FEBRUARY 2020 SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

Prepared by Division Town Planning and Building Control SWELLENDAM MUNICIPALITY P.O. Box 20 Swellendam 6740 SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

2.3.6 Informants from Adjacent Municipalities ...... 12 Contents 2.4 THE OVERBERG DISTRICT ...... 15 2.4.1 Introduction ...... 15 1. INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE OF THE SDF ...... 1 2.4.2 Goal and Objectives ...... 15 1.1 PURPOSE OF AN SDF ...... 1 2.4.3 Key District Spatial Challenges / Issues ...... 15 1.2 THE STUDY AREA: SWELLENDAM MUNICIPALITY ...... 1 2.4.4 Water Resource Management ...... 16 1.3 THE SDF AND THE IDP ...... 2 2.4.5 Transportation ...... 17 1.4 LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY CONTEXT...... 2 2.4.6 Tourism ...... 18 1.4.1 Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act, 2013 ...... 2 3. STATUS QUO ANALYSIS ...... 21 1.4.2 Municipal Systems Act, 2000 ...... 3 3.1 BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 21 1.4.3 Local Government: Municipal Planning and Performance Management Regulations, 2001 ...... 3 3.1.1 Introduction ...... 21 1.5 APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY ...... 4 3.1.2 Topography and Drainage ...... 21 1.5.1 Approach ...... 4 3.1.3 Vegetation in the Study Area ...... 21 1.5.2 Methodology ...... 4 3.1.4 Land Transformation in the Study Area ...... 21 1.6 STRUCTURE OF THE DOCUMENT ...... 5 3.1.5 Protected Natural Areas and Areas under Conservation Management ...... 23 2. CONTEXTUAL ASSESSMENT ...... 6 3.1.6 Ecological Support Areas in the Study Area ...... 25 2.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 6 3.1.7 Critical Biodiversity Areas in the Study Area ...... 25 2.2 REGIONAL CONTEXT ...... 6 3.1.8 Principal Implications for Spatial Planning ...... 27 2.3 POLICY CONTEXT ...... 8 3.1.9 Spatial Planning Categories...... 27 2.3.1 National Development Plan 2030 ...... 8 3.2 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ...... 31 2.3.2 Integrated Urban Development Framework ...... 8 3.2.1 Demographic Profile ...... 31 2.3.3 Western Cape Provincial Spatial Development Framework, 2014 ...... 9 3.2.2 Household Growth ...... 33 2.3.4 Western Cape Western Cape Land Use Planning Guidelines: 3.2.3 The Economy ...... 34 Rural Areas (2019) ...... 10 3.2.4 Labour ...... 35 2.3.5 The Overberg District Municipal Spatial Development 3.2.5 Unemployment ...... 36 Framework, 2014 ...... 11 2019 i

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3.2.6 Skills Analysis ...... 37 4.4.3 Rural Development and Land Use Management ...... 59 3.2.7 Household Income ...... 37 4.4.4 Heritage Management ...... 67 3.2.8 Income Distribution ...... 37 4.4.5 Tourism ...... 74 3.2.9 Human Development Index ...... 38 4.4.6 Infrastructure, Transport and Energy ...... 75 3.2.10 Municipal Finances ...... 38 5. PLANNING PROPOSALS AND STRATEGIES: LOCAL LEVEL ...... 79 3.3 BUILT ENVIRONMENT: URBAN SETTLEMENTS AND HIERARCHY 5.1 BACKROUND ...... 79 38 5.2 SWELLENDAM ...... 79 3.3.1 Introduction ...... 38 5.2.1 Analysis of Opportunities and Constraints ...... 79 3.3.2 Hierarchy and Role of the Settlements ...... 38 5.2.2 Local Spatial Development Principles ...... 80 3.3.3 Transportation ...... 41 5.2.3 Local Growth Management Strategy ...... 81 3.3.4 Solid Waste Management ...... 41 5.2.4 Spatial Development Strategies ...... 82 3.3.5 Water Infrastructure ...... 42 5.2.5 Land Use Management ...... 83 3.3.6 Storm Water Management ...... 43 5.2.6 Land Use Proposals: Local Planning Level ...... 83 3.3.7 Waste Water Treatment (Sewerage) ...... 43 5.2.7 Land Use Guidelines: Densification ...... 87 3.3.8 Electricity ...... 44 5.2.8 Summary of Recommendations ...... 87 3.3.9 Housing ...... 45 5.3 BARRYDALE ...... 89 3.3.10 Tourism and Heritage ...... 46 5.3.1 Analysis of Opportunities and Constraints ...... 89 4. THE MUNICIPAL SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK ...... 49 5.3.2 Local Spatial Development Principles ...... 90 4.1 BACKGROUND ...... 49 5.3.3 Local Growth Management Strategy ...... 90 4.2 THE SPATIAL VISION ...... 49 5.3.4 Existing Spatial Structure ...... 90 4.3 SPATIAL MANAGEMENT CONCEPT ...... 49 5.3.5 Spatial Integration Growth Model ...... 90 4.3.1 National Development Plan Principles ...... 50 5.3.6 Spatial Development Strategies ...... 91 4.3.2 Spatial Management Concept ...... 53 5.3.7 Land Use Proposals: Local Planning Level ...... 91 4.4 SPATIAL STRATEGIES AND SUPPORTING POLICIES ...... 56 5.3.8 Land Use Guidelines: Densification ...... 94 4.4.1 Local Economic Development (LED) ...... 56 5.3.9 Recommendations ...... 94 4.4.2 Human Settlement Strategy and Urban Growth Management 5.4 SUURBRAAK ...... 97 ...... 57 2019 ii

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5.4.1 Analysis of Opportunities and Constraints ...... 97 5.8.3 Rietkuil ...... 120 5.4.2 Local Spatial Development Principles ...... 97 5.8.4 Rheenendal ...... 120 5.4.3 Local Growth Management Strategy ...... 97 6. IMPLEMENTATION AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE FRAMEWORK .....125 5.4.4 Spatial Development Strategies ...... 98 6.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 125 5.4.5 Land Use Proposals: Local Planning Level ...... 98 6.2 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE FRAMEWORK ...... 125 5.4.6 Land Use Guidelines: Densification ...... 100 6.3 COMPONENTS OF THE CEF ...... 125 5.4.7 Recommendations ...... 100 6.3.1 Spatial Alignment ...... 125 5.5 BUFFELJAGSRIVIER ...... 103 6.3.2 Quantification of Growth ...... 126 5.5.1 Analysis of Opportunities and Constraints ...... 103 6.3.3 Technical Assessment ...... 126 5.5.2 Local Spatial Development Principles ...... 103 6.4 IDENTIFYING THE PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT AREAS ...... 127 5.5.3 Local Growth Management Strategy ...... 103 6.4.1 Swellendam ...... 127 5.5.4 Spatial Development Strategies ...... 104 6.4.2 Barrydale...... 127 5.5.5 Land Use Proposals: Local Planning Level ...... 104 6.4.3 Suurbraak ...... 127 5.5.6 Land Use Guidelines: Densification ...... 106 6.4.4 Buffeljagsrivier ...... 127 5.5.7 Recommendations ...... 106 5.6 INFANTA ...... 109

5.6.1 Analysis of Opportunities and Constraints ...... 109

5.6.2 Local Spatial Development Principles ...... 109 5.6.3 Local Growth Management Strategy ...... 110

5.6.4 Spatial Development Strategies ...... 110

5.6.5 Land Use Proposals: Local Planning Level ...... 110 5.6.6 Land Use Guidelines: Densification ...... 112

5.7 MALAGAS ...... 115

5.8 LOWER ORDER RURAL SETTLEMENTS ...... 119 5.8.1 Stormsvlei ...... 119 5.8.2 Ouplaas / Wydgeleë ...... 120

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1. INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE OF THE SDF 1.2 THE STUDY AREA: SWELLENDAM MUNICIPALITY

Swellendam Municipality (hereafter referred to as “the Municipality”) covers This iteration of the Spatial Development Framework (SDF) document is an area of approximately 3840 km² (refer Figure 1.1). Swellendam consists of intended to revise and update the current SDF, in order to be compliant with the following urban nodes and rural settlements. the current planning legislation and policy and to address the need for an overall strategic plan to manage urban growth and conservation issues within • Swellendam the Swellendam Municipal area. • Barrydale This document builds on the foundation of the existing Swellendam SDF and • Suurbraak has been simplified to make the document more accessible to the general • Buffeljagsrivier public. • Malagas

• Infanta 1.1 PURPOSE OF AN SDF • Stormsvlei • Rheenendal The SDF is a document that promotes a pragmatic approach to future • Rietkuil developmental opportunities and challenges. It will be guided by a realistic set • Ouplaas / Wydgeleë of goals that will be contextualised in a broader understanding of the vision for the Swellendam Municipality (the study area) and the region (the Overberg The study area is linked with other urban and rural areas mainly through the District). N2 National Road. The area is also served with the main railway line which links Cape Town with the Garden Route. The R324 links Swellendam with Barrydale The primary objective of this document is to: through the well-known Tradouw Pass. The R62, a road which has now also become a well-known tourist route, links Barrydale with Montagu and ▪ provide spatial goals and supporting policies to achieve positive changes Oudtshoorn. The R60 links Swellendam with towns like Ashton, Montagu and in the spatial organisation of Municipal areas to better ensure a Robertson and forms an important link between the N1 and N2 tourism routes. sustainable development future; ▪ promote sound planning principles according to the relevant legislation; Swellendam is well known for its location at the foot of the Langeberg ▪ promote the general well-being of its inhabitants, thereby ensuring that mountain range. Important rivers traversing the study area include the Breede the most effective and orderly planning is achieved for an area whereby River, Buffeljags River, Koornlands River, Sonderend River and Tradouwhoek changes, needs and growth in the area can be managed to the benefit of River. its inhabitants.

The SDF provides guidelines for the future development and conservation of the study area. This SDF therefore:

▪ is a statutory policy document – to guide decision-making; ▪ presents a management system – the management of conservation and development according to the objectives and policies; ▪ does not give land use rights nor does it take land use rights away.

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1.4 LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY CONTEXT

The Swellendam SDF is prepared within the context of a legislative and policy framework that guides the compilation of SDF’s. This chapter is not an exhaustive list of relevant legislation and policy, but highlights the key legislation and policy drivers that impact the SDF.

1.4.1 Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act, 2013

SPLUMA provides guidance on the content and process of preparing municipal spatial development frameworks (SDFs) (Sections 20 and 21). SDFs are premised on the principles of spatial justice, spatial sustainability, efficiency, spatial resilience and good administration. Section 21(c) of SPLUMA requires that municipal SDFs indicate the desired spatial growth and development pattern for the next 10 to 20 years. As per the Department of Rural Development SDF Guidelines (2014), the founding principles as set out in Section 7(a) to (e) of SPLUMA that apply to all SDFs are the following:

Spatial Justice: past spatial and other development imbalances must be redressed through improved access to and use of land by disadvantaged communities and persons. FIGURE 1.1: STUDY AREA Spatial Sustainability: spatial planning and land use management systems must promote the principles of socio-economic and 1.3 THE SDF AND THE IDP environmental sustainability through encouraging the protection of

prime and unique agricultural land; promoting land development in The Swellendam SDF is prepared in parallel with the development of the locations that are sustainable and limit urban sprawl; consider all Swellendam 2017-2022 Integrated Development Plan (IDP). current and future costs to all parties involved in the provision of

infrastructure and social services so as to ensure the creation of viable The SDF is a statutory requirement for all municipalities and forms a sectoral communities. plan component of the IDP. As part of the IDP review and preparation cycle, it

is envisaged that the Swellendam SDF will undergo annual review and further Efficiency: land development must optimise the use of existing development as required. resources and the accompanying infrastructure, while development application procedures and timeframes must be efficient and streamlined in order to promote growth and employment.

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Spatial Resilience: securing communities and livelihoods from spatial decision, cannot make a decision which is inconsistent with an SDF. dimensions of socio-economic and environmental shocks through This clause in the Act confers the SDF a status beyond just being a mitigation and adaptability that is accommodated by flexibility of guiding document. spatial plans, policies and land use management systems. Municipalities can now no longer approve development applications Good administration: all spheres of government must ensure an that are not consistent with the SDF, unless there are ‘site-specific’ integrated approach to land use and land development and all circumstances to justify this. departments must provide their sector inputs and comply with prescribed requirements during the preparation or amendments of If there are no site-specific circumstances to justify an inconsistent SDFs. development proposal, SPLUMA requires that the SDF be amended prior to an application being approved. This can only take place as part The five development principles must guide the preparation, adoption of the annual IDP amendment. and implementation of any SDF, policy or by-law concerning spatial planning and the development or use of land. 1.4.3 Local Government: Municipal Planning and Performance Management Regulations, 2001 1.4.2 Municipal Systems Act, 2000 The Local Government: Municipal Systems Act (32 of 2000): Local The requirement for a municipality to have a Spatial Development Government Municipal Planning and Performance Management Framework (SDF) initially arose through the Municipal Systems Act Regulations set out the requirements of an SDF that is to be included (Act 32 of 2000, MSA). in the Municipal IDP. The Act states that an SDF is a core component of an Integrated Development Plan (IDP). The MSA Regulations also set out the An SDF must: required content of an SDF and make the link between the SDF and a municipal land use management system. • set out objectives that reflect the desired spatial form of the municipality; The MSA places emphasis on the link between the SDF, the IDP and • contain strategies and policies indicating the desired spatial the Municipal Budget, by requiring that an SDF sets out a “capital patterns of land use, addressing the spatial reconstruction of investment framework for the municipality’s development the municipality and providing strategic guidance in respect of programmes”. the location and nature of development within the municipality; With the implementation of the Spatial Planning and Land Use • set out basic guidelines for a land use management system in Management Act (Act 16 of 2013, SPLUMA) and the Land Use Planning the municipality; Act (Act 3 of 2014, LUPA), the role and status of SDFs were expanded • set out capital investment framework for the municipality’s considerably. development programs;

• contain strategic assessment of the environmental impact of A critical aspect of SPLUMA as far as the legal status of SDFs is the SDF; concerned, is Section 22(1), which refers to how a Municipal Planning • identify programmes and projects for the development of land Tribunal or any other authority required to make a land development within the municipality; FEBRUARY 2020 3

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• be aligned with the SDF reflected in the IDPs of neighbouring They are: municipalities; • provide maps or plans indicating the desired spatial form of the i. The vision and municipal concept municipality, which illustrates where public and private land development and infrastructure investment should take place This section of the report presents the overarching strategic spatial where desired or undesired, areas where strategic intervention framework. It is founded on a common vision and a conceptual is required and areas where priority spending is required. plan indicating the main spatial components in a schematic form.

These aspects have therefore been addressed in this SDF to fulfil the ii. Municipal-wide theme-based policies requirements of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act (32 of 2000). Spatial development issues that have been identified at the municipal level are categorised into six main themes. Each of these themes contains spatial development: 1.5 APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY 1.5.1 Approach • goals and objectives for achieving these; • policies that explain how these objectives should be In terms of the current planning legislation, a municipality’s Spatial achieved; Development Framework needs to be reviewed every five years. • strategies and project proposals to execute / implement Changes in planning legislation and recent developments within the the plan to address the spatial issues and challenges municipal area have also necessitated the review of the previous Swellendam Spatial Development Framework. iii. Town-based sector strategies

As the SDF forms a critical component of the Swellendam Municipality Spatial development issues identified at a town level provides the IDP, an integrated process has been followed to ensure alignment basis for sector-based strategies and proposals. The strategies are between these processes. This approach presents specific challenges informed by the spatial concept, principles for implementing the especially in relation to time frames and coordination. concept and the strategic interventions in order to meet the three Preparing the SDF in parallel to the IDP is however critical to ensure goals, namely to protect, change or restructure and for growth and the relationship between different municipal planning instruments as development within each town. envisaged in the applicable legislation is strengthened. iv. Implementation priorities Further refinement of this process and improved coordination going forward should benefit the broader community and facilitate effective Each of the sections for the theme policies and the town-based and sustainable strategic and operational planning. section concludes with specific proposals, projects and or strategies which relates back to the IDP.

1.5.2 Methodology

The methodology followed in the compilation of proposals for the Swellendam Municipality can be categorised into five main levels.

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1.6 STRUCTURE OF THE DOCUMENT

This document presents the goals, objectives and policies that the SDF aims to achieve and translates them into practical strategies and proposals. These strategies are based on sound planning principles. The document concludes with spatial proposals for inclusion in the IDP which translates the strategies into spatial plans of action.

The structure of the report is as follows:

• Section 1: Introduction and Purpose of the SDF: Provides a brief background of the purpose of the SDF and the legislative context • Section 2: Contextual Assessment: This section sets out the policy and regional context of Swellendam within the Overberg District.

• Section 3: Status Quo Analysis: Presents an analysis of the biophysical and socio-economic environment as well as the urban settlements.

• Section 4: The Municipal Spatial Development Framework: This

section describes the overarching spatial vision for the Municipality

and contains high level strategies for future development.

• Section 5: Planning Proposals and Strategies: Local Level: This section contains more detailed proposals for each urban settlement within the Municipality.

• Section 6: Implementation and Capital Expenditure Framework: This

section has particular implications for the IDP process and lists

development priorities.

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2. CONTEXTUAL ASSESSMENT Africa. The landscape is dominated by gently to moderately undulating hills enclosed by mountains in the north and the ocean to the south. 2.1 INTRODUCTION As per official data from StatsSA, the region comprised a population of 286,786 This section presents a brief review of the regional context of Swellendam in 2016. The MERO 2016 predicts that the population is expected to increase Municipality and the background of higher-level spatial development policy to 291,150 by 2020. documents against which the Spatial Development Framework (SDF) is formulated. The intention is to provide a brief summary of the policy framework that has a bearing on the SDF. Key informants from each policy with implications for the SDF is listed. The intention of this section is not to provide either an exhaustive list of relevant policy, but to highlight the policy drivers that impact the SDF.

2.2 REGIONAL CONTEXT

Overberg is a region in South Africa to the east of Cape Town beyond the Hottentots-Holland mountains. It lies along the Western Cape Province's south coast between the Cape Peninsula and the region known as the Garden Route in the East (refer Figure 2.1).

Swellendam Municipality forms part of the Overberg District Municipality, a Category C Municipality, with its headquarters in Bredasdorp (refer Figure 2.2). The Overberg District Municipality includes the four local “B” municipalities of Cape Agulhas, Overstrand, Swellendam and Theewaterskloof.

The name, derived from Over 't Berg, means "over the (Hottentots-Holland) mountain" and is a reference to the region's location relative to Cape Town. The Overberg has always been considered as the breadbasket of the Cape and is largely given to grain farming, mainly wheat. The wheat fields are a major breeding ground for South Africa's national bird, the blue crane. Another important food farmed in the Overberg is fruit with Grabouw being the second FIGURE 2.1: REGIONAL CONTEXT: OVERBERG largest supplier of fruit in South Africa.

Nestled in the Overberg, one can find the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve (recognised and registered with UNESCO) populated with a large diversity of flowering plants not found anywhere else in the fynbos biome.

The major towns are Hermanus, Caledon, Bredasdorp, Grabouw and Swellendam and the region includes Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of FEBRUARY 2020 6

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FIGURE 2.2: REGIONAL CONTEXT

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2.3 POLICY CONTEXT • Building environmental sustainability and resilience with a strong focus on protecting the natural environment and enhancing The Swellendam SDF has been compiled within the context of a number of resilience of people and the environment to climate change. policy documents from a national, provincial and district level. The most important and relevant policy documents are briefly summarised below, arranged in order from a national to local level. 2.3.2 Integrated Urban Development Framework

The IUDF’s core objective is spatial transformation; drawing its mandate

2.3.1 National Development Plan 2030 from the NDP and the realisation that urbanisation is an increasing challenge, and indeed an opportunity, in South Africa. The IUDF In September 2012, the National Development Plan 2030: Our Future essentially proposes a growth model for all urban areas in South Africa Make It Work, was adopted as the vision and plan for the South Africa. that promotes compaction, connectedness and coordinated growth in The NDP aims to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030 whilst respect of land, transport, housing and job creation. guiding long-term development in South Africa. The end goal is to create efficient urban spaces by reducing the travel The NDP notes that increasing employment and improving the quality costs and improving public transport, aligning land use and transport of education are the highest priorities. It also identified three key planning, increasing densities and promoting mixed land uses so that demographic issues which need to be taken into account namely, people live and work in the same places and spaces. urbanisation, immigration and the stabilising HIV/AIDS infection rate. The IUDF provides Government’s policy framework for transforming The following aspects of the NDP fall within the competencies of local and restructuring South Africa’s urban spaces. It is guided by the vision government that should inform the Swellendam SDF: of creating “liveable, safe resource-efficient cities and towns that are socially integrated, economically inclusive and globally competitive, • The transformation of human settlements and the nation’s space where residents actively participate in urban life”. economy. Targets include more people living closer to their places of work; better quality public transport and more jobs in proximity Strategic goals include: to townships. Actions to be taken include stopping further housing • Spatial integration: To forge new spatial forms in settlement, development in marginal places, increasing urban densities and transport, social and economic areas; improving the location of housing, improving public transport, incentivizing economic opportunities in highly populated • Inclusion and access: To ensure people have access to social and townships and engaging the private sector in the gap housing economic services, opportunities and choices; market. • Growth: to harness urban dynamism for inclusive, sustainable • Building an inclusive rural economy by inter alia improving economic growth and development; infrastructure and service delivery and investing in social services and tourism. • Invest in economic infrastructure. • Building safer communities. FEBRUARY 2020 8

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• Governance: to enhance the capacity of the state and its citizens strategies that flow from these themes focus on strategic investment in to work together to achieve spatial and social integration. space economy, settlement restructuring and protecting the natural and cultural resource base.

FIGURE 2.4: THREE SPATIAL THEMES UNDERLYING THE PSDF AND THEIR ASSOCIATED ELEMENTS (PSDF, 2014) FIGURE 2.3: CORE ELEMENTS OF THE IUDF

The following PSDF policy statements have implications for the 2.3.3 Western Cape Provincial Spatial Development Framework, 2014 Swellendam SDF:

The PSDF gives spatial expression to the national and provincial • POLICY R1: Protect biodiversity and ecosystem services. development agendas, serves as a basis for coordinating, integrating and aligning ‘on the ground’ delivery of national and provincial • POLICY R2: Safeguard inland and coastal water resources and departmental programmes and supports municipalities to fulfil their manage the sustainable use of water. municipal planning mandate in line with the national and provincial • POLICY R3: Safeguard the Western Cape’s agricultural and mineral agendas. It communicates the Provincial Government’s spatial resources and manage their sustainable and productive use. development intentions to the private sector and civil society. The PSDF is driven by three major themes, namely growing the • POLICY R4: Recycle and recover waste, deliver clean sources of economy, using infrastructure investment to effect change and ensuring energy to urban households, shift from private to public transport the sustainable use of the provincial resource base. The policies and and adapt to and mitigate against climate change. FEBRUARY 2020 9

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• POLICY R5: Protect and manage provincial landscape and scenic delivery of facilities, services and housing and diversifying and assets. strengthening the rural economy.

• POLICY E1: Use regional infrastructure investment to leverage economic growth. 2.3.4 Western Cape Western Cape Land Use Planning Guidelines: Rural • POLICY E2: Diversify and strengthen the rural economy. Areas (2019)

• POLICY E3: Revitalise and strengthen urban space-economies as This document forms part of the roll-out of the PSDF. The objectives of the engine of growth. the Rural Areas Guideline are to: • POLICY S1: Protect, manage and enhance the provincial sense of place, heritage and cultural landscapes. • Promote sustainable development in appropriate rural locations • POLICY S2: Improve provincial, inter- and intra-regional throughout the Western Cape, and ensure the inclusive growth of accessibility. the rural economy. • POLICY S3: Ensure compact, balanced and strategically aligned • Safeguard priority biodiversity areas and the functionality of the activities and land uses. Province’s life supporting ecological infrastructure and ecosystem services (i.e. environmental goods and services). • POLICY S4: Ensure balanced and coordinated delivery of facilities and social services. • Maintain the integrity, authenticity and accessibility of the Western Cape’s significant farming, ecological, coastal, cultural • POLICY S5: Ensure sustainable, integrated and inclusive housing, and scenic rural landscapes, and natural resources. planning and implementation. • Assist Western Cape municipalities to plan and manage their rural areas more effectively, and to inform the principles of their zoning The PSDF contains broad-based proposals for regional development schemes and spatial development frameworks in a pro-active corridors, giving strategic directives that have a direct bearing on the manner. spatial development strategy for the Overberg and Cape Winelands Districts. On a regional level, a main transport corridor (road and rail) • Provide clarity to all role players and partners (public and private) has been identified which are of relevance to Swellendam, namely the: on the type of development that is appropriate beyond the current built-up areas, suitable locations where it could take place, and the • Breede River Valley Regional Development Corridor: Tulbagh – desirable form and scale of such development. Ceres – Worcester – Robertson - Swellendam combined road / • Be viewed as a gender mainstreaming tool which will move the rail infrastructure corridor (Cape Winelands District). Western Cape further along the trajectory towards the achievement of equality, particularly the youth and gender Implications for the Swellendam Municipality: equality imperatives in rural land use planning.

The Swellendam SDF will seek to align with the PSDF policy statements which promote the sustainable use and safeguarding of cultural and This guideline will therefore serve to improve coherence in how scenic assets, protecting biodiversity and inland water resources, Western Cape municipalities undertake rural land use planning, and developing integrated and sustainable settlements, ensuring balanced clarity regarding the contents of these plans and promote uniformity in

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how Western Cape municipalities manage the pressures for rural land The Overberg District SDF includes the following strategies and use change. proposals specifically formulated for Swellendam Municipality:

• Update the settlement hierarchy. The guideline document will therefore guide all land use application outside the urban edges demarcated for urban settlements in the • Indicate Swellendam as the highest order settlement in the Swellendam SDF. Municipality. • Refine and indicate the proposed bio-regions and related strategies, 2.3.5 The Overberg District Municipal Spatial Development Framework, - Langeberg; and, 2014 - Route 62. The Overberg District Municipal Spatial Development Framework • Refine and indicate the spatial planning categories (SPCs) and presents the vision for the District Municipality, which includes the related proposals. following: • Indicate tourism destinations in Swellendam • The area’s unique agricultural, environmental and urban qualities • Designate scenic routes including: must be maintained; - Tradouw Pass; and, • Private conservation areas must continue to be promoted with - R62. careful consideration of appropriate development rights to mobilise the necessary resources for veld rehabilitation and management; The Overberg District SDF also lists the following challenges and • Renosterveld linkage corridors across the Rûens linking remnant opportunities to inform the drawing up of sectoral SDPs for each town, patches not suitable for agriculture, should be encouraged; village or hamlet when the Local Municipal SDFs are reviewed or compiled: • These corridors can provide both a tourism opportunity as well as channels for faunal movement and seed transport; • Swellendam originally developed as an agricultural service • The tourist appeal and promotion of the various settlements centre at the junction of the regional routes from Worcester in should be promoted so as to increase awareness of them and the Breede River and Grabouw and Caledon in the Overberg; thereby help to improve the livelihoods of their residents, particularly those for whom these settlements may represent • It is prominently and strategically located on the N2 half way poverty traps; between Cape town and George, at the junction with the R60 to Worcester and N1 to Cape Town; • Development and tourism efforts should take advantage of the district’s close proximity to Cape Town as well as ensuring • Swellendam has a significant heritage component in which maximum benefits for local residents. norms such as the PSDF densification targets of Average Gross densities of 25du/ha (settlement dependent on public

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transport) or average gross 15du/ha should not be applied willy 2.3.6 Informants from Adjacent Municipalities nilly;

Swellendam Municipality is bordered by various other municipalities • There is an industrial area some 3kms to the south which is and cognisance must be taken of linkages between these areas. The rather far away from both sectors of the town; following municipal areas are listed:

• As with most towns in South Africa apartheid saw the • Cape Agulhas Municipality development of a low-income township, Railton, across a Situated to the southwest is the Cape Agulhas Municipality, with significant barrier, in this case the upgraded N2; the bulk of land situated on the common border being agricultural

in nature. • Although giving the sense of being spatially separated by its There are two major links between the municipalities, being the height above the original town and its location across the R319 Road that connects to the N2 National Road outside barrier created by the N2 the northern most sections of Railton Swellendam and the R317 that links to the N2 at Stormsvlei. Both are with in convenient walking distance (< 1 km) from the CBD. roads lead to Bredasdorp. There is also only one major road connection; The agricultural sector forms a large part of the economic sector in the Cape Agulhas Municipality. The protection of agricultural • Discussion should be held with SANRAL to see how to link resources is emphasised in the Cape Agulhas SDF and land uses Railton more strongly to the town considering a wide range of which depletes agricultural opportunity should be prevented. measures including bridges, amended road access guidelines A shared new landfill site for CAM and Swellendam Municipality is and possibly a change to a more urban roadside development under investigation. environment which permits better integration between north and south such as found in Riviersonderend; • Langeberg Municipality • If practicable, future development catering for housing Langeberg Municipality is situated to the northwest of Swellendam demand from Railton should be located in suitable land to the Municipality. The two municipalities are linked via the R60 which north of the N2. forms an important link between the N2 at Swellendam and Worcester via Ashton and Robertson. Measures to strengthen the • This will involve different housing design and project sizes to tourism sector between the municipalities should be explored. those seen hitherto which have been on a mass housing model producing identical dwelling units; • Kannaland Municipality • Rather a process could involve small builders building small Kannaland is located to the northeast of Swellendam and the two numbers of units in small projects around the town; and, municipalities are linked via Route 62. The R62 is heavily promoted as a tourism destination in its own right and provides a brand from • Special attention would need to be paid to the market targeted which tourism operations and settlements can benefit if properly design details so that the housing will fit on various small pieces promoted. The R62 links to Ladismith from Barrydale within the of vacant land as appropriately as possible into the surrounding Swellendam Municipality. context.

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• Theewaterskloof Municipality Theewaterskloof Municipality, to the west of Swellendam, is linked to Swellendam through the East-west Transport Corridor, which links the two Municipalities via the N2 National Road. Notwithstanding that the section of the east-west transport corridor between Caledon and Swellendam excludes rail-based transport, the advantages of this transport corridor should be optimized. Capturing of traffic as a source for tourism development in the towns along the N2. The economic advantages relate to road-based agricultural and tourism transport.

• Hessequa Municipality To the east of Swellendam lies Hessequa Municipality, also linked to Swellendam via the N2. Hessequa falls within the Eden District Municipality and is generally regarded as the start of the Garden Route, an important Section of the N2 from a tourism viewpoint. The two municipalities are also jointly responsible for managing activities and land uses along the Breede River, which forms a section of the the boundary between the two municipalities.

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FIGURE 2.5: OVERBERG DISTRICT SDF

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2.4 THE OVERBERG DISTRICT Water Management Area. Significant areas of invasive alien vegetation are found in these parts of the Breede River Water 2.4.1 Introduction Management Area. • The promotion of bio-diversity conservation and sustainable Swellendam Municipality forms an integral part of the Overberg District. environmental management based on bio-regional planning As such there is ongoing coordination and cooperation between the objectives is a critical issue. various municipalities within the district on different levels to address a number of issues, challenges and opportunities. These aspects are ii) Transport addressed in the following section. • The public transport sector is inadequate, especially in the rural areas of the Western Cape.

2.4.2 Goal and Objectives • Rail infrastructure in the Overberg district is underutilized. Increased use of rail for freight purposes should be promoted. Goal: Promote inter-municipal co-ordination to support sustainable use of natural resources and infrastructure. iii) Tourism

Objective 1: Manage and protect water resources, catchment areas • Upgrading and promoting the following tourism routes: and dams. ▪ Hermanus and Caledon in the Hemel and Aarde Valley Objective 2: Improve underutilised public transport infrastructure. ▪ Swellendam to Infanta ▪ Link to R62 at Barrydale via Suurbraak ▪ Villiersdorp to Riviersonderend via Genadendal and Greyton Objective 3: Develop a regional tourism and marketing strategy. ▪ Gans Bay to Bredasdorp and Agulhas via Elim

2.4.3 Key District Spatial Challenges / Issues iv) Land Reform and Rural development The following key spatial challenges were identified for the Overberg district within the context of the Western Cape Province: • The implementation of a workable land reform strategy to benefit previously disadvantaged persons, provide safe tenure I) Environmental of land for farm workers, and provide planning and support to emerging farmers. • The scarcity of water in the Western Cape and the potential • High levels of seasonal in-migration (agricultural and tourism impact of climate change on water resources which may related) into the Overberg district create high levels of eventually impact on economic growth, since agriculture is one unemployment during the out-of-season periods and places of the main employment sectors and the main economic sector economic strain on municipalities to provide basic services in the district. such as housing, water and sanitation. • Commercial forests in the Western portions of the Overberg and in the upper reaches of the Breede and Riviersonderend Rivers have notable impact on the run-off of the Breede River FEBRUARY 2020 15

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2.4.4 Water Resource Management • Afforestation should be monitored to determine the impacts • Considering the possible implications of climate change, it is on the ecological component of the reserve, groundwater important that the hydrological parameters in the Berg and Breede recharge and sensitive salinity balance. water management areas are monitored closely. Development • Considering the possible implications of climatic change, it is investment decisions should take into account the potential important that the hydrological parameters in the Berg and impacts of climate change on water resources. Breede water management areas are monitored closely. No • The forestry sector should be consulted to determine potential development or investment decisions should be made that impacts from afforestation. neglect to take into account the actual or potential effects of climatic change on water resources (2004: National Water Resource Strategy) i) Background • In general, there is sufficient yield available in the Breede water

management area to meet all existing water requirements. • Rivers Small surpluses currently exist in the upper Breede and Riviersonderend catchments. With the exception of the Kogelberg (Palmiet) river, most of the • With over 90% of water used for irrigation, it would be prudent rivers in the district are in a poor state categorised as critically for specific attention to be given to the continuous endangered. This status can be ascribed to poor riparian land improvement of irrigation practices and the maximisation of use management practices, including river bank ploughing, the benefits derived. removal of indigenous riparian vegetation, poor erosion • A water balance study is proposed to determine what water control, pollution by agricultural chemicals and abstraction. resources are available and the quantity of potential water The upper catchment areas are located in the Franschhoek and resources (unused) that could be allocated to new agricultural Riviersonderend mountains, located mostly within the projects and rural development initiatives. Theewaterskloof municipality. • The Municipality should draft Water Conservation/Demand

Management implementation plans in line with its strategies. • Catchments WC/DM interventions must be adapted to the economic

situation and geographic location of Swellendam. Surface water in the study area consists mainly of the

following catchment areas:

iii) Spatial Projects proposed for inclusion in the IDP ▪ Lower Breede catchment

▪ Riviersonderend catchment The Municipality should draft a Water Conservation/Demand ▪ Groot catchment Management implementation plan. ▪ Overberg East

ii) Strategies: Resource Management

A number of general measures and guidelines are proposed for

water resource management. They include:

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2.4.5 Transportation The N2 is the main transportation corridor within the district. At the centre of a corridor is the highest order arterial route that optimises • Improvement of inter-regional transport connectivity should focus mobility levels between economic centres along the route. The N2 on rail transport. route bisects the district and together with feeder routes provides • Improvement of inter-regional transport infrastructure should be relatively short linkages. Mobility from the catchment area to the N2 implemented to realise economic benefits and for tourism can be described as good. The application of this concept to the development. These interventions include proposals for scenic route region is important, as the notion is that increased mobility will classification and promotion of rail freight transport. contribute to increased levels of inter-urban economic activity and consequently, the enhancement of the economic potential of the district. i) Background • Rail network and rolling stock The Provincial Strategic Objective for Transport is: Ensuring safe and efficient transport, with strategic outcomes being: The rail network that exist in the Swellendam area crossed the study area in an east-west direction and effectively only links two towns,

namely Swellendam and Buffeljagsrivier. This has important - Reducing fatalities, implications for these centres in terms of industrial development and - Effecting a modal shift of passengers from private to public the location of agri-processing industries. transport and of freight from road to rail and - Reducing the road maintenance backlog. • Airports and landing strips SDF plans should therefore be aligned to these Objectives and in The largest airfield within the Swellendam Municipality is located accordance therewith. near Swellendam. A smaller, informal airstrip is located near

Barrydale. • Roads

• The road system is classified into: National distributor (Trunk), Harbours Primary distributor (Main), District distributor, Divisional and Local distributor (minor). Important new linkages currently constructed in Smaller harbours are located along the coast in the Overberg, namely the Overberg, are: Road between Caledon and Hermanus along the Hermanus, Struisbaai, Infanta, Gansbaai, Hawston and Kleinmond. Hemel and Aarde Valley. Road between Gansbaai and Bredasdorp The closest major ports are located in Cape Town and Mossel Bay. via Elim. The only harbour within the Swellendam municipal area is located at Infanta. Most of the District is served by a well-developed network of roads. The District has a well-developed inter-regional connector in the N2

while the intra-regional connector network also ensures a good ii) Strategies: Optimization of transport measure of connectivity in the region. SANRAL is proposing that certain sections of the N2 will be tolled and upgraded. • Roads

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2.4.6 Tourism The N2 is regarded as a major transport corridor, connecting Swellendam via Caledon to Cape Town. The high quality of rural i) Background landscapes in the district necessitates that certain roads should be classified as scenic routes. A landscape analysis and landscape According to the Swellendam Municipality’s IDP (2017-2022): management guidelines are therefore proposed. It is further proposed that a classification system of scenic routes is developed for routes. “Greater Swellendam includes seven towns, each with their unique identity. It is a beautiful area rich in history, heritage, nature, and Routes of extreme high scenic quality within Swellendam opportunities for action and adventure. There are many fascinating Municipality are: stories to be told and heard, many quirky characters to meet, and many exceptionally beautiful sites to visit. Hospitality (accommodation and restaurants) servicing tourists who use ▪ R60 from the intersection with the N2 at Swellendam Swellendam as a one-night stop to break the journey from Cape Town ▪ The R324 linking the N2 and the R62 at Barrydale to the Garden Route have traditionally defined the tourism sector in Swellendam. The proportion of overseas versus domestic tourists • Rail network visiting the local tourism information offices annually is 50/50, with most international tourists visiting between November and March and The demand for rail freight in the district is unknown. It is proposed domestic tourists visiting all year round. Seasonality is marked, with a that the use of rail freight as a mode of transport should be pronounced dip in the winter months of June to August, and the increased, not only to reduce road transport volumes, but also to average length of stay is short, at 1.2 nights.” increase agriculture export to the metro region. Investment in rail infrastructure can also contribute towards general economic growth After agriculture and (26%) and manufacturing (20%) tourism is the in Swellendam and Buffeljagsrivier and overall strengthening of the third largest contributor (5%) to employment in the Swellendam east-west transport corridor. municipal area. The importance of the latter to the municipal area is captured in the vision of the municipality’s latest IDP:

iii) Spatial projects proposed for inclusion in the IDP “To enhance the agriculture, tourism, heritage and conservation resources inherent to the varied natural and man-made landscapes of • Investigate the options for the improvement and promotion of rail- the Swellendam Municipality, from Karoo to coast, focusing on the based freight transport on the route between Swellendam / historical settlement of Swellendam, in the shadow of the Langeberg Buffeljagsrivier to the metropolitan area. Mountains and the confluence of the Riviersonderend and Breede • Demarcate scenic routes and formulate guidelines for the protection Rivers.” (Source: IDP 2017-2022, p. 75) of the landscape character along these routes. The aim is for Swellendam to become a leading tourism destination in the Western Cape and for tourism to have a tangible and positive impact on the economic prosperity of the region.

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A revised tourism strategy has been formulated for Swellendam • We are seeing many “new” travellers with a very focused or niche Municipality to ensure that this important economic sector is interest be it urban (short city breaks), lifestyle, solo-female, strengthened. special interest, foodies, “Bleisure”, cross-generational, family, millennial. ii) Swellendam Research Findings and Key Take-Outs • Health, wellness and sustainability are now important

considerations and we must present our region as the place to It was agreed that a new tourism strategy had to be informed by revive your life and reconnect with self, nature and others. current market research and what the media, trade and industry sentiments are about the region. The first of its kind regional research was conducted over a four-month period (November 2018 to March Core themes were identified to frame the destination’s marketing 2019). strategy and brand positioning. The following assets were identified as the strongest themes for the This study set out to collect four sets of empirical evidence to assist in region. the formulation of a new tourism strategy for Swellendam • Municipality: Tranquil nature • • Engagement with stakeholders and the community Agri: local produce • • A review of media sentiment about Swellendam (content analysis Lifestyle of media, including social media can provide a great deal of • People, culture & heritage information about the images projected of tourist destinations). • Adventure/Sport/Outdoor • A survey conducted among visitors to the region as well as tourists to the province in general • Location • A snap review of tour operators’ opinions on Swellendam as tourism region There was consensus that the Swellendam region should be positioned as an outdoor eventing mecca, really using the region’s natural assets like the ocean, rivers and mountains to their full The top 5 trends to exploit for Swellendam were identified as: potential and creating new attractions using the natural environment like a Coast to Klein Karoo Camino, a marathon (similar to Comrades) • The economic shift, which emphasises the importance of from Swellendam to Barrydale, more hiking trails, water based presenting the region’s value proposition through dynamic, value activities & family friendly cycling routes. for money packages targeted at specific niche segments. A regional event strategy with a 12 months event calendar and cross- • The growing importance of the web, social and influencer regional packaging to ensure the whole region benefits from extended marketing means the traveller is now the marketer and must be stays during events was also identified as an opportunity. firmly placed in the centre of our marketing strategies, plans and communication. iii) Situation Analysis - Tourism in Swellendam • Our story is our only truly unique selling point. The focus must be on the experiential, personal and memorable. There are seven towns, each a unique destination with its own set of attractions and opportunities for attracting more visitors. FEBRUARY 2020 19

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The Swellendam region’s strongest appeal lies within the combination • Red tape of experiences available, presented in an environment that is not yet • Lack of marketing and awareness fully discovered, over-developed or crowded. • Illegal tourism businesses The visitor can truly unwind, switch off, escape the pressure, noise and routine of life back home and find themselves again surrounded by • Lack of authentic experiences available/accessible to visitors nature and amongst friendly, interesting local communities renowned • Lack of collaboration for their down to earth hospitality. • Lack of parks and recreational space Whilst Swellendam as a region is not yet fully discovered or exploited • Loss of identity from a tourism perspective, it is important to manage development and growth carefully so that the very attributes that currently attract • Not family friendly and can attract even more visitors and development to the area do • Infrastructure not impact negatively on the region in the long run. The fact that the region is still wild, unspoilt and simple in its beauty • Maintenance and upkeep of tourism facilities and down to earth hospitality is exactly what makes it so appealing for • Water shortage (Barrydale) visitors. It is crucial to find and sustain a balance between tourism development and conservation.

Of particular importance is community development and inclusive tourism. Promoting and deliberately focusing on small businesses and community initiatives is well aligned with the identity of the region and what visitors now crave – real and meaningful, people-centered experiences.

Each town and community is different in character. Differentiation at this level is crucial and holds the key to the success and sustainability of tourism in the region.

Route development and packaging regional experiences to connect the various towns and communities and ensure a better dispersal of visitors, especially to lesser known areas are crucial. Setting up and engaging with local tourism industry forums or networks will help Swellendam Municipality maintain fresh localised content and creative marketing activations at community level.

Biggest current obstacles and challenges:

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3. STATUS QUO ANALYSIS 3.1.3 Vegetation in the Study Area

3.1 BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT One hundred and eight vegetation types occur in the Swellendam Municipal area. The lowland portions of the Swellendam Municipal area are 3.1.1 Introduction characterised by various forms of Renosterveld, most of which has been lost to transformation as a result of agriculture. The purpose of this section of the report is to: The vegetation in mountainous areas and higher lying portions of the Swellendam Municipal area is largely intact with relatively low levels of • Synthesize relevant information on the biophysical environment of degradation. the Swellendam Municipal area, as appropriate to spatial planning at the municipal-wide level. • Identify sensitive and conservation worthy areas in the Swellendam 3.1.4 Land Transformation in the Study Area Municipal area. Significant areas of natural vegetation have been lost, or “transformed”, though, largely, intensive agriculture in the Swellendam Municipal area. 3.1.2 Topography and Drainage Loss of natural habitat is frequently referred to as “transformation” by conservation or biodiversity planners. Loss of natural habitat occurs as The Swellendam Municipal area is transected in the northern parts by a result of urban development, crop agriculture, forestry plantations, the east-west aligned Langeberg Mountains, which form a significant most forms of mining, and most forms of industrial development. These topographic feature between the coastal plains to the south and the land uses usually result in irreversible loss of natural habitat – the Little Karoo to the north (Refer Figure 3.1). original biodiversity and ecosystem functioning can never be restored. Other land uses, such as grazing or harvesting of wild plants and animals, The lower lying coastal plains, which form an extensive part of the which result in some alteration of natural habitat, are consistent with Swellendam Municipal area, are characterised by an undulating maintaining ecosystem functioning if they are sustainably landscape. managed - such land uses usually do not result in irreversible loss of natural habitat. The study area is drained, in the main, by the Breede River which transects the Swellendam Municipal area in a generally northwest- southeast direction to its estuary at the coast at Witsand. A relatively small section of the Sonderend River, a major tributary of the Breede River, has its confluence with the Breede River in the western part of the Swellendam Municipal area. The Buffeljags River, another significant tributary of the Breede River in the Swellendam Municipal area, drains a portion of the Langeberg Mountains to the east of Swellendam.

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FIGURE 3.1: TOPOGRAPHY AND DRAINAGE

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3.1.5 Protected Natural Areas and Areas under Conservation Management • Conservancies There are a number of protected areas in the Swellendam Municipality. This includes protected areas under public and private management Conservancies in the study area are: (Refer Figure 3.2). • Grootvadersbosch Conservancy. • Lower Breede River Conservancy. • Private Nature Reserves • Hessakwaskloof Conservancy.

Private Nature Reserves in the study area are: • World Heritage Sites • Kanaland Private Nature Reserve. • Hasekraal Private Nature Reserve. World Heritage Sites in the study are: • Botterboom Private Nature Reserve. • Grootvadersbosch (Boosmansbos) Wilderness Area. • Klipfontein Private Nature Reserve. • San Sebastian Private Nature Reserve. • Jan Malherbe Private Nature Reserve.

• Provincial Nature Reserves

Provincial Nature Reserves in the study area are:

• Warmwaterberg Nature Reserve.

• Boosmansbos Wilderness Area. • Marloth Nature Reserve. • Zuurberg Nature Reserve. • Riviersonderend Nature Reserve.

• National Parks

National Parks in the study area are: • Bontebok National Park.

• Mountain Catchment Areas

Mountain Catchment Areas in the study area are: • Langeberg-East Mountain Catchment Area. • Langeberg-West Mountain Catchment Area. • Riviersonderend Mountain Catchment Area. FEBRUARY 2020 23

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FIGURE 3.2: PROTECTED NATURAL AREAS

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3.1.6 Ecological Support Areas in the Study Area Swellendam Municipal area, but to ensure that that diversity persists into the future. One way of ensuring persistence is to protect key

ecological corridors so that species can move between different Ecological Support Areas (ESAs) are supporting zones that are required habitats, evolve over time and adapt to a changing climate. to prevent the degradation of Critical Biodiversity Areas and formally

Protected Areas. An ESA may be an ecological process area that connects and therefore sustains Critical Biodiversity Areas or a CBAs are identified through a systematic biodiversity (or conservation) terrestrial feature, eg the riparian habitat surrounding and supporting plan, which is based on the principles of representation and persistence aquatic Critical Biodiversity Areas. mentioned above, and relies on detailed maps (GIS layers) showing where different biodiversity features are located, as well as patterns of land use (eg human settlements, agriculture, natural veld). A systematic In general terms, ESAs comprise: biodiversity plan aims to achieve all biodiversity targets in the most • Areas required to prevent degradation of Critical Biodiversity spatially efficient configuration (ie in the smallest area possible). Areas and formal Protected Areas. • Remaining catchment and other process areas (river, fire etc) that are required to prevent degradation of Critical Biodiversity Areas Since biodiversity underpins a broad range of ecosystem goods and and formally Protected Areas. services such as reliable water yield, water quality, flood regulation, • Areas that are already transformed or degraded, but which are pollination, and coastal buffering and protection, its conservation and currently or potentially still important for supporting ecological the maintenance of ecosystem functioning simultaneously safeguards processes, eg transformed or alien plant infested areas that have those services on which people in the Swellendam Municipal area may transformed or degraded the natural buffer area of a wetland or depend now or in future. river. These areas are a focus for rehabilitation rather than the intensification of land uses. If all the Critical Biodiversity Areas in the Swellendam Municipal area were maintained in a natural state, then the biodiversity targets would 3.1.7 Critical Biodiversity Areas in the Study Area be met. That is, our natural heritage would be protected. The current rapid extinction of species, many of which are found nowhere else in CBAs are areas of natural features on land and/or containing water (eg the world, would halt, and ecosystems would continue to provide those patches or remnants of indigenous vegetation, wetlands, rare species goods and services on which human wellbeing depends. habitat) which are critical for conserving biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem functioning. These CBAs should thus be kept in, or restored to, their natural state (refer Figure 3.3).

In order to determine which natural areas are most critical to conserve, quantitative targets are established. These targets reflect the best scientific understanding of how much of each feature (e.g. vegetation type, wetland type, population size of rare species) is required not only to represent the rich diversity of flora and fauna currently found in the FEBRUARY 2020 25

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FIGURE 3.3: CRITICAL BIODIVERSITY AREAS FEBRUARY 2020 26

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3.1.8 Principal Implications for Spatial Planning considerations that need to be taken into account in decision- making on land use in these ecosystems.

The principal implications for spatial planning are that: • In all areas, legal obligations to manage the spread of alien

vegetation in remaining natural habitat should be fulfilled. • In areas designated as critical biodiversity areas, further loss of

natural habitat should be avoided. The remaining fragments of • Means of strengthening the contribution to biodiversity natural habitat in these ecosystems are of national importance. conservation of those areas surrounding and/or adjacent to the Every attempt should be made to avoid loss or disturbance of special areas already under (differing levels of) formal conservation biodiversity features. management, through appropriate land use practices, should be

sought. • In critically endangered ecosystems, further loss of natural habitat

should be avoided. The remaining fragments of natural habitat in these ecosystems are of national importance. Every attempt should The Municipal area is divided into a number of SPCs which form the be made to avoid loss or disturbance of special biodiversity features. basis for planning, land use and management

• In endangered ecosystems, further loss of natural habitat should be 3.1.9 Spatial Planning Categories avoided. Where loss of natural habitat is inevitable, every attempt should be made to minimise further fragmentation of the remaining natural habitat. It is important to keep tracts of natural habitat The conceptual framework helps to identify spatial planning categories intact, to assist the maintenance of ecosystem functioning. Every for Land Use Management. attempt should be made to avoid loss or disturbance of special Within the urban nodes the existing town planning schemes / Land Use biodiversity features. Management Schemes (LUMS) containing the current existing real rights on the land will form the basis of detailed Land Use Management • In vulnerable ecosystems, loss of natural habitat should be carefully Systems (LUMS). weighed up. The rate of habitat loss in these ecosystems should be The Spatial Planning Categories (SPCs) provide the basis for managing monitored, and the cumulative impacts of different projects or rural land uses (Refer Figure 3.4). The general conditions guiding what developments that result in loss of natural habitat should be borne activities may occur within each category are set out in the Provincial in mind. It is important to consult ecological process layers and Spatial Development Framework. special habitat layers where these are available. Every attempt should be made to avoid loss or disturbance of special biodiversity features.

• In least threatened ecosystems, there are usually lower levels of

pressure on biodiversity. Nevertheless, every attempt should be made to avoid loss or disturbance of special biodiversity features. There are many broader environmental and aesthetic

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FIGURE 3.4: SPATIAL PLANNING CATEGORIES

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The SPCs should be used as a guide to promote their alignment with When a property is proclaimed as a conservancy or stewardship area LUMS over time through rezoning and subdivision applications. The those portions to be used purely for conservation purposes should be intention is thus not to restrict land use rights but to guide land use proclaimed Core 1 SPC and those portions containing accommodation applications. or buildings should remain Buffer Zone.

i) Core 1a: Formally protected conservation areas iv) Buffer: Ecological Support areas and Other Natural Areas

Core SPC comprising formally protected natural areas including large Large areas of vegetation do not comprise CBAs but their responsible Core Biodiversity Areas (CBAs), as identified by SANBI. SANBI proposes grazing management in terms of improving their bio-diversity can create that CBAs should be designated Core 1 conservation areas. However, no a double benefit by improving stock carrying capacity as well as form of conventional urban development, i.e. urban related activity is vegetation quality. These areas can also be used for game farming, permitted in a Core 1 SPC. It is likely to be necessary to promote low- tourism and hunting. key eco-tourism development to assist with funding requirements. For this reason, Buffer 1 should rather be proposed for privately owned This SPC should accommodate activities and uses directly related to the CBAs that could be developed (i.e. resorts) to begin with. primary agricultural enterprise such as homesteads, agricultural buildings and worker accommodation, etc. As a provincial guideline (to

be considered on individual application basis), one additional non- ii) Core 1b: CBAs outside of formally protected conservation areas alienable dwelling unit per 10ha (up to a maximum of five per farm) may

be permitted. Such dwelling units do not include those used for bona- SANBI has identified a number of CBAs containing important vegetation fide agricultural purposes. Appropriate ancillary rural activities (holiday fragments that require protection. Formal protection of these areas accommodation, restaurant, function venue facilities, farmstalls, home poses a formidable challenge. occupation, wineries, olive pressing, riding schools) that do not detract

from farming production may also be allowed. iii) Core 2: River and wetland corridors and Estuaries No further subdivisions below minimum farm size (as determined by the A key aspect of environmental sustainability is the protection of river Department of Agriculture) should be permitted. systems and water bodies, many of which are in a medium to highly altered state as identified by SANBI. For this reason, the municipality v) Agriculture / Transformed needs to limit bank side ploughing and development in the high

catchments to the greatest extent possible. The 1:50 year flood line or, Agriculture is an important employer and contributor to the local in its absence, a minimum 32m is proposed as the setback zone from economy. This use only comprises 43% of the land in the Overberg the banks of all river and water bodies unless otherwise delineated by district, much of it under irrigation, and should be protected to the ecological setback lines. greatest extent possible. This land will also be an important resource in Coastal management lines have been be determined in line with the terms of food security in the long term. Integrated Coastal Management Act. These also apply to estuaries as

per this Act. This SPC should accommodate activities and uses directly related to the

primary agricultural enterprise such as homesteads, agricultural Funds for alien vegetation removal that also have benefits in terms of buildings and worker accommodation, etc. As a provincial guideline (to improving water quality and quantity can also be mobilised. be considered on individual application basis), one additional non- FEBRUARY 2020 29

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alienable dwelling unit per 10ha (up to a maximum of five per farm) may area within which activities identified in terms of section 21(1) of be permitted. Appropriate ancillary rural activities (holiday that Act may not be undertaken without an authorisation; accommodation, restaurant, function venue facilities, farmstalls, home (b) any part of the littoral active zone that is not coastal public occupation, wineries, olive pressing, riding schools) that do not detract property; from farming production may also be allowed. (c) any coastal protection area, or part of such area, which is not coastal public property; No further subdivisions below minimum farm size (as determined by the (d) any land unit situated wholly or partially within one kilometre of Department of Agriculture) should be encouraged. the high-water mark which, when this Act came into force— (i) was zoned for agricultural or undetermined use; or vi) Urban Development (ii) was not zoned and was not part of a lawfully established township, urban area or other human settlement; This includes the areas that are or will be used for urban related (e) any land unit not referred to in paragraph (d) that is situated activities. All these areas should be included in a defined Urban Edge. wholly or partially within 100 metres of the high-water mark; Gross average densities should be increased to 25du/ha in larger (f) any coastal wetland, lake, lagoon or dam which is situated wholly settlements requiring public transport. This will make these transport or partially within a land unit referred to in paragraph (d)(i) or (e); facilities viable, increase thresholds for supporting business (g) any part of the seashore which is not coastal public property, opportunities and generally result in more efficient use of including all privately owned land below the high-water mark; infrastructure. (h) any admiralty reserve which is not coastal public property: or In small rural settlements where no public transport is required gross (i) any land that would be inundated by a 1:50 year flood or storm average densities of 15du/ha should be strived for. event. In specific cases densification studies can be prepared to develop area appropriate densification policy guidelines which are sensitive to the Development should be located in such a manner that it is not affected unique character of an area (biodiversity and heritage aspects). by potential hazards. This will require the determination of setback lines In some instances, e.g. small-scale intensive agriculture, market gardens and buffer zones. / allotments, may be located within the Urban Edge to support food No development may take place within determined setback lines. security. The Urban Edge should enclose sufficient land to accommodate a settlement’s growth for the next 10 – 20 years after Estuary Management plans should be prepared for the current densification has occurred. estuaries. These management plans should highlight the importance of fresh water inflows into estuaries. Impacts of human activities which vii) Estuaries could affect the inflow of freshwater include agricultural activities along rivers and the construction of dams. Water quality can also be The developments along the edges of estuaries should adhere to the compromised through contaminants (toxic organic compounds, heavy policies and standards set out in the Integrated Coastal Management metals, nutrients, etc.). The Estuary Management Plans should Act. The definition of the coastal protection zone as per the Integrated affectively address these concerns and manage any perceived Coastal Management Act is: detrimental impacts.

(a) land falling within an area declared in terms of the Environment Two setback lines have been defined: Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989), as a sensitive coastal

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No Development (Coastal Processes) Setback Line: Not having The population of Swellendam Municipality is expected to grow to development seaward of this line is considered non-negotiable as it will approximately 48 106 by 2023, 53 815 by 2028 and 56 117 by 2030. result in damage to development, negative impacts (erosion) on the coast or high maintenance costs for reasons other than coastal The estimated average growth rate within Swellendam Municipality processes. between 2018 and 2023 is expected to be 2,17%; between 2023 and 2028 it is expected to be 2,24% and lastly between 2028 and 2030 it is Limited or Controlled Development Setback Line: Development can be expected to be 2,1% (Refer Table 3.1 and Figure 3.5). allowed seaward of this line providing aesthetics, heritage and bio- From the table one can see that the population growth rate of Barrydale diversity priorities are taken into account. between 2001 and 2011 was almost double that of the town of Swellendam, which had a population growth rate of 2.6% over the same 3.2 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT period. Between 2011 and 2016, the population growth rate of Barrydale remained high at 4.6% however it was the only settlement in The purpose of this section is to provide an overview of the prevailing socio- Swellendam which saw a decline in its growth rate. economic conditions in Swellendam Municipality, drawing on the latest data In 2011 approximately 66.6% of the total population of Swellendam that is available. Municipality fell within what is classified as the “Working Age” Group. In 2019 it is anticipated that this figure will decrease to 64% of the total 3.2.1 Demographic Profile Swellendam Municipal population. This decrease in the percentage of people of “Working Age” relative to children and the aged, leads to an Demographics is broadly defined as the study of population dynamics increased dependency ratio. The greater the dependency ratio the more which is significantly influenced by a wide array of factors such as birth strain is placed on those in the “Working Age” category to support their and death rates, migration patterns, age, race, gender and life economic dependents. It also means that there are relatively fewer expectancy. people from whom revenue can be collected for basic services. Demographics are a decisive factor in shaping our current socio- economic reality and is therefore critical when developing long term strategic plans.

According to StatsSA, the total population for Swellendam Municipality in 2001 was 28 285. This number increased to 35 916 in 2011. This represents an annual growth rate of 2,39% per annum. This growth rate is higher than the National Growth rate of 1.5% per annum over the same period, but slightly lower than the population growth rate of the Western Cape over the same period which was 2.5% per annum.

The average annual growth rate for the District Municipality was marginally lower than the Municipal average, at 2,36%. By 2016, the Community Survey and the Mid- Year Population Estimates of StatsSA estimated that there were 40 716 people living in Swellendam Municipality.

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Settlement Population Growth Rate Population Growth Community MYPE 2018 Population Population Population (2001) per annum (2011) Rate per Survey (2016) estimate 2023 estimate 2028 Estimate 2030 (2001 – 2011) annum Barrydale 2444 5.3% 4156 4.6% 5233 5546 6183 6916 7212

Buffeljagsrivier 1133 2.4% 1439 2.5% 1631 1729 1927 2156 2248 Infanta 72 2.2% 90 2.3% 101 107 120 134 140 Malgas 35 2.3% 44 2.55% 50 53 59 66 69

Suurbraak 1918 1.6% 2252 1.78% 2462 2610 2909 3254 3393 Swellendam 13557 2.6% 17537 2.66% 20040 21241 23678 26488 27621 Swellendam Rural 9126 1.3% 10398 1.48% 11 198 11 869 13230 14801 15434 TOTAL 28 285 2.38% 35 916 2.5% 40 716 43156 48106 53815 56117 TABLE 3.1: POPULATION PROJECTIONS TO 2030 (BASED ON WORK BY STATISTICS SOUTH AFRICA AND DEA&DP)

What is interesting from Table 3.2 below is that the greatest change in terms of the percentage of the population in a particular age category, 5,3 lies within the grouping of 65 years and above. This age category shows 4,6 a steady increase in terms of its percentage of the total population, whereas the other groupings are stagnant or declining. This trend, whilst common across the country, points to the need to ensure that the elderly are catered for in the provision of facilities and services. 2,6 2,552,662,5 2,32,4 2,3 Another way of depicting this information is shown in Table 3.3 below. 2,2 1,78 Here one can see that the dependency ratio was at 50.2% in 2011 and it 1,6 1,3 1,48 increased to 56.4% in 2019. It is anticipated to be 56.9% in 2024. The very similar dependency ratio between 2019 and 2024 would seem to indicate that the dependency ratio may be stabilising rather than continually increasing. 2001- 2011 2011-2016 Barrydale Buffeljagsrivier Infanta Malgas Suurbraak Swellendam Rural

Swellendam

FIGURE 3.5: POPULATION PROJECTIONS TO 2030 (BASED ON WORK BY STATISTICS SOUTH AFRICA AND DEA&DP)

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Year Children Working Age Aged Total population Based on the Community Survey 2016, household size dropped to an 0-14 years 15-64 years 65+ for the average of 3.4 occupants per household. Between 2001 and 2016 Municipality therefore there has been a slow but steady drop in household size in Swellendam Municipality. 2011 26% 66.6% 7.28% 35 918 If one assumes that the average household size in Swellendam Municipality remains the same as that between 2011 and 2016, namely 2019 26.4% 64% 9.62% 44 297 at 3.4 occupants per household, it is projected that the number of households in the Municipality will increase to approximately 16 505 by 2024 25.69% 64% 10,58% 50 204 the year 2030. TABLE 3.2: PERCENTAGE OF THE POPULATION PER AGE CATEGORY

HOUSEHOLDS Number of Number of Number of HH HH Community Households Households Households size size Survey HH 2001 2011 2016 2001 2011 size 2016

Barrydale 676 1101 1388 3.6 3.8 3.7

Buffeljagsrivier 268 354 412 4.2 4.1 4.0 TABLE 3.3: CHANGES IN THE DEPENDENCY RATIO FOR SWELLENDAM MUNICIPALITY BETWEEN 2011 AND 2024 Infanta 30 33 35 2.4 2.7 2.9 Malgas 16 21 24 2.2 2.1 2.0 Suurbraak 507 569 611 3.8 4.0 4.0 Swellendam 3.2.2 Household Growth 2416 2888 3209 3.8 3.6 3.8 Rural Swellendam 3773 5172 6118 3.6 3.4 3.3 In order to ensure service delivery and ascertain the extent of land that Total 7686 10139 11798 3.7 3.5 3.4 is required to house future development it is important that information TABLE 3.4: NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS – SWELLENDAM MUNICIPALITY is provide on the number of households anticipated within the Municipality.

According to Stats SA, there were 10139 households in Swellendam Municipality in 2011. Given that there were 35916 people in the Municipality at this time, this equates to an average of 3.5 people per household. This is a slight decrease from the number of people per household in 2001, when it was estimated that there were 7686 households in Swellendam Municipality, which calculated to an average of 3.7 people per household.

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Household Projections INCREASE IN NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS **assuming 3.4 people per household (2016 CS) Barrydale Buffeljagsrivier Infanta Settlement No. of No. of Number of Number of Number of households households households households households Malgas Suurbraak Swellendam Rural 2011 2016 2023 2028 2030 Swellendam

Barrydale 1101 1388 1818.5 2034 2121 7000 Buffeljagsrivier 354 412 566.7 634 661 6000 Infanta 33 35 35.29 39 41 Suurbraak 569 611 855.5 957 997.9 5000 Swellendam 2888 3209 3891 4353 4539 Rural 4000 Swellendam 5172 6118 6964 7790 8123.8 3000 Total 10 118 11 774 14 130.99 15 807 16 483.7 TABLE 3.5: HOUSEHOLD PROJECTIONS – SWELLENDAM MUNICIPALITY 2000

NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS OF NUMBER 1000 HOUSEHOLD SIZE OVER TIME 0 Barrydale Buffeljagsrivier Infanta 2001 2011 2016 Malgas Suurbraak Swellendam Rural YEARS Swellendam FIGURE 3.7: INCREASE IN NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS 4,5

4 3.2.3 The Economy

3,5 Economic Activity within a municipality is important as the ability of 3 households to pay for services such as water, electricity, sanitation and refuse removal depends on income generated from economic activities. HOUSE HOLD SIZE HOUSESIZE HOLD 2,5 A slowdown in economic activity may result in job losses and the 2 inability of households to pay for services, leading to reduced municipal 2001 2011 2016 revenue. Information on sectoral growth and employment, is useful for YEAR municipalities revenue and expenditure projections.

The Swellendam Municipal area has the smallest economy in the FIGURE 3.6: HOUSEHOLD SIZE Overberg District. The town of Swellendam is the main economic hub,

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with other settlements providing services to the local agricultural industry. Swellendam sectoral GDPR and employment contribution , 2017 (%) In 2017, the Swellendam economy was valued at R2.6million and is estimated to have grown by 1.8% in 2018, to R2.7 billion. Agriculture, Forestry and fishing The local economy of Swellendam Municipality is dominated by the finance and business services sector (R531.8 million or 22.4%), followed Mining and Quarrying by wholesale and retail trade, catering and accommodation sector Manufacturing (R467.7 million or 19.7%), agriculture, forestry and fishing sector Electricity, gas and water (R260.1 million or 11%, general government (R254.3million or 10.75%) Construction and transport and storage (R234.3million or 9.9%) Combined these top 5 sectors contributed R1.75 billion (or 73.7%) to the Swellendam Wholesale and Retail Trade,…

municipal economy , which was estimated to be worth R2.37 billion in Transport, Storage and… Economic Sector 2016. (This information was sourced from the 2018 SEP-LG for Finance , Insurance, Real Estate and… Swellendam). General Government Top Five contributors to the economy of Community, social and personal… Swellendam Municipal 2016 0 5 10 15 20 25 Percentage

9,9 Contribution to Employment Contribution to GDPR 22,4 10,7 FIGURE 3.9: SECTORAL GDPR AND EMPLOYMENT CONTRIBUTION

11 19,7 3.2.4 Labour

The agriculture, forestry and fishing sector contributed the most jobs in Finance and Business Services 2016, namely 3778 jobs (22.5%), followed by the wholesale & retail Wholesale & retail trade, catering and accommodation trade, catering and accommodation sector with 3521 jobs (20.9%); Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing finance and business with 2913 jobs (17.3%); community and social services with 2610 jobs (15.5%) and general government with 1623 jobs General Government (9.7%). Transport and Storage Despite contributing the most jobs in 2016, the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing sector was the one sector which reported net job losses between FIGURE 3.8: CONTRIBUTORS TO ECONOMY 2006 and 2016 (2161 jobs were lost in this time). This is a major concern

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for Swellendam Municipality considering that this sector is such a 2015. It is estimated that it reached 7.9% in 2017. The Municipal significant contributor to the economy. The financial and business unemployment rate is however the lowest in the District. services sector contributed the largest increase in jobs between 2006 and 2016. The figure below plots the unemployment rates in Swellendam Municipality, the Overberg District and the Western Cape. Although the In 2017 the local economy employed 17 262 people, this is estimated to paths of the District and the Municipality are very similar, it would have grown to 17 590 in 2018, an increase of 1.9% or 328 jobs. appear that the unemployment rate within Swellendam Municipality is increasing at a slightly slower speed than that of the District itself. The Top Five contributing sectors to jobs in Swellendam unemployment rate in the Municipality is also significantly less that than that of the Western Cape as a whole. Municipality in 2016 Unemployment rates (%)

15,5 17,3 20 18 18,2 9,7 17,4 20,9 16 16,1 16,2 15,5 15,7 15,8 15,7 22,5 14 13,8 14,2 13,3 12,9 12 11,8 11,1 Finance and Business Services 10,5 10 9,7 10 10 9,8 9,8 Wholesale & retail trade, catering and accommodation 8 8,3 7,9 7,4 7,5 7,4 7,5 7,6 Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing 6,9 7,1 6,8 6 6 6,2 6,4 5,5 General Government UNEMPLOYEDPERCENTAGE 5 5,1 4 Community and Social Serivce 2 FIGURE 3.10: SECTOR JOB CONTRIBUTION 0

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 YEAR 3.2.5 Unemployment Swellendam Municipality Overberg District Western Cape

The unemployment rate in Swellendam Municipality has been steadily rising over the last decade. It started off at 5.0% in 2006, reaching 7.5% FIGURE 3.11: UNEMPLOYMENT RATE in 2011. Thereafter it hovered around 7.0% until dropping to 6.8% in

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3.2.6 Skills Analysis 3.2.8 Income Distribution

Swellendam’s economy shed jobs during the financial crisis in 2008 and The unequal distribution of income and wealth within an economy is in the aftermath of that in 2009 and 2010. In total the economy lost estimated by using the Gini Coefficient. 1120 jobs during this period. The number of jobs lost was however In 2018, the Gini Coefficient of the District was relatively high at 0.608, recovered in 2013. The highest portion of jobs lost were low-skilled, yet however this is lower than that of the Province at 0.614. The Gini the highest proportion of jobs created in subsequent years barring 2015, Coefficient for Swellendam in 2018 was 0.587. Of concern is the fact that were semi-skilled. across the District the Gini Coefficient is increasing over time rather than Swellendam’s economy has consistently created semi-skilled and skilled decreasing. For Swellendam it increased from 0.548 in 2012 to 0.565 in jobs, however the same cannot be said for low skilled jobs. One possible 2015 to 0.587 in 2018. As with the District, the Gini Coefficient across reason for the lack of low skilled jobs is that the agriculture, forestry and the province is increasing, albeit at a slower pace. For ease of reference fishing sector, a significant player in the employment of low skilled a linear chart showing this information is included below. labour, has shed jobs rather than created them. Despite growing 2.1% in the ten-year period 2008 – 2017, the sector lost 1 671 jobs, 31% of Income Inequality 2008 levels. This would seem to suggest that the levels of mechanisation 0,64 are increasing resulting in the loss of low skilled jobs, even though the sector itself is growing. 0,614 0,62 0,604 0,606 0,608

0,6 0,588 0,587 0,572 3.2.7 Household Income 0,58 0,565

0,56 0,548 According to the 2019 MERO, the average monthly household income

in the Overberg District in 2017 was R13 700. This is slightly higher than Coefficient Gini 0,54 the average monthly income for households in Swellendam 0,52 Municipality, which was R13 556. Both the District and Swellendam Municipality fell well below the Provincial average monthly household 0,5 income of R18 611. 2012 2015 2018 The average monthly household income for Swellendam saw a 0.6% Year growth between 2008 and 2017, whereas at the District Level the average monthly household income has not increased since 2008. Western Cape Overberg Swellendam Municipality was the only municipality in the District, other Swellendam Linear (Western Cape) than Theewaterskloof whose average monthly household income level increased during this time. Theewaterskloof saw an increase of 0.3 Linear (Overberg) Linear (Swellendam ) percent. FIGURE 3.12: INCOME INEQUALITY

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3.2.9 Human Development Index 3.3 BUILT ENVIRONMENT: URBAN SETTLEMENTS AND HIERARCHY

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite indicator reflecting 3.3.1 Introduction education levels, health and income, used to assess the relative level of socio-economic development in countries. The HDI is represented by a The approach towards the formulation of a strategic economic growth number between 0 and 1, where 1 represents a high level of human and development vision of towns and rural settlements is to establish a development and 0 represents no human development. There has been functional hierarchy between all towns and the interregional and a general increase in the HDI in Swellendam, Overberg and the whole of intraregional relationships between these locations. Understanding the the Western Cape between 2011 and 2017. In 2017, the HDI for functional linkages between towns contributes towards identifying their Swellendam was sitting at 0.70. lower than the District average of 0.71. economic strengths and to optimise the relationships that exist to extract economic growth and development potential. The pattern of development in the municipality can broadly be 3.2.10 Municipal Finances described as follows:

• Development consists of two main categories, namely urban nodes The financial status of Swellendam Municipality, both currently and and rural settlements. what is anticipated for the future is a key consideration when • Urban nodes are mainly located along the N2 and other major developing proposals and assessing the implementation capacity of routes. these proposals included in the MSDF. The National Treasury site • Rural settlements are randomly located through the hinterland (https://municipaldata.treasury.gov.za) indicates that the municipal and also along the Breede River. finances of Swellendam are satisfactory, with the Municipality

consistently getting unqualified audits. The largest proportion of municipal expenditure between 2015 and 2018 was on Governance, 3.3.2 Hierarchy and Role of the Settlements Administration, Planning and Development with the budget for 2019 supporting this trend. Classification of urban nodes and settlements provides an It is interesting to note that the amount of spending on electricity over understanding of their role and function. The functions that a town the same time period, was very similar to that of Governance, performs also reflect the hierarchy of the settlement. A higher order Administration, Planning and Development. During the same time function is associated with a greater number of people utilising that period, the largest proportion of income generation for Swellendam node. Municipality, was through Services Charges. The income generated The hierarchy of nodes in Swellendam is as follows: through Government Transfers for Operating Expenditure was less than half that of Service Charges, over the same time period. In third and fourth place in terms of income generation were property rates and licences and fines. It is clear from the sources of income that Swellendam Municipality exhibits high levels of self-sufficiency, with relatively low reliance on Government Transfers for both operating and capital expenses.

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be classified as follows: HIERARCHY OF NODES

Settlement Hierarchy Order CLASSIFICATION OF TOWNS st Swellendam Regional Node 1 Settlement Population Settlement

Barrydale Local Node 2nd (e2018) classification

Suurbraak, Buffeljagsrivier Rural Node 3rd Swellendam 21241 Primary Regional Service Centre Malagas, Infanta, Rietkuil, Rural settlement 4th 20 000 – 70 000 Rheenendal, Stormsvlei, Barrydale 5546 Secondary Regional Ouplaas/Wydgeleë Service Centre 5 000 – 20 000 Buffeljagsrivier 1729 Rural settlements TABLE 3.6: HIERARCHY OF NODES Suurbraak 2610 with threshold to support permanent The positive effects of a well-managed development pattern are varied, social services and include, amongst others: 1000 - 5000 Malagas, Infanta, Rietkuil, < 1000 Rural settlements Rheenendal, Stormsvlei, without threshold to • to ensure a well-balanced development pattern and to promote Ouplaas/Wydgeleë support permanent economies of scale; social service < 1000 • to guide decision making for the equitable distribution of development to promote the sustainability of nodes and TABLE 3.7: HIERARCHY OF NODES settlements; • to increase employment by maximizing development ii) Comparative Advantage of Towns opportunities; • to protect sensitive environmental areas, prime and unique Locational investment and local economic (LED) development agricultural land and thereby broadening the municipality’s decisions should also be informed by the existing development economic base; content and function of the town. Such an approach should ensure • to reduce unnecessary duplication and gaps in the provision of that development capitalises on existing investment, infrastructure community facilities and services. and services that already exist to avoid duplication and to encourage economics of scale. i) Classification of Towns as per Provincial Spatial Development Each node therefore has a comparative advantage relative to Framework (2014) another which may exist as a result of historic development reasons, the character of the node and the function / level of specialisation that already exist compared to other nodes. In terms of the PSDF, towns are classified based on their respective populations. The settlements within Swellendam Municipality can

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iii) Town comparison proposals combined to identify potential interventions that might unlock latent potential within settlements and regions. It is therefore proposed that locational decisions should also be The results do not imply that development and investment will only informed by the comparative and competitive advantages and take place in certain areas and not in others. What it does imply is functions between settlements, as illustrated below. differentiation in scale and intensity and support tailored according to the governing circumstances in each area.

Settlement Main Function Comparative location The following table depicts settlement growth potential in terms of advantage the findings of the GPS 2014. The study also includes a socio-

Swellendam Administrative  Government offices economic needs index, in addition to the growth potential of Centre/Tourism  Local authority decision settlements and municipalities. Swellendam is highlighted as a Industrial Centre making centre medium growth potential settlement with a medium socio-  National, provincial and economic needs index base. Settlements with a medium or high regional tourism growth potential and high socio-economic needs base can be destination considered prime development and investment opportunities, as  N2 Location well as socio-economic development imperatives.  Historic precinct  Country town character Barrydale Agriculture/Tourism  Natural setting, tourism Socio-economic Need Suurbraak and Agriculture/Tourism/  Historic precinct Buffeljagsrivier Rural  Agricultural activities Very Low Medium High Very  Country town character Settlement/Agricultural Low high  Natural setting industries(Buffeljagsrivier) Very  Malagas and Rural Settlement Rural (hide-away) character  Natural setting Low Infanta, Rietkuil, Rheenendal,  Coastal/River setting Low Suurbraak

Stormsvlei, Medium Barrydale Swellendam

Ouplaas / High Wydgeleë

Very GrowthPotential ABLE OWN OMPARISON T 3.8: T C High

TABLE 3.9: GROWTH POTENTIAL / NEEDS INDEX iv) Growth Potential of Towns

The following is recommended for the towns in the Swellendam Through implementation of the findings of the study of the Growth Municipality in terms of the results of the Growth Potential Study: Potential of Towns in the Western Cape (2014), it is proposed that a

growth and development approach should be followed based on the economic growth potential of the towns. The GPS 2014 determines • Stimulate growth and development in the town with the highest the growth potential and socio-economic needs of settlements in growth potential, namely Swellendam. the Western Cape using quantitative data. The results were

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• No large-scale investing of municipal resources is proposed for maintenance, at the expense of new or expanded road Suurbraak, but maintenance of existing services and stimulation infrastructure projects. of the tourism industry in the town is urgently required.

Investigation of other economic opportunities should receive attention. • The public transport system in the Swellendam urban area is relatively well organised and MBT’s provide a valuable service in • Barrydale has very limited potential for significant expansion, this regard. In the rest of the municipality, in particular the rural largely due to infrastructure limitations, but investment in the areas, public transport is lacking and facilities are poor in areas tourism industry should reap economic benefits for the town. where it does exist. The transportation problem in rural communities is characterised by remoteness, dependency and unaffordability. 3.3.3 Transportation

i) Background 3.3.4 Solid Waste Management

The formulation of transportation policy at the local municipal level i) Background needs to take into account the broader policy context at the district municipal and provincial government levels, and the resultant In urban areas solid waste/refuse is generated faster than it can be implications for local policy determination and derived strategies disposed of within individual properties and hence systems were and proposals. developed for its collection and disposal on a community wide basis.

With continued population and economic development growth of The disposal of the waste matter in landfill sites with limited control the Swellendam Municipal area, pressures on the municipal road has resulted in contamination of the substrata and pollution of network will increase. Commuter and tourist related traffic is ground and surface water resources. Recent legislation has led to therefore likely to grow, and need to be accommodated through improved control and an awareness of the need for a holistic continued maintenance and upgrading of existing roads, as well as approach to the matter since if uncontrolled the volumes involved construction of new roads where these have been identified. In will fill all suitable fill sites within a short period of time. Proper addition, the demand for improved public transport services in control allows for protection of the environment through leachate especially the rural areas is likely to grow, and appropriate strategies and gas collection facilities to prevent contamination of the are required to meet these demands. substrata, groundwater and the atmosphere.

ii) Key Policy Concerns/Issues: Summary Suitable sites are limited and consequently regional schemes are evolved to improve landfill site management and control, but this results in longer transport distances and costs. Since much of our • Road budgets have been subject to severe cut-backs by refuse and solid waste is actually made up of materials and elements provincial authorities in the past, which resulted in deteriorating that could be re-used such as glass, paper, metals, many plastics and road pavement quality of many roads. This has led to a shift of compostable organic matter, the total volume for disposal can be funds allocated to increased requirements for routine road considerably reduced if this matter is removed prior to disposal at

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the landfill sites. In addition, if the separation can be achieved at 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) together with other legislation control the source the benefits gained from reduced waste transport, longer life collection and use of this resource. spans for landfill sites and the reduced need for raw materials could be enormous. The provision of this service requires the construction of expensive capital works many elements of which have an economic life of The provision of this service requires the construction of expensive twenty years or more and this needs to be taken into account in their capital works many elements of which have an economic life of funding and financing. twenty years or more and this needs to be taken into account in their funding and financing. The two main sources of water are derived by abstraction of ground water and surface water. Neither has been fully evaluated to ii) Key Spatial Concerns determine their rechargeable/sustainable limits. The other potential source for water is by desalination of sea water. This last option is still, with present technology, two to three times more costly than • Landfill disposal of all refuse and solid waste requires large areas the cost of collecting, purifying and transporting surface waters. of land which meet the stringent conditions pertaining to the prevention of leachate seeping into the substrata and In many instances these groundwater and surface water resources contaminating any groundwater and environmental resources. are threatened by pollution and the evapotranspiration demands of • A regional approach as adopted within the Swellendam alien and other vegetation or other developments. Municipal area allows for better selection, management and control of the landfill sites but this is at the expense of ii) Key Spatial Concerns transporting the waste over long distances. Swellendam falls within the jurisdiction of the Breede-Gouritz • At present the Swellendam Municipality uses the Barrydale Catchment Management Agency (WMA). The urban areas within transfer station, transfer sites at Malagas and Infanta and the Swellendam fall into four main regions which are as follows: existing Swellendam landfill site. This landfill site has limited future capacity and currently investigations are underway to identify a regional landfill site alternative. − Swellendam − Barrydale − Suurbraak − Greater Buffeljagsrivier 3.3.5 Water Infrastructure

In addition, there are a number of small settlements such as Infanta, i) Background Malagas and Stormsvlei which may or may not be able meet their Without water there is no life. needs from local boreholes and surface water resources. For Rietkuil, potable water is supplied by the Overberg Water Board In South Africa water is a scarce commodity and much research and from the Duivenhoks River Scheme. effort has been applied to optimise the use of our available water resources. The National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998), the Water Services Act, 1997 (Act 108 of 1997) and the Municipal Systems Act,

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The water resources for these regions are at present totally Depending on the characteristics of the local area, the stormwater independent of one another due to their geographic locations and flows could create significant hazards to life and to the local topographical characteristics. structures.

ii) Key Spatial Concerns 3.3.6 Storm Water Management

In particular where the stormwater flows originate in the mountains i) Background or hills behind the urban area and flow through it to the coast it is essential that the systems are able to carry the projected flows. In Stormwater drainage is not a commercial service for which tariffs are some instances, the construction of holding ponds or similar payable and consequently it must be funded from the general structures can help to minimise risks. budget of the municipality. In many areas there are local depressions which tend to flood in The need for stormwater drainage systems is the result of several periods of intensive rainfall. In addition, some areas are very flat different factors which fall into two categories. The first category is with a high-water table with the resultant tendency to flood. In these linked to natural effects such as topography (e.g. natural stream and areas the stormwater drainage system may serve a dual purpose and river channels and steepness of the area) and rainfall characteristics be designed also to maintain the ground water level below the (high intensity rainfall for extended durations). In the second surface. category the factors are based on the effects of urbanisation such as increased runoff from building roofs and from roads and paved areas and also due to the higher flow speeds of the runoff along paved 3.3.7 Waste Water Treatment (Sewerage) routes rather than through veld grass, etc. As a result of these factors urban development generally generates higher volumes of runoff i) Background from storms and because of the speed of flow much higher peak flows are experienced. It is consequently necessary to make The National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998), the Water Services accommodation for these stormwater flows by installing drainage Act, 1997 (Act 108 of 1997) and the Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act systems to avoid flooding and to keep the environment safe. 32 of 2000) together with other legislation control the collection treatment and disposal of wastewater. Since the stormwater runoff is generated on surface and stays on the ground surface or in pipes and channels for the duration of its flow Sanitation embodies the safe removal, treatment and disposal of through the urban or developed area, it will pick up and carry with it human waste matter. In rural settings this is normally affected by the most of the dust, oils, other liquids and debris that has been use of pit latrines and their derivatives and later septic tanks with deposited on these surfaces since the last significant rainfall. soakaways. Once urbanisation occurred with the densification of Consequently, this stormwater runoff, and in particular the first dwelling areas the land was no longer capable of just absorbing this flows after a dry season, will be polluted with this dust, oil, other waste matter. Waterborne sewerage systems with major waste liquids and other matter which can lead to unsightly collection of water treatment works were developed. rubbish, waste, etc. at various places along the watercourses. The Swellendam Municipality is caught in between with many areas still using septic tanks with associated pollution or the threat thereof FEBRUARY 2020 43

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arising from densification of the urban areas. An interim measure of iii) Key Spatial Concerns using conservancy tanks with tankers collecting the effluent for transport to a central treatment works is in use but is expensive to operate and is at present also stretched to the limit of the municipal • Sustainable development is dependent on a holistic approach to capabilities. sanitation provision. • Sustainable roll out of services is required in a sequence that The provision of a waterborne sewerage service requires the provides the maximum socio-economic benefits. construction of expensive capital works, many elements of which have an economic life of twenty years or more, and this needs to be • Regional and sub-regional combinations need consideration for taken into account in the funding and financing. optimal provision of sewage treatment facilities. • Pollution from septic tanks and soakaways can affect our aquifers ii) Key challenges are: and surface water if the environment is overloaded.

• Potential and perceived pollution threats to ground water

resources due to the use of septic tanks and soakaways. 3.3.8 Electricity

• Potential and perceived pollution threat to coast and tidal zone i) Background due to continued use of septic tanks and soakaways. • Excessive cost to community and the municipal resources of the Without bulk electricity supply from the national Eskom-grid, no conservancy tank and tanker sewage collection system. meaningful development or economic growth can take place.

• Negative aesthetic effects of the tanker collection system in The provision of this service requires the construction of expensive medium to high density urban areas. capital works many elements of which have an economic life of • Constraints on development as a result of the conservancy tank twenty years or more and this needs to be taken into account in their and tanker sewage collection system. funding and financing.

• Potential benefits regarding conservation of water resources The upgrading of the service also takes several years of planning, that could be achieved by appropriate treatment and re-use of design and administration to implement. In other words, it is final products. essential to have comprehensive master planning in place to be able • Cost savings that could be achieved by the introduction of a to predict and pre-empt likely development. This planning can waterborne sewerage system. ensure that bulk supply facilities are in place in time to meet the demands of new developments. Key local distribution facilities • Managing infrastructure investment in Swellendam town in should also be developed at the same time. Only local links should order to facilitate the economic and developmental have to be constructed in the vicinity of any development to meet interventions required to place the municipality on a higher its individual requirements. growth trajectory.

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ii) Key Spatial Concerns 3.3.9 Housing

Swellendam is at the end of a long spur bulk supply chain and just as i) Background planning is essential for Swellendam to be ready to serve new consumers it is also essential to provide the bulk supply authority, in The demographic projections indicate that there will be pressure for this case Eskom, with the long term planning information so that this urban development in Swellendam Municipality. It must therefore bulk supply spur line can be upgraded timeously to meet the needs be expected that future population growth will increase the pressure of the consumer groups like Swellendam. for “green field” development, intensification of land uses, demands

on services, infrastructure, etc. The management of land uses, Consideration should also be given to linking up areas on a grid basis specifically residential, will therefore require careful consideration, so that when interruptions for repairs or planned upgrading occur if economic and environmental sustainability is to be achieved and the downstream consumers can be served from an alternative route. the character of certain urban nodes retained.

iii) Renewable Energy The provision of housing is not just an institutional obligation, but also an essential intervention to address the needs of the poor by Energy plays a key role in the provision of basic services and basic providing a secure environment for individuals / families and to fulfil human needs, such as food, running water, sanitation, education other basic needs. and health care. Addressing these needs inevitably leads to an increase in the level of energy consumption. Following the national Breaking New Ground (BNG) strategy, the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements launched the In South Africa, the production of energy is mainly based on fossil Isidima Strategy. This strategy is based on an incrementalist fuels, which contribute to the largest environmental threat in the approach and is also informed by Government’s developmental world today, namely global warming and climate change. approach, requiring government to shift from housing construction to sustainable settlements. The siting of renewable energy projects is important from a spatial land use viewpoint as large tracts of land are generally required to ii) Spatial Challenges accommodate them. A number of wind farm projects have been initiated. The (salient) human settlement and urban growth planning challenges include: Wind energy is seen as a clean, renewable resource that should be developed in South Africa on the basis of national policy and provincial and regional guidelines. It will be essential to become • Curtail the pattern of low-density, hap-hazard and discontinuous accustomed to wind turbines appearing in the landscape in the urban development; future as progressive efficient and safe generators of clean energy. • Protect those environments and resources within and outside the urban fringe that contribute to sense of place characteristics;

• Promote a more compact, denser, efficient and environmentally

sustainable urban form;

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• Rationalise the supply of bulk infrastructure and service capacity The Swellendam Municipal area is rich in heritage resources. to ensure that the bulk capacity is provided in the urban areas However, for many reasons, the identification and protection of where growth and development is considered desirable. these resources is uneven. Such protection that there has been, can generally be attributed to the work of active local conservation • Spatial restructuring of towns through appropriate allocation of groups and individuals. housing on public and private land that will facilitate integration.

• Meeting sustainability criteria in rural locations and towns with Traditionally, the protection of heritage resources has been assumed low growth potential. to be incompatible with economic development. However, the historical character and associations of this region have played a • Addressing the housing backlog. significant role in the growth of the tourism industry which employs • Other challenges that face housing delivery which, by its very many inhabitants, provides opportunities for the adaptive re-use of nature are indirectly related to spatial planning, include: historic buildings and extends the income earning potential of the rural areas. − Tenure options, house types and housing instruments and

applying these to local conditions. Provided the basis for determining heritage significance is − Program to update bulk infrastructure and its alignment with sufficiently diverse to accommodate the history and meaning of all provincial infrastructure strategy and IDP. people of the region (rather than a privileged few), strategies to safeguarding heritage (tangible and intangible – ie oral traditions, − Housing development as an instrument to address concerns knowledge systems, languages, and traditional rituals) hold the / other dimensions: employment creation, using local potential to reinstate cultural identity and belonging, including in contractors, training and skills development, materials etc. marginalized communities. − Integration of housing strategies with other sectors (i.e. economic growth, bulk services, employment creation). ii) Spatial Considerations

A tourism development framework for the Swellendam municipal 3.3.10 Tourism and Heritage area, should amongst others consist of the spatial elements of a tourism journey i.e. gateways, routes, destinations and distribution

points as set out below. i) Background

Tourism has been identified as an important economic driver that Components of a Definition Tourism Journey can contribute towards diversification within the Swellendam local economy, making economic growth less reliant on agricultural Gateway Access or clearing points i.e. entry point to a production. The Swellendam municipal area is strategically located district, metropolitan area, city etc. between Cape Town and the Garden Route and has major tourism Routes Tourist travel along routes to reach tourism development potential given its natural and heritage resources that destinations and generally, tourist will balance the distance to travel with the quality of the include mountain landscapes, unique vegetation, missionary experience and safety of the route. settlements, the Breede River, etc.

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Destinations Usually a cluster of attractions and support Important tourism and heritage destinations that are of infrastructure; it need to have compelling provincial and national significance are: products, access and viable support infrastructure i.e. restaurants, accommodation − Buffeljags Dam (sport, recreation, resort) etc. − Sanbona Wildlife Reserve / Bontebok National Park Distribution Points The distribution point is a critical link within the overall experience of traveling between (protected environment / game reserve) destinations and serves as a source of − Breede River / Infanta (watersport, recreation, resorts) information, direction and focus. − Suurbraak / Swellendam (Heritage settlements) TABLE 3.10: COMPONENTS OF A TOURISM JOURNEY − Coastal resort (Infanta) − Marloth Nature Reserve (protected environment / hiking)

• Tourism Gateways • Tourism distribution point Swellendam is the only major town on the N2 and therefore Swellendam is the main commercial and administrative centre functions as both a gateway and a destination. for the municipal area and is strategically located within the centre of the municipal area, on the N2. The focus here should Although Stormsvlei is located west of Swellendam on the N2, it be on signage and providing tourism information that would is a very small rural node. encourage tourist to explore the municipal area.

From Route 62, Barrydale could also be regarded as a gateway to Adventure based tourism the area south of the Langeberg Mountains. A new trend in tourism market is the emergence of adventure based tourism (abseiling, paragliding, mountain bike riding, 4 x 4

• Tourism Routes routes, canoeing, cross country running, parachuting, fishing, Tourism Distributor Routes: skiing, sailing etc.) The mountainous regions of the Langeberg, together with Buffeljags Dam and the Breede River, hold The N2 national road is the main distributor route through the significant potential for further development of this market. municipal area and provides linkages to the hinterland areas. Tourism (themed) routes Tourism Linkage Routes: A number of new theme-based routes could be developed, The R324 links the N2 national road with the Route 62 via incorporating many attractions / points of interest along the Suurbraak at Barrydale. routes. The major regional tourism routes include: The R60 links the N2 at Swellendam to the towns of Ashton / Robertson. − Swellendam – Suurbraak (missionary, heritage) − Barrydale – Route 62 (scenic, established tourism route)

• Tourism and Heritage development / destinations The compilation of a tourism development framework should build on the existing spatial patterns i.e. networks, clusters and FEBRUARY 2020 47

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other tourism opportunities. Target markets could also be established to link these to tourism products and locations. It is proposed that a municipal wide tourism strategy should be compiled on the basis of the identified spatial components of a tourism journey.

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4. THE MUNICIPAL SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK “To enhance the agriculture, tourism, heritage and conservation resources inherent to the varied natural and man-made landscapes of the Swellendam 4.1 BACKGROUND Municipality, from Karoo to coast, focusing on the historical settlement of Swellendam, in the shadow of the Langeberg Mountains and the confluence of The establishment of a Vision, Goals, Objectives and Principles is imperative the Riviersonderend and Breede Rivers.” to provide direction to the planning effort. In order to prioritise objectives and to consider how far they are reconcilable with each other; it is critical to identify what needs to be achieved. The principles, goals and objectives are central to realising the vision and addressing the issues of concern. In essence, they provide the foundation to attain the spatial vision for Swellendam Municipality and for guiding all spatial planning initiatives for the municipal area.

4.2 THE SPATIAL VISION

The spatial concept for the municipality is founded on the aforementioned principles and is presented as a schematic indication of the broad-based vision for spatial development.

A VISION: • Provides a point of departure for a desired future; • Reflect the aims of the study, together with the concerns and opportunities identified in the analysis of the study area; • Provides the basis on which principles, goals, objectives and strategies are formulated; • Is informed by principles, goals and spatial guidelines FIGURE 4.1: SWELLENDAM SPATIAL CONCEPT

The spatial vision is also informed by the vision statement according to the 4.3 SPATIAL MANAGEMENT CONCEPT Swellendam IDP: The spatial management concept and development principles contained “A visionary Municipality that strives towards prosperity for all through herein, will provide the context for the overall spatial structure and the broad cooperative participation and high-quality service delivery” development principles which are required to ensure appropriate forms of settlement, growth, urban development and land utilisation in the Swellendam The spatial vision for the Spatial Development Framework of the Swellendam municipal area as a whole. Municipality is the following: The objectives of the spatial management concept and the development principles are the following:

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• Building safer communities. • To provide spatial definition to the vision and strategic priorities of the • Building environmental sustainability and resilience with a strong municipality. focus on protecting the natural environment and enhancing resilience of people and the environment to climate change. • To identify strategic priority areas for public / private sector investments.

• To establish a spatial framework to assist decision makers in addressing Fixed investment should therefore be directed towards settlements development initiatives, concerns, problems and opportunities based on with high potential for sustainable economic growth as well as have sound planning principles. significant social needs and attract the bulk of migrants. • To provide strong direction to developers and other private sector initiatives. Those settlements with low potential economic growth should concentrate on social investment i.e. programs such as human • To provide clear strategic policy direction and prioritization of local level resource development, labour market intelligence and social transfers priority planning areas. so as to provide people with the necessary resources to successfully move to areas with greater economic potential.

4.3.1 National Development Plan Principles Within this context, strategic priority areas for economic intervention were identified and include: The National Development Plan 2030: Our Future Make It Work, was adopted as the vision and plan for the South Africa. • Localities with potential to grow The following aspects of the NDP fall within the competencies of local To achieve the overarching objectives of the NDP, fixed investment government that should inform the Swellendam SDF: should be prioritised within towns which already have some economic success and are more likely to grow. Swellendam is • The transformation of human settlements and the nation’s space therefore proposed as the priority area. The benefits of this economy. Targets include more people living closer to their places investment strategy would be to: of work; better quality public transport and more jobs in proximity − Gear up private sector investment to townships. Actions to be taken include stopping further housing development in marginal places, increasing urban densities and − Stimulate sustainable economic activities improving the location of housing, improving public transport, − Create long-term employment opportunities incentivizing economic opportunities in highly populated townships and engaging the private sector in the gap housing market. • Focus on people, not places • Building an inclusive rural economy by inter alia improving In localities where there are high levels of poverty and infrastructure and service delivery and investing in social services development potential, investment should include fixed capital and tourism. investment beyond basic services to exploit the potential of those • Invest in economic infrastructure. localities. This is primarily Swellendam, with some potential seen in Buffeljagsrivier. FEBRUARY 2020 50

SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

transport corridors is Swellendam. Buffeljagsrivier also shows possibilities as an agricultural processing and possibly light • Focus on human resource development industrial node, with easy access to the N2 and the rail corridor. In towns with low development potential, government spending should focus on providing social transfers, human resource • General spatial planning principles development and labour market intelligence which would enable people to become more likely to provide sustainable employment The methodology used in the compilation of the overarching or other economic opportunities. The towns for this category of spatial planning concept for the area has been informed by a investment are: number of spatial planning principles which should, on an on-going − Barrydale basis, underpin the municipality’s approach for the integrated − Suurbraak spatial management of land use and economic development − Buffeljagsrivier within its jurisdictional area. These principles being:

• Basic services to all residents • An overarching spatial development strategy based on a clear hierarchy of nodes and settlements Government has a constitutional obligation to provide basic services to all citizens (e.g. water, energy, health and education). Ideally, development should be guided by an overarching, This requirement applies irrespective of the aforementioned hierarchical, spatial development pattern of nodes and categorisation. settlements. The hierarchy of development patterns should be clearly defined and based upon empirically determined growth potential, the principles of comparative advantage and sustainable • Channel development into activity corridors and major growth development theory. nodes To overcome the spatial distortions of apartheid, it is proposed • Containment and directed growth that future settlement and economic development opportunities should be channelled into activity corridors and nodes that are The growth of urban nodes and rural / agricultural settlements adjacent to or link the main growth centres. The regional should be strictly contained and strategically directed within well- movement corridor along the N2, therefore provides further defined boundaries to ensure maximum economic, environmental impetus for priority fixed investment in Swellendam, the major and social returns at both the local and regional level. node along this road and rail-based transport corridor. Similarly, development within rural areas should be directed to rural activity • Compaction and densification routes and rural development nodes in order to stimulate development in rural areas located 10 – 15 km from towns and Growth should be managed so as to ensure that development where a high concentration rural population resides. pressures are, wherever possible, directed and absorbed within the defined urban areas. Appropriate densification specific to each urban area must be encouraged to limit unwanted sprawl into the • Applying NDP principles to Swellendam rural hinterland. When these principles are applied to all the towns, the only town • Ecological integrity which meets the criteria for fixed investment and located on the FEBRUARY 2020 51

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The diversity, health and productivity of natural eco-system and − protected areas (Marloth Nature Reserve/Bontebok National biodiversity, throughout the rural, urban and agricultural areas Park); should be maintained through an interlinked web of managed − vegetation and habitat with high irreplaceable value, of local natural areas and ecological corridors so as to ensure the and global value; protection of important and sensitive habitats. − rivers and wetlands (Sonderend River/Huis River/Buffeljags River); • Agricultural enhancement − areas important for maintaining ecological and evolutionary processes; and Identify and protect prime and unique agricultural areas from non- − special habitats soil-based land use activities. − Breede River (a unique tidal river).

• Strategic locational advantage • Physical morphology and landscape features The diversification of industrial and agriculture based economic The main land form elements which contribute towards defining development must be based on proven locational and comparative the landscape are: resource advantages. Such development opportunities should be strategically promoted in locations to maximise opportunities for − mountains and steep slopes; spatial integration and the stimulation of economic growth and − valley floors; employment opportunities. − natural corridors and waterways and − coastal plains • Analysis and Assessment Area wide mapping and analysis of the biophysical features and • Urban and rural settlement pattern, form, hierarchy and linkages ecological processes, natural land form, farming districts, roads − Swellendam is the highest order urban area and urban nodes and settlements provides the spatial basis of the − Barrydale is a lower order urban area analysis. This analysis together with the provincial, regional and − Suurbraak and Buffeljagsrivier are the lowest order urban areas sub-regional policy context, and economic growth potentials have − Malagas, Infanta, Stormsvlei, Wydgeleë/Ouplaas, Rietkuil and together informed the formulation of the overarching spatial Rheenendal are rural settlements management concept for the Swellendam Municipal area.

• Intensive agricultural resource areas The primary spatial informants, in summary being: − Buffeljagsrivier; • Biophysical features, process and corridor features − Hermitage Valley; Areas regarded as being critical for biodiversity conservation and − Suurbraak; maintenance of ecological services (e.g. water production) − Ruggens; consisting of: − Tradouw Valley; − Leeurivier Valley; − Breede River Valley; and

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− Sonderend River Valley. Swellendam has been identified as the urban node with the most development potential and adequate urban extension areas have The aforegoing synthesis of natural and man-made elements been identified in this area. collectively contribute, together with the spatial planning Conversely, urban extension areas have been limited in areas principles, towards informing the overarching compilation of a where inordinate growth, for varying reasons, would be Spatial Management Concept for the Swellendam municipal area. counterproductive to achieving sustainable development objectives.

4.3.2 Spatial Management Concept Local investment/development and local economic development (LED) decisions should therefore be informed by the existing Figure 4.1 illustrates the resultant spatial management concept as a development, growth potential and function of a town. Such an guide to the management of land use and development within the approach should ensure that development capitalises on existing municipality. This concept must be viewed as an informed response investment, as well as infrastructure and services to avoid to understanding the spatial dynamics of the relationship between duplication and to encourage economies of scale. growth potential, anthropogenic impacts, socio-economic factors, natural features and processes. Each node/settlement therefore has by definition a comparative advantage relative to another which may exist according to historic • Proposed Hierarchy of Towns development reasons, natural resources, the location, the character of the node/settlement and the function/level of The objective of the spatial management concept is to, within a specialisation that already exist compared to other well-defined land use management framework, direct growth and nodes/settlements. development to areas with the highest potential and physical capacity to accommodate long term sustainable growth. The proposed hierarchy of nodes in Swellendam is described as • Primary Elements Informing the Spatial Management Concept follows: The primary elements which informed the proposed spatial Settlement Hierarchy Order management planning concept are:

Swellendam Regional Node 1st • protection of areas of high irreplaceable value in terms nd Barrydale Local Node 2 of meeting targets for biodiversity conservation, areas Suurbraak, important for the maintenance of ecological and Rural Node 3rd Buffeljagsrivier evolutionary processes, areas critical to the provision of Malagas, Infanta, ecological services, and special habitats; Rietkuil, Rheenendal, Rural settlement 4th Stormsvlei, • integration of the river systems and coastal line as Ouplaas/Wydgeleë ecological corridors into the regional open space TABLE 4.1: HIERARCHY OF NODES system;

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• integration of the mountain ranges into the regional open space system;

• incorporating protected natural areas and areas under conservation management into the regional open space system;

• protecting high soil-based agricultural production potential areas; • promoting urban development and growth within an

established growth potential hierarchy and with due

regard to the main functions, growth potential, comparative economic advantages and spatial capacity of the various urban areas;

• retaining rural settlements and their surrounding areas

as focus areas for rural development initiatives based on their unique comparative advantages; and • protecting scenic routes from undesirable land use and development to retain the natural and cultural landscapes that are of considerable significance.

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FIGURE 4.1: SWELLENDAM SPATIAL MANAGEMENT CONCEPT FEBRUARY 2020 55

SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

4.4 SPATIAL STRATEGIES AND SUPPORTING POLICIES LED should not be seen within a social assistance paradigm, but that it should rather be perceived as being aimed at creating sustainable

economic and financial opportunities for members of local Various development strategies support the spatial planning approach to communities. directing and managing development in the Swellendam Municipality. These strategies and their implications for future development are discussed below. i) The key strategic economic focus areas

4.4.1 Local Economic Development (LED) • Tourism

LED is a locally driven process of joint planning where government, Tourism is a key economic sector having potential for growth across business and the community work collectively to stimulate, transform the whole Swellendam Municipal Area (SMA). The area has world class and enhance the economy and create job opportunities. natural heritage resource including mountains, river systems, LED is an approach that includes the total of the individual and landscapes, coastlines and views as well as a National Park and collective contributions that can build on opportunities and/or numerous nature reserves. Together, these represent an incredibly address economic development constraints. The aim is to enhance the diverse and valuable portfolio of tourism assets. Our towns and area and the community’s ability to adapt and to cope with changing settlements also have excellent public and private sector-owned economic conditions. tourism infrastructure and cultural attractions the equal of any competitor region; along with the safe, healthy and attractive Local Government’s mandate arises out of a legislative commitment environment and our friendly people, the SMA is a notable tourism to developmental local government and the progressive realisation of hotspot worthy of further development. socio-economic rights as defined in the Constitution. This mandate has been further elaborated in the Local Government White Paper and Historically, Swellendam’s place in the tourism market has been as a various other pieces of local government legislation such as the one-night stopover between Cape Town and the Garden Route; this Systems Act, Policies such as “Breaking New Ground” and the informs a focus on overseas tourists and Swellendam town. This lack economic targets laid out in ASGISA, and the Presidential Programme of diversity is problematic and risky; this market sector is inherently of Action, and the National Development Plan. seasonal, which makes it difficult to sustain business and employment over the winter. Adopting a new approach will not only create a At the Primary level, LED is being defined within the context of what is stronger ‘destination brand’ and grow the overall tourism economy being referred to as the “developmental state” – within the but will specifically open avenues for participation and ownership by Constitution’s section 153(b) which requires municipalities to historically disadvantaged persons in the tourism economy. participate in national development programmes.

In fact, this aspect is being underscored by the Municipal Systems Act, section 25, which requires a municipal council to adopt an IDP – with • Foreign and Local Investment such plan being a “single, inclusive and strategic plan for the development of the municipality” that is “compatible with national Foreign direct investment in South Africa has been stagnant to a large and provincial development plans and planning requirements binding degree with little or no foreign direct investment taking place in on the municipality in terms of legislation. Swellendam. All indications are that it is the intention of national government that

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Although there is competition for Foreign Direct Investment in SA, 4.4.2 Human Settlement Strategy and Urban Growth Management these local development corporations who are catalysts to local economic development in SA, are shifting their focus to Africa. This section is not intended as a housing sector strategy or a Human It is therefore crucial that local investment should be boosted. Settlement Plan (HSP). The emphasis is to present spatial information as an informant to the municipality’s housing sector plan. • Eradicating Poverty in Swellendam The provision of housing is not just an institutional obligation, but also Significant funding is needed to eradicate poverty. Add to this the an essential intervention to address the needs of the poor by providing expansion of and the creation of new and satellite industries into the a secure environment for individuals / families and to fulfil other basic area. Finally, the agricultural sector needs to be boosted as well. needs. This way employment opportunities can be created which will serve as a catalyst to poverty eradication. i) Goal and objectives

The town has to be marketed aggressively to both local and Goal: Promote compact urban settlements with an adequate supply international investors. There has to be economic development focus of well-located land for housing that will facilitate spatial restructuring on projects that are viable, sustainable, environmentally and socially of urban settlements responsible. Objective 1: Determine edges for each settlement with a view to • Manufacturing clustering for growth promote densification and create a more compact urban form.

Swellendam will refocus its industrial development and SMME Objective 2: Timeously predict the housing need (demand). development programmes around the clustering potential offered by agricultural products. Industrial activities should also be clustered to Objective 3: Apply sustainability criteria as a measure of selecting achieve economies of scale. desirable housing locations (supply).

Objective 4: Facilitate spatial restructuring (i.e. integration) through • Soft Infrastructure for Competitive Advantage the identification of well-located land (supply)/

There needs to be a concerted effort to strengthen key local

institutions to form effective strategic partnerships with Swellendam municipality as this will enable the municipality to build the ii) Principles to guide implementation competitive advantage of a business-friendly environment in which enterprises of all sizes can prosper and grow. The human settlement strategy is informed by a number of guiding principles.

The overarching principle is to support the Provincial Strategy for a shift from “housing” to the development of sustainable human settlements. Urban settlements need to be restructured to:

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• Densification; • break down the spatial barriers of apartheid • In fill of vacant land and better utilisation of under-utilised land • make towns more convenient and pleasant to live in and • creating economic opportunities close to where people live • Social and functional integration of human settlements.

The human settlement strategy of the municipality should indicate The policies for densification, urban edge delineation and integration how settlements should be restructured. are all interrelated, but for the purpose of this section, the following Restructuring for the creation of sustainable human settlements pertinent policies regarding the planning of housing developments are should be integrated with other spatial strategies, heritage highlighted: conservation, socio-economic integration, development of public land, densification, etc. • The complete range of socio-economic groupings within urban

settlements shall be located within walking distance radius. The spatial component of the human settlement strategy should • Integration is an important component of the broader therefore make provision for housing in appropriate locations, linked with the other spatial strategies to guide the form, nature and densification strategy and is the process whereby overlapping and direction of growth within urban nodes. interdependence between various settlement facilities, functions and activities are encouraged and supported. Integration can be Housing delivery should be accelerated as far as possible to as a divided into two sub-categories namely: strategy for poverty alleviation.

− Physical integration which relates to dense built-up areas Meeting sustainability criteria is critical, to ensure that the policy principles of Breaking New Ground (BNG) and Isidima are reflected in consisting of mixed land use connected by pedestrian friendly all new human settlements; namely: streets; − Socio-economic integration which relates to physical • economic sustainability (i.e. affordability and access to economic proximity of different socio-economic groups from each opportunities) other. • social sustainability (i.e. social integration, access to education, recreation, health services) iv) Integration: Guidelines for implementation • ecological sustainability (conservation of scarce resources) Encourage spatial and physical integration within urban settlements by means of identifying: iii) Human settlement integration

To restructure existing urban patterns, to improve insufficiencies and • Integration Strategy Areas reduce spatial inequalities, certain land use management tools are • Integration Spaces proposed, namely: • Integration Zones

• Determination of urban edge; FEBRUARY 2020 58

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Where well located residential units, quality urban environs, − These areas create opportunity for especially social integration of racial and income groups and innovative designs are integration and consist of facilities such as parks, sport fields, encouraged to locate. police stations, government offices, community centres etc.

− To achieve a higher standard of social-economic integration • Integration Strategy Areas the municipality should aim to improve the quality of public urban spaces, and provide urban spaces within the previous Potential integration areas should be assessed against the following disadvantage and poorer communities to improve criteria to determine suitability for integration: accessibility.

− Location of land in relation to nodes and corridors i.e. areas • Integrated Zones of concentrated mixed use and commercial activity − Proximity to public and social facilities i.e. integration spaces − Integration zones are to be allocated along connector routes (refer section below) that link towns with the higher density / lower income − Proximity to public transport routes and/or nearness of neighbourhoods located on the urban periphery i.e. the transport interchanges i.e. pedestrian walkways, cycling former townships. lanes, taxi ranks, train stations etc. − Unlike integration areas and integration spaces, these zones − Nearness of public open spaces i.e. parks and recreational are normally not located within the urban footprint of towns land uses, and Land ownership i.e. publicly owned land. and could therefore infringe on densification targets.

• Developments within integration areas should aim to provide 4.4.3 Rural Development and Land Use Management

− High levels of residential density The rural areas have been neglected in the past and one of the reasons therefore is the lack of spatial data and base line information. The need − Variety of erf sizes to accommodate a mix of income groups is however recognised that engagement with local stakeholders is − Mixed land uses with provision for usable open spaces and important. This participatory process can ideally be achieved in the IDP easily accessible community, retail and business facilities; process and then integrated with this SDF. and The IDP is ultimately the document that provides strategic planning and − An uninterrupted system of streets and pedestrian walkways direction on the questions of “how”, “what” and “when”. The SDF, on designed to enhance traffic circulation. the other hand provides strategic direction on “where” the urban and rural development should be located.

• Integration Spaces Against the background of the relevant data and strategic framework that an IDP should provide to inform rural development, the focus of this SDF will be as follows:

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Goal: Support rural development at nodes with development potential. An additional concern is that proper urban fringe planning or planning of Rural Settlements is required to ensure that the designation of rural

residential takes into consideration sensitive areas, heritage aspects Objective 1: Identify the most desirable rural locations for various land and historical settlement patterns, agricultural productive areas, use categories to support sustainable development. future urban growth and services provision considerations.

Objective 2: Implement guidelines to protect the rural character of the • Strategy area and scarce/valuable agricultural soil. Limit rural residential development (smallholdings) to areas Objective 3: Support land reform, conservation and tourism as catalysts earmarked for smallholdings inside the urban-rural transition zone. for rural development. • Policies i) Key spatial policy concerns/issues − The designation of rural residential should be integrated with proper urban fringe planning to accommodate considerations The practical need exists to provide policies and land use management relating to conservation, urban growth management, guidelines to inform the location and intensity of use, related to the agricultural productive areas, small scale farming, services following rural land uses: provision and impacts on the rural character. • extensive residential and rural holdings; − Rural residential areas should only be permitted on land which • guest farms and bed and breakfast enterprises; is regarded by the Department of Agriculture: Western Cape as • resorts; of low soil production potential. • community infrastructure; − The rural residential land use category should be used to buffer • agri-industries; and extensive agricultural areas and conservation related

• mining. environmentally sensitive areas, to buffer against residential intrusion of the agricultural area, to promote agri-tourism and ii) Rural Residential to accommodate agri-related activities.

− The rural residential areas should ultimately represent rural Rural residential is a recent land use phenomenon of most towns and and agriculturally based land uses which reflect its intensive is a direct response to the demand for residential living in a rural land use development character. environment. Rural residential does not involve sustainable agricultural land use practices although agricultural related activities may occur in these areas. iii) Tourism Related Land Uses Policy The lack of land use management guidelines often results in an undesirable land use mix incorporating non-residential and non- Tourism related uses exceed all other non-agricultural land uses that agricultural related uses within the urban fringe (e.g. transport, service exist within the rural areas. Tourism related land uses/attractions in industries, panel beating, warehousing, etc.). the rural areas include: FEBRUARY 2020 60

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− The establishment of tourist facilities should have as its primary objective the sale of goods/services to tourists as opposed to

• facility operated tourism services for day visitors such as the sale of convenience goods and services to the local conference facilities, restaurants, wineries, gift shops; farm stalls, population/residents. Tourist facilities should therefore be farm stores, sport and recreation facilities; complementary to farming activities and to tourism within a • agri-tourism accommodation facilities such as guest farms and bed rural area. and breakfast enterprises; and − The primary source of income for a tourist facility should be the • eco-tourism accommodation such as guest houses, resorts, selling of products/services that are associated with farming as camping and hotels. well as products that may contribute towards the existing farming or rural enterprises.

Development of tourism related uses which are often located close to natural areas, along scenic routes and in intensive agricultural iv) Agri-tourism accommodation: bed and breakfast and guest farms productive areas, may lead to negative impacts on the character of the rural and agricultural areas or the loss of productive agricultural land. Tourism accommodation in farm dwellings provides the opportunity Given the economic benefits from tourism related development, their for farming enterprises to generate additional income whilst development and use should be carefully managed to the advantage contributing to tourism development in the region. Bed and breakfast of the community, while retaining natural environments and without establishments or guest farms provide the opportunity to destroying agricultural resources. accommodate tourists within the rural environment and on a working farm. Where property owners engage in environmental conservation, The most important consideration relating to the location of on-route the provision of agri-tourism accommodation may provide an indirect tourist facilities, are their accessibility, their visual impact and financial benefit and incentive towards maintaining and improving considerations regarding their impact as non-agricultural uses within conservation initiatives. a rural environment.

• Policies • Strategy − Smaller scale agri-tourism accommodation facilities on farming Stimulate resort development and tourism accommodation to provide enterprises should be accommodated where these contribute impetus to the growing tourism industry, with regard to guidelines for towards the income of the farm unit. the protection of the character of rural areas. − Bed and breakfast and guest farms should be of a scale and built form that are consistent with the character of the rural • Policies environment.

v) Eco-tourism: guest houses, resorts, camping, hotels − As a general principle, tourist facilities should be carefully located to mitigate their potential visual impacts. Tourist accommodation exists in many forms in Swellendam. Tourist − Tourist facilities should be of a scale and built form that is facilities include resorts, hotels, guest houses, as well as bed and consistent with the character of the rural environment. breakfast enterprises.

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Given the natural beauty of the rural areas and the need that exists • Chicken breeding facilities; among the farming community to supplement their incomes, the • Wineries; trend towards tourist accommodation has increased in recent years. • Dairies, etc. The need exists to provide location and management guidelines in this

regard. Industries are often developed on farms in favour of established

nodes, which create the following concerns: From a land use management perspective, the need has been identified for clear policy guidelines for the subdivision of land for resort purposes. Alienation of land for Resort purposes often results • As a result of poor accessibility and manpower constraints, regular in the subdivision of valuable agricultural land creating a once-off monitoring of potential negative environmental impacts on the benefit to the land owner with almost no value added to the farm is restricted. agriculture of the enterprise. • Similarly, the relevant health and safety regulations are not

regularly monitored. • Policies

− Eco-tourism accommodation should only be permitted as a single enterprise. Separate alienation should as a general • Strategy principle only be permitted within existing urban nodes, rural settlements, the urban fringe and designated Rural Agri-industries should preferably be accommodated within urban Settlements areas / rural nodes or on smallholdings.

− Council should only in exceptional circumstances allow • Policies separate alienation within conservation and environmentally sensitive areas, where adequate proof is provided to its − Agri-industries should be located within existing nodes, satisfaction of the implementation of an approved settlements, extensive residential/ rural residential areas and environmental management plan and in exchange for designated Rural Settlements. designating/rezoning land for conservation purposes. − When agri-industries are considered for development outside − A primary requirement of an eco-tourism development should the preferred locations according to, adequate proof must be be that the development should be natural resource based, provided (by an agricultural specialist) of alternative options focused on a specific natural attraction. that have been investigated and the reasons for not selecting these. − Agri-industries should only be permitted on farms on the basis vi) Agri-Industries policy of adequate proof to the satisfaction of the responsible department, that the agri-industry (e.g. cheese factory) will add Agri-industries provide an essential contribution to the rural economy value to the current production base of the farm (e.g. cattle of Swellendam Municipality. Examples of agri-industries located in the farm). The primary product or resource for agricultural municipal area are: industry purposes must be an agricultural product produced on the farm. • Feeding-pens; FEBRUARY 2020 62

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− The spatial location of mining activities needs to be carefully vii) Mining policy considered relative to the location of other comparable resources, infrastructure availability and environmental Sand, stone and clay mining and related processing activities are the sensitivity. predominant mining activities that exist within the Swellendam Municipal area. Sand mines are often situated in isolated areas and in other instances within a visually prominent or environmentally viii) Agricultural Land Use Policy sensitive area. Several gravel quarries exist on farms in the municipal area. The identification and mapping of prime and unique agricultural areas will ensure that stringent measures and policies can be implemented An important aspect relating to mining is the need to find a balance to protect valuable agricultural production areas. A classification does between economic and environmental considerations given the fact not exist at this time; special provisions should be made as an interim that mineral exploitation is important for the construction industry, as measure for areas classified as high primary production areas. These well as other industrial applications. provisions should include land use management guidelines compiled to protect the top soils, undesirable subdivisions, restrictions against non-agricultural land use development and measures to promote • Strategy optimal utilisation of agricultural land and available water resources.

Promote responsible mining development. • Strategy

• Policies Protect primary production potential areas for the agricultural

industry from undesirable land use changes. − The desirability of designating mining areas should take into account the worth of the material to be extracted against the • Policies long term costs to the visual quality of the area, the potential loss in agricultural production, as well as the impacts on existing rights of neighbouring property owners. − High agricultural production areas are those areas where agricultural development should be promoted and protected − Extractive industrial activities should be in harmony with the against non-agricultural development and resource ecological systems, respecting the processes that control the degradation. functioning of these elements. − Sustainable use of agricultural land and resources should be − The mining of minerals, rock and sand should be undertaken in promoted. The agricultural sector should employ the principles a legal and efficient manner. of “Land Care / Area Wide Planning”’ as endorsed by the − Mining areas should be fully rehabilitated, as per minimum Department of Agriculture. statutory requirements, once the extraction of mining resources ceases.

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ix) Agri-holdings − The Municipality should ensure that proper urban fringe planning exists, incorporating agri-holdings before land use The agricultural areas, and more specifically the urban fringes of rural development applications are processed on commonages. and urban nodes, are continually under threat from subdivision into non-viable economic units. Urban growth is encroaching onto x) Subdivision of Agricultural Land surrounding farming areas and agricultural land in the urban fringe is more intensively used. Emerging farmers also seek locations near urban and rural nodes to enter into the agricultural sector. The subdivision of land zoned as Agriculture Zone and the subdivision of economically sustainable agricultural units into non-sustainable Agricultural holdings exist in many forms, the main types of ventures units reduces the agricultural production potential of farming units are: and is regarded as a threat to national “food security”. Further implications are the loss of rural character, the creation of new rural

nodes and problems relating to service provision. • Commercial: Farming venture to make a profit. • Project-based: Individuals/group managed by a legal entity for For the purposes of determining the minimum size of a sustainable profit, or new farmer training, income supplementation or any farming unit, a number of variables may apply, such as: combination of these. • Community Agriculture: Part-time farming and subsistence • production type (i.e. wine, deciduous fruit, vegetables, livestock, farming ventures managed by a legal entity for food/income etc); supplementation, skills training and subsistence purposes. • management competency; • land prices; Development of bona fide agri-holdings can make a significant • potential of soil; and contribution to local economic development for rural communities • availability of water (an agreement on allocation of existing lawful while also creating opportunities for aspirant farmers. An agri-holding water use must be registered to the apportioned property). Within policy should therefore seek to spatially guide the development of agri-holdings that will contribute to sustainable agricultural 60 (sixty) days of a sale, an application must be submitted to DWAF development. for such licensing.

• Strategy • Strategy

Facilitate the development of small-scale farming land reform projects Subdivision of agricultural units should be guided by the sustainability on agri-holdings of those units. Economical units should be kept intact.

• Policies • Policies − Agri-holdings should only be established on land which will − Subdivision of agricultural land should be strongly resisted support the sustainable utilisation of agricultural resources. except where it is consistent with the requirements as

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stipulated by Subdivision of Agricultural Land Act, 1970 (Act 70 sustainable utilisation of natural resources and the general well-being of 1970) and the related policy of the responsible department. of communities. − Prime and unique agricultural land should be protected. • Policies − Agricultural land may only be considered for subdivision on the basis of proof that the subdivided units will be economically − Land Care Planning should be used as a mechanism to assist in sustainable productive units. decision making where the competition for natural resources is of primary importance. − The norms and guidelines for the ideal land unit size for agricultural purposes formulated by the Department of Agriculture: Western Cape shall govern the applications for xii) Emerging Farmers: Land Reform Implementation Strategy subdivisions. In 2009, the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform

(DRDLR) was mandated by the President of the Republic of South xi) Land Care and Area Wide Conservation Planning Africa to champion the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP) in the country. The bioregional planning model provides a significant departure from previous planning models to a land use management system that is The CRDP focuses on achieving three phases of rural development, aimed at protecting ecosystems. While municipalities have a measure being: of control over land use practices and its implementation within urban areas, the urban fringe and other public owned land, almost 80% of • Phase I: meeting basic human needs; land outside the abovementioned areas are privately owned farming • Phase II: rural enterprise development; and areas. Therefore, in order to increase the benefits of the bioregional planning model, land use planning on a “farm level” needs to be • Phase III: developing agro-village-industries, sustained by credit incorporated into the overall spatial planning approach. facilities and value–chain markets.

The approach adopted by the Department of Agriculture, where large In 2011, the Green Paper on Land Reform gave rise to a revised, scale planning involves the local community, to address the concerns comprehensive and inclusive approach to land reform based on of their community, while striving to improve the health of the land, is achieving “agrarian transformation”, which was defined as ‘a rapid called “LandCare” and “Area Wide Conservation Planning”. Area wide and fundamental change in the relations of land, livestock, cropping planning strives to find common ground within a community where and community’. In this regard, the pillars of land reform are asserted competition for resources and resource use issues exist (i.e. erosion, to be land redistribution, land restitution, land development, land water logging, basic water quality, water supplies and endangered tenure and administration1. species). The overall Vision of the department is to achieve “VIBRANT, EQUITABLE AND SUSTAINABLE RURAL COMMUNITIES”. • Strategy

In January 2015, the National Cabinet Lekgotla resolutions confirmed Implement the area planning approach (“LandCare” and “Area Wide agricultural development as a key sector for rural economic Planning”) as a locally driven strategy in rural areas to promote

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transformation and called for the faster implementation of the − Agri-parks must be farmer controlled. Agriculture Policy Action Plan (APAP). − Agri-parks must be the catalyst around which rural Accordingly, the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform industrialization will takes place. has developed the Rural Economic Transformation Model (RETM), which focuses on activities to support development in 4 key rural − Agri-parks must be supported by government (10 years) to components: Community; Cropping; Land; and Livestock. ensure economic sustainability.

The implementation of Agri-parks will drive this vision. An Agripark − Strengthen partnership between government and private (AP) is a networked innovation system (Not only physical buildings sector stakeholders to ensure increased access to services located in single locations) of agro-production, processing, logistics, (water, energy, transport) and production on the one hand, marketing, training and extension services, located in District while developing existing and create new markets to Municipalities. As a network, it enables the growth of market-driven strengthen and expand value-chains in-line with APAP. commodity value chains and contributes to the achievement of rural − Maximise benefit to existing state land with agricultural economic transformation (RETM). potential in the provinces, where possible.

− Maximise access to markets to all farmers, with a bias to • Strategic Objectives emerging farmers and rural communities.

− Maximise the use of high value agricultural land (high − Establish Agri-parks in all of South Africa’s District production capability). Municipalities that will kick start the Rural Economic Transformation for these rural regions; − Maximise use of existing agro-processing, bulk and logistics infrastructure, including having availability of water, energy − Promote the skills of and support to small-holder farmers and roads. through the provision of capacity building, mentorship, farm infrastructure, extension services, production inputs and − Support growing-towns and revitalisation of rural towns, in mechanization inputs; terms of high economic growth, high population growth over past 10 years and promote rural urban linkages − Enable producer ownership of the majority of Agri-Parks equity (70%), with the state and commercial interests holding minority shares (30%); • Implementation − Bring under-utilized land (especially in Communal Areas Land and land reform farms) into full production over the next three The DRDLR has prioritised Agri-park implementation in Suurbraak years, and expand irrigated agriculture and Hermanus, Struisbaai and Arniston. Here the focus will be on the establishment of the necessary Farmer Production Support (FPSU) Infrastructure as well as support to emerging farmers and • Principles for Establishment the local community within the FPSU catchments.

The strategic objectives have been translated into principles that It is anticipated that, subject to the necessary production levels, guide the establishment of Agri-Parks. These are: the following production and processing services will be provided in Suurbraak: FEBRUARY 2020 66

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4.4.4 Heritage Management − Small Produce handling and coldroom facility – receipt and dispatch of produce from the catchment areas (mainly animals, Heritage and tourism is closely linked within the Swellendam vegetables, lucerne, berries and honey bush tea). Municipality given the significant number of heritage resources in the area, especially in Swellendam town. − Mechanization and repair centre. − Collection services linked to the mechanization centre. The following section details the heritage management objectives for the Swellendam Municipality. − Local market facility to sell produce locally.

− FPSU production input supply facility (a local branch of the i) Strategic Management Objectives main production input supply facility). − Drying and fermentation yard for honey bush tea. The following strategic management objectives should serve as preliminary guidelines: − Small meeting and internet facility. − Avoid duplication of infrastructure available in Swellendam, • The Heritage Inventory should be completed to the satisfaction of given potential opportunity for leased use thereof by the Heritage Western Cape Suurbraak FPSU. • Appropriate statutory protections and heritage management − Provide on-farm drying and fermentation yards for processing guidelines should be formulated (including the formal declaration of harvested honey bush tea to avoid transport cost of “wet” of Conservation Areas and detailed Conservation Area Guidelines) and bulk tea to a central facility. • There is a need for leadership and active support for the heritage − Livestock selling to consider “live selling” in Cape Town agenda from the Municipality, in respect of: metropolitan area (e.g. higher prices), given low local meat − Establishing a viable heritage resource management system demand. (including assessment, resource management and − Upgraded and/ or new infrastructure to accommodate enforcement capabilities) within the resource constraints of intensive livestock and poultry production. the administration. This system should be capable of ensuring the relevant legislative compliance. − Agri-processing of berries and vegetables to increase shelf-life and transportability, and provide product diversification (e.g. − In the administration of this heritage resource management berry jam, berry juice), with marketing through a local farmers’ system, recognising, utilizing, collaborating with, and extending market/ farmstall linked to the N2 tourism route. the commitment and knowledge of members of the local community with an interest in heritage matters. − Use of waste-stream / by-products (e.g. cheese whey from Bonnievale/ Riversdale) to support piggeries. − Co-ordinating local heritage related policy and management objectives with other Municipal policy and management objectives (eg: planning, public administration facilities management, road and other public improvements, etc), as well as those at provincial and national levels.

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− The protection and enhancement of heritage resources government functions – in particular land use planning; through projects (including a heritage tourism programme), building plan approval, (including land use and building interventions and incentives. inspectors) environmental management; the management of civic amenities and engineering services. In particular, the − Communicating the value of heritage resources through triggers for the requirement of heritage authorization must be education, resource development, the publication of understood. guidelines and advice for property owners, and the formation of partnerships with relevant interest groups – making sites − Developing an effective and supportive working relationship and programmes come alive. with Heritage Western Cape

ii) Institutional requirements iii) Swellendam

In the absence of a completed heritage inventory, declared • Provisional significance Conservation Areas and Conservation Area guidelines, it is appropriate − Aesthetic significance in its natural and scenic setting below when dealing with the protection of heritage resources to generally take the Langeberg and ‘Twelve o’Clock Peak and its relationship to the conservative view. Developers and property owners should be the Koornlands River. The structure of its original layout is still required to provide a considered and informed indication of the evident in its town plan and its present environment still potential for impacts of their development on heritage resources. retains in part the character imparted by its original functions. Development adjoining a Provisional Conservation Area or an identified After Paarl, it is the longest town in the Cape, mainly along one heritage resource should also be treated with circumspection and the street potential for impact on heritage resources considered in the adjudication of such cases. If the provisions of the NHRA are triggered − Architectural significance in its rich representation and layering by a proposed development, and the likelihood of impact is high, the of architectural styles from the mid 18thC to the early 20thC. local authority should require and comment on formal Impact The town displays considerable historical character which in Assessments, including Heritage Impact Assessments (HIA), Visual some precincts is largely intact. Many of these buildings are Impact Assessments (VIA), Archaeological Impact Assessments and designated heritage resources, are well documented and Paleontological Impact Assessments (PIA), as appropriate. maintained, and which have not only architectural and aesthetic value, but are also important landmarks in the history Accepting that the institutional framework to manage heritage of the development of the town, of the Overberg and in resources to the fullest extent is not likely in the short to medium term, association with significant people in history. Despite many the Municipality’s capacity to manage heritage resources should be losses, the town has maintained much of its character extended through: − Historical and social significance relates largely to its history as − encouraging partnerships the one-time capital of the Overberg on the wagon route to the frontier, and to the (well-recorded) role individuals, − encouraging participation communities and social groups played in the development of − communication of at least the legislative requirements of the the town NHRA with land owners, developers and other relevant local

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• Vulnerabilities include Buitenkant Street owing to the large number of heritage resources within this area. − Although demolition of Swellendam’s most significant heritage resources is no longer a significant threat, the lack of a heritage − Voortrek and Swellengrebel streets should be demarcated as a inventory that defines resources more broadly than in the past provisional Scenic Route. and identifies the resources of more local significance has led − In the absence of a final Heritage Inventory and identification to inappropriate subdivision, alteration, loss of streetscapes of heritage significance, all development or subdivision and associated landscapes, and insensitive new development (whether of a provisionally identified heritage resource or not) and signage. within the Core Provisional Conservation Area should be − The still slightly winding course of Voortrek and Swellengrebel required to illustrate the potential for impact upon identified streets and their great width has prevented the formation of an heritage resources, including townscape character. The general intimate townscape. The historic, widely-spaced pattern of protections of the NHRA should ensure that buildings older development along these streets has exacerbated these than 60 years and those of heritage significance will require problems and leads to some lack of coherence. This makes it authorization from Heritage Western Cape. difficult to maintain and enhance the historic character of the − In the absence of a final Heritage Inventory and identification town. The cumulative effect of a focus only on individual of heritage significance, all development or subdivision ‘monuments’ in isolation will continue to compromise a (whether of a provisionally identified heritage resource or not) landscape that may lose its character and historical within the Buitenkant Street area should be assessed by the associations municipality’s heritage advisory body to establish the − The capacity of the local authority to undertake heritage likelihood for impact, and if so, such developers or owners management responsibilities is limited and this impact both on required to illustrate the potential for impact upon identified the extent to which unauthorized or inappropriate alterations heritage resources, including townscape character. The general take place, and leads to planning and other decisions which protections of the NHRA should ensure that buildings older impact on heritage resources than 60 years and those of heritage significance will require authorization from Heritage Western Cape. − Without a more generalised support for heritage management from all members of the community (including the traditionally − New developments in historic precincts or alterations to be marginalized), the long-term future of effective heritage made in respect of identified heritage resources should, in the resource management will be severely compromised and left absence of Conservation Area Guidelines, acknowledge, inter to a few dedicated individuals and organisations. alia, an appropriate scale; massing; articulation; architectural language; building lines; retention of historic features; responsiveness to roof pitches and roof elements; signage; • Interim Heritage Management protection of vistas; historic, social and landscape associations; and enhancement of the streetscapes. − The Conservation Area formulated as a component of the Swellendam SDF (August 2009) is to be retained as a Provisional − A compete Heritage Inventory and concomitant protections Core Conservation Area. However, it will be necessary to initiated in terms of the Zoning Scheme (heritage Overlay zones investigate the potential to extend the Conservation Area to and associated guidelines) remain necessary.

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iv) Stormsvlei in any case afforded protection by the NHRA) but more particularly the settlement patterns and landscape, and historical evidence of the early stop-over. • Provisional Significance − New developments in the precinct or alterations to be made in − Aesthetic significance in its relationship to the Sonderend respect of identified heritage resources should, in the absence River. The structure of its original layout is still evident in its of Conservation Area Guidelines, acknowledge, inter alia, an layout and its present environment still retains in part the appropriate scale; massing; articulation; architectural character imparted by its original functions. language; building lines; retention of historic features; − Architectural significance derives from its representation of a responsiveness to roof pitches and roof elements; signage; “unique settlement frozen in time”, a complete roadside protection of vistas; historic, social and landscape associations; hamlet without ever developing into a fully-fledged town. and enhancement of the streetscapes. Unusual werf-style layout with historic buildings having − A compete Heritage Inventory and concomitant protections performed a specific service. Representation of architectural initiated in terms of the Zoning Scheme (heritage Overlay zones styles from the mid 18thC to the early 20thC. Historical and associated guidelines) remain necessary. character is largely intact. − Historical and social significance relates to its origin as one of the earliest land grants in the region; to its unusual v) Suurbraak development as a settlement primarily to service as a stopover on the Cape wagen-weg; and to associations with individuals of • Provisional Significance social interest. − Aesthetic significance in its location at the foot of the Langeberg in the picturesque Buffeljags Rivier valley; in the • Vulnerabilities relationship between the river, the main street, the Braak, the conical hill framing the historic mission buildings and the hills − Effectively a privately owned ‘village’, the loss of the hamlet’s containing the settlement to the rear; in the relationships of historical functions with developments in transport and the by- the dwellings to the agricultural allotments and leiwater passing of the N2 make the long term viability of protecting the systems; in houses arranged along contour streets without hamlet difficult. reference to a grid plan, converging on the mission centre; in the scale of an essentially vernacular village and its unique sense of place. The morphology of the town is still intact.

• Interim Heritage Management − Architectural significance derives from its well-maintained mission core dating from before 1858; a number of mid to late − Adaptive re-use of the historic buildings should be encouraged, 19C buildings; the modest vernacular cottages, a number of preferably in concert rather than individually. which are still ‘opgeklei’ and include a style unique to the − The significance of the settlement lies not simply in the village. Despite many losses, the town has maintained much of individual buildings but in the unusual settlement raison d’être. its character The site should be classified as a Provisional Conservation Area in order to protect not only the individual buildings (which are FEBRUARY 2020 70

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− Historical and social significance with its documented Cape Provincial Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport associations with the Attaqua tribe of the Khoikhoi; as the (DCAS) to assist in funding and driving such a project. second-oldest mission station in the country; as a place of − The historical coherence of this community requires more refuge for impoverished and dispersed Khoi people following community involvement in the protection and enhancement of colonization, and freed slaves following abolition; in the their historic environment and way of life than might ordinarily unique community formed by its mission history, with complex, be the case in other historic towns. Effective community inter-twined social relationships and strong attachments to representation and a local champion (individual/s or community. organizational) are essential to the success of any project (thus time and on-going commitment of resources is equally • Vulnerabilities important). − High unemployment due to lack of local employment − Inclusion of local representatives on the Swellendam opportunities (many seek work outside the settlement), Aesthetics and Advisory Committee (and support to make this poverty and associated developmental problems. possible where necessary) should be initiated, if this is not already the case. − Increasingly neglected agricultural practices − Outstanding land reform matters are of historical and cultural − Possible association of vernacular environment with poverty – relevance and should be resolved to the satisfaction of the local increase in wealth leads to ‘modernisation’ or replacement; community. lack of interest in preservation of traditional dwellings − In the interim, the historic village is identified as a Provisional − Land ownership unresolved Conservation Area, within which any development (particularly − Inconsistent access to public resources, exacerbated by sub-division) must be considered defensible ONLY if it distance from municipal functions in Swellendam maintains the morphology, character and historical authenticity of the settlement as a whole. Provisional − Mud-brick construction prone to serious dilapidation if Conservation Area Guidelines should be developed to provide neglected more direction in this regard. − Sustainability of the town under serious threat − The R324 through the village should be demarcated as a Provisional Scenic Route. − Heritage resources at risk − A compete Heritage Inventory and concomitant protections

initiated in terms of the Zoning Scheme (heritage Overlay zones and associated guidelines) remain necessary. • Interim Heritage Management

− The heritage significance of Suurbraak lies in its entirety and vulnerabilities cannot be dealt with in a piece-meal fashion. An vi) Barrydale Integrated Conservation and Development Plan is essential to this holistic approach and a focus on sustainable development. • Provisional Significance Consideration should be given to approaching the Western − Aesthetic significance in its location at the foot of the

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Langeberg along the Huisrivier; in the traditional relationship to warrant the declaration of a Conservation Area. These between the town and the river (an early cultural landscape individual buildings will be protected through the general feature); in its character as a small rural village. provisions of the NHRA, but in order to protect the character of the town, it is important to develop Conservation Guidelines − Architectural significance derives from several historic houses for: dating to the 19thC and early 20thC. Although the town is not rich in notable old architecture, it remains a charming example o the restoration of buildings older than 60 years; of a Cape rural dorp, with its strong agrarian connections still o subdivision in the historic areas of the town; evident o new build in areas of historic character; − Historical and social significance in its founding in 1850 on one of the original circular farms of the early colonization of the o streetscapes in the historic areas of town; interior. o along the Scenic Route R62. − Since the relationship of town-to-river has historically defined the development of Barrydale, and contributes in significant • Vulnerabilities part to its rural character, subdivision should generally be avoided and Guidelines for Subdivision and Development − Whilst recent years have seen the rejuvenation of the town should be prepared to guide decision-making. through the development of local tourism and the inflow of capital (particularly for holiday homes), this has led, in some − A compete Heritage Inventory and concomitant protections instances to insensitive alterations or new buildings initiated in terms of the Zoning Scheme (Scenic Route and constructed in a pastiche of ‘Karoo style’ which have the associated guidelines) remain necessary. potential to undermine the authenticity of the town’s older

buildings. vii) Malgas − The character of the town may be of less historic significance, but this value is nevertheless to be maintained as much of its current income derives from attraction to its ‘historic small • Provisional Significance town’ character. − Aesthetic significance in its unique, elongated location − Many of the larger properties adjoining the Huis Rivier are no alongside the Breede River, forming the ‘backbone’ of the longer utilized for the purposes of cultivation. This makes the settlement. land vulnerable to sub-division applications. − Architectural significance derives from several historic − With a strong focus on tourism, Barrydale has the potential to buildings dating to the mid-19thC, some of which are rare lose its role as an authentic and viable rural service centre. examples of the type.

− Historical and social significance in its ‘maritime’ history and • Interim Heritage Management associations with the Barry & Nephews mercantile empire. − Whilst individual buildings will have heritage significance, the − Technological: The manually operated pont, established in heritage resources in the town are not sufficiently consolidated 1860, is the last still operational in South Africa and is the only FEBRUARY 2020 72

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way across the Breede at this point. − Until relatively recently, farms and farm buildings were not subject to the local building regulations. Distance from the larger urban centres and limited enforcement capacity has led • Vulnerabilities to demolitions, alterations and developments which have had − The service centre functions of this settlement are very limited a deleterious effect of some heritage resources, including some and most of the properties are developed as holiday houses. of great significance. The motivation to protect historic buildings is limited. − Vernacular buildings and other historic rural buildings are − The Barry store is a heritage building at risk. There may be frequently not accorded any value by their owners and are others. neglected or lost to ‘modernisation’. − Many rural buildings are potentially at risk.

• Interim Heritage Management − Heritage resources in the lower order settlements are generally not accorded any value by their owners. Distance from the − Whilst individual buildings will have heritage significance, the larger urban centres and limited enforcement capacity has led heritage resources in the settlement are not sufficiently to demolitions, alterations and developments which have had consolidated to warrant the declaration of a Conservation a deleterious effect of some heritage resources, including some Area. These individual buildings will be protected through the of great significance. general provisions of the NHRA. − The landscape is subject to development projects, including − However, in the planning of the ‘Core Urban Area’ (as per wind farms, which potentially impact negatively on the Swellendam SDF), heritage input should be required. landscape character. Without an understanding of significance, − Tourism planning for the settlement should consider incentives aspects of the landscape could be irredeemably lost. to maintain the historic buildings. − No further sub-division should be permitted of the erven • Interim Heritage Management forming part of the historical layout. − The dispersed nature of these heritage resources does not − A compete Heritage Inventory remains necessary. warrant the declaration of Conservation Areas, and thus effective implementation of the protections contained within the NHRA become critical. This in turn is dependent upon the viii) Rural areas and lower order settlements resources of the local authority in this respect, and the knowledge and commitment of land owners (See Strategic • Provisional Significance Management Objectives 10.1.2 above). − The Swellendam region includes many farms, buildings and − A detailed landscape character analysis is still required to structures of heritage significance. provide a comprehensive assessment of the issues, vulnerabilities and natural, scenic and cultural value of the Swellendam landscape. In the interim however, the attached • Vulnerabilities Maps provisionally identify landscape features of significance and scenic routes which should be protected or, where, at

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least, the impact of change must be carefully considered. − Public Participation as appropriate.

− In agricultural areas, where profitability is often marginal, it is important to retain the balance between retention of heritage resources, supporting agricultural sustainability and change. It 4.4.5 Tourism therefore becomes critical to identify the significance of heritage resources and protect appropriately. • Strategy − A compete Heritage Inventory remains necessary. Stimulate resort development and tourism accommodation to provide impetus to the growing tourism industry, with regard to ix) The Way Forward guidelines for the protection of the character of rural areas.

This preliminary heritage inventory is intended as a basis for the • Policies formulation of a final Heritage Inventory and identification of Heritage Areas prepared in terms of section 30 and 31 of the NHRA. The following are considered priority actions to achieve such: − As a general principle, tourist facilities should be carefully located to mitigate their potential visual impacts. • Priority Action: Completion of the Swellendam Municipality − Tourist facilities should be of a scale and built form that is Heritage Inventory consistent with the character of the rural environment.

• Tasks: − The establishment of tourist facilities should have as its primary objective the sale of goods/services to tourists as opposed to the sale of convenience goods and services to the local − Appointment of multi-disciplinary team with GIS capability. population/residents. Tourist facilities should therefore be − Complete survey of rural and heritage resources to fulfil complementary to farming activities and to tourism within a requirements of HWC (utilizing, inter alia, historical aerial rural area. sources, reviewing the preliminary database, and undertaking − The primary source of income for a tourist facility should be the a site-by-site survey) (there are 9267 properties in total in the selling of products/services that are associated with farming as Municipal area). well as products that may contribute towards the existing − Landscape Character Assessment. farming or rural enterprises. − Paleontological & archaeological sensitivity study. − Development of Criteria for assessing Significance. i) Agri-tourism accommodation: bed and breakfast and guest farms

− Identification of significance of all heritage resources and Tourism accommodation in farm dwellings provides the opportunity for Grading thereof. farming enterprises to generate additional income whilst contributing − Identification/confirmation of Conservation Areas, Scenic to tourism development in the region. Bed and breakfast Routes and other areas requiring protection. establishments or guest farms provide the opportunity to accommodate

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tourists within the rural environment and on a working farm. Where − Council should only in exceptional circumstances allow property owners engage in environmental conservation, the provision separate alienation (Resort Zone II purposes) within of agri-tourism accommodation may provide an indirect financial conservation and environmentally sensitive areas, where benefit and incentive towards maintaining and improving conservation adequate proof is provided to its satisfaction of the initiatives. implementation of an approved environmental management plan and in exchange for designating/rezoning land for • Policies conservation purposes. − Smaller scale agri-tourism accommodation facilities on farming − A primary requirement of an eco-tourism development should enterprises should be accommodated where these contribute be that the development should be natural resource based, towards the income of the farm unit. focused on a specific natural attraction. − Bed and breakfast and guest farms should be of a scale and built form that are consistent with the character of the rural 4.4.6 Infrastructure, Transport and Energy environment.

Bulk services infrastructure is a strategic asset that must be managed ii) Eco-tourism: guest houses, resorts, camping, hotels and improved on an on-going basis. The indirect contribution of bulk services to the sub-regional economy in terms of tourism potential and Tourist accommodation exists in many forms in Swellendam. Tourist development in general is of critical importance. facilities include resorts, hotels, guest houses, as well as bed and breakfast enterprises. Given the natural beauty of the rural areas and • Strategy the need that exists among the farming community to supplement their − Ensure sustainable future delivery of bulk services through the incomes, the trend towards tourist accommodation has increased in implementation of master planning and funding strategies. recent years. The need exists to provide location and management guidelines in this regard. − Prepare and/or upgrade master planning for all services on the basis of a minimum design horizon of 20 years with regular From a land use management perspective, the need has been identified reviews at least every five years. for clear policy guidelines for the subdivision of land for resort purposes. − Recognise that the bulk services, sanitation, water supply, Alienation of land for Resort II purposes often results in the subdivision electricity and solid waste removal, are each a commercial of valuable agricultural land creating a once-off benefit to the land service to be supplied and operated efficiently and owner with almost no value added to the agriculture of the enterprise. economically to the benefit of the consumers, i.e. each service should be run as a separate financial entity. The provision of • Policies these services requires the construction of expensive capital − Eco-tourism accommodation should only be permitted as a works many elements of which have an economic life of twenty single enterprise. Separate alienation (Resort Zone II purposes) years or more and this needs to be taken into account in their should as a general principle only be permitted within existing funding and financing. They should be operated on normal urban nodes, rural settlements, the urban fringe and sound business principles. Develop the financial and designated Rural Settlements management structures to operate these services as individual

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business entities. − To actively promote separation at source of all recoverable waste matter and to eliminate hazardous matter from the − Where appropriate, forms of Public Private Partnership normal collection and landfill disposal cycle. including joint ventures should be explored for possible benefits to the community.

− Develop, implement and maintain an asset management iii) Water Supply register together with an active maintenance and replacement management programme • Policies − To provide sustainable water supply solutions for all areas i) Sewerage within the Swellendam within ten years. − To use long term (20 years or more) master planning to • Policies determine the regional, sub-regional and local characteristics of resources and requirements for purification, storage and − To provide sustainable sanitation solutions for all areas within distribution facilities. the Swellendam Municipality within ten years. − To protect and sustain aquifers and prevent pollution of all − To use long term (20 years or more) master planning to water resources. determine the regional and sub-regional characteristics of collector and outfall sewers, pumping systems and sites for − To determine the total resource limits as far as possible for the waste water treatment facilities. initiation of planning beyond 20 years. − To protect and sustain aquifers and prevent pollution of all − To actively use water demand management to minimise water water resources. consumption and losses to extend the useful life of the available resources. − To use waste water treatment processes and systems that maximise the opportunities for beneficial re-use of the effluent − To encourage the re-use of treated waste water where and other waste products while minimising energy practicable to reduce the demand on potable water or purify requirements. the waste water sufficiently for aquifer recharge or for direct re-use as potable water. − To determine the optimum configuration whether with local or regional collection and treatment for sanitation services for − To avoid as far as possible the disposal of effluent to rivers or each community. to the sea as this represents the discarding of a valuable asset. − The Swellendam Municipality currently acts as water authority ii) Solid Waste Removal for irrigation water in Swellendam, Barrydale and Suurbraak. This responsibility should be phased out. • Policies − To optimise and improve with practice the operation of the Swellendam landfill site.

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iv) Stormwater and on the local distribution systems. − To formulate and implement an energy saving policy for the • Policies municipality. − To complete the master planning for stormwater drainage in the urban areas. vi) Renewable Energy and Climate Change − To develop a priority programme for the implementation of stormwater drainage. • Policies − To use a holistic approach to stormwater drainage systems to

attenuate stormwater flows where necessary. − Support the introduction and implementation of development − To make provision for collection of waste debris and other bylaws and policies on sustainable use of resources. pollutants at stormwater pipe discharge points. − Encourage the use of green technologies and development − To use the stormwater drainage system where appropriate to practices. maintain ground water levels below ground surface in developed areas where the water table can rise to or above the − The impact of climate change on vulnerable coastal towns and ground level in wet periods. settlements along rivers within Swellendam should be monitored, as well as on the sensitive biodiversity areas within − Rivers are of key importance in stormwater management. River the Swellendam municipal area. management programmes and flood line determinations should be implemented for all rivers in urban areas. The municipality should seek to implement the following

guidelines where considered feasible: v) Electricity − Create supplementary development guidelines for introducing • Policies sustainable resources (energy, waste, water, sanitation, − To provide sustainable electricity supply services for all urban transport) into all residential development proposals. areas within Swellendam. − Introduce a waste management system consisting of a − To use long term (20 years or more) master planning to collection service from the source, transfer stations and waste determine the regional, sub-regional and local characteristics disposal sites. Waste separation at the source should be of resources and requirements for bulk power supply and encouraged. distribution facilities. − Preferred locations for the siting of wind energy farms should − To complete a detailed asset analysis database schedule of all be determined by the Municipality in order to limit the visual existing electricity supply and distribution facilities. impact on scenic routes and landscapes. − To actively use demand management and load shedding − Limit further subdivisions at the coast and along tidal rivers systems to minimise the peak demand loads on the bulk supply such as the Breede River.

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vii) Transportation and Traffic Policy

• Strategy − Promote the role of transport to ensure that all residents’ mobility needs are met.

• Policies − Ensure that the road system continues to meet the movement demands of all the inhabitants in the Swellendam Municipality. − Ensure that upgrading of critical components of the Swellendam Municipality transport network is prioritised for implementation. − Explore all possible sources of funding to assist maintenance, upgrading and expansion of the Swellendam Municipality road network. − Address localised traffic, non-motorised transport and road safety problems. − Improve mobility and access for rural communities dependent on public transport services.

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5. PLANNING PROPOSALS AND STRATEGIES: LOCAL LEVEL conservation of the area’s biophysical setting and its colonial era cultural heritage assets.

5.1 BACKROUND

The compilation of the spatial proposals at both the broad overarching level and at the local level has been informed by the mandate given to local government in terms of the Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000), namely to give meaning to Developmental Local Government and to empower Municipalities to move progressively towards the social and economic upliftment of communities and the provision of basic services to all. The focus of these local level proposals is therefore aimed at identifying Local Strategic Spatial Interventions critical to achieving the goals and objectives of the IDP. The local level planning proposals of this municipal wide SDF are therefore broad and strategic considering the broad morphological elements (i.e. urban form) and the land use components related thereto (i.e. central business district, industrial, conservation, developable areas).

In order to refine the form and extent of the spatial proposals contained in this spatial framework, more detailed local area and precinct planning will be required in the urban areas and rural settlements.

5.2 SWELLENDAM FIGURE 5.1: LOCALITY: SWELLENDAM

Swellendam is the highest order town within the Swellendam Municipal area and fulfils all the higher order administrative and economic functions within 5.2.1 Analysis of Opportunities and Constraints the municipality. The town is several orders of magnitude larger than the second largest town (Barrydale,) which indicates that the continued In order to determine what the most appropriate and sustainable development of Swellendam is critical to the sustainability of the municipality development management concept for Swellendam town would be, it is and the area’s economy as a whole. In this regard, it is important that adequate considered necessary to catalogue the available natural and cultural provision is made in future land use planning for the supply side expansion of resources as well as the constraints that would impact on development. the commercial, residential and industrial components of Swellendam town. Accordingly, the following primary opportunities and constraints, which Swellendam’s physical growth is limited to some degree by the surrounding have informed the local spatial development concept for the town, are topographical features, these being the hills and mountain towards the north, listed below: which includes the Marloth Nature Reserve, as well as the Klip River towards the west of the town. The Koornlands River which dissects the town from east • Opportunities to west also places further spatial limitations on development within

Swellendam. The challenge will be to retain Swellendam’s unique character and its attractiveness by balancing the need for urban growth with the − A relatively well-developed central business area and local economy;

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SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK − Considerable historical and heritage resources in the form of a most − Conservation of the natural environment, particularly the riverine attractive townscape, coupled with a growing tourism industry and its corridors created by the Koornlands - and Klip River, location at the start of the N2 Garden Route; − conservation of the cultural/historical environment and streetscape as − An abundance of natural and scenic resources, including the mountain well as the scenic beauty of the rural landscape of the Hermitage backdrops, the nearby Marloth Nature Reserve, Bontebok National Valley, Park, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve and natural open space corridors − the equitable distribution of community facilities in Swellendam, and created by the Koornlands and Klip Rivers; − the effective spatial integration of Swellendam and Railton and the − Excellent accessibility to the broader region via the N2; accessibility of the different land use components through pedestrian − Agricultural resources, which include the berry farms in the Hermitage linkages and other appropriate measures and interventions. Valley; and − Specific gateways as entrance points for the town from the major − Well located vacant land, which exists within the Swellendam town. routes such as the N2 and the R60, to enhance the scenic beauty and aesthetic appearance of the town entrances.

• Constraints • Change:

− The town’s lack of social and economic integration resulting from the position of the N2 that creates a barrier / division between − Promote Swellendam as a historical centre, tourism town, and Swellendam town central and the Railton residential area, effectively growing agricultural and economic growth centre for the sub-region, constraining the integration of the communities; − Improve access to Swellendam from the N2, to the benefit of the local − The topography and river corridors surrounding Swellendam town business and tourism industry, and limits development opportunities; − Increase appropriate densification of residential areas and effective − The existing industrial area along the N2 has a negative visual impact use of vacant urban land without compromising the historical on the N2 tourism route, which will have to be mitigated and character of the town. improved; and

− Sensitive natural vegetation surrounding certain parts of Swellendam • New: town limits opportunities for the further sustainable extension of urban development. − Promote industrial and service industrial development growth in areas − Public safety issues in Railton reserved specifically for this purpose, while mitigating any potential negative visual impact on the N2. − Improve resident safety through the creation of safe pedestrian routes 5.2.2 Local Spatial Development Principles and public spaces.

• Protect / Maintain:

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5.2.3 Local Growth Management Strategy

In terms of the overarching growth management strategy for the municipality and given the wider social and economic role of Swellendam town within the municipality and the sub-region, the need to make adequate spatial provision for the expansion of commercial uses (CBD) and the industrial areas of Swellendam is regarded as most critical, if future growth is to be promoted and effectively managed. This will ensure that the supply side needs for tourism facilities, residential expansion and commercial and industrial growth are in place to proactively realise the recognised economic growth potential of the town.

To achieve the advantages of economies of scale and agglomeration, in determining the urban edge for Swellendam, due consideration was given to the important role of the town as the highest order service centre in the region. The proposed urban edge for Swellendam is illustrated on Plan 5.1.

(a) Existing Spatial Structure (refer Figure 5.2)

The existing spatial structure of Swellendam is characterised by the spatial FIGURE 5.2: EXISTING SPATIAL SEGREGATION STRUCTURE segregation of the Railton residential area, from the rest of Swellendam town by the N2 road alignment and the railway line. This divisive (b) Spatial Integration Growth Model “apartheid-planning” spatial structure must be addressed if the socio- economic integration of communities is to be redressed. Figure 5.3 represents the conceptual local growth model, illustrating the main structuring elements which should guide the future development of Unfortunately, the N2 and the railway line represents a significant physical Swellendam. Principally, the priority should be to extend Railton towards barrier to integration. A number of robust interventions are however the west, and facilitate access to economic opportunities and the proposed to improve the current situation and promote integration. Swellendam CBD to residents of Railton. This will necessitate the promotion of an activity corridor between Railton and the historic Swellendam CBD, via the existing N2 underpass and thereby linking the Swellendam CBD and the Railton business precinct along Resiesbaan/Station Road.

Extension and consolidation of the existing industrial area will provide additional job opportunities to the Railton community. Significant densification opportunities exist north of the N2, along Cooper Street, providing an opportunity to create integrated communities, catering for a wide range of income groups. The residential extension (with possible golf course / tourism component) to the north of Swellendam has the potential to provide a massive economic stimulus to the town and the surrounding

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SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK region and is regarded as a development priority. (b) Spatial Integration • Integrate Swellendam and Railton The creation of an activity corridor between Swellendam and Railton along Resiesbaan/Station Road would increase the accessibility of business and recreational facilities to residents of Railton.

FIGURE 5.3: SPATIAL INTEGRATION MODEL: SWELLENDAM

5.2.4 Spatial Development Strategies FIGURE 5.4: SPATIAL INTEGRATION

The following spatial development strategies are proposed to address the constraints of the spatial development pattern in Swellendam. The proposed activity corridor via Resiesbaan/Station Street is viewed as an ideal mechanism to achieving social and economic integration given to the higher densities supported by corridors (a) Equity of land use distribution and the mix of land uses which activity corridors support. • Strengthen the business node in Railton This existing corridor would be strengthened via the link to the The community of Railton is isolated from the business Swellendam CBD and Cooper Street, through the N2 underpass. opportunities and community services located in Swellendam due Cooper Street is designated as a densification corridor, culminating to geographical constraints and the N2 which separates the in a mixed-use node at its southern end, near the N2 intersection. community. Local business development in Railton should be promoted and access to higher order facilities in Swellendam Additional linkages between Railton and Swellendam should also should be improved.

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SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK be explored, with a link to the R60/N2 intersection regarded as a The future subsidised housing need can be accommodated towards the high priority. north of Railton as shown. • Other Housing Needs 5.2.5 Land Use Management The extension of the town’s residential area is proposed adjacent to the existing retirement village located to the northeast of Swellendam. A • Promote densification further extension of the urban edge for residential and tourism Promote further subdivision of residential erven where purposes are discussed below in the section relating to tourism-related appropriate, without impacting on Swellendam’s heritage assets. development. This extension is located north of Swellendam, • Promote industrial development incorporating the existing golf course. Promote industrial development in the areas specifically reserved for this purpose in order to create job opportunities and encourage There is a considerable need for “gap” housing for residents who don’t local investment. qualify for the housing subsidy. Investigation into providing housing • Protect historical conservation areas options for this market is urgently required. Areas earmarked for Swellendam has a rich historical heritage with a large number of densification, such as the area along Cooper Street, is ideally suited for historical and conservation-worthy buildings. These buildings are these types of projects, where gap housing can be integrated with of inestimable value for the local tourism industry and add to the developments for various other income groups. unique character of the town. The Historical Conservation Area must be protected and the management guidelines and measures • Densification (Refer Plan 5.2) strictly enforced to ensure the protection of these assets and to residential land use is the primary consumer/user of urban land. The regulate new development which may impact on historical strategic need to reduce urban sprawl by increasing residential densities buildings and streetscapes. is an accepted urban growth management principle, the importance of which has been confirmed in the PSDF. The current average density of the historical Swellendam town is approximately 6 units/ha, which can 5.2.6 Land Use Proposals: Local Planning Level be increased to approximately 7,3 units/ha if appropriate densification proposals are implemented. The following Spatial Development Proposals are made for Swellendam Due to the historical character of the town, with large erven and a to address the land use needs identified for the area: number of river courses in the urban area, it is difficult to increase the densities in the existing historical town without significantly affecting (a) Housing the heritage values and character. Densification of the existing urban fabric has to take into account the valuable heritage assets in • Subsidised Housing Needs Swellendam and the contribution this makes to the town’s economy. The current housing backlog in Swellendam is approximately 2250 units. Judicial application of densification principles is therefore required. Approximately 64ha will be required to address this housing need. Areas to the north east and southwest of Railton have been identified With regards to residential densification, it is recommended that the for this purpose, which will be developed at a minimum density of 35 area adjacent to Cooper Street between the railway line and the units/ha. The exact extent of this area should be determined through Koornlands river, as well as the area between Voortrek Street and the detailed studies and impact assessments, but it should be adequate to Koornlands river be earmarked for residential densification. accommodate the housing backlog. The current housing development project being planned for Railton, will provide approximately 950 units to address this need.

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SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK recommended that a detailed development framework and urban • Tourism and Residential Development design guidelines should be compiled for the CBD of Swellendam. This The existing Swellendam golf course provides an opportunity to plan must clearly define the spatial extent of the CBD and provide clear establish an upmarket residential/signature golf course development development parameters in terms of the built form, aesthetics, parking which has the potential to be a significant asset to the town and the requirements and traffic and pedestrian flow. This plan should include region, from a tourism and economic viewpoint. The location as the Resiesbaan / Station Road activity street and support business uses indicated would provide a development with unparalleled views of the along this road. mountains and the Hermitage Valley. This plan should also specifically address the tourism business areas and This development could incorporate and promote an eco-tourism area provide clear development parameters for this area, designed to protect to the north of Swellendam, which will unlock the natural assets of the the heritage value of the town. These parameters should be area surrounding Swellendam by improving accessibility to the general incorporated in the zoning scheme. public. Area G will be developed at a gross density of approximately 3.5 • Mixed Use Development units/ha. The gross density will be relatively low as the area will include A mix of commercial related uses and low intensity, clean service the existing golf course, a possible extension of the golf course, hotels industrial uses should be encouraged in the areas identified for mixed and other tourist amenities, as well as natural areas which might be use. The proposed mixed-use areas have potential to increase undevelopable due to environmental constraints. It would also, most employment opportunities and contribute to the social and economic importantly, include a range of residential housing options at varying integration of surrounding communities. These areas should be subject densities and catering for all income groups, creating an integrated to detailed development controls and urban design guidelines, development for benefit of the greater Swellendam community. especially where these areas form part of the gateway routes into Swellendam, such as at the southern access to the N2 and the Voortrek (b) Community services / R60 intersection. The promotion of mixed uses along the integration corridor between • New Primary School for Railton Swellendam and Railton (Resiesbaan/Station Road) will encourage A development site has been proposed for a new primary school / movement along this route and promote integration. Negotiations with extension of the existing school in Railton which will supplement the Transnet is ongoing towards acquiring the land adjacent to the railway existing primary schools and secondary school in the centre of Railton. between Railton and Swellendam with the aim of utilising it for mixed use purposes. The existing showgrounds also edges this corridor and (c) Central business district represents an excellent opportunity for redevelopment and integration • Reinforce Pedestrian Linkages for a mix of commercial and high-density residential uses. Various other The flow of pedestrians from the various residential areas of properties along this route, located north of the N2 is also suitable for Swellendam to the business and recreational areas should be inclusion into a mixed development area as illustrated on the plan. encouraged through the establishment of well-located pedestrian • N2 Business Precinct paths, especially for residents from Railton who needs to access the A business precinct / service station has been proposed, close to the facilities located in the Swellendam CBD. Safe pedestrian routes eastern entrance to Swellendam, on the N2. Swellendam does not between community facilities and the business hub should also be currently have a similar facility, which is easily accessible off the N2. prioritised. This use should be limited to the service station and any related retail • CBD Development Framework uses as supported by council. A truck stop should not be permitted at The need to judiciously expand the CBD of Swellendam within clear this location. spatial and development parameters, is recognised. In this regard, it is

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SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Strict guidelines regarding visual impact and urban design should be enforced and the architectural vernacular should be in keeping with the historic character of Swellendam.

(d) Industrial • Provide for Industrial Development The existing industrial area of Swellendam should be extended as shown, in order to provide adequate industrial expansion areas. In order to facilitate the extension of the industrial area, it is proposed that a precinct development framework plan is compiled which clearly demarcates the proposed extension area to the existing industrial area and the applicable development parameters. The industrial area indicated to the northeast and east of the sewerage works should be demarcated for light / service industrial and business park uses. This area is well-located close to the major mobility routes as well as being located in an attractive natural setting.

(e) Conservation • Conservation of Settlement Character and Heritage Places A heritage overlay zone has been designated in terms of the zoning scheme regulations to regulate the local protection and management of FIGURE 5.5: HERITAGE ZONE heritage assets and qualities of Swellendam. This overlay zone serves to provide detail management guidelines. The • Corridors of Linear Open Spaces extension of this zone should be investigated if considered necessary. The functioning of the Klip River and Koornlands River and their Individual sites outside this zone is also designated and covered by the tributaries as ecological corridors and linear open space areas should be regulations. protected and managed with conservation and public amenity and • Conservation of Sensitive Biophysical Environment aesthetic objectives as the basis. Sensitive areas of the biophysical environment should be managed with The buffer area surrounding the Bontebok National Park to the south of conservation objectives in mind, and should be protected from urban Swellendam should be acknowledged in any development proposals development. In this regard, the following areas are considered to be proposed for this area (refer Figure 5.6). This buffer's function is to of particular importance: reduce or mitigate the negative influences of activities taking place outside the parks on the parks and, to better integrate parks into their − The urban edge areas in the vicinity of and immediately adjacent surrounding landscapes. Therefore, the purpose of a buffer zone is to: to the golf course. − The riverine environment of the Koornlands River and its − Protect the purpose and values of the national park, which is to be tributaries. explicitly defined in the management plan;

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SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK − Protect important areas of high value for biodiversity and/or to • Solid Waste Removal society where these extend beyond the boundary of the protected The current landfill site is not adequate to cater for the longer term area; needs of the area. This is an urgent issue which needs to be resolved as − Assist adjacent and affected communities to secure appropriate soon as possible. The possibility of a shared regional landfill site is under and sustainable benefits from the national park and buffer zone investigation. area itself by promoting a conservation economy, ecotourism and its supporting infrastructure and services, and sustainability • Water Supply through properly planned harvesting. Water is supplied by the municipality. The main water source for the town is from the upper reaches of the Klip River. Raw water is extracted via a weir into a 600mm diameter pipe. Water is routed to a distribution chamber from where it gravitates to the water treatment plant via a 250mm diameter pipe. An additional conservancy dam is to be constructed in order to accommodate future growth demands (Grootkloof no.4). The water treatment plant will have to be upgraded to accommodate future water demand. Treatment plant capacity must be doubled in the near future. • Stormwater Management Although most roads are surfaced, those roads which are not surfaced also have no provision for storm water. This is particularly problematic in some areas in Railton, where properties are regularly flooded due to the lack of storm water provision in the area. Recent road upgrading in Railton has alleviated the problems. • Electricity Supply The current notified bulk electricity supply is at 90% capacity. Thus, any FIGURE 5.6: BONTEBOK PARK BUFFER ZONES mayor future development would require an upgrade in the bulk electricity supply which will require an application from Swellendam (f) Civil services and infrastructure municipality to Eskom for additional capacity. • Sewerage • Road Network The Municipality has previously taken a decision to relocate the plant The existing urban road network is deemed to be adequate. The two located at the entrance of the town on the N2 and the R60 intersection existing full N2 intersections should be emphasised as the entrances to (Koringlands River Works) and consolidate the plant in one location. The Swellendam, with special focus on the southern intersection. existing sewerage treatment plant located on the north-west edge of The Swellendam/Railton underpass link via Resiesbaan Street / Station Swellendam (also known as the Klip River Works) was upgraded and will Road should also be strengthened as a vital integration and activity be able to handle demand for the next 5 years. The sewerage corridor. reticulation system is old and will have to be upgraded to provide Voortrek Street, Cooper Street and Trichardt Street in the future, will sufficient levels of service for the future growth of the town. fulfil important roles as activity corridors and should be developed as such.

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SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK The possibility of providing an underpass link at the southern N2 Housing. intersection should be investigated as a priority, as this route would be • Densification is proposed by an important second link, integrating Railton with Swellendam. PA 4: Mix of residential 700 - 1200m² means of subdivision and areas and community 3,0 units/ha • Public Transport second dwelling units. The possibility of providing regular public transport links between the facilities • Many infill development towns in the Swellendam municipality, should be investigated. Minibus PA 5: Proposed 750 - 1400m² opportunities exist in this area Taxi’s provide a valuable local transport service. Appropriate locations densification and mixed 2,4 units/ha which can be developed at use area – currently for additional taxi ranks should be investigated. higher densities. underdeveloped • Cemetery • Limited residential uses PA6: Industrial / Mixed N/A There are currently four cemeteries in Swellendam. The original proposed in mixed use use area – currently historical cemetery is located in Drostdy Street, whilst another cemetery developments. mostly vacant is located on the road towards the Hermitage Valley. The two main • Proposed industrial extension cemeteries in use today are located north east and south east of the area. town. There is significant need for the expansion of the cemeteries • Industrial development PA7: Existing industrial N/A since the present configuration does not provide for sufficient future area capacity. • Densification is proposed by PA8: Lower income 370 - 740m² means of subdivision and residential area 6,3 units/ha second dwelling units.

5.2.7 Land Use Guidelines: Densification • Opportunity exists for mixed use development • Limited or no opportunities for Existing Typical PA9: Low income / subsidy 280m² Planning Area and Erf Sizes and formal densification Land Use Guidelines housing 20,6 units/ha Land Use Character Residential • Limited or no opportunities for PA10: Low income / 280m² Densities formal densification subsidy housing 20,0 units/ha • Limited densification proposed PA1: Historical Overlay Various erf sizes due to the sensitive historical Zone, tourism uses, CBD ± 3,4 units/ha nature and streetscape of the area and residential uses area. 5.2.8 Summary of Recommendations • Densification is proposed by means of subdivision and PA 2: Low density, higher 750 - 1400m² The following recommendations are made for the town of Swellendam: second dwelling units, as income single residential 4,5 units/ha area limited vacant land is available for higher density development. • Address the current need for subsidised housing. 250 - 750m² • Densification is proposed by • Judiciously expand the CBD of Swellendam within clear spatial and 4,9 units/ha means of subdivision and PA 3: Medium to low second dwelling units. Several development parameters, through the compilation of a detailed density, middle income infill development development framework plan with urban design guidelines. residential area, including opportunities in this area can • Increase the regional tourism potential and attraction of Swellendam by a portion of the CBD be developed at higher densities. Opportunties for Gap means of an integrated tourism-focused development to the north of

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SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Swellendam, which includes mixed-use, integrated residential development, golf course and eco-tourism land uses. • Restrict appropriate industrial activities to the demarcated area and extend this area as shown to accommodate the future industrial growth needs of the town and its surroundings. • Conserve sensitive environmental areas as per the proposals. • Address civil services and infrastructure issues in accordance with the proposals. • Extend the existing cemetery to the northeast of the town as required.

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PLAN 5.1: SWELLENDAM SPATIAL PROPOSALS FEBRUARY 2020 89

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PLAN 5.2: SWELLENDAM GROWTH MANAGEMENT FEBRUARY 2020 90

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5.3 BARRYDALE 5.3.1 Analysis of Opportunities and Constraints

Barrydale is the second-largest town within the Swellendam Municipality, but • Opportunities has limited economic development potential due to its relatively remote − Well-developed tourism business corridor; location. − Historical and heritage resources; − Exposure to the R62 tourism route; The town does however play an important role in the tourism of the region, − Rural character of the town; and due to its location on the R62 tourist route. The sustainable growth of this − Appropriate densification opportunities exist within Barrydale for resource will however require co-ordinated planning and co-operation between all the role-players. The social and economic integration of the residential development. Barrydale and Smitsville communities is regarded as a priority and will have to be carefully addressed on an on-going basis. The challenge forward, is to • Constraints provide for an integrated, sustainable urban settlement, which respects the − The topography and river corridor limits development opportunities; existing historical and social development patterns and the biophysical − and Barrydale and Smitsville are separated by topographical constraints of the area, in order to promote the town as an attractive tourist features which limit integration. destination. − The relatively under-developed state of the bulk infrastructure, specifically capacity of the sewerage treatment works and bulk water provision capacity.

FIGURE 5.8: LOCALITY: BARRYDALE FIGURE 5.9: SPATIAL SEGREGATION

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5.3.2 Local Spatial Development Principles 5.3.5 Spatial Integration Growth Model • Protect / Maintain: − the spatial, social and economic integration of the town, Figure 5.10, represents the conceptual local growth model, illustrating the − the provision of employment opportunities through the allocation of main structuring elements which should guide the future development of space for appropriate commercial and service industrial activities, Barrydale. The priority should be to extend Smitsville towards Barrydale and facilitate access to economic opportunities and the Barrydale CBD to − the equitable provision of community facilities, residents of Smitsville. This will necessitate the promotion of an activity − the upgrading of bulk infrastructure, specifically bulk sewerage street with residential densification being promoted between the two treatment and water supply and treatment capacity, and communities along this axis. Strengthening and expansion of the existing − the rural character of larger residential erven along the open space tourism business corridor along the R62 will serve to provide additional corridor created by the natural drainage system. economic opportunities for the community.

• Change: − service industrial development to clean service industrial activities.

• New: − Promote Barrydale as a tourist destination,

5.3.3 Local Growth Management Strategy

The local growth management strategy for Barrydale is to encourage appropriate densification without compromising the rural character of the town. Strengthening the existing tourism development along the R62 should also be a priority for the economic well-being of the town. The further extension of the town will be largely dependent on addressing the substantial infrastructure capacity limitations facing Barrydale.

5.3.4 Existing Spatial Structure

The existing spatial structure of Barrydale is characterised by the effective FIGURE 5.10: SPATIAL INTEGRATION MODEL: BARRYDALE spatial segregation of the Smitsville residential area from Barrydale proper. This divisive spatial structure must be redressed in a meaningful way if social and economic integration of the two communities is to be achieved. Due to the topographical constraints, opportunities for effective integration are limited.

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SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK industrial activities. The proposed urban edge for the Barrydale area is illustrated on Plan 5.3.

5.3.7 Land Use Proposals: Local Planning Level 5.3.6 Spatial Development Strategies The following Spatial Development Proposals are made for Barrydale to The following spatial development strategies are proposed as mechanisms address the land use needs identified for the area: to redress the impact of the historic spatial development of the town: (a) Housing (a) Equity of land use distribution • Existing Subsidised housing Needs • Multi-Purpose Community Precinct The current housing backlog in Barrydale is approximately 350 The Barrydale area has an adequate number of community units. Approximately 10 ha will be required to address the housing facilities. However, there is a need to upgrade certain community need. Extension areas have been identified for this purpose which facilities in Smitsville. will be developed at a minimum gross density of 35 units/ha. • Emerging Farmers Portions of the Barrydale commonage (Remainder Farm • Other housing needs Tradouwshoek no 85) should be investigated for the possibility of Medium density residential expansion is proposed towards the accommodating emerging farmers and land restitution / eastern side of Barrydale, next to the school and on the southern empowerment projects for the previously disadvantaged side of the river as indicated. Redevelopment of the existing communities. underutilised caravan park near the western entrance to Barrydale, as well as the adjacent portion of land is proposed and (b) Spatial Integration should be further investigated. The caravan park could also be • Integrate residential areas redeveloped to accommodate tourism business uses. Barrydale and Smitsville are largely separated by topographical Development should be set back from the river in order to features which makes effective spatial integration of the two conserve its ecological function and maintain the visual quality and communities impossible. An activity street should be actively rural character of the area adjacent to the river. promoted along Tinley Street in order to improve the integration of communities along this axis in the form of appropriate A medium density residential infill area has also been demarcated communal and residential opportunities. between Barrydale and Smitsville.

(c) Land Use Management • Densification • Encourage appropriate development and land uses Due to the relatively large average size of the residential erven in Encourage the provision of employment opportunities through Barrydale (3,000m²), densification should be promoted where the allocation of areas for appropriate commercial, industrial and considered appropriate. The current gross density in the town is tourist development. approximately 6 units/ha, which could be increased to 8 units/ha • Restrict inappropriate development if the densities are increased (allowing further subdivisions) as Development should be discouraged in the riverine corridor where illustrated. In the zone, adjacent to the river, subdivision of erven it poses a threat to the ecological integrity of the river. smaller than 1,500m² should preferably not be allowed, so as to Restrict industrial development to only local non-polluting light maintain the rural character of the river corridor. Smaller

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SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK subdivisions may be allowed in other parts of Barrydale. (d) Conservation • Conservation of Settlement Character and Heritage Places (b) Community Services In order to regulate the local protection and management of the • Community Hall and Day-care Centre heritage assets and qualities of Barrydale, it is proposed that all The IDP has indicated that a need exists for a community hall and conservation-worthy buildings be recorded in a heritage register. day-care centre. These facilities should be provided near the A heritage management plan for this town needs to make existing community facilities in Barrydale. provision for the following: • Central Business District − A detailed survey of individual conservation worthy The detailed planning of the tourism/CBD area should make structures and features. adequate provision for commercial and tourism uses. No business − A set of heritage guidelines to guide and inform appropriate uses should be allowed to develop outside the demarcated CBD new development. boundary to protect residential areas from business infiltration − A set of building controls pertaining to the demolition of and to promote agglomeration of business uses. and alterations and additions to historical structures, the Well planned pedestrian linkages should be created between the removal of mature vegetation and the appropriate height, different land use precincts. Appropriate safe pedestrian linkages massing and siting of new development within sensitive should be created between the areas on either side of the R62 locations. within the tourism precinct. − A set of development guidelines and procedures to ensure An activity street should be promoted along Tinley Street, linking appropriate development along the tourist corridor on the the Smitsville business area with the Barrydale CBD/Tourism R62. precinct. Tinley Street intersects with the R62, providing a direct route from the tourism route to the Smitsville business area. • Conservation of Sensitive Biophysical Environment Densification should be promoted along this route. Sensitive areas of the biophysical environment should be managed Retention of scenic route quality with conservation objectives in mind, and should be protected Detailed development, architectural and urban design guidelines from urban development. In this regard, the following area is of should be formulated for tourism business uses adjacent to the particular importance: R62. As this route provides excellent exposure to the existing − The riverine environment of the Huis River and its businesses, further development should be carefully designed in tributaries. order to improve the visual quality of the route experience and

thus its ability to capture the passing tourist trade. • Corridors of Linear Open Spaces

The functioning of the Huis River and its tributaries as an ecological (c) Industrial corridor and linear open space system should be protected and • Encourage Light Industrial Development managed with conservation objectives in mind. Light clean industrial development should be encouraged at the Flooding along this river will be addressed as part of a river existing industrial location to promote economic development and management programme and flood line study. create employment opportunities for the local community.

• Restrict Noxious Industrial Development (e) Civil Services and Infrastructure Noxious industrial activity should not be permitted. • Sewerage

The historical part of the town is currently served by conservancy

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SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK tanks, while Smitsville is served by a waterborne system. The properties in the area. present system is not a complete sewerage treatment works, and consists of an anaerobic pond system. This system is lacking • Electricity Supply capacity to treat the existing sewer loads. The bulk power supply is currently considered to be adequate. The present sewerage treatment works is located too close to the

residential areas of Smitsville in its current configuration. The • capacity of the treatment works must also be expanded Road Network The existing road network is deemed to be adequate with only the significantly in order to ensure sufficient capacity to serve the extension and upgrading of the existing road network proposed for entire town (for existing and future scenario’s). new developments. Mitigation measures must be implemented to screen the upgraded sewerage works and limit the visual impact. The Municipality has already embarked on the planning to upgrade • Public Transport the treatment works. There is currently no need for a public transport system within Barrydale, due to the compact nature of the town. Public transport services between the urban centres within Swellendam • Solid Waste Removal Municipality, should be investigated and supported. The current landfill site is considered adequate to cater for the needs of this area for the next five years. • Cemetery The existing cemetery is considered adequate for the medium- • Water Supply term requirements. The Huis River is the main raw water potable water supply source

providing water to the town, both for domestic use and for irrigation (leiwater) in the town. The capacity of the water • Municipal and Provincial Administration Store provision system must be enhanced to accommodate the present The relocation of the Municipal and Provincial Administration and future population. Stores to a more suitable location outside the residential area, Clean water is stored in four reservoirs and a fifth reservoir has should be investigated. been constructed in Smitsville to improve water pressure. The capacity of the water provision system (pipe network) will have to be increased to accommodate the present population and the projected growth. This is important to accommodate not only the future expected population growth of the town, but also to

ensure Barrydale’s ability to accommodate the increasing number of tourists coming to the town. The use of boreholes to augment the future provision of water in the area will have to be investigated and carefully managed. In summer, water availability is problematic.

• Stormwater Disposal There are limited storm water systems in Barrydale town. This is particularly problematic and leads to regular localised flooding of

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5.3.8 Land Use Guidelines: Densification • Investigate relocation of Municipal and Provincial Administration Stores.

• Existing Formulate an appropriate subdivision policy for Barrydale given the Planning Area and Typical Erf current bulk services constraints. Land Use Sizes and Land Use Guidelines • Judiciously expand the tourism business corridor of Barrydale within Character Residential clear spatial and development parameters. Densities 500 - • Densification is proposed by means of • Restrict appropriate industrial activities to the demarcated area and PA1: CBD area, 3000m² subdivision and second dwelling units, as extend this area as shown to accommodate the industrial needs of the tourism and ± 3,7 limited vacant land is available for higher town and its surroundings. residential uses units/ha density development. • Address civil services and infrastructure issues in accordance with the PA 2: Low density • Judicious subdivision can be allowed, with due proposals. residential area 3000m² regard for the flood line, while maintaining located adjacent to 2,5 units/ha the scenic quality of this area. the river PA 3: Low density, 3000m² • Densification is proposed by means of

middle to high 3,1 units/ha subdivision and second dwelling units. income residential • Several infill development opportunities in area, including a this area can be developed at higher densities. number of community facilities

PA 4: Low income 280 - 600m² • Densification is proposed by means of / subsidy housing 13,5 units/ha subdivision and second dwelling units, where possible

PA 3: Middle 850m² • Limited densification is proposed by means of income residential 7,4 units/ha subdivision and second dwelling units. area

5.3.9 Recommendations

• Address the current need for subsidised housing. • Redress the town's segregation pattern by promoting Tinley Street as localised activity street comprising a mix of residential housing options

and commercial / retail opportunities linking Smitsville with the town's tourism area and the R62.

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PLAN 5.3: SPATIAL PROPOSALS: BARRYDALE

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PLAN 5.4: GROWTH MANAGEMENT: BARRYDALE FEBRUARY 2020 96

SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK − 5.4 SUURBRAAK Valuable agricultural resources in terms of fertile land and water availability.

Suurbraak is a picturesque rural town with origins as a historical mission station established by the London Missionary Society in 1812. The development of the • Constraints town’s tourism potential, based on its landscape setting and built heritage − The topography, river corridor and agricultural land surrounding the assets as well as its potential to accommodate small farmer development town, limit its potential to grow. should take precedence in terms of promoting local economic growth.

5.4.2 Local Spatial Development Principles

• Protect / Maintain: − conservation of the surrounding natural environment, with specific focus on the riverine corridor, − conservation of the cultural heritage assets, with specific focus on the historic mission station and its precinct, − the provision of employment opportunities through the allocation of space for appropriate commercial and tourism activities, − the open space corridor and natural amenity created by the river system − the linear form and historic subdivision settlement pattern

• Change: − Support emerging farmer development in cooperation with the land transformation process. FIGURE 5.8: LOCALITY: SUURBRAAK

• New: The town and the surrounding area is subject to a land reform process in terms − of the Transformation of Certain Rural Areas Act, 1998 (Act 94 of 1998). This Promote Suurbraak as a tourist destination. process will determine ownership rights and distribute agricultural land to local residents. 5.4.3 Local Growth Management Strategy

5.4.1 Analysis of Opportunities and Constraints The growth management strategy for the Suurbraak area for the medium term is to provide for the extension of the town's internal • Opportunities growth on a limited scale and in a manner, which does not impact on − Historical mission station and cultural landscape; the rural and historical character of the area. The primary extension − Unique rural character and setting; area which is towards the south, serves to ensure that there is no visual

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SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK impact on the historical townscape and settlement pattern. The town is increasingly beginning to fulfil an important tourism role within the (a) Equity of land use distribution municipal area, which should be promoted. Conservation of its unique • Community Facilities historical character is thus vital to this role. Suurbraak has an adequate provision of community facilities. However, upgrading of the facilities and the provision of additional sport fields and facilities should be given attention.

(b) Land Use Management • Encourage appropriate development and land uses Encourage the provision of employment opportunities through the allocation of areas for appropriate commercial, industrial and tourist development. Commercial uses should be consolidated near the centre of the town, thereby limiting any negative impacts on the historical streetscape by the proliferation of dispersed business uses.

• Restrict inappropriate development Development should be discouraged in environmentally sensitive areas where it poses a threat to the ecological integrity of the area, and for the cultural landscape/townscape. Protect the historic mission station precinct from inappropriate development.

5.4.5 Land Use Proposals: Local Planning Level FIGURE 5.13: SPATIAL MANAGEMENT MODEL The following Spatial Development Proposals are made for Suurbraak to The proposed urban edge for Suurbraak town is illustrated on Plan 5.11. address the land use needs identified for the area: Any future extensions to the urban edge of this town must be in accordance with the Provincial Urban Edge Guidelines and should take (a) Housing cognisance of the historical settlement pattern and its cultural • Existing Subsidised housing Needs landscape setting. The current housing backlog in Suurbraak is approximately 347

units. Approximately 10 ha will be required to address the existing 5.4.4 Spatial Development Strategies housing need. Extension areas have been identified for this purpose, towards the south of Suurbraak, which should be The following spatial development strategies (SDS) are proposed to developed at densities of at least 35 units/ha in an appropriate and address the constraints of the historic spatial development pattern in sensitive form. the area.

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SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK • Densification the need for local industrial development and provide much The existing gross density of Suurbraak is approximately 6 needed job opportunities for local residents. units/ha. This relatively low density is a result of the historical settlement pattern of larger erven, especially along the river, (d) Conservation where the allotments are utilised for subsistence farming. This • Conservation of Settlement Character and Heritage Places forms an important part of the historical character of Suurbraak. In order to regulate the protection and management of the The proposed future density of the existing neighbourhoods could heritage assets and qualities of Suurbraak town and its setting, it is be increased to 7 units/ha, with future extensions to the town at proposed to designate a Heritage Overlay Zone in terms of the much higher densities of up to 35 units/ha and above, but located zoning scheme regulations. The boundaries of this Heritage sensitively in areas that will not impact negatively on the unique Overlay Zone need to include the following key heritage assets and historical character of the town. qualities of the town: − All conservation worthy historical buildings and structures (a) Community Services within Suurbraak. • Sport fields − The historic mission station near the centre of the town and The existing sport field in Suurbraak needs to be upgraded and its associated setting. enlarged. − The open space system associated with the riverine corridor.

(b) Central Business District • Conservation of Sensitive Biophysical Environment • Demarcation of business node Sensitive areas of the biophysical environment should be managed The historic London Missionary Society mission station is a focal with conservation objectives in mind, and should be protected point in Suurbraak. The surrounding area has been demarcated as from inappropriate development. In this regard, the following the primary business node in Suurbraak and all formal business area is of particular importance: uses should preferably be located within the demarcated − The riverine environment of the Tradouw River and its boundary. tributaries.

• Retention of scenic route quality • Corridors of Linear Open Spaces The scenic quality of the main road through the Suurbraak “high The functioning of the Tradouw River and its tributaries as street” should be protected by assuring that no inappropriate ecological corridors and linear open space areas should be development along this route is allowed and protecting the visual protected and managed with conservation objectives in mind. link between the road and the river valley.

(e) Civil Services and Infrastructure (c) Industrial • Sewerage • Limited Industrial Development Nearly all dwellings in Suurbraak on the south side of the river have Suurbraak is not considered to be an appropriate location for large waterborne sewerage. At present all sewerage gravitates towards scale industrial development. However, an area for service a pump station or the north eastern edge of the town, from where industry or limited agri-industrial related processing development it is pumped to the sewerage treatment plant. has been demarcated to the south of Suurbraak which will address

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SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK The new sewerage treatment plant has been completed and will • Cemetery be sufficient for the next 20-25 years. The existing cemetery site in Suurbraak is currently sufficient but The small number off erven north of the river have no access to planning approvals must be obtained for future extension. sewerage treatment and have to make use of conservancy tanks.

• Solid Waste Removal 5.4.6 Land Use Guidelines: Densification

No additional capacity for solid waste disposal is required. Existing Typical Erf Planning Area and Sizes and Land Use Land Use Guidelines • Water Supply Residential Character Potable water is obtained from a high lying source north-east of Densities Suurbraak. This water is piped to the treatment facility. The pipe • No further densification / crosses the Tradouw River and from there water is pumped to the 1000 - 3000m² subdivision allowed until the treatment plant. PA1: Rural completion of a heritage study ± 4 units/ha The current treatment plant has recently been upgraded. residential and the land transformation process • Stormwater Disposal • No further densification / Untarred roads do not have a storm water system installed and PA 2: Low income 400 - 3000m² subdivision allowed until the completion of a heritage study regular localised flooding of properties occur in the area. The area residential area / 6 units/ha north of the Tradouw River is served with three bridges. historical area and the land transformation process

• Electricity Supply 5.4.7 Recommendations Should it be decided in future to develop the erven north of the

river, a master plan will have to be constructed to determine the required power supply for the specific development as well as how • Address the current need for subsidised housing. to accommodate and distribute the required bulk power. • No further subdivisions should be allowed within the provisional Although sections of the distribution system are routed through Heritage Area until a full Heritage Assessment has been completed. some of the plots and access can sometimes be problematic, the municipality has no future plans to reroute this infrastructure. • Address civil services and infrastructure issues in accordance with the proposals. • Road Network Upgrading and construction of roads in Suurbraak is needed with a view towards providing access to the proposed residential extension areas.

• Public Transport The provision of shuttle service is seen as a high priority transport issue.

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FIGURE 5.5: SPATIAL PROPOSALS: SUURBRAAK

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FIGURE 5.6: GROWTH MANAGEMENT: SUURBRAAK

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SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK − 5.5 BUFFELJAGSRIVIER Well-located relative to the N2 corridor and Swellendam town.

Buffeljagsrivier is a small rural settlement, located towards the east of • Constraints Swellendam town, and south of the N2, which comprises an amalgamation of − Dispersed location of the various agri-industrial sites, the different uses with a relatively high concentration of agri-industries. The topography, river corridor and agricultural resources limit scattered location of these uses necessitates a development framework that development opportunities. seeks to, in the short to medium term, consolidate development in a clearly defined area. 5.5.2 Local Spatial Development Principles

• Protect / Maintain: − the surrounding natural environment, − the open space corridors created by the river system, − the agricultural character and environment, − the equitable provision of community facilities;

• Change: − the provision of employment opportunities through the allocation of space for appropriate agri-industrial and light industrial activities;

• New: − the consolidation of development and economic activities in a compact and defined area, thus promoting economies of scale and infrastructure efficiency.

5.5.3 Local Growth Management Strategy

FIGURE 5.15 LOCALITY: BUFFELJAGSRIVIER In order to consolidate the dispersed development pattern of Buffeljagsrivier, it is critical that all future development and growth is 5.5.1 Analysis of Opportunities and Constraints accommodated and contained in or adjoining the existing residential node to the south of the N2. As illustrated on the Spatial Management Concept • Opportunities below, extension areas for the Buffeljagsrivier settlement directly to the − Existing agri-industrial activities provides job opportunities for the south and the west is proposed. local community; − Rural character and setting of the settlement; − Valuable agricultural resources.

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SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Future agri-industrial development should be located adjacent to existing (b) Land Use Management similar uses. The proposed urban edge for Buffeljagsrivier is illustrated on • Encourage appropriate development and land uses Plan 5.7. Encourage the provision of employment opportunities through the allocation of areas for appropriate commercial, agri-industrial, light industrial and residential development.

• Restrict inappropriate development Inappropriate development and agricultural practices should be discouraged in environmentally sensitive areas and where it poses a threat to the ecological integrity of the area.

5.5.5 Land Use Proposals: Local Planning Level

The following Spatial Development Proposals are made for the Buffeljagsrivier area to address the land use needs identified for the area:

(a) Housing • Existing Subsidised housing Needs The current housing backlog is approximately 330 units. Approximately 9 ha will be required to address the housing need. Extension areas have been identified adjacent to the existing settlement for this purpose. No official population statistics are available for Buffeljagsrivier in

FIGURE 5.16: SPATIAL MANAGEMENT MODEL: BUFFELJAGSRIVIER the Census figures. It is therefore difficult to estimate the future need for subsidised housing. Limited extension of the town would

be possible south of the town, restricted by the location of the 5.5.4 Spatial Development Strategies sewerage works in this area.

The following spatial development strategies are proposed to address the • Densification constraints of the historic spatial development pattern in the area. The current gross density of the existing settlement is approximately 14 units/ha. No significant densification opportunities exist within

the existing residential areas as the existing average erf size is too

(a) Equity of land use distribution small to provide densification opportunities. Future extensions of • Community Facilities the residential neighbourhoods should be developed at a density of Existing community facilities should be upgraded. This should take between 10-35 units/ha and should provide a range of housing cognisance of the normative principles of equity, accessibility, options for all income groups. efficiency, balance and integration.

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SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK All houses in the village have waterborne sewerage. The capacity of (b) Community Services the sewerage works in the area is sufficient to serve approximately 400 houses. The existing plant consists of four oxidation ponds. • Provision of Community Hall The location of the existing treatment works is limiting the extension A multi-purpose community hall should be provided as indicated. possibilities of the settlement. A new position must therefore be investigated in the medium term. (c) Business Node Appropriate provision must be made to accommodate the • Location and Accessibility requirements of agri-industrial or light industrial land uses in the The detailed planning of the urban extension area should make area. adequate provision for commercial and light industrial uses. The commercial precinct should be located as centrally as possible within • Solid Waste Removal the extension area with good direct accessibility for the local No proposals. residents. A mixed-use area has been indicated on the proposal plan,

which could accommodate a variety of uses. Well planned pedestrian linkages should be created between the • Water Supply different land use precincts. An open concrete irrigation channel from the Buffeljagsrivier dam supplies raw water to the village. The water is treated adjacent to

the village and stored in a reservoir. (d) Industrial

• Encourage Agri-Industrial and limited Light Industrial Development • Storm water Disposal Buffeljagsrivier is characterised by a range of agri-industrial There is a significant problem in the area with the storm water processing / light industrial uses in the area. These uses must during the winter period. Previously no storm water system has continue to be promoted in this area, but new development should been installed and many houses were set out and ultimately be situated within the identified urban edge, in order to limit the constructed lower than the roads. Significant localised flooding of impact on the rural character of the area and promote economic and properties therefore occurred. Recent upgrades have alleviated the infrastructural efficiency. situation, but future upgrades might be required.

(e) Conservation • Electricity Supply • Conservation of Sensitive Biophysical Environment This area is directly supplied by Eskom. Sensitive areas of the biophysical environment should be managed with conservation objectives in mind, and should be protected from urban development. • Road Network The existing road network is considered to be adequate. • Corridors of Linear Open Spaces Open space areas should be protected and managed with • Public Transport conservation objectives in mind. The provision of a shuttle service is seen as a high priority transport issue. (f) Civil Services • Sewerage

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SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK • Cemetery There are two cemeteries in Buffeljagsrivier. Sufficient capacity exists in nearby Swellendam, but the local cemetery could be expanded subject to investigations.

5.5.6 Land Use Guidelines: Densification

Existing Typical Erf Planning Area and Sizes and Residential Land Use Guidelines Land Use Character Densities

• Densification is proposed by means of subdivision and PA1: Low income 240 - 800m² second dwelling units, as residential area ± 14 units/ha limited vacant land is available for higher density development.

700m² • Densification is proposed by PA 2: Low income means of subdivision and 8 units/ha residential area second dwelling units

700m² • Densification is proposed by PA 2: Low income means of subdivision and residential area 11 units/ha second dwelling units

5.5.7 Recommendations

• Address the current need for subsidised and gap housing. • Restrict appropriate light- and agri-industrial activities to demarcated areas and extend the area as shown to accommodate the future industrial needs of Buffeljagsrivier and the greater Swellendam area.

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PLAN 5.7: SPATIAL PROPOSALS: BUFFELJAGSRIVIER

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PLAN 5.8: GROWTH MANAGEMENT: BUFFELJAGSRIVIER FEBRUARY 2020 108

SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK structures has increased to 145 by the year 2000, with growth being focused 5.6 INFANTA mainly around Infanta Park (established in the late 1980’s as a Resort zoning), with minor infill development taking place in Infanta. It is believed that the settlement of Infanta began with the need for a ‘pilot’ to The spatial settlement pattern of this area can be described as dislocated with help ensure safe passage and to regulate shipping traffic through the development having taken place in three compact yet separate clusters; treacherous mouth of the Breede River in the 1820’s. This ‘pilot’ was stationed Infanta, Kontiki and Infanta Park on the beach at Infanta with his residence being on the farm Rietfontein. After the loss of the Kadie in 1865, the Rietfontein farm was utilised for subsistence farming. 5.6.1 Analysis of Opportunities and Constraints

• Opportunities − Holiday town character and access to the ocean and the Breede River estuary.

• Constraints − High energy coastline with limited safe bathing areas. − Very remote location and sensitive environment which limits development opportunities. − Very limited infrastructure capacity.

5.6.2 Local Spatial Development Principles

• Protect / Maintain: − protect surrounding area from inappropriate residential development.

FIGURE 5.17: LOCALITY PLAN: INFANTA − the pristine natural environment and rural coastal character.

The original Infanta Allotment area was surveyed in the early 1920’s for the • Change: subdivision of a few “4000 and 8000 square feet plots” for the purposes of − Implement Coastal Management legislation and policies. erecting beach houses for a small number of the prominent families in Swellendam. • New: Further subdivisions in the area occurred in the 1940’s to create the settlement − Implement Coastal Management legislation and policies. of Kontiki along the banks of the river north east of the original settlement of Infanta.

It is clear from the available aerial photography that much of growth in the Infanta and environs areas occurred before 1967. The total number of

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5.6.3 Local Growth Management Strategy Encourage the provision of employment opportunities for permanent residents by permitting appropriate scale commercial

and tourist related development. Infanta is located directly to the south of the Breede River estuary, on the Ensure that any future development, as well as existing coast. Due to the sensitive nature of the natural environment directly development, within the urban edge, is sustainable specifically in surrounding the existing urban settlement, only a limited extension area is terms of water and electricity provision. proposed. The proposed urban edge for the Infanta area is illustrated on Plan 5.9. • Inappropriate development Restrict development to within the defined urban edge. Development should be discouraged in environmentally sensitive areas where it poses a threat to the ecological integrity of the area. No subsidy housing projects should be considered in Infanta, due to the remote location of the area and a lack of job opportunities and community services.

5.6.5 Land Use Proposals: Local Planning Level

The following Spatial Development Proposals are made for the Infanta urban area to address the land use needs identified for the area:

(a) Housing • Housing Needs There is no housing backlog in Infanta.

• Residential Expansion Only limited residential expansion is foreseen in Infanta within the defined urban edge. The existing gross density of the town is FIGURE 5.18: SPATIAL MANAGEMENT MODEL: INFANTA approximately 10 units/ha and due to the limited infrastructure availability and sensitive rural /coastal setting of the town, further densification is considered unnecessary. 5.6.4 Spatial Development Strategies

The following spatial development strategies are proposed to address the (b) Community Services constraints of the existing spatial development pattern in the area. • Community Facilities A slipway facility must be provided by the municipality. (a) Land Use Management There is a need for a community centre to be utilised by the police • Encourage appropriate development and land uses and clinic facilities.

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(c) Local Business Node • Location (f) Civil Services and Infrastructure No proposals for business sites have been made. Applications for • Sewerage business rights should be evaluated on an ad hoc basis. Sewerage is mainly dealt with via in-situ conservancy and septic tanks. This waste must be disposed of at the Swellendam waste (d) Industrial water treatment works. An investigation is required to provide a • Industrial Development small waste water treatment works to service Infanta and Malagas. For obvious reasons, Infanta is not regarded as a suitable location Contamination of ground water in this area should be regularly for industrial development. monitored and is a concern.

(e) Conservation • Solid Waste Removal Refuse is collected and placed in refuse holding areas. The • Conservation of Sensitive Biophysical Environment Municipality collects refuse from these areas and transport it to Sensitive areas of the biophysical environment should be managed the operational land fill site. with conservation objectives in mind, and should be protected from urban development. In this regard, the following areas are of particular importance: • Water Supply − The urban edge areas immediately adjacent to areas of All residential units have to provide their own water storage on site and water is mainly derived from the ground water or natural vegetation. rainwater collection. There is a concern about further boreholes − The coastline, natural drainage system and areas and the impact they may have on future ground water supplies. immediately adjacent thereto. The area is serviced with soak away septic tanks and − Any dune systems, particularly any frontal dunes along, the contamination of the groundwater is a risk and should thus be coastline. carefully monitored.

• Corridors of Linear Open Spaces • Stormwater Disposal The functioning of the drainage line which effectively separates No proposal. Infanta from Infanta Park should be protected and managed with conservation objectives in mind to ensure that both its ecological • Electricity Supply and hydraulic functionality is optimised and maintained. This area is directly supplied by Eskom and currently there is no The existing coastal setback line, which is, in effect, the overloading. demarcated urban edge, should be maintained. No development

should be permitted in this setback area, thereby ensuring that a continuous coastal corridor is maintained. • Road Network No proposals.

• Public Transport No proposals.

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• Cemetery No proposals.

5.6.6 Land Use Guidelines: Densification

Existing Typical Erf Sizes Planning Area and and Residential Land Use Guidelines Land Use Character Densities

PA1: Low density 600m² • No further subdivisions residential ± 10 units/ha to be permitted.

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PLAN 5.9: SPATIAL PROPOSALS: INFANTA FEBRUARY 2020 113

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PLAN 5.10: GROWTH MANAGEMENT: INFANTA

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5.7 MALAGAS • Constraints Malgas as an historical settlement, currently functions as a localised low order − The topography, river corridor and remote location limit service centre to the farming community with a store and a rudimentary garage development opportunities. facility. The village is also an important tourist attraction in terms of the − Road infrastructure is poorly developed and unsurfaced. historical pont crossing, the Malagas Church, and other historical buildings. The Malagas guesthouse with its river boat hire and other facilities provides a focus for tourists visiting this area. The historical location of Malgas as a river 5.7.2 Local Spatial Development Principles crossing point and settlement within the sub-region although poorly defined, currently provides the central focus point to the existing linear residential • Protect / Maintain: subdivision pattern. − conservation of the surrounding natural environment, − no further subdivision of erven adjacent to the Breede River, − the rural character of the area.

• Change: − the provision of employment opportunities by providing opportunity for limited commercial activities within the identified core area.

• New: − Implement Coastal Management legislation and policies.

5.7.3 Local Growth Management Strategy

Due to its sensitive location, no further large-scale extension areas are shown for Malagas. As illustrated in the local Management Concept below, the focus of limited future development should be on the core urban area surrounding the river crossing. No subsidised housing development is proposed for this area. The proposed urban edge for the Malagas area is FIGURE 5.19: LOCALITY PLAN: MALAGAS illustrated on Plan 5.11. Any future extensions to the urban edge must be in accordance with the Provincial Urban Edge Guidelines. The management 5.7.1 Analysis of Opportunities and Constraints principles of the recently completed Breede River Estuary Management Plan must be adhered to.

• Opportunities

− Tourist attraction of the Malagas Pont / Ferry;

− Rural character and amenity setting of the settlement; and

− Access to Breede River for recreational activities.

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• Restrict inappropriate development Development should be discouraged in environmentally sensitive areas where it poses a threat to the ecological integrity of the area.

5.7.5 Land Use Proposals: Local Planning Level

The following Spatial Development Proposals are made for the Malagas area to address the land use needs identified for the area:

(a) Housing • Existing Housing Needs A housing development was completed for the accommodation of some informal shack dwellers as well as farm workers in the area. No further housing developments are proposed for the area.

(b) Local Business Node • Location and Accessibility FIGURE 5.20: SPATIAL MANAGEMENT MODEL: MALAGAS The detailed planning of the core urban area should make adequate provision for commercial and local small-scale service industrial uses. In order to manage growth effectively and in a 5.7.4 Spatial Development Strategies manner sensitive to the Malagas Villages’ historical character and “sense of place” it is proposed that limited development is The following spatial development strategies (SDS) are proposed to address accommodated within the designated core urban area However, the constraints of the historic spatial development pattern in the area. given the areas historical character and recognized “sense of place”, no further development or zoning rights should be granted (a) Equity of land use distribution within the delimited core urban area until a detailed development • Community Facilities framework for the Core Urban Area has been compiled. This plan, Although there is currently a limited number of permanent which should provide a relatively high level of detail, must be most residents, the need for community facilities should be sensitive to heritage resources in the area and should incorporate investigated. specialist urban design, building controls and landscaping guidelines.

(b) Land Use Management

• Encourage appropriate development and land uses Encourage the provision of employment opportunities through the allocation of an area for appropriate commercial and tourist

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SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK (c) Industrial supply their own water. Water is mainly derived from rainwater • Restrict Industrial Development collection, ground water or pumping water from the Breede River. Malagas is not regarded as a suitable location for any form of industrial development except local small-scale service industrial • Stormwater Disposal uses. No proposals.

(d) Conservation • Electricity Supply • Conservation of Sensitive Biophysical Environment This area is directly supplied by Eskom. Sensitive areas of the biophysical environment should be managed with conservation objectives in mind, and should be protected • Road Network from urban development. In this regard, the following areas are of No proposals. particular importance: − The urban edge areas immediately adjacent to areas of • Public Transport natural vegetation. No proposals. − The riverine and estuarine environment of the Breede River and its tributaries. • Cemetery There are two historical cemeteries in Malagas. They are however • Corridors of Linear Open Spaces no longer in use. The functioning of the Breede River and its estuary as an ecological corridor and linear open space area should be protected and managed with conservation objectives in mind.

(e) Civil Services and Infrastructure • Sewerage Sewerage is mainly dealt with via in-situ conservancy and septic tanks. The Municipality provides a suction service in the area. This waste must be disposed of at the Swellendam waste water treatment works. An investigation is required to provide a small waste water treatment works to service Infanta and Malagas.

• Solid Waste Removal

Refuse is collected by private operators and placed in refuse

holding areas. The Municipality collects refuse from these areas

and transports it to the local land fill site.

• Water Supply Some residential properties have access to water supplied by the water authority (Overberg Water Board). Most properties have to

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PLAN 5.11: SPATIAL PROPOSALS: MALAGAS

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SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK − Residential development should only be allowed subject to extensive 5.8 LOWER ORDER RURAL SETTLEMENTS investigation on the scale and form that retains the rural character of the settlement. A large number of informal rural settlements or urban uses can be found in the rural hinterland of the Overberg District. These commonly consist of a number − The development footprint should be contained within the defined of smallholdings or a school, post office and a shop in close proximity, serving rural edge of the settlements. the surrounding farms and farmworker communities. Several of these − The provision of services, i.e. potable water, sewerage, solid waste settlements can be found within the Swellendam municipal area and this disposal, etc. must be sustainably addressed before any further section will address the spatial management of these areas. development in these areas can be considered.

Existing non-agricultural development outside of urban areas must be Within the context of the above, it is recommended that the following under- managed to the advantage of the environment, rural character and agricultural mentioned areas should be considered for designation as rural settlements: development of the area. The range of land uses that could be permitted within a demarcated rural settlement are farm schools, places of instruction, agri-

industries, tourist facilities and accommodation and bulk infrastructure. 5.8.1 Stormsvlei

Further to the above, it is important to note that the primary objective of Stormsvlei is located approximately 25km west of Swellendam, next to the identifying an area as a rural settlement and demarcating a rural edge is to N2 and is located on the former important crossing of the roads between improve the level of land use control and environmental management for a Cape Agulhas, Laingsburg, Port-Elizabeth and Cape Town. specific area. It will also ensure informed decision making and stop ad hoc decisions by planning and environmental management authorities. Currently the settlement consists of the old post office, church, hotel and a few nearby dwellings. The old hotel is known as the Stormsvlei Mall and The implementation of this approach requires that before a specific area can houses a restaurant, shop and a bar. be designated as a rural settlement, by the Municipal Council, a thorough local level planning/environmental analysis and assessment must be undertaken, which will prescribe area specific environmental, landscape, heritage and land use management guidelines for the settlement. This Rural Development Framework will then be used as the basis to guide the location, nature, scale and design of any development within a defined area. It should be noted that an area can only be formally designated as a rural settlement after the completion of a Rural Development Framework.

The following general guidelines should be applied to these rural settlements:

− Promote appropriately scaled tourism development based on the agricultural and heritage value of the region. − Encourage rural cottage industries.

FIGURE 5.21: LOCALITY: STORMSVLEI

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SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK for the settlement, which includes the subdivided erven. No further subdivisions should be allowed without a clear subdivision policy or overlay 5.8.2 Ouplaas / Wydgeleë zone being put in place.

Ouplaas is situated between Bredasdorp and Swellendam, bordering on both the De Hoop Nature Reserve and the Potberg Environmental Centre. The settlement serves the surrounding farming community in which many are also involved in nature conservation and tourism.

The settlement consists of two schools, a church, a shop and a number of nearby dwellings. A specific rural edge has not been defined for the settlement, but future development should be placed in close proximity to the existing uses.

FIGURE 5.23: LOCALITY: RIETKUIL

5.8.4 Rheenendal

The Rheenendal water-mill does not technically qualify as a settlement, but it is included in this section as it is a well-known historical landmark and restaurant on the R60 Ashton road, located in a rural area. Future development could be considered in the vicinity of the mill, subject to a detailed investigation and management guidelines.

FIGURE 5.22: LOCALITY: OUPLAAS The Rheenendal water-mill was planned in 1864 by Frederick Jacobus van

Eeden. In the same year it was granted water rights and building 5.8.3 Rietkuil commenced in 1870. Parts for the mill had to be brought from Europe and the mill started its water-powered grain-milling operation in 1880. The mill Rietkuil is located on the N2, approximately 20km east of Swellendam and continued to produce flour until 1937. Between 1937 and 1969 the mill 6km directly south of Suurbraak. Rietkuil consists of approximately 150 served as a sub-station for generating electricity, a home for farm labourers erven or smallholdings with a typical size ranging between 1,5ha and 3ha. and even a fodder store. In 1969 an earthquake caused structural damage, Rietkuil could be considered a suburb of Suurbraak, as the erven originally but most of the original parts survived and can still be seen today. formed part of the same parent farm. A rural edge has been demarcated

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SWELLENDAM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK The Rheenendal mill was declared a monument on the 19th of August 1977.

FIGURE 5.24: LOCALITY: RHEENENDAL

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PLAN 5.12: STORMSVLEI

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PLAN 5.13: OUPLAAS

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PLAN 5.14: RIETKUIL

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A CEF must strive to answer the following questions: 6. IMPLEMENTATION AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE FRAMEWORK • How much infrastructure does the municipality need, where (spatially) and of what type? 6.1 INTRODUCTION • Is the need for infrastructure in line with the municipalities SDF vision that

responds to the municipality's growth and development strategy as This Spatial Development Framework for the Swellendam Municipality forms informed by the Spatial Development Framework (SDF)? an integral component of the municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) • When will the infrastructure be required over the 10-year timeline? which provides the basis of the municipality’s strategic focus and its budgetary • planning process. How much will it cost to create/implement versus on-going maintenance and operations?

• What impact will it have on financial viability going forward? The current IDP should therefore be formally informed by statutory approved • How will the required infrastructure be funded? Spatial Development Framework (SDF) for the entire Swellendam Municipal

Area. One of the strategic functions of the SDF is to inform and provide, from a spatial perspective, direction in the identification and prioritisation of the These questions can be problematic to answer and requires a great deal of critical interventions required to address identified problems and issues, coordination and investigation. An important first step however is to identify overcome constraints and realise opportunities. those priority projects that require funding and investment and develop the

CEF further based thereon. 6.2 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE FRAMEWORK 6.3 COMPONENTS OF THE CEF A Capital Expenditure Framework is a consolidated, high-level view of infrastructure investment needs in a municipality over the long term (10 years) While there are no legislated requirements for a CEF, for the purposes of the that considers not only infrastructure needs but also how these needs can be IUDG, a CEF consists of three major components each including a number of financed and what impact the required investment in infrastructure will have key elements. These are described below. on the financial viability of the municipality going forward. (SALGA, 2017)

It is important to note that the term ‘capital expenditure framework’ is 6.3.1 Spatial Alignment introduced in the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act of 2013 (SPLUMA) in section 21(n) where it states that: This component relates to the development of a Spatial Development "(n) Determine a capital expenditure framework for the municipality's Plan that complies with SPLUMA that is spatially quantified to align and development programmes, depicted spatially." support the Technical Assessment and the Financial alignment SPLUMA does not provide further detail on what this CEF should include. processes.

The CEF is therefore an outcome of an iterative process to strategically The SDF is intended to develop a longer-term perspective (longer than prioritize projects and development opportunities. 5 years but at least 10 years) to estimate and project the potential This long-term approach will also provide the necessary certainty for major growth of the municipality in terms of demographic and economic infrastructure projects that requires long lead times for planning and project growth in spatial terms. preparation (land acquisition, EIA's, etc.).

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Spatial Alignment seeks to understand the spatial agenda that directs Following on from the Spatial Alignment, the following information the capital expenditure requirements that inform the CEF. The SDF with should be on the table as input from the Spatial Alignment component its spatial vision has to address issues of lack of integration, for the Technical Assessment to be undertaken: inaccessibility and inequality, and to translate spatial transformation (a more sustainable urban form) and urban functionality (keep the lights • Spatial vision that captures the spatial transformation required to on) into capital programmes. change the urban form.

As a first step it is necessary to translate the municipality's Spatial • Geographically demarcated functional areas (covering the Development Framework with its focus areas (priority development municipal area wall to wall) each with a clear development areas) into functional areas that cover the whole municipal area from strategy (vision) for the functional area but it may include specific wall-to-wall. The purpose for this wall-to-wall coverage is to ensure that interventions for specific Priority Development Areas within the the entire municipal area is included and to avoid a situation where functional area. certain parts are excluded in terms of allocating the municipality's • Each functional area (including Priority Development Areas where financial resources. All parts within the municipality require some level applicable) to provide clear quantification of the population of service delivery and asset management. growth as well as household growth over the extended period

(minimum 10 years. "Priority development areas" as the name suggests, are areas where the municipality intends to focus investment in order to achieve the goals • Socio-economic profile of the population and household number of the SDF and its lower order plans. An entire functional area may be for each functional area, making a clear distinction between identified as a priority development area, or a priority development "poor" and "non-poor" population and households. area may be a sub-area within a functional area. • Number of residential units (consumer units) to be provided for

the different income groups. 6.3.2 Quantification of Growth • Quantification of the non-residential demand (commercial, industrial, institutional (social infrastructure)) reflected as number In order to achieve the above, the quantification of the Spatial of facilities that requires land space and engineering infrastructure Development per functional area is the starting point and provides the services (connecting points). basis for a need assessment to determine the number of consumers per functional area aligned to a specific development strategy. Existing infrastructure is located in space and should be captured in functional area context. Based on the socio-economic analysis the consumer units served by the existing infrastructure should have been 6.3.3 Technical Assessment identified and located per functional area (spatially) under the "Spatial

Alignment" component. This component relates to the development of a Consolidated

Infrastructure Plan. This plan is intended to develop a longer-term This latter point is very important: bulk infrastructure items, in perspective (longer than 5 years but at least 10 years) to estimate and particular, may be physically located in a different place to the project the demand for new and current services and the necessary consumer units that they serve. In a similar way the physical location of infrastructure to provide such services. the customers served is equally so. It is the location of customers that will determine the size of any backlogs in bulk infrastructure. This can FEBRUARY 2020 126

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be done by comparing the demand for a service (water, for example) in a functional area with the capacity of the infrastructure supplying the functional area. Residential Expansion 6.4 IDENTIFYING THE PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT AREAS

For the purpose of this iteration of the Swellendam SDF, a number of priority development areas and projects have been identified, that require financial and infrastructure investment to ensure that development projects can be Transnet Property - realised. Future iterations of the SDF will have to build on this information to Mixed use / Possible develop the CEF. Tertiary Facility

The priority development areas will require investment in bulk infrastructure and / or link services to unlock the latent development potential. In some cases, Rondomskrik 950 unit Subsidy Housing progress has been made in improving bulk capacity, but for significant

development opportunities to be unlocked, further investment and Swellengate – expenditure is required. Cooperstreet Railton CBD mixed use Upgrade development The proposed priority development areas are set out below per town: Industrial Area expansion (20 ha) 6.4.1 Swellendam

• Transnet property (Erf 157 & 1698) FIGURE 6.1: SWELLENDAM PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT AREAS • Rondomskrik (950 unit) subsidy housing project • Swellengate – Cooperstreet mixed use development • Railton CBD upgrade 6.4.2 Barrydale • Residential expansion north of Swellendam • Industrial area expansion (20ha) • Subsidy housing projects in Smitsville

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Subsidy Housing Porjects Subsidy Housing Porjects

FIGURE 6.3: SUURBRAAK PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT AREAS

Agri-and Light Industrial

FIGURE 6.2: BARRYDALE PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT AREAS

6.4.3 Suurbraak Subsidy Housing Porjects

• Subsidy housing project

6.4.4 Buffeljagsrivier

• Agri- and light industrial development • Subsidy housing project

FIGURE 6.4: BUFFELJAGSRIVIER PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT AREAS

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