NATURAL & HISTORICAL SITES

22 : Wetlands & Rivers

The Waterberg may best be described as a large wetland.  The Waterberg is a major and the most important catchment area for the Limpopo Basin.  Its four large rivers are the Palala, Mokolo, Matlabas (sometimes called Motlhabatsi) and Mogalakwena rivers.  These rivers, and those passing close to the Waterberg, are fed by a host of smaller rivers and streams such as the Melkrivier, the Blokland Spruit, the Sterkstroom Spruit, the Grootfontein Spruit, the Taaibos Spruit and the Platbos Spruit.

Given that 82 % of South Africa's rivers are currently threatened and 33 % are considered critically endangered, the proper ecological management of this whole region is of utmost importance to thousands of people who are dependent upon the Waterberg's water.  At this site the effect of the removal of exotic species, such as eucalyptus (above picture), wattle and poplar can be seen to the east, while to the west this important conservation task is yet to be completed. A government - initiated poverty-relief project, Working on Water, has made a significant contribution to the elimination of thirsty, exotic plants along water courses in several parts of the Waterberg; but much more work remains to be done, including the education of farmers about the adverse impact of these trees.