Mthatha River System

27 Pages·2008·8.53 MB·English

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Mthatha River System - 2008
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The River Health Programme
Foreword
Content
This document is an initial, yet vitally important
stepping stone on the future development, and
well-being of the Mthatha River. The sustainable
protection of the natural environment is not only
Summary 2
enshrined in the constitution, but is again reflected Isishwankathelo 3
in the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998), as well Context of this Report River Health Programme Background 5
as in a myriad of DWAF policies and strategies. Measuring River Health 6
To meet these requirements, the DWAF created a EcoClassification
River Health Section, and is currently busy further EcoStatus
The Mthatha State-of-Rivers report was developed as part of
populating this section to deliver a quick, accurate, River Health Categories 7
the biomonitoring and reporting capacity building initiative
in-depth and ongoing service. Although only a Driver and Response indicators used in the RHP 8
in the Eastern Cape. While this report is mainly based on the
few prioritized rivers or river sections have been Eastern Cape River Health Programme 10
Mthatha technical report (RHP web site: www.csir.co.za/rhp/),
investigated to date, together with the setting up Overview of the Mthatha River Catchment 12
contributions were also received from many individuals. Main
of monitoring points, this will in due course spread Physical Characteristics and Ecoregions 12
contributors towards the earlier drafts, with their affiliated
across Water Management Agencies 12 and 15, Land cover and Land-use 14
organisations and contributions in brackets, are listed below:
with a wall-to-wall monitoring network. In this Social and Economic profile in the Mthatha catchment 18
way, the DWAF can keep its finger on the pulse Mthatha River Headwaters 20
Pumza Gasa-Lubelwana (DWAF; Project coordination); Ntom-
of each and every watercourse, and step in when Mthatha River upstream of Mthatha town and the Cicira tributary 24
bokuqala Myeko (WSU; Floods; The Ngqungqu tributary; RHP
points of concern arise. Mthatha Town 28
background; Land cover and land-use); Sizwe Cawe (WSU;
Mthatha Falls to Kwa-Ntsaka 32
Alien vegetation along the Mthatha river; Mangroves; Making
The Mthatha River is the latest addition to the Ngqungqu Tributary 36
mats; Plantations; Indigenous forests); Ndipha Bhengu (WSU;
growing list of rivers investigated by the River Lower Mthatha River 40
Origin of the water hyacinth in the Mthatha River); Elliot Weni
Health Section. The time is indeed ripe for Mthatha Estuary 44
(DWAF; Nature Reserves; Mthatha River upstream of Mthatha
such an intervention, especially as the Mthatha Governance of the RHP 47
Dam); Dumisani Kali (WSU; Ecosystem services; Mthatha
River has been getting a fair amount of negative Legislation 48
estuary; Mthatha Town); Ntsiki Majiza (WSU; Education oppor-
publicity in both the print and electronic media Impacts on the Mthatha River and recommended management actions 48
tunities for children in environmental sciences; Mthatha River
due to the population incidents. Not only this but
between First Falls and Kwa-Ntsaka location; Indicators); Chief
the area around Mthatha itself has been included Information Boxes
Takata (Mthatha River between First Falls and Kwa-Ntsaka
in the so-called Mzimvubu Development Project, State-of-rivers (SoR) reporting 4
location); Kululwa Mkosana (DWAF; Wetlands and importance;
which is being spearheaded by ASGISA which is Driver and response indicators used in this report 9
Recommendations and Management actions; River Health
also a Presidential Icon Project. There have been The River Health Programme in the Eastern Cape 11
Indicators; River Health Categories); Mmabatho Mampane
a number of recent enquiries regarding water- Hydroelectricity generation in the Mthatha River 15
(DWAF; River Health Indicators; Ecosystem services; Recom-
related tourism activities on the Mthatha Dam and Gully (donga) erosion in the Mthatha catchment 16
mendations and Management actions); Thulani Guzana (DWAF;
at the estuary. The Mthatha River is also used for Indigenous Forests 21
Water quality; Mthatha estuary); Tando Ntozakhe (WSU; RHP
varied purposes, such as hydropower generation, Plantations 23
background; Water quality, sewage pollution); Zanele Sishuba
irrigation, domestic and industrial water supplies Water Quality 25
(DWAF; Mthatha Dam; Overview of the Mthatha catchment);
and stock-watering. The Mthatha Dam 27
Janine Adams (NMMU; Mthatha estuary); Mlondolozi Mbikwana
Education opportunities provided by your local river or stream 29
(DWAF; Water supply and sanitation; Ecoregions; Land cover
The time is thus ripe for the production of this Sewage pollution 31
and land-use); Lungile Gaulana (DWAF; wetland map); Charon
important document. It is now up to everone Floods 33
Swarts (DWAF; Geology and soils); Thembela Bushula (DWAF;
involved either directly or indirectly in the water Alien fish species in the Mthatha River 35
Mthatha headwaters; coordination of meetings).
sector to make use of this initial stepping stone as Wetlands and their importance 37
a solid footing for the way forward in ensuring the Alien Vegetation along the Mthatha River 39
Other contributions by:
Ecological Health of the Mthatha River. This way, Human health and water quality 41
Wilma Strydom (Editor); Devlyn Hardwick (CSIR; Gully erosion
future generations can enjoy the environment as Mangroves 45
in the Mthatha catchment; Land-use and ecoregion maps; Water
guaranteed in the Constitution. Ecosystem goods and services of the Mthatha River 49
and sanitation statistics; gully photographs); Liesl Hill (CSIR; RHP
background); Bettina Genthe and Maronel Steyn (CSIR; Human
health and water quality); Peter MacMillan (CSIR; WMA maps;
Suggested Citation:
ordering of information); Mike Silberbauer (DWAF, RQS; Editing River health Programme (2008). State-of-Rivers Report: Mthatha River System.
Ms. Nomonde Mnukwa and review); Peter Ashton (CSIR; Review). Department of Water Affairs and Forestry
Chief Director: Eastern Cape Pretoria
Design and Photographs: Wilma Strydom ISBN No: 978-0-620-42131-7 August 2008
2 3
Summary Isishwankathelo
This state-of-river report for the management of the water resources rivers yield. However, competing base, developmental gains may be Ingxelo engobume bomlambo abahlala kuloo ngingqi emngci-
Mthatha is the second for a river in the catchment. demands of poverty alleviation, short-lived, resulting in irreversible waseMthatha yeyesibini ukwenziwa phekweni. Ukwanda kwabantu
system in the Eastern Cape under industrial development, provision damage to the aquatic environment yiRiver Health Programme (RHP) kubangele ukunqongophala kwezix-
the River Health Programme (RHP). Healthy rivers are essential to our of services and economic growth and causing more hardship than apha eMpuma Koloni. Le ngxelo hobo, nto leyo ibangele ubunzima
It is a summary of the findings of well-being and the sustainable can all too easily over-ride the before. Loss of aquatic ecosystem ishwankathela iziphumo zezifundo ekuseni amanzi acocekileyo okusela
studies of the ecological functioning development of our country: we rely basic requirement for protection integrity can increase the cost of ezingokusebenza kwendalo eluntwini. Uninzi lwezindlu zasezi-
of the Mthatha catchment and on rivers for our survival and benefit of the river environment. Without obtaining safe potable water, impair yomhlaba waseMthatha. Ezi lalini abakwazi kufikelela kumanzi
provides valuable information for the from the goods and services that a sustainable environmental the quality of life and incur health ziphumo zinika ulwazi olubaluleki- acocekileyo okusela, baphele bese-
costs for treatment of acute and leyo oluthi luncede ekunonopheleni benzisa amanzi omlambo angaco-
chronic diseases related to prolonged amanzi kule ngingqi. cekanga. Izindlu ezininzi azinazo
exposure to water pollutants. ngokwaneleyo izindlu zangasese.
EcoStatus F
Imilambo ekwisimo esihle inenx- Izindlu zangasese ezingekho mgan-
G G-F F P F
RHP studies show that the EcoStatus axheba enkulu kwimpilo yethu gathweni uphezulu, ukugcwala
of the Mthatha River is Fair to Poor nasekusebenziseni ngononophelo kwendawo zokugcina ilindle nokun-
Ecological importance and sensitivity: MODERATE in the upper river, Poor to Seriously izinto eziphuhliswa lilizwe lethu: gasebenzi (okanye ukonakala)
Modified in the Mthatha Town area Ukuze siphile, sixhomekeke kwimi- kweendawo zokucoca ilindle, zonke
EcoStatus F-P
and immediately downstream, and lambo kwaye siyaxhamla kwizinto zibangela ukuba ilindle lomntu elin-
CM G-F F P P EcoStatus F
Fair in the lower river. Deteriorating eziveliswa ngumlambo. Kodwa ke, gacocekanga liye kungena emlanjeni
G F-F F SM P
water quality in the middle and lower ukukhula kwezidingo zokugxotha linjalo. Le nto ke igqitha ngaphaya
Ecological importance and sensitivity: MODERATE reaches of the Mthatha River poses indlala, uphuhliso lwemizi-mveliso, kwemimiselo yoMgaqo waManzi,
Ecological importance and sensitivity: MODERATE potential health and economic risks ukwenziwa kweenkonzo kuluntu ogxinisisisa ekubeni, isimo samanzi
to the communities living there. kunye nezeqoqosho, zonke ezo angcolileyo ngokusetyenziswa,
EcoStatus F
Population growth has outstripped zinto zingayigubungela eyona oku kubandakanya amanzi asety-
P F-G no data no data P
the development of infrastructure njongo yokukhusela amanzi. Xa enzisiweyo avela kwimizi-mveliso,
Mthatha
Dam and the supply of potable water to singenaso isiseko sendalo esihlala iindawo zokulahla inkukuma,
Ecological importance and sensitivity: NO DATA all households is a problem. The sikho, zingakhawuleza ziphele izinti izindlu zabantu namatyotyombe
majority of rural households do esizizuza kuphuhliso, ibangele kufuneka sibe ngaphantsi komlin-
EcoStatus SM
not have access to clean potable umonakalo ongenako ukulungiseka ganiselo obekiweyo nguzwe-lonke.
P P-P P SM SM
Mthatha
water and many use untreated emanzini, kube nzima kunakuqala. Abasemagunyeni ke banoxanduva
a
EcoStatus F-P Cicir river water. Most households also Xa sithe saphulukana nendalo yase- lokujonana nabophuli-mthetho,
F G-P G P P
Ecological importance and sensitivity: LOW do not have adequate sanitation manzini siyakuzifumana sihlawula baqisike ukuba loo ndawo icociwe.
facilities. Poor sanitation, overloaded ixabiso eliphezulu lokuzuza amanzi Le nto ke ingenziwa ngokuthi
EcoStatus P-SM
systems and malfunctioning sewage okusela acocekileyo, ichaphazeleke kumiselwe izixhobo nezindlu
Ecological importance and sensitivity: MODERATE F F-SM P F SM
treatment works result in untreated impilo, siphele sihlawula kakhulu zokugcina amanzi nelindle engcoli-
human waste discharging into the ukuze sinyangwe kwizifo esizifume leyo, nkokwemigaqo kazwe-lonke.
Ecological importance and sensitivity: LOW river, despite the requirements of ngokuthi sidibane nezinto ezing-
the National Water Act (Act No.36 colisa amanzi. Ukutshintsha indlela umlambo
20 km
of 1998), which requires that all ohamba ngayo kunye notsalo-
Mthatha effluent discharges, including runoff Izifundo zeRHP zibonisa ukuba mbane emanzini zezinye izinto
Ngqung from industries, dumping sites, and isimo sendalo somlambo uMthatha ezixhalabisayo. Isebe lamanzi
EcoStatus P qu formal and informal settlements, siphakathi kokubaNgcono nokubak- nezamahlathi, engingqini nakuzwe-
F F-SM F SM SM
must comply with the national water wimeko embi kumantla omlambo, lonke, uzakube usenza uphando
quality regulations. The authorities umbindi wedolophu uMthatha olunzulu lwendalo yomlambo
have a duty to deal with offenders nasezantsi kwayo zikwimeko embi uMthatha. Le nto iza kubangela
Ecological importance and sensitivity: LOW
and to arrange that affected areas netshintshileyo kakhulu, ngeli lixa ukumiselwa kohambo lomlambo
EcoStatus F EcoStatus F are cleaned up, for example by umlambo emazantsi ukwisimo ngokwendalo nokulondolozwa
G N-F G F P F G-F F G P installing and managing adequate esiNgcono. Imeko yamanzi ngeliso elibanzi kokuvulelwa
solid and liquid waste disposal eqhubeka nkokubambi embindini kwamanzi edamini ukuze umlambo
The icons are explained nasemazantsi omlambo uMthatha
on pages 6 to 9 Ecological importance and sensitivity: MODERATE Ecological importance and sensitivity: HIGH continue on page 4 ibeka impilo noqoqosho lwabantu Qhubeka uye kwiphepha le-4
4 5
Isishwankathelo (siyaqhubeka) River Health Programme Background
ufuze ukuhamba ngokwendalo. izikhukula nokubamba umhlaba kulandelwa xa kujongwa umlambo
ungakhukuliseki. Ukuba kunikwen- ngokubanzi, kulondolozwe ulwazi
A river links together many other ment, implementation and mainte- individuals have taken part in the
Iingxaki ezinxulumene namanzi zeka, abahlali bale ndawo kufuneka kwenziwe nengxelo. Eli qela libam-
ecosystems in a catchment and the nance of all national water resource development and implementation of
azisuki emlanjeni. Amanzi amaninzi bayeke ukudlisa imfuyo endaweni bisene neSebe lamanzi namahlathi
health of a river is therefore a good quality monitoring programmes, the Programme. At a national level
esichotho nomhlaba ocukeneyo, enye ngokugqithisileyo nokususwa namanye amaziko abanda-
reflection of the health of a catch- including the National Aquatic DWAF, the Department of Environ-
ziye zidibane zibangele ukhukuliseko kwemithi yemvelo eselunxwe- kanyekayo, liphuhlisa labelane
ment. Healthy rivers are essential to Ecosystem Health Monitoring Pro- mental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT)
lomhlaba olubonakala kumhlaba meni lomlambo. Abasemagunyeni nangolwazi ukuze kugcinwe, kulo-
human well-being and sustainable gramme (NAEHMP). The River Health and the Water Research Commis-
waseMthatha wonke. Ukususwa kufuneka bacebe ukususa izityalo ndolozwe, kukhuselwe nokuzama
development. People rely on rivers Programme (RHP) is one of four sion (WRC) are custodians of the
kwemithi yemvelo ngokudlisa ezingezizo ezemveli ezikhula ukubuyisela indalo yamanzi kwisimo
for their survival and derive benefits sub-programmes of the NAEHMP Programme and provide strategic
imfuyo ngokugqithisileyo, iyenza emanzini, olulukhula lwamanzi. sayo sokuqala. Eli qela, iPTT, alinako
from the goods and services that (the others are wetlands, estuaries guidance. At the provincial and local
mbi ngokuthe chatha imeko. Loo ukufezekisa lo msebenzi lodwa,
rivers yield. We monitor these eco- and groundwater dependent eco- level, provincial task teams (PTT)
nto ibangela ukuba umhlaba obal- Iqela (Provincial Task Team, PTT) kungoko ke amasebe athatha systems and the organisms that live systems). The overall purpose of the implement and maintain the RHP
ulekileyo uphela ungena ubemninzi leSebe laseMpuma Koloni leRHP inxaxheba kufuneka abonise ukuz- in them to enable informed manage- RHP is to provide information on the under the leadership of provincial
emlanjeni. Bonke ke abachapha- lunoxanduva lokumisela, ukulo- inikela kwawo kwi RHP nePTT ment and protection of our rivers. state of health or ecological integrity champions. Participants in the RHP
zelekayo, kuquka oosomahlathi, ndoloza nokuphuhlisa iRHP apha ngokuthi afakele kwiincwadi zabo of rivers to support the management come from DWAF Regional Offices,
abalimi nabafuyi nabo basemas- esebeni. Eli qela liza kuqhubeka ezibonisa imisebenzi eza kwenziwa, The Department of Water Affairs and of these resources. provincial DEAT, SANParks, provincial
emagunyeni ekuhlaleni, kufuneka ngokuthi lifumane namanye amaziko ufundo lwemilambo kusetyenziswa Forestry (DWAF), as the legal cus- parks boards, academic institutions,
bakhusele amanxweme omlambo anomdla kule nkqubo, bobelane izidalwa zasemanzini nangokuxhasa todian of water resources in South The RHP has been in existence since conservation agencies, water boards
ngokuthi bavumele umhlaba nangezixhobo ukuze icace indima avumele ukubandakanyeka kwam- Africa, is responsible for the develop- 1994, and various organizations and and private sector and industry.
nezityalo ezaneleyo ezingqonge yokudlwalwa liziko ngalinye. Eli alungu abo kwiRHP.
umlambo ukuzama ukudambisa qela liza kusasaza umgaqo oza State-of-Rivers (SoR) reporting Monitoring programmes such as
the RHP are essential for realising
Well informed decision-making and sustainability and human livelihoods the sustainable development of
changed behaviours are needed to is becoming clear. water resources in South Africa.
Summary (continued) ensure sustainable development. Competing demands for poverty
This can only be accomplished if In order to convey SoR information alleviation, industrial development,
the relevant information is available. to a wider audience, the Mthatha provision of services and economic
infrastructure according to national the situation. The net result is Task Team (PTT) is responsible for State-of-Rivers reporting provides River technical report (intended growth imperatives can all too easily
standards. that valuable topsoil ends up as implementing, maintaining and such information in the style of State for water resource managers) is over-ride the basic requirement for
sediment in the river channel. All developing the RHP in the province. of Environment reporting, using the enhanced and supplemented by a environmental protection. Without
Flow modification through damming those concerned, foresters, agricul- The PTT will continue to identify and Organisation for Economic Co-opera- suite of products: a sustainable environmental base,
and power generation is another area turalists and local authorities, need align the efforts and resources of tion and Development (OECD) Pres- SoR Report – (this document) a developmental gains could be short-
of concern. The Department of to protect riparian zones by allowing collaborating institutions and make sure-State-Response (PSR) framework, concise, readable version containing lived, causing irreversible damage
Water Affairs and Forestry’s national sufficient buffer areas to ensure roles and responsibilities explicit. The where: the major findings, aimed at parlia- to the environment which supplies
and regional offices will be deter- that flood attenuation and sediment PTT will also develop and distribute a mentarians, resource managers and the water we use for food produc-
mining the ecological Reserve for the trapping occurs. If at all possible, framework and plan of action for the Pressure describes the social and eco- the public; tion, industrial development and
Mthatha River, in order to establish local communities should avoid the co-ordination of river surveys, infor- nomic activities that exert pressure on Poster – an eye catching version agricultural enterprise. The complex
the environment or ecosystems; that gives the state of a river in a integration of ecological, economic
environmental flow requirements and adverse effects of overgrazing and mation management and reporting.
nutshell, for display in public build- and social objectives is crucial to the
manage flow releases to simulate the removal of indigenous trees and In collaboration with DWAF and
State represents the present state or ings, schools, libraries and clinics; sustainable development of these
seasonal flows and natural hydrolog- other vegetation from the riparian other responsible organisations, the
health of an ecosystem and is a direct Non-verbal poster – to accom- water resources. The immediate gain
ical fluxes as closely as possible. zone. Where alien vegetation has PTT is developing and disseminating
result of these pressures; and modate those that have difficulty from certain activities might seem
invaded the riparian vegetation, land the knowledge to sustain, manage,
reading, the non-verbal poster has financially attractive, but the longer
Water-related problems are not managers need to carefully remove protect, and rehabilitate the aquatic
Responses are the management a dual purpose with guidelines for term consequences could be devas-
restricted to the river channel itself. the alien plants while avoiding ecosystem. The PTT cannot achieve
actions and policies needed to relieve use in the Junior Primary Phase in tating for sustainability and human
Concentrated surface flow during further damage to the riparian zone. this alone, so participating organisa-
the pressures and impacts through schools; livelihoods. Loss of aquatic ecosys-
rainstorms and the phenomenon of The responsible authorities should tions should show their commitment
correct management. Activity book – based on the OBE tem integrity can increase the cost of
“soil piping” combine to cause the also plan to eradicate invasive alien to the RHP and PTT by including
curriculum and with teacher supervi- obtaining safe potable water, impair
gully erosion apparent throughout in-stream vegetation such as water biomonitoring in their business plans Over time, as we record more and more sion, the learner discovers wise water the quality of life and incur health
the Mthatha catchment. The removal hyacinth. and by supporting and endorsing the trend data for ecosystem health, the uses as well as the importance of costs for treatment of acute and
of natural vegetation, for example involvement of their staff members consequences of increasing social and river ecosystems. chronic diseases related to prolonged
through overgrazing, aggravates The Eastern Cape RHP Provincial in the RHP. economic activities (pressures) on exposure to water pollutants.
6 7
Measuring River Health
River Health Categories
Ecologically based approaches and biological responses, and in-stream and the ecological health of the river. River Health categories are associ- a river in a good class may have health categories thus represent
methods for determining the state of riparian habitats. The ecological health ated with varying levels of present recreational potential. A river in a a combination of human impacts.
river ecosystems include Eco-classifi- of a river is also called the Present The RHP has a range of tools at its ecosystem health and the potential fair class may have lost much of its Resource managers have to take
cation and Eco-Status (using Indica- Ecological State, or PES. disposal for assessing the health of an ecosystem to offer particular capacity to be a reliable and good decisions concerning these impacts,
tors and Indices) and a River Health or condition of aquatic resources. goods and services (see table quality source of water while rivers in the knowledge that the conse-
Categorisation. Biological organisms and communi- Each tool summarises the biological below). A section of a river in a in a poor class have little or no quences for the river ecosystem
ties are adapted to live within a certain response data using an index or natural class may be more suitable capacity remaining to support any may be irreversible.
To determine the ecological health of range of environmental conditions. model to generate metrics (such as for conservation and tourism, while ecological goods or services. River
South Africa’s river systems, the RHP Because they are closely attuned MIRAI, FRAI or EcoStatus) expressed
focuses on biological indicators and to disturbances that occur in a river as an Ecological Category.
indices (macro-invertebrates, fish and ecosystem over extended periods of
riparian vegetation), also referred to as time, they are excellent indicators of River Health
Ecological Perspective Management Perspective
Category
EcoClassification Natural No or negligible modification of in-stream The river is relatively untouched, no dams impede flow
biota and riparian habitats and no waste discharges enter the river.
Good The biodiversity is largely intact and the Human related disturbances have a low impact on the
EcoClassification is the term used for climate, soil, geology, physiography determination of the ecological
ecosystem is essentially in a good state. river.
the Ecological Classification process, and natural vegetation, establish Reserve. Within the RHP context,
Fair Few sensitive species may be absent and Multiple disturbances are associated with economic
which derives the PES by monitoring the reference sites or reference the focus is on biological responses biological populations are less abundant development and include impoundment, water quality
a range of biophysical attributes conditions for such a comparison. as indicators of ecosystem health, - invasive or opportunistic species may be degradation and habitat modification.
present.
(e.g. macro-invertebrates, fish, and By comparing a selected site to a so biological response data is
Poor River habitat diversity and availability have High human densities or extensive resource exploi-
riparian vegetation), and comparing natural or minimally impacted site assessed in terms of the severity
declined and only tolerant species are present. tation have greatly altered the river. Management
the results with those of the natural in the same ecoregion, it is possible of biophysical changes. The RHP
Those species that survive are often diseased intervention should already be in place to improve
reference condition. to establish whether changes in includes only a cursory assessment and population dynamics are often disrupted. the health of the river, restoring flow patterns, water
The RHP design allows comparison the river system are natural or of the cause-and-effect relation- quality and river habitats.
between reference sites or condi- unnatural. ships between the drivers (e.g.
tions and monitoring sites. Ecore- physico-chemistry, geomorphology,
gions, which are characterised The same EcoClassification process hydrology) and the biological
by distinct abiotic factors such as is followed in the RHP as in the responses. The River Health categories have
been revised and aligned with the
ecological Reserve categories A to F
EcoStatus
and will in future be reported on as
described in the table below.
The EcoStatus of a river system
describes the overall condition or
s
health of the system, in terms of er Water quality Hydrology Geomorphology Ecological categories, category names and associated meanings
riv physico/chemical with colour codes used to interpret EcoStatus and RHP data.
its ability to support an appro- D

priate natural fauna and flora, and Ecological (Reserve) River Health
its capacity to provide a variety of t categories category Description Colour
a
goods (e.g. timber, food, medicine) abit Index of Habitat Integrity A Natural Unmodified natural Blue
and services (e.g. purification, H
In-stream Riparian B Good Largely natural with few modifications Green
degradation of organic matter). It

therefore reflects an ecologically s C Fair Moderately modified Yellow
e
s
integrated state representing a n D Poor Largely modified Red
o
p
series of: s E Seriously modified Seriously modified Purple
re Fish response Macro-invertebrate Riparian vegetation
• Ecosystem Drivers (hydrological, F Critically modified Critically or extremely modified Black
al FRAI response response
geomorphological, and physico- gic MIRAI VEGRAI
o
chemical); and ol
• Ecosystem Responses (macro- Bi
invertebrates, fish and riparian The relationship between the indices used to determine the ecological
vegetation). health of a river according to the EcoStatus procedure.
8 9
Driver and response indicators used
in this report
Driver and response indicators used in the RHP
The Geomorphological Assessment Index (GAI) was
the driver index used in the Mthatha River assess-
EcoStatus is based on the principle that the biological driver information. Although a detailed analysis for the
ment. Fish (FRAI), macro-invertebrates (MIRAI)
responses reflect the integrated effect of the modifica- physical drivers, i.e. geomorphology, hydrology and
and riparian vegetation (IRVI) were the biological
tion of the drivers and that this results in an ecological water quality is not required for a RHP level EcoStatus
response indicators used.
endpoint. In the RHP context, biological responses assessment, this data is used to compliment and
Response indicators
are the primary indicator of ecosystem health while improve the confidence of the habitat integrity assess-
habitat integrity is generally used as a surrogate for ment, if available.
Macro-invertebrates
Driver indicators Aquatic invertebrate communities respond it provides a habitat-based cause-and-effect
relatively quickly to localised conditions in foundation for the interpretation of deviations
a river, especially water quality and habitat of the aquatic invertebrates from a reference
Geomorphology and hydrology diversity. These communities are common, condition. These results are then integrated
have a wide range of sensitivities, and have a into the overall Ecostatus score. Note that
Geomorphological processes determine river speed of the flow, which in turn determine
suitable life-cycle duration that indicates short previous reports used the South African
channel morphology which provides the the abundance and distribution of biota by
to medium-term impacts of water quality. The Scoring System or SASS to express the
physical environment which stream biota creating dynamic habitats and substratum
Macro-Invertebrates Response Assessment sensitivity of macro-invertebrates as an index
live in. Changes to channel form can occur conditions. Geomorphological and hydro-
Index or MIRAI model is the current method score, also called the average score per taxon
naturally or as a result of human activities logical changes are associated with erosion,
for reporting on the macro-invertebrates as (ASPT).
such as damming, water transfer or irriga- increased sediment, declining water quality
tion. Hydrological processes control how and altered stream hydraulics.
Fish
much water is available and the nature and
Fish are relatively long-lived and mobile, so sensitivity to disturbance and preferences
Water Quality they indicate longer-term changes in the regarding environmental conditions. This
condition of river habitats due to changes report uses the Fish Response Assessment
Water quality variables that determine the natural geomorphic processes can alter the
in river flow, river structure or the chemical Index (FRAI) model, which is a modification
ability of a river to support aquatic ecosys- quality of the water to detrimental or lethal
composition of the water. To determine the of the Fish Assessment Integrity Index (FAII)
tems include turbidity, suspended solids, levels for aquatic organisms.
fish habitat index, a specialist assesses the used in previous reports. FRAI reflects the
temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved ions,
characteristics of a fish assemblage in a presence or absence of a species rather than
nutrients and metals. Pollution associated Water quality is not a standard RHP indicator.
specific river reach, including the number species abundance and is part of the inte-
with human activity in the river basin and
of species, age classes, general health, grated EcoStatus model.
Riparian Vegetation
Habitat
Riparian vegetation links the in-stream an aquatic ecosystem. Points to note include
aquatic ecosystem to the surrounding terres- species composition, structure and extent of
trial ecosystem, which in turn influences cover, presence of juvenile indigenous riparian
Habitat
river process and patterns. A healthy riparian species, cover of invasive alien vegetation
The availability and diversity of habitats patterns, bed and channel modifications,
zone maintains channel form and serves as and human disturbances such as vegetation
(in-stream and riparian areas) are important water quality deterioraton, alien water plants
an important filter for light, nutrients and removal, sand mining and construction.
determinants of the biota that are present and waste disposal. In the RHP, the Index of
sediments. It regulates river flows, improves
in a river. Impacts that could influence river Habitat Integrity (IHI) is generally used as a
water quality, provides habitats for fauna and Since the RHP’s Riparian Vegetation Index
habitat include modification of the volume surrogate for driver information.
corridors for their movements, controls river (RVI) was being reviewed and revised when
of water, a change in the natural flow
temperature and maintains bank stability. this study commenced, a modified version
Changes in the structure and function of of the RVI, the Integrated Riparian Vegeta-
riparian vegetation commonly result from tion Index (IRVI), was used in the riparian
changes in the flow regime of a river, exploi- vegetation assessment. The newly developed
tation for firewood, or use of the riparian Riparian Vegetation Response Assessment
zone for grazing or ploughing. The results Index (VEGRAI) which was designed as part
are expressed as a percentage deviation from of the suite of models used to assess ecolog-
natural or unmodified riparian conditions. ical status will be used in future SoR studies.
Riparian vegetation is a vital component of
10 11
Eastern Cape River Health Programme The River Health Programme in the Eastern Cape
In the Eastern Cape, a number of organisations have been instrumental in
the implementation and funding of the RHP in the province. Building on the
pioneering work of individuals and organisations that established the RHP in
The Eastern Cape covers two Water The Mthatha River is the second Eastern Cape, between the Mbashe the region, the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry is now leading the
Management Areas (WMAs); WMA main river system to be monitored and Mzimvubu River catchments. programme in the Eastern Cape. Partnerships between government depart-
12 (the Mzimvubu to Keiskamma) under the Eastern Cape RHP. The ments, municipalities, water boards, centres of learning, research organizations
and WMA 15 (the Great Fish to Mthatha River catchment is situated The maps below show the rivers and local communities ensure a sustainable foundation for the River Health
Tsitsikamma). in the Mzimvubu to Keiskamma within WMAs 15 and 12. The Programme through participation, capacity building, knowledge sharing and
Water Management Area in the boxes indicate the monitoring and knowledge transfer.
former Transkei region of the reporting planning for each river.
Partnerships already in place are:
Government Departments:
Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and the Department of Education;
DEDEA – Biodiversity and Marine and
Great Fish River System
River surveys: 2008/09/10 Coastal Management Directorate;
Technical Report: 2011/12 Local Government:
SoR report: 2012/13
WMA 12 District Municipalities and Local Municipalities;
WMA 15
Mzimvubu River
WMA 15 Institutions of Higher Learning:
River surveys: 2007/08
Nelson Mandela Metropole University,
Technical Report: 2009/10
Walter Sisulu University, Rhodes University SoR report: 2011/12
and Fort Hare University;
Eastern Cape Parks Board;
Eskom; and
CSIR.
Kowie River:
River surveys: 2008/09
Technical Report: 2009/10 WMA 12
SoR report: 2010/11
M Mthatha River **
zi
mvubu River surveys: 2004 - 2006
Mt SoR report: 2008
h
ath
a
Great fish Mbashe MRivbear sshurev eRysiv: e2r0 07/08
Technical Report: 2011/12
SoR report: 2012/13
100 km Baviaanskloof Sundays Bushmans Kowie Great Kei Great Kei River:
Kouga River surveys: 2008/09
Gamtoos River System Tsitsikam m a Krom Gamtoos BRTeiuvcehsrnh simcuarlav Renyessp :oR 2rit0v: 0e280r/:1009/11 100 km Keiskamma Buff aNlaohoon Kwelera TSeocRh nreicpaoNlr Rta:e h2po0o1rot2n:/ 21, 03G1o0/n1u1bie and Chalumna rivers:
Baviaanskloof, Kouga and SoR report: 2012/13 River surveys: 2008/09 and ongoing
Gamtoos rivers Technical Report: 2010/11
River surveys planned: 2007/08 Krom River: Buffalo River * Kwelera River:
Technical Report: 2009/10 River surveys: 2008/09 River surveys: 2002/03 River surveys: 2008/09
SoR report: 2010/11 Technical Report: 2010/11 Sundays River System Keiskamma River SoR report: 2004 Technical Report: 2009/10
River surveys: 2008/09/10
SoR report: 2011/12 River surveys planned: 2008/09
Reporting: Following on completion
Technical Report: 2009/10
of four seasonal surveys
Tsitsikamma rivers # SoR report: 2010/11 * The 2004 publication of the ** This report, the State-of-Rivers
River surveys: ongoing
# Macro-invertebrate and water Buffalo River System State- Report: Mthatha River System 2007, is
Technical Report: 2009/10
quality sampling on the Bloukrans, of-Rivers report was a first for the second in a series of reports and
Elandsbos, Lottering, Grootrivier(East), Eastern Cape. other products that will cover all of the
Elands and Storms rivers. major river systems in the Eastern Cape.
12 13
Overview of the Mthatha River catchment Ecoregions
Ecoregions are areas of broad ecological similarity. Level 1 ecoregions
Physical Characteristics and Ecoregions
are areas with similar geology, natural vegetation, rainfall, terrain
morphology, and climate, while subdivision into level 2 ecoregions
requires local specialist knowledge.
Terrain Mthatha Dam has a catchment area (ranging from 3 °C to above 30 °C),
Vegetation
The Mthatha River catchment is of 886 km2 and can store up to 254 and a slightly wider range inland The following procedures guided site selection for the biomonitoring of
roughly 100 km long and 50 km million m3 of water, while yielding with a mean annual temperature of The Mthatha River runs through the Mthatha River:
wide and covers an area of just over about 14,5 million m3 of water a 16 °C (ranging from 3 °C to above three biomes (grassland, savanna
5 520 km2. At an altitude of just year. Mthatha Dam supplies Mthatha 40 °C). Light snowfalls may occur and thicket) and two level 1 ecore- 1. Ecoregion Level 2 delineation of the catchment produced by RQS,
over 1 400 metres a steep escarp- town and the surrounding areas in winter in the Baziya Mountains, gions. Falling within the Eastern DWAF;
ment in the Drakensberg Mountains with domestic water and acts as melting within a day or two. Uplands Ecoregion, vegetation, 2. Aerial video of the catchment and major tributaries flown in March
forms the north and north-western balancing water storage, supplying the upper catchment is mainly 2004 by Dr Anton Bok and Dr Neels Kleynhans;
border of the catchment. From here, the small dams at First and Second Geology and soils grassland, dominated by Moist 3. Planning workshop and desktop river health site selection workshop
the 250 km long Mthatha River with Falls downstream of Mthatha town. The geology of the catchment Upland Grassland. Other vegetation in February 2005.
its two large tributaries winds its comprises sandstones and brownish- types are the Valley Thicket and
way to the sea north of Coffee Bay. Climate red and grey mudstones of the patches of Afromontane Forest. The The biomonitoring sites were selected on the basis of ecoregion and
In the vicinity of Mthatha town, the The climate of the Mthatha catch- Beaufort Group from the headwa- lower catchment vegetation within therefore ecological homogeneity, as well as usefulness to resource
river flows through a wide plain with ment is warm to temperate, with ters of the Mthatha River to approxi- the Eastern Coastal Belt Ecoregion managers.
a flat gradient. Here the Cicira River rainfall occurring mostly in the mately 30 km from the coast. From is mainly Coastal Forest, Valley
joins the Mthatha River between summer in the form of heavy this point to the estuary it becomes Thicket, Thorn Bushveld and Coastal
Mthatha Dam and Mthatha town thunderstorms. Average rainfall dark grey shales, mudstones and Grassland. Coastal and riparian
from the west. The topography of varies according to altitude and sandstones of the Ecca Group. forests cover about 10% of the
the catchment is generally undu- topography, ranging from 1 000 to Exposures of Karoo dolerite intru- catchment. Alien vegetation associ-
lating, becoming more hilly and 1 300 mm per annum along the sions are found throughout, but ated with forestry plantations can
broken towards the coast. The coast, to 700 mm per annum in mostly in the higher lying areas be found in the upper regions of the
coastal area has a moderate to the interior and up to 1 500 mm of the catchment. There are also Mthatha catchment while indigenous
high relief with the Mthatha River per annum along the escarpment. scattered deposits of alluvium along vegetation in the form of coastal
Eastern Uplands
flowing through a deep, mean- The Mbashe to Msimvubu area in the river banks in some valleys. and riparian forest occurs in the
dering gorge. The Ngqungqu River which the Mthatha catchment falls In the upper region of the central and coastal regions of the
drains the lower western part of the has one of the highest mean annual catchment, the soils are mainly catchment.
catchment. runoffs in the country and the mean shallow, rocky and leached. Towards
annual runoff of the Mthatha River the coast the soils are more deeply
Eastern Coastal Belt
Major water storage reservoirs in catchment is approximately 382 leached, sandy and clay loams with
the Mthatha catchment are the million m3. The area is occasionally organically rich dark topsoil. The
biomonitoring sites
Mthatha Dam on the Mthatha affected by tornadoes, a rarity in erodibility of the soils is fairly high.
River and Corana Dam upstream southern Africa. The temperature is Salts leached from the soil by pene-
of the Mthatha Dam on the Corana mild along the coastal areas, with a trating rain influence the mineral
tributary of the Mthatha River. The mean annual temperature of 21 °C content of the Mthatha River.
View of forestry and timber related activities in the upper Mthatha catchment
14 15
Hydroelectricity generation in
the Mthatha River
Land cover and land-use
Hydroelectric power stations are situated
at First and Second Falls* on the Mthatha
River downstream of Mthatha town
Forestry and subsistence farming are and grain crops). Approximately 4 % rural sectors. The agriculture sector
near the small village of Kwa Ntsaka. At
the main land uses in the catchment. of the Mthatha catchment is covered is poorly developed. Small-scale
First Falls, a small balancing dam fed by
A few natural areas exist, mainly with commercial forest plantations, irrigation, particularly in the middle
the Mthatha Dam supplies water to the
around the steep valleys towards the mostly in the headwater regions. and lower reaches of the catchment,
turbines to supplement electricity supply
coast. Veld and grazing for subsis- is mainly for subsistence agriculture
during peak periods. The plant produces
tence farming with cattle, goats and Commercial water use is dominated and uses water pumped directly
up to 6 megawatts of electricity during
sheep occupy approximately 70 % of by the forestry-related industries from the rivers using pumps.
peak periods on weekdays and the turbines
the catchment, with 15 % used for (Langeni and KwaBhaca sawmills),
generally do not operate on weekends.
subsistence agriculture (vegetable followed by the industrial, urban and
Electricity generation consumes about 170
million m3 of water from the Mthatha River
every year.
River
While hydroelectricity is one of the cleanest
National road
and cheapest energy sources, it alters
hydrological patterns and disrupts the river
Main road
habitat downstream. The force of the water
Dryland subsistence cultivation exiting the turbines leads to scouring of
river beds and loss of riverbanks. Changes
Irrigated commercial cultivation
in water temperature and dissolved oxygen
Degraded land can negatively influence aquatic faunal
populations. The unnatural patterns and
Natural vegetation
volumes of water affect the ecological
Forests functioning of the river all the way down
to the estuary at the Mthatha River mouth,
Indigenous plantations
by causing freshwater inflows that are too
regular and with sharp variations from low
Urban and built-up land
to high and back again.
Dams
* http://www.eskom.co.za/about/Annual%20Report
%202003/Holdings/htm/2363%20Final-0138.htm
20 km
Mthatha town Ngqungqu River catchment
16 17
Gully (donga) erosion in the Mthatha
catchment
Gully erosion, which occurs throughout South Africa,
is particularly visible in the areas of Mjika, Kambi Gully size is determined by the availability of readily
and Nxcise in the Mthatha district. As gullies usually erodible material and with time, gully length tends to
develop on relatively flat land in valley bottoms and remain constant whereas the number of gullies within
low-angled foot slopes that have high agricultural an area will increase. Gully growth is non-linear and
value, it is important to understand how gullying characterised by periods of rapid growth interspersed
occurs and what the environmental impacts of gullying with periods of slower development or revegetation
are. and stabilization.
What are gullies? Are they bad for the environment?
A gully is a landform created when running water Scientists have shown that the rate of soil loss in
removes soil from the land surface. Gullies are ditches South Africa exceeds the rate at which soil forms and
that can be metres deep and cover tens of metres in they often interpret gullying as a major source of
surface area. Common processes for gully formation sediment loss. Other scientists argue that overland
are when surface flow becomes concentrated into flow results in more soil loss than that which occurs
furrows called rills, or when surface flow infiltrates into in exposed gully systems because gullying is a natural ence erosion from surface runoff especially where
the soil profile causing cavities or soil pipes under- process that mobilises previous accumulations of a combination of drought conditions and vulnerable
ground. Surface flow develops when the soil surface sediment. There is strong evidence that an increase soils exist.
particles together. Gullying that occurs even though
is bare of vegetation cover which may be caused by in the number of gullies in an area is closely related
there is no concentrated surface flow is due to a
overgrazing, poor land management and changes to periods when droughts are followed by intense Gully extension can be stopped by building
combination of geology, soil and climatic conditions.
in land use. Vegetation helps to prevent erosion by flooding. For example, gully extension occurred in dam walls or gabion-type structures, which trap

reducing rain drop impact, promoting infiltration of some parts of the Eastern Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal sediments within the gully system upstream of the
Gully erosion caused by concentrated surface flow
water deeper into the soil profile and providing organic after a major drought in the 1960s, followed by structure. However, this technique is not successful
and by soil piping can be seen in the Mthatha district.
material. Plant roots provide stability by binding soil heavy rainfalls and intense flooding in the 1970s. where the soils are erodible or soil piping occurs. It
Soils in the area are acidic and contain dispersive
is also possible that the construction of dam walls
clays which cause the soil to crack after wetting and
There is also evidence that the forced removal and within a gully can lead to scouring downstream of
drying. These cracks provide preferential zones of
confinement of black South Africans to the former the structure. This would create a steeper slope
infiltration for water during rainfall events. Water
homeland areas during the same period also influ- and hydraulic gradient and lead to gully incision
is able to percolate through the profile and remove
enced gully development. Population densities further downstream.
material which causes vertical cracks to widen which
increased and land use shifted from cultivation to
ultimately leads to collapse and gully extension.
subsistence farming and grazing. The reasons for this
Some soils contain high concentrations of iron oxides
shift are not well established but historians attribute
which harden under water-logged conditions or when
it to a combination of increased migrant labour,
exposed at the surface of the profile and these can
drought conditions, a reduced ability to irrigate crops
be seen as rough ‘popcorn’-like structures on the
and a reduction in the numbers of draught animals.
sidewalls of the gullies. The iron oxide acts like cement
Abandoned cultivated fields are more likely to experi-
and makes the sidewalls less vulnerable to erosion.
With time, the angle of the gully sidewalls flattens out
and vegetation becomes established, which stabilises
the gully and stops further widening.

Examples of erosion gullies in the Kambi area