Integrated Management Plan: 2009-2013

Phongolo Nature Reserve

Reviewed, compiled and edited by Duncan Heard and Andrew Whitley Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

Based on the original Integrated Management Plan (2007 - 2012) Compiled by Ecotourism Afrika Trust

Cover design by Di Martin Design Studio, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

Citation Phongolo Nature Reserve: Integrated Management Plan: 2009–2013, Version 1.0. (2009). Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Pietermaritzburg, 83 pp. and 8 maps (4 x A4, 4 x A3).

Phongolo Nature Reserve i - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Phongolo Nature Reserve ii - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Authorisation

This Integrated Management Plan (2009- 2013) for Phongolo Nature Reserve is recommended by the Nature Reserve Planning Committee (NRPC), a multi-disciplinary team consisting of:

Ezemvelo KwaZulu Natal Wildlife, Zululand Region Sifiso Keswa General Manager (NRPC and Regional Operations Committee Chairperson) Rob Blok Biodiversity Conservation Co-ordinator, North Zululand Caiphus Khumalo Ecological Advice Co-ordinator Malcolm Thomson Conservation Manager, Phongolo Nature Reserve (Previous) Khulekani Nhleko Conservation Manager, Phongolo Nature Reserve Wayne Matthews Regional Ecologist, North Zululand Ernest Mlambo Community Conservation Officer, Phongolo Nature Reserve Catherine Hanekom Resource Use Ecologist, Zululand Des Archer District Conservation Manager, Zululand

Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation EKZNW Co-ordinating Unit Roelie Kloppers Project Co-ordinator (Previous) Andrew Whitley GIS and Planning (Previous)

External Key-Stakeholder Representatives (See Appendix 2) National Departments: Water Affairs and Forestry; and Land Affairs. Provincial Department: Works. Municipalities: uPhongolo Local; Jozini Local; Umkhanyakude District and Zululand District. Traditional Councils: Nyawo; Nsinde; and Gumbi. NGO: Isigqiki Somkhovu Private Sector: Pongola Game Reserve South; Shayamoya; Shayamanzi; and Makhathini Farmers ______Recommended: TITLE NAME SIGNATURE and DATE Chairperson: EKZNW, Biodiversity Conservation Operations Management Committee

Chief Executive Officer: EKZNW

Chairperson: KZN Nature Conservation Board (Management Authority) Head of Department: Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development

Chairperson: Portfolio Environment and Conservation Committee

Approved:

KwaZulu-Natal MEC: Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development

Phongolo Nature Reserve iii - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Table of Contents

AUTHORISATION...... III TABLE OF CONTENTS...... IV PREFACE...... VII PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLANNING PROCESS FRAMEWORK...... VIII DEFINITIONS...... X ABBREVIATIONS ...... XIII COMMONLY USED ABBREVIATIONS FOR SPECIFIC STATUTES (LEGISLATION)...... XIV LIST OF TABLES...... XIV LIST OF APPENDICES ...... XIV LIST OF MAPS...... XIV 1 PURPOSE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF PHONGOLO NATURE RESERVE...... 1

1.1 PURPOSE ...... 1 1.2 SIGNIFICANCE ...... 1 2 ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK...... 2

2.1 INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS ...... 2 2.1.1 PNR Management Authority...... 2 2.1.2 Separation of Authority Functions...... 2 2.2 LEGISLATION GUIDING THE ADMINISTRATION OF PHONGOLO NATURE RESERVE...... 3 2.3 REGIONAL PLANNING CONTEXT AND PRINCIPLES ...... 4 LEGAL PROTOCOLS:...... 5

2.4 DECLARATION STATUS OF PNR ...... 5 2.5 LOCAL AGREEMENTS,MOUS,LEASES AND SERVITUDE ARRANGEMENTS ...... 6 2.6 BROADENING CONSERVATION LAND USE MANAGEMENT IN AREAS SURROUNDING PNR...... 7 3 BACKGROUND...... 8

3.1 ORIGIN OF THE NAME OF THE NATURE RESERVE...... 8 3.2 LOCATION AND EXTENT OF THE NATURE RESERVE...... 8 3.3 PREVIOUS LAND USE...... 8 3.4 CONSERVATION HISTORY OF THE NATURE RESERVE...... 9 3.5 CLIMATE AND WEATHER ...... 10 3.6 TOPOGRAPHY,GEOLOGY AND SOILS ...... 10 3.7 HYDROLOGY ...... 10 3.8 VEGETATION...... 11 3.9 ANIMALS...... 12 3.9.1 Invertebrates ...... 12 3.9.2 Fish...... 12 3.9.3 Herpetofauna (Reptiles and Amphibians)...... 13 3.9.4 Avifauna (Birds)...... 13 3.9.5 Mammals ...... 13 3.10 CULTURAL HERITAGE...... 14 3.11 SOCIO-CULTURAL HISTORY OF THE AREA ...... 14 3.12 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONTEXT ...... 15 3.13 DEVELOPED INFRASTRUCTURE...... 15 3.13.1 Eco-cultural Tourism Infrastructure...... 15 3.13.2 Management Infrastructure...... 15 3.13.3 Bulk Infrastructure: ...... 16 3.13.4 Water Supply Infrastructure...... 16 3.13.5 Other Conservation Infrastructure ...... 16 4 VISION, MISSION, MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND CONSERVATION TARGETS...... 18

4.1 INTRODUCTION...... 18 4.2 STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION ...... 18 4.3 VISION...... 20 4.4 MISSION...... 20 4.5 MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES ...... 20 4.6 CONSERVATION TARGETS ...... 21 5 ZONATION ...... 22

Phongolo Nature Reserve iv - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - 5.1 DEVELOPMENT ZONE...... 22 5.2 TERRESTRIAL NATURAL ZONE ...... 23 5.2.1 Medium intensity utilisation...... 23 5.2.2 Low intensity utilisation...... 23 5.3 AQUATIC ZONE ...... 24 5.3.1 Motorised boating ...... 24 5.3.2 Guided boating only...... 24 5.3.3 Non-motorised boating only...... 24 5.3.4 DWEA security zone...... 24 5.3.5 Restricted access (Swaziland)...... 24 5.4 SPECIAL RESOURCE USE /PROTECTION ZONE...... 24 5.4.1 Hunting Area...... 24 6 OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT POLICY FRAMEWORK AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES...... 25

6.1 FINANCIAL AND HUMAN RESOURCES ...... 25 6.1.1 Financial Resources ...... 25 6.1.2 Human Resource Capacity...... 26 6.2 LOCAL COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ...... 26 6.2.1 PNR Stakeholder Liaison Forum...... 26 6.2.2 Community Levy Trust Fund...... 27 6.2.3 External Funding Projects...... 27 6.2.4 Land Claims...... 27 6.2.5 Environmental Education ...... 27 6.2.6 Adjoining Swaziland Communities...... 27 6.2.7 Informal Participation...... 27 6.3 PARTNERSHIPS ...... 27 6.3.1 Nsubane-Pongola Transfrontier Conservation Area...... 28 6.3.2 Eco-cultural Tourism Development Partners...... 28 6.4 SECURITY AND SAFETY...... 28 6.5 NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ...... 29 6.5.1 Introduction ...... 29 6.5.2 Fire Management ...... 29 6.5.3 Alien Species Control and Management...... 30 6.5.4 Wetland / Groundwater / River Management...... 32 6.5.5 Soil Erosion Control...... 33 6.5.6 Wildlife Management...... 33 6.5.7 Control over Illegal Use of Natural Resources ...... 35 6.6 CULTURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT...... 35 6.7 RESOURCE UTILISATION ...... 36 6.7.1 Plants and Animals...... 36 6.7.2 Bioprospecting...... 36 6.7.3 Abiotic Resources...... 36 6.8 ECO-CULTURAL TOURISM AND MARKETING...... 36 6.9 ENVIRONMENTAL INTERPRETATION,AWARENESS AND EDUCATION ...... 37 6.10 RESEARCH...... 38 6.10.1 Monitoring and Evaluation ...... 39 6.11 INFRASTRUCTURE...... 40 6.11.1 Pongolapoort Dam Recreational Infrastructure (Map3) ...... 41 6.11.2 Entrance Points and Gates...... 41 6.11.3 Boundary Fence...... 41 6.11.4 Signage...... 42 6.11.5 Roads, Tracks and Paths...... 42 6.11.6 Staff Accommodation ...... 43 6.11.7 Offices, Workshops, Stables and other Infrastructure...... 43 6.11.8 Services ...... 43 6.11.9 Radio Communication and other Communication Equipment...... 44 6.11.10 Waste Management...... 44 6.11.11 Water- and Energy-saving Measures...... 44 6.11.12 Aircraft Landing Fields...... 45 6.11.13 Staff and Visitor Safety...... 45 7 IMP REVIEW AND AMENDMENT PROCEDURES...... 45

Phongolo Nature Reserve v - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - 7.1 FIVE-YEARLY REVIEW AND AMENDMENT PROCEDURES ...... 45 7.2 ANNUAL REVIEW AND AMENDMENT PROCEDURES ...... 45 8 PROJECTS FOR ACTION CORRELATED WITH MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES ...... 47

8.1 NUMERICAL LIST OF IMP ACTION PROJECTS ...... 47 8.2 ALIGNMENT OF IMP ACTION PROJECTS WITH PRIORITISED MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES...... 52 APPENDIX 1...... 57

LIST OF REFERENCES FOR UNPUBLISHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION...... 57 APPENDIX 2...... 63 PNR KEY-STAKEHOLDER LIST...... 63 APPENDIX 3...... 67

PNR DECLARATION RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 67

Phongolo Nature Reserve vi - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Preface

This Integrated Management Plan for Phongolo Nature Reserve is the primary and overarching management document for the Nature Reserve for the period 2009-2013. It forms the framework within which the Nature Reserve will be managed and developed towards the achievement of its management objectives derived in collaboration with the Nature Reserve’s stakeholders.

The protected area management planning process and the resultant planning documents (elaborated on in the next few pages) has been designed to meet the statutory requirements of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act and other relevant legislation.

The protected area management planning process requires participation from the Nature Re- serve’s stakeholders, the general public and specialists during the various stages of plan development and implementation. Although the Integrated Management Plan and its sub- components are five-year planning documents, an annual review process will ensure an active adaptive management planning approach.

A long term business approach has also been introduced that ensures that the Nature Re- serve’s management objectives are operationalised and reflected through a Strategic Man- agement Plan in the Park’s operational budget over the next five years. A Business Plan will at the same time actively pursue additional and improved funding and income towards the achievement of the natural and cultural heritage conservation objectives of the Nature Re- serve over the next five years.

Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife as the designated Management Authority for Phongolo Na- ture Reserve hereby commits itself to the implementation of this plan.

Dr. Bandile Mkhize Chief Executive Officer

July 2009

Phongolo Nature Reserve vii - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Protected Area Management Planning Process Framework for Phongolo Nature Reserve

Overview

The Protected Area Management Planning process used for Phongolo Nature Reserve has two Integrated Planning components and two Operational Planning components, each with a five-year timeframe and reviewed annually.

They are:

Integrated Planning Components

1. An Integrated Management Plan (IMP) which is the primary overarching protected area planning document that describes the administrative and legal framework, contextual background, public participation processes followed, vision / mission statements, prioritised management objectives, zonation as well as a management policy framework and guidelines. The IMP forms the framework within which all the other planning components are developed.

2. Within the framework of the IMP, a Conceptual Development Plan (CDP) provides a strategic guideline for the development and maintenance of conservation management infrastructure and visitor facilities / activities within the constraints of the receiving environment.

Operational plans, programmes and procedures that support the IMP and CDP are either in place or will be compiled where these do not exist.

Authorisation of IMP and CDP These plans are authorised by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development on the recommendation of the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Board and are operationalised through the following two operational planning components.

Operational Planning Components

1. A five-year Strategic Management Plan (SMP) - a database that operationalises (or actions) the Phongolo Nature Reserve‘s management objectives and any projects identified through its IMP, CDP and Business Plan.

The SMP is an operational management component that identifies the activities and tasks that need to be undertaken in the achievement of Phongolo Nature Reserve management objectives and attaches key performance areas, responsibilities, timeframes, budgets and resources to each activity. The SMP is a key planning document that also informs the Phongolo Nature Reserve’s Annual Budget- ing Estimates and provides information for Annual Reports.

2. With five-year expenditure estimates drawn from the SMP, a Business Plan (BP) will be developed for Phongolo Nature Reserve. The BP is primarily aimed at describing the manner in which the IMP and CDP are to be financially resourced. It may address issues of operational efficiency and the optimisation of income generation opportunities in order to bridge any possible shortfalls between required operational expenditure and committed provincial government budget allocations.

Authorisation of BP Once the BP has been approved by the MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural devlopment, the SMP is finalised according to the committed five -year provincial and other budget allocations for Phongolo Nature Reserve as well as estimated financial income.

Legal

This management planning process has been implemented cognizant of the requirements of the National Environmental Management: Pro- tected Areas Act (Act No. 57 of 2003).

Public Participation

 The Nature Reserve Mission and Management Objectives contained in the IMP were derived at a Stakeholders’ Workshop (see paragraph 4 of the IMP).

 The IMP and CDP will have been advertised regionally and locally for public comment before being authorised.

 The SMP and BP will form the basis for progress reporting on a regular basis to the Phongolo Nature Reserve’s Stakeholder Liai- son Forum.

Action Projects To assist with the achievement of the Nature Reserve’s management objectives, the IMP identifies critical Action Projects for operationalisa- tion. These Action Projects are highlighted in text blocks and referenced in accordance with the relevant paragraphs in the text. The Action Projects are then listed numerically and aligned with the Nature Reserve’s management objectives in the tables under paragraph 8 of the IMP. As a subset of the IMP, the CDP identifies Action Projects relating to infrastructure maintenance and development, while the BP identifies Action Projects that are intended to improve general financial recordkeeping and identify alternative income streams.

Phongolo Nature Reserve viii - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Figure 1 below illustrates the Protected Area Management Planning Process accommodating both five-year and annual planning and review cycles. The essential active adaptive nature of the process enables the continual improvement of the level of management effectiveness applied to Phongolo Nature Reserve.

Figure 1: Protected Area Management Planning Process

Integrated Strategic Manage- Management ment Plan Concept Develop- Plan ment Plan

Strategic Review ______5 – Year Business Plan Management Cycle Review ______Supporting Operational Man- Monitoring Annual Budget agement Evaluation Plans, Programmes & Annual (Annual Plan & Procedures Auditing of Cycle Operations)

Implementation and Operation

Phongolo Nature Reserve ix - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Definitions Alien Species: Means species or genotypes, which are not indigenous to Phongolo Nature Reserve and the surrounding area including hybrids and genetically altered organisms.

Biodiversity / Biological Diversity: Means the variability among living organisms from all sources including, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part and also includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems (as per the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 [Act No. 10 of 2004]).

Bioprospecting: In relation to indigenous biological resources, means any research on, or development or application of, indigenous biological resources for commercial or industrial exploitation, and includes – The systematic search, collection or gathering of such resources or making extractions from such resources for purposes of such research, development or application (as per the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 [Act No. 10 of 2004]).

Board: Means the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Board as defined by the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Management Act , 1997 (Act No.9 of 1997).

Buffer Zone: Means an area surrounding Phongolo Nature Reserve that has restrictions placed on its use or where collaborative projects and programmes are undertaken to afford additional protection to the Nature Reserve.

Co-management: The term ‘Co-management’ must be understood within the context of Section 42 of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003).

Cultural Heritage: As defined in Article 1 of the World Heritage Convention (UNESCO) 19721, ‘cultural heritage’ is considered (with wording excluded as indicated) as “monuments, architectural works, works of monumental sculpture and painting, elements or structures of an archaeological nature, inscriptions, cave dwellings and combinations of features, which are of (…) value from the point of view of history, art or science, groups of buildings, groups of separate or connected buildings which, because of their architecture, their homogeneity or their place in the landscape, are of significance from the point of view of history, art or science, sites, works of man or the combined works of nature and man, and areas including archaeological sites which are of (…) value from the historical, aesthetic, ethnological or anthropological point of view.” For the purpose of this IMP, living heritage features such as mountains, pools, rivers, boulders, etc. as well as palaeontological features are included under this definition.

Eco-cultural Tourism (ecotourism): Means the travel to natural areas to learn about the way of life and cultural history of people, the natural history of the environment, while taking care not to change the environment and contributing to the economic welfare of the local people. (adapted from a definition of ecotourism by Hecto Ceballos Lascurain, 19962).

Ecological Integrity Means the sum of the biological, physical and chemical components of an ecosystem and its products, functions and attributes (as per the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 [Act No. 57 of 2003]).

Ecosystem: Means a dynamic complex of animal, plant and micro-organism communities and their non-living environment interacting as a functional unit (as per the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 [Act No. 57 of 2003]).

Ecosystem Services: As defined in Section 1 of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003) as “environmental goods and services” meaning: a. benefits obtained from ecosystems such as food, fuel and fibre and genetic resources; b. benefits from the regulation of ecosystem processes such as climate regulation, disease and flood control and de- toxification; and c. cultural non-material benefits obtained from ecosystems such as benefits of a spiritual, recreational, aesthetic, in- spirational, educational, community and symbolic nature;” For the purposes of this IMP, sustainable water production is also specifically included under this definition.

1 UNESCO 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Adopted by the General Conference at its seventeenth session, Paris, 16 November 1972. UNESCO, Paris, France 2 Ceballos Lascurain, H., 1996. Tourism, ecotourism and protected areas. IUCN: Gland, Switzerland

Phongolo Nature Reserve x - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Ecotourism: Means natural heritage-based tourism.

Environmental Degradation: Means the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources such as air, water and soil; the destruction of ecosystems and the loss of species or undesirable reduction of species population numbers from a specific area from an environmental health perspective.

Indigenous Species: In relation to a specific protected area, means a species that occurs, or has historically occurred, naturally in a free state of nature within that specific protected area, but excludes a species introduced in that protected area as a result of human activity (as per the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 [Act No. 57 of 2003]).

Invasive Species: Means any species whose establishment and spread outside of its natural distribution range – a. threaten ecosystems, habitats or other species or have a demonstrable potential to threaten ecosystems, habitats or other species; and b. may result in economic and environmental harm or harm to human health. (as per the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 [Act No. 57 of 2003]).

Local Community: Means any community of people living or having rights or interests in a distinct geographical area (as per the National Envi- ronmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 [Act No. 57 of 2003]).

Management: In relation to a protected area, includes control, protection, conservation, maintenance and rehabilitation of the protected area with due regard to the use and extraction of biological resources, community-based practices and benefit sharing activities in the area in a manner consistent with the Biodiversity Act (as per the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 [Act No. 57 of 2003]).

Management Authority: In relation to a protected area, means the organ of state or other institution or person in which the authority to manage the protected area is vested (as per the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 [Act No. 57 of 2003]).

Nature Conservation: Means the conservation of naturally occurring ecological systems, the sustainable utilisation of indigenous plants and animals therein, and the promotion and maintenance of biological diversity (as per the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Management Act, 1997 [Act No.9 of 1997]).

Nature Reserve: Means Phongolo Nature Reserve.

Neighbouring Community: Means the communities and people permanently living in the local municipal area / s bordering onto the Nature Reserve.

Natural Heritage: As defined in Article 2 of the World Heritage Convention (UNESCO) 19723 ‘natural heritage’ is considered (with wording excluded as indicated) as: “natural features consisting of physical and biological formations or groups of such formations, which are of (…) value from the aesthetic or scientific point of view, geological and physiographical formations and precisely delineated areas which constitute the habitat of threatened species of animals and plants of (…) value from the point of view of science or conservation, natural sites or precisely delineated natural areas of (…) value from the point of view of science, conservation or natural beauty.” For the purposes of this IMP, this would include the required ecological integrity of the protected area for the production of ecosystem services.

Partnership/s: Means a co-operative and / or collaborative arrangement between the Nature Reserve management / EKZNW and a third party that supports the achievement of the Nature Reserve’s management objectives.

Professional Hunter: Means any person who offers or agrees to escort a client for reward to enable such client to hunt game (as per the Nature Conservation Ordinance, 1974 (Ord. 15 of 1974).

Protected Area:  Means any area declared or proclaimed as such in terms of section 3 or listed in the Second Schedule to the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Management Act, 1997 (Act No. 9 of 1997); or

3 UNESCO 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Adopted by the General Conference at its seventeenth session, Paris, 16 November 1972. UNESCO, Paris, France

Phongolo Nature Reserve xi - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) -  Means any of the protected areas referred to in section 9 of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003).

Ramsar4: Means: “The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, is an intergovernmental treaty, which provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.” (There are presently 158 Contracting Parties to the Convention, with 1 758 wetland sites, totalling 161 million hectares, designated for inclusion in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Over the years, however, the Convention has broadened its scope to cover all aspects of wetland conservation and wise use, recog- nizing wetlands as ecosystems that are extremely important for biodiversity conservation in general and for the well-being of human communities.)

Stakeholders / Interested Parties5: These are interested individuals or groups concerned with or affected by an activity and its consequences. These include the authorities, local communities, investors, work force, consumers, environmental interest groups and the general public. Ac- cording to the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004), “stakeholder” means a person, an organ of state or a community contemplated in section 82 (1) (a), or an indigenous community contemplated in section 82(1) (b).

Sustainable: In relation to the use of a biological resource, means the use of such resource in a way and at a rate that would not lead to its long-term decline; would not disrupt the ecological integrity of the ecosystem in which it occurs; and would ensure its continued use to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future generations of people (as per National Environmental Man- agement: Biodiversity Act, 2004 [Act No. 10 of 2004]).

Transfrontier Conservation Area: Means an area straddling across two or more international borders where the natural and cultural resources are collaboratively managed by the governments/ authorities involved

Transfrontier Park: Means an area where two or more protected areas are adjoined and collaboratively managed across international borders.

Wilderness Area: Means an area designated in terms of section 22 or 26 for the purpose of retaining an intrinsically wild appearance and character, or capable of being restored to such and which is undeveloped and roadless, without permanent improvements or human habitation (as defined by the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 [Act No. 57 of 2003]).

World Heritage Site: Means a World Heritage Site as defined in the World Heritage Convention Act, No. 49 of 1999 under Chapter 1, section 1 subsection (xxiv).

4 http://www.ramsar.org (Accessed 21 May 2009) 5 Defined in Guideline Document EIA Regulations, National Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, April 1998

Phongolo Nature Reserve xii - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Abbreviations

Amafa Amafa aKwaZulu-Natali (KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Heritage Agency)

BP Business Plan (Component of EKZNW protected area management planning process)

CDP Concept Development Plan (Component of EKZNW protected area management planning process)

DAEA&RD KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Department 0f Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development

DWEA National Department of Water and Environmental Affairs

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EKZNW Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife

FPA Fire Protection Association in terms of the national Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998 (Act No.101 of 1998)

GIS Geographical Information Systems

IDP Municipal Integrated Development Plan

IMP Integrated Management Plan

LDP Municipal Local Development Plan

IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature or The World Conservation Union (as commonly referenced)

KZN KwaZulu-Natal Province of the Republic of South Africa

MEC Member of the Executive Council for DWEA, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government

MoA Memorandum of Agreement

MoU Memorandum of Understanding

NRPC Phongolo Nature Reserve Planning Committee

PNR Phongolo Nature Reserve

ROC EKZNW Regional Operations Committee

ROS Recreational Opportunity Spectrum

SA Republic of South Africa

SAHRA South African Heritage Resources Agency

SDF Municipal Spatial Development Framework

SLF Stakeholder Liaison Forum

SMME Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises

SMP Strategic Management Plan (Component of EKZNW protected area management planning process)

SUP Sustainable Utilisation Plan for the Pongolapoort Dam

TFCA Nsubane-Pongola Transfrontier Conservation Area

TFP Lake Jozini Transfrontier Park

UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation

Phongolo Nature Reserve xiii - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Commonly used Abbreviations for specific Statutes (Legislation)

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

KZNNCMA KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Management Act, 1997 (Act No. 9 of 1997)

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

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

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

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

List of Tables

Table 1: List of IMP Action Projects…………………………………………………………………………….. Page 46

Table 2: IMP Action Projects aligned with PNR Management Objectives………………………………... Page 51

List of Appendices

Appendix 1: List of References for Unpublished Supporting Documentation.

Appendix 2: Stakeholder List

Appendix 3: PNR Declaration Recommendations

List of Maps (Located after appendices)

Map 1: Location of Phongolo Nature Reserve.

Map 2: Topographic Map of Phongolo Nature Reserve.

Map 3: Zonation Map for Phongolo Nature Reserve.

Map 4: Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation and Resource Area

Map 5: Nsubane – Pongola Transfrontier Conservation Area

Map 6: Lake Jozini Transfrontier Park

Map 7: Pongolapoort Dam Local Development Plan – Spatial Development Framework

Phongolo Nature Reserve xiv - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - 1 PURPOSE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF PHONGOLO NATURE RESERVE.6

1.1 Purpose The purpose of Phongolo Nature Reserve (PNR), inclusive of the Hlathikhulu Nature Reserve, is to:

 Contribute to the achievement of Provincial and National conservation targets through the protection of a representative portion of semi-arid lowveld and Lebombo lowveld and its associated biodiversity, including the ecological and evolutionary processes that generate and maintain this diversity;

 Protect the Hlathikhulu Forest and its associated biodiversity;

 Protect endangered, rare and endemic species indigenous to the area;

 Safeguard the cultural heritage including the archaeological, historical, palaeontological and living heritage of the area;

 Play an anchor role in local, regional, national and international development and conservation initiatives;

 Promote awareness of the natural beauty and outstanding aesthetic value of the area, through the promotion of eco-cultural tourism;

 Promote access by the public to the area and its resources, both natural and cultural.

1.2 Significance Significant and sensitive attributes of the PNR, include:

 Biodiversity and natural heritage significance, namely:  Hlathikulu, Lebombo mountain range (western slopes) and associated biodiversity, which includes elements of the Maputaland Centre of Plant Endemism (IUCN recognised).  Pongolapoort Dam and Lebombo Mountains – important stop-over for migratory birds (migratory routes).  Significant diversity of indigenous fish species and the southern-most limit of Tiger Fish.  Significant stands of Cycads.  Wetlands which contribute to breeding sites for a diversity of flora and fauna species.  Breeding sites of significant numbers of Vultures.

 Cultural heritage significance, namely:  Golela bush (Explained under Par.3.8).  Stories, myths and legends associated with Hlathikhulu Forest, Lebombo Mountains and the Phongolo River.  The history of the various traditional authorities in the area (Nyawo, Nsinde and Gumbi).  The settlement history of the area.  The history of conservation and the role the region has played.

 Business significance, namely:  Recognition of conservation as a viable land use option.  Part of a larger Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) eco-cultural tourism development area.  Anchor role in eco-cultural tourism development.

 Benefits (Partnerships) significance, namely:  Resource harvesting, specifically within Hlathikhulu Forest.

6 Note that with the development of the PNR IMP, the Purpose and Significance statements were specifically workshopped with the key- stakeholders too and the statements recorded here are the results from the relevant workshops. Wording and spelling has been changed minimally for the sake of consistency throughout the IMP. The word ecotourism has been replaced with the words eco-cultural tourism as a more inclusive term – see Definition of eco-cultural tourism.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 1 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) -  Key-stakeholder involvement in the Nsubane-Pongola TFCA (See Par. 6.3) , Sustainable Utili- sation Plan of the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs (DWEA), District and Local Municipality planning initiatives (linked to Integrated Development Plan, Local Development Plan), Amafa, private and communal initiatives.  Catalyst for biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage management and eco-cultural tourism development to form part of a consolidated conservation area

2 ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK

2.1 Institutional Arrangements

2.1.1 PNR Management Authority

Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife is the designated Management Authority responsible and accountable for the Phongolo Nature Reserve (PNR).This must to be confirmed in terms of Section 38(2) of the National Environment Management: Protected Areas, 2003 [Act No.57 of 2003] (NEMPAA) which requires that the provincial MEC assign the management authority for a Protected Area.

Project 2.1.1 (i): Obtain written assignment from the MEC appointing EKZNW as the management authority for PNR in terms of Section 38(2) of NEMPAA.

The PNR Management Authority is responsible for reporting on the management of the Nature Re- serve to the designated KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Member of the Executive Committee and the Pre- mier thus ensuring co-ordination of those matters that may affect PNR through the relevant provincial departments, District and Local Municipalities.

2.1.2 Separation of Authority Functions

The area indicated for declaration as Phongolo Nature Reserve (See Par. 2.4 and Map 2) has within it the Pongolapoort Dam that DWEA is mandated to manage in terms of water storage and delivery. Fur- thermore the Nature Reserve is traversed by a railway line managed by Transnet Freight Rail and a number of public roads managed by national, provincial and local roads agencies.

Since a number of state authorities have mandates to fulfil within PNR, it is important to clarify these aspects with these authorities and to develop appropriate inter-agency MoAs with them. These should provide a suitable framework that guides working relationships and operational aspects within PNR, thereby ensuring that the integrity of the Nature Reserve or visitor experience is not negatively affected.

A 1980 Agreement (Appendix 1, Item 6), signed between the then Minister of Water Affairs and the Administrator of the Province of Natal delegates certain responsibilities to the Administrator (and thereby to EKZNW) regarding the management of the Pongolapoort Dam area. In 2004, DWEA developed the Sustainable Utilisation Plan (SUP) for the Pongolapoort Dam (Appendix 1, Item 10) which enables the uPhongolo Dam Water Users Association to manage aspects relating to the water surface and more specifically the recreational use thereof.

The above 1980 agreement is outdated and requires review. DWEA are in the process of finalising a policy for the transfer of management functions relating to access and use of water in Government Works for recreational use. The 1980 agreement will be annulled by this policy and the agreements that are derived as a result of it. The role and function of the Water Users Association should be considered in light of the proposed transfer of function by DWEA to EKZNW.

Project 2.1.2 (i): Develop and conclude a written inter-agency MoA between EKZNW and DWEA with regard to the management of Pongolapoort Dam and the Phongolo Nature Reserve (including the relationship with the Wa- ter Users Association).

Project 2.1.2 (ii): Develop and conclude a written inter-agency MoA between EKZNW and Transnet Freight Rail with regard to the management of the railway line within Phongolo Nature Reserve.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 2 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Project 2.1.2 (iii): Develop and conclude a written inter-agency MoA between EKZNW and the respective roads agencies with regard to the management of the public roads dissecting the Phongolo Nature Reserve.

2.2 Legislation Guiding the Administration of Phongolo Nature Reserve. It is important to note that Phongolo Nature Reserve is a protected area in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003 [NEMPAA]). In terms of this Act, any conflicts with other legislation must be dealt with in accordance with Section 7 of NEMPAA. In essence it stipulates that - where a provision of NEMPAA specifically concerns the management or development of protected areas, and there is conflict with other national legislation, the relevant section of NEMPAA prevails.

The operational administration and management of the Nature Reserve is subject to the following key statutes – it is acknowledged that this list is not exhaustive. Managers must familiarize themselves with the purpose and contents of these statutes as well as their subsequent amendments and regulations. Many of these statutes can be downloaded from the following SA Government Documents internet website:

http://www.info.gov.za/view/DynamicAction?pageid=528. (Accessed 7 May 2009).

Natural and Cultural Heritage / Resource Management and Development:

 Animals Protection Act, 1962 (Act No. 71 of 1962).  Animal Matters Amendment Act, 1993 (Act No. 42 of 1993).  Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act, 1965 (Act No. 45 of 1965).  Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act No. 43 of 1983).  Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1997 (Act No. 108 of 1997).  Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No. 51 of 1977).  Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989).  Forest Act, 1984 (Act No. 122 of 1984).  Game Theft Act, 1991 (Act No 105 of 1991).  KwaZulu Nature Conservation Act, 1975 (Act No. 8 of 1975).  KwaZulu-Natal Heritage Act, 2008 (Act No. 4 of 2008).  KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Management Act, 1997 (Act No. 9 of 1997).  National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998).  National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004).  National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003).  National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008).  National Forests Act, 1998 (Act No. 84 of 1998).  National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999).  National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998).  National Water Amendment Act, 1999 (Act No. 45 of 1999)  National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998 (Act No.101 of 1998).  Nature Conservation Ordinance, 1974 (Act No. 15 of 1974)

General Management:

 Development Facilitation Act, 1995 (Act No. 67 of 1995).  Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002).  Fencing Act, 1963 (Act No. 13 of 1963)  Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000)  Fire Brigade Services Act, 1987 (Act No. 99 of 1987).  KwaZulu-Natal Planning and Development Act, 1998 (Act No. 5 of 1998).  Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act, 2005 (Act No.13 of 2005).  Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No. 32 of 2000).  Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (Act No. 117 of 1998).  Natal Town Planning Ordinance, 1949 (Act No. 27 of 1949).  National Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977).  National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act No. 93 of 1996).  Occupational Health and Safety Act No, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993).

Phongolo Nature Reserve 3 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) -  Restitution of Land Rights Act, 1994 (Act No. 22 of 1994).  State Land Disposal Act, 1961(Act No. 48 of 1961).  Water Services Act, 1997 (Act No. 108 of 1997).

Financial Management:

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

Human Resource Management.

 Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997 (Act No. 75 of 1997).  Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, 1993 (Act No. 130 of 1993).  Employment Equity Act, 1998 (Act No. 55 of 1998).  Labour Relations Act, 1995 (Act No. 66 of 1995).  Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993).  Pension Funds Act, 1956 (Act No. 24 of 1956).  Skills Development Act, 1998 (Act No. 97 of 1998).  Skills Development Levies Act, 1999 (Act No. 9 of 1999).  Unemployment Insurance Act, 2001 (Act No. 63 of 2001).

Nature Reserve Regulations

EKZNW protected area regulations are enforced in accordance with Section 15 of the Nature Conser- vation Ordinance, 1974 (Act No. 15 of 1974) read together with the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conserva- tion Management Act, 1997 (Act No. 9 of 1997).

2.3 Regional Planning Context and Principles PNR is a core conservation area forming part of the KZN protected area network and the Nsubane- Pongola TFCA. The Nature Reserve is also an integral part of local and regional planning initiatives. As with all EKZNW protected areas, the intention is to continually improve management effectiveness of PNR in line with the levels adopted for all protected areas within the EKZNW protected area network.

In terms of the requirements of NEMPAA and the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act there must be appropriate planning alignment between the Nature Reserve and the surrounding area which should be recognised through the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Spatial Development Framework (SDF) of the relevant municipalities. This has been achieved through the development of a Local Devel- opment Plan (LDP) for Pongolapoort Dam (Appendix 1, Item 9) which combines the IDPs and SDFs of the four municipal areas surrounding PNR with input from EKZNW. To a large extent, the development of a buffer area surrounding PNR has been incorporated in this planning (See Map 7).

In the KwaZulu-Natal Province, the Nature Reserve is situated within two district municipalities, Zululand (DC26) and Umkhanyakude (DC27) and two local municipalities, namely uPhongolo (KZ262) and Jozini (KZ272).

Additionally a Sustainable Utilisation Plan (SUP) for the Pongolapoort Dam as well as the DWEA Strate- gic Plan for Commercialisation have been developed (Appendix 1, Items 10). These plans guide the recreational use of the dam and offer a management framework for the awarding and management of the various concessions.

The PNR Conservation Manager in collaboration with the designated EKZNW officials must be tasked to make the relevant inputs whenever these municipal plans are reviewed and updated.

Action Project 2.3 (i): The PNR Conservation Manager in collaboration with other relevant EKZNW officials must be mandated with active participation in the inter-municipality forum in order to ensure relevant inputs to the review processes of the municipal IDPs and SDFs and the LDP for Pongolapoort Dam, in order to ensure the effective maintenance of a buffer zone surrounding PNR through an alignment of appropriate land use adjacent to the Nature Reserve.

The Nature Reserve itself has been zoned (See Par. 5) according to protected area management norms to control various activities and for the achievement of various conservation objectives.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 4 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Other regional planning instruments include the Nsubane-Pongola TFCA Tourism Development Frame- work (2008) (Appendix1, Item 11). The forging of Transfrontier linkages between the PNR and the authorities and communities of the bordering Swaziland will be promoted and maintained by PNR management in line with the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation and Resource Area biodiversity conservation and social development strategies for the TFCA (See Map 4 and text box below).

The Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation and Resource Area

The Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation and Resource Area is a tri-lateral regional development programme incorporated under the Lubombo Spatial Development Initiative. As a 2010 Legacy Project it has been identified as a key international project for regional development by the South African, Mozambican and Swaziland governments. Conservation of biodiversity across international borders is also a major component of the project.

On 22 June 2000, the governments of Mozambique, South Africa and Swaziland signed five protocols on the establishment of the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation and Resource Area. It includes five distinct Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) projects:

 Lubombo Conservancy-Goba TFCA (Mozambique/Swaziland)  Usuthu-Tembe-Futi TFCA (Mozambique/ South Africa /Swaziland)  Ponta do Ouro-Kosi Bay TFCA (Mozambique/South Africa)  Nsubane-Pongola TFCA (South Africa/Swaziland)  Songimvelo-Malolotja TFCA (South Africa/Swaziland)

EKZNW is one of the lead implementing agencies of the South African government in the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area. As such, the organisation has been delegated the authority to implement the project on behalf of DWEA. EKZNW is also the lead agency in the implementation of the Usuthu-Tembe-Futi and Nsubane-Pongola TFCA Protocols and plays a direct role in the Kosi Bay – Punto do Ouro TFCA Protocol.

The Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation and Resource Area is a catalyst for development in the region and for the conservation of biodiversity across international boarders. As it is incorporated under the Lubombo SDI (Spatial Development Initiative), it has international relevance and places obligations on South Africa.

Regional socio-economic development, peace and stability can be achieved in the Lubombo region through this project. Socio- economic projects linked to tourism have the potential to enlarge the area.

Legal Protocols:

 The General Lubombo Spatial Development Initiative Protocol (1999)  The General Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation and Resource Area Protocol (2000)  The Usuthu-Tembe-Futi Transfrontier Conservation and Resource Area Protocol (2000)  The Nsubane-Pongola Transfrontier Conservation and Resource Protocol (2000)  MOA between KZN Province and Maputo Province regarding collaboration on environmental management.

(The above information was extracted from the publication: EKZNW – Managing Our Biodiversity, 2009. Published by Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, Pietermaritzburg.)

2.4 Declaration Status of PNR Map 2 shows the area to be declared as Phongolo Nature Reserve (mostly along the original Pongo- lapoort Dam purchase boundary) as well as the Hlathikhulu Nature Reserve before any exclusions are considered.

The total area intended for consolidation and declaration as the Phongolo Nature Reserve (approx. 23 010 ha - includes the approx. 12 470 ha dam) is presently only partially declared as a protected area in terms of legislation. Before declaration, the PNR boundaries will need to be determined and surveyed.

PNR consists of four separate land units referred to as (see also Par. 3.4): - Pongola Nature Reserve (listed in the official EKZNW protected area list): The listed size of this area is 10 485 ha. This most likely refers to the northern portion of PNR (between Swaziland and the original flow of the Phongolo River up to the Pongolapoort gorge) which was part of the first SA nature reserve proclaimed in 1894 (Article 1244 of R8009) by the then Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek. After British occupation in 1900, this area was re-proclaimed by the British administration on 21 April 1903 and was de-proclaimed in 1921 when it was under the jurisdiction of the Transvaal Provincial Administration of the then SA Union Government – supporting documentation has however not been found.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 5 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - In 1980, after the land had been purchased for the Pongolapoort Dam (constructed 1973) by the then SA Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF); the Transvaal Provincial Administra- tion (TPA) and Natal Parks Board at the time signed an agreement with DWAF, wherein the Pon- golapoort Dam and surrounds were to be administered as a conservation area. The TPA managed this reserve until after 1994 after which, with the re-drawing of provincial boundaries in South Africa, the entire area fell under the management of the EKZNW. - Pongolapoort Nature Reserve (listed in the official EKZNW protected area list and in the Second Schedule to the KZN Conservation Management Act): The listed size of this area is 11 917 ha. The Act erroneously refers to the 1894 proclamation (Ar- ticle 1244 of R8009) for this portion which is believed to be that section of the present PNR south of the original flow of the Pongolapoort Dam that has been managed by EKZNW since the 1980 agreement with DWAF mentioned above. No information could be found regarding the declaration of this area as a nature reserve. - Hlathikhulu Nature Reserve (listed in the official EKZNW protected area list and in the Second Schedule to the KZN Conservation Management Act as Hlatikulu Forest [sic]). The listed size of this area is 1 213 ha. It was originally proclaimed as the Hlatikhulu (sic) Forest Reserve in accordance with the then Forestry Act by Government Notice No. 902 of 1948. In 1987, while under the jurisdiction of the ‘homeland’ Government of KwaZulu, its name was changed to the Hlathikhulu Nature Reserve by Government Notice No. 95 of 1987 of the KwaZulu Nature Conservation Act No. 8 of 1975. - The Pongolapoort Gorge area (size ~ 1 000 ha) – the boundary of which is the original DWAF purchase boundary for the dam and which up until 2009 was not administered as part of the Na- ture Reserve. Depending on the outcome of ongoing discussions with the present Department of Water and Environment Affairs (DWEA), this area could also be included in PNR for declaration.

EKZNW desires to ensure the integrity of PNR through having the above four properties consolidated, surveyed, and declared as the Phongolo Nature Reserve and thereafter to consolidate the title deeds for the same property (See Appendix 3).

Action Project 2.4 (i): Institute the necessary administrative actions to survey and declare the Phongolo Nature Re- serve in terms of NEMPAA. (See recommended actions in Appendix 3)

Once PNR has been declared in terms of NEMPAA it would be classified as a Category II Protected Area (national park or equivalent reserve) in terms of the national system of classification of protected areas (which follows that of the IUCN).

2.5 Local Agreements, MoUs, Leases and Servitude Arrangements The formal documentation and maintenance of all local agreements, leases, servitude arrangements and MoUs concerning the authorised use of PNR area by beneficiaries other than EKZNW must be undertaken to promote transparency and good governance. All such agreements must be scrutinized by the Manager EKZNW Legal Services for direction, prior to any EKZNW member signing such documents.

The PNR Conservation Manager must be familiar with the content of such authorised documents and must ensure that there is compliance with the conditions contained therein. Copies of all documentation must also be filed manually and digitally at the PNR management and regional management offices for easy reference. These copies must be updated in accordance with any authorised amendments.

An updated list of local agreements, leases, servitude arrangements etc. pertaining to PNR is available (See Appendix 1, Item 5).

Action Project 2.5 (i): As a matter of priority, review all formal and informal local agreements, MoUs, leases, servitude arrangements etc. pertaining to PNR and document, update, maintain and monitor these appropriately authorised agreements.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 6 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - 2.6 Broadening Conservation Land Use Management in Areas Surrounding PNR Opportunities may arise that will enable the establishment of new formal protected areas or other conservation management areas on land bordering or in vicinity of PNR in collaboration and co-operation with the relevant communities and landowners. This is likely to contribute to the EKZNW Proposed Ex- pansion of the Formal Protected Area Network in KZN and Nsubane-Pongola TFCA targets through more effective natural and cultural heritage conservation. Indirectly, new tourism opportunities could also develop with the resulting socio-economic benefits.

Potential areas for expansion of conservation land-use include:

 The large number of private game farms in South Africa west and south of PNR.  The community areas in the east along the Lebombo Mountains. A long term vision is to expand the northern properties along the Lebombo Mountains to include the Usuthu Gorge Community Conservation Area in South Africa and Swaziland, with a potential linkage to the Ndumo - Tembe -Futhi TFCA.  Additional expansion south along the Lebombo Mountains to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park through the Lebombo Mountain Nature Reserve and Mkhuze Game Reserve.

All EKZNW officials associated with PNR should remain sensitive to these opportunities and ready to engage with the relevant role-players, assisting them with the most appropriate options for establishing conservation areas. This may be in the form of conservancies, private, community or local authority protected areas, contractual protected areas, public open space or even incorporation of land into PNR and in so doing increasing the extent of core protected areas within KZN and increasing protected area rep- resentivity. Alignment with the municipal IDPs has already occurred through Local Development Plan for Pongolapoort Dam process. Continued EKZNW engagement with the municipal IDP process must be maintained. [See also Action Project 2.3(i)].

Action Project 2.6 (i): Annually explore and investigate opportunities to broaden conservation land use in and around PNR.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 7 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - 3 BACKGROUND

3.1 Origin of the Name of the Nature Reserve The intended name for the Nature Reserve (Phongolo) is taken from the Phongolo River which flows through PNR and the Pongolapoort Dam. This name will be recommended as the official name for the Nature Reserve when it is consolidated in a single declaration [See Par. 2.4 and Action Project 2.4 (i)].

3.2 Location and Extent of the Nature Reserve The Phongolo Nature Reserve is situated in northern KwaZulu-Natal on the Swaziland border, between the towns of Pongola, Mkuze and Jozini. The reserve surrounds the Pongolapoort Dam and is bounded on the east by the Lebombo Mountain range (See Maps 1 and 2).

The reserve stretches from 27°19'02.76"S to 27°31'58.20"S and from 31°49'01.90"E to 32°04'32.87"E. It covers a total surface area of approximately 23 010 ha which will be accurately determined when the boundaries of the reserve are surveyed [Action Project 2.4(i)]. The maximum surface area of the Pon- golapoort Dam within the Nature Reserve is 12 470 ha7.

The altitude range within the reserve is 622m, from the lowest point on the Phongolo River in the west at 110 m.a.s.l. to 732 m.a.s.l at the highest point (beacon) on the top of the Lebombo Mountains just west of the Hlathikhulu Forest.

The declaration process for PNR as detailed under Appendix 3 will define the boundary of the nature reserve and will approximate that indicated in Map 2. It is envisaged that the boundary of PNR will be demarcated by way of boundary beacons but will for practical purposes not be fenced in its entirety. (See boundary fence policy under Par. 6.11.3).

3.3 Previous Land Use As is evident from the conservation history of the reserve (Par 3.4), parts of the area now managed as Phongolo Nature Reserve were under a conservation management system from 1894 until 1921.

After 1921 the area was mainly utilised as winter grazing for cattle. The Pongolapoort Dam was completed in 1973 but only filled for the first time in 1984 during the cyclone Domoina floods (Rossouw, 1985).

From 1980 till the present, the area has again been under conservation management.

Relatively little has been documented on the extent of the previous agricultural and conservation use of the area.

Reference: Rossouw, J.N. 1985. The effects of the Domoina floods and releases from the Pongolapoort Dam on the Pongolo floodplain. De- partment of Water Affairs Branch: Scientific Services Hydrological Research Institute, File No. B-N3/0704/1. Pretoria.

7 Digitised from 1:50 000 Topographic Map Series, Chief Directorate: Surveys and Mapping

Phongolo Nature Reserve 8 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - 3.4 Conservation History of the Nature Reserve A substantial portion of the Phongolo Nature Reserve, as it is known today, is part of the oldest proclaimed government game reserve in Africa - being proclaimed by S.J.P. (Paul) Kruger the President of the then Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek on the 13 the June 1894 in the Staatscourant der Zuid- Afrikaansche Republiek. A translated extract from the proclamation reads as follows:

Proclamation R8009/89

I, Stephanus Johannes Paulus Kruger, State President of the South African Republic, acting on the advice and with the consent of the Executive Council and authorised thereto by the Honourable Volksraad by resolution of 2 August 1889, article 1244, herewith make known and proclaim the following farms in the bushveld of the District Piet Retief between the Pongola, Swaziland and Lebombo as GOVERNMENT GAME RESERVE

The Volksraad (senate) of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek stated that the reason for setting aside sev- en government-owned farms as an area where hunting was prohibited resulted from the scarcity of game as a resource in the area due to over-exploitation. However, there was also a political motive for the proclamation as the occupation of this area was crucial to the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek’s plan of gaining access to the sea and thus freeing itself from dependence on the British and Portuguese. What- ever the additional motivations of the ZAR, the nature reserve became home to the first game warden in Africa – H.F. Van Oordt (appointed 27 August 1994) and holds a central position in the history of nature conservation on the continent.

After the South African War (1899-1902), game preservation was placed under the Native Affairs De- partment. The British administration was initially unaware of the existence of the Pongola Nature Re- serve, but after reports from Stevenson-Hamilton to the Commissioner on its existence, the colonial executive council approved the re-proclamation of the game reserve on the 21st of April 1903.

After the establishment of the Union of South Africa in 1910, the Magistrate at Piet Retief was asked to oversee the management of the reserve. In 1921 a decision was taken to de-proclaim the reserve. The exact reason for de-proclamation is unclear. Previously, it was widely accepted that the incidence of na- gana (an often fatal disease, related to sleeping sickness, caused by trypanosome protozoan parasites that affects hoofed animals such as cattle, horses, and goats in tropical Africa and is transmitted by the tsetse fly) in the region prompted the de-proclamation, but there is no evidence that it was a major consideration, specifically seeing that the proclamation abolishing the reserve included the injunction that game protection was to continue.

Various efforts to develop the area where the former reserve was situated failed and did not attract a large-scale influx of farmers as hoped by the government. This included the Pongola Irrigation Settle- ment of the late 1930s as well as the construction of the Pongolapoort Dam in the 1970s. Moreover, the failed Ingwavuma Land Deal of 1982 and plans to transfer the area in its entirety to Swaziland to allow it access to the sea at Kosi Bay created tension in the area and prevented development. It also further muddled political boundaries and affiliations – issues that remain contentious to this day.

The Phongolo Nature Reserve, as it is known to-day, was never re-proclaimed, but, according to agreements between the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and the then Transvaal Provincial Admini- stration and the Natal Parks Board signed in 1980, the areas surrounding the Pongolapoort Dam that were purchased by the state were to be administered as conservation areas. After 1994, with the re- drawing of provincial boundaries in South Africa, the entire area fell under the management of the EKZNW. The formal declaration of the Phongolo Nature Reserve under the SA National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003) is now a priority for EKZNW.

Compiled by: Dr R.J. Kloppers

Reference: Bigalke, R. 1966, South Africa’s first game reserve. Fauna and Flora 17: 13 -18. Pringle, J. 1982. The Conservationists and the Killers. Cape Town; Books of Africa. Wright, J. & C. Hamilton 1989. ‘Tradition and transformations. The Phongolo-Mzimkhulu region in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.’ In A. Duminy and B Guest (eds.) Natal andZululand from Earliest Times to 1910. A New History. Pietermaritzburg: University of Natal, 49-82.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 9 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - 3.5 Climate and Weather The climate of the area is subtropical with warm to hot summers, warm, frost-free winters and generally high humidity; the mean annual temperature is 20°C. The mean monthly temperatures are 24.5°C and 15.8°C for January and July, respectively.

Rainfall is fairly low and summer seasonal with almost 80% falling between October and March. Annual rainfall in the western lowveld areas is on average 600 mm. The rains usually occur in the form of thun- dershowers, especially during the months of November to February. The driest months are from June to August, when less than 20 mm rain usually recorded per month. The Lebombo Mountains have a sub- stantially higher rainfall (800mm p.a.) and greater frequency of mist and cloud due to the effects of topography and the orthographic lift of moisture laden air.

Reference: Camp, K. 1999. The Bioresource groups of KwaZulu-Natal Bushveld. Cedara Report No. N/A/99/14. KZN Department of Agricul- ture.

3.6 Topography, Geology and Soils The topography ranges from the slight undulating hills that drain into the Pongola River to the low-lying flat areas leading to the shoreline of the Pongolapoort Dam to the extensive Lebombo Mountains. The altitude range within the reserve is 622m, from the lowest point on the Phongolo River in the west at 110 m.a.s.l. to 732 m.a.s.l at the highest point (beacon) on the top of the Lebombo Mountains just west of the Hlathikhulu Nature Reserve.

The underlying geology of the area consists of karoo basalt and rhyolite. The Lebombo Mountains are a tilt block comprised of rhyolite (Jozini formation of the Lebombo Group). The low-lying areas of the western plain are formed from a basalt unit (Sabie River formation of the Lebombo Group). On the western shores of the dam running north south, there is a Rooi-Rand dyke swarm.

Being volcanically derived the soils are very fertile. The depth of the soil depends on the topography. The flatter lower-lying western plains have deep, well-drained basalt derived soils. On the slopes of the Lebombo Mountains soils are shallow and well-drained; they are derived from both basalt and rhyolite. Higher up the mountains the rhyolite derived soils are very shallow and rocky, with only small pockets of deep soil.

Reference: Camp, K. 1999. The Bioresource groups of KwaZulu-Natal Bushveld. Cedara Report No. N/A/99/14. KZN Department of Agricul- ture.

3.7 Hydrology The area is dominated by the Pongolapoort Dam. The dam and its major source river, the Phongolo River are the only significant perennial water sources in the area. However, due to the large amount of consumptive use in the Phongolo catchment, the river can cease to flow in dry seasons. Subsurface water is however available in the river throughout the year. There are numerous non-perennial streams that drain into the dam in the east from the Lebombo mountains. In the west and north there are a few non-perennial streams.

The Pongolapoort Dam was completed in 1973 but only filled for the first time in 1984 during the cyclone Domoina floods (Rossouw, 1985).

Phongolo Nature Reserve 10 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - 3.8 Vegetation Phongolo Nature Reserve falls mostly in the Savannah Biome, with small patches of forest on the Le- bombo Mountain falling in the Forest Biome (Rutherford & Westfall 1994, Mucina & Rutherford 2006). The following vegetation types were distinguished by Mucina & Rutherford (2006) in the region; Zulu- land Lowveld, Southern Lebombo Bushveld, Scarp Forest and Lebombo Summit Sourveld. (Corre- sponding to Acocks (1988) Veld type: Lowveld and Scarp Forest).

Zululand Lowveld makes up most of the low lying plains (below 240 m.a.s.l) in the western section of the Nature Reserve. An area of this vegetation type within PNR, colloquially known as the Golela Bush, and held in fond regard by the local community as a landmark was classified by Van Rooyen 2008 as Acacia luederitzii - Azima tetracantha - Euclea undulata thicket. This thicket (Golela bush) covers approximately 1 020 ha occurs on the western plains of PNR and occurs on deep dark-brown to black clay soils derived from basalt.

Southern Lebombo Bushveld occurs in the eastern part of PNR on the west-facing slopes of the Le- bombo Mountains. The Hlathikhulu Forest on the crest and east facing slopes of the Lebombo Moun- tains is classified as Scarp Forest. Lebombo Summit Sourveld also occurs on the crest of the Lebombo Mountains but falls mostly outside the Nature Reserve.

PNR contains a number of endemic and rare plant species e.g. Haworthia limifolia.var.limifolia, and no- tably the cycads, Encephalartos lebomboensis and Encephalartos ngoyanus. Little is, however known about the significant stands of cycads occurring on PNR in terms of the distribution of colonies as well as species distribution and densities – such information is necessary for the effective protection of these cycads and to ascertain the contribution they make contribute towards the achievement of national conservation targets and will form the basis of a cycad monitoring programme [See also Action Project 6.10.1 (i)].

Action Project 3.8 (i): Determine the distribution of cycad colonies within PNR and their species composition.

A more detailed vegetation survey of PNR was undertaken in 2008 (Van Rooyen 2008). This did, however, not include the Hlathikhulu Nature Reserve section which was surveyed by Muir in 1990 and again by Gaugris & Vasicek in 2009.

The Hlathikhulu Forest has a significant biodiversity status (Muir 1990, Mucina & Rutherford 2006) but surrounding communities are presently utilising specific species. This will have a negative effect on the forest ecosystem and could lead to the extinction of these forest species in PNR. To effectively monitor the effect of any utilisation on these species, it is important that the utilised species are identified and their present densities recorded. The results of the Gaugris & Vasicek (2008) surveys and report will be useful in developing a vegetation management strategy for the Hlathikhulu Forest and the implementation of an ongoing monitoring system [See also Action Project 6.10.1 (i)].

Action Project 3.8 (ii): Develop a vegetation management strategy for the Hlathikhulu Forest based on the Gaugris & Vasicek survey and report.

Hlathikhulu Forest and the western slopes of the Lebombo Mountain range in the Nature Reserve form part of the IUCN recognised Maputaland Centre of Plant Endemism (Van Wyk & Smith 2001). It is critical that the associated biodiversity and features are afforded the appropriate levels of conservation on PNR due to its global relevance and contribution to national conservation targets. Presently, however little is known about these elements / species, their distribution and status as well as the integrity of the associated habitat on PNR. A survey to identify and clarify these aspects is required in order to develop the appropriate conservation management strategy for this area of the Nature Reserve.

Action Project 3.8 (iii): Initiate a survey to identify and clarify the Maputaland Centre of Plant Endemism associated elements / species / habitat on the western slopes of the Lebombo Mountain range on PNR and develop an appropriate conservation management strategy for this area of the Nature Reserve.

In total, 433 plant species have been recorded on PNR. This includes 12 Red Data Book species and two Maputaland endemic species as well as three protected tree8 species. These records we extracted

8 In terms of the National Forests Act of 1998 (Act No. 84 of 1998, as amended in 2006 by Government Gazette No. 29062, Notice 897, 8 September 2006), certain tree species have been declared as protected trees.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 11 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - from the EKZNW Biodiversity Database, recent studies and old Nature Reserve records. It is critical that the central EKZNW Biodiversity Database be updated with this information (See Appendix 1, Item 3).

Action Project 3.8 (iv): Update the EKZNW Biodiversity Database with the PNR plant species checklist records.

References: Acocks, J.P. 1988. Veld types of South Africa. Memoirs of the Botanical Survey of South Africa No. 57. Gaugris, J.Y. & Vasicek, C.A. 2009. An investigation into the ecological and social sustainability of resource harvesting from Hlatikulu Forest Reserve. Unpublished report, EcoTrust & Flora, Fauna, Fauna and Man, Ecological Services. Pretoria. Mucina, L. & Rutherford, M.C. 2006. The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. SANBI, Pretoria. Muir, D.P. 1990. Indigenous forest utilisation in KwaZulu, a case study of Hlatikulu Forest Reserve in Maputaland. MSc disserta- tion, Institute of Natural resources, University of Natal- Pietermaritzburg. Rutherford M.C. & Westfall R.H. 1994. Biomes of southern Africa: an objective categorization. Mem. Bot. Surv. Sth Afr. 63. 2nd edition. NBI, Pretoria. Van Rooyen, N. 2008. The vegetation of Phongolo Nature Reserve. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife unpublished report. Van Wyk, A.E. & Smith, G.F. 2001. Regions of floristic endemism in Southern Africa: A review with emphasis on succulents. Um- daus Press, Pretoria.

3.9 Animals Species checklists will be compiled as data becomes available (Appendix 1, Item 3). A fixed protocol for compiling and maintaining these checklists needs to be developed to ensure that they provide accurate, comparable and contemporary baseline data for management and scientific purposes [This must be addressed under Action Project 6.10.1 (i)]. The information from the PNR species checklists mentioned below were extracted from the EKZNW Biodiversity Database, recent studies and old Nature Re- serve records. It is critical that the central EKZNW Biodiversity Database be updated with this information.

Action Project 3.9 (i): Update the EKZNW Biodiversity Database with the PNR animal species checklist records.

3.9.1 Invertebrates Invertebrates play critical roles in the functioning of all ecosystems as they are responsible for maintaining soil fertility, waste disposal, water purification, pest control and pollination.

Few studies quantifying the contribution of invertebrates to these processes have been carried out in South Africa, but internationally the complexity of the invertebrate interactions required to sustain ecosystems and even in influencing the structure of plant communities is becoming increasingly evident. Several invertebrates, such as termites, are considered to be keystone species. Termites recycle large quantities of plant biomass into the soil and keep the soil porous with their tunneling, allowing water to infiltrate the soil profile. Earthworms play a similar role and are more diverse and widespread in the reserve grasslands than termites. The dung beetle fauna of the reserve is responsible for the removal of animal wastes and recycling of nutrients to the soil. Pollination of a large proportion of flowering plants, including endemics, is dependant on a range of insect groups, such as bees, wasps, flies, and beetles. In some cases the survival of locally endemic plant species is linked to pollination by a single insect species.

(Extract, with amendments, from a report for the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site compiled by Dr. Michelle Hamer, University of KwaZulu-Natal dated 17 January 2005)

There is a limited knowledge of the invertebrate fauna of the area. Due to the critical role that invertebrates play in ecosystem function, this lack of knowledge needs to be addressed. Presently (May 2009), only 53 invertebrate species have been formally recorded for PNR. This includes three Red Data Book invertebrate species.

Action Project 3.9.1 (i): Initiate a survey of the invertebrate fauna of PNR.

3.9.2 Fish

The PNR fish species checklist notes that 17 species have been recorded in the Pongolapoort Dam. Three of these are Red Data Book species. It is necessary that the presence and status of these species be confirmed in order to inform the development of a fishery management strategy [See Action Project 6.5.6.3 (i)].

Phongolo Nature Reserve 12 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - The Pongolapoort Dam is the southern most population of Tiger fish (Hydrocynus vittatus), a very important attraction for recreational fishing.

Action Project 3.9.2 (i): Confirm the presence and status of fish species occurring in PNR.

3.9.3 Herpetofauna (Reptiles and Amphibians)

The presence/absence of certain frog and reptiles species is indicative of the state of health of an ecosystem. It is important to determine the status of the rare species that occur on PNR in order to employ appropriate management strategies to prevent their extinction from the Nature Reserve.

The PNR checklist notes that 64 species are present of which four of are Red Data Book species.

Action Project 3.9.3 (i): Confirm the status of the Red Data Book herpetofauna occurring in PNR.

3.9.4 Avifauna (Birds)

The Pongolapoort Nature Reserve portion of PNR was designated as an Important bird Area (IBA ZA 041) by Birdlife International. Some of the bird species recorded in Pongolapoort met the following IBA criteria, resulting in the reserve acquiring this status: Criteria A1 - Globally Threatened; and Criteria A2 - Restricted-range.

Thus far, 305 species of birds have been recorded in PNR, of these 16 are Red Data Book species and one is a Maputaland endemic.

PNR lies in the transition zone between the Eastern Lowveld, Eastern Tropical littoral and the Eastern- Grassveld regions, with both the wetlands and Lebombo mountain range serving as significant stopover points for migratory species as well as breeding sites for significant number of vultures.

The Pongolapoort Dam and the Lebombo Mountains environs within PNR are important from a bird conservation perspective as various bird species rely on this area for critical breeding habitat, over-wintering grounds and as a stop-over (migratory species). The significance of this has not been adequately quantified and more information is required in order to develop appropriate conservation management strategies.

Once PNR has been adequately assessed for its bird significance, application must be made to Birdlife International to amend the Pongolapoort Nature Reserve site (IBA ZA 04) with the new bird data and register the site against the Phongolo Nature Reserve or possibly even the Lake Jozini Transfrontier Park.

Action Project 3.9.4 (i): Evaluate and assess the significance of PNR in terms of its contribution towards the conservation of bird species, especially aquatic and migratory species.

Action Project 3.9.4 (ii): Make application to Birdlife International to have the IBA ZA 041 site amended to PNR or even Lake Jozini TFP and update the site details.

3.9.5 Mammals

The reserve contains populations of elephant, white rhino, black rhino, hippo, tsessebe, suni and red duiker, which are all classified as priorities for biodiversity conservation. The other large herbivores that occur in the reserve include impala, nyala, blue wildebeest, zebra, warthog, kudu, grey duiker, giraffe, reedbuck, steenbok, bushbuck, and waterbuck. With the establishment of the Lake Jozini Transfrontier Park (TFP), lion and cheetah are soon to be introduced to add to the current large predator population of leopard and black-backed jackal.

The PNR checklist notes that only 34 mammal species (including three Red Data Book Species) have been recorded on the reserve - very few of the small mammals have been listed. It is necessary that the PNR species checklist be updated in terms of small mammals occurring on PNR.

Action project 3.9.5 (i): Initiate a survey of the small mammals on PNR.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 13 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - 3.10 Cultural Heritage No formal cultural heritage surveys have been conducted in the Phongolo Nature Reserve. There are quite a few identified Early Stone Age (c. 1, 6 million years ago) and Middle Stone Age (c. 200,000 years ago) sites bordering the Pongolapoort Dam. However, none of these sites have been intensively researched or described. The only site in the vicinity of the PNR that has been researched in much detail is Border Cave, where representations from the Later Iron Age and all divisions of the Stone Age have been found. These include evidence of the manufacture of cultural artefacts from stone and from other materials. Border Cave is significant as it gives evidence for the presence of anatomically modern people (Border Cave skull) in possible association with modern behavioural features such as graves and advanced stone tool technology. It therefore compliments the evidence of other sites in SA, such as Segubudu shelter, Blombos Cave, and Klasies River Mouth, for evidence early modern behaviour between 120 000 and 80 000 years ago.

The historical grave site of King Dingane of the Zulu is located in the Hlathikhulu Nature Reserve on the eastern banks of the Pongolapoort Dam. A small commemorative plaque, which was unveiled by Dr Buthelezi of the Inkhatha Freedom Party, has been placed close to the actual site. The grave site of the Nyawo Chief, Sambane, and his successors are also in close proximity to the Hlathikhulu Forest. Other historical grave sites are in close proximity to the PNR in the Ghost Mountain and the Tshaneni Moun- tain where Soshangane and other Gaza Kings were buried.

Furthermore, the PNR is the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa and plays a significant role in the larger heritage and history of southern African nature conservation.

Compiled by: Dr R.J. Kloppers

3.11 Socio-Cultural History of the Area Excavations at border cave suggest the presence of hunter gatherers in the vicinity of the present day PNR during the Stone Age. The area was home to northern-Nguni speakers, predominantly the Ngwane to the west and the Ndwandwe to the east. Through various processes of state formation and political centralization, the Ndwandwe established a powerful presence in the area in the early 1800s under Zwide. However, by the 1820s Zwide was defeated by the Zulu and a Zulu presence established in the area. Local chiefs quickly became subordinates of the Zulu king although there are indications that some chiefs associated with the Swazi monarchs. In fact, the latter argument is held as proof by some historians for the murder of King Dingane by the Nyawo people who lived between the Lubombo Moun- tains and the Pongola River. Dingane fled Zululand after a dispute with his brother Mpande and sought refuge in the Hlathikhulu forest. The Nyawo discovered him and alerted the Swazis who eventually killed Dingane.

The area north of the Pongola River was incorporated into the Transvaal (South African) Republic

Compiled by: Dr R.J. Kloppers

References: Wright, J. & C. Hamilton 1989. ‘Tradition and transformations. The Phongolo-Mzimkhulu region in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.’ In A. Duminy and B Guest (eds.) Natal andZululand from Earliest Times to 1910. A New History. Pietermaritzburg: University of Natal, 49-82. Bonner, P. 1982. Kings, Commoners and Concessionaires. The Evolution and Dissolution of the Nineteenth Century Swazi State. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Bruton, M. N. & Smith, M. 1980. A brief history of human involvement in Maputaland. In Bruton, M. N. and Cooper, K . H. (eds). Studies on the Ecology of Maputaland. Rhodes University and natal Branch of The Wildlife Society of Southern Africa. Grahamstown. pg. 432-459.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 14 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - 3.12 Socio- Economic Context The PNR lies within two district municipalities (Zululand and Umkhanyakude) and two local municipalities (Pongola and Jozini). It also borders on Swaziland and its western side was, until recently, administered as part of the Transvaal Province in South Africa. On its western and southern sides the area is bordered by commercial game reserves, apart from a development node at the Golela/ Lavumisa border post with Swaziland. The traditional area directly west of the PNR is administered by the Gumbi. On its eastern side the PNR borders the Nyawo, and Msindi Traditional Authorities.

Local people are mainly isiZulu and isiSwati speakers and are ethnically and historically tied to the Zulu and Swazi, although the predominant ethnic affiliation is with the Zulu. The proximity to Swaziland has also led to various people from Swaziland settling temporarily or permanent in South Africa in search for work or to benefit from state welfare and development (i.e. schools, clinics etc.).

Apart from the owners of the large game reserves, the majority of the Reserve’s neighbours are from previously disadvantaged communities. Subsistence agriculture is practiced, but most people rely on state welfare grants for survival as the rate of employment and availability of jobs is extremely low. The socio-economic context of local people is well documented by the respective local and district municipalities.

The PNR lies at a developmental node with the Golela / Lavumisa border post soon to be transformed to a 24 hour border post. The road from the border leads to Richards Bay and Durban and is land- locked Swaziland’s main portal for doing business with the outside world. The PNR also lies on the Le- bombo Tourism Route and is a central component of the Nsubane-Pongola Transfrontier Conservation Area.

Apart from commercial game ranching in the area, including hunting and tourism activities, the area is also extensively farmed for sugarcane, which is one of the major sources of income to the region.

3.13 Developed Infrastructure It is imperative that the necessary appropriate standard of infrastructure be developed and maintained as soon as possible to support the effective management of PNR and promote eco-cultural tourism to the Nature Reserve. Concept future development will be detailed in the PNR Concept Development Plan. [See Action Project 6.11 (iii)].

The existing infrastructure is categorised as follows: The number in brackets indicates the Development Zone Node where the infrastructure is located (See Par. 5.1 and Map 3).

3.13.1 Eco-cultural Tourism Infrastructure

 A campground with 20 campsites, ablution facilities and picnic sites for day visitors on the shore of the dam in the western section of PNR (near Golela) [6].  A rustic campground in the eastern section of PNR (Nkonkoni) with 17 campsites and picnic sites managed by the EKZNW Honorary Officers [13].  Two public boat launching sites with slipways [21] at [6] and [13].  A 3 unit tented camp on raised platforms with a communal kitchen has recently been constructed at the Hlathikhulu development node [11].  A 2 hr (~ 5 km) self-guided day walking starts at the Hlathikhulu Field Office [11].

3.13.2 Management Infrastructure

Main Reserve Office Complex [2]  Administration office  Cold room  Workshop  15 Staff accommodation units  Rainfall gauge

Phongolo Nature Reserve 15 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Main Reserve Entrance Gate [4]  Gate office  2 Staff accommodation units

Hlathikhulu Field Office [11]  Field office.  10 Staff accommodation units  Rainfall gauge

Rest of Nature Reserve  3 Staff accommodation units at Swazi field ranger outpost [8]  3 Staff accommodation units at Nkonkoni field ranger outpost [14]

3.13.3 Bulk Infrastructure:

Nature Reserve Roads (gravel) [~ 83 km in total] made up of :

 Public visitor roads (western section, near Golela) [~ 21 km]  Public visitor roads (Nkonkoni) [~ 3 km]  Management roads and tracks (western section, near Golela) [~ 53 km]  Management roads and tracks (Hlathikhulu, also local community access) [~ 6 km]

Regional Public Roads that traverse PNR [~ 13 km in total] made up of :

 Regional road (tar) from N3 to Golela [~ 6,5 km]  Regional road (tar) from N3 to Jozini [~ 4,5 km]  Local road (gravel) through the northern part of Hlathikhulu Forest [~ 2 km]

Railway line to Golela that traverses PNR [~ 8 km in total]

3.13.4 Water Supply Infrastructure

Presently, water for staff and tourists is obtained from four boreholes. The water is not purified. In some places water is drawn directly from streams or the dam. See Par. 6.11.8 for possible future developments in this regard.

No artificial water points are maintained for wildlife, except for the Pongolapoort Dam.

All water supply infrastructure (including that maintained by DWEA) must as far as possible be appropriately screened or camouflaged to reduce its detrimental aesthetic impact on the landscape. For management purposes it is essential that all water supply infrastructure be indicated on the reserve map.

Action Project 3.13.4 (i): Update the PNR Map to include the location of all water supply infrastructure.

3.13.5 Other Conservation Infrastructure

Fencing: The total boundary perimeter length is ~ 164 km of which only ~ 23,3 km have been fenced.

A reserve boundary fence of ~ 18,3 km is in place on the boundary of the north western section of PNR, from the northern shore of the Phongolo River inlet to the dam - running north to the Swazi- land border and then east along the border but skirting south of the town of Golela up to the western dam. From the eastern shore of the dam, an international the boundary fence runs up along the Swaziland boundary to the Lebombo Mountain escarpment. It is envisaged that as a result of the establishment of the Lake Jozini Transfrontier Park, the reserve and international boundary fences between PNR and the Royal Jozini Big 6 Reserve in Swaziland will be removed.

The north eastern PNR boundary along the Lebombo Mountain escarpment, the Hlathikhulu Na- ture Reserve boundary and the Pongolapoort Dam gorge are not fenced.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 16 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - The south east section of PNR at Nkonkoni has ~ 5 km of boundary fence is in place.

Where reserve boundary fences exist, they conform to the EKZNW dangerous game guideline specifications and are generally 2,4m high (See Appendix 1, Item 16).

An internal fence is in place along the public regional road to Golela for ~ 1,2 km from the railway bridge to Golela.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 17 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - 4 VISION, MISSION, MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES and CONSERVATION TARGETS

4.1 Introduction Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife has a legislative mandate which rests the custodianship of biodiversity conservation within the organisation. In alignment with this mandate, EKZNW has adopted a Five Year Strategic Plan and Performance Plan for 2009-2014 (Appendix 1, Item 1) which has identified the following corporate Vision, Mission, Goals and Core Values (see Text Box below):

EKZN WILDLIFE STRATEGIC VISION, MISSION, GOALS AND CORE VALUES

VISION

“To be a world renowned leader in the field of biodiversity conservation”

MISSION STATEMENT

“To ensure effective conservation and sustainable use of KwaZulu Natal’s biodiversity in collaboration with stakeholders for the benefit of present and future generations.”

STRATEGIC GOALS

1. To conserve indigenous biodiversity in KwaZulu-Natal both within and outside of protected areas. 2. To be a sustainable, well resourced and capacitated biodiversity conservation and ecotourism organisation. 3. To foster the value of biodiversity conservation with stakeholders. 4. To be an efficient, effective and compliant organisation with good governance. 5. To effectively promote the mandate of the organisation to stakeholders.

CORE VALUES

Integrity – at all times we act morally, ethically and with honesty. Respect – we treat stakeholders with patience, politeness and acknowledge and value their right and those of the environment. Accountability – we involve stakeholders in the organisation’s activities with a culture of openness and are answerable for the outcome of our actions and activities. Team Work – working together to achieve our vision through goals. Innovation – an adaptable organisation that embraces the culture of creativity and learning. Excellence – we are a progressive organisation applying best practices to achieve the highest quality and standards. Commitment – at all times we undertake our activities with passion, loyalty and dedication. Productivity – we undertake to produce results timeously, efficiently and effectively.

Cognizant of EKZNW’s legislative mandate as well its corporate Vision, Mission, Goals and Core Val- ues, this Phongolo Nature Reserve Integrated Management Plan (IMP) has been developed in consultation with stakeholders.

4.2 Stakeholder Participation A Vision, Mission and Management Objectives for PNR were derived at Key-stakeholder Workshops held between 22nd and 24th April 2005 as part of the PNR Integrated Management Planning process. Ecotourism Afrika Trust facilitated this Workshop on behalf of EKZNW and other stakeholder workshops held between January and May 2005. Provision was made for translation into IsiZulu at these Work- shops.

Representatives from the following Key-stakeholders attended the Workshops (See Appendix 2):

o Government - National Department of Water Affairs and Forestry Department of Land Affairs

Phongolo Nature Reserve 18 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - - Provincial Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Department of Public Works - Local uPhongolo Local Municipality Jozini Local Municipality Umkhanyakude District Municipality Zululand District Municipality

o Traditional Councils Nyawo Traditional Council Nsinde Traditional Council Gumbi Traditional Council

o NGOs Isigqiki Somkhovu

o Private Sector Pongola Game Reserve Pongola Game Reserve South Shayamoya Shayamanzi Makhathini Farmers

The following PNR vision, mission and management objectives derived with key-stakeholder involvement, together with the zonation plan and management policies all contained in this IMP provide an integrated management planning framework for the Nature Reserve that is supported by EKZNW. The management objectives will be operationalised within this framework through a Strategic Management and Business Plans. The latter will form the basis from which all management activities in and around PNR are initiated, financed, resourced and monitored.

The vision, mission, and management objectives for PNR were set by the stakeholders and extensively discussed and consulted by the Technical Task Team, based on the Integrated Management Planning Process.

The final draft of this PNR IMP was furthermore advertised for public comment between 29 May and 19 June 2009 on the EKZNW website, in the Zululand Observer (29 May 2009) and the Pongola News (29 May 2009) while copies were placed at the PNR offices as well as the offices of the four relevant municipalities for inspection. Only one comment was received from the public regarding the cultural heritage section and this information was incorporated into the text of this IMP.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 19 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - 4.3 Vision

The Vision for Phongolo Nature Reserve is:

To contribute to sound resource management and biodiversity conservation while providing visitors and neighbours with access to the resources through eco-cultural tourism9, partnerships and sustainable resource utilisation; and to form part of a consolidated conservation area.

4.4 Mission

The Mission of Phongolo Nature Reserve is:

A commitment to sustainably managing and conserving the natural and cultural resources of the Phongolo Nature Reserve, based on sound environmental principles, that benefit both the visitor and host community in an equitable manner.

4.5 Management Objectives The following objectives for PNR were identified at the Key-Stakeholder Workshop and given a priority ranking. They are listed below in order of priority.

1) Protect Hlathikhulu Forest and its associated biodiversity 2) Protect Hlathikhulu, Lebombo mountain range (western slopes) and associated biodiversity, which includes elements of the Maputaland Centre of Plant Endemism (IUCN recognised) 3) Protect the significant stands of cycads 4) Participate as a key-stakeholder in the promotion of overall Protected Area objectives; specifically the following initiatives:  Nsubane-Pongola TFCA  Sustainable Utilisation Plan (DWEA)  District and Local Municipalities (IDP, LDP)  Amafa  Private and Communal initiatives 5) Ensure the reserve remains a catalyst for biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage management and eco-cultural tourism development in the formation of a consolidated conservation area 6) Protect the breeding sites of significant numbers of vultures 7) To protect endangered, rare and endemic species indigenous to the area (key biodiversity elements as identified by EKZNW Conservation). 8) Safeguard the archaeological, historical, palaeontological and living cultural heritage of the area 9) Minimise threats to the sense of place (retain the aesthetic value of the area) 10) Promote conservation as a viable and sustainable land use option 11) Ensure the sustainability of resource harvesting, specifically within Hlathikhulu 12) Protect the significant diversity of fish species, specifically the high numbers of Tiger Fish 13) Promote access by the public to the area and its resources, both natural and cultural 14) Contribute to the achievement of Provincial and National conservation targets through the protection of a representative portion of semi-arid lowveld and Lebombo lowveld and its associated biodiversity, including the ecological and evolutionary processes that generate and maintain this diversity 15) Protect the wetlands which in some years can act as breeding sites for species, as listed 16) Facilitate access to cultural heritage sites

9 The word ecotourism has been replaced with the words eco-cultural tourism as a more inclusive term – see Definition of eco-cultural tourism.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 20 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - 17) Ensure the Pongolapoort Dam and Lebombo mountains remain an important stop-over for migratory birds (migratory routes)

The above Nature Reserve objectives were then aligned with the following overarching Management Objectives for PNR (See Par. 8.2, Table 2):

MO 1: Conservation of key biodiversity features, biophysical processes, landscapes, abiotic, cultural, historical, archaeological and palaeontological resources;

MO 2: The formation of functional partnerships to integrate the PNR with regional development plans and Nsubane-Pongola Transfrontier Conservation Area initiatives, and other initiatives which underwrite the vision of PNR;

MO 3: The provision of socio-economic benefits (benefit flow) to the Park’s neighbours and to contribute to the local economy and the efforts of conservation in a sustainable manner based on sound business principles (EKZN Business Plan); and

MO 4: The provision of Eco-cultural tourism business opportunities in the natural and cultural environment based within the influence sphere of PNR.

4.6 Conservation Targets In order to assist in developing a conservation management strategy more effectively linked to budget and resources, it is necessary to have specific conservation objectives (or ‘targets’ in conservation planning terms) in place. Monitoring of status relative to these targets will then allow for measurement of success of management interventions (and consequent budget and resource adjustments where required), and to trigger management interventions when certain thresholds are reached. This removes the ‘monitoring to extinction’ problem that has arisen in many organisations.

Apart from the need to monitor the success of implementation of the strategy in terms of achievement of conservation targets, a basic requirement for a systematic approach to conservation planning, impact assessment and protected area management effectiveness assessment is the identification of a clear set of provincial goals for the province, which for operational use needs to be translated into a more specific set of quantitative ‘targets’ (Margules and Pressey 2000). A key (but faulty) assumption often made with provincial Systematic Conservation Plans in terms of conservation priorities outside the protected area network is that protected areas continue to conserve key species and habitats at the same levels at which they occurred when the plan was developed. Where protected areas have failed to do so, it will result in an underestimate of conservation requirements outside protected areas and hence the real possibility of provincial conservation objectives and targets not being achieved. It is therefore essential to design and implement management and monitoring strategies to ensure that PNR contin- ues to conserve those species and habitats which are important at a provincial level.

Conservation targets for biodiversity are not easily set, and indeed, conservation managers, scientists, decision makers and politicians have been reluctant to formalise and agree to targets. In reality our understanding of ‘how much is enough’, in what spatial configuration this should be, what the most critical processes are for the maintenance of biodiversity and how one can conserve these is poor, and the de- bate and research around this topic will continue for some time to come. This information will be con- tinuously updated over time as our knowledge of area, connectivity and other process requirements im- proves for the conservation of ecosystems, communities and species. However, management has to take place despite these deficiencies so it is necessary to make best use of available information, stat- ing the assumptions and limitations, and to see conservation targets as a set of working hypotheses around which conservation planning and evaluation can take place. Another advantage of developing strategies around targets is that this process serves to highlight the critical knowledge deficits thus guiding future research and monitoring priorities.

Action Project 4.6 (i): Identify conservation targets for PNR.

References: Margules, C. and Pressey, R. 2000. Systematic conservation planning. Nature 405:243-253.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 21 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - 5 ZONATION

Zonation within protected areas is an internationally accepted practice for the purpose of effecting management and recreation opportunities. Zonation that characterise various zones will ensure that protected area managers and users have a clear indication of the type of management that will be applied to each zone as well as the potential recreational opportunities that will be allowed within the various zones.

The Zonation of PNR is divided into four management zone categories that guide future use, management and development of the reserve to cater for the needs of different public user groups. They are:

Development Zone: Terrestrial zone where the majority of future developments will be spatially concentrated within the various identified Development Nodes (listed below) making up the Development Zone.

Natural Zone: Terrestrial zone where visitor use will be managed according to the guidelines described below for the Natural Zone: medium- and low-intensity utilisation sub-zones. Minimal development will take place in this zone.

Aquatic Zone: Used with a variety of sub-zoning to control public access, for conservation purposes or to regulate various recreational uses on dams, rivers and other wetlands, where appropriate.

Special Resource Protection or Use Zone: This zone can be of a permanent or temporary nature. It is used with a variety of sub-zoning applied as ’overlay’ zones in order to achieve specific natural and cultural heritage conservation or resource use objectives that are aligned to the protected area’s IMP management objectives.

This PNR Zonation will be advertised for public comment as part of this IMP prior to being adopted and authorised. The Zonation is described in more detail below and indicated spatially on Map 3.

5.1 Development Zone This zone at PNR consists of a number of Development Nodes most of which are already developed. Three new developments are however proposed. In the Development Zone more intensive infrastructure development may be permitted. Development will not be demand-driven but will be designed to meet the basic management and eco-cultural tourism needs within the bounds of generally accepted ecological, aesthetic and architectural standards.

Paths or trails within the development zone should be surfaced (e.g. boardwalks, cement or paving) where environmental damage is evident as a result of high intensity use. These areas will also contain most of the Nature Reserve administration / management stores / workshop facilities as well as the tourist accommodation and associated facilities.

The outer limits of the above development nodes must be physically demarcated by means of beacons and the GPS positions recorded to update mapping. Development will not be extended beyond these limits. Development at these nodes will be of a low-density nature at all times, and open space will make up no less than 60% of the areas demarcated.

The following infrastructure exists or is envisaged for each of the following Development Nodes:

Development Node 1 – Transformed area: This narrow riverine area that lies within the Pongolapoort Dam’s (DWEA) purchase boundary and is presently leased for agricultural purposes. The lease agreement is to be reviewed. Development Node 2 – Main office complex and staff housing: The PNR main office complex and staff accommodation are situated in this area. Development Node 3 – Proposed border post urban housing: This area is proposed for the urban housing area associated with the Golela Border Post with Swazi- land. This area will probably not be incorporated into PNR when the Nature Reserve is declared.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 22 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Development Node 4 – Main entrance gate, office and staff housing: The PNR main gate access control office, parking area and staff accommodation are situated here. Development Node 5 – DWEA pump station: The location of the DWEA pump station infrastructure for pumping water to Swaziland. Development Node 6 – Campsite and day visitor picnic site: Caravan / campsites, ablution facility and day visitor picnic sites are situated here. Development Node 7 – Hunting camp: The hunting camp provides accommodation for hunting groups that purchase supervised hunts on PNR. Development Node 8 – Swazi field ranger outpost: Field ranger accommodation site. Development Node 9 – Settlements: This area, within the dam purchase boundary and on the escarpment, has been settled by a number of community families and will probably not be incorporated into PNR when it is declared. Development Node 10 – Dokolwane proposed lodge site: This is an envisaged new development site. Development Node 11 – Hlathikhulu gate, field office, staff accommodation and tented camp A PNR field office, staff accommodation and tented camp are situated in this area. Development Node 12 – Nkonkoni proposed lodge site: This is an envisaged new development site. Development Node 13 – Nkonkoni campsite and proposed hutted camp: Existing rustic campsite and proposed new hutted camp development site. Development Node 14 – Pump station and proposed house boat service centre: Existing water scheme pump station and a proposed house boat service centre. Development Node 15 – Nkonkoni field ranger outpost: Field ranger accommodation site. Development Node 16 – Nkonkoni entrance gate: Entrance gate to field ranger outpost and campsite. Development Node 17 – Settlements: This area has been settled and will probably not be incorporated into PNR when it is declared. Development Node 18 – Settlement (Ndwande homestead): This area has been settled, resolvement of the issue will be sought. Development Node 19 – Private boat launch sites / slipways: Authorised launch sites / slipways used by adjacent landowners – agreements to be formalised. Development Node 20 – Non-formalised boat launch sites / slipways: Non-formalised launch sites / slipways – to be investigated. Development Node 21 – Official boat launch sites / slipways: Launch sites / slipways under the control of EKZNW and / or DWEA.

5.2 Terrestrial Natural Zone

5.2.1 Medium intensity utilisation

This sub-zone is largely determined by the impacts (audio, visual & other) of visitor motorised vehicular use of the area. Visitor motorised vehicular access along roads demarcated for public use will be permitted and pedestrian access can be mostly be unrestricted. Nature-orientated recreational activities such as day-walks, visits to bird-hides and picnic spots as well as the provision of view sites may be permitted in this area. Bicycles may be permitted on selected management tracks. Development in this zone will be kept to a basic minimum (e.g. parking areas, picnic tables, view sites, bird hides and interpretation kiosks). Visitor use will be closely monitored, with the aim of determining an upper limit for visitor carrying capacity.

5.2.2 Low intensity utilisation

In this sub-zone, no public vehicular access will be permitted. Pedestrian access to this area will be limited to groups using formal or guided trails including bicycle use which may be permitted on selected management tracks. Numbers of users and routes will be restricted. Any further public access must be guided by reserve staff. Developments in this zone will be limited to the dispersed facilities utilized for management, management vehicle tracks or basic hiking trail overnighting areas for tents. The objective for in this zone will be to retain or restore its undisturbed natural character.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 23 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - 5.3 Aquatic Zone

5.3.1 Motorised boating

An aquatic sub-zone, where motorised or non-motorised boating is permitted with legally compliant craft operated by legally compliant users according to the regulations pertaining to the specific aquatic area.

5.3.2 Guided boating only

A sensitive aquatic sub-zone, where from a natural / cultural heritage, security or user point of view, un- guided boating is undesirable or incompatible with other activities in the area e.g. constant disturbance in a naturally quiet area used for visitor accommodation.

5.3.3 Non-motorised boating only

A sensitive aquatic sub-zone from a natural / cultural heritage or user point of view, where engine noise is undesirable or incompatible with other activities in the area e.g. bird watching. .

5.3.4 DWEA security zone

A security area defined by DWEA where public access is restricted.

5.3.5 Restricted access (Swaziland).

Appropriate authorisation required by the public to enter this part of the dam lying in Swaziland.

5.4 Special Resource Use / Protection Zone

5.4.1 Hunting Area

A special resource use sub-zone where organized and regulated hunts are permitted during specific periods of the year and at which time normal visitor use of the area can be excluded.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 24 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - 6 OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT POLICY FRAMEWORK AND GUIDING PRINCI- PLES

The NRPC have identified the following predominant existing or potential threats to PNR:

 Inadequate financial and human resources.  Illegal activities in and around the Nature Reserve.  Catchment environmental degradation disrupting natural ecological processes.  Inappropriate or ineffective conservation management.  Loss or degradation of cultural heritage sites.  Alien species invasion.  Soil erosion.  The existence of public transport corridors transecting the Nature Reserve.

The PNR operational policy framework, guidelines and strategies have been developed to support the achievement of the stated Nature Reserve management objectives and where possible to address the existing or potential threats as listed above.

6.1 Financial and Human Resources

6.1.1 Financial Resources

Capital and operational funding for PNR is sourced primarily from the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Gov- ernment. Funding is furthermore generated from commercial operations within PNR and various external sources.

Levels of funding have remained stable, however, over time the management of the Nature Reserve cannot be sustained at required levels and capital assets, including infrastructure, are not being effectively maintained.

It is necessary therefore to develop a realistic five-year Strategic Management and Business Plans in an attempt to secure funding to effectively support the achievement of the mission and management objectives for the Nature Reserve.

The development of a PNR Business Plan is a priority and must indicate past income and expenditure trends, a five year projection of income and expenditure targets that will allow for effectively achieving the PNR management objectives. In addition, planning must be put in place to address any budget shortfalls after the annual grants from the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government have been ac- counted for.

The total self-sufficiency of commercial operations within the Nature Reserve is a minimum requirement, while it will be expected that commercial operations must respect the natural and cultural heritage values of PNR and that any operational profit will be used to subsidise the Nature Reserve's conservation and community programmes.

The value of ecosystem services that PNR provides as well as the direct and indirect economic value of PNR to the local and regional economy must be determined in order to market the Nature Reserve, ensure continued government funding and where appropriate, leverage additional funding from other sources.

Action Project 6.1.1 (i): Develop a five-year Strategic Management Plan and Business Plan for PNR.

Action Project 6.1.1 (ii): Initiate a resource economics study of the Nature Reserve to determine its economic value regarding the provision of ecosystem services and its contribution to the local and regional economy.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 25 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - 6.1.2 Human Resource Capacity

The existing human resource structure and capacity is insufficient to fully meet PNR Management Objectives. The following objectives in particular are emphasised:

Safe and secure environment for staff and visitors. Efficient and profitable tourism management. Effective conservation management and sustainable use of the biodiversity and landscape. Stakeholder liaison and advisory services, particularly within the TFCA. Environmental education and awareness programmes. Project management of externally funded projects. Ineffective research and monitoring.

In order to effectively address the full spectrum of PNR management functions it is imperative that the human resource needs are fully investigated with a view developing a new and effective human resource structure for PNR.

Action Project 6.1.2 (i): Investigate and develop an appropriate human resource structure and capacity of PNR with a view to improving effectiveness and efficiency in achieving PNR objectives and informing the Business Plan.

6.1.2.1 PNR Employment Policy Guidelines The PNR Stakeholder Liaison Forum (See Par. 6.2.1) will always be informed in advance of the im- pending recruitment of staff for the Nature Reserve.

 Appointments will be made in accordance with the: - relevant employment legislation; - employment policy framework of EKZNW; - required experience, skills, proven ability and qualifications of applicants.  Entry-level or temporary appointments requiring no specific skills will be employed from neighbouring communities after consultation with the PNR Stakeholder Liaison Forum.  Appointments of staff that will be involved with the cross border management of the larger Lake Jozini Transfrontier Park will be made after consultation with the Joint Management Committee of the TFP as agreed in the TFP Joint Management Plan (See Appendix 1, Item 7).

6.2 Local Community Involvement

EKZNW will strive to work collaboratively with institutions and adjacent landowners / communities to improve communication as well as conservation management in and around the Nature Reserve for the benefit of all. Neighbour relations and partnerships are guided by Board Policies No. D 4.1 and D 4.4 (See Appendix I, Item 2).

EKZNW encourages community involvement in the management of the Nature Reserve through collaboration with adjoining communities in the following programmes and projects:

6.2.1 PNR Stakeholder Liaison Forum

Ongoing stakeholder involvement in PNR, which will include neighbouring communities will be realised, mainly, through the formation of a Stakeholder Liaison Forum (SLF). This will provide an operational relationship and communication framework between the MNR management and stakeholders to ensure effective stakeholder involvement in the management of PNR.

PNR will be responsible for convening the SLF meetings on a regular basis as determined by the SLF’s Terms of Reference. This will include distributing agendas and minutes timeously to members. As well as providing the venue and secretariat for the SLF meetings at which the PNR Manager must always be present to provide the necessary progress reports and information. The Chairperson of the SLF will be elected from the stakeholder members present.

Action Project 6.2.1 (i): Establish a PNR Stakeholder Liaison Forum.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 26 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - 6.2.2 Community Levy Trust Fund

Communities adjacent to the PNR can benefit from income generated by the Nature Reserve through a community levy paid by visitors. These funds are administered through the Community Trust Fund and provided to communities for development needs as prescribed by Board Policy No. D 3.9 (See Ap- pendix I, Item 2).

6.2.3 External Funding Projects

From time to time, PNR procures external funding for specific Nature Reserve related projects; when possible priority is then given to training members of the community and the creation of community small, micro and medium enterprise (SMME) business and employment opportunities.

6.2.4 Land Claims

Some areas in PNR are subject to land claims by communities that allege they were historically dis- possessed of their land and rights in land due to racially discriminatory laws and practices. These claims are presently being evaluated by the Regional Land Claims Commission of the Department of Land Affairs. Should there be a positive outcome for the claimants; the matter will be taken forward by EKZNW according to its Board Policy D 3.10 which outlines the organisation’s approach in this regard (See Appendix I, Item 2).

6.2.5 Environmental Education

It is EKZNW policy to provide environmental education programmes for communities adjoining PNR. These programmes will be conducted in accordance with Board Policy No. D 2.34. Access to the material and spiritual benefits of the Nature Reserve is facilitated in accordance with Neighbour Rela- tions Board Policy D 4.1 (See Appendix I, Item 2). Environmental education programmes are addressed further under Par. 6.9.

6.2.6 Adjoining Swaziland Communities

Transfrontier linkages between PNR management and Swaziland communities / authorities are necessary to build positive collaborative relationships that would be mutually beneficial and promote the Nsubane-Pongola TFCA concept. Whenever possible these linkages must be established and supported.

6.2.7 Informal Participation

Local community involvement will not only occur through formal liaison structures like the PNR Stake- holder Liaison Forum but also through an annual public meeting where informal community participation will be encouraged.

Action Project 6.2.7 (i): Annually in March of each year arrange a public meeting to give feedback on progress, planned projects and encourage informal local community participation.

Informal communication between the general public / stakeholders and reserve management will be encouraged at all times within practical limits (Open door policy).

6.3 Partnerships EKZNW will strive to work collaboratively with other state and private institutions as well as neighbouring communities through formal partnerships to improve natural and cultural heritage management as well as eco-cultural tourism development in and around PNR for the benefit of all.

PNR and EKZNW will also, wherever possible support and contribute to the achievement of the Nsu- bane-Pongola TFCA Protocol.

Action Project 6.3 (i): Formalise agreements with TFCA partners and co-ordinate a drive towards seamless connection across the international borders.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 27 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Partnerships that comply with the management and legal framework as outlined in this IMP and are supportive of the achievement of the management objectives of PNR will be encouraged and facilitated. These partnerships must at all times be formalised in a written agreement that will be submitted to the appropriate level for authorisation accompanied with a recommendation from the NRPC. Copies of these agreements must be made available to the partnering institutions / persons and copies must be filed at the EKZNW Head Office, Regional Office and at PNR.

In general terms, partnership agreements should be reviewed annually or at the most every three years. Business partnerships may however be considered for longer periods but must then be accompanied by stringent conditions. All partnership agreements must contain cancellation clauses in the event that PNR’s natural or cultural heritage, its management objectives or the reputation of EKZNW are being negatively affected.

The PNR Conservation Manager is responsible and accountable for ensuring any PNR partnership agreement (commercial or otherwise) is monitored and that the agreement conditions are strictly complied with. If it is evident that the agreement conditions are not complied with or any activity by an agreement partner is negatively affecting PNR’s natural or cultural heritage, its management objectives or the reputation of EKZNW are being negatively affected, the PNR Conservation Manager must have the right to immediately stop the responsible activity until the situation is suitably rectified.

6.3.1 Nsubane-Pongola Transfrontier Conservation Area

In support of the Nsubane-Pongola TFCA objectives, the Lake Jozini Transfrontier Park (TFP) will link PNR with the Royal Jozini Big 6 Reserve in Swaziland, presently in the process of establishment.

As part of the TFP establishment process, a Joint Management Committee (JMC) was formed in No- vember 2008. The JMC protocols and functions are guided by an agreed Terms of Reference set out under Par. 1.3 of the TFP Joint Management Plan which will be implemented during 2009 (See Ap- pendix 1, Item 7). It is envisaged that the fences between the reserves in the two countries will be removed during 2009, formally establishing the Transfrontier Park at ground level.

The next phase in the development of the TFP will be to create linkages with neighbouring game farms, in both South Africa and Swaziland, to incorporate them into the TFP and expand the ecological footprint. PNR’s immediate neighbour, the Pongola Game Reserve (PGR), is a willing partner and is committed to the development of the TFP. In order to take this forward, it is necessary to develop a Joint Management Agreement between the PNR and Pongola Game Reserve to facilitate the dropping of fences between the two reserves. The finalisation of this Joint Management Agreement will however only be possible once the land claims on PGR have been resolved.

Action Project 6.3.1 (i): Develop a Joint Management Agreement / Plan with Pongola Game Reserve as phase 2 of this TFCA initiative.

6.3.2 Eco-cultural Tourism Development Partners

Wherever appropriate and financially viable, the existing and envisaged eco-cultural tourism facilities within PNR will be outsourced in accordance with National Treasury’s Public Private Partnership Tool- kit for Tourism.

The PNR Concept Development Plan [Action Project 6.11(iii)] and the PNR Eco-cultural Tourism Development and Marketing Strategy [Action Project 6.8(i)] that must still be compiled will provide further detail.

6.4 Security and Safety EKZNW recognises that illegal activities within and around PNR can be a severe threat to the integrity of its natural and cultural heritage, its water storage and supply infrastructure, as well as the safety of PNR users, neighbouring communities and the attainment of its stated Mission and Management Objectives.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 28 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Nature Reserve management must therefore initiate and institutionalise a security strategy that ensures co-ordinated participation in all possible local, regional and TFCA security forums and networks while op- timising security in and around PNR. This strategy must ensure sufficient capacity to deal with conservation-related illegal activities in PNR (See also Par. 6.5.7) and contribute to a network of provincial, national and international law enforcement intelligence.

Action Project 6.4 (i): Develop an integrated security strategy for the Nature Reserve that ensures collaboration with all relevant institutions.

6.5 Natural Resource Management

6.5.1 Introduction

The management philosophy is one of adaptive management. This includes implementing management actions according to the stated objectives, policies and operational plans, monitoring progress and adapting the management strategy accordingly. This is done using a participatory, team approach and making use of the best scientific understanding in collaboration with partners and stakeholders. The principle of sustainable use of natural resources is implicit in the philosophy.

Natural resource management aims to conserve biodiversity through addressing threats and ensuring the maintenance and/or re-instatement of the ecological processes that are considered the main de- terminants of ecosystem structure and function. Where these processes or regulatory mechanisms have been disrupted and cannot be re-instated, management should attempt to simulate their effects; otherwise management intervention in the system should be minimised.

Fire is a key ecological process influencing biodiversity in PNR. Although it is not possible to recon- struct the ‘natural’ fire regime, it is generally accepted that the natural frequency, intensity, seasonality and spread of fire through the landscape has been changed as has the ability of species to respond to the disturbance caused by fire (e.g. game, due to man made obstructions such as fences).

Given the above, the objective is to actively manage for a shifting mosaic of vegetation patches with high basal cover but different ages and sizes - thereby creating a diversity of habitats that should ensure the conservation of the biodiversity representative of the area. This approach will also provide the best insurance policy for the majority of organisms for which habitat requirements and response to fire are unknown. The mosaic is achieved is through controlling the spread of fire in the landscape and the conditions under which fires are ignited.

The other key interventions required to conserve biodiversity are the control of invasive species and man-induced soil erosion, as well as wildlife management and minimising illegal activities (e.g. illegal hunting and plant collecting).

6.5.2 Fire Management

A hybrid system of patch mosaic burning and lightning fires, with tolerance of wildfires under certain conditions has been adopted for PNR. The patch mosaic system philosophy applied emulates lightning and early man’s fire management patterns to achieve an increase in landscape heterogeneity (Parr & Brockett 1999).

Patch-burning in large open landscapes may provide a useful means of obtaining a mosaic of newly- burnt, recently burnt and unburnt areas. Fires are point-ignited under diverse weather and fuel conditions that are varied over time and are then allowed to follow their own course. This will depend on fuel load and condition, wind direction, existence of barriers such as bare or sparsely grassed patches and roads etc. rather than of firebreaks typically used to control fires in block-burning operations. This system should mimic the historic fire patterns; reduce the fire hazard and the cost of prescribed burning, as well as the cost of managing wild fires. Point ignitions are used to start fires in areas where fire is deemed necessary. Grass-sward composition and grass fuel-loads are used to identify areas to be burned.

Nature Reserve management shall convene and chair a Fire Workshop in February each year. This workshop shall include Conservation Partnerships and Ecological Advice staff, and invited experts

Phongolo Nature Reserve 29 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - where appropriate. In the spirit of Transfrontier Park co-operation, management staff from Royal Joz- ini Reserve, Pongola Game Reserve and Somkhanda Game Reserve will also be invited to the Fire Workshop and assisted, where possible, with their fire management.

At this Fire Workshop the burns of the previous fire season (planned and unplanned) will be reviewed and, based on the Nature Reserve Fire Management Plan, management units will be scheduled for burns in the upcoming fire season and recorded as the Annual Burning Plan for implementation. In preparation for the Fire Workshop all fire returns must be with Ecological Advice by 30 November each year to allow for digital capture and analysis of the data.

The Fire Management Plan is to be based on the PNR management objectives and guided by ‘best practice’ linked to scientific understanding, legal context and risk management.

Action Project 6.5.2 (i): Develop a PNR Fire Management Plan to outline: Fire management objectives, scientific understanding, management actions, legal compliance, personnel training requirements, monitoring and research required.

Action Project 6.5.2 (ii): Develop a computerized decision support tool linked to GIS that will be included in the Fire Management Plan, to assist in the planning of burns at the annual Fire Workshop. This rule-based tool must ensure that PNR wide and area-specific fire management objectives can be simultaneously achieved wherever possible, and must allow for flexibility in response to unplanned fires.

PNR is obligated in terms of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act to be a member of local Fire Pro- tection Association (FPA). In this regard Park Management will actively champion the establishment and maintenance of FPAs on and bordering the PNR in order to gain the full legal advantages of being a member of the FPA and to promote, where possible, fire management regimes surrounding the PNR that would benefit the conservation of biodiversity and ecological processes.

Action Project 6.5.2 (iii): Promote and champion (in cooperation with DWEA and the “Working on Fire” programme) the establishment of FPAs on the borders of PNR.

Action Project 6.5.2 (iv): Arrange a PNR Management Fire Workshop in February of each year.

Reference: Parr, C.L. & Brockett, B.H. 1999. Patch-mosaic burning: a new paradigm for savanna fire management in protected areas? Koedoe 42: 117-130.

6.5.3 Alien Species Control and Management

Alien species are regarded as species or genotypes that are not indigenous to the PNR area including hybrids and genetically altered organisms.

The requirements of NEMBA (Sections 76 and 77) in terms of invasive species and the relevant legal obligations of protected area management authorities must be noted. The following is the PNR strategy to deal with alien and alien invasive species in the Nature Reserve.

6.5.3.1 Alien Plants Alien plant species have been planted or have established themselves within PNR over time. They can, to varying degrees impact negatively on groundwater levels, the natural environment and biodiversity as well as the natural landscape character of the Nature Reserve. Their control and management is considered a management priority.

Wherever possible and appropriate these plants must be removed from PNR.

The following management guidelines apply:

Alien Plant Introductions

Introductions of alien plants to PNR will not be tolerated except for non-invasive vegetables, garden plants, fruit trees, or herbs (for domestic consumption) planted within staff accommodation plots or non-invasive pot plants used indoors for decorative purposes, provided these plants in no way im-

Phongolo Nature Reserve 30 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - pact negatively on the ecological processes or disrupt normal animal behaviour patterns (e.g. fruit trees and baboons / monkeys).

Only plants indigenous to the PNR and surrounds will be used outdoors in landscaping projects within the demarcated development zones.

Existing non-invasive alien plants

A phased 3 year plan to address the existence and spread of non-invasive alien plants (including grasses) that already exist within PNR must be developed. Where required, this plan must also address the re-planting of relevant areas with indigenous plants for horticultural purposes. If considered appropriate by the NRPC, certain non-invasive alien plants may be demarcated and retained for horticultural or cultural-historical purposes. They must, however, not be replaced should they die, unless recommended by the NRPC for cultural-historical reasons. All seedlings of demarcated alien plants must be removed annually.

Project 6.5.3.1 (i): Develop a phased 3-year plan to address the existing non-invasive alien plants in PNR.

Declared alien weeds and invasive plants

Alien plants declared weeds and invader plants under section 29 of CARA (Act No. 43 1983) are a serious threat to the ecological functioning of natural systems as well as groundwater storage and water production from catchments. They must be controlled in terms of the relevant CARA regulations. An ongoing time-bound programme to effectively control these alien weeds and invader plants within the PNR and up to 1km beyond (buffer area) the Nature Reserve boundary must be developed in collaboration with neighbours and relevant municipalities.

State poverty relief programs such as ‘Landcare’, ‘Working for Water’, ‘’Working on Fire’ and ‘Work- ing for Wetlands” should be used to full effect to complement the Nature Reserve budget for this management task.

PNR management will be accountable for all invasive alien plant clearing and therefore must strictly supervise control operations to ensure that the correct methodologies are used and to avoid environmental damage.

Project 6.5.3.1 (ii): Develop an ongoing time-bound programme to effectively control declared alien weeds and invader plants within PNR and 1 km beyond (buffer area) the Nature Reserve boundary.

6.5.3.2 Alien Animals Alien animal species can threaten the ecological, genetic or natural aesthetic integrity of the Nature Reserve and can be vectors for the spread of diseases. Their control and management are considered a management priority. Wherever possible and appropriate these animals must be removed from the PNR.

The following management guidelines apply:

Alien Animal Introductions

Introductions of alien animals to PNR will not be tolerated except:

 as part of culture-based, community-based or management projects approved by the NRPC; or  for domestic animals and livestock (incl. donkeys and horses) kept for official purposes or privately by staff according to specific rules for each management centre / protected area.

It is critically important that these exceptions do not negatively influence the integrity and sustainability of the Nature Reserve’s ecological processes.

A new, standardised and equitable PNR policy for keeping domestic animals and livestock is required and must also include procedures to deal in a consistent manner with alien animals that stray into PNR. This policy must, inter alia clearly address:

Phongolo Nature Reserve 31 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) -  Threats to biodiversity conservation as a priority.  Reducing the numbers of such animals to an absolute minimum.  Designating areas where these animals must be kept. They must not be allowed to roam or feed in the nature reserve (except for official patrol horses when on patrol) or interfere in any way with tourists.  The proper and hygienic care of these animals.  Minimum standards (aesthetic acceptability, sizes, neatness and cleanliness) of facilities housing these animals e.g. stable, camps cages etc.

Action Project 6.5.3.2 (i): Develop a new, equitable policy for keeping personal and official domestic animals and livestock in the Nature Reserve that includes procedures for dealing in a consistent manner with alien animals that stray into the Park. This policy must, inter alia clearly address:  Threats to biodiversity conservation as a priority.  Reducing the numbers of such animals to an absolute minimum.  Designating areas where these animals must be kept. They must not be allowed to roam or feed in the Park (except for official patrol horses when on patrol) or interfere in any way with tourists.  The proper and hygienic care of these animals.  Minimum standards (aesthetic acceptability, sizes, neatness and cleanliness) of facilities housing these animals e.g. stables, camps, cages etc.  Disciplinary measures for staff transgressing these regulations or failing to enforce these measures.

Alien Animals Present in the Park

Alien animals that are present and are a threat / potential threat to the ecological processes / tourism experience in the Nature Reserve will be dealt with as necessary according to a control programme developed and approved by the NRPC.

A management strategy is needed to monitor and manage the impact of alien fish species in PNR.

Mallard ducks, alien wild ungulates, ‘domesticated’ guinea fowl and feral species are all potential threats and could be found in the Nature Reserve sporadically. They must be destroyed as soon as possible after their presence is detected (humanely as practically possible and with due regard for the tourist experience).

Action Project 6.5.3.2 (ii): Develop a control programme for alien animals present in PNR.

Action Project 6.5.3.2 (iii): Develop a management strategy that will minimise the negative impact of alien fish and promote the establishment of sustainable populations of fish species indigenous to the PNR.

6.5.4 Wetland / Groundwater / River Management

The Nature Reserve forms a natural ‘buffer’ for the Pongolapoort Dam. In order to ensure that drainage water from PNR is good quality, unpolluted water with a minimum silt load, it is essential that management strives to achieve the following on PNR:

 A good vegetative canopy and basal cover is maintained to reduce the turbidity of drainage water caused by accelerated soil loss (See Par. 6.5.2 and 6.5.5).

 Strict pollution control and the application of approved waste management standards (See Par. 6.11.10).

 Ecological processes in wetlands in PNR are maintained and any damaged wetlands rehabilitated.

 Invasive alien plants are removed and controlled (See Par. 6.5.3)

 Groundwater and surface water quality and quantity is monitored (See Par. 6.10.1)

Phongolo Nature Reserve 32 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - 6.5.5 Soil Erosion Control

Gradual natural soil erosion processes will be allowed to continue unless this is a threat to the achievement of the Nature Reserve’s management objectives. However, in the case of human-induced and / or aggravated erosion, appropriate remedial management action must be taken. Potential human impacts must be avoided through appropriate planning and maintenance of infrastructure.

Extensive sites of potential or aggravated soil erosion must be mapped, and the rehabilitation prioritised annually.

Rehabilitation of soil erosion sites should follow the guidelines presented by Coetzee (2005).

Action Project 6.5.5 (i): Map all extensive or potential human-induced / aggravated soil erosion sites and annually monitor the condition of these sites in order to prioritise rehabilitation work.

Reference: Coetzee, K. 2005. Caring for Natural Rangelands. University of KwaZulu-Natal Press, Scottville, South Africa.

6.5.6 Wildlife Management

The primary objective of wildlife management at PNR will be to maintain, within the ecological carrying capacity of the Nature Reserve, viable indigenous wildlife populations that historically occurred in the area and are suited to the particular habitats offered by PNR.

Where possible, a minimal intervention management strategy will be followed in terms of indigenous wildlife management. Exceptions would be the specific strategies identified in terms of the National Norms and Standards for the management of specific species in accordance with NEMBA and / or this IMP and / or additional actions recommended by the NRPC. The latter interventions will only be considered for the following purposes:

 Safeguarding populations of Rare and Endangered species.  Achieving PNR’s Management Objectives and set Conservation Targets.  Complying with PNR’s IMP Management Guidelines.  The maintenance of populations of wildlife species to avoid the over-utilisation of the available natural resources.  Research and monitoring purposes.  Translocation to other state or private protected areas.

Wildlife that are visibly suffering from injury or disease and are highly unlikely to survive can be destroyed on the authority of the PNR Conservation Manager except for Rhinoceros which may only be destroyed with the written recommendation of a practicing veterinarian. The PNR Conservation Man- ager must, however ensure that all relevant information is recorded and the relevant data / specimens / material provided is provide to the Ecological Advice component staff responsible for processing and recording such information. A copy of these records must be maintained in the reserve office record system. The by-products such as meat and horns must be disposed in accordance with the relevant legislation and according to prescripts and tariffs determined by EKZNW at the time.

6.5.6.1 Introductions of Indigenous Wildlife Species into PNR The introduction of indigenous species into the Nature Reserve must be considered in terms of Board Policies D2.21 and D2.22 (See Appendix I, Item2) and taking into account their natural distribution range, genetic compatibility, social behaviour characteristics, and impacts on existing populations, habitat requirements, practical management and possible interaction with human communities adjacent to PNR.

The introduction of any species (individual or group) must be done in collaboration with the responsible Ecological Advice staff, with the approval of the NRPC and must meet the requirements of any relevant EKZNW Transfrontier Park Wildlife Translocation policy and protocol adopted for a Trans- frontier Conservation Area. The introduction must be adequately documented.

Action Project 6.5.6.1 (i): Develop a Wildlife Species Introduction Policy for PNR and the TFP.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 33 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Action Project 6.5.6.1 (ii): Develop a Wildlife Species Introduction Programme for PNR and the TFP in accordance with the Wildlife Species Introduction Policy [Action Project 6.5.6.1(i)].

6.5.6.2 Game Population Management Ongoing game population management will not be aimed at maximising game production but rather at maintaining a diversity of species without negatively affecting vegetative diversity and cover. The objective of this management is therefore not production orientated but to control numbers as far as possible within the ecological carrying capacity of the Nature Reserve bearing in mind that from the time that the boundary fences are removed, this will apply to the Lake Jozini Transfrontier Park (TFP).

Ungulate game species (plains game) populations that are not strongly territorial will be subject to a population management programme as their population numbers have the potential to increase to unsustainable numbers within the confines of the TFP. This could result in overgrazing and trampling of the vegetation and eventually accelerated soil erosion and biodiversity losses. To guide game population management, it is therefore necessary to develop a TFP Game Management Policy Guideline document that is reviewed and recommended by the TFP JMC.

The TFP JMC will annually in February determine and recommend game removal or augmentation in terms of the Game Management Policy Guideline

Game removal from PNR will only be undertaken by means of:  Live Capture;  Culling Programmes; or  Professional Hunting

Action Project 6.5.6.2 (i): Develop a PNR and TFP Game Management Policy Guideline and implement.

6.5.6.3 Fishery Management Apart from the application of the applicable angling regulations to fishing on Pongolapoort Dam, no other management strategy is presently employed. It is therefore important to develop a fishery management strategy for the conservation and utilisation of the dam fish populations in collaboration with experts and fishermen.

Action Project 6.5.6.3 (i): Develop a fishery management strategy for the conservation and utilisation of the fish species in the Pongolapoort Dam.

6.5.6.4 Bird Management No specific bird management strategy is presently applied at PNR, apart from bird species protection and monitoring.

The vulture species that utilise the Nature Reserve are of regional and national conservation importance and PNR has the potential to contribute towards achieving national and regional conservation targets for these vulture populations. It is therefore important that a PNR vulture management strategy is developed and implemented based on the KZN Vulture Conservation Strategy (See Appen- dix 1, Item 8).

Action Project 6.5.6.4 (i): Develop and implement a PNR Vulture Management Strategy based on the KZN Vulture Conservation Strategy.

Reference: Rushworth, I.A. (ed). 2008. KZN Vulture Conservation Strategy, 2008-2012. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife unpublished report, Pietermaritzburg, 29 pp.

6.5.6.5 Problem Animal Management ( Damage Causing Animals) Animals that become a danger or excessive nuisance to persons and property due to either habitua- tion or aberrant behaviour may be destroyed humanely or captured and removed from PNR. This also applies to animals that escape or leave and return periodically and cause damage outside PNR.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 34 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - To minimize the need to control problem animals, pro-active and preventative measures (e.g. fencing) should be considered a priority, while affected public, visitors or neighbours need to be informed appropriately regarding the relevant animal behaviour and/or dangers. Where the only solution to the problem lies in destroying or capturing animals, the methods decided upon must be with due regard for possible public criticism.

All human / wildlife conflict matters relating to problem animal management (damage causing animals) must be dealt with in terms of the NEMBA Norms and Standards for Management of Human and Wildlife Conflict in SA. This is applicable to animals within and outside of the Nature Reserve.

The PNR Conservation Manager must ensure that all complaints and incidents reported are investigated as soon as possible by the relevant PNR staff and or District Conservation Officer. Complaint details, investigation findings and remedial action taken must be recorded in the prescribed Damage Causing Animals (DCA) Complaints Register. Investigations and incident reporting must be carried out in accordance with the EKZNW DCA Control Protocol and Guidelines. (Appendix 1, Item 12).

6.5.7 Control over Illegal Use of Natural Resources

Illegal utilisation of PNR’s natural resources is not quantified and must be considered a threat that has the potential to increase significantly if not adequately controlled.

It is policy to maintain an ongoing vigilance through cost-effective surveillance, monitoring programmes and reaction capabilities. Direct illegal use of natural resources will be dealt with by PNR management while high risk criminal activities will be monitored and communicated to the relevant security forces as part of a broader co-operative security strategy [See Action Project 6.4(i)].

A staff component of 13 field rangers, primarily tasked with law enforcement, has been appointed and is operative. Given the variety in terrain, this is not adequate to ensure adequate control over any illegal use of PNR’s natural resources.

To assist in maintaining PNR’s ecological integrity as well as safeguarding staff and visitors, it is essential that the effectiveness of the field ranger component and their deployment is regularly and critically assessed. A well maintained statistical incident register will be an effective tool for such assessments (See also Par. 6.10 Monitoring and Evaluation).

The main effort towards resolving illegal utilisation of natural resources by neighbouring communities for purposes of subsistence will be to create understanding and awareness through pro-active education amongst these communities (See Local Community Involvement: Environmental Education under Par. 6.2.5). Management will however be ruthless with those that illegally utilise natural resources for commercial or other purposes.

6.6 Cultural Resource Management Management of the cultural heritage is guided by the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999) and as well as the Amafa / EKZNW Co-operative Conservation Management of Cultural Heri- tage Agreement (signed July 2005) (See Appendix 1, Item 4) and must aim to promote the conservation and public appreciation of the cultural heritage found in PNR.

Board Policy B 7 (See Appendix 1, Item 2) also provides guidelines in terms of monuments and memorials.

There is a critical need to develop a comprehensive cultural heritage management plan for PNR that would meet national requirements. This plan must cover Rock Art, Iron Age, and Stone Age, historical sites as well as palaeontological features and living heritage sites.

The cultural heritage of the PNR is non-renewable and importantly may shed further light on the socio- cultural history of the area. These resources are fragile and therefore the Cultural Heritage Management Plan should, in addition, address institutional specialist capacity to guide cultural heritage management on PNR.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 35 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Action Project 6.6 (i): Develop a comprehensive Cultural Heritage Inventory and Management Plan PNR in collaboration with SAHRA and Amafa. Institutional capacity must also be addressed by this plan.

6.7 Resource Utilisation EKZNW will consider requests for extractive use of plant, animal and abiotic resources provided that the aesthetic landscape character as well as the natural and cultural heritage conservation management objectives of the Nature Reserve are not compromised, and there is no long term detrimental effect on the managerial functioning of PNR.

Control or ‘bench mark’ areas within PNR must be identified where no extractive resource utilisation will take place except for the removal of alien vegetation or animals.

Action Project 6.7 (i): Finalise a Guideline Document for the Evaluation of Extractive Resource Use Applications

6.7.1 Plants and Animals

Extractive resource use must be considered within the framework of, amongst others, Board Policies D2.15, D3.12 to D3.17 and D3.19 (See Appendix 1, Item 2).

The NRPC must evaluate applications according to accepted guidelines that ensure:

 sustainable and wise use of the resource,  ecological and social acceptability,  benefit to neighbouring communities,  equitable access to the resource,  that the transaction is within the PFMA framework,  that the harvesting operations are effectively controlled and monitored,  a written agreement stipulating resource price and conditions of harvest, and  due consideration of alternatives.

Resource utilisation in Hlathikhulu Forest needs to be re-evaluated in terms of the latest (2008) studies undertaken (See Par. 3.8).

Action Project 6.7 (ii): Evaluate resource use in Hlathikhulu Forest in terms of the EKZNW Guideline Document for the Evaluation of Extractive Resource Use. If possible, sustainable and feasible in terms of this guideline, develop a resource use management plan and implement.

6.7.2 Bioprospecting

Requests to collect biological material / samples from PNR will only be considered by the NRPC in accordance with, amongst others, Board Policy D 2.15 from bone fide South African research institutions until national (NEMBA) and provincial legislation governing bioprospecting is in place.

Bioprospecting activities within the Nature Reserve must be closely monitored and regulated in terms of present environmental legislation.

6.7.3 Abiotic Resources

The extraction of abiotic resources from the protected area will not be permitted unless it has direct bearing on achievement of the PNR management objectives and any application for extraction will be reviewed according to applicable legislation.

6.8 Eco-Cultural Tourism and Marketing

Eco-cultural tourism and marketing must be considered within the framework of, amongst others, Board Policies E1 to E19 with regards to Commercial Operations (Appendix 1, Item 2).

Phongolo Nature Reserve 36 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - EKZNW has the mandate to sustainably develop PNR within the framework of its approved IMP and Conceptual Development Plan (CDP). This will be undertaken to fully realise its eco-cultural tourism and associated income-generating potential, while respecting and giving access to the Nature Reserve’s natural and cultural heritage features.

To fulfil this mandate, and in accordance with NEMPAA, EKZNW will initiate the compilation of a CDP. It will address future new development as well as the upgrading and maintenance of all existing infrastructure including tourist facilities (See Par. 6.11).

The CDP will be guided by the framework of the PNR Mission, Management Objectives, Zonation and Management Policy Guidelines as adopted and approved for this IMP. The approach adopted in the compilation of the CDP must involve an objective and integrated assessment of the Nature Reserve in terms of its natural and cultural heritage sensitivities, management and bulk infrastructure, its particular sense of place and its visitor infrastructure and facilities. The CDP will also take into account all regional planning initiatives (See Par. 2.3).

EKZNW will strive to provide a quality eco-cultural tourism experience for visitors to the PNR. A range of appropriate facilities and services will be provided for the use of visitors to PNR. While some of these will serve recreational and social needs, emphasis will be placed on facilities and services that enrich the visitor’s understanding and appreciation of the Nature Reserve.

In order for PNR to realise its full income-generating potential:  The quality and standard of facilities will be maintained at a high level.  Professional standard tourism service delivery will be provided.  Its tourism opportunities will be competitively and effectively marketed.  Cultural heritage tourism will require emphasis.  A partnership strategy, that takes full advantage of appropriate opportunities for outsourcing (joint venture or otherwise) needs to be put in place while linkages must be sought with other regional tourism initiatives.  A visitor orientation and interpretation strategy must be developed and implemented.

The above policies and values will be supported by PNR Eco-cultural Tourism Development and Market- ing Strategy that must be compiled and approved.

Action Project 6.8 (i): Cognisant of the PNR IMP and CDP policy guidelines, develop a PNR Eco-cultural Tourism Development and Marketing Strategy aligned with the LDP, that addresses:  the attainment of professional tourism service delivery standards  branding and marketing  linkages with other regional tourist initiatives  public / private partnerships  cultural heritage tourism  visitor awareness, orientation and interpretation

6.9 Environmental Interpretation, Awareness and Education Environmental interpretation, awareness and education of PNR’s natural and cultural resources will be aimed at creating an awareness, understanding and appreciation of the value of these resources among the general public and visitors to the Nature Reserve.

An environmental awareness and education programme must be developed to pro-actively engage, inform and benefit the Nature Reserve’s range of neighbouring communities and visitors. Board Policies D 2.34 (Environmental Education) and D 4.1 (Neighbour Relations) apply (See Appendix I, Item 2).

Ideally such programmes should not only be primarily aimed at children, but provision should be made for developing various programmes, applicable to a wide spectrum of ages and education levels.

Programmes for groups and communities from other areas will be accommodated on request whenever possible. The Kids and Parks Programme requires school groups visiting the Nature Reserve, to submit a lesson plan before the visit to qualify for a concession. The visit must also take place during schooling days.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 37 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Where and whenever possible members of the local community (e.g. community tour guides) should empowered and used to run appropriate environmental education tours.

Action Project 6.9 (i): Develop a PNR environmental awareness education programme specifically for surrounding neighbouring communities and the general public interest groups.

An interpretation programme using signage, displays and information media must be developed to effectively direct and inform visitors in respect of appropriate natural and cultural features of the area. The format of these signs must be standardised and trail marking must be a priority.

Action Project 6.9 (ii): Develop an interpretation programme in a standard format for the Nature Reserve.

An investigation to identify synergies in the needs of various government or other institutions in the area to develop awareness programmes (e.g. social education of the youth) must be undertaken and if feasible, to combine environmental awareness education with these other programmes. In this way, it will be possible to combine resources to reach a wider target audience.

Action Project 6.9 (iii): Investigate the possibility of combining environmental awareness programmes with social programmes offered by other institutions in the general area of the Nature Reserve.

6.10 Research Research is necessary to provide such information that will assist in ensuring that the natural and cultural heritage management objectives of PNR are realised.

Priority will be given to research that will provide information and understanding in ensuring that the management objectives of PNR are realised in the most cost-effective manner and will guide management interventions required to achieve the Nature Reserve’s conservation targets. Opportunities will, however, be considered and provided for both applied and theoretical research of local, provincial or national importance.

Long term research and monitoring is desirable and necessary as a result of the dynamic and stochastic nature of the ecosystem and to ascertain whether management actions are having their desired effect in terms of achieving conservation targets as well as natural and cultural heritage management objectives. All baseline abiotic and biotic data collected will be collated and stored in databases as well as GIS data layers.

Partnerships and agreements with appropriate academic and research institutions will be promoted to stimulate and encourage the desired research in PNR. In order to facilitate this research, appropriate permanent research facilities must be developed within or bordering the Nature Reserve.

Action Project 6.10 (i): Investigate the potential in or near PNR for the development of permanent research facilities.

Action Project 6.10 (ii): Develop procedures that will ensure that all abiotic and biotic data collected are captured in managed databases and GIS data layers for interrogation by researchers and managers.

All proposals to undertake research within the Nature Reserve will be submitted and evaluated using the procedures outlined in the Guidelines for the Registration and Administration of Research Pro- jects Undertaken by or through Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (August 2002) [Appendix I, Item 15]. Where research requires the collection of biological material, a collection permit will also be required.

A copy of all publications must be lodged within the Nature Reserve, the Regional Office as well as the Head Office library and details captured using appropriate keywords into the Region's bibliography.

A PNR bibliography and reference library facilities must be developed together with procedures to maintain a hard and digital copy of all PNR related research work, all documents listed as IMP supporting documentation in Appendix 1 as well as any new supporting management documentation produced. Li- braries must be maintained at the Nature Reserve and at its Regional Office. Strict curation rules must apply and the ultimate responsibility for the curation of this library at PNR must be allocated to the most senior reserve management position and the Regional Co-ordinator: Ecological Advice.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 38 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Action Project 6.10 (iii): Identify and develop reference library facilities and procedures to maintain hard and digital copies of all PNR related research work, all documents listed as IMP supporting documentation in Appendix 1 as well as any new supporting management documentation produced. Strict curation rules must apply and the ultimate responsibility for the curation of this library at PNR must be allocated to the most senior reserve management position and the Co-ordinator: Ecological Advice at the Zululand Regional Office.

6.10.1 Monitoring and Evaluation

Baseline data collection, monitoring and evaluation are essential in order to determine whether conservation targets, natural and cultural heritage management objectives as well as eco-cultural tourism objectives and targets are being achieved, and to ascertain the effectiveness of management interventions.

Due to (a) the stochastic (random behaviour) nature of the environment, (b) the effects of long-term climate cycles and change, and (c) the length of time for treatment effects to manifest themselves, it is desirable and necessary to implement long term baseline collection and monitoring programmes. It is also important to monitor and record all management interventions and the biophysical environment in order to understand the causes for any biological and environmental changes.

Any existing monitoring programs must be maintained unless there is a specific decision recorded in writing by the NRPC to terminate a particular monitoring programme.

The Ecological Advice component is responsible for:

 Designing all biodiversity monitoring and baseline collection programmes (including the data capture and storage procedures) and ensuring that these will provide data of the right preci- sion and accuracy, and at the right frequency, in order to guide management decision making and to allow for reporting at the required frequency.  Biodiversity data management, secure storage, analysis, reporting and regular feedback to management.  Undertaking advanced scientific monitoring and data collection.

The Biodiversity Conservation Management component is responsible for:

 The accurate collection of biodiversity baseline data, monitoring and data storage as agreed with the Ecological Advice component.  Monitoring the use of natural areas by visitors through Limits of Acceptable Change criteria.  Monitoring cultural sites as outlined in approved and implemented cultural heritage management plans in collaboration with Amafa SAHRA as the case may be.  Monitoring energy and water use by conservation management facilities.  Monitoring development or land use change in the Nature Reserve and in its buffer zone for compliance with set environmental conditions linked to authorisation.  Monitoring compliance by outside parties with conditions as specified in agreements, contracts etc. in collaboration (where practical and as agreed) with the Ecotourism and Marketing component.

The Ecotourism and Marketing (Commercial Operations) component is responsible for:

 Monitoring eco-cultural tourism statistics and revenue generation and reporting against revenue targets.  Monitoring energy and water use by eco-cultural tourism and associated management facilities.  Monitoring compliance by outside parties with conditions as specified in agreements, contracts etc. in collaboration (where practical and as agreed) with the Biodiversity Conservation Management component.

Action Project 6.10.1 (i): An appropriate monitoring and evaluation programme must be developed for the Nature Reserve and implemented.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 39 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - 6.11 Infrastructure

EKZNW has the mandate to maintain, remove, expand or develop infrastructure within PNR for natural and cultural heritage management, and tourism purposes. However, development projects will only be undertaken if they are:

 aligned with the Nature Reserve's Zonation and Management Guidelines.

 listed as an approved Action Project either in this IMP or in the Nature Reserve's Concept De- velopment Plan (CDP).

 recommended for implementation by the NRPC and approved by the EKZNW Board's Develop- ment Committee.

 development is compliant with the relevant NEMA regulations and other applicable legal requirements, particularly regarding Environmental and Heritage Impact Assessments.

Infrastructure development outside PNR or on its periphery should always be considered as a preferred option, where practical, so as to reduce the amount of infrastructure and its resultant impacts on the environment within the Nature Reserve.

PNR management is responsible for infrastructure within the Nature Reserve and must at all times ensure that it is maintained in a safe, sound, clean, serviceable and aesthetically acceptable condition. Tourist accommodation, camp-grounds and other facilities must at all times be maintained to appropriate world class standards regarding appearance, cleanliness and serviceability.

Service providers (e.g. Telkom, Eskom, DWEA), concessionaires or other groupings that may through agreements develop, use and maintain infrastructure within PNR must be closely monitored by management to ensure that they abide by relevant agreements and that their activities do not negatively impact on the natural and cultural heritage as well as landscape character of PNR and that they maintain the same values as expressed above.

All structures must as far as possible be harmonised with the surrounding environment and landscape character through appropriate siting, use of colour, building materials, landscaping and screening.

To create a sound foundation for future planning, all infrastructure must be listed on a maintained database and their positions plotted with GPS points on an associated PNR Infrastructure Map. Further- more, it would be useful to objectively assess the desirability and effectiveness of all infrastructure with a view to reducing the impact of these structures on the PNR environment and landscape.

Action Project 6.11 (i): Develop and maintain a PNR Infrastructure database and map.

Action Project 6.11 (ii): Review the desirability and effectiveness of all present infrastructures with regard to.  Adequacy  State of repair  Existing maintenance plans and programs  Visitor and staff use, requirements and values  Financial  Environmental impact (negative and positive)  Income generation  Possibilities of outsourcing

In compliance with NEMPAA and in order to initiate the development of new infrastructure as well as the strategic maintenance of existing infrastructure, EKZNW will initiate the compilation of a Conceptual De- velopment Plan (CDP). The CDP will address the future development, improvement and maintenance of all infrastructure including eco-cultural tourism facilities.

The CDP will be guided by the framework of PNR’s Mission, Management Objectives, Zonation and Management Policy Guidelines as adopted and approved for this IMP. The approach adopted in the compilation of the CDP must involve an objective and integrated assessment of the Nature Reserve in

Phongolo Nature Reserve 40 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - terms of its natural and cultural heritage sensitivities, management and bulk infrastructure, its particular sense of place and its visitor infrastructure and facilities.

Action Project 6.11 (iii): Develop a Concept Development Plan for PNR.

6.11.1 Pongolapoort Dam Recreational Infrastructure (Map3)

The existing recreational infrastructure is restricted to a campsite in the western section (Development Node 6and 21) and a rustic campsite at Nkonkoni (Development Node 13 and 21) each with an official public access launch site. Local agreements between DWEA and private landowners and operators exist and include the establishment of jetties, launch sites and the operation of house boats. The entire business rights and concession management will be reviewed once the delegation by DWEA to EKZNW is finalised. Furthermore the CDP and broader tourism frameworks for the area, driven through the TFCA process, should contextualise future business opportunities.

Two private launch sites / slipways exist by verbal agreement (Development Node 19); however written agreements must be concluded for the use of these sites (See Par. 2.5).

Two further private launch sites / slipways are used without agreements (Development Node 20); these sites must be investigated for their desirability and EIAs need to be carried out before written agreements for use can be concluded.

Any future applications to establish launch sites / slipways / jetties along the shores of Pongolapoort Dam must be subjected to an EIA.

6.11.2 Entrance Points and Gates

All entrance points to the Nature Reserve will be under the control of the PNR management, certain functions may, however be outsourced. It is important that the entrance gates be secure at all times to discourage illegal entry to PNR. Exceptions in the case of PNR will be the transport corridors (public road and rail) that transect the Nature Reserve. It is important that management ensures that the latter points are as secure as possible so that game species do not leave the Nature Reserve or that persons cannot easily enter the Nature Reserve illegally at these points.

6.11.3 Boundary Fence

The purpose of the boundary fence is to keep game in and farm stock out of the reserve while demar- cating reserve boundaries to assist in preventing illegal entry. Fences are to be maintained at the required EKZNW standard for dangerous game (See Appendix 1, Item 16).

The final boundaries for PNR will be determined during the declaration process recommended with Ac- tion Project 2.4 (i). It is envisaged that the entire boundary of PNR will be demarcated by way of boundary beacons but for practical purposes will not be fenced in its entirety due to the nature of the terrain in places. A detailed fencing strategy and implementation plan must be developed in accordance with the declaration survey diagram for PNR dealing with the installation and maintenance of boundary beacons, indicating boundaries that will be fenced and any internal fences that will be maintained (e.g. public road fences).

Continuous maintenance of the boundary fence in respect of repairs and upgrades will be required. Any electrified sections must be monitored and voltages recorded on a daily basis.

Fencing that enters the dam along various sections must be extended in response to fluctuations in water level. In the near future the common border / boundary fence east of Golela that separates the properties of PNR and the Royal Jozini Big Six in Swaziland will be removed as part of the Lake Jozini Transfrontier Park initiative. This also applies to the boundary fence on the slopes of the Lebombo Mountains.

The boundary that delineates the Nature Reserve and the community along the Lebombo Mountain escarpment is currently not adequately demarcated or fenced. The illegal incursion of cattle into the eastern section of PNR must be dealt with in consultation with affected stakeholders.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 41 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - The boundary fence along the Nkonkoni section must furthermore be fenced to meet the EKZNW recommended minimum standards for dangerous game. This will facilitate an expanded range for rhino and elephant and associated species.

Once successful joint management agreements have been entered into with adjoining landowners, fences can be removed between PNR and these farms.

Action Project 6.11.3 (i): Develop a detailed PNR boundary and internal fencing strategy and implementation plan.

Action Project 6.11.3 (ii): Permanently remove cattle from the PNR through consultation with affected stakeholders. (Includes consultation, seeking and implementing alternatives, fencing strategic areas).

Action Project 6.11.3 (iii): Enter into a fence dropping and joint management agreement with Mr. Senekal to affect a contiguous conservation area along the dam boundary.

Action Project 6.11.3 (iv): Enter into a joint management agreement with Mr. Stannard to include his property in- to the PNR.

6.11.4 Signage

All access routes to the Nature Reserve must be appropriately signposted.

Signage is permitted in rural, roaded natural, semi primitive motorized and semi-primitive non- motorised zones only. Signage is not permitted in the Wilderness zones.

Four groups of signage are identified, namely:

 Public Entrance Gate and Boundary Signage A standard for this signage must be developed that clearly depicts the fact that one is entering the Phongolo Nature Reserve with any camp /office names in a secondary position. The fact that PNR is part of the Lake Jozini Transfrontier Park should be indicated on these signs too.

 Tourist Camp or Management Infrastructure Area Signage Interpretation, directional and information signage at camps in PNR must have a standardised format [See also Action Project 6.8(i)].

 Trail Signage A standard format for PNR trail signage must be developed when hiking or walking trails are developed [See Action Projects 6.11.5 (i) and 6.11.6 (ii)].

 Personal Remembrance Plaques No guideline on the use of personal remembrance plaques (e.g. on donated park benches, trees etc.), exists at present. Ad hoc or uncontrolled placing of such plaques in PNR can have considerable negative aesthetic, equity and maintenance implications and should only be permitted within an authorised guideline framework.

Action Project 6.11.4 (i): Develop the necessary policy and standards for each group of signage in PNR and implement a phased programme for replacing signage with the standardised formats – see also Action Project 6.8 (i).

6.11.5 Roads, Tracks and Paths

Map 2 indicates the existing vehicle roads / tracks and footpaths used for public access, recreational use or management purposes.

Roads and tracks must be kept to a minimum to maintain the natural character of the landscape as far as possible and to avoid unnecessary negative impacts on the natural and cultural heritage of PNR. In terms of this management guideline, a critical evaluation of the existing road / track and footpath net-

Phongolo Nature Reserve 42 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - work needs to be undertaken to identify any that need to be closed or re-aligned. Any section that is approved for closure must be rehabilitated according to a documented rehabilitation programme.

Proposed development of new roads / tracks and footpaths or their closure must be aligned with the Zonation specified in this IMP and must follow the appropriate legal and other procedures after recommendation from the NRPC.

Management must ensure that the existing vehicle road / tracks and footpaths on PNR are effectively maintained to the appropriate standards in order to support the relevant use and avoid soil erosion as well as other negative impacts on the environment.

Roads and tracks that are heavily used by vehicles or sections prone to accelerated soil erosion must be tarred, paved, concreted or upgraded to ‘all-weather’ gravel roads that have been treated with a dust repellent (sealer).

Action Project 6.11.5 (i): All vehicle roads and tracks must be evaluated for the suitability of their alignment and recommendations made for new vehicle roads and tracks, repair or closure (with rehabilitation measures) of existing ones.

The only trail presently provided at PNR is a 5 km walking trail in the Hlathikhulu Nature Reserve. As part of the tourism development for the area, it is envisaged that further hiking / walking trails will be developed on the eastern shores of the dam and within the Hlathikhulu Forest. Once established, these trails will be accredited by SAHTOA (SA Hiking Trail Owners Association).

Action Project 6.11.5 (ii): Investigate, preferably in consultation with SAHTOA (SA Hiking Trail Owners Associa- tion), the potential for a hiking trail routes and day walks in PNR and make recommendations on professional hiking trail evaluation, design, construction, maintenance, accreditation, marketing, management as well as estimated revenue and expenditure. Implement if feasible.

6.11.6 Staff Accommodation

Where essential, for the efficient functioning of PNR, management will consider the provision and maintenance of staff accommodation, according to Corporate Norms and Standards. Accommodation must meet standards as set by EKZNW's Technical Division and any development or maintenance in this regard must form part of the CDP.

Staff will be encouraged to acquire their own housing and live outside PNR, where practically possible and financially viable in the long-term. In such cases, official transport to and from PNR can be considered depending on site specific circumstances and applicable corporate policies.

6.11.7 Offices, Workshops, Stables and other Infrastructure

PNR management must ensure that all infrastructure within the Nature Reserve is continually maintained in a clean, neat and functional state and that these work areas meet Occupational Health and Safety Act standards.

All service areas (e.g. workshops, waste management and storage areas) must be effectively screened from public view.

Management will also be responsible for ensuring that any facility for keeping animals encamped or in captivity on PNR are legally compliant or maintained at generally accepted standards for keeping and caring for such animals.

6.11.8 Services

Reserve management must strive to ensure that wherever possible, service infrastructure such as electricity, telephone, water supply etc. be located appropriately in the landscape or effectively screened to minimise their aesthetic and / or other environmental impacts. Reserve management must also strive to ensure that such infrastructure is maintained in a safe, serviceable and aesthetically acceptable condition by the relevant service providers.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 43 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - PNR Water Supply Most of the water for staff and tourists is obtained from boreholes. The water is not purified. In some places water is drawn directly from streams or the dam. The long-term option of purchasing water from the Golela Water Scheme needs to be investigated to avoid the use of the natural water resources on PNR, ensure potable water for use by staff and visitors and to avoid possible future costs of water purification and having to install water purification infrastructure.

Action Project 6.11.9 (i): Investigate the possibility of obtaining water for staff and visitor use from the Golela Water Scheme. Implement if feasible.

6.11.9 Radio Communication and other Communication Equipment

PNR management requires a two-way radio system for efficient management. Any radio repeater sta- tions or similar communication towers must comply with EIA conditions.

6.11.10 Waste Management

6.11.10.1 Domestic Solid Waste All domestic waste must be sorted for recycling and must be removed from PNR to authorised com- panies or municipal waste management sites. The use of organic waste for compost purposes may be permitted but will be subject to strict conditional approval on the recommendation of the NRPC. All historical waste sites in PNR must be rehabilitated.

Solid waste management procedures must be closely monitored by management to prevent pollution and other adverse impacts, especially of the water resources. All waste receptacles (for staff or the public) must be animal-proof (especially against baboons and monkeys) and maintained as such.

Action Project 6.11.10.1 (i): Develop an integrated waste management plan for PNR.

Action Project 6.11.10.1 (ii): Develop, install and maintain effective standardized solid waste receptacles for PNR that are animal and baboon / monkey-proof.

6.11.10.2 Sewage It is important that EKZNW sets an example and complies with new legal standards regarding the processing of sewage. All sewage systems must be investigated and their compliance verified. New systems must be installed where there is non-compliance.

Existing infrastructure at PNR has septic tank / French drain and conservancy tank sewage systems that can possibly be contaminating ground and surface water. These systems must be replaced with more environmentally friendly systems available in the market as funding permits. Septic tank / French drain systems will not be installed at future small developments.

Action Project: 6.11.10.2 (i): All sewage systems in PNR must be investigated for legal compliance. A phased development plan to upgrade existing systems and septic tank / French drain systems must be put in place.

6.11.11 Water- and Energy-saving Measures

It is important that EKZNW leads by way of example. Infrastructure in PNR has little or no modern water- and energy-saving (electricity) devices or measures in place. There is furthermore no struc- tured plan in place to do so. Not only will such a plan and implementation demonstrate an environmentally friendly approach but it has the potential to bring about significant financial savings on energy over time.

Any future tourism accommodation in PNR will only have solar powered lighting, gas for cooking and heating of water as well as water saving devices on all provision points.

Action Project 6.11.11 (i): Develop a phased plan to install standardised (reliable and tested) water- and energy-saving devices throughout PNR as soon as practically possible.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 44 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - 6.11.12 Aircraft Landing Fields

As a matter of general policy, no airstrips will be permitted inside PNR except for helicopter landing pads (if required) maintained to the minimum aviation standards at selected sites within the Devel- opment Zone Nodes only. These will primarily be for emergency purposes or for such other purposes on the approval of NRPC after taking into account the effect on biodiversity and the environment, 'sense of place' values and tourist disturbance aspects.

Action Project 6.11.12 (i): Determine the requirement for helicopter landing pads on PNR. If required and approved, select site/s and maintain according to minimum aviation standards.

6.11.13 Staff and Visitor Safety

All requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and other applicable legal requirements must be met to provide for the safety of staff and visitors in and around infrastructure installations at PNR (e.g. fire and electricity).

Nature Reserve management will maintain a secure entry controls system and maintain a high level of internal security in order that visitors and their belongings can be safe and secure.

All Nature Reserve staff must receive the appropriate training regarding all health and safety aspect and must receive refresher course training as required on a regular basis.

7 IMP REVIEW AND AMENDMENT PROCEDURES

7.1 Five-Yearly Review and Amendment Procedures

This PNR IMP will be reviewed every five years with the next review period planned for September – December 2013 to revise and amend the IMP for the following five years, namely 2014 -2018. If deemed appropriate by the NRPC, the review can take place sooner.

The EKZNW Co-ordinator: Management Planning will give guidance on the extent of public / stakeholder participation required before submitting the amended / updated IMP for approval to the MEC. The extent of the public / stakeholder participation (apart from that undertaken with the Stakeholder Liaison Forum and the Joint Management Committee) will depend on the nature and extent of amendments recommended by the relevant NRPC.

Action Project 7.1 (i): The NRPC must undertake a five-yearly review of this IMP between September and Decem- ber 2013 to revise and amend the IMP for the following five years.

7.2 Annual Review and Amendment Procedures

The NRPC will convene annually in November to monitor and evaluate IMP progress, plan and, if necessary, recommend the re-prioritisation of management activities for the next year. The NRPC must, as record of these meetings, submit a report to the EKZNW Management Planning Co-ordination Unit which contains the following:

 Any recommended minor amendments or corrections to the IMP that do not affect the substance of the Mission, Management Objectives, Zonation, Management Policy Framework and Guiding Principles;  The result of an annual evaluation by the NRPC of the Management Effectiveness Level achieved for PNR. This must be calculated using the World Bank Protected Area Management Effectiveness Evaluation Tool (Stolton et al, 2007);  The cumulative number of Action Projects per Management Objective that have been completed, activated or not activated; as well as  An indication of progress towards achieving Conservation Targets set in the IMP.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 45 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - The NRPC will also be responsible for the recommendation of any policies, projects and plans that are developed as a result of the implementation of this IMP or other ad hoc projects etc. not covered by the IMP that have operational, financial and human resource or ecological implications (e.g. research projects that have not been identified according to IMP guidelines, or ad hoc funding received for the development of unplanned recreational facilities).

Any proposed significant amendments that are deemed necessary / urgent and that are likely to result in the amendment of the Mission, Management Objectives, Management Policy Framework and Guiding Principles contained in the PNR IMP must be supported by the NRPC, the Integrated Management Planning Steering Committee and BCOMM before being subjected to the appropriate public / stakeholder participation process and before BCOMM recommends that the proposed amended IMP is submitted for authorisation through the EKZNW Board to the MEC.

The EKZNW Management Planning Co-ordinator must ensure that any minor or significant IMP amendments that are appropriately approved, are duly noted / recorded and that a new digital ‘master copy’ (Word) version is generated and archived with the EKZNW Management Planning Co-ordination Unit as well as ensuring that updated ‘read only’ copies are distributed to the relevant Head Office sections and Regional General Manager who must ensure that the updated ‘read only’ digital and / or hard copies are distributed to all staff requiring these. The EKZNW Management Co-ordinator will furthermore be responsible to ensure that website / intranet copies are updated at the same time.

Action Project 7.2 (i): Convene a PNR NRPC meeting annually in November to monitor, evaluate and report on progress in terms of this IMP, plan and, if necessary, recommend the re-prioritisation of management activities or amendments to the IMP.

Reference: Stolton, S., Hockings, M., Dudley, N., MacKinnon, K., Whitten, T. and Leverington, F. 2007. Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool: Reporting Progress at Protected Area Sites: Second edition. World Bank and WWF Forest Alliance.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 46 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - 8 PROJECTS FOR ACTION CORRELATED WITH MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

8.1 Numerical List of IMP Action Projects Table 1 below lists the Action Projects identified in the IMP. The Action Project number corresponds to the relevant paragraph in the text of the IMP - (MO = Management Objective).

It is important to note that these IMP Action Projects must not be interpreted in isolation but must be interpreted and operationalised within the context of the associated narrative that precedes the articulation of the Action Project in the relevant paragraph.

Table1: List of IMP Action Projects

IMP Action No. Project Description MO Project No. Obtain written assignment from the MEC appointing EKZNW as the management au- MO 1 1. 2.1.1 (i) thority for PNR in terms of Section 38(2) of NEMPAA.

Develop and conclude a written inter-agency MoA between EKZNW and DWEA with MO 2 regard to the management of Pongolapoort Dam and the Phongolo Nature Reserve 2. 2.1.2 (i) (including the relationship with the Water Users Association).

Develop and conclude a written inter-agency MoA between EKZNW and Transnet MO 2 Freight Rail with regard to the management of the railway line within Phongolo Nature 3. 2.1.2 (ii) Reserve.

Develop and conclude a written inter-agency MoA between EKZNW and the respective MO 2 roads agencies with regard to the management of the public roads dissecting the Phon- 4. 2.1.2 (iii) golo Nature Reserve.

The PNR Conservation Manager in collaboration with other relevant EKZNW officials MO 2 must be mandated with active participation in the inter-municipality forum in order to ensure relevant inputs to the review processes of the municipal IDPs and SDFs and the 5. 2.3 (i) LDP for Pongolapoort Dam, in order to ensure the effective maintenance of a buffer zone surrounding PNR through an alignment of appropriate land use adjacent to the Nature Reserve.

Institute the necessary administrative actions to survey and declare the Phongolo Na- MO 1 6. 2.4 (i) ture Reserve in terms of NEMPAA. (See recommended actions in Appendix 3).

As a matter of priority, review all formal and informal local agreements, MoUs, leases, MO 3 servitude arrangements etc. pertaining to PNR and document, update, maintain 7. 2.5 (i) and monitor these appropriately authorised agreements.

Annually explore and investigate opportunities to broaden conservation land use in and MO 1 8. 2.6 (i) around PNR.

Determine the distribution of cycad colonies within PNR and their species composition. MO 1 9. 3.8 (i) Develop a vegetation management strategy for the Hlathikhulu Forest based on the MO 1 10. 3.8 (ii) Gaugris & Vasicek survey and report.

Initiate a survey to identify and clarify the Maputaland Centre of Plant Endemism associ- MO 1 ated elements / species / habitat on the western slopes of the Lebombo Mountain range 11. 3.8 (iii) on PNR and develop an appropriate conservation management strategy for this area of the Nature Reserve.

Update the central EKZNW Biodiversity Database with the PNR plant species MO 1 checklist records. 12. 3.8 (iv)

Phongolo Nature Reserve 47 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Update the central EKZNW Biodiversity Database with the PNR animal species MO 1 13. 3.9 (i) checklist records.

Initiate a survey of the invertebrate fauna of PNR MO 1 14. 3.9.1 (i) Confirm the presence and status of fish species occurring in PNR MO 1 15. 3.9.2 (i) Confirm the status of the Red Data Book herpetofauna occurring in PNR. MO 1 16. 3.9.3 (i) Evaluate and assess the significance of PNR in terms of its contribution towards the MO 1 17. 3.9.4 (i) conservation of bird species, especially aquatic and migratory species.

Make application to Birdlife International to have the IBA ZA 041 site amended to PNR MO 1 18. 3.9.4 (ii) or even Lake Jozini TFP and update the site details.

Initiate a survey of the small mammals on PNR. MO 1 19. 3.9.5 (i) Update the PNR map to include the location of all water supply infrastructure. MO 1 20. 3.13.4 (i) Identify conservation targets for PNR. MO 1 21. 4.6 (i) Develop a five-year Strategic Management Plan and Business Plan for PNR. MO 1 22. 6.1.1 (i) Initiate a resource economics study of the Nature Reserve to determine its economic MO 3 value regarding the provision of ecosystem services and its contribution to the local and 23. 6.1.1 (ii) regional economy.

Investigate and develop an appropriate human resource structure and capacity for PNR MO 1 with a view to improving effectiveness and efficiency in achieving PNR objectives and in 24. 6.1.2 (i) forming the Business Plan.

Establish a PNR Stakeholder Liaison Forum. MO 2 25. 6.2.1 (i) Annually in March of each year arrange a public meeting to give feedback on progress, MO 2 26. 6.2.7 (i) planned projects and encourage informal local community participation.

Formalise agreements with TFCA partners, and coordinate drive towards seamless MO 2 27. 6.3 (i) connection across the international borders.

Develop a Joint Management Plan / Agreement with Pongola Game Reserve as Phase MO2 28. 6.3.1 (i) 2 of this TFCA initiative.

Develop an integrated security strategy for the Nature Reserve that ensures collabora- MO 2 29. 6.4 (i) tion with all relevant institutions.

Develop a PNR Fire Management Plan to outline: Fire management objectives, scien- MO 1 tific understanding, management actions, legal compliance, personnel training require- 30. 6.5.2 (i) ments, monitoring and research required.

Develop a computerized decision support tool linked to GIS that will be included in the MO 1 Fire Management Plan, to assist in the planning of burns at the annual Fire Workshop. This rule-based tool must ensure that PNR-wide and area-specific fire management 31. 6.5.2 (ii) objectives can be simultaneously achieved wherever possible, and must allow for flexibility in response to unplanned fires.

Promote and champion (in cooperation with DWEA and the “Working on Fire” pro- MO 2 32. 6.5.2 (iii) gramme) the establishment of FPAs on the borders of PNR.

Arrange a PNR Management Fire Workshop in February of each year. MO 1 33. 6.5.2 (iv) Develop a phased 3-year plan to address the existing the non-invasive alien plants in MO 1 PNR. 34. 6.5.3.1 (i)

Develop an ongoing time-bound programme to effectively control declared alien weeds MO 1 35. 6.5.3.1 (ii) and invader plants within PNR and 1 km beyond (buffer area) the Nature Reserve boundary.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 48 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Develop a new, equitable policy for keeping personal and official domestic animals and MO 1 livestock in the Nature Reserve that includes procedures for dealing in a consistent manner with alien animals that stray into the Park. This policy must, inter alia clearly address:  Threats to biodiversity conservation as a priority.  Reducing the numbers of such animals to an absolute minimum.  Designating areas where these animals must be kept. They must not be allowed to 36. 6.5.3.2 (i) roam or feed in the Park (except for official patrol horses when on patrol) or interfere in any way with tourists.  The proper and hygienic care of these animals.  Minimum standards (aesthetic acceptability, sizes, neatness and cleanliness) of facilities housing these animals e.g. stables, camps, cages etc.  Disciplinary measures for staff transgressing these regulations or failing to enforce these measures.

Develop a control programme for alien animals present in PNR. MO 1 37. 6.5.3.2 (ii) Develop a management strategy that will minimise the negative impact of alien fish and MO 1 38. 6.5.3.2 (iii) promote the establishment of sustainable populations of fish species indigenous to PNR. Map all extensive or potential human-induced / aggravated soil erosion sites and annu- MO 1 39. 6.5.5 (i) ally monitor the condition of these sites in order to prioritise rehabilitation work

Develop a Wildlife Species Introduction Policy for PNR and the TFP. MO 1 40. 6.5.6.1 (i) Develop a Wildlife Species Introduction Programme for PNR and the TFP in accordance MO 1 41. 6.5.6.1 (ii) with the Wildlife Species Introduction Policy [Action Project 6.5.6.1(i)].

MO 1 42. 6.5.6.2 (i) Develop a PNR and TFP Game Management Policy Guideline and implement. Develop a fishery management strategy for the conservation and utilisation of the fish MO 1 43. 6.5.6.3 (i) species in the Pongolapoort Dam.

Develop and implement a PNR Vulture Management Strategy based on the KZN Vulture MO 1 44. 6.5.6.4 (i) Conservation Strategy. 1

Develop a comprehensive Cultural Heritage Inventory and Management Plan PNR in MO 1 collaboration with SAHRA and Amafa. Institutional capacity must also be addressed by 45. 6.6 (i) this plan.

Finalise a Guideline Document for the Evaluation of Extractive Resource Use Applica- MO 3 46. 6.7 (i) tions.

Evaluate resource use in Hlathikhulu Nature Reserve in terms of the EKZNW Guideline MO 3 Document for the Evaluation of Extractive Resource Use. If possible, sustainable and 47. 6.7.1 (i) feasible, develop a resource use management plan and implement.

Cognisant of the PNR IMP and CDP policy guidelines, develop a PNR Eco-cultural MO 4 Tourism Development and Marketing Strategy aligned with the LDP, that addresses:  the attainment of professional tourism service delivery standards  branding and marketing 48. 6.8 (i)  linkages with other regional tourist initiatives  public / private partnerships  cultural heritage tourism  visitor awareness, orientation and interpretation.

Develop a PNR environmental awareness education programme specifically for sur- MO 4 49. 6.9 (i) rounding neighbouring communities and the general public interest groups.

Develop an interpretation programme in a standard format for the Nature Reserve. MO 3 50. 6.9 (ii)

Investigate the possibility of combining environmental awareness programmes with so- MO 2 cial programmes offered by other institutions in the general area of the Nature Reserve. 51. 6.9 (iii)

Phongolo Nature Reserve 49 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Investigate the potential in or near PNR for the development of permanent research facili- MO 1 52. 6.10 (i) ties.

Develop procedures that will ensure that all abiotic and biotic data collected are cap- MO 1 tured in managed databases and GIS data layers for interrogation by researchers and 53. 6.10 (ii) managers.

Identify and develop reference library facilities and procedures to maintain hard and MO 1 digital copies of all PNR related research work, all documents listed as IMP supporting documentation in Appendix 1 as well as any new supporting management documentation produced. Strict curation rules must apply and the ultimate responsibility for the 54. 6.10 (iii) curation of this library at PNR must be allocated to the most senior reserve management position and the Co-ordinator: Ecological Advice at the Zululand Regional Office.

An appropriate monitoring and evaluation programme must be developed for the Nature MO 1 55. 6.10.1 (i) Reserve and implemented.

Develop and maintain a PNR infrastructure database and map. MO 1 56. 6.11 (i) . Review the desirability and effectiveness of all present infrastructure with regard to. MO 4  Adequacy  State of repair  Existing maintenance plans and programs  Visitor and staff use, requirements and values 57. 6.11 (ii)  Financial  Environmental impact (negative and positive)  Income generation  Possibilities of outsourcing.

Develop a Concept Development Plan for PNR. MO 4 58. 6.11 (iii) Develop a detailed PNR boundary and internal fencing strategy and implementation MO 1 59. 6.11.3 (i) plan.

Permanently remove cattle from the PNR through consultation with affected stake- MO 1 holders. (Includes consultation, seeking and implementing alternatives, fencing strategic 60. 6.11.3 (ii) areas).

Enter into a fence dropping and joint management agreement with Mr. Senekal to affect MO 1 61. 6.11.3 (iii) a contiguous conservation area along the dam boundary.

Enter into a joint management agreement with Mr. Stannard to include his property into MO 1 62. 6.11.3 (iv) the PNR.

Develop the necessary policy and standards for each group of signage in PNR and im- MO 1 plement a phased programme for replacing signage with the standardised formats – see 63. 6.11.4 (i) also Action Project 6.8(i).

All vehicle roads and tracks must be evaluated for the suitability of their alignment and MO 1 recommendations made for new vehicle roads and tracks, repair or closure (with reha- 64. 6.11.5 (i) bilitation measures) of existing ones.

Investigate [preferably in consultation with SAHTOA (SA Hiking Trail Owners Associa- MO 4 tion)] the potential for a hiking trail routes and day walks in PNR and make recommendations on professional hiking trail evaluation, design, construction, maintenance, ac- 65. 6.11.5 (ii) creditation, marketing, management as well as estimated revenue and expenditure. Implement if feasible.

Investigate the possibility of obtaining water for staff and visitor use from the Golela MO 2 66. 6.11.9 (i) Water Scheme. Implement if feasible.

6.11.10.1 MO 1 67. Develop an integrated waste management plan for PNR. (i) Develop, install and maintain effective standardized solid waste receptacles for PNR MO 1 6.11.10.1 that are animal and baboon / monkey-proof. 68. (ii)

Phongolo Nature Reserve 50 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - All sewage systems in PNR must be investigated for legal compliance. A phased devel- MO 1 6.11.10.2 opment plan to upgrade existing systems and septic tank / French drain systems must 69. (i) be put in place.

Develop a phased plan to install standardised (reliable and tested) water- and energy- MO 1 70. 6.11.11 (i) saving devices throughout PNR as soon as practically possible. Determine the requirement for helicopter landing pads on PNR. If required and ap- MO 1 71. 6.11.12 (i) proved, select site/s and maintain according to minimum aviation standards. The NRPC must undertake a five-yearly review of this IMP between September and De- MO 1 72. 7.1 (i) cember 2013 to revise and amend the IMP for the following five years.

Convene a PNR NRPC meeting annually in November to monitor, evaluate and report MO 1 73. 7.2 (i) on progress in terms of this IMP, plan and, if necessary, recommend the re-prioritisation of management activities or amendments to the IMP.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 51 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - 8.2 Alignment of IMP Action Projects with Prioritised Management Objectives

The 17 prioritised objectives clustered under the 4 overarching Management Objectives for PNR derived at the Key-Stakeholders Workshop held between 22nd and 24th April 2005 were rated in priority order: (Note - the priority ratings appear behind the Objective in brackets).

The 73 IMP Action Projects identified by the NRPC (See Table 1), have been aligned with the Manage- ment Objectives and / or supporting objectives for ease of reference and are listed in Table 2 below.

The IMP Action Projects in many cases are cross-cutting in achieving more than one objective. To aid prioritisation they have been placed (listed in number sequence) under the objective where they are likely to make the greatest contribution.

Table 2: IMP Action Projects aligned with PNR Management Objectives.

PNR Management Objective 1 Conservation of key biodiversity features, biophysical processes, landscapes, abiotic, cultural, historical, archaeological and palaeontological resources.

Objective 1: Protect Hlathikhulu Forest and its associated biodiversity [01]. 3.8 (ii) Develop a vegetation management strategy for the Hlathikhulu Forest based on the Gaugris & Vasicek survey and report. 3.8 (iii) Initiate a survey to identify and clarify the Maputaland Centre of Plant Endemism associated elements / species / habitat on the western slopes of the Lebombo Mountain range on PNR and develop an appropriate conservation management strategy for this area of the Nature Reserve. Objective 2: Protect Hlathikhulu, Lebombo mountain range (western slopes) and associated biodiversity, which includes elements of the Maputaland Centre of Plant Endemism. (IUCN recognised) [02]. See Action Project 3.8 (iii) under Objective 1 above. Objective 3: Ensure the reserve remains a catalyst for biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage management and eco-cultural tourism development in the formation of a consolidated conservation area [5]. 2.6 (i) Annually explore and investigate opportunities to broaden conservation land use in and around PNR. Objective 4: Protect the breeding sites of significant numbers of vultures [6]. 6.5.6.4 (i) Develop and implement a PNR Vulture Management Strategy based on the KZN Vulture Conservation Strategy. Objective 5: To protect endangered, rare and endemic species indigenous to the area (key biodiversity elements as identified by EKZNW Conservation) [7]. 6.10 (i) Investigate the potential in or near PNR for the development of permanent research facilities. 6.10.1 (i) An appropriate monitoring and evaluation programme must be developed for the Nature Reserve and implemented. Objective 6: Safeguard the archaeological, historical, palaeontological and living cultural heritage of the area [8]. 6.6 (i) Develop a comprehensive Cultural Heritage Inventory and Management Plan PNR in collaboration with SAHRA and Amafa. Institutional capacity must also be addressed by this plan. Objective 7: Minimise threats to sense of place (retain the aesthetic value of the area) [9]. 6.11 (i) Develop and maintain a PNR infrastructure database and map. 6.11.4 (i) Develop the necessary policy and standards for each group of signage in PNR and implement a phased programme for replacing signage with the standardised formats – see also Action Project 6.8 (i). 6.11.5 (i) All vehicle roads and tracks must be evaluated for the suitability of their alignment and recommendations made for new vehicle roads and tracks, repair or closure (with rehabilitation measures) of existing ones. 6.11.10.1 Develop an integrated waste management plan for PNR. (i) 6.11.10.1 Develop, install and maintain effective standardized solid waste receptacles for PNR that are animal and (ii) baboon / monkey-proof. 6.11.10.2 All sewage systems in PNR must be investigated for legal compliance. A phased development plan to (i) upgrade existing systems and septic tank / French drain systems must be put in place.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 52 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Objective 8: Protect the significant stands of cycads [10]. 3.8 (i) Determine the distribution of cycad colonies within PNR and their species composition. Objective 9: Protect the significant diversity of fish species, specifically the high numbers of Tiger Fish [12]. 3.9.2 (i) Confirm the presence and status of fish species occurring in PNR. 6.5.6.3 (i) Develop a fishery management strategy for the conservation and utilisation of the fish species in the Pongolapoort Dam. Objectve10: Contribute to the achievement of Provincial and National conservation targets through the protection of a representative portion of semi-arid lowveld and Lebombo lowveld and its associated biodiversity, including the ecological and evolutionary processes that generate and maintain this diversity [14]. 3.8 (iv) Update the central EKZNW Biodiversity Database with the PNR plant species checklist records.

3.9 (i) Update the central EKZNW Biodiversity Database with the PNR animal species checklist records.

4.6 (i) Identify conservation targets for PNR.

6.11.3 (i) Develop a detailed PNR boundary and internal fencing strategy and implementation plan.

6.11.3 (ii) Permanently remove cattle from the PNR through consultation with affected stakeholders. (Includes consultation, seeking and implementing alternatives, fencing strategic areas).

6.11.3 (iii) Enter into a fence dropping and joint management agreement with Mr. Senekal to affect a contiguous conservation area along the dam boundary.

6.11.3 (iv) Enter into a joint management agreement with Mr. Stannard to include his property into the PNR.

Objective 11: Protect the wetlands which in some years can act as breeding sites for species [15]. 3.9.4 (i) Evaluate and assess the significance of PNR in terms of its contribution towards the conservation of bird species, especially aquatic and migratory species. 3.9.4 (ii) Make application to Birdlife International to have the IBA ZA 041 site amended to PNR or even Lake Jozini TFP and update the site details. Objective 12: Facilitate access to cultural heritage sites [16]. See Action Project 6.6 (i) under Objective 6 above. Objective 13: Ensure the Pongolapoort Dam and Lebombo mountains remain an important stop-over for migratory birds (migratory routes) [17]. See Action Project 3.9.4 (i) under Objective 11 above. Other Action Projects supporting PNR Management Objective 1 2.1.1 (i) Obtain written assignment from the MEC appointing EKZNW as the management authority for PNR in terms of Section 38(2) of NEMPAA. 2.4 (i) Institute the necessary administrative actions to survey and declare the Phongolo Nature Reserve in terms of NEMPAA. (See recommended actions in Appendix 3). 3.9.1 (i) Initiate a survey of the invertebrate fauna of PNR. 3.9.3 (i) Confirm the status of the Red Data Book herpetofauna occurring in PNR. 3.9.5 (i) Initiate a survey of the small mammals on PNR. 3.13.4 (i) Update the PNR map to include the location of all water supply infrastructure. 6.1.1 (i) Develop a five-year Strategic Management Plan and Business Plan for PNR. 6.1.2 (i) Investigate and develop an appropriate human resource structure and capacity for PNR with a view to improving effectiveness and efficiency in achieving PNR objectives and in forming the Business Plan. 6.5.2 (i) Develop a PNR Fire Management Plan to outline: Fire management objectives, scientific understanding, management actions, legal compliance, personnel training requirements, monitoring and research required. 6.5.2 (ii) Develop a computerized decision support tool linked to GIS that will be included in the Fire Manage- ment Plan, to assist in the planning of burns at the annual Fire Workshop. This rule-based tool must ensure that PNR-wide and area-specific fire management objectives can be simultaneously achieved wherever possible, and must allow for flexibility in response to unplanned fires. 6.5.2 (iv) Arrange a PNR Management Fire Workshop in February of each year. 6.5.3.1 (i) Develop a phased 3-year plan to address the existing the non-invasive alien plants in PNR.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 53 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - 6.5.3.1 (ii) Develop an ongoing time-bound programme to effectively control declared alien weeds and invader plants within PNR and 1 km beyond (buffer area) the Nature Reserve boundary. 6.5.3.2 (i) Develop a new, equitable policy for keeping personal and official domestic animals and livestock in the Nature Reserve that includes procedures for dealing in a consistent manner with alien animals that stray into the Park. This policy must, inter alia clearly address:  Threats to biodiversity conservation as a priority.  Reducing the numbers of such animals to an absolute minimum.  Designating areas where these animals must be kept. They must not be allowed to roam or feed in the Park (except for official patrol horses when on patrol) or interfere in any way with tourists.  The proper and hygienic care of these animals.  Minimum standards (aesthetic acceptability, sizes, neatness and cleanliness) of facilities housing these animals e.g. stables, camps, cages etc. Disciplinary measures for staff transgressing these regulations or failing to enforce these measures. 6.5.3.2 (ii) Develop a control programme for alien animals present in PNR. 6.5.3.2 (iii) Develop a management strategy that will minimise the negative impact of alien fish and promote the establishment of sustainable populations of fish species indigenous to PNR. 6.5.5 (i) Map all extensive or potential human-induced / aggravated soil erosion sites and annually monitor the condition of these sites in order to prioritise rehabilitation work. 6.5.6.1 (i) Develop a Wildlife Species Introduction Policy for PNR and the TFP. 6.5.6.1 (ii) Develop a Wildlife Species Introduction Programme for PNR and the TFP in accordance with the Wild- life Species Introduction Policy [Action Project 6.5.6.1(i)]. 6.5.6.2 (i) Develop a PNR and TFP Game Management Policy Guideline and implement. 6.10 (ii) Develop procedures that will ensure that all abiotic and biotic data collected are captured in managed databases and GIS data layers for interrogation by researchers and managers. 6.10 (iii) Identify and develop reference library facilities and procedures to maintain hard and digital copies of all PNR related research work, all documents listed as IMP supporting documentation in Appendix 1 as well as any new supporting management documentation produced. Strict curation rules must apply and the ultimate responsibility for the curation of this library at PNR must be allocated to the most senior reserve management position and the Co-ordinator: Ecological Advice at the Zululand Regional Office. An appropriate monitoring and evaluation programme must be developed for the Nature Re- serve and implemented. 6.11.11 (i) Develop a phased plan to install standardised (reliable and tested) water- and energy-saving devices throughout PNR as soon as practically possible. 6.11.12 (i) Determine the requirement for helicopter landing pads on PNR. If required and approved, select site/s and maintain according to minimum aviation standards. 7.1 (i) The NRPC must undertake a five-yearly review of this IMP between September and December 2013 to revise and amend the IMP for the following five years. 7.2 (i) Convene a PNR NRPC meeting annually in November to monitor, evaluate and report on progress in terms of this IMP, plan and, if necessary, recommend the re-prioritisation of management activities or amendments to the IMP.

PNR Management Objective 2 The formation of functional partnerships to integrate the PNR with regional development plans and Nsubane-Pongola Transfrontier Conservation Area initiatives, and other initiatives which underwrite the vision of PNR.

Objective 14: Participate as a key-stakeholder in the promotion of overall Protected Area objectives; specifically the following initiatives [4]:  Nsubane-Pongola TFCA  Sustainable Utilisation Plan (DWEA)  District and Local Municipalities (IDP, SDF, LDP)  Amafa  Private and Communal initiatives 2.1.2 (i) Develop and conclude a written inter-agency MoA between EKZNW and DWEA with regard to the management of Pongolapoort Dam and the Phongolo Nature Reserve (including the relationship with the Water Users Association). 2.3 (i) The PNR Conservation Manager in collaboration with other relevant EKZNW officials must be mandated with active participation in the inter-municipality forum in order to ensure relevant inputs to the review processes of the municipal IDPs and SDFs and the LDP for Pongolapoort Dam, in order to ensure the effective maintenance of a buffer zone surrounding PNR through an alignment of appropriate land use adjacent to the Nature Reserve. 6.3 (i) Formalise agreements with TFCA partners, and coordinate drive towards seamless connection across the international borders. 6.3.1 (i) Develop a Joint Management Plan / Agreement with Pongola Game Reserve as Phase 2 of this TFCA initiative.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 54 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - 6.9 (iii) Investigate the possibility of combining environmental awareness programmes with social programmes offered by other institutions in the general area of the Nature Reserve. Other Action Projects supporting PNR Management Objective 2 2.1.2 (ii) Develop and conclude a written inter-agency MoA between EKZNW and Transnet Freight Rail with regard to the management of the railway line within Phongolo Nature Reserve. 2.1.2 (iii) Develop and conclude a written inter-agency MoA between EKZNW and the respective roads agencies with regard to the management of the public roads dissecting the Phongolo Nature Reserve. 6.2.1 (i) Establish a PNR Stakeholder Liaison Forum. 6.2.7 (i) Annually in March of each year arrange a public meeting to give feedback on progress, planned projects and encourage informal local community participation. 6.4 (i) Develop an integrated security strategy for the Nature Reserve that ensures collaboration with all relevant institutions. 6.5.2 (iii) Promote and champion (in cooperation with DWEA and the “Working on Fire” programme) the establishment of FPAs on the borders of PNR. 6.11.9 (i) Investigate the possibility of obtaining water for staff and visitor use from the Golela Water Scheme. Im- plement if feasible.

PNR Management Objective 3 The provision of socio-economic benefits (benefit flow) to the Park’s neighbours and to contribute to the local economy and the efforts of conservation in a sustainable manner based on sound business principles (EKZN Business Plan).

Objective 15: Ensure the sustainability of resource harvesting, specifically within Hlathikhulu [3]. 6.7 (i) Finalise a Guideline Document for the Evaluation of Extractive Resource Use Applications. 6.7.1 (i) Evaluate resource use in Hlathikhulu Nature Reserve in terms of the EKZNW Guideline Document for the Evaluation of Extractive Resource Use. If possible, sustainable and feasible, develop a resource use management plan and implement. Other Action Projects supporting PNR Management Objective 3. 2.5 (i) As a matter of priority, review all formal and informal local agreements, MoUs, leases, servitude arrangements etc. pertaining to PNR and document, update, maintain and monitor these appropriately authorised agreements. 6.1.1 (ii) Initiate a resource economics study of the Nature Reserve to determine its economic value regarding the provision of ecosystem services and its contribution to the local and regional economy. 6.9 (ii) Develop an interpretation programme in a standard format for the Nature Reserve.

PNR Management Objective 4 The provision of Eco-cultural tourism business opportunities in the natural and cultural environment based within the influence sphere of PNR.

Objective 16: Promote public access to the area [13]. 6.8 (i) Cognisant of the PNR IMP and CDP policy guidelines, develop a PNR Eco-cultural Tourism Develop- ment and Marketing Strategy aligned with the LDP, that addresses:  the attainment of professional tourism service delivery standards  branding and marketing  linkages with other regional tourist initiatives  public / private partnerships  cultural heritage tourism visitor awareness, orientation and interpretation. 6.11 (iii) Develop a Concept Development Plan for PNR. 6.11.5 (ii) Investigate [preferably in consultation with SAHTOA (SA Hiking Trail Owners Association)] the potential for a hiking trail routes and day walks in PNR and make recommendations on professional hiking trail evaluation, design, construction, maintenance, accreditation, marketing, management as well as estimated revenue and expenditure. Implement if feasible. Objective 17: Promote conservation as a viable land use option [10]. 6.9 (i) Develop a PNR environmental awareness education programme specifically for surrounding neighbouring communities and the general public interest groups.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 55 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Other Action Projects supporting PNR Management Objective 4. 6.11 (ii) Review the desirability and effectiveness of all present infrastructure with regard to.  Adequacy  State of repair  Existing maintenance plans and programs  Visitor and staff use, requirements and values  Financial  Environmental impact (negative and positive)  Income generation  Possibilities of outsourcing.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 56 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - APPENDIX 1

List of References for Unpublished Supporting Documentation Phongolo Nature Reserve: Integrated Management Plan 2009 - 2013

Copies available from:

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Tembe Research Centre, Tembe Elephant Park, Private Bag 356, Kwangwanase.

Telephone: +27 (0)35 592 0032, Fax: +27 (0)35 592 0240, e-mail: [email protected]

Contact person: Regional Ecologist: North Zululand.

Item

1. EKZNW Corporate Strategic Plan and Performance Plan for 2009-2014.

2. EKZNW Corporate Policies (Norms & Standards) listed in Table 1 below.

3. EKNZW Biodiversity Database Checklists for PNR.

4. Amafa / EKZNW Co-operative Conservation Management of Cultural Heritage Agreement (signed July 2005).

5. List of local agreements, MoUs, leases and other servitude arrangements pertaining to PNR.

6. Memorandum of Agreement (1980) between the then Minister of Water Affairs and the Adminis- trator of the Province of Natal pertaining certain delegations to the Province regarding the management of the Pongolapoort Dam area.

7. Lake Jozini Transfrontier Park Joint Management Plan (2008-2013).

8. KZN Vulture Conservation Strategy, 2008-2012 (Version 1, 2008). Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

9. Pongolapoort Dam Local Development Plan, Implementation Plan, PR Africa, January 2006.

10. Sustainable Utilisation Plan for Pongolapoort Dam, DWAF, January 2004

11. Nsubane-Pongola TFCA Tourism Development Framework, 2008.

12. EKZNW Damage Causing Animal Control Protocol and Guidelines - 2009.

13. KZN Systematic Conservation Plan [“C-Plan”] (2004).

14. Guidelines for the Registration and Administration of Research Projects Undertaken by or through Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (August 2002).

15. The Nsubane-Pongola TFCA Tourism Development Framework (2008)

16. EKZNW Fencing Requirement Guidelines for Dangerous Game, 2008.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 57 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Table 1 below lists the EKZNW Corporate Policies (Norms & Standards) referenced from intranet10 that are most relevant to EKZNW PA management. It is, however, the responsibility of all management and other personnel associated with the management of protected areas to ensure that they familiarise themselves and comply with the latest and most recent versions of all EKZNW Board Ap- proved Policies.

EKZNW CORPORATE POLICIES (NORMS & STANDARDS)

Policy File No. CORPORATE AFFAIRS B 2  Access to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Areas and Employment. B 5  Outsourcing of Functions and Services B 7  Monuments, Memorials and Names of Protected Areas under the control of EKZNW. B 8  Restricted use of Board Theatres, Halls and Conference Facilities etc. B 9  Code of Ethics / Conduct. B 10  Photography in Board Protected Areas. B 13  Mission Statement B 14  Access to Information.

Policy File No. INTERNAL AUDIT C 5  Management Control

BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION OPERATIONS 1. NATURAL RESOURCE SUSTAINABILITY Policy File No. Threatened Species and Ecosystems D 1.1  Disposal of Black Rhino. D 1.2  Disposal of Surplus White Rhino. D 1.3  Strategy for the Management of Southern White Rhino in KwaZulu-Natal. D 1.4  Strategy for the Biological Management of Black Rhino in KwaZulu-Natal. D 1.5  Rhinoceros Products. D 1.6  Crocodilians D 1.7  Cycads. D 1.8  Disposal of Threatened Species.

Policy File No. Exotic and Invasive Species D 1.9  Release of Alien Species. D 1.10  Control Measures for Red-billed Quelea. D 1.12  Grass Carp. D 1.13  Establishment of Alien Plantations.  Policy File No. Migratory Species D 1.14  Black Wildebeest and Blue Wildebeest Hybridization and Conservation. D 1.15  Permit authorising the collection of Biological Material within Board Areas.

2. CONSERVATION EFFECTIVENESS

10 www.kznwildlife.com/intranet (Accessed 15 May 2009)

Phongolo Nature Reserve 58 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Policy File No. Strategic Applications  Involvement of the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Board in Project 8 of the MAB D 2.1 (Man and Biosphere) Programme.

Policy File No. Conservation Management: Protected Area Management D 2.2  Management of Wilderness Areas. D 2.3  Protected Area Development. D 2.4  Prohibition of Works and Servitudes in Board Areas.  Zonation and Regulations for the control of off-road vehicles on beaches controlled by D 2.5 the Board. D 2.6  Quarries in KZN Protected Areas.  Re-establishment and Management of Vegetation on Development Sites in the Ezem- D 2.7 velo KZN Wildlife Protected Areas. D 2.8  Ecotourism and Protected Areas. D 2.9  Solid Waste Management within Protected Areas. D 2.10  State Security Service Activities within Board Areas. D 2.11  Shark Nets in or bordering KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Board Controlled Areas.

Policy File No. Integrated Environmental Management  Integrated Environmental Management - incorporating the procedure for the assessment D 2.12 of the impact of proposed development projects on nature conservation concerns. D 2.13  Precautionary Principle. D 2.14  Shark Net Installations. D 2.15  Bioprospecting in KwaZulu-Natal.  Use of Pesticides by the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife: Safety to Humans and the Environ- D 2.17 ment. D 2.18  Interference with the Mouth of a Lagoon or River (Breaching).

Policy File No. Ex Situ Wild Animal Management D 2.21  Re-establishment of Terrestrial Mammals in Board Areas. D 2.22  Translocation of Animals. D 2.25  Elephant Introductions and Elephant in Enclosures. D 2.27  Introduction and Keeping of Large Predators in Enclosures in KZN. D 2.28  Use of Narcotic Drugs. D 2.29  Falconry.

Policy File No. Human Animal Conflict - Inside and Outside Protected Areas D 2.30  Disposal of Leopard from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Protected Areas. D 2.31  Problem Animal Control.  Compensation claims in respect of damage caused by Lion, Cheetah, Wild Dog and Ele- D 2.32 phant to Stock and Crops.  Instances of Death as a result of an Unprovoked Attack by a Wild Animal Normally con- D 2.33 tained and originating from within a Fenced Protected Area under the Control of the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Board.

Policy File No. Environmental Awareness D 2.34  Environmental Education Policy.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 59 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - 3. BIODIVERSITY PROTECTION Policy File No. Co-management  Supply of Game to Conservancies, Community Conservation Areas and Biosphere Re- D 3.1 serves in KwaZulu-Natal D 3.2  Establishment and Management of Community Conservation Reserves (CCR) D 3.4  Community Conservation Programmes D 3.5  Neighbours' Access to Board Protected Areas D 3.6  Relationship with Local Boards  Conservation Partnerships Between KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Board and Ad- D 3.7 jacent Landowners D 3.8  Community Trust D 3.9  Community Levy Policy and Guidelines  Land Claims on Proclaimed and Unproclaimed Provincial and Assigned National Pro- D 3.10 tected areas in KwaZulu-Natal D 3.11  Amafa Policy Guidelines for the access of rock art sites in KwaZulu Natal

Policy File No. Resource-use benefits D 3.12  Disposal of Venison from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Management Operations. D 3.13  Sustainable use of wildlife resources. D 3.14  Freshwater Angling. D 3.15  Freshwater species utilisation. D 3.16  Use of plant resources from protected areas. D 3.17  Use of doomed biological material. D 3.19  Provision of hunting by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

Policy File No. 4. RELATIONSHIPS D 4.1  Neighbour Relations. D 4.2  Participation - Non Government Organisations. D 4.3  Data Access. D 4.4  Consultation and Communication with Stakeholders: Policy and Guidelines.

Policy File No. COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS E 1  Concessions for Welfare Groups. E 2  Hiking and Mountaineering. E 3  Educational Concessions. E 4  Club Facilities within Board Areas. E 5  Hutted Camps. E 6  Joint Venture Scheme. E 7  Allocation of Sites in terms of the Joint Venture Scheme. E 8  Access to Protected Areas through Unofficial Entry Points. E 9  Visitor Facilities Management by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. E 10  Lease of Lakeshore at State Dam Protected Areas.  Execution, Control and Management of Leases and Concession Contracts (excluding E 11 Biodiversity Conservation Partnerships and Leases of Wildlife). E 12  Private Sector Reservations Policy. E 13  Partnerships for Eco-Tourism Development within or Adjacent to Protected Areas. E 14  Discounting of Tariffs for Walk-in Guests. E 15  Ecotourism Discounting Strategy. E 16  Travel Trade Commissions: Tour Operator/ Travel Agency.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 60 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) -  Policy and Procedure for the establishment and monitoring of Commercial Operations E 17 Public Private Partnership (PPP) Agreements. E 18  Administrative and operational policy on Professional hunting in South Africa. E 19  Commercialisation.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 61 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - Phongolo Nature Reserve 62 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - APPENDIX 2 PNR Key-Stakeholder List

NAME REPRESENTATIVE CONTACT DETAILS Authorities 1 Malcolm Thomson KZN Wildlife Tel (034) 435 1012 Fax (034) 435 1021 Cell 082 478 2151 [email protected] 2 Wayne Matthews KZN Wildife Tel (035) 592 0032 Fax (035) 592 0240 [email protected] 3 Des Archer KZN Wildlife Tel (033) 845 1729 Fax (033) 845 1399 4 Robert Blok KZN Wildlife Tel (035) 980 0500 Fax (035) 980 0500 [email protected] 5 Hannes de Bruyn KZN Wildife Tel (035) 573 1947 Fax (035) 573 1963 [email protected] 6 Catharine Hanekom KZN Wildife Tel (035) 870 5000 Fax (035) 870 5000 Cell 082 628 2524 [email protected] 7 Ernest Mlambo KZN Wildife CCO Tel (035) 572 1560 Fax (035) 572 1486 Cell 072 767235 8 Pieter Ruinard KZN Wildife Tel (035) 591 0004 Fax (035) 591 0004 [email protected] 9 N.B. de Goede KZN Wildife Tel (035) 592 0009 Fax (035) 592 0240 [email protected] 10 Loraine Fick DWEA Tel (012) 336 8224 Fax (012) 336 6608 Cell 082 809 5698 [email protected] 11 Fundi Ndlovu DWEA Tel (031) 336 2820 Fax (031) 336 2853 [email protected] 12 Patrick Abbot DWEA [email protected] Tel (012) 336 7482 Cell 083 623 7096 13 Collin Zwane DWEA [email protected] Fax (031) 305 9927 14 Balakazi Madikizela DPW Tel (031) 314 7228 Fax (031) 332 5485 [email protected] 15 Ntsoaki Kunene DPW Tel Fax Cell [email protected] 16 Siphamandla Ngcobo DPW Regional Office Durban Tel (031) 314 7027 Fax (031) 332 5485 Cell 082 494 1424 [email protected]

Phongolo Nature Reserve 63 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - NAME REPRESENTATIVE CONTACT DETAILS 17 Chris Schalkwyk DLA Tel (012) 312 9397 Fax (012) 312 8135 [email protected] 18 Danie Pretorius DLA Tel (012) 312 9397 Fax (012) 312 8135 Cell 19 Ambrose Ngcobo uPhongolo Municipality Tel (034) 413 1223 Fax (034) 413 1706 [email protected] Acting PSC Chairperson uPhon- 20 B.J. Mncwango golo Municipality Tel Fax (034) 413 1706 21 M.L. Sibiya uPhongolo Municipality Tel (034) 413 1223 Fax (034) 413 1706 22 D.F. Mathe uPhongolo Municipality Tel (034) 413 1223 Fax (034) 413 1706 23 Bongani Mavuso uPhongolo Municipality Tel (034) 413 1223 Fax (034) 413 1706 24 Noel Nkosi Jozini Municipality Tel (035) 572 1292 Fax (035) 572 1266 [email protected] 25 Beni Williams Jozini LED Tel Fax (035) 591 0133 Cell 082 296 0942 [email protected] 26 Laura Herbst Jozini LED Tel (035) 572 1179 Fax (035) 572 1179 [email protected] Jozini Municiplaity Tourism Port- 27 A. Herbst folio Tel Fax (035) 572 1179 Cell 082 939 7558 28 Gustav Rohrs Zululand District Municipality Tel (035) 874 5576 Fax (035) 874 5589 [email protected] Umkhanyakude District Munici- 29 Timmy Moodley pality Tel Fax (035) 562 0267 Cell 082 604 1410 30 John Hishin uPhongolo Tourism Association [email protected] Landowners 1 Karel Landman Pongola Game Reserve Tel (034) 435 1011 Fax (034) 435 1104 [email protected] 2 Heinz Kohrs [email protected] [email protected] Tel (034) 413 2492 Fax (034) 413 2496 Cell 083 255 0742 3 Howard Jones Pongola Game Reserve Tel (035) 772 3068 Tel (034) 413 1388 Fax (034) 413 3897 [email protected] Cell 083 265 0928 4 Alexis Steenkamp Tel (035) 787 2171 Fax (035) 772 2558 (ask Gene)

Phongolo Nature Reserve 64 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - NAME REPRESENTATIVE CONTACT DETAILS [email protected] 5 Ewald Weber Tel (017) 826 0039 Fax (017) 826 3920 [email protected] 6 Hein Zunkel Tel (017) 826 2905 Fax (017) 826 2022 [email protected] 7 David Haggeman Fax (035) 550167 [email protected]/ [email protected] 8 Manfred Kohrs Chairman: Landowners Ass. Tel/Fax (031) 312 5769 Cell 083 250 1551 [email protected] 9 Charl Senekal Cell 082 555 1961 [email protected] 10 Vusi Nyawo Kwa Nyawo Traditional Authority Tel (035) 572 1227 Fax (035) 572 1227 Cell 073 359 5514 [email protected] 11 M. P. Nyawo Kwa Nyawo Traditional Authority Tel Fax Cell 12 E.J. Nyawo Kwa Nyawo Traditional Authority Tel Fax Cell 13 Mary Gumede Kwa Nyawo Traditional Authority Tel Fax Cell 14 Sifiso Mtskak Kwa Nyawo Traditional Authority Tel Fax Cell 15 M.R. Nyawo Nsinde Traditional Authority Tel Fax Cell 16 Ronald Radebe Nsinde Traditional Authority Tel Fax (035) 572 5243 Cell 072 605 8291 17 Nathi Gumbi Gumbi Traditional Authority Tel Fax Cell 076 178 7417 18 J.O. Gumbi Gumbi Traditional Authority Tel (035) 572 1092 Fax (035) 572 1090 Cell 19 Nkosi M.M. Gumbi Gumbi Traditional Authority Tel (035) 572 1092 Fax (035) 572 1090 Cell 20 Edmond Rouillard Tel Fax [email protected] 21 Brian Suddaby Harloo Ranch Cell 083 796 8383 22 Ettiene Larson PGR Manzini Game Ranch Tel Fax (035) 787 1960 Cell 082 2155 188 23 Conrad Uwe [email protected] Commercial Operators

Phongolo Nature Reserve 65 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - NAME REPRESENTATIVE CONTACT DETAILS 1 Brian Blevin Shaya Moya Lodge Tel (034) 435 1164 Fax (034) 435 1008 P.O.Box 784, Pongola, 3170 [email protected] [email protected] 2 Roger Blevin Shayamanzi Tel Fax (034) 413 2299 Cell 082 783 7694 [email protected] Other Interested Parties 1 G.F. Mseni Makhathini Farmers Tel Cell 072 151 7724

2 J. Mathenjwa Makhathini Farmers Tel Fax (035) 572 1427 Cell 083 926 8377

Phongolo Nature Reserve 66 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) - APPENDIX 3 PNR Declaration Recommendations

Recommendations in preparation for the declaration of PNR in terms of the National Environ- mental Management: Protected Areas Act

1. Obtain clarity on the nature reserve proclamations and de-proclamations over parts of this property since the proclamation was first made in 1894 (R8009 / 89). This has important historical significance and may be valuable in terms of legal deliberations going forward.

2. Verify the status of all portions of land to confirm whether they are state or provincial land.

3. Confirm with Dept of Public Works that these portions of state land are reserved for “conservation purposes”.

4. Boundary of PNR to be finalized and confirmed: - Entire boundary to be surveyed to establish cadastral beacons. - The Golela town limits need to be described & mapped together with all other settlements within the DWEA purchase boundary for exclusion from the PNR declaration. - Construct new boundary beacons where required, maintain damaged beacons and replace missing beacons. - Photograph all new and repaired beacons and place on record at the nature reserve office. - Produce an updated PNR map based on this survey - Where the PNR boundary does not coincide with a cadastral boundary the property over-which the boundary cuts should be surveyed for subdivision to reflect the boundary of the PNR.

5. Submit to the MEC the above updated boundary description with a motivation for the PNR area to: - be declared a nature reserve in terms of NEMPAA; - be allocated the name ‘Phongolo Nature Reserve’ to the entire property (after stakeholder consultation as required by Board Policy B7; - indicate the surveyed area of the property; and - assign EKZNW as the management authority in terms of NEMPAA.

6. Once PNR is declared application should be made to consolidate all title deeds within the PNR boundary into one description. This will greatly simplify the present complex property description that will assist in any future legal deliberation.

Phongolo Nature Reserve 67 - Integrated Management Plan: 2009 to 2013 (Version 1.0) -