Empowering Communities: How EPWP Transforms Lives Through Skills Development
A well-earned promotion to the permanent position of Maintenance Assistant at Goukamma Nature Reserve was granted to Mr. Graeme Highburg, an EPWP employee at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve. In accordance with the reserve's Integrated Work Plan (IWP) and Integrated Annual Plan of Operation (IAPO), Graeme continuously assisted with the upkeep of roads, alien clearance, firebreaks, and other infrastructure throughout the course of a year and three months. He demonstrated commitment as the EPWP Field Team Supervisor and as a dependable team player. His dedication to the natural environment and infrastructure of the reserve was especially notable. Graeme began his new position on September 1, 2025, ready to provide the same enthusiasm and knowledge to Goukamma Nature Reserve.
Mr. Graeme Highburg during inspection at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve
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CALL FOR APPLICATION FOR EXTERNAL MEMBER OF THE AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Applications are hereby invited for candidates to serve on the Audit and Finance Committee of CapeNature.
The member shall be independent from CapeNature, be contracted for a maximum period of two terms of three years each and will be remunerated for attendance at meetings.
Closing date for applications: 3 July 2026
Impact of Inclement Weather across CapeNature Reserves in May 2026
The last bout of extreme weather began in early May, when a cut-off low-pressure system hit the Garden Route. A week later, two powerful cold fronts swept through the rest of the Province, unleashing torrential rains and gale-force winds. The result has been widespread damage, with 85% of all reserves reporting at least some form of damage. The Cederberg region has emerged as the hardest hit.
Huis River aquatic invertebrate survey strengthens partnerships for freshwater ecosystem conservation
In the upper reaches of the Huis River near Barrydale, a recent aquatic macroinvertebrate survey is helping to inform conservation decisions for the Critically Endangered Tradouw redfin (Pseudobarbus burchelli), including the potential expansion of its range into upstream habitats in the river. The survey was conducted in partnership with
Ongoing efforts to safeguard the Critically Endangered Tradouw redfin through monitoring
The Critically Endangered Tradouw redfin (Pseudobarbus burchelli) is one of South Africa’s most range-restricted freshwater fishes. It is endemic to the Huis–Tradouw River catchment near Barrydale in the Western Cape. The species is listed as Critically Endangered due to its small and fragmented distribution, threats from invasive fish species, pollution, water abstraction, and habitat degradation.
Western Cape Government Prepares for Midweek Storm
Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, today said that the Provincial Disaster Management Centre had been briefed by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) on a cut-off low-pressure system expected to affect the Central Karoo and eastern parts of the Garden Route on Wednesday and Thursday this week. According to SAWS, the cut-off low-pressure system is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds
Western Cape conservation efforts highlighted on World Biodiversity Day
Every year on 22 May, International Day for Biological Diversity (or World Biodiversity Day) is commemorated, and is meant to increase awareness about the many wonders of biodiversity, the numerous threats to it, and more importantly, what we can do to reduce or eliminate these threats. It marks 34 years since the Convention on Biological Diversity (CDB) came into force and reinforces the pledge