City of Ekurhuleni, South Africa
Rehabilitation of an important ecological system
SUMMARY: Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality is home to important hydrological systems and
endangered grassland biomes. In terms of the Ekurhuleni Biodiversity and Open Space Strategy,
the Elsburgspruit Project has been identifi ed for priority conservation action. The project, which will
rehabilitate the ecosystem and restore the ecological services provided by the site while creating a high
quality public open space, is accompanied by a host of socio-economic and environmental benefi ts.
Biodiversity & Biodiversity management in Ekurhuleni
Ekurhuleni’s Biodiversity and Open Space Strategy (EBOSS)
Ekurhuleni is situated on a fl at landscape and its hydrological systems include a myriad of streams, rivers, pans
and wetlands within a grassland biome that supports seven distinct grassland vegetation types. Ekurhuleni
is home to the endangered and under-protected Soweto Highveld Grassland and Tshakane Clay Grassland,
regarded as an irreplaceable site for Red Listed species.
The Ekurhuleni Biodiversity and Open Space Strategy (EBOSS) will guide current and future biodiversity and
open space planning and management in Ekurhuleni. The EBOSS identifi ed various biodiversity related projects
including: the creation of conservation areas; the
integration of natural open space with social
housing projects; the provision of recreational
areas; the rehabilitation of urban ecosystems; and
awareness creation.
The Elsburgspruit Project (ESP)
The Elsburgspruit Project (ESP) is identifi ed in the
EBOSS for biodiversity conservation. The ESP area
includes wetlands, a river system, various degrees
of degraded grassland and old mining areas within
a wider area of townships. The Elsburgspruit, a
natural spring, is the main tributary which feeds
into the Vaal River, a strategic water resource for
Gauteng (the province within which Ekurhuleni falls). The ESP will rehabilitate this ecosystem and restore the
ecological services provi