7-e3681c85ab0a5935.pdf

This document consists of two primary components: an Environmental Management Framework (EMF) and a Spatial Development Framework (SDF) for the Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Local Municipality (PKISLM). The EMF establishes seven Environmental Management Zones (EMZs) to guide sustainable development by identifying preferred and undesirable land uses based on environmental sensitivities. The SDF provides broad spatial policy guidelines to manage regional growth, balancing economic development—particularly in agriculture, trade, and community services—with the conservation of critical grasslands and wetlands.

• The EMF utilizes six environmental sensitivity maps to determine the EMZs: Biodiversity conservation, Wetland and hydrological conservation, Agricultural conservation, Urban/residential, Cultural and recreational/tourism resources, and Mining, industrial and commercial.
• Agriculture is the largest economic sector contributing to the Gross Value Added (GVA) of the municipality, followed by community services and trade.
• Wetlands occupy approximately 18.9% of the municipal area, totaling an estimated 124,734 hectares, with hill slope seepage wetlands being the most common type at 67%.
• The municipality's settlement hierarchy identifies Volksrust/Vukuzakhe as the 1st order urban node, Amersfoort/Ezamokuhle and Wakkerstroom/Esizameleni as 2nd order nodes, and Perdekop and Daggakraal/Singobile as 3rd order nodes.
• The document emphasizes the national importance of the Wakkerstroom wetland complex, describing it as one of the few peat land wetlands in South Africa and a critical 'water factory' for water security.
• Development in areas with high biodiversity (protected, irreplaceable, or highly significant) requires a study by a professional ecologist, while sites adjacent to wetlands must determine the 1:100 year floodline.
• A heritage impact assessment is mandatory for development or sub-division applications if the site exceeds 5 hectares, contains structures older than 60 years, or involves infrastructure exceeding 300 meters.
• The EMF implementation process involves a two-step consultation: first, determining the zone via the EMZ map to see if an activity is supported, and second, consulting general and specific guidelines to identify necessary further studies.
• The document identifies several challenges facing the agricultural community, including the slow rate of land reform, crime levels, and global competitiveness.

APA

Centre for Environmental Rights (n.d.). 7-e3681c85ab0a5935.pdf. https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/7.pdf?x21779

Chicago

Centre for Environmental Rights. 7-e3681c85ab0a5935.pdf. n.d. https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/7.pdf?x21779.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Centre for Environmental Rights |title=7-e3681c85ab0a5935.pdf |url=https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/7.pdf?x21779 |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{centreforenvironmentalrightsnd7e3681c85ab0a5935pdf, author = {{Centre for Environmental Rights}}, title = {{7-e3681c85ab0a5935.pdf}}, institution = {Centre for Environmental Rights}, url = {https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/7.pdf?x21779}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }