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• It is likely that lobbying will be 5.22 AND PUTSEKLOOF (population: + 1 500) (IDP 2012-2017) necessary to encourage the routing

of Zandkopsdrift traffic through this 5.22.1 SPATIAL ANALYSIS, see Figures 5.22.1 area. The advantages and

disadvantages of this opportunity Sub-regional location should be carefully thought through • Located in the Hardeveld near the Northern Cape border; in advance. • 27kms from , nearest settlement on the N7 national route between Cape Town and Namibia; • This should thinking should include • Approximately 15kms from the proposed rare earth mine at Zandkopsdrift which is likely to export its consideration of the tourism production southwards to Saldanha for processing and export; and, opportunities of the settlement which • Also lies on a circular scenic rural road route to the west and south from Bitterfontein to and may require investment in . accommodation and training

whereas the current state of the Layout pattern Church towerroads as mayfocal pointbe adequate, of mission buildings or even an • Comprises four linear components strongly shaped and orientated by the narrow valleys and openings of the attraction for the relevant tourism topography; niche market. • Three of the main components have been formalized and subdivided into separate township layouts. Many of the erven in the northern component remain undeveloped; • There are also two informally laid out settlements, in the south of Putsekloof, and below the town dam; and, • The latter would appear to be located within the dam break line and the wall should be carefully monitored.

Urban quality • There is a strong tranquil rural quality about the settlement; • Buildings tend to be simple but have little of the aesthetic quality of other traditional settlements like Elim and Kassiesbaai. This could be promoted by distributing simple and inexpensive building guidelines; and, • The mission and church forms a striking centerpiece to the settlement set back on a slight platform from the cross roads against the hill slopes. Care should be taken not to locate future urban development indiscriminately so that this view is spoilt. Typical housing in the settlement Challenges and potential • The settlements appear to have attained a level of equilibrium with their economic and lifestyle needs sustained by a balance of subsistence agriculture, very low living costs and social grants and for some, a relatively strong spiritual life centred around the mission station; • The area offers unique scenic and cultural attributes that will be of interest to a wide range of visitors from 4x4 enthusiasts to bird watchers, artists and people interested in sustainable life styles; • The relatively poor quality of the roads (note: these are considered to be in relatively good condition for gravel roads) should not deter most potential visitors. Deterring factors are more likely to be poor marketing and publicity and a lack of convenient and comfortable refreshment and accommodation facilities. Some missions, e.g. Genadendal and Elim, offer simple but good accommodation facilities acceptable to most visitors. The nearest accommodation appears to be guesthouses and B&Bs in Bitterfontein and ; and, • A possible opportunity could be the opening of the proposed rare earths mine at Zandkopsdrift just inside the Northern Cape provincial boundary. If it is decided to upgrade the rural roads to the nearest railhead these could pass through Rietpoort. This would help to open up the area and improve the roads. However, depending on volumes and frequency, traffic could be disruptive to the peace of the area and social Church building in Putsekloof problems could also develop.

MATZIKAMA MUNICIPAL SDF (12.2188) CNdV africa (Pty) Ltd. draft SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 18 April 2013 page 331

Figure 5.22.1.1 Rietpoort and Putsekloof: Analysis

MATZIKAMA MUNICIPAL SDF (12.2188) CNdV africa (Pty) Ltd. draft SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 18 April 2013 page 332

Figure 5.22.1.2 Rietpoort and Putsekloof: Aerial photograph MATZIKAMA MUNICIPAL SDF (12.2188) CNdV africa (Pty) Ltd. draft SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 18 April 2013 page 333

5.22.2 RIETPOORT AND PUTSEKLOOF: DRAFT SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK, see Figures 5.22.2.1

General: Due to its remote location the lifestyles of Rietpoort and surrounding settlements’ residents have had to remain very closely linked to the natural environment. The dam was designed as a reservoir to retain dew precipitation, food is grown in small vegetable gardens on fertile alluvial soil in the valley bottoms watered by run-off from the surrounding hills and bread is still baked in outside clay Dutch ovens. The settlement retains a strong spiritual base with mass celebrated daily at the mission. These elements are considered to have tourist potential if the right mix of products, service and marketing is created.

The potential of a tourism based scenario which is based on the life of the village needs to be weighed against the advantages and disadvantages of possibly having the mine traffic routed through the village.

5.22.2.1 Core landscape areas Notes • Striking visual quality of Rietpoort mission to be In order that as many residents as possible can benefit from passing (tourist) retained trade it is proposed that the main road through Rietpoort and Putsekloof is landscaped and upgraded with suitable shade tree species.

5.22.2.2 Urban Development Notes • There appears to be little need for further urban development; • If such need does arise then the approved vacant erven, mainly in Rietpoort north should be prioritized or the undeveloped land in Rietpoort south; • The area in front of the mission station should be kept clear to retain the visual quality of this complex; and, • It is not considered necessary to formalize erven around those dwellings still on common land.

5.22.2.3 Heritage Areas Notes Buildings and land in and around main intersection to • The mission station complex should be declared a heritage conservation be upgraded, landscaped and paved and pubic and area; and, commercial buildings encouraged to locate here • Care should be taken that future development does not undermine the visual quality of the gateway views into Rietpoort.

5.22.2.4 Urban Restructuring Notes • It is proposed that the main road through Rietpoort and Putsekloof be improved so as to attract visitors past the majority of the residents; • Future commercial and civic facilities should be encouraged to locate at the two intersections at either end of this road; and, • Should the Zandkopsdrift mine decide to take access through Rietpoort then heavy vehicle traffic should be diverted on the existing road north of Putsekloof so as to minimize disruption to the settlement.

Section of main road through Putsekloof to be upgraded

MATZIKAMA MUNICIPAL SDF (12.2188) CNdV africa (Pty) Ltd. draft SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 18 April 2013 page 334

Figure 5.22.2.1 Rietpoort and Putsekloof: Spatial Development Framework

MATZIKAMA MUNICIPAL SDF (12.2188) CNdV africa (Pty) Ltd. draft SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 18 April 2013 page 335

MATZIKAMA MUNICIPAL SDF (12.2188) CNdV africa (Pty) Ltd. draft SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 18 April 2013