Eastern Cape gets rid of invasive alien plants

IAPs are plants that have been introduced to areas that are outside their natural habitats, and pose a threat to the indigenous plant species. Communities and natural ecosystems worldwide are under siege from the growing number of destructive invasive alien species such as agricultural weeds, insect pests and even disease organisms.

These plants are one of the greatest causes of the extinction of indigenous plants worldwide. Some of the problems caused by these plants are that they use more water than the vegetation they are invading and cause a drastic reduction in the volume of water that reaches rivers, dams and can even stop streams to flow altogether.

Creating jobs

The Ikwezi Municipality's initiative is currently aimed at clearing 528 hectares of invasive plants in the Ikwezi Municipal area over an eight month period creating 150 jobs to assist with poverty alleviation in the area. The 150 jobs are spread throughout the wards of the Ikwezi Municipality: Jansenville - 101 jobs; Klipplaat - 25 jobs; Waterford - 12 jobs; and Wolwefontein - 12 jobs.

Road shows were hosted earlier this year throughout the Ikwezi Municipal area. The road shows were interactive and fun while at the same time educating communities about the importance of eradicating IAPs. Community members were also informed about the different ways of controlling and managing IAPs.

Torch cactus a huge problem

"The cactus type plants such as the torch cactus that has been brought in from Mexico are the greatest plant invaders in the area," says Sizwe Mngwevu, mayor of the Ikwezi Municipality. "These plants threaten and deplete our water resources, which are already very limited. During Arbour Week 2012, the roadshow team will be revisiting selected areas within the Ikwezi Municipality area on 6 and 7 September 2012, where we will be planting indigenous trees including Spekboom succulents, which have been sequestrated for climate change, in the areas which have been cleared of IAPs.

"Job creation forms an important element for us during this initiative. It is important for us to educate communities about the importance of eliminating these invasive plants, and why they should not be grown at home." concludes Mngwevu.