsultationStakeholder consultation and support is an important aspect of effective protected area management.It is also a requirement in terms of Sections 39(3) and 41(2)(e) of the National EnvironmentalManagement: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003). Accordingly, the development of this 5-year SP has been undertaken through a collaborative process involving local communities and other keystakeholders. Public consultation has been undertaken through a series of workshops and discussionswith key stakeholders culminating in a key stakeholder workshop, held on 30 November 2012.Furthermore, the draft SP has been made available for public review and comment through a 30 daypublic review and comment process prior to its finalisation. This process has ensured a great deal ofvaluable input into the development of the SP, the outcomes of which have been incorporated into theplan where applicable. A detailed public participation report is available as Annexure 1.Stakeholder engagement has furthermore also been set as a Key Performance Area in this 5-Year SP:Strategic Implementation Framework: KPA 5 - Stakeholder Involvement.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 18

2. CONTEXTUAL FRAMEWORKDISCLAIMERA reserve-by-reserve data gathering exercise (which excluded the ground truthing of the data collected) was undertaken by NCC EnvironmentalServices (Pty) Ltd. (NCC) during the initial phases of this project with the aim of collecting, collating and reviewing contextual reserveinformation that would inform the reserve management planning process. The outcome of this exercise was, however, not ideal: Very littleinformation in the form of scientific reports and/or data was made available to NCC during this process.A second attempt was made by NCC to source useful information via a Gap Analysis prepared for LEDET and LTA Directorates to feedback on.Limited feedback was received by NCC in this regard. A Third and final attempt via the appointment of a local specialist to source, and assessthe suitability of a number of old, archived reports - held at the Management Authority’s head office - for inclusion in the reserve managementplanning process. Most of the reports in question were, however, found to be outdated and stored in a state of disarray, resulting in a decisionnot to include this information in the relevant reserve management plans.The following additional step was taken by NCC to counteract the lack of information received from the Management Authority: A thoroughstakeholder engagement process, with a strong reliance on the Management Authority for assistance with the identification of potentialinterested and/or affected parties, was conducted with the aim of providing an opportunity to stakeholders to give input into the reservemanagement planning process and provide NCC with suitable scientifically based information and/or reports.2.1 LocationThe Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (LRNR) is located in the Mopani District of Limpopo Province, SouthAfrica and is situated approximately 170 km to the east of Polokwane and 10 km to the north ofPhalaborwa (Figure 2). The reserve can be accessed via three different routes: Along the Giyani-Lulekani road (R351) to the northern entrance gate of the reserve; along the Letsitele-Letaba Ranchroad, off the R71, to the western entrance gate; and from Phalaborwa, off the R71, through Lulekani tothe southern entrance gate of the reserve.The LRNR is situated along the western boundary of the Kruger National Park (KNP), to the north of thePhalaborwa Gate, and forms part of the Greater Kruger Park Conservation Area. The LRNR also formspart of the African Ivory Route. The Mthimkhulu Nature Reserve, which covers an area of 6 349 ha andis situated to the north of the Groot Letaba River, is incorporated into the LRNR.The north-western boundary of the reserve borders the settlement areas of the Makhuba region of theMopani District and the western and south-western reserve boundaries border the Lulekani and Majejeregions of the Mopani District.The LRNR covers a total area of 42 000 ha, making it the largest of all the provincial nature reservescurrently managed by LEDET. The LRNR is located on portions of the following properties: Machet No. 4LU, Mbaula Ranch No. 6 LU, Belasting No. 7 LU, Leeukop No. 10 LU, Baderoukwe 11 LU, Ndole No. 12LU, Sable No. 13 LU, Genoeg No. 15 LU and Letaba Ranch No. 17 LU (Figure 3).2.2 Legal statusThe LRNR was proclaimed as a game reserve and native flora reserve, known as the Rondalia-LetabaPrivate Nature Reserve, through Notice No. 392 of the Transvaal Official Gazette Extraordinary No. 195(3186) of 15 December 1965 in terms of Section 11 of the Transvaal Game Ordinance, 1949 (OrdinanceNo. 23 of 1949), and Section 2 of the Transvaal Native Flora Protection Ordinance, 1940 (Ordinance No.9 of 1940). The area was subsequently de-proclaimed as a reserve, effective from 1 September 1975,through Notice No. 1716 of 1 October 1975 in terms of Section 3 of the Transvaal Nature ConservationOrdinance, 1967 (Ordinance No. 17 of 1967).Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 19

Figure 2: Regional location of the Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 20

Figure 3: Locality map of the Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 21

In light of the above, the LRNR is currently not legally defined as a provincial nature reserve in terms ofthe National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003) (NEMPAA)and as such does not fall under the legal protection of NEMPAA in terms of Section 12 thereof.Table 2 lists key national, provincial and local legislation that has a direct influence on all reservemanagement activities.Table 2: Key national, provincial and local legislation with a direct influence on all reserve management activities 2NATIONAL LEGISLATION National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107of 1998) (NEMA); National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004(Act No. 10 of 2004) (NEMBA); National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act,2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003) (NEMPAA); National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (ActNo. 58 of 2008) (NEMWA); National Forest Act, 1998 (Act No. 84 of 1998); Agriculture Laws Extension Act, 1996 (Act No. 87 of 1996); Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act No. 43of 1983) (CARA); Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989); National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998); Water Services Act, 1997 (Act No. 108 of 1997) (WSA); National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998 (Act No. 101 of 1998)(NVFFA); National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999)(NHRA); Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984); Animal Health Act, 2002 (Act No. 7 of 2002); Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002); Fencing Act, 1963 (Act No. 31 of 1963); Tourism Act, 1993 (Act No. 72 of 1993); Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993)(OHSA); National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act,1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977) (NBRBSA); Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999)(PFMA); Public Service Act, 1994, (Act No. 103 of 1994), as amended(PSA); Labour Relations Act, 1995 (Act No. 66 of 1995) (LRA); Basic Condition of Employment Act, 1997 (Act No. 75 of 1997)(BCEA); Employment Equity Act, 1998 (Act No. 55 of 1998) (EEA); Skills Development Act, 1998 (Act No. 97 of 1998) (SDA); and Game Theft Act, 1991 (Act No. 105 of 1991).PROVINCIAL AND LOCAL LEGISLATION Limpopo Environmental ManagementAct, 2003 (Act No. 7 of 2003); Limpopo Tourism Act, 2009 (Act No. 2of 2009); and Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality By-Laws, 2009 (Local Authority Notice No.277).2 Including all regulations promulgated in terms of the legislation listed.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 22

2.3 Institutional arrangements2.3.1 GeneralIn implementing the RMP, it is essential that Reserve Management understand the mandates of variousrole-players and the institutional framework in which decision making; implementation and monitoringwill be carried out. In light of this, a brief outline of the mandates and responsibilities of theManagement Authority and key supporting government departments is provided below:LEDET, as the current designated management authority of the LRNR, has a strategic mandate todevelop the provincial economy, as well as to promote and manage tourism and the sustainable use ofthe natural environment in Limpopo Province. LEDET is currently in the process of compiling itsStrategic and Annual Performance Plan that will aim at achieving key strategic objectives through thefirst draft of the plan for the phase 2012 – 2015, which is already completed. Some of the key strategicobjectives that the plan aims to achieve include:Job creation within a sustainable environment;Ensuring healthy and fair trade;Establishing the province as a preferred eco-tourism destination;Sustainable environmental management;An increase in productive investment; andThriving enterprises in all sectors.The Strategic Plan for Limpopo Province also includes an Environmental Affairs Programme that aims toensure the development, promotion, management and regulation of environmental activities in theProvince. The programme is comprised of three sub-programmes, namely Environmental Trade andProtection; Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management; and Environmental EmpowermentServices. The programme is headed by a Senior General Manager with two Chief Directorates, eachwith a General Manager and one Directorate with a Senior Manager. Some of the strategic objectivesof the programme include:To manage the impacts of developments on the environment;To enforce compliance with environmental legislation;To regulate the use of natural resources;The sound management of air quality and waste;To provide scientific support towards biodiversity management;To establish and monitor a representative network of 43 of protected areas;To manage State-owned nature reserves; andTo provide environmental research and planning services.LEDET currently directly manages 43 nature reserves covering a total area of over 300 000 ha. LEDET isalso responsible for the biodiversity management of the entire Limpopo Province. In addition, a rangeof other core government departments have important roles to play in ensuring that the LRNR isappropriately conserved and managed, including the following:2.3.1.1 Limpopo Tourism AgencyThe LTA is currently responsible for managing tourism-related infrastructure in the LRNR. In this regarda draft service-level agreement has been developed between the LTA and LEDET in order to formalisethe responsibilities between these two agencies. Once finalised, this is anticipated to clarify specificroles of the LTA in terms of management.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 23

The mandate of LTA is to promote, foster and develop tourism to and within Limpopo Province. Its roleis therefore not only to grow the tourism sector of the LRNR, but also to grow it in the broader region,as reflected in their mission:To encourage and facilitate the holistic development and promotion of the tourism industry inLimpopo Province;To encourage the participation of all people in the tourism industry;To ensure that all people have equal access to the social, economic and environmentalopportunities and benefits created by the tourism industry;To facilitate community empowerment as an essential part of tourism development;To ensure that nature reserves and protected areas are developed, promoted, managed andconserved effectively; andTo facilitate hospitality management in the province.2.3.1.2 Department of Water AffairsThe Department of Water Affairs (DWA) has the responsibility of developing tools and legislationrelated to water resource management; establishing appropriate institutional arrangements (CMA,other forums & advisory committees); and creating awareness and building capacity. Water resourceplanning, both quantity and quality, at catchment level, as well as the issuing of water use licences andthe enforcement and compliance of the provisions of the NWA also fall within the responsibilities ofDWA. Given the importance of catchment management in maintaining the integrity of the LRNR, theDWA also has a very important role to play in ensuring the long-term protection and maintenance ofthe reserve.It is also the responsibility of the DWA to develop legislation and policies related to water resourcemanagement, namely:Developing approaches, systems, tools, standards, objectives and strategies that support andpromote the sustainable utilisation of water resources;Facilitating the implementation of catchment management and other related strategies;Monitoring resource quality (this includes hydrological, water quality and bio monitoring);Auditing the state of South Africa’s water resources against set objectives;Constructing & maintaining water-related infrastructure; andSetting water quality standards (www.reservoir.co.za).2.3.1.3 Department of Public WorksThe national Department of Public Works (DPW) directly undertakes functions that relate to nationalfunctions in the province, such as the construction and maintenance of facilities and properties that areof national importance. The DPW is guided by national policies aimed at transforming the publicservice, such as Batho Pele and the White Paper on Transformation of the Public Service. In Addition,the DPW is bound to work within the prevailing regulatory framework, including: The PSA; Regulations promulgated in terms of the PSA; The PFMA; Regulations promulgated in terms of the PFMA; and The Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, 2000 (Act No. 5 of 2000).Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 24

The provincial Limpopo DPW, in accordance with the Constitution, is responsible for Public Worksfunctions, which relate to provincial functions and provincial state property (including State-ownedNature Reserves). The core functions of the provincial DPW include: The maintenance of government-owned buildings, including gardens and residentialaccommodation used by members of provincial legislature grounds. (This is relevant to premisesthat accommodate more than one government department. Where a department occupies abuilding on its own, it is responsible for all maintenance. Refer to the State of Knowledge DataRepository (SOKDR) for relevant documentation, i.e. the EXCO Decision 59/2001). The provision and management of immovable properties that serve as a platform for the efficientdelivery of various government services. Rendering an expert built environment function that involves technical planning, design andconstruction management. Coordination of the expanded Public Works Programme.2.3.1.4 Department of Environmental AffairsThe Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) is responsible for the overall coordination ofenvironmental activities in South Africa. It also coordinates environmental research, undertakesenvironmental education and ensures the implementation of environmental impact assessments,amongst other duties.2.3.1.5 Limpopo Department of Agriculture and the Expanded Public Works ProgrammeThe main focus of the Limpopo Department of Agriculture (LDA) is to promote economic growth andfood security through sustainable agricultural and entrepreneurship development. Apart from its coreagricultural focus, the LDA is also responsible for promoting sustainable natural resource utilization andagricultural land use management. The LDA is also the lead sector coordinating body for theEnvironment and Culture Sector within the following programme: the Expanded Public WorksProgramme (EPWP): Limpopo.The EPWP involves creating temporary work opportunities for the unemployed, using public sectorexpenditure. The environmental sector’s contribution to the EPWP involves employing people to workon projects to improve their local environments through programmes such as the Department ofAgriculture’s Land Care programme; the DEA’s People and Parks programme, Sustainable Land-basedLivelihoods, and Growing a Tourism Economy programmes; as well as the DWA’s Working for Water,Working for Wetlands, and Working on Fire programmes.2.3.2 Institutional Arrangements Specifically Relevant to the Letaba Ranch Nature ReserveDifferent portions of the LRNR are owned by the State, the Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) Tribal Authority andthe Majeje Tribal Authority. The State currently owns the largest portion of the reserve.LEDET and the Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) are currently responsible for the conservation andtourism management, respectively, of the LRNR. LEDET is currently in the process of drafting a comanagementagreement to be entered into with the Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) and Majeje TribalAuthorities re. the management of those sections of land owned by these authorities. In the interimthese portions of land are being managed by LEDET, with tourism aspects of these sections beingmanaged by the LTA through the African Ivory Route.The Majeje Tribal Authority is an actively involved shareholder of the LRNR and there is a goodunderstanding and system in place regarding the utilisation and distribution of resources to the south ofthe Groot Letaba River by this community. The Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) Tribal Authority is activelyReserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 25

involved in the area to the north of the Groot Letaba River, however, the relationship andcommunication between this tribal authority and LEDET is less effective than that of the Majeje TribalAuthority.Land claims in terms of Section 10 of the Restitution of Land Rights Act, 1994 (Act No. 22 of 1994) havebeen submitted over different sections of the LRNR by the following claimants: Makhushane; Selwane;and the Makhuva-Mathebula Royal council. All of these claims have been referred to the Land ClaimsCourt for adjudication and are currently still in process.A hunting protocol between LEDET and SANParks is currently in place.Table 3 details the current staff complement of the LRNR.2.4 Reserve description2.4.1 HistoryTable 3: The current staff complement of the Letaba Ranch Nature ReservePOSTNUMBERReserve Manager 1Senior Field Ranger 1Field Ranger 32General Assistant (Cleaner) 2Total 36Prior to its proclamation as the Rondalia-Letaba Nature Reserve in 1965 (Section 2.2), the LRNRconsisted of nine privately owned farms, as well as portions of tribal land. Most of these propertieswere used for cattle farming purposes.After the de-proclamation of the reserve on 1 October 1975 (effective from 1 September 1975) (Section2.2), the reserve was formally included under the judicial control of the former Gazankulu on 21March1980. Gazankulu was a Bantustan (homeland) that was reintegrated into South Africa in 1994 and nowforms part of Limpopo Province.The LRNR functions as a trophy hunting reserve and was hunted extensively between 1980 and 1994.2.4.2 ClimateThe LRNR receives an average annual rainfall of 500 mm per year, most of which falls during thesummer months. The area receives the least amount of rainfall in August (with an average monthlyrainfall of 1 mm per month) and the most in December (with an average monthly rainfall of 117 mm permonth) (Figure 4).The monthly average for maximum temperatures at the reserve ranges from 25°C in July to 33°C inFebruary. The region is coldest in July, when temperatures can drop to 7°C at night (Figure 4).Frost rarely occurs in this area.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 26

Figure 4: Graph illustrating the average monthly rainfall and maximum and minimum temperatures for the Letaba RanchNature Reserve (Masalale Pack House Weather Station: Latitude: 23.7004°S; 30.7888°E; 375 m above sea level).2.4.3 TopographyThe topography of the LRNR consists of gently undulating landscapes located at altitudes of between340 and 400 m above sea level, with the occasional hill located at altitudes of up to 450 m above sealevel (Figure 3). The most distinct topographical feature of the LRNR is a number of koppies located inthe central zone of the southern section of the reserve, collectively known as Sable Mountain. Thehighest koppie, Middelkop, is located at an altitude of 446 m above sea level (Figure 3).Undulating landscapes comprise approximately 88% of the surface area of the reserve, with 2% of thearea characterised by granite koppies. The remaining 10 % of the surface area of the reserve consists ofdry drainage lines that drain towards the perennial Letaba River.2.4.4 Geology and Soils2.4.4.1 GeologyA variety of geological formations occurs in the LRNR and can generally be grouped according to thevegetation unit it supports.The geology on which Granite Lowveld occurs, ranges from Archaean granite and gneiss, SwazianGoudplaats Gneiss, Makhutswi Gneiss and Nelspruit Suite to the younger Mpuluzi Granite.Lowveld Rugged Mopaneveld geology is mostly underlain by Goudplaats Gneiss and Makhutswi Gneiss,with some ultramafic metavolcanics (rocks rich in chlorite, amphibole, talc and serpentine) andmetasediments of the Giyani Greenstone Belt (all Swazian Erathem).Phalaborwa-Timbavati Mopaneveld geology consists of quartz-feldspar rocks of the Makhutswi Gneiss(Swazian) dominate, intruded by the Lekkersmaak Granite (Randian).Tsende Mopaneveld geology includes quartz-feldspar rocks (Goudplaats Gneiss Basement), which arelow in potassium.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 27

2.4.4.2 SoilsA variety of soil forms occur in the LRNR and can generally be grouped according to the vegetation unitit supports.In the lowlands Granite Lowveld occurs on clayey soils with a high content of sodium, while soils in theuplands are sandy.Lowveld Rugged Mopaneveld soils are red-yellow apedal, shallow, stony, freely drained soils. Soil formsare mainly Hutton, Mispah and Glenrosa.Phalaborwa-Timbavati Mopaneveld occurs on sandy soils, usually with less than 10% clay in the A-horizon on the uplands (such as the Clovelly soil form) and clay soils in the bottomlands (such as theValsrivier and Sterkspruit soil forms).Tsende Mopaneveld soils are shallower and clayey on the uplands, while the plains have deeper clayeysoils.2.4.4.3 Soil ErosionAreas of soil erosion are known to be present within the reserve. A thorough assessment of all factorsaffecting the soils of the reserve, on which management decisions regarding soil erosion can be based,has, however, not been conducted to date.2.4.5 Drainage and HydrologyThe LRNR forms part of the Letaba River System.The Groot Letaba River (classified as an endangered Class C river) runs through the reserve from west toeast (and into the KNP), dividing the reserve into two sections, namely the Mthimkhulu (formerlyMbaula Ranch) section in the north and the Letaba Ranch section in the south. The Klein Letaba River(classified as an endangered Class B river) forms the north- eastern boundary of the LRNR and drains thenorthern section of the reserve. Both of these rivers have their sources far away and therefore drainrelatively large areas: The Klein Letaba River drains an area measuring approximately 2 840 ha and theGroot Letaba River drains an area measuring approximately 20 000 ha. The confluence of these tworivers is located along the eastern boundary of the LRNR. Here the rivers join to become the LetabaRiver that flows through the KNP.The Nondweni Dam is located approximately 15 km upstream of the Groot Letaba River, to the west ofthe reserve. This dam, in addition to all the upstream agricultural activities (including citrus farming)has obvious negative effects on the quality of the Groot Letaba River once it enters the LRNR. It is ofvital importance to conserve the Letaba fresh water system and its fish populations for both presentand future generations.A well-defined watershed, consisting of a series of koppies known as Sable Mountain, divides thesouthern (Letaba Ranch) section of the LRNR into two. The Baderoukwe and Nhlarhweni Rivers formthe two main seasonal drainage lines of the area located to the south of the watershed. Both of theserivers drain into the Letaba River, within the boundaries of the KNP. Four main seasonal drainage linescan be identified to the north of the watershed, namely the Xikararavura and the Makhwarheni Riversthat drain into the Letaba River within the LRNR, and the Tsugama and the Nhlaveni Rivers that draininto the Letaba River within the KNP.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 28

The majority of drainage lines within the LRNR are seasonal, sandy watercourses, the largest of which isthe Klein Letaba River. Most of these sandy watercourses flow only after heavy rainfall events, or aseries of such events.A number of seasonal dams and pans are also located within the LRNR, all of which are located to thesouth of the Groot Letaba River.A total of six boreholes are located within the LRNR - of which only five are currently in a working order.These boreholes provide water for human consumption within the reserve, as well as to a number ofartificial waterholes utilised by game.2.4.6 Vegetation2.4.6.1 Vegetation TypesThe vegetation of the LRNR comprises Mopane and Lowveld Bushveld vegetation units of the SavannaBiome (Figure 5).Savanna is characterized by a herbaceous layer (usually dominated by grasses) with a woodycomponent – most typically an overstorey of trees. In southern Africa, bushveld is an apt description ofthe vegetation structure, as the vegetation most often does not comprise distinct shrub and tree layers.Instead, 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 andfloristic composition. The exclusion of fire results in bush encroachment and a diminishing grass andherbaceous layer. Mid-dry season burns favour scrubby and coppiced savannah (i.e. an increase inbrowsing 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. Highintensity fire can kill the shrub and tree component, resulting in a reduced browsing capacity.The vegetation description for the LRNR follows Mucina & Rutherford (2006) (Figure 5)Granite Lowveld (Vulnerable)Granite Lowveld (Figure 5) occurring on the uplands comprises tall shrubland with few trees tomoderately dense low woodland dominated by Terminalia sericea, Combretum zeyheri and C.apiculatum and a ground layer consisting of Pogonarthria squarrosa, Tricholaena monachne andEragrostis rigidior. In the lowland areas dense thicket to open savanna with Acacia nigrescens,Dichrostachys cinerea and Grewia bicolor dominate the woody layer. The dense herbaceous layer ismainly comprised of Digitaria eriantha, Panicum maximum and Aristida congesta on fine-textured soils,while brackish bottomland soils support Sporobolus mitens. A dense fringe of T. sericea and Eragrostisgummiflua occurs in areas where the topography changes from convex to concave.Lowveld Rugged MopaneveldLowveld Rugged Mopaneveld (Figure 5) is characterised by dense shrubs with occasional trees and asparse ground layer. Woody plants can become particularly dense on very rocky terrain where fire isexcluded. Tree and shrub species include A. nigrescens and Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra (tall trees);Colophospermum mopane, C. apiculatum, Terminalia prunoides and Acacia exuvialis (small trees);Combretum hereroense, Dichrostachys cinerea, G. bicolor and G. villosa (tall shrubs); and Commiphoraafricana, Melhania forbesii, M. rehmannii and Solanum panduriforme (low shrubs). The field layer iscomprised of Aristida congesta, Enneapogon cenchroides, Melinis repens and Sporobolus panicoides(grasses); and Crabbea velutina, Helitropium steudneri and Hemizygia elliottii (herbs).Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 29

Figure 5: Vegetation map of the Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 30

Phalaborwa-Timbavati MopaneveldPhalaborwa-Timbavati Mopaneveld (Figure 5) is an open tree savanna which occurs on undulatingplains, with the sandy uplands dominated by C. apiculatum, T. sericea and C. mopane trees. On theclayey bottomlands the dominant species changes as T. sericea and C. apiculatum are less common,while trees such as A. nigrescens and C. mopane increase in dominance. The field layer is usually welldevelopedand species include Digitaria eriantha subsp. pentzii, Eragrostis rigidior, P. squarrosa,Andropogon gayanus and Aristida congesta (grasses); and Evolvulus alsinoides, Heliotropium steudneri,Hemizygia elliottii and Ipomoea magnusiana (herbs). A feature of the northern sections of this unit isthe large number of termite mounds on the uplands.Tsende MopaneveldTsende Mopaneveld occurring at the LRNR (Figure 5) is characterised by medium to high shrubdominated savannah, with scattered trees and a dense field layer. Tree and shrub species include A.nigrescens and Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra (tall trees); C. mopane and C. apiculatum (small trees);and C. hereroense, D. cinerea, Euclea divinorum and Grewia bicolor (tall shrubs), amongst others. Thefield layer comprises Clerodendrum ternatum and Indigofera schimperi (low shrubs); Bothriochloaradicans, Digitaria eriantha subsp. pentzii, Heteropogon contortus and Panicum maximum (grasses); andBlepharis integrifolia, Ceratotheca triloba and Chamaecrista absus (herbs), amongst others.2.4.6.2 Species of Conservation ConcernTable 4 lists the plant species of conservation concern known to occur in the LRNR area 3 .Table 4: Plant species of conservation concern known to occur in the Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve areaPLANT SCIENTIFIC NAMENemesia zimbabwensisBrachystelma villosumIUCN STATUSEndangeredRare2.4.6.3 Invasive Alien PlantsDetailed information on the extent and density of infestation by invasive alien plants within the LRNR iscurrently unknown. Alien plant control does, however, take place on an ad hoc basis.2.4.7 FaunaThe LRNR borders on the Kruger National Park (KNP) and the game fence that separated the propertiesin the past has been removed. The LRNR therefore plays a critical part in acting not only as a buffer tothe surrounding communities and mining operations, but also as an overflow for all wildlife from theKNP. Just in terms of the overwhelming biodiversity, the LRNR must rank as one of the most importantnature reserves of Limpopo Province.A historical mammal list for the LRNR can be compiled based on the results of aerial game countsconducted in the area in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2010 and 2012. A total of 26 larger mammal specieswere recorded in the reserve during this period, namely Blue Wildebeest, Cape Buffalo, Burchell’sZebra, Hippopotamus, Sable Antelope, Warthog, Waterbuck, White Rhino, Bushpig, Common Duiker,Eland, African Elephant, Impala, Nyala, Sharpe's Grysbok, Steenbok, Bushbuck, Giraffe, Klipspringer,3 The species of conservation concern indicated in this section have a strong probability of occurrence at this reserve, based on the Plants ofSouth Africa (POSA) database. The POSA includes a database of all plants recorded by means of voucher specimens lodged with one of therecognised herbaria in South Africa. The actual occurrence of these species will, however, need to be ground-truthed as part of KPA 1:Biodiversity and Heritage Conservation (Objective 1.5).Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 31

Greater Kudu, African Wild Dog, Chacma Baboon, Black-backed Jackal, Leopard, Lion and SpottedHyena.The Majeje and Mthimkhulu tribes have been awarded quotas for hunting in the LRNR during cullingseason. Fishing and the harvesting of Mopani worms are also done in the reserve by locals according toa permit system.The reserve has a good representation of all bushveld bird species and has good populations of raptors.Nests of White Back Vultures, as well as Ground Hornbill sightings, were also recorded during the aerialcensus of 2012.There is currently a good diversity of bird, reptile, amphibian, fish and invertebrate species associatedwith Mopani Bushveld of the Savanna Biome, which is found within the LRNR. An ongoing research andmonitoring programme is needed to update species lists and help inform the management of thiscrucial reserve.2.4.7.1 MammalsA total of 5 976 head of game was recorded in the LRNR in 2012. This included, amongst others: CapeBuffalo (1 467), Common Duiker (117), African Elephant (451), Giraffe (190), Hippopotamus (157),Impala (2 841), Greater Kudu (233), Leopard (2), White Rhino (5), Steenbok (118), Warthog (122) andWild Dog (4). During the 2012 aerial census, a total of 4 660 head of game was counted, including BlueWildebeest, Cape Buffalo, Burchell’s Zebra, Hippopotamus, Warthog, Waterbuck and White Rhino(grazers); Common Duiker, Eland, African Elephant, Impala, Nyala, Sharpe's Grysbok and Steenbok(mixed feeders); Bushbuck, Giraffe, Klipspringer and Greater Kudu (browsers); and Chacma Baboon,Spotted Hyena and Leopard (other feeders). A number of smaller mammal species have also beenrecorded in the reserve, including Striped Polecat, African Porcupine, Pangolin, Honey Badger, Aardvarkand a number of mongoose, bat, shrew, rat, hare, bush baby and genet species.Cheetah and Side-striped Jackal are also present in the reserve, but are not common and have not beenrecorded during any of the aerial censuses conducted in the reserve to date.A provisional Elephant Management Plan was compiled by independent consultant Petri Viljoen andsubmitted in June 2010. The LEDET Biodiversity Unit, lead by Ecologist Johan Kruger, is, however,currently in the process of compiling an Elephant Management Plan that will be submitted foracceptance by the KNP and other affected bodies. The greatest challenge in the compilation of thisplan, is the fact that the LRNR is not completely fenced, i.e. it shares an open border with the KNP. As aresult, a number of elephant management options (including culling and contraception) are not viablefor use in the LRNR. Currently an average of five elephant bulls is made available for trophy huntingpurposes annually – the only off-take that takes place at the reserve.Having no baseline information available to inform the Elephant Management Plan, its format willcomprise generating information to guide the plan going forward. Firstly, reserve management need tomanage the existing infrastructure on the LRNR, e.g. the boundary fence, water provision, roads,buildings, signage, etc. Secondly, a comprehensive monitoring programme needs to be initiated inorder to determine the African Elephant’s impacts on the veld and various habitat types, which willenable the making of good management decisions that are motivated by scientific evidence/data.Thirdly, the numbers and movement of African Elephant must be properly monitored. This will requireongoing groundwork and annual aerial game counts. Present population records of African Elephant inthe reserve are as follows: 148 individuals counted in 2003; 121 individuals counted in 2004; 330individuals counted in 2005; 278 individuals counted in 2006; 481 individuals counted in 2012; and 451individuals counted in 2012.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 32

Anthrax has been a problem in the LRNR in the past. In 1994, 84% of all Greater Kudu mortalities withinthe reserve were anthrax related.The poaching of wildlife is another serious problem in the reserve. White Rhino are particularlyvulnerable based on the current Rhino poaching onslaught in South Africa.2.4.7.1.1 Mammal Species of Conservation ConcernThe mammal species of conservation concern listed in Table 5 are known to occur at the LRNR.Table 5: Mammal species of conservation concern known to occur at the Letaba Ranch Nature ReserveSCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME IUCN STATUSPanthera pardus Leopard Near-threatened.Panthera leo Lion Threatened.Ceratotherium simum White Rhino Near-threatened.Lycaon pictus Wild Dog Endangered.Acinonyx jubatus Cheetah Vulnerable.2.4.7.2 AvifaunaThe LRNR is comprised of a relatively heterogeneous landscape, with multiple vegetation units,resulting in a wide range of habitat types and a potentially high level of avian species diversity.Additionally, the presence of the perennial Letaba River, as well as associated tributaries and drainagelines, offer various breeding and/or foraging habitats to a wide range of waterfowl and otherwetland/riparian/floodplain associated avian species.There are currently 101 verified avian species, of which five occur on the IUCN Red List of ThreatenedSpecies, occurring at the reserve, namely Bateleur (Vulnerable), Martial Eagle (Vulnerable), Tawny Eagle(Vulnerable), Southern Ground Hornbill (Vulnerable) and White-backed Vulture (Vulnerable). The levelof endemism reflected within the current verified species inventory includes seven near-endemicspecies. The potential species richness within the LRNR is potentially much higher than the currentspecies inventory, but is yet to be determined and/or recorded.The presence and conservation of (particularly existing breeding pairs of) two species listed under IUCNclassification, namely Martial Eagle (Vulnerable) and Tawny Eagle (Vulnerable), have both an ecologicaland conservation significance as they are apex predators within the given ecosystem and overalldensities in South Africa have decreased as a result of direct persecution.The majority of the South African Southern Ground Hornbill population is restricted to large protectedareas including and surrounding the Kruger National Park. This species has experienced a major rangecontraction, mainly as a result of habitat alteration and persecution. The identification andconservation of existing breeding pairs and/or possibly assisting the establishment of breeding pairswithin the LRNR will contribute to the overall conservation of the species within South Africa.2.4.7.3 Reptiles and AmphibiansThe LRNR provides ideal habitat for a range of reptile species. Snakes such as Black Mamba,Mozambique Spitting Cobra, Puff Adder, Boomslang and Southern African Python are known to occur,while individuals of Nile Crocodile were recorded in the reserve during the 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006,2010 and 2012 aerial censuses. Some of the lizard species occurring in LRNR include Wahlberg’s Snake–eyed Skink, Yellow-throated Plated Lizard, Cape Dwarf Gecko, Speckled Thick-toed Gecko and VariableSkink.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 33

A conservative total of 31 different amphibian species occur at the LRNR, including Brown-backed TreeFrog, Bushveld Rain Frog, Mottled Shovel-nosed Frog, Northern Pigmy Toad, Painted Reed Frog, WaterLily Frog, Ornate Frog, Broad-banded Grass Frog, African Bullfrog and Southern Foam Nest Frog. Acomplete amphibian species list is available as part of the reserve’s State of Knowledge Data Repository(SOKDR).2.4.7.4 FishThirty-one different species of fish have been recorded in the Groot Letaba River in the LRNR, includingGiant Mottled Eel, Beira Barb, River Goby, Longfin Eel, Common Mountain Catfish, Orange-fin Barb,Large-scaled Yellowfish, Side Spot Barb, Three Spot Barb, Common Catfish, Barred Minnow andMozambique Tilapia, amongst others. A complete fish species list for the LRNR is available as part ofthe SOKDR.2.4.8 Heritage ResourcesNo known sites of historic significance or other heritage resources are known to occur within the LRNR.This has, however, not been confirmed by an official heritage survey to date.2.4.9 Reserve InfrastructureThere is a total of seven entrance gates into the LRNR, three of which are used by tourists and reservemanagement staff; two of which are used only by reserve management staff; and two of which are nolonger in use. The main entrance gate of the LRNR is situated along the western reserve boundary, atthe Seloane village crossing.All three gravel roads that provide access to the LRNR (Section 2.1) are currently in a fair to poorcondition. The road network within the LRNR also consists of gravel roads only, all of which arecurrently in a fair to poor condition. A number of roads within the reserve are not suitable for use bynormal sedan vehicle and require high clearance and 4x4 capabilities.Signage both to and within the reserve is insufficient and in a poor condition.The LRNR is fenced-in on the northern, southern and western sides. These boundary fences arecurrently in a good to fair condition, except for the northern boundary fence, which is in a fair conditionand has not been electrified to date. Some sections of the boundary fence in the Mthimkhulu area arecurrently in a poor condition. The eastern reserve boundary, which the LRNR shares with the KNP, isnot fenced-in in order to allow for the free movement of fauna between the KNP and the LRNR.The administrative hub of the LRNR consists of a brick building with a thatched roof, which is dividedinto four offices. This structure is currently in a good condition.Staff accommodation within the reserve consists of three park homes; a number of old brick buildingswith thatched roofs; and a number of old brick buildings with corrugated iron roofs. Althoughsufficient, these structures are all currently in a poor condition. Staff share one communal ablutionblock.Five patrol “pickets”, all in a very poor condition, are located within the LRNR. These structures mainlyconsist of old farmsteads inherited from previous private land owners and are used to accommodatereserve staff.The only operational tourist facility within the LRNR is the Mtomeni Tented Bush Camp, which isoperated by The African Ivory Route. This camp was named after the Jackal Berry trees which are foundReserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 34

in the camp’s lapa area and is situated on the banks of the Groot Letaba River. The Mtomeni TentedBush Camp consists of 5 permanent safari tents, each with its own ablution facilities. The campfurthermore shares a communal kitchen and lapa area.The LRNR is not equipped with any picnic spots or other facilities for day visitors.The reserve has one storeroom building with three separate store rooms, one of which is in a goodcondition. The remaining two store rooms are in a bad condition.The slaughtering facilities of the reserve are currently in a very poor condition. No cold room facilitiesare furthermore available for carcasses after slaughtering.The LRNR is equipped with electricity and telephone lines.The water supply within the reserve, for both human and animal consumption, is provided viaboreholes. There are six boreholes located within the reserve, of which five are currently in a workingorder. Water is pumped from these five boreholes once a week in order to provide water for wildlife.The engines and pumps used for water provision purposes are not currently adequately protected fromwildlife and are therefore costly to maintain. In some areas with no water pumping facilities, water forhuman consumption is delivered by way of mobile water tanks and/or drums.A network of hiking trails has been developed in the LRNR, but is currently overgrown with vegetationand not well-maintained.No servitudes are located within the boundaries of the LRNR.2.4.10 Social ContextThe LRNR is surrounded by a population of approximately 28 322 individuals 4 .2.5 Local and Regional PlanningThe LRNR is located in the Ba-Phalaborwa and Greater Giyani Local Municipalities, both of which formpart of the Mopani District Municipality of Limpopo Province.The Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for the period 2012 to 2017lists the “Letaba Ranch Conservation Area” as one of the protected areas/conservancies located withinthe municipal boundaries. The IDP furthermore lists the development of facilities at the LRNR as one ofits development potential projects, which aims at stimulating development within the tourism sector ofthe municipality. In addition, the IDP also lists the tarring of the road between the Eiland and LetabaRanch as an identified community need.No mention is made of the LRNR in the IDP of the Greater Giyani Local Municipality for the period 2012to 2013The Mopani District IDP for the period 2011 to 2016 acknowledges the value of the LRNR as anenvironmental conservation area within the district.4 The social context of the LRNR was determined by identifying the municipal wards within which the reserve is located, as well as thoseimmediately bordering the reserve. Using the results of the South African National Census of 2011, the total number of people within thesewards was then calculated to give a representation of the population in the vicinity of the reserve. It should be kept in mind that ward sizesdiffer considerably and that the value listed may include individuals residing relatively far from the reserve.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 35

2.6 Reserve ExpansionA National Protected Area Expansion Strategy (NPAES) was compiled for South Africa in 2008 andapproved for implementation in March 2009. The aim of the NPAES is to achieve cost-effectiveprotected area expansion that will ensure a) ecological sustainability and b) increased resilience toclimate change. The NPAES sets five- and twenty-year protected area expansion targets; identifiesfocus areas for protected area expansion; and makes recommendations on potential mechanismsthrough which protected area expansion could be achieved.The LRNR is not included in one of the focus areas identified for protected area expansion by theNPAES. It is, however, important to note that the NPAES does not regard areas that are not formallyprotected by law, such as the LRNR, as protected areas, but rather as conservation areas. Conservationareas are not included in the NPAES, based on the fact that there is no long-term security associatedwith these areas.An expansion project has nonetheless been identified for the LRNR by the Management Authority and iscurrently being implemented. This project involves the linking of the LRNR to the KNP and Mthimkhulu,as well as possible further expansion to the north.2.7 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and ThreatsTable 6 lists the key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that were identified for the LRNR.Table 6: Key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats identified for the Letaba Ranch Nature ReserveKEY STRENGTHS Located next to, and shares an unfenced boundary with, the Kruger National Park. Forms a part of the Greater Kruger Conservation Area. Situated close to the Phalaborwa Airport. Easily accessible. Largest of the provincial Limpopo nature reserves. It is a Big Five reserve with a good gene pool. Mild winter temperatures. There is a diversity of habitats present within the reserve. Reserve management has a good relationship with the South African Police Service and the SouthAfrican National Defence Force. Exceptional scenic qualities. The reserve forms part of the African Ivory Route. The reserve belongs to Ba-Phlaborwa Fire Protection Association. There is an existing hunting protocol with the Kruger National Park. Detailed information on all boreholes is available, e.g. depth, flow rate, water quality, etc.KEY WEAKNESSES (ISSUES & CHALLENGES) The reserve is not officially proclaimed as a nature reserve and therefore does not fall under thelegal protection of NEMPAA. The reserve experiences extremely hot temperatures during mid-summer. Located far from Gauteng. Located in a malaria area and therefore precautions should be taken when visiting the reserve. Access to the northern section of the reserve is limited. The area in which the reserve is located is susceptible to drought in varying degrees. Some of the artificial water sources within the reserve are not ideally located. Poor road conditions and insufficient, poor signage. Existing developments within the reserve are located in the most sensitive areas of highestReserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 36

conservation importance. Ageing staff component and shortage of staff. Centralised budget, and de-capacitated reserve management. Lack of resources. Insufficient information re. the heritage resources of the reserve. Lack of communication/co-operation between management and stakeholders. Very little scientific data available as a result of a lack of research and monitoring. Ineffective management. Present hunting quota is not sustainable as it is not backed by good scientific data. Present hunting zone is not well positioned. No permanent water at outlying pickets. Large distances between infrastructure/management tools and the main complex could lead to theneglect of infrastructure and management tools. Some areas within the reserve are prone to erosion. Tourist safety within big game areas. Poor road conditions make vehicle access difficult for management purposes. Alien vegetation, especially aquatic species.OPPORTUNITIES There is huge potential to upgrade the tourism facilities of the reserve and improve the roadinfrastructure in order to allow better access throughout the reserve. The development of a new major tourism facility. Improved signage to and within the reserve. Good marketing potential as a result of the proximity to, and unfenced boundary with, the KNP.The LRNR also forms part of the Greater Kruger Conservation Area and is therefore marketed byexisting structures involved with eco-tourism and hunting. Opportunities for African wilderness experiences. There is an opportunity to introduce activities such as night drives, game walks, the selling of curiosand cultural experiences. The koppies within the reserve provide good lookout points that could be developed. There is an opportunity to establish (guided) hiking trails through the different veld types andhabitats of the reserve. Environmental education. Research and monitoring opportunities. Job creation. The establishment of the Luvuvhu Wilderness Trail operated by TFPD has been successful and hasthe potential to become the flagship 4x4 trail in Limpopo Province and the Great Limpopo TransfrontierConservation Area (TFCA).THREATS Poaching of wildlife. Theft. Damage to the reserve’s boundary fence by neighbouring communities. The spread of diseases. The impact of the African Elephant on the vegetation. Low rainfall – game numbers must be managed carefully in order to prevent veld degradation. Mineral deposits in the southern regions of the reserve could lead to the area being mined, if it isfound to be viable. Pending land claims. Lack of capacity to ensure law enforcement. Existing legal status of the reserve.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 37

3. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES FRAMEWORK3.1 PurposeThe properties on which the LRNR are located were initially State land that was leased out for farmingpurposes. Rondalia Resorts later established a number of camps along the eastern bank of Letaba Riverand the area was subsequently utilised as a game reserve by the then Department of Agriculture. TheSouth African Nature Foundation (SANF) also used the area for training purposes during this period.When the area was later transferred to the Gazankulu homeland, the area was used exclusively as agame reserve.In present times, the value of the LRNR as a conservation area can also be attributed to the following:It includes a portion of the vulnerable Granite Lowveld vegetation unit.A combined total of 22 threatened reptile, amphibian, bird and/or mammal species occur at thereserve.The reserve falls within a National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area (FEPA) and a Fish SupportArea.The reserve is dissected by the endangered Groot Letaba River.The reserve contains areas classified as “highly significant” in terms of Critical Biodiversity Values.The reserve is regarded as playing an important social support role in local and surroundingcommunities.The reserve is regarded as having a high income generating potential.3.2 Reserve ValuesThe following key values of the LRNR were identified by the RPT:KEY RESERVE VALUES The reserve has the potential to demonstrate the efficacy, and benefits, of functionalpartnerships between the State and communal land owners in the collaborative administrationand management of provincial nature reserves. The reserve is committed to management in accordance with best practice and rationally drivenby current knowledge. The reserve is committed to good administration and the efficient use and good maintenance ofresources. The reserve is committed to be a good employer and socially affirmative neighbour in the localcommunities. The reserve boasts approximately 24 km of Groot Letaba River frontage and approximately 20km of Klein Letaba River frontage. The confluence of these rivers occurs along the easternboundary of the reserve. The reserve creates a sense of wilderness as a result of its size, wildness and inaccessibility. The reserve boasts varied and healthy habitat types with naturally occurring wildlife; east/westmigration routes for game; a high species diversity, including the Big Five and African Wild Dog;and excellent bird viewing opportunities, including healthy Ground Hornbill populations. The reserve forms an integral part of the Greater Kruger Conservation Area.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 38

3.3 The Reserve VisionThe vision of the reserve describes the overall long-term goal for the operation, protection anddevelopment of the LRNR. The following vision was developed by the RPT:VISIONWe see a collaborative partnership between the State and the Majeje,Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) and other affected communities in the ongoingconservation and sustainable use of the Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve.From this partnership, we envisage securing: Meaningful and sustained benefits derived for the Majeje, Mthimkhulu(Mabunda) and other affected communities; Protection of the reserve’s outstanding scenic qualities; Conservation of the diverse habitats and associated fauna and flora ofthe reserve; Conservation of the biodiversity of the Groot and Klein Letaba Rivers; Equitable access to, and responsible use of, the reserve and its naturalresources; and Positioning the Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve as one of the ultimate ecotourismdestinations amidst all of the eco-tourism products offered byLimpopo and the Great Limpopo TFCA.3.4 Key Performance Areas and ObjectivesThe RPT identified 24 Objectives for the LRNR. Collectively these objectives are anticipated tocontribute to realising the Vision for the reserve.These objectives have, in turn, been grouped into six Key Performance Areas (KPAs), as follows:KEY PERFORMANCEAREAS (KPA)KPA 1:Biodiversity andHeritageConservationOBJECTIVES1.7 Re-establish, manage and maintain viable populations of locallyindigenous fauna and flora in the LRNR.1.8 Maintain a natural fire regime within the LRNR.1.9 Contain the spread, and impacts, of invasive alien plants and bushencroachment in the LRNR.1.10 Protect the heritage resources of the LRNR.1.11 Update key baseline information, and develop and maintain atargeted research and monitoring programme to guide biodiversitymanagement in the LRNR.1.12 Establish a basic soil erosion control programme for the LRNR.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 39

KPA 2:Sustainable UseKPA 3:Enforcement,Security and AccessControlKPA 4:Infrastructure andEquipment(Operations)KPA 5:StakeholderInvolvementKPA 6:Administration andPlanning2.1 Construct, upgrade and maintain day visitor and overnight visitor buildingsand infrastructure in the LRNR.2.2 Develop, deliver and maintain a diverse range of tourism and recreationalservices for visitors to the LRNR.2.3 Develop and implement a focused and cost-effective marketing,awareness-raising and educational programme for the LRNR.2.4 Facilitate the sustainable use of natural resources by the Majeje,Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) and other communities in the LRNR.2.5 Manage and mitigate the environmental impacts of conservationmanagement, tourism, recreation and natural resource use in the LRNR.3.1 Secure the boundaries of, and maintain controlled access to, the LRNR.3.2 Sustain an effective law enforcement and compliance capacity in theLRNR.4.1 Develop and maintain the road, track and footpath network in the LRNR.4.2 Construct, maintain and upgrade the bulk services infrastructure in theLRNR.4.3 Construct, upgrade and maintain administrative, staff and operationalbuildings and infrastructure in the LRNR.4.4 Acquire and maintain operational equipment and vehicles for the LRNR.5.1 Ensure the ongoing involvement of a representative and functional LetabaRanch Nature Reserve Co-Management Committee (LRNRCMC) in theplanning, development and management of the LRNR.5.2 Develop, implement and maintain effective mechanisms for ongoingcommunications with co-management partners, private stakeholders andneighbouring land owners.5.3 Actively participate in local and regional conservation and socio-economicdevelopment initiatives that may affect or benefit the LRNR.5.4 Identify, and enable access to employment, empowerment and capacitybuilding opportunities for the Majeje, Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) and othercommunities.6.1 Secure the legal tenure of, and management authority for, the LRNR.6.2 Maintain an adequately equipped, resourced and trained staffcomplement for the LRNR.6.3 Institute and maintain an effective administrative and planning capabilityin the LRNR.6.4 Establish, maintain and host a reliable inventory of key information on theLRNR and its ongoing management.3.5 ZonationBased on available information, and in consultation with the RPT, a Use Zone Map (UZM) is presentedas a broad, overarching medium-term spatial planning framework for the LRNR (Figure 6).The UZM indicates the extent and location of suitable visitor use zones for the reserve, withmanagement guidelines and broad conservation and tourism infrastructural requirements designatedfor each use zone.Annexure 2 describes the objectives, characteristics, uses and management guidelines for each of theuse zones shown in Figure 6.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 40

Figure 6: Use Zone Map for the Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 41

4. STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORKThis section translates the strategic objectives framework described in Section 3 into guiding principlesfor management, management actions and management targets (for each set of objectives withineach KPA), which will be used to inform APOs and the resources required to implement it.The guiding principles are the norms and standards by which the LRNR will make its operationalmanagement decisions and conduct its activities.Management actions are the key strategic activities that should be implemented to achieve the reserveobjectives. Management actions are defined and prioritized for the five-year time horizon of this SP.Each management action has been prioritised as follows:CATEGORYHIGHMEDIUMLOWPRIORITIESCritical to the effective management 5 of the reserve. Funding and resources should besecured to implement these actions.Important to the effective management of the reserve, but its implementation may bedelayed because of limited funds or resources.Constitutes good management practice, but not necessarily critical or important toreserve management effectiveness. Implementation may be dependent on theavailability of external funding or support.Time Frames, Targets, Key Performance Indicators and Responsibilities are, in turn, allocated for eachmanagement action, or a group of linked management actions.In this section, the guiding principles and management activities (organised by management action,priority, target, performance indicator, responsibility and timelines) are presented separately for eachKPA and its set of related objectives.5 As reflected in the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT).Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 42

KPA 1: BIODIVERSITY AND HERITAGE CONSERVATIONGuiding principles for reserve managementFauna# GUIDING PRINCIPLEThe reserve shall conform to the following LEDET policies, strategies, procedures and/orguidelines relating to wildlife management: Guidelines for aerial game censuses on provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/1); Guidelines for culling on provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/7); Technical management guidelines and procedures for game registers on provincialnature reserves (12/6/12/7/8); Technical management guidelines and procedures for game capture on provincialnature reserves (12/6/12/7/8);1 Technical management guidelines and procedures for the introduction of mammalsinto provincial nature reserves (2008); Policy on the donation of game from State-owned nature reserves to HistoricallyDisadvantaged Individuals (HDIs) in the wildlife industry; Provincial directive on the control and management of damage-causing wild animalsin Limpopo Province; Draft policy for the reduction of game from (provincial) nature reserves; and Game monitoring strategy for State-owned nature reserves in Limpopo Province (5year period).2Wildlife management in the reserve must be focused primarily on protecting the ecologicalfunctioning of the reserve.3456Wildlife stocking densities should be maintained within the ecological capacity of thesupporting habitats of the reserve.A regular programme for monitoring the veld condition, the animal numbers and the physicalcondition of animals must be in place to ensure that the ecological capacity of the reserve isnot exceeded.Population management of wildlife species shall be required to ensure that such species arenot causing the ecological degradation of the reserve.Wherever practicable, non-lethal and environmentally-friendly measures should bedeveloped and implemented to limit, or mitigate, the impacts of any indigenous problemcausinganimal in, or escaping from, the reserve.Fire# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1 The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the NVFFA.2Unplanned wildfires that occur in areas where it could have undesirable ecological effects,threaten reserve infrastructure or threaten neighbouring properties shall be suppressed orcontrolled, wherever possible.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 43

3456Unplanned wildfires that occur in reserve areas where it will do no ecological harm and/orthreaten property may be allowed to burn, provided that safety concerns are notcompromised. Controlled block burns are to be conducted when required.Fire protection measures and resources (equipment, trained personnel, firebreaks, etc.) mustbe maintained and effective in the reserve at all times.The reserve management shall, wherever possible, establish partnerships with neighboursand other role-players through agreements and membership of FPAs.Controlled block burns can only be implemented after an ecological assessment of the drymatter/fuel load has been completed.Invasive alien plants / bush encroachment# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of Sections 64-77 of NEMBA and therelevant sections of CARA, as amended.23All declared invasive alien plant species occurring in the reserve shall be eradicated, using themost cost-effective and environmentally friendly methods.While active bush encroachment control measures (mechanical, fire, biological and/orchemical) shall be adopted in the reserve in the short-term, the primary long-termmanagement objective is sound veld management practices (conservative wildlife stockingrates, natural patch burn regimes, adequate water provision and soil conservation).Heritage resources# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1 The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the NHRA.Biodiversity inventory, research and monitoring# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The reserve shall conform to the following LEDET policies, procedures and/or guidelinesrelating to monitoring: Guidelines for monitoring of climate and maintenance and establishment of climaterelatedinfrastructure on provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/2).2The collection of baseline information, support for research projects and the ongoingimplementation of monitoring programmes shall be focused on, and directed towards,supporting operational planning and decision-making in the reserve.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 44

Management actions and targetsKPA 1: Biodiversity and Heritage ConservationObjective 1.1: Re-establish, manage and maintain viable populations of locally indigenous fauna and flora in the LRNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Develop and maintain a basic Wildlife Management Programme forthe LRNR.(ii) Under the direction of the Game Monitoring Strategy conduct anaerial game census (during late winter).(iii) Develop and maintain a vegetation monitoring programme,including an annual veld condition assessment and biomass fuel loadassessment (during summer).(iv) Based on the outcomes of the most recent game census data, thecurrent veld condition assessment (VCA) and the stocking ratesdetermined in the Wildlife Management Programme, annuallydetermine and implement the culling/capture requirements formedium-sized and large game species.(v) Annually determine and allocate, in accordance with therequirements of the Letaba Ranch Co-Management Agreement, thecommunity portion of the culling/hunting activities.(vi) In times of drought, maintain and implement the water provisionrequirements for game species, as described in the WildlifeManagement Programme.(vii) Initiate basic African Elephant and veld monitoring programmesto help gather scientific data for the future Elephant ManagementPlan.(viii) Assess, and implement, environmentally friendly measures toreduce the impacts of any damage-causing and problem animalsAll wildlife stockingdensities containedat levels below theecological capacity ofthe vegetation.Carrying capacity ofvegetation (based onVCA) vs. Large andmedium-sized gamecounts (based on gamecensus).ResponsibilityManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit)ManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit)ManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit)ManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit);Reserve ManagerLetaba RanchNature Reserve Co-ManagementCommitteeReserve ManagerManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit)Reserve ManagerTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 45

(notably Chacma Baboon and Vervet Monkey).Objective 1.2: Maintain a natural fire regime within the LRNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Prepare and/or update a simple, functional Fire ManagementProgramme for the LRNR.(ii) Ensure that all reserve management staff are adequately trainedand equipped to implement the Fire Management Programme.(iii) Under the direction of the Fire Management Programme,maintain a system of perimeter fire breaks and fire breaks around keyinfrastructure (the tourism camp, administrative facilities and staffhousing).(iv) Establish and maintain formal and informal partnerships withneighbours (e.g. Working on Fire (WOF)/FFA) to improve thecapacity of the reserve to implement the Fire ManagementProgramme.(v) Install and maintain basic fire protection measures (e.g. fireextinguishers, fire hoses and roof sprinklers) in all affected tourism,administrative and staff accommodation buildings.(vi) Maintain, in accordance with the requirements of the FireManagement Programme, records of all fires occurring in the reserve.Fires in the reservedo not haveundesirableecological effects,threaten reserveinfrastructure orthreatenneighbouringproperties.Cost of damage resultingfrom fires spreading toneighbouring properties(based on insuranceclaim).Cost of damage toreserve infrastructurefrom fires (based oninsurance claim).Ecological condition(based on vegetationmonitoring).Objective 1.3: Contain the spread, and impacts, of invasive alien plants and bush encroachment in the LRNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Eradicate, on an ongoing basis, all known invasive alien plantinfestations occurring in the reserve, with particular emphasis onaquatic alien species found in the Groot Letaba River.(ii) Develop partnerships with funding and implementing agencies(e.g. WfW) to improve the capacity of the reserve to sustain itsinvasive alien plant control programme.(iii) Map, and annually monitor, the extent and density of areas in theNo seeding invasivealien plants.No spread, ordensification, of bushencroachment.Extent, by density, ofinvasive alien plants.Extent, by density, ofbush encroachment.ResponsibilityManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit)Reserve ManagerReserve ManagerRegional Manager;Reserve ManagerReserve Manager;Tourism Operator/sReserve ManagerResponsibilityManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit);Reserve ManagerRegional Manager;Reserve ManagerManagementTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Time frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 46

eserve subject to unacceptable levels of bush encroachment.(iv) Implement an ad hoc programme of mechanical and chemicalcontrol to contain the further spread, densification and impacts ofbush encroachment.Objective 1.4: Protect the heritage resources of the LRNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) In collaboration with academic institutions, identify, research,document and inventorize the heritage resources of the reserve.(ii) Develop informational and interpretive materials about thereserve’s heritage resources.(iii) Develop and implement a prioritised programme of maintenanceof these heritage resources.Heritage resourcesidentified,documented, andproperly maintained.State (using a gradingsystem) of heritageresources.Authority(Biodiversity Unit);Reserve ManagerReserve ManagerResponsibilityRegional Manager;Reserve ManagerTourismOperator/s; Majeje& Mthimkhulu(Mabunda)Community TrustsReserve ManagerTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Objective 1.5: Update key baseline information, and develop and maintain a targeted research and monitoring programme to guide biodiversity management inthe LRNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Identify, and prioritise, the reserve’s biodiversity managementrequirements for baseline information, research and monitoring.(ii) Collect key baseline biodiversity data and research information forthe reserve, including vegetation community and species mapping;faunal species data and population profiles; the ecological capacity ofthe reserve; optimal stocking rates of wildlife; fire history; optimal fireregimes for the reserve; the state of bush encroachment; and wateravailability and quality.(iii) Develop, implement and/or maintain key biodiversity monitoringReserve database ofmanagementorientedbiodiversityinformation.n/aResponsibilityManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit);Reserve ManagerManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit);Reserve ManagerManagementTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 47

activities in the reserve, including vegetation monitoring; the state ofbush encroachment; and game counts.(iv) Facilitate access for external research institutions to implementthe reserve’s priority research and monitoring requirements.(v) Maintain the baseline biodiversity data sourced from field rangerreports, including information on fauna and flora.Objective 1.6: Establish a basic soil erosion control programme for the LRNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Prepare a simple, functional Erosion Management Programme forthe LRNR.(ii) Initiate relevant types of control measures to combat soil erosion.(iii) Re-seed vast tracts of bare land with the seeds of local indigenousgrass species.(iv) Employ the services of local community members on a contractualbasis to assist with erosion control.No increase in soilloss; improved watercatchment byslowing water flow;and increased soilretention to result insuccession and aboveground biomassgrowth.Decrease in soil loss;increase in pioneerspecies; and slowerwater flow.Authority(Biodiversity Unit);Reserve ManagerManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit);Reserve ManagerReserve ManagerResponsibilityManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit);Reserve ManagerRegional Manager;Reserve ManagerRegional Manager;Reserve ManagerRegional Manager;Reserve ManagerTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 48

KPA 2: SUSTAINABLE USEGuiding principles for reserve managementTourism and recreation infrastructure and services# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1In developing and maintaining tourism and recreational infrastructure and services, thereserve shall obtain the necessary authorisation in terms of the relevant building, water,drainage, health, safety, waste, traffic and environmental Acts, Regulations and By-laws.234Tourism and recreational infrastructure and services developed within the nature reservemust be appropriate to the purpose for which the reserve has been established, and must notthreaten its biodiversity or ecological function.Tourism and recreational infrastructure and services shall be developed in response totourism market demands and opportunities within the reserve, and should be carefullyassessed to determine its viability.A portion of the income derived from tourism and recreational services in the reserve shall bedistributed to the Majeje, Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) and other communities in accordance withthe relevant clauses in the Letaba Ranch Co-Management Agreement.Marketing, awareness-raising and education# GUIDING PRINCIPLEThe reserve shall collaborate and cooperate with key local, regional and institutional partnersto: (i) strengthen the marketing of the reserve’s tourism and recreational infrastructure and1 services; (ii) improve the awareness of the reserve, and its prospective uses, in localcommunities; and (iii) further develop the use of the reserve as a local educational resourcefor teaching institutions.Natural resource harvesting# GUIDING PRINCIPLEAll hunting activities shall conform to the protocols agreed with the KNP with respect to the1 use of boundary roads, bagging of weapons, sensitivities to other tourists and the crossingover of wounded animals from the LRNR to the KNP.23The reserve shall conform to the following LEDET policies, procedures and/or guidelinesrelating to natural resource use: Guidelines for culling on provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/7); Technical management guidelines and procedures for game capture on provincialnature reserves (12/6/12/7/8); Policy on the donation of game from State-owned nature reserves to HistoricallyDisadvantaged Individuals (HDIs) in the wildlife industry; and Draft policy for the reduction of game from (provincial) nature reserves.Sustainable use of natural and biological resources may be undertaken under strictlycontrolled conditions, provided that it does not compromise the ecological functioning orbiodiversity conservation imperatives of the reserve.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 49

4The Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve Co-Management Committee shall review options for, andmake recommendations to, the ‘Executing Agency’ on the distribution of benefits accruingfrom the consumptive harvesting of natural and biological resources in the reserve.Managing environmental impacts of use# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The reserve shall strive to continually improve its environmental management systems,through reducing or mitigating the environmental impacts of, inter alia: administrative andvisitor infrastructure; solid waste disposal; water supply and distribution systems; energysupply and distribution networks; sewage systems; and herbicide and fuel supplies.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 50

Management actions and targetsKPA 2: Sustainable UseObjective 2.1: Construct, upgrade and maintain day visitor and overnight visitor buildings and infrastructure in the LRNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Assess the cost-effectiveness of different management options (e.g.concessions, leasing, service agreement, community-managed, etc.)for the operating of the Mtomeni Tented Bush Camp and potentialfuture developments and select the preferred/optimal managementoption/s.(ii) Implement, and formalise (as required), the selected managementoption for the Mtomeni Tented Bush Camp and potential futuredevelopments.(iii) Upgrade, renovate and maintain the overnight visitor buildings,facilities, equipment and linked infrastructure (including bulkinfrastructure), to meet the relevant LTA/LEDET standards for theprovision of nature-based tourism products.(iv) Upgrade, renovate and maintain the day visitor facilities in andaround the administrative hub.(v) Assess the feasibility of developing an overnightcamping/caravanning site.(vi) Standardise, install and maintain directional and informationalsignage within, and en route to, the reserve.Functional overnightand day visitorbuildings andinfrastructure.Level of conformance(%) with South AfricanNational Standard(SANS) 1197:2012.Objective 2.2: Develop, deliver and maintain a range of tourism and recreational services for visitors to the LRNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Support entrepreneurial opportunities for local communities toparticipate in the provision and management of tourist andEffectively managedand regularlyLevel of conformance(%) with South AfricanResponsibilityLetaba RanchNature Reserve Co-ManagementCommittee; LTALTA; SeniorManager (SONR)Tourism Operator/sReserve Manager;Tourism Operator/sLetaba RanchNature Reserve Co-ManagementCommitteeReserve Manager;LTAResponsibilityLetaba RanchNature Reserve Co-Time frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Time frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 51

ecreational products.(ii) Develop and promote the use of the present dilapidatedinfrastructure at the administrative hub by day visitors.(iii) Design, market and institute, various guided walking trails forreserve visitors.(iv) Facilitate controlled access to the reserve for other potentialcomplementary recreational activities, including game drives, nightdrives and hunting.maintained tourismand recreationalservices.National Standard(SANS) 1197:2012.ManagementCommitteeTourism Operator/sLTAReserve ManagerObjective 2.3: Develop and implement a focused and cost-effective marketing, awareness-raising and educational programme for the LRNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Continually provide updated information in the ongoingdevelopment of corporate, regional and provincial tourism marketingproducts and materials.(ii) Design, publish and distribute reserve-specific brochures andpamphlets for visitors and users.(iii) Establish links with local educational institutions and networks inorder to promote subsidised access to, and use of, the reserve as aneducational resource.(iv) Maintain daily information about the reserve visitors and users(e.g. numbers/group, age category, gender, time of visit, length ofstay, nationality, etc.) in a standardised corporate format.Improved awarenessof tourism andrecreation productsin the reserve.Numbers of visitors andusers.ResponsibilityReserve Manager;Regional Manager;LTALTA; ReserveManager; TourismOperator/sTourismOperator/s;Reserve Manager;ManagementAuthority: EESTourismOperator/s;Reserve ManagerObjective 2.4: Facilitate the sustainable use of natural resources by the Majeje, Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) and other communities in the LRNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Annually determine the hunting/culling allocations to the Majejeand Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) communities.Levels of naturalresource use by theMajeje, Mthimkhulu(Mabunda) and otherCompliance withguidelines (measured byfield ranger reports).ResponsibilityManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit);Letaba RanchTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Time frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 52

(ii) Develop, and administer, guidelines for the implementation of anyannual hunting/culling activities (or commercially outsourced hunting‘packages’) by the Majeje and Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) communities.(iii) Formalise protocols for the distribution of benefits arising fromthe LRNR to the Majeje and Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) communities.(iv) Develop, and administer, guidelines for the sustainable harvestingof firewood (on request) from the reserve.communities areecologicallysustainable.All benefit distributionprotocols formalised.n/aNature Reserve Co-ManagementCommitteeManagementAuthority:Biodiversity Unit,Wildlife Unit &PAM; Letaba RanchNature Reserve Co-ManagementCommitteeManagementAuthority; RegionalManager; LetabaRanch NatureReserve ComanagementCommitteeReserve Manager;Letaba RanchNature Reserve Co-ManagementCommitteeObjective 2.5: Manage and mitigate the environmental impacts of conservation management, tourism, recreation and natural resource use in the LRNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Introduce more environmentally-friendly technologies (e.g. lowwattage lighting, dual flush toilets, waterless urinals, water savingshower heads, the removal of baths, bio-technology for wastetreatment, drought tolerant grass, etc.) during the renovation andupgrading of the tourism and recreational buildings andinfrastructure, wherever this is cost-effective.(ii) Close and rehabilitate solid waste dumpsites within the reserve (ifany), and initiate community driven recycling programmes.(iii) Close/remove/demolish and rehabilitate all extraneous andNo extraneousbuilding, equipmentand infrastructure inthe reserve.n/aResponsibilityTourismOperator/s;Reserve ManagerReserve ManagerReserve ManagerTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 53

unused buildings and foundations, dumped materials, old equipment,gravel pits and old fencing.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 54

KPA 3: ENFORCEMENT, SECURITY AND ACCESS CONTROLGuiding principles for reserve managementBoundaries and access control# GUIDING PRINCIPLEThe reserve shall conform to the following LEDET policies, procedures and/or guidelinesrelating to boundaries and access control: Technical management guidelines and procedures for the management of access and1access control on provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/4); Guidelines for fencing of provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/3); and Law enforcement strategy for Limpopo provincial nature reserves.2The boundaries of the reserve shall, at all times, be clearly demarcated and regularlymaintained.3All entry and exit points shall be properly managed to ensure that access to, and through, thereserve is effectively controlled at all times.Law enforcement and compliance# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1An adequately trained and suitably equipped field ranger complement shall be deployed inand around the reserve to, inter alia: control illegal activities; ensure the safety of visitors;monitor the activities of users and visitors; collect baseline information; and undertake thebasic maintenance of equipment and infrastructure.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 55

Management actions and targetsKPA 3: Enforcement, Security and Access ControlObjective 3.1: Secure the boundaries of, and maintain controlled access to, the LRNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Ensure that all reserve visitor gates and management entry pointsare adequately staffed and administered.(ii) Establish, and maintain, a ‘gate entry pass/visitor permit book’system for all visitors to, and users of, the reserve.(iii) Upgrade sections of the boundary fence that is in a poor to faircondition, especially in the Mthimkhulu area.(iv) Ensure the regular maintenance of the perimeter fence of thereserve.(v) Facilitate controlled access for external institutions undertakingrelevant research and monitoring programs within the reserve.The reserve assetsare secure.The reserve visitorsand users haveequitable access tothe reserve, and aresafe from harm.Objective 3.2: Sustain an effective law enforcement and compliance capacity in the LRNRProfile of reserve visitorsand users.Incident record of illegalaccess.Management action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Ensure the provision of enforcement and compliance training for allreserve field staff.(ii) Ensure that the field ranger staff complement is adequatelyresourced and equipped to fulfil an effective enforcement andcompliance function.Incremental decreasein incidences ofillegal activitiesoccurring in thereserve.Number of formalwarnings and finesissued, and successfulprosecutions concluded.ResponsibilityReserve ManagerReserve Manager,Regional Manager,ManagementAuthorityReserve ManagerReserve ManagerManagementAuthority(Biodiversity Unit);Reserve ManagerResponsibilityManagementAuthority: HR &HRDManagementAuthority: HR, HRD,SIS & BiodiversityUnit; ReserveTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Time frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 56

(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 tothe safety and security of the reserve.ManagerReserve ManagerReserve ManagerManagementAuthority: PAM &SpecialInvestigationsReserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 57

KPA 4: INFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT (OPERATIONS)Guiding principles for reserve managementRoads, tracks and footpaths# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The reserve shall conform to the following LEDET policies, procedures and/or guidelinesrelating to the development, maintenance and upgrading of roads: Technical management guidelines and procedures for the development, maintenanceand upgrading of roads in provincial nature reserves.2The reserve shall rationalise the network of roads, tracks and footpaths to reducemaintenance costs and limit environmental impacts, while ensuring adequate access fortourism and operational management requirements.Bulk services# GUIDING PRINCIPLEThe reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the following legislation in supplyingbulk services: NEMWA;1 WSA; NBRBSA; and Municipal By-laws.2The reserve shall strive to phase out bulk services that have a detrimental impact on theenvironment. It shall, in turn, seek to introduce more sustainable technologies, whereverpracticable and cost-effective.Administrative and other operations infrastructure# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1In developing and maintaining administrative and operations infrastructure, the reserve shallobtain the necessary authorisation in terms of the relevant building, water, drainage, health,safety, waste, traffic and environmental Acts, Regulations and By-laws.2Administrative and operations infrastructure and services must be limited, and appropriatelyscaled, to the necessary administrative and operational requirements of the reserve, andmust not threaten its biodiversity or ecological function.Operations equipment and vehicles# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The reserve shall acquire and/or replace the equipment and vehicles necessary to implementthe high priority activities identified in this SP.2All reserve equipment and vehicles shall be regularly maintained in accordance with themanufacturers’ specifications.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 58

Management actions and targetsKPA 4: Infrastructure and equipment (operations)Objective 4.1: Develop and maintain the road, track and footpath network in the LRNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Schedule, and implement, the upgrade and maintenance of thenetwork of visitor roads in the reserve, with a strong focus onmaintaining and mitigating highly erodible areas.(ii) Close and rehabilitate all unused, extraneous and/or highlyerodible, tracks and roads in the reserve.(iii) Renovate and maintain a rationalised network of guided hikingtrails traversing the reserve.Rationalised networkof well-maintainedvisitor roads andfootpaths.Objective 4.2: Construct, maintain and upgrade the bulk services infrastructure in the LRNRState (using a gradingsystem) of visitor roadsand footpaths.Management action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Facilitate a permanent supply of water and solar energy to outlying‘pickets’ from which field rangers operate.(ii) Install and maintain generator and/or solar power systems for thefunctioning of remote park operational equipment (e.g. water pumps)and the smaller tourism and recreational facilities.(iii) Expand and upgrade the water supply, storage and treatmentcapacity for the reserve, with a specific focus on the Mtomeni TentedBush Camp.(iv) Improve and expand the capacity of the waste removal systemsfor the reserve, with a specific focus on the Mtomeni Tented BushCamp.Capacity of bulkservices exceedsadministrative userequirements andreserve visitordemands.Records of instances ofoverloading of the bulkservice supplies.ResponsibilityReserve ManagerReserve ManagerReserve Manager;Tourism Operator/sResponsibilityReserve Manager,Regional ManagerReserve ManagerTourismOperator/s;Reserve ManagerTourismOperator/s;Reserve ManagerTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Time frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 59

Objective 4.3: Construct, upgrade and maintain administrative, staff and operational buildings and infrastructure in the LRNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Upgrade the administration buildings, and associated facilities, inthe administrative hub of the reserve.(ii) Upgrade the entrance/control gate infrastructure and associatedablution facilities to accommodate disabled visitors.(iii) Ensure the regular maintenance of all reserve administrative, staffand operational buildings and infrastructure.Sufficient, andadequatelymaintained, reserveadministration, staffand operationsbuildings andinfrastructure.Objective 4.4: Acquire and maintain operational equipment and vehicles for the LRNRState (using a gradingsystem) of reservebuildings andinfrastructure.Management action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Procure, install and maintain a reliable internal communicationsnetwork for the reserve, including repeaters, a base station, handheldradios and car radios.(ii) Install, maintain and service diesel pumps at all game water pointsand renovate the pipelines and water troughs at these water points,as required.(iii)Procure at least two tractors and trailers for general reserve andmaintenance work.(iv) Maintain and/or replace all reserve vehicles and equipmentaccording to the manufacturers’ specifications and/or corporatereplacement cycles.(v) Establish an electronic network (i.e. internet and e-mail) for, andconnect services and applications to, the reserve.(vi) Maintain and safely store all firearms.Sufficient, andadequatelymaintained reserveequipment andvehicles.State (using a gradingsystem) of reserveequipment and vehicles.ResponsibilityDepartment ofPublic Works;Regional ManagerReserve ManagerReserve ManagerResponsibilityRegional Manager;Reserve ManagerReserve ManagerRegional ManagerManagementAuthority:Transport; ReserveManager; RegionalManagerManagementAuthority: IT;Reserve ManagerReserve Manager;Firearm ControlOfficer: SISTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Time frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 60

KPA 5: STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENTGuiding principles for reserve managementLetaba Ranch Nature Reserve Co-Management and Advisory Committees# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The reserve shall actively participate in, and support, the Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve Co-Management Committee as an important governance mechanism to achieve the aims andobjectives of the Letaba Ranch Co-Management Agreement.2The reserve shall establish and maintain an effective Reserve Advisory Committee based onthe Regulations for the Proper Administration of Nature Reserves, promulgated in terms ofSection 86 (1) of NEMPAA.Stakeholder communications# GUIDING PRINCIPLEStakeholder communications shall be focused on strengthening a sense of ownership andempowerment in the Majeje and Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) communities, through an improved1understanding of the contribution of the reserve to socio-economic development andheritage/biodiversity conservation.2Stakeholder communications shall seek to develop a common understanding in surroundingcommunities of the issues affecting the integrity of the reserve, and collaborative approachesto resolve these.Local and regional initiatives# GUIDING PRINCIPLE12The reserve management shall actively collaborate with national, provincial and local tourismand 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 tointegrate all local and regional planning and socio-economic development activities affectingthe reserve.Employment, empowerment and capacity building# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The reserve shall strive to meet to the socio-economic development commitments made inthe Letaba Ranch Co-Management Agreement.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 61

Management actions and targetsKPA 5: Stakeholder InvolvementObjective 5.1: Ensure the ongoing involvement of a representative and functional Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve Co-Management Committee in the planning,development and management of the LRNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Provide ongoing support (logistical, administrative, technical,professional, financial and/or leadership) to, and actively participatein, an effectively functioning LRNRCMC.(ii) Continually review, and amend (as required), the structure,representation and TOR of the LRNRCMC to ensure that it contributesto realising the intent of the Letaba Ranch Co-ManagementAgreement.(iii) Support the ongoing capacity building of the Majeje andMthimkhulu (Mabunda) community representatives on the LRNRCMC.(iv) Allocate office space in the upgraded administrative complex (see4.3 (i) above) for office bearers of the LRNRCMC.Regular meetings ofthe LRNRCMC.Implementation ofdecisions made bythe LRNRCMC.Record of meetings anddecisions.ResponsibilityReserve Manager;Regional ManagerLetaba RanchNature Reserve Co-ManagementCommittee;ManagementAuthority: PAMReserve Manager;Regional ManagerReserve ManagerTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Objective 5.2: Develop, implement and maintain effective mechanisms for ongoing communications with co-management partners, private stakeholders andneighbouring land ownersManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Host a regular monthly meeting, each in a different neighbouringvillage, to present and discuss issues of mutual concern.Regular meetingswith neighbouringvillages andcommunallandowners.Record of meetings.ResponsibilityLetaba RanchNature Reserve Co-ManagementCommitteeTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 62

(ii) Hold quarterly (more regular if required) meetings with theLRNRCMC to ensure that co-management decisions are madetimeously and effectively.Quarterly meetingswith the LRNRCMC.Record of meetings.Reserve Manager(iii) Under the guidance of the Regulations for the properadministration of Nature Reserves, as promulgated in terms of Section86 (1) of NEMPAA, establish a Reserve Advisory Committee and meeton a regular, agreed to basis.Regular meetingswith the LRNRMAC.Record of meetings.Reserve ManagerObjective 5.3: Actively participate in local and regional conservation and socio-economic initiatives that may affect or benefit the LRNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Participate in local municipal IDP planning processes, with a specificfocus on the provision of municipal infrastructure and services to thereserve and supporting local economic development initiatives in theMajeje and Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) communities.(ii) Participate in the planning and development of the Greater KrugerConservation Area.(iii) Support local/regional FPA initiatives, with a specific focus onrationalising the reserve firebreaks and improving access to firefightingresources and support.Improved costeffectivenessofreserve operations asa result oflocal/regionalpartnerships.n/aResponsibilityReserve ManagerReserve Manager;Regional ManagerReserve ManagerTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Objective 5.4: Identify, and enable access to, employment, empowerment and capacity building opportunities for the Majeje, Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) and othercommunitiesManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Review and select the preferred mechanisms for optimisingemployment, empowerment and capacity building opportunities forthe Majeja, Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) and other communities.(ii) Develop opportunities for selected individuals from the Majeje,Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) and other communities to be trained anddirectly employed in appropriate conservation and tourism relatedDirect andmeasurable benefitsaccrue to the Majeje,Mthimkhulu(Mabunda) and othercommunities fromthe LRNR.Extent (number ofbeneficiaries) and nature(employment –permanent/ temporary;business opportunity;training; capacitybuilding)of communityResponsibilityLetaba RanchNature Reserve Co-ManagementCommitteeLetaba RanchNature Reserve Co-ManagementTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 63

work, including fence construction and maintenance, capitaldevelopment projects, tourism services, invasive alien plant and bushencroachment control, security, road and footpath maintenance andguiding services.(iii) Develop opportunities to facilitate an empowerment componentfor selected individuals from the Majeje, Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) andother communities in any outsourcing/concessioning of the tourismand recreational products of the reserve.(iv) Identify, and apply for, EPWP-related funding for relevant tourismand conservation initiatives in the reserve.(v) Identify, and if feasible develop, opportunities for theestablishment of community-based entrepreneurial opportunitieswithin, or linked to, the reserve, including game drives; the selling ofcurios and crafts; guided walking trails; village tourism; conservationenterprises; event management and commercial hunting packages.benefits.Committee;Reserve ManagerLTA; ReserveManager; LetabaRanch NatureReserve Co-ManagementCommitteeManagementAuthority:EconomicDevelopmentManagementAuthority:EconomicDevelopmentReserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 64

KPA 6: ADMINISTRATION AND PLANNINGGuiding principles for reserve managementLegal status# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The legal tenure for the effective planning and management of the reserve as a provincialprotected area shall be secured.Human resources# GUIDING PRINCIPLEThe reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the following human resourceslegislation: LRA; BCEA;1 EEA; SDA; OHSA; and PSA.2The reserve shall, in partnership with the Majeje, Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) and othercommunities, identify opportunities for the training, capacity building and/or preferentialemployment of individuals permanently resident in surrounding villages.Administration# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the following financial managementlegislation: PFMA and associated Treasury Regulations.23The reserve shall conform to the following LEDET policies, procedures and/or guidelinesrelating to supply chain management: Draft procedure manual for demand and acquisition management.The reserve shall conform to all relevant provincial/departmental financial and administrativereporting requirements.Information management# GUIDING PRINCIPLE1All information that is used to support the operational planning and decision-making in thereserve shall be collected, collated, updated, maintained and presented in a cost-effectiveformat that is readily accessible for use by management.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 65

Management actions and targetsKPA 6: Administration and PlanningObjective 6.1: Secure the legal tenure of, and management authority for, the LRNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Review the efficacy and ongoing relevance of the Letaba Ranch Co-Management Agreement as per the requirements of the 2009National Co-Management Framework, and amend or revise, asrequired.Transparent andefficientmanagement.Updated comanagementagreement.Objective 6.2: Maintain an adequately equipped, resourced and trained staff complement for the LRNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Ensure that all vacant posts in the reserve’s approved organogramare filled.(ii) Identify training needs, and facilitate access to trainingprogrammes for reserve staff, with a priority focus on field ranger,first aid, hospitality and IT skills training.(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 equipmentto fulfil their job function.(v) Have clear job descriptions on record.ResponsibilityLetaba RanchNature Reserve Co-ManagementCommittee;ManagementAuthorityResponsibilityn/a n/a ManagementAuthority: HR &HRDManagementAuthority: HR &HRD; ReserveManagerReserve ManagerManagementAuthority: HR, HRD,SIS & BiodiversityUnit; ReserveManagerReserve Manager;ManagementTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Time frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 66

(vi) Maintain all staff information for the reserve (leave records,attendance registers, overtime, etc.).(vii) Implement the institutional Occupational Health and Safetypolicies and procedures in the reserve.(viii) Conduct regular shooting and drilling practice sessions.(ix) Maintain a high standard of discipline through regularreserve staff inspections.(x) Compile and sign a Memorandum of Understanding with all staffmembers on the reserve.Objective 6.3: Institute and maintain an effective administrative and planning capability in the LRNRManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicators(i) Maintain and update all assets and stock inventory registers andreports for the reserve.(ii) Maintain a reserve-based record of all purchases made, accountspaid and services procured in support of reserve operations over eachfinancial year.(iii) Prepare the reserve Annual Plan of Operations (APO).(iv) Facilitate the implementation of annual METT-SA assessments forthe reserve.(v) Read and apply all updated Management Authorityguidelines, policies and procedures to the daily functioning ofthe LRNR.Asset inventory,stock registers,financial records,APOs and monthly,quarterly and annualreports are all up todate.Updated guidelines,policies andprocedures availableat the reserve.Spot checks.Objective 6.4: Establish, maintain and host a reliable inventory of key information on the LRNR and its ongoing managementManagement action Priority Management targets Key performanceindicatorsAuthorityReserve ManagerReserve ManagerReserve Manager;Regional ManagerReserve Manager;Regional ManagerReserve Manager;Regional ManagerResponsibilityReserve ManagerReserve ManagerReserve PlanningTeam, chaired bythe ReserveManagerRegional Manager;Reserve ManagerReserve Manager;ManagementAuthority (PAM)Responsibility(i) Institute and maintain an electronic and/or hard copy filing system Up to date, and n/a Reserve ManagerTime frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Time frame(Years 1 – 5)1 2 3 4 5Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 67

for all reserve-specific information.(ii) Determine the economic valuation of the LRNR.accessible,information on thereserve and itsmanagement.Reserve ManagerReserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 68

5. RESOURCING AND GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORKThis section provides brief recommendations on the minimum staffing complement and funding thatwould be required to implement the RMP (i.e. the SP and APO).This section also briefly describes the key responsibilities of the reserve management team and LetabaRanch Nature Reserve Co-Management Committee (LRNRCMC) in the development, implementation,monitoring and review of the RMP.5.1 Staffing RequirementsIt is proposed that the following minimum staffing complement 6 would be required to implement thisSP 7 :POST DESIGNATIONNUMBERReserve Manager 1Chief Nature Conservator 1Nature Conservator 8 2Senior Field Ranger 8Field Ranger 45Gate Guard 15Administrative Officer 2Artisan 2Logistical Support Services:General Worker;Cleaner.102Total 886 This minimum staff complement assumes that the overnight tourism facilities and services of the reserve are outsourced to an operator orconcessionaire and that the reserve management is not directly responsible for the management of these facilities and services.7 The staffing requirements reflected in the SP are premised on two elements: (i) a critical assessment of the efficacy of the current approved(not actual) organogram for the reserve in respect of current reserve management responsibilities; and (ii) a facilitated discussion with the RPTon any (mostly minor) adjustments/changes that may be required to this approved organogram in order to more effectively implement the SPfor the next five years.8 Including Senior/Sergeant/Principal Field Ranger.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 69

5.2 Funding RequirementsIt is proposed that the following operational 9 and capital 10 budget would be required to implement this SP:KEY PERFORMANCE AREA2013/2014 2014/2015 2015/2016 2016/2017 2017/2018CAPEX (R)OPEX(R)CAPEX(R)OPEX(R)CAPEX(R)OPEX(R)CAPEX(R)OPEX(R)CAPEX(R)OPEX(R)KPA 1: Biodiversity and heritage conservation 2,500,000 95,000 1,100,000 60,000 750,000 65,000 0 70,000 0 70,000KPA 2: Sustainable use 5,000,000 85,000 2,500,000 50,000 850,000 50,000 0 45,000 100,000 45,000KPA 3: Enforcement, security and access control 850,000 30,000 500,000 20,000 0 25,000 0 35,000 0 35,000KPA 4: Infrastructure and equipment 5,000,000 100,000 3,000,000 65,000 1,100,000 80,000 500,000 90,000 150,000 95,000KPA 5: Stakeholder involvement 0 15,000 0 15,000 0 20,000 0 20,000 0 20,000KPA 6: Administration and planning 0 45,000 0 35,000 0 45,000 0 55,000 0 55,000Total 13,350,000 370,000 7,100,000 245,000 2,700,000 285,000 500,000 315,000 250,000 320,0009 Operational costs are roughly based on an area-complexity factor (i.e. different cost ranges per ha, based on the level (high, medium or low) of management complexity). This was then moderated against documentedexpenditure for operational costs in 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 SANParksand ECParks, where operating costs have stabilised and are well documented over a period of three to five years.10 Capital budget requirements are roughly based on known costs for similar capital investments, either in terms of replacement costs (e.g. vehicles), infrastructure development costs (e.g. cost/ha or cost/km for fencing orroads), bulk services (e.g. costs/m for pipelines, etc.), or building costs (e.g. cost/m 2 for staff accommodation or chalets), etc.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 70

5.3 Roles and Responsibilities5.3.1 Reserve ManagementThe key responsibilities of reserve management in the development, implementation, monitoring andreview of the RMP are summarised as follows:Protected AreaManagement (PAM)and Biodiversity Unit(ManagementAuthority HO)Regional ManagerReserve ManagerPAM and the Biodiversity Unit of the Management Authority will have directresponsibility for: Implementation of the designated priority activities in the SP, andlinked APO; and Providing professional and technical support to the Regional Manager,Reserve Manager and LRNRCMC in the implementation of the SP andAPO.The Regional Manager will have overall responsibility for: Ensuring the alignment of the SP with Provincial and LEDET policies andguidelines; Ensuring the coordination and alignment of the SP with otherdepartmental activities and initiatives; Providing oversight of the implementation the SP and APO; Reporting on the performance of the LRNR in the implementation ofthe SP and APO to the Senior Manager (SONR); Instituting corrective actions to ensure that the SP and linked APO isimplemented, reviewed and updated; and Approval of the APO.The Reserve Manager will have direct responsibility for: Annually drafting an APO to operationalise the priority activitiesidentified in the SP; Implementation of the APO; Monitoring of performance against the APO (and the SP); Reporting of performance against the APO (and the SP) to theLRNRCMC; Management of reserve staff, resources and finances in theimplementation of the APO; and Communicating with the Regional Manager about obstacles in theimplementation of the APO.The Regional Manager and Senior Manager (SONR) are the officials responsible for submitting the SP tothe Head of Department (HOD, Economic Development, Environment and Tourism) for formal approvaland adoption. The HOD will then submit the approved SP to the Limpopo MEC for EconomicDevelopment, Environment and Tourism as per the requirements of the NEMPAA. This can besummarized as follows:RESERVEMANAGEMENTPLANCOMPONENTSP / APO Reserve Manager Letaba RanchNature ReserveCo-ManagementCommitteeRESPONSIBILITY SUBMIT TO OUTCOME SOUGHT FREQUENCYApproval of finaldraft.SP (at 5-yearintervals);APO (annually)SP / APO Regional Senior Manager Approval of final SP (5-yearly);Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 71

RESERVEMANAGEMENTPLANRESPONSIBILITY SUBMIT TO OUTCOME SOUGHT FREQUENCYCOMPONENTManager (SONR) version of SP and APO (annually)APO.SPSenior Manager HOD (LEDET) Departmental SP (5-yearly)(SONR)adoption of SP.SP HOD (LEDET) MEC (LEDET) Formal approvaland adoption as perlegal requirements.SP (5-yearly)5.3.2 Reserve Planning TeamA small interdisciplinary Reserve Planning Team (RPT) has been constituted to guide and advise on thepreparation, and ongoing review and evaluation, of the RMP.The RPT may include any of the following persons:The Reserve Manager;Key reserve management staff;Regional Manager;Regional scientist/s;Landowner/s (in the case of stewardship agreements);Representative of affected municipality/ies and/or other organs of state;Representative/s of any reserve co-management committee (in cases where one has beenestablished); andCo-opted technical experts/consultants.The RPT is specifically responsible for the following:Overseeing all planning initiatives and activities in the reserve;Providing strategic direction to the RMP;Providing technical and scientific inputs into the RMP;Approving the first draft of the reserve’s SP for public consultation;Identifying the need for subsidiary plans in the reserve, and guiding its formulation;Providing technical inputs into the preparation of the APOs for the reserve;Approving the first draft of the reserve’s APOs for formal submission to the Management Authority;Reviewing the reserve’s performance against the objectives and goals established in the SP and APOs;Guiding the updating of the SP and APOs, based on the outcomes of the annual performance review;andAssisting in identifying the ongoing human resource and budgetary requirements of the reserve.The RPT should meet under the guidance of the Reserve Manager, who should also act as chairman atall meetings.5.3.3 Management Advisory CommitteeRegulation 9 of the Regulations for the Proper Administration of Nature Reserves made in terms ofSection 86 (1) of NEMPAA states that the Management Authority may establish one or more advisorycommittees in respect of a nature reserve according to the procedure stipulated in Regulation 10 of theaforementioned Regulations. Upon following this procedure, the Management Authority may appointReserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 72

an advisory committee, provided that at least one employee of the Management Authority, nominatedby the Management Authority itself, serve as an ex officio member of the committee. Each member ofthe advisory committee is appointed by the Management Authority for a period determined by theManagement Authority, which may not exceed three years.The mandate of any advisory committee must be defined by the Management Authority itself in specificterms in writing. These specific terms must include the terms of reference; the method ofcommunicating advice; the acceptance and rejection of advice offered; the appointment and removal ofcommittee members; and the support to be provided, together with any remuneration payable and itsterms.5.3.4 Reserve Co-Management CommitteeThe key responsibilities of LRNRCMC in the development, implementation, monitoring and review ofthe RMP are summarised as follows:Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve Co-Management CommitteeThe LRNRCMC shall have overall responsibility for: Representing the interests of the different reserve stakeholder groups and institutions duringthe preparation of the SP and APOs; Overseeing the drafting of the SP and APOs; Providing strategic inputs into the drafting of the SP, and technical inputs into the annualdrafting of the APOs; Making recommendations to the Regional Manager on the adoption of the SP and annual APOs; Reviewing the quarterly and annual performance of the LRNR against the APO (and SP); and Providing inputs into ad hoc and emergency reserve decision-making not adequately addressedin the SP/APO.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 73

6. BIBLIOGRAPHYThe following references were extensively consulted during the drafting of this document:Bass Air Aviation. 2010. Game count: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve – 2010. Unpublished report.Bass Air Aviation. 2012. Game count: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve – 2012. Unpublished report.Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality. 2012. IDP: 2012 - 2017. Local Municipal Integrated DevelopmentPlan: Final.Burger, M. 2012. Amphibian species list for Limpopo Province Nature Reserves. Unpublished report.Cowan, G.I. & Mpongoma, N. 2011. Guidelines for the development of a management plan for aprotected area in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003.Unpublished document.Cronje, H.P., B.K. Reilly and I.D. Macfadyen. 2002. Natural mortality among four common ungulatespecies on Letaba Ranch, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Koedoe 45(1): 79–86.Deacon, A. 2012. Fish species of the Letaba River. Unpublished report.Eagan, V. T. 2012. Reptile species list for LEDET reserves. Unpublished report.Envirodel. 2005. Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve Ecological Management Plan. Unpublished report.Greater Giyani Local Municipality. 2010. Adopted IDP: 2010 - 2013. Local Municipal IntegratedDevelopment Plan.Hockey, P.A.R., Dean, W.R.J. and Ryan, P.G. (eds). 2005. Roberts – Birds of Southern Africa, VII th . Thetrustees of the John Voelcker Bird Book Fund. Cape Town.IUCN. 2012. [online] Available at: [Accessed July 2012].Keith, M. (Technical Editor). 2010. [online] Available at: http://sites.google.com/site/samammals/[Accessed January 2013].Kruger, J. W. 2012. Species list for LEDET reserves. Unpublished report.LEDET. 2012. Guidelines for the development of Management Plans for Limpopo’s Provincial NatureReserves. Unpublished planning guideline.Limpopo Department of Agriculture. 2012. [online] Available at: [AccessedJune 2012].LTA. 2012. [online] Available at: [Accessed June 2012].Mopani District Municipality. 2011. IDP: 2011 - 2016. District 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.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 74

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. Unpublishedreport.Stats SA. 2012. [online] Available at:http://interactive.statssa.gov.za/superweb/loadDatabase.do?db=Descriptive11_wd [AccessedDecember 2012].Stuart, C. & Stuart, T. 2007. Field guide to mammals of Southern Africa. Struik Publishers, Cape Town.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 75

ANNEXURE 1: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION REPORTRefer to attached document.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 76

ANNEXURE 2: ZONATION CATEGORIES (CHARACTERISTICS)The main characteristics of each use zone are summarized in the tables below:ZONEZONE OBJECTIVECHARACTERISTICSVISITORACTIVITIESFACILITIES /INFRASTRUCTUREVISITOR ACCESSMANAGEMENTGUIDELINESNaturalUsers:− To provide easy accessto experience thereserve’s naturallandscapes, habitats,species and heritageresources.Conservation:− To minimise andmitigate the effects ofvisitor use on thereserve’s naturalhabitats and speciesand its cultural sites.- Areas of extensive andaccessible naturalhabitats and species.- Areas with importantheritage sites andfeatures.- Areas whose primaryhabitats, species andcultural sites areresilient to the impactsof regular visitor use.- Areas with popular viewsites or natural andcultural attractions.- Areas with an extensiveand accessible road, trailand track network.- Areas that require activeconservationmanagementinterventions.- Areas with moderatelevels of visibilityobtrusiveness.- Game viewing.- Motorised 2x4 selfdriveaccess ondesignated routes.- Permitted motorised4x4 trails ondesignated routes.- Day hiking trailsand/or short trails.- Bird hides, canoeing,mountain biking androck-climbing,where appropriate.- Other recreationalactivities that maybe consideredappropriate byreservemanagement.- No accommodationor camping.−−−−−−−Self-drive roads and 4x4tracks. Roads may besurfaced where visitor uselevels are high.Management accessroads and managementtracks.Perimeter firebreaks.Small picnic areas andablution facilities may beprovided.Parking or viewing sites/areas may be provided.No accommodation orcamping.Signage may be erectedto designate routes(including 4x4, horse,MTB, canoe, 2x4 selfdrive,etc.), closed areasor junctions.- Cater for all reservevisitors.- Vehicle access ondedicated routes,with pedestrianaccess from parkingareas or adjacentdevelopment zones.- On water, only nonmotorisedcraftsallowed, unlessotherwise agreed.Visitor andconservationmanagement:- Intensivemaintenance ofvisitor facilitiesandinfrastructure.- Activeenforcement ofreserveregulations.− Intensiveconservationmanagementactivitiesundertaken.Consumptive Use:− Sustainable useof naturalresources may,where feasible,be considered onapplication, andsubject to aformal permittingarrangement.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 77

Development – Low IntensityUsers:− To provide small tomedium-sized picnic,accommodationand/or campingfacilities and services.− To facilitate access toenvironmentaleducational facilitiesand services.Conservation:− To contain the impactsand footprint ofreserve visitorfacilities, services andinfrastructure.−−−−−−−−−−Areas with acontained, low-densitydevelopmentfootprint.Areas with roads, trailsand small to mediumscalerecreationalfacilities andaccommodationinfrastructure.Degraded ortransformed areas.Natural or seminaturalhabitats.Areas with a highvisitor absorptivecapacity.Areas with limitedbiodiversitysignificance.Areas that are easilyaccessible from thereserve entry points.Areas where risk offire damage toinfrastructure is low,or can be mitigated.Areas with lowvisibility from thesurroundinglandscape.Areas that have accessto potable water, andnot sensitive todisposal of treatedwastewater.−−−−−Picnic and braaiing.Parking.Overnightaccommodation.Camping/caravanning.Environmentaleducation.- Reception offices.- Small camping/caravanning facilities.- Small lodges/ tentedcamps/ self-catering units.- Small restaurant orcatering facilities forovernight guests only.- Surfaced roads andparking areas.- Bird hides.- Services (power, wastemanagement, water,etc.).- Cater for all reservevisitors.- Motorised self-drivecar access.- Tour bus access.- Parking and walk-infor day and overnightvisitors.- Intensivedevelopment andmaintenance ofvisitor facilities,services andinfrastructure.- Activeenforcement ofreserveregulations.- Limitedconservationmanagementactivitiesundertaken.− Risk management(e.g. fire safety)measuresimplemented.− Developmentfootprint activelycontained.Consumptive Use:− Sustainable useof naturalresources may,where feasible,be considered onapplication, andsubject to aformal permittingarrangement.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 78

Development – High IntensityUsers:− To provide mediumsized to large scaleaccommodationfacilities, andassociated attractionsand conveniences.Conservation:− To contain the impactsand footprint ofreserve visitorfacilities, services andinfrastructure.−−−−−−−−−−Areas with an extensivehigh-densitydevelopment footprint.Areas with roads, trailsand small to mediumscalerecreationalfacilities andaccommodationinfrastructure.Degraded ortransformed areas.Natural or semi-naturalhabitats.Areas with a high visitorabsorptive capacity.Areas with limitedbiodiversity significance.Areas that are easilyaccessible from thereserve entry points.Areas where risk of firedamage toinfrastructure is low, orcan be mitigated.Areas with low visibilityfrom the surroundinglandscape.Areas that have accessto potable water, andnot sensitive to disposalof treated wastewater.- Picnicking andbraaiing.- Overnightaccommodation.- Camping/caravanning.- Meetings, workshopor mini conferenceactivities.- Parking.- Swimming.- Medium-sized lodges orhotels.- High density self-cateringunits.- Medium to large-scalecamping/ caravanningfacilities.- Fuel supply pump.- Amenities, includingrestaurants and shops.- Surfaced roads.- Services (power, wastemanagement, water, etc.).- Swimming pool.- Air strip.- Cater for all reservevisitors.- Motorised self-drivecar access.- Tour bus access.- Parking and walk-infor day and overnightvisitors.- Air access may bepermitted.Visitor andconservationmanagement:- Intensivedevelopment andmaintenance ofvisitor facilities,services andinfrastructure.- Activeenforcement ofreserveregulations.- Limitedconservationmanagementactivitiesundertaken.− Risk management(e.g. fire safety)measures−implemented.Developmentfootprint activelycontained.Consumptive Use:- None.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 79

Development - Reserve AdministrationTo define the location ofthe infrastructure andfacilities for reserveadministration.- Areas with extensivedegraded or transformedfootprints.- Areas able toaccommodate highdisturbance, with noidentified sensitivebiodiversity.- Areas proximate to highand low intensitydevelopment zones.- Areas with low visibilityfrom the surroundinglandscape.- Areas that are easilyaccessible from thereserve entry points.- Areas that have access topotable water, and notsensitive to disposal oftreated wastewater.n/a − Administrative offices.− Storage facilities.− Garage facilities.− Workshops.− Game capture andholding facilities.− Parking.NOTE:Reserve administrative officesmay also be located within theDevelopment - Low/HighIntensity Zones.Access to reservereception andadministrative offices.n/aReserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 80

Special Protection / Special ManagementSpecial Protection (Species, Habitats,Heritage)Special Management (Resource Utilisation)−−−Protection ofspecies,habitats orheritage sitesof specialconservationconcern.Restrictaccess topreventdisturbanceand/ordamage.Regulationand control ofresourceutilisation(commercialand/orcommunitybased),includinghunting.- Sites or areas whereuncontrolled publicaccess is undesirable dueto the presence ofthreatened species andhabitats or sensitiveheritage features.- Demarcated sites orareas where seasonalutilisation of naturalresources (e.g.harvesting of grass forthatching, collection ofreeds for buildingmaterial, hunting ofwildlife for trophies ormeat, etc.) takes place.- Research.- Guided nature/heritage visits understrictly controlledconditions.- Motorised access ondesignated routes(primarily gravelroads).- Walking access ondesignated footpathsand trails.- Commercial hunting,under strict permitconditions.Usually none, but footpathsand tracks to allowmanagement access may bepermitted.Where visitor access ispermitted, strict accesscontrol is required to delimitaccess routes, and, ifnecessary, screen visitors; i.e.hides, boardwalks, screenedroutes, and paths with railingsmay be appropriate.Self-drive roads, 4x4 tracks,management access roadsand management tracks.Parking or viewing sites/ areasmay be provided.Basic accommodation orcamping facilities may beprovided.Signage may be erected todesignate seasonally closedareas.Public / tourism accessnormally not allowed.May be permitted undervery tightly controlledconditions, to bedetermined per site.Public / tourism accesswill only be regulatedduring the resourceutilisation season.For hunting areas, thezone will be closed for allother visitors.For other resourceutilisation zones,public/tourism accessmay be permitted,although the specificaccess conditions willvary from site to site.Visitor andconservationmanagement:− Restrictions onaccess andnumbers ofvisitors may beenforced.− Activeconservationand heritagemanagementactivitiesundertaken, asrequired.Consumptive Use:- None.Visitor andconservationmanagement:−−Seasonalrestrictions onaccess may beenforced.Activemanagement ofresourceutilisationpermits.Consumptive Use:- Naturalresourceharvesting andcollection.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 81

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