Latest news with #Overberg
Mail & Guardian
01-07-2025
- Science
- Mail & Guardian
National bird in peril: Blue crane numbers plummet in Overberg
Blue cranes are uplisted to vulnerable due to threats such as habitat loss, powerlines, fences and poisoning. (Supplied) South Africa's national bird, the distinctive The uplisting of the elegant, pale blue-grey bird, known for its long, black wingtip feathers that trail on the ground, means that it faces a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium term. This is according to the While the Karoo boasts the highest number of blue cranes in the country, its decline is of particular concern in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, where they occur at higher densities than anywhere else in South Africa. Data from the long-running citizen science project, 'These dramatic figures are especially concerning given that this region once had a thriving … population,' the conservation organisations said. In the Karoo, Coordinated Avifaunal Roadcounts figures showed that populations had declined prior to 2017. But, this data is dated given that the organisation's counts are no longer done in this region, they said. To fix this, BirdLife South Africa has formed a working group with the Endangered Wildlife Trust and International Crane Foundation partnership; the Overberg Crane Group and the FitzPatrick Institute to reinvigorate the project, particularly in areas like the Karoo. The citizen science project is conducted twice annually, relying on dedicated volunteers who count birds along fixed routes creating one of the most robust long-term datasets for large terrestrial birds in the country. The organisations pointed to recent research by The key drivers of nest failure in the Overberg are disturbance and high temperatures, research by MSc student Since 1991 the Overberg Crane Group, along with partners such as CapeNature and the Endangered Wildlife Trust and International Crane Foundation, have driven blue crane conservation efforts in the Overberg. This involved engaging actively with landowners to raise awareness and ensure that farming and cranes coexist peacefully. Similar programmes were initiated in the Karoo and Drakensberg, under the auspices of the South African Crane Working Group. The success of these interventions meant that the blue crane population increased and was regionally downlisted to near threatened in 2015, based on data up until 2010. 'As the population was doing well, conservation efforts for blue cranes were reduced in the Western Cape and Karoo. This can be attributed to the fact that conservation resources are limited and work needs to be prioritised to species that need it the most.' All three crane species in South Africa — the blue, wattled and grey crowned — are found in the Drakensberg region. Ongoing 'The uplisting has demonstrated that this species is dependent on ongoing conservation efforts, especially as they occur almost entirely outside of protected areas.' Within the Overberg, blue cranes are primarily found in wheatlands. 'As new technologies are implemented, cultivars are developed and farming methods are adapted, blue cranes populations are being affected,' they said. 'Indications are that an increase in the practice of minimum till and increased canola production may have reduced the availability of suitable feeding and breeding areas for cranes.' More research was needed to confirm this. Blue cranes have become the secondary, or unintended, victims of poisoning in the Overberg and Swartland regions, often from substances intended for other species, such as geese or rodents. Research has revealed that Still, collision with powerlines remains the main threat to blue cranes. The conservation organisations said ongoing mitigation is necessary, especially as new powerlines are added to connect renewable energy to the grid. This is particularly a threat in the renewable energy development zones of the Overberg and Karoo. Blue cranes have a strong association with agriculture across their range in South Africa and a variety of conservation expertise is required to conserve the species. 'Encouragingly, many farmers have already embraced their role as custodians of these birds, showing that agricultural productivity and biodiversity conservation can go hand in hand,' the groups said. 'Their commitment forms the backbone of South Africa's blue crane conservation efforts.' Kevin Shaw, the chairperson of the Overberg Crane Group, added that the Red List assessment is the determination of extinction risk. It looks at how well the species is doing over a period of time and measures it against set criteria, allowing assessors to assign a conservation status. 'What is often forgotten is that the survival of a species is governed by two forces: the threats on the one hand and the mitigation efforts to combat these threats. If the population of a threatened species is improving and it is uplisted (as was the blue crane 10 years ago) then we all rejoice, clap one another on the backs on a job well done and walk off to tackle the next species, forgetting that the threats are still there and the only reason why the species 'recovered' was because of conservation actions.' It therefore came as no surprise to him that the blue crane had been uplisted again 10 years later. 'The threats are still there, and there may be even different ones because … we don't have a clue on what is going on, on the ground. There is a lot of speculation, but with finite resources , we need to be damn sure, otherwise we could be wasting valuable resources on conservation actions that will not achieve relevant results.' According to Shaw, the biggest problem for the blue crane is that the largest portion of its population occurs on agricultural land. This is not seen as a conservation priority as it does not contribute to the country's target for conservation in terms of land within protected areas. 'Also this is where the largest human impact is, with landowners changing the landscape on a large scale influenced predominantly by agricultural trends and economics,' he said. 'The latter are constantly changing and, without keeping abreast, it becomes difficult to assess where and what the threats are and, subsequently, the best conservation actions to mitigate these threats.' The lack of presence on the ground is a big factor in the species' decline, he noted. 'This not only refers to a fieldworker but government staff as well. In the past, we had agricultural extension staff in the regions, which we knew well and could rely on to indicate what is happening on the ground.' These staff no longer exist. 'Also the [Overberg Crane Group] and the fieldworker were well supported by the then provincial conservation department, now CapeNature. With budget cuts and lack of resources this has dwindled and conservation work has been reduced to work on protected areas with off-reserve conservation left to a few officers having to work over large areas, resulting in predominantly reactive work.' This situation is not restricted to the Western Cape but is relevant to all provinces and is indicative of the state of conservation in the country. 'Also, conservation effort within an agricultural landscape is still something of an anomaly within South Africa, with conservation priorities set to save target percentages of natural vegetation types/percentage of the country within protected areas. This is an easier target to set, easier to defend and easier to strategise to achieve.' The conservation groups said that, with the help of the International Union for Conservation of Nature's planning specialist group, the Endangered Wildlife Trust- International Crane Foundation has coordinated a multi-stakeholder conservation planning process for blue cranes. Other partners involved include the Overberg Crane Group, CapeNature, Wool Growers Association, Kogelberg Biosphere Rehabilitation Centre, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Eskom and BirdLife South Africa. This 'We are confident that, with coordinated, evidence-driven conservation action, we can turn around the environmental status of the blue crane.'
News24
24-06-2025
- Science
- News24
SA's national bird now listed as vulnerable
South Africa's national bird, the blue crane, now faces a high risk of extinction, as it was recently uplisted from near threatened to vulnerable in the latest regional red data book classification system. The Regional Red Data Book follows the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List framework – and covers South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini. The IUCN has also listed the blue crane as vulnerable. The regional red data book's assessment reflects that the blue crane faces a high risk of extinction in the wild, in the medium term, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) noted in a statement. The EWT also pointed out that the species' decline in the Overberg, in the Western Cape, is of particular concern, as blue cranes occur in this region at higher densities than anywhere else in South Africa. The bird population in the Overberg has declined at an alarming rate of 44% in 14 years (between 2011-2025) according to data collected through a citizen science project, the Coordinated Avifaunal Roadcounts (CAR). CAR is conducted twice a year, relying on volunteers to count birds along specific routes. The data that is collected helps inform conservation decisions, as well as the decision to up-list the blue crane to vulnerable, EWT said. The blue crane population is projected to decline by 'more than 30% over three generations', said EWT conservation scientist Dr Christie Craig. Recent research by Craig showed that breeding success in the Overberg region in the Western Cape has halved since 30 years ago. The causes of the decline in the Overberg in the last 14 years remain unclear. Another researcher, Michelle Bouwer, has found that disturbance and high temperatures are also impacting nesting negatively, the EWT said. 'It certainly looks like, if temperatures are going to continue getting higher, that could definitely be a concern, and higher temperatures could be what's causing blue cranes to breed less well than they used to,' said Craig. Barbed wires and loose fences are another concern. When chicks get stuck in loose fences, they often can't get out and die. Older blue cranes can also get stuck in fences while flying when they can't see at night, explained Craig. Blue cranes are also affected by unintended poisoning and collisions with power lines. As for the latter, the EWT pointed out that power line collisions have declined in the past 15 years. This is mainly due to collaborations between EWT and Eskom to have the power lines marked, so the birds can see them better. Blue cranes are often found in agricultural areas, and conservation efforts in the Overberg have been driven by actively engaging landowners to raise awareness about the birds' protection and ensure that farming and cranes coexist peacefully. Conservation efforts must continue to address these threats — power line collisions, protection of natural habitats, and reducing poisoning and fence entanglements. 'The uplisting of blue cranes has demonstrated that this species is dependent on ongoing conservation efforts, especially as they occur almost entirely outside of protected areas,' Craig said.
Zawya
17-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Musk's SpaceX targets Overberg Test Range, unlocking infrastructure investment opportunities
Global space entrepreneur Elon Musk has expressed key interest in launching SpaceX rockets from South Africa's Denel Overberg Test Range, a high-security military facility near the small coastal town of Arniston in the Western Cape. Source: Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI). The Phoenix rocket flight test campaign held in March 2021 - led by The UKZN Aerospace Systems Research Group (ASReG) and mechanical engineering senior lecturer Dr Jean Pitot. A private White House meeting on May 21, 2025—involving Presidents Ramaphosa and Trump, with Musk in attendance—served as a pivotal moment where Musk reinforced his intentions to explore launch operations at the site. This development could elevate South Africa's role in the global space sector and expand its aerospace capabilities. At the same time, it signals transformative opportunities for physical infrastructure development in the Overberg region—particularly for construction firms, civil engineers, and materials suppliers. According to Musk, Arniston is well-positioned for launching rockets that carry satellites into polar orbit. Polar orbits allow satellites to travel over the Earth's poles, enabling full global coverage over time—ideal for climate monitoring, imaging, and environmental applications. South Africa's southern coastline offers an optimal location for these launches, with large safety corridors over open ocean. The Denel Overberg Test Range—revitalised through work by the Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal—has already conducted suborbital launches, including recent missions powered by South African-built rocket engines. The site now features a new six-storey launch gantry. Construction and infrastructure implications The test range is on track to support full orbital launches by 2028, but this timeline could be dramatically accelerated by SpaceX investment. Industry sources note that any formal collaboration between SpaceX and local partners like ASRI would likely trigger major infrastructure upgrades and regional development. These include construction of new launch pads and flame trenches; expansion of roads and logistics networks for heavy equipment transport; power-grid enhancements to support energy-intensive test operations and upgrades to telemetry, tracking, and safety systems. Such developments would generate substantial opportunities for civil construction firms, logistics companies, and infrastructure suppliers, with ripple effects across the Western Cape economy. These local infrastructure demands align with a growing ecosystem of space innovation already taking shape across the country. South Africa is home to more than 30 space companies and start-ups, many of which collaborate with the South African National Space Agency (Sansa). With over 400 space-related enterprises active across the continent, Africa's commercial space sector is rapidly gaining international attention. As interest from global players like SpaceX grows, the case for infrastructure investment in the region becomes not only stronger—but increasingly urgent and strategically important.
Mail & Guardian
16-05-2025
- Science
- Mail & Guardian
Advancing the teaching of chemistry in Overberg education district
According the CAPS curriculum for Natural Sciences, content of the second term covers the Matter and Materials knowledge area generally referred to as chemistry. To address this part of the curriculum, Advancing Knowledge Non-Profit Company (AK NPC) continued with its professional development programme for Natural Sciences teachers in the Overberg region. A total of 44 intersen (grade 4-7) teachers attended the Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE01) course on Friday 9 May 2025 and a smaller group of senior phase (grades 8 and 9) teachers attended the course on Saturday 10 May 2025. The training took place in the science laboratory of De Rust Futura Academy in Grabouw. This science laboratory called a STEM Teaching and Learning Centre (STEM TLC) was constructed through the partnership between AK NPC, Garden Cities Archway Foundation and Western Cape Education Department. The basic philosophy of the ongoing Advancing Knowledge NPC professional development training is the inquiry-based approach which includes practical and experimental (inquiry-based) hands-on application of curriculum content of each school term. These sessions therefore serve to prepare teachers for the particular term's curriculum content. The teachers' participation was arranged in collaboration with the Overberg education district's science subject advisors Mr Jandre Gerber and Ms Clothilda van Aarde. The facilitators for the chemistry sessions were Ms Zaiboeniesa Ahmed (intersen phase) and Prof Shaheed Hartley (senior phase) assisted by AK NPC staff Saadiqah Fraden, Somila Dlakavu and Yusra Joubert (science interns) and projects coordinator Melissa Petersen. EXPLORING AND ADVANCING INTERSEN (GRADE 4-7) CHEMISTRY The science laboratory at De Rust Futura Academy was a hive of activity, noise, enthusiasm and excitement on Friday 9 May 2025 as a total 44 teachers participated in the chemistry activities prepared and presented to them by the facilitator and science interns. Teachers' basic chemistry knowledge was tested both theoretically and practically but also extended and advanced through carefully selected experiments and investigations. Challenging teachers conceptions of dependent, independent and constant variables always bring out debate as many teachers are not always sure when faced with different experimental scenarios. In the end teachers actively participated in chromatography, pH testing of everyday substances using various indicators, acids and bases reactions, testing the strength of materials, application and balancing of forces, solubility of substances and various chemical reactions. Because of the number of teachers present (44), they were also guided on group work, how to set out investigations and experiments for groups of learners and assessing learners participation in groups. The activities were specifically prepared so that teachers could translate it directly into their lessons for the second term. The following are some of the teachers' reflections: The chemistry experiments were very exciting as it made us think. I like the idea that you can use an experiment that did not quite reach what it was supposed to as a learning opportunity to find out what went wrong. The interaction with colleagues during the experiments certainly makes one think and learn new things. [Teacher] The experiments we did today was not difficult or complex. It is definitely what I will do in my science class. That is what I like about this workshop. It is practical and meaningful and in line with what we can use in our lessons. [Teacher] I am a new science teacher. I was overwhelmed at first with chemistry content and all the science teachers in the workshop but it was actually nice to be able to talk to each other and see how we teach things at our schools. The workshop definitely helped me on how to plan my practical science lessons. [Teacher] Teachers expressed their appreciation for motivating them to attend the course. They were very excited and indicated that they enjoyed themselves and learnt how to implement the inquiry-based approach to teaching. [Science Subject Advisor] CHALLENGING SENIOR PHASE (GRADES 8 and 9) CHEMISTRY TEACHERS Despite the threat of a storm on Saturday 10 May 2025, teachers attended the training at De Rust Futura Academy's science laboratory. They responded well to an example which illustrated the scientific method as they could easily transfer it into their natural science lessons. The facilitator engaged teachers in a detailed discussion about matter, phases, periodic table of elements, compounds and mixtures, etc. Teachers participated in the many chemistry activities including separation of mixtures (chromatography experiment), the relationship between mass, volume and density (liquids of differing viscosity experiment), acids and bases, the pH scale and indicators (testing the pH various household substances with different everyday indicators), acid and bases reactions (investigating neutralisation through titration), preparation, testing for and reactions of three gases, namely hydrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide (preparation of hydrogen gas and reaction with oxygen in pringles box experiment), preparation of oxygen (reaction with potassium chlorate experiment), burning of metals and non-metals in oxygen (experiment with carbon, steel wool and magnesium), testing the acidity or alkalinity of the solution (testing using litmus paper) and carbon dioxide testing. All chemistry activities were extracted from the natural sciences curriculum content and related directly with what teachers had to include in their chemistry lessons. Teachers expressed their impressions of the session in their reflections: The sessions were practically-based which is an area that I find difficulty teaching at my school. I liked that everyday substances were used which we could emulate in our classes. I really enjoyed the session. [Teacher] I was quite taken aback by the simplicity and ease with which these experiments are done. It gave me a new perspective of teaching chemistry. Inquiry-based teaching of chemistry is an approach I will definitely try out in my science class. [Teacher] I consider myself to be an experienced science teacher. It was good to be reminded of the practical approach to in-class teaching as opposed to doing the science experiments as an add-on to my normal science lessons. [Teacher] Teachers indicated that they enjoyed the training. Thank you for your assistance with the inquiry-based approach. It is important for our teachers to see how this is done first hand and to be hands-on with it as well. [Science Subject Advisor] This project was made possible by the partnership between Advancing Knowledge Non-Profit Company, Garden Cities Archway Foundation and Western Cape Education Department. Organisations and corporates that want to contribute to this initiative to empower and capacitate science teachers to build a critical mass of future STEM practitioners, are encouraged to make contact with the Director of AK NPC, Prof Shaheed Hartley (
The Herald
11-05-2025
- The Herald
Taking the liberty of including Hermanus in the Garden Route area
Jose Burman is the author of a book called The Garden Route which has seen several editions being printed since 1964. Second-hand copies have become scarce and valuable. Locals in the know, swear by this book which is jam-packed with information, anecdotes and even maps of the area. Burman says: 'The Garden Route proper includes only the area between Mossel Bay and Storms River. Short of arriving there by parachute, however, it is necessary to travel to reach these points. 'In the wider sense, therefore, the Garden Route, is generally accepted to lie between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.' This description of the area in Burman's book therefore completely warrants a visit to Hermanus. Most of us think Hermanus and we only think whales. Wrong, because though it is a very famous whale-watching destination, which sees foreigners and South Africans flocking here in the winter, this town, which hugs the Walker Bay coast in the Overberg region, rocks for many reasons. There's the sea of course, but it's got so much more on-the-go from hikes, to wine farms, to good restaurants, shopping even. I have a takkie fetish and I don't need not even one more pair, but here in the main shopping drag just off the waterfront in Hermanus, I managed to find a trendy brand I don't have from a surf shop and of course I bought them. There are plenty of bespoke shops here to tempt visitors including art galleries. I first came to know about Hermanus when I worked in Cape Town years ago and locals used to blame Hermanus holiday-home owners for the traffic on a Friday afternoon headed that way, but until now I hadn't visited. Well-heeled South Africans have holiday homes here and there are dozens of guest houses and accommodation establishments to take your pick from. Unless you have many millions to spend, property prices here have shot through the roof as it's a very desirable town to live in. The municipality works, the pavements are clean, there's no sign of urban decay rather a noticeably well-maintained infrastructure. Property agents say Hermanus has seen more younger generations of families relocating here and calling it their home. There are good schools, hospitals and amenities — all the hallmarks of a town that is desirable. We spent two nights at the Hermanus Boutique Guest House overlooking the sea and it was crazy to see two groups of foreign tourists arrive in the late afternoon, head out for supper and leave after breakfast the next morning, something that happens a lot here one of the managers tells me. What a waste of all the super things to do here because you really need a few days to do Hermanus justice. The location of the Hermanus Boutique Guest House screams location, location as it has a prime oceanside position across the road from the scenic coastal path and the famous Fick's tidal pool cradled between rocks — providing a sheltered and safe place for families and children to swim. It's also a central location so that the area can be explored on foot. From our sea-facing patio, from early in the morning until sunset, there is an endless stream of walkers, hot-mommy joggers and cyclists who go by. The Cliff Path, which you pick up directly opposite the guest house, is a perfect option for a scenic stroll along the coastline, with the path hugging the cliffs for more than 10km. This path facilitates walks from the New Harbour all the way to the other end of Hermanus, near the mouth of the Kleinrivier Lagoon. Staying at the Hermanus Boutique Guesthouse is like landing with your bottom in the butter not only from a location point of view. It's a vibey and chic place, the décor reflecting the mood here in Hermanus with coastal blues and sunshine yellow, flashes of turquoise, modern and bright. There are 19 exquisitely appointed suites, catering for a variety of preference and budget, but the pièce de résistance has to be the honeymoon suite, not only because you can lie in bed and watch whales in season. The layout is all about romance with an open-plan bedroom-bathroom (except for the loo thank goodness) including a big tub with jacuzzi jets. If you fill it with bubble bath, the foam floats over to the bed. The shower is big enough for two to share. Hosts are especially friendly, making a real effort to find out what guests want to do and giving them ideas, making dinner reservations even. The Hermanus Boutique Guest House does not do dinners for a good reason. Guests like to get out and about and there are plenty of restaurants in the bustling centre of town a 10-minute walk away. And it's perfectly safe to walk. The old adage of eating breakfast for a king applies here because this meal is included in the rates and is quite something to behold. There are cereals, yoghurt, a fabulous selection of freshly peeled fruit, cheese, cold meat and anything you might like to warm up with before you order a cooked meal. The full-house here is a memorable meal with attention to detail like perfect eggs and I learn their trick of threading edible flowers into a macaroni tube to make a plate of food next level. It's little touches like this that earned the establishment its four stars. The first night there we took an amble and found Rossis Italian Restaurant which serves a meaningful pizza. You can't miss The Burgundy Restaurant, on the very edge of the bay and only a few metres away from Hermanus's historic old harbour. It is open all day and you get to choose a spot on the outdoor terrace. Its chef still goes to the quayside to his seafood supplier, Whale Coast Fisheries, to choose the fresh fish of the day. The Burgundy Restaurant sources its produce from the Hemel en Aarde Farmstall to keep it local. It's casual here and we get to talk to a local retired couple who come here once a week for dinner. We discuss property prices with them and all hopes of living here are dashed. Mandatory on a trip to Hermanus should be a visit to the award-winning Bientang's Cave Restaurant and Wine Bar on the shores of Walker Bay. It's carved into the depths of a century-old cave and unforgettable. A steep flight of stairs takes you down to the restaurant area which is right on the edge of the sea and I have never seen anything quite like this with tables perched right on the rocks so that the sea splashes almost at your feet. In big tides or during storms, the rocks disappear under the water. Our waitress tells me that during peak season, she clocks up 30,000 steps in a day's work from the kitchen down to the rocks and I am not surprised. Bientang's has won a fleet of awards, has an elite wine list focusing on the best the Cape has to offer and there's a vast menu with an emphasis on seafood. It's expensive if you choose the seafood platter, crayfish or pan-flashed tiger prawns, but even if you just go for a coffee on the rocks, you will never forget this setting. Needless to say, during whale-watching season, you will get 100 metres away from them. Throughout the year dolphins, Bryde's whales and the occasional Orca visit — then the main actors, the Southern Right whales come from May until the spring putting on a show just for patrons. Apart from the Cliff Path, Hermanus offers a number of well-maintained walks from easy strolls to the more serious kind. If you have time, the Fernkloof Nature Reserve offers hikers a cornucopia of Cape Floral Kingdom endemic plant life, birds and various walks. Then there's the Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Region boasting several wine farms all a short drive from Hermanus town that you should set aside time for. With views of the valley and soft mountains surrounding you, wine never tasted better. I only have so much space to extol the virtues of Hermanus, so I suggest visit the passionate people at Hermanus Tourism located in the Village Square, Old Harbour, who will give suggestions to keep you busy for days. And while you are there it's worth popping into the Old Harbour Museum and the Whale Museum. The Hermanus Boutique Guest House is part of the Cape Country Routes (CCR), a leading group of owner-operated and managed accommodation and activity establishments — more than 20 privately owned hotels, lodges and guest houses — located on the scenic and historic routes in the Western and Eastern Cape. Book a stay at reservations@ or bookings@ The Herald
