6-9bf69c53679fa3d1.pdf

This report presents the Environmental Management Framework (EMF) and Strategic Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) for the Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Local Municipality (PKISLM) in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Developed by SRK Consulting and BKS, the document provides a spatial and descriptive analysis of the region's environmental attributes—including biodiversity, water resources, and geology—to guide sustainable land-use planning and decision-making. It integrates legal frameworks, stakeholder recommendations, and socio-economic data to establish environmental management zones that balance development with the conservation of critical ecosystems, particularly the grassland biome and various wetland systems.

• The Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Local Municipality (PKISLM) covers 522,204 hectares and is situated within the grassland biome, which is identified as "one of the most threatened biomes in South Africa".
• The region is a critical water catchment area containing the headwaters of three major river systems: the Upper Vaal, Thukela, and Usutu to Mhlatuze. The area is strategically important as it provides a "important source of water for the Gauteng region".
• Wetlands and dams occupy approximately 18.9% of the municipal area, totaling 124,734 hectares. Hillslope seepage wetlands are the most prevalent type, accounting for 67% of the total wetland area, followed by valley bottom wetlands at 31%.
• The Wakkerstroom Wet Grasslands (WWG) cover 233,393 hectares across 120 farms and are of high biodiversity value. Approximately 82.5% of the WWG remains in a natural state, with 83% classified as threatened ecosystems (75.6% Endangered and the rest Vulnerable).
• Air quality is a significant concern as the municipality is part of the Highveld Priority Area, where ambient air quality may exceed standards. Key contributors to pollution include biomass burning, household fuel burning, vehicle use, and industrial emissions from the Majuba power station.
• Agriculture is the second largest economic sector in the PKISLM, with commercial mixed farming (maize, sorghum, sunflower, beans, and soya beans) and wool production contributing significantly to the local economy. However, the sector faces challenges from land reform processes and road damage caused by coal trucks.
• Mining in the area is primarily small-scale coal production, with some sand and dolerite mining. While coal deposits are sizable, they are often deep and uneconomical at current prices, though underground coal gasification is being piloted for the Majuba power station.
• The municipality faces severe service delivery challenges: only 45% of households have access to flush toilets connected to sewage systems, and approximately 7,567 electricity supply backlogs remain. Waste management is poor, with only the Volksrust site being a licensed landfill.
• Socio-economic conditions are characterized by low employment (29.3%) and low average monthly earnings of approximately R600, which is significantly below the Gert Sibande District Municipality average of R1,475.
• The region possesses significant cultural and historical assets, including San Stone Age paintings at the foot of the Amajuba Mountain, the Mahatma Ghandi museum, and battle sites from the Anglo-Transvaal and Anglo-Boer Wars.

APA

Centre for Environmental Rights (n.d.). 6-9bf69c53679fa3d1.pdf. https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/6.pdf?x21779

Chicago

Centre for Environmental Rights. 6-9bf69c53679fa3d1.pdf. n.d. https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/6.pdf?x21779.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Centre for Environmental Rights |title=6-9bf69c53679fa3d1.pdf |url=https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/6.pdf?x21779 |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{centreforenvironmentalrightsnd69bf69c53679fa3d1pdf, author = {{Centre for Environmental Rights}}, title = {{6-9bf69c53679fa3d1.pdf}}, institution = {Centre for Environmental Rights}, url = {https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/6.pdf?x21779}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }