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GEORGE NEWS - Concerns over the invasive alien plant species (IAPS) along the N2 between George and Wilderness remain unresolved, despite Sanral's assurances that control measures are in place.
IAPS threaten biodiversity, agriculture, water resources and fire safety. In the Western Cape, they also pose road risks, as shallow-rooted trees fall over onto the N2.
A recent incident near Kaaimans saw a wattle tree fall onto the roadway, narrowly missing some vehicles.
According to invasive species expert Dr Arne Witt, legislation under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Nemba) makes it illegal to allow listed invasives such as wattles, pines, blackwood, bugweed, pampas grass and lantana to persist on road reserves. He argues the authorities are legally required to remove and not merely reduce these species.
Response from SANRAL
Sanral says invasive plant control is part of routine maintenance, supported by inspections, environmental management plans and contractor oversight. Clearing along the N2 corridor is ongoing, and maintenance is scheduled until 2027. Currently, mechanical removal and herbicide treatments are used to prevent regrowth. Monitoring is reportedly conducted through periodic audits and site inspections.
Witt disputes this, saying the response reflects policy rather than practice. He maintains the legal requirement is full removal, not density reduction.
Response from the DFFE
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) confirmed that invasive species management along national road reserves is regulated under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, with implementation along the N2 route the responsibility of Sanral.
According to DFFE spokesperson Zolile Nqayi, Sanral has an approved Invasive Species Monitoring, Control and Eradication Plan in place for the N2 corridor from Nature’s Valley to Groot Brak River, including the George and Wilderness section.
“The DFFE conducts compliance monitoring through scheduled and targeted inspections, as well as the review of implementation reports submitted by SANRAL. Where non-compliance is identified, appropriate enforcement action is taken in line with the legislation,” said Nqayi.
He also confirmed that pre-directives had previously been issued to Sanral regarding invasive species control in at least two areas of the Western Cape. “The pre-directives required SANRAL to compile and submit invasive species monitoring, control and eradication plans for properties under their control. The plan was submitted and approved for implementation on 22 July 2025,” he said.
Watch: Witt explains the risks posed by invasive species, the challenges currently being experienced, and possible ways to address the issue.
Feedback from the ground
Field observations indicate contractors often clear around trees or prune branches rather than removing plants entirely. In some cases, cut stumps are left untreated, resulting in rapid regrowth and dense infestations. This increases long-term costs and seed spread, further compounding the problem.
Despite the repeated reports, large sections of the N2 between George and Gqeberha remain largely unchanged after more than a year.
Experts warn that without urgent intervention, road corridors will continue to act as conduits for invasive spread, threatening fynbos ecosystems, water security and road safety. Early removal of seedlings and saplings could significantly reduce costs and risks. "A stitch in time saves nine," says Witt.
A tree, believed to be an invasive pine species, fell during this week’s storm on the N2 near the bridge entering Knysna, causing traffic delays and clean-up costs. Witt said the incident serves as an example of the concerns he has raised all along. Photo: Supplied
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