The Gouritz Resilient Project (GCBR) said it cleared about 7,783 hectares of invasive alien plants during initial clearing, between 2018 and 2024.
Another 2, 209 hectares were cleared during follow-up operations, to prevent species from returning as well as promote the recovery of indigenous vegetation.
The Program used this information, to raise awareness about National Invasive Week, which began on the 07th October, until the 14th October 2024.
The Joburg City Parks and Zoo, shared information about various categories of Alien Invasive Species, as managed, by the National Environmental Management; Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act no. 10 of 2004) and the Alien and Invasive Species (AIS) Regulations which became law on 1 October 2014.
Invasive species are divided into four categories,
Category 1a: Invasive species which must be combated and eradicated. Any form of trade or planting is strictly prohibited.
Category 1b: Invasive species must be controlled and removed and destroyed wherever possible. Any form of trade or planting is strictly prohibited.
Category 2: Invasive species or species deemed to be potentially invasive, in that a permit is required to carry out restricted activity. Category 2 species include commercially important species such as pine, wattle, and gum trees. Plants in riparian areas are Cat 1b.
Category 3: Invasive species which may remain in prescribed areas or provinces. Further planting, propagation or trade is however prohibited. Plants in riparian areas are Category 1b.