AUTHORIZATION - NCC Environmental Services

AUTHORIZATION 

This Strategic Plan (SP) for the Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (LRNR) was drafted and recommended by 

the Reserve Planning Team (RPT), a multi-disciplinary team consisting of: 

NAME 

D.R. Mabasa 

S.W. Kruger 

G.M. Moyo 

M.C. Vorster 

POSITION AND ORGANIZATION 

Reserve Manager: LRNR, Limpopo Department of Economic Development, 

Environment and Tourism (LEDET) 

Manager: Biodiversity, LEDET 

Senior Field Ranger: LRNR, LEDET 

Majeje Tribal Authority, Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve Co-Management 

Committee (LRNRCMC) 

The drafting of this SP was supported by the following Reserve Planning Specialist and other project 

team members: 

NAME 

P.J. Binney 

Reserve Planning Specialist, NCC Group 

POSITION AND ORGANISATION 

D. Ferreira Core Planning Team Member, NCC Group 

J. Jackelman Core Planning Team Member, Envirocentric 

M. Norval Core Planning Team Member, NCC Group 

A. Purnell Core Planning Team Member, NCC Group 

R.D. Dyer 

Project Manager, NCC Group 

K. Potgieter Technical Scribe & Editor, NCC Group 

G. Benn Scientific Support Services, GeoCline Consulting 

R. Colyn Scientific Support Services, NCC Group 

R. Jangle Scientific Support Services, NCC Group 

F. Ally Technical Team Member, NCC Group 

S. Atmore Technical Team Member, NCC Group 

F. Domingo Technical Team Member, NCC Group 

T. Esack Technical Team Member, NCC Group 

S. Rhoda Technical Team Member, NCC Group 

Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 1

This SP is recommended for approval by: 

NAME AND TITLE 

Solly Kgopong 

Acting Head of 

Department 

LEDET 

SIGNATURE AND DATE 

This SP is approved by: 

NAME AND TITLE 

Member of the 

Executive Council 

LEDET 

Insert name 

SIGNATURE AND DATE 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 

AUTHORIZATION .......................................................................................................................................... 1 

PREFACE ....................................................................................................................................................... 5 

ABBREVIATIONS AND PLANNING TERMS..................................................................................................... 6 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................. 8 

1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................... 9 

1.1 The Reserve Management Plan ......................................................................................................... 9 

1.2 Purpose and structure of the Strategic Plan ...................................................................................... 9 

1.3 The steps in preparing the Strategic Plan ........................................................................................ 10 

2. CONTEXTUAL FRAMEWORK ............................................................................................................... 12 

2.1 Location ............................................................................................................................................ 12 

2.2 Legal status ...................................................................................................................................... 13 

2.3 Institutional arrangements .............................................................................................................. 14 

2.4 Reserve description .......................................................................................................................... 15 

2.4.1 History ....................................................................................................................................... 15 

2.4.2 Climate ...................................................................................................................................... 15 

2.4.3 Topography ............................................................................................................................... 16 

2.4.4 Geology and Soils ...................................................................................................................... 16 

2.4.4.1 Geology .................................................................................................................................. 16 

2.4.4.2 Soils ........................................................................................................................................ 17 

2.4.4.3 Soil Erosion ............................................................................................................................. 17 

2.4.5 Drainage and Hydrology ........................................................................................................... 17 

2.4.6 Vegetation ................................................................................................................................. 18 

2.4.6.1 Vegetation Types.................................................................................................................... 18 

2.4.6.2 Species of Conservation Concern ........................................................................................... 20 

2.4.6.3 Invasive Alien Plants ............................................................................................................... 20 

2.4.7 Fauna ......................................................................................................................................... 20 

2.4.7.1 Mammals ............................................................................................................................... 21 

2.4.7.1.1 Mammal Species of Conservation Concern ......................................................................... 21 

2.4.7.2 Avifauna ................................................................................................................................. 22 

2.4.7.3 Reptiles and Amphibians ........................................................................................................ 22 

2.4.7.4 Fish ......................................................................................................................................... 23 

2.4.8 Heritage Resources ................................................................................................................... 23 

2.4.9 Reserve Infrastructure .............................................................................................................. 23 


2.4.10 Social Context.......................................................................................................................... 24 

2.5 Local and Regional Planning ............................................................................................................ 24 

2.6 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats ........................................................................ 24 

3. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES FRAMEWORK ............................................................................................... 27 

3.1 Purpose ............................................................................................................................................ 27 

3.2 Reserve Values ................................................................................................................................. 27 

3.3 The Reserve Vision ........................................................................................................................... 28 

3.4 Key Performance Areas and Objectives ........................................................................................... 28 

3.5 Zonation ........................................................................................................................................... 29 

4. STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK ................................................................................... 31 

KPA 1: BIODIVERSITY AND HERITAGE CONSERVATION ......................................................................... 32 

Guiding principles for reserve management ......................................................................................... 32 

Management actions and targets .......................................................................................................... 34 

KPA 2: SUSTAINABLE USE ....................................................................................................................... 38 



KPA 3: ENFORCEMENT, SECURITY AND ACCESS CONTROL .................................................................... 43 



KPA 4: INFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT (OPERATIONS) ................................................................. 46 



KPA 5: STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT.................................................................................................... 49 



KPA 6: ADMINISTRATION AND PLANNING............................................................................................. 53 



5. RESOURCING AND GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK ............................................................................... 56 

5.1 Staffing Requirements ..................................................................................................................... 56 

5.2 Funding Requirements ..................................................................................................................... 57 

5.3 Roles and Responsibilities ................................................................................................................ 58 

6. BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................................................................... 60 

ANNEXURE 1: ZONATION CATEGORIES (CHARACTERISTICS)..................................................................... 61 


PREFACE 

Mr Solly Kgopong 

Acting Head of Department: Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism 

Date: Insert Date 


ABBREVIATIONS AND PLANNING TERMS 

ABBREVIATIONS: 

APO 

Annual Plan of Operations 

BCEA Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997 (Act No. 75 of 1997) 

CAPEX 

Capital Expenditures 

CARA Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act No. 43 of 1983) 

ECParks 

Eastern Cape Parks 

EEA Employment Equity Act, 1998 (Act No. 55 of 1998) 

EPWP 

Extended Public Works Programme 

FEPA 

Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area 

FFA 

FFA Holdings (Pty) Ltd. 

FPA 

Fire Protection Association [in terms of the National Veld and Forest Fire 

Act, 1998 (Act No. 101 of 1998)] 

HDI 

Historically Disadvantaged Individual 

HO 

Head Office 

HOD 

Head of Department 

HR 

Human Resources 

HRD 

Human Resources Development 

IDP 

(municipal) Integrated Development Plan 

IT 

Information Technology 

IUCN 

International Union for the Conservation of Nature 

KNP 

Kruger National Park 

KPA 

Key Performance Area 

LEDET 

Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism 

LTA 

Limpopo Tourism Agency 

LRA Labour Relations Act, 1995 (Act No. 66 of 1995) 

LRNR 

Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve 

LRNRCMC 

Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve Co-Management Committee 

MEC 

Member of the Executive Council 

METT 

Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool 

METT-SA 

Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool for South Africa 

NBRBSA 

National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 

1977) 

NCC 

NCC Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd. 

NEMBA 

National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 

2004) 

NEMPAA National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 

of 2003) 

NEMWA National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2009 (Act No. 58 of 2009) 

NHRA National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999) 

NVFFA National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998 (Act No. 101 of 1998) 

OHSA Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993) 

OPEX 

Operating Expenditures 

PFMA Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999) 

PSA Public Service Act, 1994 (Act No. 103 of 1994) 

RMP 

Reserve Management Plan 

RPT 

Reserve Planning Team 

SANF 

South African Nature Foundation 


SANParks 

South African National Parks 

SANS 

South African National Standard 

SDA Skills Development Act, 1998 (Act No. 97 of 1998) 

SIS 

Security and Investigation Services 

SOKDR 

State of Knowledge Data Repository 

SONR 

State Owned Nature Reserve 

SP 

Strategic Plan 

TOR 

Terms of Reference 

UZM 

Use Zone Map 

VCA 

Veld Condition Assessment 

WfW 

Working for Water 

WOF 

Working on Fire 

WSA Water Services Act, 1997 (Act No. 108 of 1997) 

DEFINITION OF KEY PLANNING TERMS: 

Activities 

Guiding principles 

Monitoring 

Objectives 

Outcomes 

Outputs 

Performance 

assessment 

Performance indicator 

Resources 

Target 

Use zone map 

Value 

Vision 

Activities are management tasks required to collectively realise the 

objectives. 

Guiding principles provide overall direction to the implementation of 

activities. 

Monitoring is the collection of data and information in a consistent manner 

over time for the purpose of evaluation. 

Objectives are derived from the vision. They represent key areas in which 

achievements must be obtained in total, or in some combination, to give 

direction to the management aspiration (the vision). 

Ideally outcomes are benefits produced from objectives and activities. 

Outputs are tangible results produced by activities. 

Performance assessment is a measurement of accomplishment against a set 

of pre-determined criteria (e.g. efficiency or effectiveness). 

A performance indicator is a measurement used to evaluate the success in 

achieving targets and realising objectives. 

Resources include the people, materials, technologies, money, etc. required 

to implement the activities. 

Targets are set for particular aspects of performance – financial returns, 

efficiency, quality of services, etc. – against which performance is monitored 

and measured. 

A use zone map is a spatial framework that guides and co-ordinates 

conservation and development activities in a protected area. 

A value is a specific attribute or feature (cultural, ecological or recreational) 

within a reserve that may require additional/special consideration during 

the planning process and subsequent management. 

Vision indicates the direction of management aspiration. 


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 


1. INTRODUCTION 

1.1 The Reserve Management Plan 

The Reserve Management Plan (RMP) is the overarching management planning document for the 

Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (LRNR). 

The accompanying guideline document ‘Guidelines for the development of management plans for 

Limpopo’s Provincial Nature Reserves’ details the purpose, scope, approach to, and elements of all 

RMPs for State-managed conservation areas in Limpopo Province. 

The Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve Management Plan comprises two complementary documents 1 : 

 

 

A Strategic Plan (SP) covering a period of five years (this document); and 

An Annual Plan of Operation (APO) covering the current financial year. 

The relationship between these two documents is shown in Figure 1 below. 

Figure 1: The relationship between the five-year Strategic Plan (SP) and the consecutive Annual Plans of Operation (APO) that 

guide the year-on-year reserve budget and activity planning. 

All the information necessary to guide the management of the LRNR is included in these two 

documents. No major decisions potentially affecting the future of the reserve will be taken without 

reference to the RMP. 

This document constitutes the SP for the LRNR and covers the period 2013-2017. 

1.2 Purpose and structure of the Strategic Plan 

The purpose of the SP for the LRNR is to set out the medium-term ambitions for the reserve. These 

ambitions are expressed through the vision and objectives. The SP then describes how these ambitions 

will be delivered through a range of management guidelines and management actions. 

1 These two planning documents may, in turn, be supported by a Reserve Database and program-specific, more detailed Subsidiary Plans. 


This SP has the following structure: 

SECTION 1 

SECTION 2 

SECTION 3 

SECTION 4 

SECTION 5 

INTRODUCTION 

This section briefly describes the: (i) planning context for the SP; (ii) purpose of the SP; 

(iii) structure of the SP; and (iv) approach to developing the SP. 

CONTEXTUAL FRAMEWORK 

This section provides a succinct summary of contextual information about the reserve. 

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES FRAMEWORK 

This section defines the ambitions for the reserve, through the formulation of a vision 

and a set of objectives. 

This section also spatially represents the desired state of the reserve in the form of a 

use zone map for the reserve. 

STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK 

This section defines how the vision and the objectives will be delivered. It details the 

key management guidelines and management actions for six thematic areas (Key 

Performance Areas): biodiversity and heritage conservation; sustainable use; 

enforcement, security and access control; infrastructure and equipment (operations); 

stakeholder involvement; and administration and planning. 

RESOURCING AND GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK 

This section describes the: (i) governance arrangements for decision-making; (ii) roles 

and responsibilities of affected institutions and stakeholders; (iii) the projected staffing 

requirements; and (iv) the projected funding requirements for the implementation of 

the SP. 

1.3 The steps in preparing the Strategic Plan 

Eight basic steps were taken in preparing this SP. These steps are outlined in the Table 1 below. 

Table 1: The eight basic steps taken in preparing the Strategic Plan of the Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve 

STEP 

STEP 1: Data collection, 

background research 

and site visit. 

STEP 2: Establishment 

of a Reserve Planning 

Team (RPT). 

STEP 3: Identification 

of the reserve values. 

STEP 4: Deciding on the 

desired state for the 

reserve. 

STEP 5: Development 

of an action plan for 

the reserve. 

STEP 6: Preparation of 

the first draft of the SP 

for the reserve. 

PURPOSE OF STEP 

To collect, collate and review the contextual reserve information that 

informs the reserve management planning process. 

To establish an inter-disciplinary team to guide and advise on the 

preparation, and ongoing review and evaluation, of the RMP. 

To describe why the reserve was designated, and its associated values and 

benefits. 

To develop and articulate a desired condition, state or appearance of the 

reserve (vision, objectives and use zone plan). 

To identify and develop the key management actions needed to achieve the 

desired state for the reserve. 

To integrate all the information from Step 1 and Steps 3 to 5 into a first draft 

of the SP. 


Table 1 (contd.): 

The eight basic steps taken in preparing the Strategic Plan of the Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve 

STEP 

STEP 7: Stakeholder 

consultation. 

STEP 8: Revision of the 

SP to include 

comments and 

recommendations from 

the RPT and other 

stakeholders. 

PURPOSE OF STEP 

To create an opportunity for the RPT, and later the general public and other 

stakeholders/interested parties, to review and comment on iterative drafts 

of the SP. 

To revise the draft SP, taking into account the comments received from the 

RPT and other stakeholders/interested parties and the public. 


2. CONTEXTUAL FRAMEWORK 

2.1 Location 

The Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (LRNR) is located in the Mopani District of Limpopo Province, South 

Africa and is situated approximately 170 km to the east of Polokwane and 10 km to the north of 

Phalaborwa (Figure 2). The reserve can be accessed via three different routes: Along the Giyani- 

Lulekani road (R351) to the northern entrance gate of the reserve; along the Letsitele-Letaba Ranch 

road, off the R71, to the western entrance gate; and from Phalaborwa, off the R71, through Lulekani to 

the southern entrance gate of the reserve. 

The LRNR is situated along the western boundary of the Kruger National Park (KNP), to the north of the 

Phalaborwa Gate, and forms part of the Greater Kruger Park Conservation Area. The LRNR also forms 

part of the African Ivory Route. The Mthimkhulu Nature Reserve, which covers an area of 6 349 ha and 

is situated to the north of the Groot Letaba River, is incorporated into the LRNR. 

The north-western boundary of the reserve borders the settlement areas of the Makhuba region of the 

Mopani District and the western and south-western reserve boundaries border the Lulekani and Majeje 

regions of the Mopani District. 

Figure 2: Regional location of the Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve. 


The LRNR covers a total area of 42 000 ha, making it the largest of all the provincial nature reserves 

currently managed by LEDET. The LRNR is located on portions of the following properties: Machet No. 4 

LU, Mbaula Ranch No. 6 LU, Belasting No. 7 LU, Leeukop No. 10 LU, Baderoukwe 11 LU, Ndole No. 12 

LU, Sable No. 13 LU, Genoeg No. 15 LU and Letaba Ranch No. 17 LU (Figure 3). 

Figure 3: Locality map of the Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve. 

2.2 Legal status 

The LRNR was proclaimed as a game reserve and native flora reserve, known as the Rondalia-Letaba 

Private Nature Reserve, on 15 December 1965 in terms of Section 11 of the Transvaal Game Ordinance, 

1949 (Ordinance No. 23 of 1949), and Section 2 of the Transvaal Native Flora Protection Ordinance, 

1940 (Ordinance No. 9 of 1940). The area was subsequently de-proclaimed as a reserve on 1 October 

1975, effective from 1 September 1975, in terms of Section 3 of the Transvaal Nature Conservation 

Ordinance, 1967 (Ordinance No. 17 of 1967). 

In light of the above, the LRNR is currently not legally defined as a provincial nature reserve in terms of 

the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003) (NEMPAA) 

and as such does not fall under the legal protection of NEMPAA in terms of Section 12 thereof. 

Table 2 lists key national, provincial and local legislation that has a direct influence on all reserve 

management activities. 


Table 2: Key national, provincial and local legislation with a direct influence on all reserve management activities 2 

NATIONAL LEGISLATION 

National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 

of 1998) (NEMA); 

National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 

(Act No. 10 of 2004) (NEMBA); 

National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 

2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003) (NEMPAA); 

National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2009 (Act 

No. 58 of 2009) (NEMWA); 

National Forest Act, 1998 (Act No. 84 of 1998); 

Agriculture Laws Extension Act, 1996 (Act No. 87 of 1996); 

Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act No. 43 

of 1983) (CARA); 

Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989); 

National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998); 

Water Services Act, 1997 (Act No. 108 of 1997) (WSA); 

National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998 (Act No. 101 of 1998) 

(NVFFA); 

National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999) 

(NHRA); 

Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984); 

Animal Health Act, 2002 (Act No. 7 of 2002); 

Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002); 

Fencing Act, 1963 (Act No. 31 of 1963); 

Tourism Act, 1993 (Act No. 72 of 1993); 

Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993) 

(OHSA); 

National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 

1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977) (NBRBSA); 

Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999) 

(PFMA); 

Public Service Act, 1994, (Act No. 103 of 1994), as amended 

(PSA); 

Labour Relations Act, 1995 (Act No. 66 of 1995) (LRA); 

Basic Condition of Employment Act, 1997 (Act No. 75 of 1997) 

(BCEA); 

Employment Equity Act, 1998 (Act No. 55 of 1998) (EEA); 

Skills Development Act, 1998 (Act No. 97 of 1998) (SDA); and 

Game Theft Act, 1991 (Act No. 105 of 1991). 

PROVINCIAL AND LOCAL LEGISLATION 

Limpopo Environmental Management 

Act, 2003 (Act No. 7 of 2003); 

Limpopo Tourism Act, 2009 (Act No. 2 

of 2009); and 

Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality By- 

Laws, 2009 (Local Authority Notice No. 

277). 

2.3 Institutional arrangements 

Different portions of the LRNR are owned by the State, the Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) Tribal Authority and 

the Majeje Tribal Authority. The State currently owns the largest portion of the reserve. 

LEDET and the Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) are currently responsible for the conservation and 

tourism management, respectively, of the LRNR. LEDET is currently in the process of drafting a comanagement 

agreement to be entered into with the Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) and Majeje Tribal 

Authorities re. the management of those sections of land owned by these authorities. In the interim 

these portions of land are being managed by LEDET, with tourism aspects of these sections being 

managed by the LTA through the African Ivory Route. 

2 Including all regulations promulgated in terms of the legislation listed. 


The Majeje Tribal Authority is an actively involved shareholder of the LRNR and there is a good 

understanding and system in place regarding the utilisation and distribution of resources to the south of 

the Groot Letaba River by this community. The Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) Tribal Authority is actively 

involved in the area to the north of the Groot Letaba River, however, the relationship and 

communication between this tribal authority and LEDET is less effective than that of the Majeje Tribal 

Authority. 

Land claims in terms of Section 10 of the Restitution of Land Rights Act, 1994 (Act No. 22 of 1994) have 

been submitted over different sections of the LRNR by the following claimants: Makhushane; Selwane; 

and the Makhuva-Mathebula Royal council. All of these claims have been referred to the Land Claims 

Court for adjudication and are currently still in process. 

Table 3 details the current staff complement of the LRNR. 

2.4 Reserve description 

2.4.1 History 

Table 3: The current staff complement of the Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve 

POST 

NUMBER 

Reserve Manager 1 

Senior Field Ranger 1 

Field Ranger 32 

General Assistant (Cleaner) 2 

Total 36 

Prior to its proclamation as the Rondalia-Letaba Nature Reserve in 1965 (Section 2.2), the LRNR 

consisted of nine privately owned farms, as well as portions of tribal land. Most of these properties 

were used for cattle farming purposes. 

After the de-proclamation of the reserve on 1 October 1975 (effective from 1 September 1975) (Section 

2.2), the reserve was formally included under the judicial control of the former Gazankulu on 21March 

1980. Gazankulu was a Bantustan (homeland) that was reintegrated into South Africa in 1994 and now 

forms part of Limpopo Province. 

The LRNR functions as a trophy hunting reserve and was hunted extensively between 1980 and 1994. 

2.4.2 Climate 

The LRNR receives an average annual rainfall of 500 mm per year, most of which falls during the 

summer months. The area receives the least amount of rainfall in August (with an average monthly 

rainfall of 1 mm per month) and the most in December (with an average monthly rainfall of 117 mm per 

month) (Figure 4). 

The monthly average for maximum temperatures at the reserve ranges from 25°C in July to 33°C in 

February. The region is coldest in July, when temperatures can drop to 7°C at night (Figure 4). 

Frost rarely occurs in this area. 


Figure 4: Graph illustrating the average monthly rainfall and maximum and minimum temperatures for the Letaba Ranch 

Nature Reserve (Masalale Pack House Weather Station: Latitude: 23.7004°S; 30.7888°E; 375 m above sea level). 

2.4.3 Topography 

The topography of the LRNR consists of gently undulating landscapes located at altitudes of between 

340 and 400 m above sea level, with the occasional hill located at altitudes of up to 450 m above sea 

level (Figure 3). The most distinct topographical feature of the LRNR is a number of koppies located in 

the central zone of the southern section of the reserve, collectively known as Sable Mountain. The 

highest koppie, Middelkop, is located at an altitude of 446 m above sea level (Figure 3). 

Undulating landscapes comprise approximately 88% of the surface area of the reserve, with 2% of the 

area characterised by granite koppies. The remaining 10 % of the surface area of the reserve consists of 

dry drainage lines that drain towards the perennial Letaba River. 

2.4.4 Geology and Soils 

2.4.4.1 Geology 

A variety of geological formations occurs in the LRNR and can generally be grouped according to the 

vegetation unit it supports. 

The geology on which Granite Lowveld occurs, ranges from Archaean granite and gneiss, Swazian 

Goudplaats Gneiss, Makhutswi Gneiss and Nelspruit Suite to the younger Mpuluzi Granite. 

Lowveld Rugged Mopaneveld geology is mostly underlain by Goudplaats Gneiss and Makhutswi Gneiss, 

with some ultramafic metavolcanics (rocks rich in chlorite, amphibole, talc and serpentine) and 

metasediments of the Giyani Greenstone Belt (all Swazian Erathem). 

Phalaborwa-Timbavati Mopaneveld geology consists of quartz-feldspar rocks of the Makhutswi Gneiss 

(Swazian) dominate, intruded by the Lekkersmaak Granite (Randian). 

Tsende Mopaneveld geology includes quartz-feldspar rocks (Goudplaats Gneiss Basement), which are 

low in potassium. 


2.4.4.2 Soils 

A variety of soil forms occur in the LRNR and can generally be grouped according to the vegetation unit 

it supports. 

In the lowlands Granite Lowveld occurs on clayey soils with a high content of sodium, while soils in the 

uplands are sandy. 

Lowveld Rugged Mopaneveld soils are red-yellow apedal, shallow, stony, freely drained soils. Soil forms 

are mainly Hutton, Mispah and Glenrosa. 

Phalaborwa-Timbavati Mopaneveld occurs on sandy soils, usually with less than 10% clay in the A- 

horizon on the uplands (such as the Clovelly soil form) and clay soils in the bottomlands (such as the 

Valsrivier and Sterkspruit soil forms). 

Tsende Mopaneveld soils are shallower and clayey on the uplands, while the plains have deeper clayey 

soils. 

2.4.4.3 Soil Erosion 

Areas of soil erosion are known to be present within the reserve. A thorough assessment of all factors 

affecting the soils of the reserve, on which management decisions regarding soil erosion can be based, 

has, however, not been conducted to date. 

2.4.5 Drainage and Hydrology 

The LRNR forms part of the Letaba River System. 

The Groot Letaba River (classified as an endangered Class C river) runs through the reserve from west to 

east (and into the KNP), dividing the reserve into two sections, namely the Mthimkhulu (formerly 

Mbaula Ranch) section in the north and the Letaba Ranch section in the south. The Klein Letaba River 

(classified as an endangered Class B river) forms the north- eastern boundary of the LRNR and drains the 

northern section of the reserve. Both of these rivers have their sources far away and therefore drain 

relatively large areas: The Klein Letaba River drains an area measuring approximately 2 840 ha and the 

Groot Letaba River drains an area measuring approximately 20 000 ha. The confluence of these two 

rivers is located along the eastern boundary of the LRNR. Here the rivers join to become the Letaba 

River that flows through the KNP. 

The Nondweni Dam is located approximately 15 km upstream of the Groot Letaba River, to the west of 

the reserve. This dam, in addition to all the upstream agricultural activities (including citrus farming) 

has obvious negative effects on the quality of the Groot Letaba River once it enters the LRNR. It is of 

vital importance to conserve the Letaba fresh water system and its fish populations for both present 

and future generations. 

A well-defined watershed, consisting of a series of koppies known as Sable Mountain, divides the 

southern (Letaba Ranch) section of the LRNR into two. The Baderoukwe and Nhlarhweni Rivers form 

the two main seasonal drainage lines of the area located to the south of the watershed. Both of these 

rivers drain into the Letaba River, within the boundaries of the KNP. Four main seasonal drainage lines 

can be identified to the north of the watershed, namely the Xikararavura and the Makhwarheni Rivers 

that drain into the Letaba River within the LRNR, and the Tsugama and the Nhlaveni Rivers that drain 

into the Letaba River within the KNP. 


The majority of drainage lines within the LRNR are seasonal, sandy watercourses, the largest of which is 

the Klein Letaba River. Most of these sandy watercourses flow only after heavy rainfall events, or a 

series of such events. 

A number of seasonal dams and pans are also located within the LRNR, all of which are located to the 

south of the Groot Letaba River. 

A total of six boreholes are located within the LRNR - of which only five are currently in a working order. 

These boreholes provide water for human consumption within the reserve, as well as to a number of 

artificial waterholes utilised by game. 

2.4.6 Vegetation 

2.4.6.1 Vegetation Types 

The vegetation of the LRNR comprises Mopane and Lowveld Bushveld vegetation units of the Savanna 

Biome (Figure 5). 

Savanna is characterized by a herbaceous layer (usually dominated by grasses) with a woody 

component – most typically an overstorey of trees. In southern Africa, bushveld is an apt description of 

the vegetation structure, as the vegetation most often does not comprise distinct shrub and tree layers. 

Instead, shrubs and trees occur in a matrix with a grass-dominated herb layer. 

Savannas are fire prone ecosystems and therefore fire is essential to maintaining both its structure and 

floristic composition. The exclusion of fire results in bush encroachment and a diminishing grass and 

herbaceous layer. Mid-dry season burns favour scrubby and coppiced savannah (i.e. an increase in 

browsing capacity at the expense of grazing), while early wet season burns favour grass production. 

Patch mosaic burning favours a higher diversity of vegetation structure and floristic composition. High 

intensity fire can kill the shrub and tree component, resulting in a reduced browsing capacity. 

The vegetation description for the LRNR follows Mucina & Rutherford (2006) (Figure 5) 

Granite Lowveld (Vulnerable) 

Granite Lowveld (Figure 5) occurring on the uplands comprises tall shrubland with few trees to 

moderately dense low woodland dominated by Terminalia sericea, Combretum zeyheri and C. 

apiculatum and a ground layer consisting of Pogonarthria squarrosa, Tricholaena monachne and 

Eragrostis rigidior. In the lowland areas dense thicket to open savanna with Acacia nigrescens, 

Dichrostachys cinerea and Grewia bicolor dominate the woody layer. The dense herbaceous layer is 

mainly comprised of Digitaria eriantha, Panicum maximum and Aristida congesta on fine-textured soils, 

while brackish bottomland soils support Sporobolus mitens. A dense fringe of T. sericea and Eragrostis 

gummiflua occurs in areas where the topography changes from convex to concave. 

Lowveld Rugged Mopaneveld 

Lowveld Rugged Mopaneveld (Figure 5) is characterised by dense shrubs with occasional trees and a 

sparse ground layer. Woody plants can become particularly dense on very rocky terrain where fire is 

excluded. Tree and shrub species include A. nigrescens and Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra (tall trees); 

Colophospermum mopane, C. apiculatum, Terminalia prunoides and Acacia exuvialis (small trees); 

Combretum hereroense, Dichrostachys cinerea, G. bicolor and G. villosa (tall shrubs); and Commiphora 

africana, Melhania forbesii, M. rehmannii and Solanum panduriforme (low shrubs). The field layer is 

comprised of Aristida congesta, Enneapogon cenchroides, Melinis repens and Sporobolus panicoides 

(grasses); and Crabbea velutina, Helitropium steudneri and Hemizygia elliottii (herbs). 


Figure 5: Vegetation map of the Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve. 

Phalaborwa-Timbavati Mopaneveld 

Phalaborwa-Timbavati Mopaneveld (Figure 5) is an open tree savanna which occurs on undulating 

plains, with the sandy uplands dominated by C. apiculatum, T. sericea and C. mopane trees. On the 

clayey bottomlands the dominant species changes as T. sericea and C. apiculatum are less common, 

while trees such as A. nigrescens and C. mopane increase in dominance. The field layer is usually welldeveloped 

and species include Digitaria eriantha subsp. pentzii, Eragrostis rigidior, P. squarrosa, 

Andropogon gayanus and Aristida congesta (grasses); and Evolvulus alsinoides, Heliotropium steudneri, 

Hemizygia elliottii and Ipomoea magnusiana (herbs). A feature of the northern sections of this unit is 

the large number of termite mounds on the uplands. 


Tsende Mopaneveld 

Tsende Mopaneveld occurring at the LRNR (Figure 5) is characterised by medium to high shrub 

dominated savannah, with scattered trees and a dense field layer. Tree and shrub species include A. 

nigrescens and Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra (tall trees); C. mopane and C. apiculatum (small trees); 

and C. hereroense, D. cinerea, Euclea divinorum and Grewia bicolor (tall shrubs), amongst others. The 

field layer comprises of Clerodendrum ternatum and Indigofera schimperi (low shrubs); Bothriochloa 

radicans, Digitaria eriantha subsp. pentzii, Heteropogon contortus and Panicum maximum (grasses); and 

Blepharis integrifolia, Ceratotheca triloba and Chamaecrista absus (herbs), amongst others. 

2.4.6.2 Species of Conservation Concern 

Table 4 lists the plant species of conservation concern known to occur in the LRNR area 3 . 

Table 4: Plant species of conservation concern known to occur in the Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve area 

PLANT SCIENTIFIC NAME 

Nemesia zimbabwensis 

Brachystelma villosum 

IUCN STATUS 

Endangered 

Rare 

2.4.6.3 Invasive Alien Plants 

Detailed information on the extent and density of infestation by invasive alien plants within the LRNR is 

currently unknown. 

2.4.7 Fauna 

The LRNR borders on the Kruger National Park (KNP) and the game fence that separated the properties 

in the past has been removed. The LRNR therefore plays a critical part in acting not only as a buffer to 

the surrounding communities and mining operations, but also as an overflow for all wildlife from the 

KNP. Just in terms of the overwhelming biodiversity, the LRNR must rank as one of the most important 

nature reserves of Limpopo Province. 

A historical mammal list for the LRNR can be compiled based on the results of aerial game counts 

conducted in the area in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2010 and 2012. A total of 26 larger mammal species 

were recorded in the reserve during this period, namely Blue Wildebeest, Cape Buffalo, Burchell’s 

Zebra, Hippopotamus, Sable Antelope, Warthog, Waterbuck, White Rhino, Bushpig, Common Duiker, 

Eland, African Elephant, Impala, Nyala, Sharpe's Grysbok, Steenbok, Bushbuck, Giraffe, Klipspringer, 

Kudu, African Wild Dog, Chacma Baboon, Black-backed Jackal, Leopard, Lion and Spotted Hyena. 

The Majeje and Mthimkhulu tribes have been awarded quotas for hunting in the LRNR during culling 

season. Fishing and the harvesting of Mopani worms are also done in the reserve by locals according to 

a permit system. 

The reserve has a good representation of all bushveld bird species and has good populations of raptors. 

Nests of White Back Vultures, as well as Ground Hornbill sightings, were also recorded during the aerial 

census of 2012. 

3 The species of conservation concern indicated in this section have a strong probability of occurrence at this reserve, based on the Plants of 

South Africa (POSA) database. The POSA includes a database of all plants recorded by means of voucher specimens lodged with one of the 

recognised herbaria in South Africa. The actual occurrence of these species will, however, need to be ground-truthed as part of KPA 1: 

Biodiversity and Heritage Conservation (Objective 1.5). 


There is currently a good diversity of bird, reptile, amphibian, fish and invertebrate species associated 

with Mopani Bushveld of the Savanna Biome, which is found within the LRNR. An ongoing research and 

monitoring programme is needed to update species lists and help inform the management of this 

crucial reserve. 

2.4.7.1 Mammals 

A total of 5 976 head of game was recorded in the LRNR in 2012. This included, amongst others: 1 467 

Cape Buffalo, 52 Nile Crocodile, 117 Duiker, 451 African Elephant, 190 Giraffe, 157 Hippopotamus, 2841 

Impala, 233 Kudu, 2 Leopard, 5 White Rhino, 118 Steenbok, 122 Warthog and 4 Wild Dog. During the 

2012 aerial census, a total of 4 660 head of game was counted, including Blue Wildebeest, Cape Buffalo, 

Burchell’s Zebra, Hippopotamus, Warthog, Waterbuck and White Rhino (grazers); Common Duiker, 

Eland, African Elephant, Impala, Nyala, Sharpe's Grysbok and Steenbok (mixed feeders); Bushbuck, 

Giraffe, Klipspringer and Kudu (browsers); and Chacma Baboon, Spotted Hyena and Leopard (other 

feeders). A number of smaller mammal species have also been recorded in the reserve, including 

mongoose, bats, shrews, rats, Striped Polecat, Porcupine, Pangolin, Honey Badger, Aardvark, hares, 

bush babies and genets. 

Cheetah and Side-striped Jackal are also present in the reserve, but are not common and have not been 

recorded during any of the aerial censuses conducted in the reserve to date. 

A provisional Elephant Management Plan was compiled by independent consultant Petri Viljoen and 

submitted in June 2010. The LEDET Biodiversity Unit, lead by Ecologist Johan Kruger, is, however, 

currently in the process of compiling an Elephant Management Plan that will be accepted by the KNP 

and other effected bodies. The greatest challenge in the compilation of this plan, is the fact that the 

LRNR is not completely fenced, i.e. it shares an open border with the KNP. As a result, a number of 

elephant management options (including culling and contraception) are not viable for use in the LRNR. 

Currently an average of five elephant bulls is made available for trophy hunting purposes annually – the 

only off-take that takes place at the reserve. 

Having no baseline information available to inform the Elephant Management Plan, its format will 

comprise generating information to guide the plan going forward. Firstly, reserve management need to 

manage the existing infrastructure on the LRNR, e.g. the boundary fence, water provision, roads, 

buildings, signage, etc. Secondly, a comprehensive monitoring programme needs to be initiated in 

order to determine the African Elephant’s impacts on the veld and various habitat types, which will 

enable the making of good management decisions that are motivated by scientific evidence/data. 

Thirdly, the numbers and movement of African Elephant must be properly monitored. This will require 

ongoing groundwork and annual aerial game counts. Present population records of African Elephant in 

the reserve are as follows: 148 individuals counted in 2003; 121 individuals counted in 2004; 330 

individuals counted in 2005; 278 individuals counted in 2006; 481 individuals counted in 2012; and 451 

individuals counted in 2012. 

Anthrax has been a problem in the LRNR in the past. In 1994, 84% of all Kudu mortalities within the 

reserve were anthrax related. 

The poaching of wildlife is another serious problem in the reserve. White Rhino are particularly 

vulnerable based on the current Rhino poaching onslaught in South Africa. 

2.4.7.1.1 Mammal Species of Conservation Concern 

The mammal species of conservation concern listed in Table 5 are known to occur at the LRNR. 


Table 5: Mammal species of conservation concern known to occur at the Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve 

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME IUCN STATUS 

Raphicerus sharpie Sharpe’s Grysbok Least concern, but timid. 

Hippotragus niger Sable Antelope Least concern, but locally rare. 

Panthera pardus Leopard Near Threatened. 

Panthera leo Lion Threatened. 

Ceratotherium simum White Rhino Near Threatened. 

Lycaon pictus Wild Dog Endangered. 

Acinonyx jubatus Cheetah Vulnerable. 

2.4.7.2 Avifauna 

The LRNR is comprised of a relatively heterogeneous landscape, with multiple vegetation units, 

resulting in a wide range of habitat types and a potentially high level of avian species diversity. 

Additionally, the presence of the perennial Letaba River, as well as associated tributaries and drainage 

lines, offer various breeding and/or foraging habitats to a wide range of waterfowl and other 

wetland/riparian/floodplain associated avian species. 

There are currently 101 verified avian species, of which five occur on the IUCN Red List of Threatened 

Species, occurring at the reserve, namely Bateleur (Vulnerable), Martial Eagle (Vulnerable), Tawny Eagle 

(Vulnerable), Southern Ground Hornbill (Vulnerable) and White-backed Vulture (Vulnerable). The level 

of endemism reflected within the current verified species inventory includes seven near-endemic 

species. The potential species richness within the LRNR is potentially much higher than the current 

species inventory, but is yet to be determined and/or recorded. 

The presence and conservation of (particularly existing breeding pairs of) two species listed under IUCN 

classification, namely Martial Eagle (Vulnerable) and Tawny Eagle (Vulnerable), have both an ecological 

and conservation significance as they are apex predators within the given ecosystem and overall 

densities in South Africa have decreased as a result of direct persecution. 

The majority of the South African Southern Ground Hornbill population is restricted to large protected 

areas including and surrounding the Kruger National Park. This species has experienced a major range 

contraction, mainly as a result of habitat alteration and persecution. The identification and 

conservation of existing breeding pairs and/or possibly assisting the establishment of breeding pairs 

within the LRNR will contribute to the overall conservation of the species within South Africa. 

2.4.7.3 Reptiles and Amphibians 

The LRNR provides ideal habitat for a range of reptile species. Snakes such as Black Mamba, 

Mozambique Spitting Cobra, Puff Adder, Boomslang and Southern African Rock Python are known to 

occur. Individuals of Nile Crocodile were recorded in the reserve during the 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 

2010 and 2012 aerial censuses. 

A conservative total of 31 different amphibian species occur at the LRNR, including Brown-backed Tree 

Frog, Bushveld Rain Frog, Mottled Shovel-nosed Frog, Northern Pigmy Toad, Painted Reed Frog, Water 

Lily Frog, Ornate Frog, Broad-banded Grass Frog, African Bullfrog and Southern Foam Nest Frog. A 

complete amphibian species list is available as part of the reserve’s State of Knowledge Data Repository 

(SOKDR). 


2.4.7.4 Fish 

Thirty-one different species of fish have been recorded in the Groot Letaba River in the LRNR, including 

Giant Mottled Eel, Beira Barb, River Goby, Longfin Eel, Common Mountain Catfish, Orange-fin Barb, 

Large-scaled Yellowfish, Side Spot Barb, Three Spot Barb, Common Catfish, Barred Minnow and 

Mozambique Tilapia, amongst others. A complete fish species list is available as part of the SOKDR. 

2.4.8 Heritage Resources 

No known sites of historic significance or other heritage resources are known to occur within the LRNR. 

This has, however, not been confirmed by an official heritage survey to date. 

2.4.9 Reserve Infrastructure 

There is a total of seven entrance gates into the LRNR, three of which are used by tourists and reserve 

management staff; two of which are used only by reserve management staff; and two of which are no 

longer in use. The main entrance gate of the LRNR is situated along the western reserve boundary, at 

the Seloane village crossing. 

All three gravel roads that provide access to the LRNR (Section 2.1) are currently in a fair to poor 

condition. The road network within the LRNR also consists of gravel roads only, all of which are 

currently in a fair to poor condition. A number of roads within the reserve are not suitable for use by 

normal sedan vehicle and require high clearance and 4x4 capabilities. 

Signage both to and within the reserve is insufficient and in a poor condition. 

The LRNR is fenced-in on the northern, southern and western sides. These boundary fences are 

currently in a good to fair condition, except for the northern boundary fence, which is in a fair condition 

and has not been electrified to date. Some sections of the boundary fence in the Mthimkhulu area are 

currently in a poor condition. The eastern reserve boundary, which the LRNR shares with the KNP, is 

not fenced-in in order to allow for the free movement of fauna between the KNP and the LRNR. 

The administrative hub of the LRNR consists of a brick building with a thatched roof, which is divided 

into four offices. This structure is currently in a good condition. 

Staff accommodation within the reserve consists of three park homes; a number of old brick buildings 

with thatched roofs; and a number of old brick buildings with corrugated iron roofs. Although 

sufficient, these structures are all currently in a poor condition. Staff share one communal ablution 

block. 

Five patrol “pickets”, all in a very poor condition, are located within the LRNR. These structures mainly 

consist of old farmsteads inherited from previous private land owners and are used to accommodate 

reserve staff. 

The only operational tourist facility within the LRNR is the Mtomeni Tented Bush Camp, which is 

operated by The African Ivory Route. This camp was named after the Jackal Berry trees which are found 

in the camp’s lapa area and is situated on the banks of the Groot Letaba River. The Mtomeni Tented 

Bush Camp consists of 5 permanent safari tents, each with its own ablution facilities. The camp 

furthermore shares a communal kitchen and lapa area. 

The LRNR is not equipped with any picnic spots or other facilities for day visitors. 


The reserve has one storeroom building with three separate store rooms, one of which is in a good 

condition. The remaining two store rooms are in a bad condition. 

The slaughtering facilities of the reserve are currently in a very poor condition. No cold room facilities 

are furthermore available for carcasses after slaughtering. 

The LRNR is equipped with electricity and telephone lines. 

The water supply within the reserve, for both human and animal consumption, is provided via 

boreholes. There are six boreholes located within the reserve, of which five are currently in a working 

order. Water is pumped from these five boreholes once a week in order to provide water for wildlife. 

The engines and pumps used for water provision purposes are not currently adequately protected from 

wildlife and are therefore costly to maintain. In some areas with no water pumping facilities, water for 

human consumption is delivered by way of mobile water tanks and/or drums. 

A network of hiking trails has been developed in the LRNR, but is currently overgrown with vegetation 

and not well-maintained. 

No servitudes are located within the boundaries of the LRNR. 

2.4.10 Social Context 

The LRNR is surrounded by a population of approximately 28 322 individuals 4 . 

2.5 Local and Regional Planning 

The LRNR is located in the Ba-Phalaborwa and Greater Giyani Local Municipalities, both of which form 

part of the Mopani District Municipality of Limpopo Province. 

The Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for the period 2012 to 2017 

lists the “Letaba Ranch Conservation Area” as one of the protected areas/conservancies located within 

the municipal boundaries. The IDP furthermore lists the development of facilities at the LRNR as one of 

its development potential projects, which aims at stimulating development within the tourism sector of 

the municipality. In addition, the IDP also lists the tarring of the road between the Eiland and Letaba 

Ranch as an identified community need. 

No mention is made of the LRNR in the IDP of the Greater Giyani Local Municipality for the period 2012 

to 2013 

The Mopani District IDP for the period 2011 to 2016 acknowledges the value of the LRNR as an 

environmental conservation area within the district. 

2.6 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats 

Table 6 lists the key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that were identified for the LRNR. 

4 The social context of the MNR was determined by identifying the municipal wards within which the reserve is located, as well as those 

immediately bordering the reserve. Using the results of the South African National Census of 2011, the total number of people within these 

wards was then calculated to give a representation of the population in the vicinity of the reserve. It should be kept in mind that ward sizes 

differ considerably and that the value listed may include individuals residing relatively far from the reserve. 


Table 6: Key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats identified for the Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve 

KEY STRENGTHS 

Located next to, and shares an unfenced boundary with, the Kruger National Park. 

Forms a part of the Greater Kruger Conservation Area. 

Situated close to the Phalaborwa Airport. 

Easily accessible. 

Largest of the provincial Limpopo nature reserves. 

It is a Big Five reserve with a good gene pool. 

Mild winter temperatures. 

There is a diversity of habitats present within the reserve. 

Reserve management has a good relationship with the South African Police Service and the South 

African National Defence Force. 

Exceptional scenic qualities. 

The reserve forms part of the African Ivory Route. 

The reserve belongs to Ba-Phlaborwa Fire Protection Association. 

There is an existing hunting protocol with the Kruger National Park. 

Detailed information on all boreholes is available, e.g. depth, flow rate, water quality, etc. 

KEY WEAKNESSES (ISSUES & CHALLENGES) 

The reserve is not officially proclaimed as a nature reserve and therefore does not fall under the 

legal protection of NEMPAA. 

The reserve experiences extremely hot temperatures during mid-summer. 

Located far from Gauteng. 

Located in a malaria area and therefore precautions should be taken when visiting the reserve. 

Access to the northern section of the reserve is limited. 

The area in which the reserve is located is susceptible to drought in varying degrees. 

Some of the artificial water sources within the reserve are not ideally located. 

Poor road conditions and insufficient, poor signage. 

Existing developments within the reserve are located in the most sensitive areas of highest 

conservation importance. 

Ageing staff component and shortage of staff. 

Centralised budget, and de-capacitated reserve management. 

Lack of resources. 

Insufficient information re. the heritage resources of the reserve. 

Lack of communication/co-operation between management and stakeholders. 

Very little scientific data available as a result of a lack of research and monitoring. 

Ineffective management. 

Present hunting quota is not sustainable as it is not backed by good scientific data. 

Present hunting zone is not well positioned. 

No permanent water at outlying pickets. 

Large distances between infrastructure/management tools and the main complex could lead to the 

neglect of infrastructure and management tools. 

Some areas within the reserve are prone to erosion. 

Tourist safety within big game areas. 

Poor road conditions make vehicle access difficult for management purposes. 

Alien vegetation, especially aquatic species. 

OPPORTUNITIES 

There is huge potential to upgrade the tourism facilities of the reserve and improve the road 

infrastructure in order to allow better access throughout the reserve. 

The development of a new major tourism facility. 

Improved signage to and within the reserve. 

Good marketing potential as a result of the proximity to, and unfenced boundary with, the KNP. 


The LRNR also forms part of the Greater Kruger Conservation Area and is therefore marketed by 

existing structures involved with eco-tourism and hunting. 

Opportunities for African wilderness experiences. 

There is an opportunity to introduce activities such as night drives, game walks, the selling of curios 

and cultural experiences. 

The koppies within the reserve provide good lookout points that could be developed. 

There is an opportunity to establish (guided) hiking trails through the different veld types and 

habitats of the reserve. 

Environmental education. 

Research and monitoring opportunities. 

Job creation. 

THREATS 

Poaching of wildlife. 

Theft. 

Damage to the reserve’s boundary fence by neighbouring communities. 

The spread of diseases. 

The impact of the African Elephant on the vegetation. 

Low rainfall – game numbers must be managed carefully in order to prevent veld degradation. 

Mineral deposits in the southern regions of the reserve could lead to the area being mined, if it is 

found to be viable. 

Pending land claims. 

Lack of capacity to ensure law enforcement. 

Existing legal status of the reserve. 


3. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES FRAMEWORK 

3.1 Purpose 

The properties on which the LRNR are located were initially State land that was leased out for farming 

purposes. Rondalia Resorts later established a number of camps along the eastern bank of Letaba River 

and the area was subsequently utilised as a game reserve by the then Department of Agriculture. The 

South African Nature Foundation (SANF) also used the area for training purposes during this period. 

When the area was later transferred to the Gazankulu homeland, the area was used exclusively as a 

game reserve. 

In present times, the value of the LRNR as a conservation area can also be attributed to the following: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It includes a portion of the vulnerable Granite Lowveld vegetation unit. 

A combined total of 22 threatened reptile, amphibian, bird and/or mammal species occur at the 

reserve. 

The reserve falls within a National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area (FEPA) and a Fish 

Support Area. 

The reserve is dissected by the endangered Groot Letaba River. 

The reserve contains areas classified as “highly significant” in terms of Critical Biodiversity 

Values. 

The reserve is regarded as playing an important social support role in local and surrounding 

communities. 

The reserve is regarded as having a high income generating potential. 

3.2 Reserve Values 

The following key values of the LRNR were identified by the RPT: 

KEY RESERVE VALUES 

The reserve has the potential to demonstrate the efficacy, and benefits, of functional 

partnerships between the State and communal land owners in the collaborative administration 

and management of provincial nature reserves. 

The reserve is committed to management in accordance with best practice and rationally driven 

by current knowledge. 

The reserve is committed to good administration and the efficient use and good maintenance of 

resources. 

The reserve is committed to be a good employer and socially affirmative neighbour in the local 

communities. 

The reserve boasts approximately 24 km of Groot Letaba River frontage and approximately 20 

km of Klein Letaba River frontage. The confluence of these rivers occurs along the eastern 

boundary of the reserve. 

The reserve creates a sense of wilderness as a result of its size, wildness and inaccessibility. 

The reserve boasts varied and healthy habitat types with naturally occurring wildlife; east/west 

migration routes for game; a high species diversity, including the Big Five and African Wild Dog; 

and excellent bird viewing opportunities, including healthy Ground Hornbill populations. 

The reserve forms an integral part of the Greater Kruger Conservation Area. 


3.3 The Reserve Vision 

The vision of the reserve describes the overall long-term goal for the operation, protection and 

development of the LRNR. The following vision was developed by the RPT: 

VISION 

We see a collaborative partnership between the State and the Majeje, 

Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) and other affected communities in the ongoing 

conservation and sustainable use of the Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve. 

From this partnership, we envisage securing: 

Meaningful and sustained benefits derived for the Majeje, Mthimkhulu 

(Mabunda) and other affected communities; 

Protection of the reserve’s outstanding scenic qualities; 

Conservation of the diverse habitats and associated fauna and flora of 

the reserve; 

Conservation of the biodiversity of the Groot and Klein Letaba Rivers; 

and 

Equitable access to, and responsible use of, the reserve and its natural 

resources. 

3.4 Key Performance Areas and Objectives 

The RPT identified 24 Objectives for the LRNR. 

contribute to realising the Vision for the reserve. 

Collectively these objectives are anticipated to 

These objectives have, in turn, been grouped into six Key Performance Areas (KPAs), as follows: 

KEY PERFORMANCE 

AREAS (KPA) 

KPA 1: 

Biodiversity and 

Heritage 

Conservation 

OBJECTIVES 

1.1 Re-establish, manage and maintain viable populations of locally 

indigenous fauna in the LRNR. 

1.2 Maintain a natural fire regime within the LRNR. 

1.3 Contain the spread, and impacts, of invasive alien plants and bush 

encroachment in the LRNR. 

1.4 Protect the heritage resources of the LRNR. 

1.5 Update key baseline information, and develop and maintain a targeted 

research and monitoring programme to guide biodiversity management in 

the LRNR. 


KPA 2: 

Sustainable Use 

KPA 3: 

Enforcement, 

Security and Access 

Control 

KPA 4: 

Infrastructure and 

Equipment 

(Operations) 

KPA 5: 

Stakeholder 

Involvement 

KPA 6: 

Administration and 

Planning 

2.1 Construct, upgrade and maintain day visitor and overnight visitor buildings 

and infrastructure in the LRNR. 

2.2 Develop, deliver and maintain a diverse range of tourism and recreational 

services for visitors to the LRNR. 

2.3 Develop and implement a focused and cost-effective marketing, 

awareness-raising and educational programme for the LRNR. 

2.4 Facilitate the sustainable use of natural resources by the Majeje, 

Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) and other communities in the LRNR. 

2.5 Manage and mitigate the environmental impacts of conservation 

management, tourism, recreation and natural resource use in the LRNR. 

3.1 Secure the boundaries of, and maintain controlled access to, the LRNR. 

3.2 Sustain an effective law enforcement and compliance capacity in the 

LRNR. 

4.1 Develop and maintain the road, track and footpath network in the LRNR. 

4.2 Construct, maintain and upgrade the bulk services infrastructure in the 

LRNR. 

4.3 Construct, upgrade and maintain administrative, staff and operational 

buildings and infrastructure in the LRNR. 

4.4 Acquire and maintain operational equipment and vehicles for the LRNR. 

5.1 Ensure the ongoing involvement of a representative and functional Letaba 

Ranch Nature Reserve Co-Management Committee (LRNRCMC) in the 

planning, development and management of the LRNR. 

5.2 Develop, implement and maintain effective mechanisms for ongoing 

communications with co-management partners, private stakeholders and 

neighbouring land owners. 

5.3 Actively participate in local and regional conservation and socio-economic 

development initiatives that may affect or benefit the LRNR. 

5.4 Identify, and enable access to employment, empowerment and capacity 

building opportunities for the Majeje, Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) and other 

communities. 

6.1 Secure the legal tenure of, and management authority for, the LRNR. 

6.2 Maintain an adequately equipped, resourced and trained staff 

complement for the LRNR. 

6.3 Institute and maintain an effective administrative and planning capability 

in the LRNR. 

6.4 Establish, maintain and host a reliable inventory of key information on the 

LRNR and its ongoing management. 

3.5 Zonation 

Based on available information, and in consultation with the RPT, a Use Zone Map (UZM) is presented 

as a broad, overarching medium-term spatial planning framework for the LRNR (Figure 6). 

The UZM indicates the extent and location of suitable visitor use zones for the reserve, with 

management guidelines and broad conservation and tourism infrastructural requirements designated 

for each use zone. 

Annexure 1 describes the objectives, characteristics, uses and management guidelines for each of the 

use zones shown in Figure 6. 


Figure 6: Use Zone Map for the Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve. 


4. STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK 

This section translates the strategic objectives framework described in Section 3 into guiding principles 

for management, management actions and management targets (for each set of objectives within 

each KPA), which will be used to inform APOs and the resources required to implement it. 

The guiding principles are the norms and standards by which the LRNR will make its operational 

management decisions and conduct its activities. 

Management actions are the key strategic activities that should be implemented to achieve the reserve 

objectives. Management actions are defined and prioritized for the five-year time horizon of this SP. 

Each management action has been prioritised as follows: 

CATEGORY 

HIGH 

MEDIUM 

LOW 

PRIORITIES 

Critical to the effective management 5 of the reserve. Funding and resources should be 

secured to implement these actions. 

Important to the effective management of the reserve, but its implementation may be 

delayed because of limited funds or resources. 

Constitutes good management practice, but not necessarily critical or important to 

reserve management effectiveness. Implementation may be dependent on the 

availability of external funding or support. 

Time Frames, Targets, Key Performance Indicators and Responsibilities are, in turn, allocated for each 

management action, or a group of linked management actions. 

In this section, the guiding principles and management activities (organised by management action, 

priority, target, performance indicator, responsibility and timelines) are presented separately for each 

KPA and its set of related objectives. 

5 As reflected in the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT). 


KPA 1: BIODIVERSITY AND HERITAGE CONSERVATION 

Guiding principles for reserve management 

Fauna 

# GUIDING PRINCIPLE 

The reserve shall conform to the following LEDET policies, procedures and/or guidelines 

relating to wildlife management: 

Guidelines for aerial game censuses on provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/1); 

Guidelines for culling on provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/7); 

Technical management guidelines and procedures for game registers on provincial 

nature reserves (12/6/12/7/8); 

Technical management guidelines and procedures for game capture on provincial 

1 


Technical management guidelines and procedures for the introduction of mammals 

into provincial nature reserves (2008); 

Policy on the donation of game from State-owned nature reserves to Historically 

Disadvantaged Individuals (HDIs) in the wildlife industry; 

Provincial directive on the control and management of damage-causing wild animals 

in Limpopo Province; and 

Draft policy for the reduction of game from (provincial) nature reserves. 

2 

Wildlife management in the reserve must be focused primarily on protecting the ecological 

functioning of the reserve. 

3 

4 

5 

6 

Wildlife stocking densities should be maintained within the ecological capacity of the 

supporting habitats of the reserve. 

A regular programme for monitoring the veld condition, the animal numbers and the physical 

condition of animals must be in place to ensure that the ecological capacity of the reserve is 

not exceeded. 

Population management of wildlife species shall be required to ensure that such species are 

not causing the ecological degradation of the reserve. 

Wherever practicable, non-lethal and environmentally-friendly measures should be 

developed and implemented to limit, or mitigate, the impacts of any indigenous problemcausing 

animal in, or escaping from, the reserve. 

Fire 


1 The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the NVFFA. 

2 

3 

Unplanned wildfires that occur in areas where it could have undesirable ecological effects, 

threaten reserve infrastructure or threaten neighbouring properties shall be suppressed or 

controlled, wherever possible. 

Unplanned wildfires that occur in reserve areas where it will do no ecological harm and/or 

threaten property may be allowed to burn, provided that safety concerns are not 

compromised. Controlled block burns are to be conducted when required. 


4 

5 

6 

Fire protection measures and resources (equipment, trained personnel, firebreaks, etc.) must 

be maintained and effective in the reserve at all times. 

The reserve management shall, wherever possible, establish partnerships with neighbours 

and other role-players through agreements and membership of FPAs. 

Controlled block burns can only be implemented after an ecological assessment of the dry 

matter/fuel load has been completed. 

Invasive alien plants / bush encroachment 


1 

The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of Sections 64-77 of NEMBA and the 

relevant sections of CARA, as amended. 

2 

3 

All declared invasive alien plant species occurring in the reserve shall be eradicated, using the 

most cost-effective and environmentally friendly methods. 

While active bush encroachment control measures (mechanical, fire, biological and/or 

chemical) shall be adopted in the reserve in the short-term, the primary long-term 

management objective is sound veld management practices (conservative wildlife stocking 

rates, natural patch burn regimes, adequate water provision and soil conservation). 

Heritage resources 


1 The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the NHRA. 

Biodiversity inventory, research and monitoring 


1 


relating to monitoring: 

Guidelines for monitoring of climate and maintenance and establishment of climaterelated 

infrastructure on provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/2). 

2 

The collection of baseline information, support for research projects and the ongoing 

implementation of monitoring programmes shall be focused on, and directed towards, 

supporting operational planning and decision-making in the reserve. 


Management actions and targets 

KPA 1: Biodiversity and Heritage Conservation 

Objective 1.1: Re-establish, manage and maintain viable populations of locally indigenous fauna in the LRNR 

Management action Priority Management targets Key performance 

indicators 

(i) Develop and maintain a basic Wildlife Management Programme for 

the LRNR. 

(ii) Under the direction of the Wildlife Management Programme, 

implement a game census at least once every two years (during 

August to November). 

(iii) Based on the outcomes of the most recent game census data, the 

current veld condition assessment (VCA) and the stocking rates 

determined in the Wildlife Management Programme, annually 

determine and implement the culling/capture requirements for 

medium-sized and large game species. 

(iv) Annually determine and allocate, in accordance with the 

requirements of the Letaba Ranch Co-Management Agreement, the 

community portion of the culling/hunting activities. 

(v) In times of drought, maintain and implement the water provision 

requirements for game species, as described in the Wildlife 

Management Programme. 

(vi) Initiate basic African Elephant and veld monitoring programmes to 

help gather scientific data for the future Elephant Management Plan. 

(vii) Assess, and implement, environmentally friendly measures to 

reduce the impacts of any damage-causing and problem animals 

(notably Chacma Baboon and Vervet Monkey). 

All wildlife stocking 

densities contained 

at levels below the 

ecological capacity of 

the vegetation. 

Carrying capacity of 

vegetation (based on 

VCA) vs. Large and 

medium-sized game 

counts (based on game 

census). 

Responsibility 

Management 

Authority 

(Biodiversity Unit) 

Management 

Authority 


Management 

Authority 

(Biodiversity Unit); 

Reserve Manager 

Letaba Ranch 

Nature Reserve Co- 

Management 

Committee 


Management 

Authority 



Time frame 

(Years 1 – 5) 

1 2 3 4 5 


Objective 1.2: Maintain a natural fire regime within the LRNR 


indicators 

(i) Prepare a simple, functional Fire Management Programme for the 

LRNR. 

(ii) Under the direction of the Fire Management Programme, maintain 

a system of perimeter fire breaks and fire breaks around key 

infrastructure (the tourism camp, administrative facilities and staff 

housing). 

(iii) Ensure that all reserve management staff are adequately trained 

and equipped to implement the Fire Management Programme. 

(iv) Establish and maintain formal and informal partnerships with 

neighbours (e.g. Working on Fire (WOF)/FFA) to improve the 

capacity of the reserve to implement the Fire Management 

Programme. 

(v) Install and maintain basic fire protection measures (e.g. fire 

extinguishers, fire hoses and roof sprinklers) in all affected tourism, 

administrative and staff accommodation buildings. 

(vi) Maintain, in accordance with the requirements of the Fire 

Management Programme, records of all fires occurring in the reserve. 

Fires in the reserve 

do not have 

undesirable 

ecological effects, 

threaten reserve 

infrastructure or 

threaten 

neighbouring 

properties. 

Cost of damage resulting 

from fires spreading to 

neighbouring properties 

(based on insurance 

claim). 

Cost of damage to 

reserve infrastructure 

from fires (based on 

insurance claim). 

Ecological condition 

(based on vegetation 

monitoring). 

Objective 1.3: Contain the spread, and impacts, of invasive alien plants and bush encroachment in the LRNR 


indicators 

(i) Eradicate, on an ongoing basis, all known invasive alien plant 

infestations occurring in the reserve, with particular emphasis on 

aquatic alien species found in the Groot Letaba River. 

(ii) Develop partnerships with funding and implementing agencies 

(e.g. WfW) to improve the capacity of the reserve to sustain its 

invasive alien plant control programme. 

(iii) Map, and annually monitor, the extent and density of areas in the 

reserve subject to unacceptable levels of bush encroachment. 

No seeding invasive 

alien plants. 

No spread, or 

densification, of bush 

encroachment. 

Extent, by density, of 

invasive alien plants. 

Extent, by density, of 

bush encroachment. 


Management 

Authority 




Regional Manager; 


Reserve Manager; 

Tourism Operator/s 



Management 

Authority 





Management 

Authority 

Time frame 

(Years 1 – 5) 

1 2 3 4 5 

Time frame 

(Years 1 – 5) 

1 2 3 4 5 


(iv) Implement an ad hoc programme of mechanical and chemical 

control to contain the further spread, densification and impacts of 

bush encroachment. 

Objective 1.4: Protect the heritage resources of the LRNR 


indicators 

(i) In collaboration with academic institutions, identify, research, 

document and inventorize the heritage resources of the reserve. 

(ii) Develop informational and interpretive materials about the 

reserve’s heritage resources. 

(iii) Develop and implement a prioritised programme of maintenance 

of these heritage resources. 

Heritage resources 

identified, 

documented, and 

properly maintained. 

State (using a grading 

system) of heritage 

resources. 







Tourism 

Operator/s; Majeje 

& Mthimkhulu 

(Mabunda) 

Community Trusts 


Time frame 

(Years 1 – 5) 

1 2 3 4 5 

Objective 1.5: Update key baseline information, and develop and maintain a targeted research and monitoring programme to guide biodiversity management in 

the LRNR 


indicators 

(i) Identify, and prioritise, the reserve’s biodiversity management 

requirements for baseline information, research and monitoring. 

(ii) Collect key baseline biodiversity data and research information for 

the reserve, including vegetation community and species mapping; 

faunal species data and population profiles; the ecological capacity of 

the reserve; optimal stocking rates of wildlife; fire history; optimal fire 

regimes for the reserve; the state of bush encroachment; and water 

availability and quality. 

(iii) Develop, implement and/or maintain key biodiversity monitoring 

activities in the reserve, including vegetation monitoring; the state of 

Reserve database of 

managementoriented 

biodiversity 

information. 

n/a 


Management 

Authority 



Management 

Authority 



Management 

Authority 

Time frame 

(Years 1 – 5) 

1 2 3 4 5 


ush encroachment; and game counts. 

(iv) Facilitate access for external research institutions to implement 

the reserve’s priority research and monitoring requirements. 

(v) Maintain information from field patrol fauna and flora records. 



Management 

Authority 





KPA 2: SUSTAINABLE USE 


Tourism and recreation infrastructure and services 


1 

In developing and maintaining tourism and recreational infrastructure and services, the 

reserve shall obtain the necessary authorisation in terms of the relevant building, water, 

drainage, health, safety, waste, traffic and environmental Acts, Regulations and By-laws. 

2 

3 

4 

Tourism and recreational infrastructure and services developed within the nature reserve 

must be appropriate to the purpose for which the reserve has been established, and must not 

threaten its biodiversity or ecological function. 

Tourism and recreational infrastructure and services shall be developed in response to 

tourism market demands and opportunities within the reserve, and should be carefully 

assessed to determine its viability. 

A portion of the income derived from tourism and recreational services in the reserve shall be 

distributed to the Majeje, Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) and other communities in accordance with 

the relevant clauses in the Letaba Ranch Co-Management Agreement. 

Marketing, awareness-raising and education 


The reserve shall collaborate and cooperate with key local, regional and institutional partners 

to: (i) strengthen the marketing of the reserve’s tourism and recreational infrastructure and 

1 services; (ii) improve the awareness of the reserve, and its prospective uses, in local 

communities; and (iii) further develop the use of the reserve as a local educational resource 

for teaching institutions. 

Natural resource harvesting 



relating to natural resource use: 

Guidelines for culling on provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/7); 

Technical management guidelines and procedures for game capture on provincial 

1 


Policy on the donation of game from State-owned nature reserves to Historically 

Disadvantaged Individuals (HDIs) in the wildlife industry; and 

Draft policy for the reduction of game from (provincial) nature reserves. 

2 

Sustainable use of natural and biological resources may be undertaken under strictly 

controlled conditions, provided that it does not compromise the ecological functioning or 

biodiversity conservation imperatives of the reserve. 

3 

The Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve Co-Management Committee shall review options for, and 

make recommendations to, the ‘Executing Agency’ on the distribution of benefits accruing 

from the consumptive harvesting of natural and biological resources in the reserve. 


Managing environmental impacts of use 


1 

The reserve shall strive to continually improve its environmental management systems, 

through reducing or mitigating the environmental impacts of, inter alia: administrative and 

visitor infrastructure; solid waste disposal; water supply and distribution systems; energy 

supply and distribution networks; sewage systems; and herbicide and fuel supplies. 



KPA 2: Sustainable Use 

Objective 2.1: Construct, upgrade and maintain day visitor and overnight visitor buildings and infrastructure in the LRNR 


indicators 

(i) Assess the cost-effectiveness of different management options (e.g. 

concessioning, leasing, service agreement, community-managed, etc.) 

for the operating of the Mtomeni Tented Bush Camp and potential 

future developments and select the preferred/optimal management 

option/s. 

(ii) Implement, and formalise (as required), the selected management 

option for the Mtomeni Tented Bush Camp and potential future 

developments. 

(iii) Upgrade, renovate and maintain the overnight visitor buildings, 

facilities, equipment and linked infrastructure (including bulk 

infrastructure), to meet the relevant LTA/LEDET standards for the 

provision of nature-based tourism products. 

(iv) Upgrade, renovate and maintain the day visitor facilities in and 

around the administrative hub. 

(v) Assess the feasibility of developing an overnight 

camping/caravanning site. 

(vi) Standardise, install and maintain directional and informational 

signage within, and en route to, the reserve. 

Functional overnight 

and day visitor 

buildings and 

infrastructure. 

Level of conformance 

(%) with South African 

National Standard 

(SANS) 1197:2012. 

Objective 2.2: Develop, deliver and maintain a range of tourism and recreational services for visitors to the LRNR 


indicators 

(i) Support entrepreneurial opportunities for local communities to 

participate in the provision and management of tourist and 

Effectively managed 

and regularly 

Level of conformance 

(%) with South African 


Letaba Ranch 


Management 

Committee; LTA 

LTA; Senior 

Manager (SONR) 




Letaba Ranch 


Management 

Committee 



Letaba Ranch 


Time frame 

(Years 1 – 5) 

1 2 3 4 5 

Time frame 

(Years 1 – 5) 

1 2 3 4 5 


ecreational products. 

(ii) Develop and promote the use of the present dilapidated 

infrastructure at the administrative hub by day visitors. 

(iii) Design, market and institute, various guided walking trails for 

reserve visitors. 

(iv) Facilitate controlled access to the reserve for other 

complementary recreational activities, including game drives, night 

drives and hunting. 

maintained tourism 

and recreational 

services. 

National Standard 

(SANS) 1197:2012. 

Management 

Committee 




Objective 2.3: Develop and implement a focused and cost-effective marketing, awareness-raising and educational programme for the LRNR 


indicators 

(i) Continually provide updated information in the ongoing 

development of corporate, regional and provincial tourism marketing 

products and materials. 

(ii) Design, publish and distribute reserve-specific brochures and 

pamphlets for visitors and users. 

(iii) Establish links with local educational institutions and networks in 

order to promote subsidised access to, and use of, the reserve as an 

educational resource. 

(iv) Maintain daily information about the reserve visitors and users 

(e.g. numbers/group, age category, gender, time of visit, length of 

stay, nationality, etc.) in a standardised corporate format. 

Improved awareness 

of tourism and 

recreation products 

in the reserve. 

Numbers of visitors and 

users. 



Regional Manager 

LTA; Reserve 

Manager; Tourism 

Operator/s 

Tourism 

Operator/s; 


Tourism 

Operator/s; 


Objective 2.4: Facilitate the sustainable use of natural resources by the Majeje, Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) and other communities in the LRNR 


indicators 

(i) Annually determine the hunting/culling allocations to the Majeje 

and Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) communities. 

Levels of natural 

resource use by the 

Majeje, Mthimkhulu 

(Mabunda) and other 

communities are 

ecologically 

Compliance with 

guidelines (measured by 

field ranger reports). 


Management 

Authority 


Letaba Ranch 


Management 

Time frame 

(Years 1 – 5) 

1 2 3 4 5 

Time frame 

(Years 1 – 5) 

1 2 3 4 5 


(ii) Develop, and administer, guidelines for the implementation of any 

annual hunting/culling activities (or commercially outsourced hunting 

‘packages’) by the Majeje and Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) communities. 

(iii) Develop, and administer, guidelines for the sustainable harvesting 

of firewood (on request) from the reserve. 

sustainable. 

Committee 

Management 

Authority 


Letaba Ranch 


Management 

Committee 


Letaba Ranch 


Management 

Committee 

Objective 2.5: Manage and mitigate the environmental impacts of conservation management, tourism, recreation and natural resource use in the LRNR 


indicators 

(i) Introduce more environmentally-friendly technologies (e.g. low 

wattage lighting, dual flush toilets, waterless urinals, water saving 

shower heads, the removal of baths, bio-technology for waste 

treatment, drought tolerant grass, etc.) during the renovation and 

upgrading of the tourism and recreational buildings and 

infrastructure, wherever this is cost-effective. 

(ii) Close and rehabilitate solid waste dumpsites within the reserve (if 

any), and initiate community driven recycling programmes. 

(iii) Close/remove/demolish and rehabilitate all extraneous and 

unused buildings and foundations, dumped materials, old equipment, 

gravel pits and old fencing. 

No extraneous 

building, equipment 

and infrastructure in 

the reserve. 

n/a 


Tourism 

Operator/s; 




Time frame 

(Years 1 – 5) 

1 2 3 4 5 


KPA 3: ENFORCEMENT, SECURITY AND ACCESS CONTROL 


Boundaries and access control 


1 


relating to boundaries and access control: 

Technical management guidelines and procedures for the management of access and 

access control on provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/4); and 

Guidelines for fencing of provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/3). 

2 

3 

The boundaries of the reserve shall, at all times, be clearly demarcated and regularly 

maintained. 

All entry and exit points shall be properly managed to ensure that access to, and through, the 

reserve is effectively controlled at all times. 

Law enforcement and compliance 


1 

An adequately trained and suitably equipped field ranger complement shall be deployed in 

and around the reserve to, inter alia: control illegal activities; ensure the safety of visitors; 

monitor the activities of users and visitors; collect baseline information; and undertake the 

basic maintenance of equipment and infrastructure. 



KPA 3: Enforcement, Security and Access Control 

Objective 3.1: Secure the boundaries of, and maintain controlled access to, the LRNR 


indicators 

(i) Ensure that all reserve visitor gates and management entry points 

are adequately staffed and administered. 

(ii) Upgrade sections of the boundary fence that is in a poor to fair 

condition. 

(iii) Ensure the regular maintenance of the perimeter fence of the 

reserve. 

(iv) Develop, and implement, mechanisms for subsidised entry for 

local community user and interest groups. 

(v) Provide, on request, controlled access to recognised 

cultural/religious sites and non-destructive or consumptive 

cultural/religious practices. 

(vi) Facilitate controlled access for external institutions undertaking 

relevant research and monitoring programs within the reserve. 

The reserve assets 

are secure. 

The reserve visitors 

and users have 

equitable access to 

the reserve, and are 

safe from harm. 

Objective 3.2: Sustain an effective law enforcement and compliance capacity in the LRNR 

Profile of reserve visitors 

and users. 

Incident record of illegal 

access. 


indicators 

(i) Ensure the provision of enforcement and compliance training for all 

reserve field staff. 

Incremental decrease 

in incidences of 

illegal activities 

Number of formal 

warnings and fines 

issued, and successful 





Letaba Ranch 


Management 

Committee 

Letaba Ranch 


Management 

Committee 

Management 

Authority 




Management 

Authority: HR & 

HRD 

Time frame 

(Years 1 – 5) 

1 2 3 4 5 

Time frame 

(Years 1 – 5) 

1 2 3 4 5 


(ii) Ensure that the field ranger staff complement is adequately 

resourced and equipped to fulfil an effective enforcement and 

compliance function. 

(iii) Maintain regular patrols of the reserve and its boundaries. 

(iv) Maintain and collate information on all enforcement incidents. 

(v) Undertake a threat analysis to determine all potential threats to 

the safety and security of the reserve. 

occurring in the 

reserve. 

prosecutions concluded. 

Management 

Authority: HR, HRD 

& SIS 



Management 

Authority: SONR & 

Special 

Investigations 


KPA 4: INFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT (OPERATIONS) 


Roads, track and footpaths 


1 


relating to the development, maintenance and upgrading of roads: 

Technical management guidelines and procedures for the development, maintenance 

and upgrading of roads in provincial nature reserves. 

2 

The reserve shall rationalise the network of roads, tracks and footpaths to reduce 

maintenance costs and limit environmental impacts, while ensuring adequate access for 

tourism and operational management requirements. 

Bulk services 


The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the following legislation in supplying 

bulk services: 

NEMWA; 

1 

WSA; 

NBRBSA; and 

Municipal By-laws. 

2 

The reserve shall strive to phase out bulk services that have a detrimental impact on the 

environment. It shall, in turn, seek to introduce more sustainable technologies, wherever 

practicable and cost-effective. 

Administrative and other operations infrastructure 


1 

In developing and maintaining administrative and operations infrastructure, the reserve shall 

obtain the necessary authorisation in terms of the relevant building, water, drainage, health, 

safety, waste, traffic and environmental Acts, Regulations and By-laws. 

2 

Administrative and operations infrastructure and services must be limited, and appropriately 

scaled, to the necessary administrative and operational requirements of the reserve, and 

must not threaten its biodiversity or ecological function. 

Operations equipment and vehicles 


1 

The reserve shall acquire and/or replace the equipment and vehicles necessary to implement 

the high priority activities identified in this SP. 

2 

All reserve equipment and vehicles shall be regularly maintained in accordance with the 

manufacturers’ specifications. 



KPA 4: Infrastructure and equipment (operations) 

Objective 4.1: Develop and maintain the road, track and footpath network in the LRNR 


indicators 

(i) Schedule, and implement, the upgrade and maintenance of the 

network of visitor roads in the reserve, with a strong focus on 

maintaining and mitigating highly erodible areas. 

(ii) Close and rehabilitate all unused, extraneous and/or highly 

erodible, tracks and roads in the reserve. 

(iii) Renovate and maintain a rationalised network of guided hiking 

trails traversing the reserve. 

Rationalised network 

of well-maintained 

visitor roads and 

footpaths. 

Objective 4.2: Construct, maintain and upgrade the bulk services infrastructure in the LRNR 


system) of visitor roads 

and footpaths. 


indicators 

(i) Facilitate a permanent supply of water and solar energy to outlying 

‘pickets’ from which field rangers operate. 

(ii) Install and maintain generator and/or solar power systems for the 

functioning of remote park operational equipment (e.g. water pumps) 

and the smaller tourism and recreational facilities. 

(iii) Expand and upgrade the water supply, storage and treatment 

capacity for the reserve, with a specific focus on the Mtomeni Tented 

Bush Camp. 

(iv) Improve and expand the capacity of the waste removal systems 

for the reserve, with a specific focus on the Mtomeni Tented Bush 

Camp. 

Capacity of bulk 

services exceeds 

administrative use 

requirements and 

reserve visitor 

demands. 

Records of instances of 

overloading of the bulk 

service supplies. 







Reserve Manager, 



Tourism 

Operator/s; 


Tourism 

Operator/s; 


Time frame 

(Years 1 – 5) 

1 2 3 4 5 

Time frame 

(Years 1 – 5) 

1 2 3 4 5 


Objective 4.3: Construct, upgrade and maintain administrative, staff and operational buildings and infrastructure in the LRNR 


indicators 

(i) Upgrade the administration buildings, and associated facilities, in 

the administrative hub of the reserve. 

(ii) Upgrade the entrance/control gate infrastructure and associated 

ablution facilities to accommodate disabled visitors. 

(iii) Ensure the regular maintenance of all reserve administrative, staff 

and operational buildings and infrastructure. 

Sufficient, and 

adequately 

maintained, reserve 

administration, staff 

and operations 

buildings and 


Objective 4.4: Acquire and maintain operational equipment and vehicles for the LRNR 


system) of reserve 

buildings and 



indicators 

(i) Procure, install and maintain a reliable internal communications 

network for the reserve, including repeaters, a base station, handheld 

radios and car radios. 

(ii) Install, maintain and service diesel pumps at all game water points 

and renovate the pipelines and water troughs at these water points, 

as required. 

(iii)Procure at least two tractors and trailers for general reserve and 

maintenance work. 

(iv) Maintain and/or replace all reserve vehicles and equipment 

according to the manufacturers’ specifications and/or corporate 

replacement cycles. 

(v) Establish an electronic network (i.e. internet and e-mail) for, and 

connect services and applications to, the reserve. 

Sufficient, and 

adequately 

maintained reserve 

equipment and 

vehicles. 


system) of reserve 

equipment and vehicles. 


Department of 

Public Works; 









Management 

Authority: 

Transport 

Management 

Authority: IT 

Time frame 

(Years 1 – 5) 

1 2 3 4 5 

Time frame 

(Years 1 – 5) 

1 2 3 4 5 


KPA 5: STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT 


Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve Co-Management and Advisory Committees 


1 

The reserve shall actively participate in, and support, the Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve Co- 

Management Committee as an important governance mechanism to achieve the aims and 

objectives of the Letaba Ranch Co-Management Agreement. 

2 

The reserve shall establish and maintain an effective Reserve Advisory Committee based on 

the Regulations for the Proper Administration of Nature Reserves, promulgated in terms of 

Section 86 (1) of NEMPAA. 

Stakeholder communications 


Stakeholder communications shall be focused on strengthening a sense of ownership and 

empowerment in the Majeje and Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) communities, through an improved 

1 

understanding of the contribution of the reserve to socio-economic development and 

heritage/biodiversity conservation. 

2 

Stakeholder communications shall seek to develop a common understanding in surrounding 

communities of the issues affecting the integrity of the reserve, and collaborative approaches 

to resolve these. 

Local and regional initiatives 


1 

The reserve management shall actively collaborate with national, provincial and local tourism 

and conservation initiatives that could contribute to meeting the objectives of this SP. 

2 

The reserve shall strive to work with the relevant government institutions in order to 

integrate all local and regional planning and socio-economic development activities affecting 

the reserve. 

Employment, empowerment and capacity building 


1 

The reserve shall strive to meet to the socio-economic development commitments made in 

the Letaba Ranch Co-Management Agreement. 



KPA 5: Stakeholder Involvement 

Objective 5.1: Ensure the ongoing involvement of a representative and functional Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve Co-Management Committee in the planning, 

development and management of the LRNR 


indicators 

(i) Provide ongoing support (logistical, administrative, technical, 

professional, financial and/or leadership) to, and actively participate 

in, an effectively functioning LRNRCMC. 

(ii) Continually review, and amend (as required), the structure, 

representation and TOR of the LRNRCMC to ensure that it contributes 

to realising the intent of the Letaba Ranch Co-Management 

Agreement. 

(iii) Support the ongoing capacity building of the Majeje and 

Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) community representatives on the LRNRCMC. 

(iv) Allocate office space in the upgraded administrative complex (see 

4.3 (i) above) for office bearers of the LRNRCMC. 

Regular meetings of 

the LRNRCMC. 

Implementation of 

decisions made by 

the LRNRCMC. 

Record of meetings and 

decisions. 




Letaba Ranch 


Management 

Committee 




Time frame 

(Years 1 – 5) 

1 2 3 4 5 

Objective 5.2: Develop, implement and maintain effective mechanisms for ongoing communications with co-management partners, private stakeholders and 

neighbouring land owners 


indicators 

(i) Host a regular monthly meeting, each in a different neighbouring 

village, to present and discuss issues of mutual concern. 

(ii) Hold quarterly (more regular if required) meetings with the 

LRNRCMC to ensure that co-management decisions are made 

Regular meetings 

with neighbouring 

villages and 

communal 

landowners. 

Quarterly meetings 

with the LRNRCMC. 

Record of meetings. 



Letaba Ranch 


Management 

Committee 


Time frame 

(Years 1 – 5) 

1 2 3 4 5 


timeously and effectively. 

(iii) Under the guidance of the Regulations for the proper 

administration of Nature Reserves, as promulgated in terms of Section 

86 (1) of NEMPAA, establish a Reserve Advisory Committee and meet 

on a regular, agreed to basis. 

Regular meetings 

with the LRNRMAC. 



Objective 5.3: Actively participate in local and regional conservation and socio-economic initiatives that may affect or benefit the LRNR 


indicators 

(i) Participate in local municipal IDP planning processes, with a specific 

focus on the provision of municipal infrastructure and services to the 

reserve and supporting local economic development initiatives in the 

Majeje and Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) communities. 

(ii) Participate in the planning and development of the Greater Kruger 

Conservation Area. 

(iii) Support local/regional FPA initiatives, with a specific focus on 

rationalising the reserve firebreaks and improving access to firefighting 

resources and support. 

Improved costeffectiveness 

of 

reserve operations as 

a result of 

local/regional 

partnerships. 

n/a 






Time frame 

(Years 1 – 5) 

1 2 3 4 5 

Objective 5.4: Identify, and enable access to, employment, empowerment and capacity building opportunities for the Majeje, Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) and other 

communities 


indicators 

(i) Review and select the preferred mechanisms for optimising 

employment, empowerment and capacity building opportunities for 

the Majeja, Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) and other communities. 

(ii) Develop opportunities for selected individuals from the Majeje, 

Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) and other communities to be trained and 

directly employed in appropriate conservation and tourism related 

work, including fencing construction and maintenance, capital 

development projects, tourism services, invasive alien plant and bush 

encroachment control, security, road and footpath maintenance and 

Direct and 

measurable benefits 

accrue to the Majeje, 

Mthimkhulu 

(Mabunda) and other 

communities from 

the LRNR. 

Extent (number of 

beneficiaries) and nature 

(employment – 

permanent/ temporary; 

business opportunity; 

training; capacitybuilding) 

of community 

benefits. 


Letaba Ranch 


Management 

Committee 

Letaba Ranch 


Management 

Committee; 


Time frame 

(Years 1 – 5) 

1 2 3 4 5 


guiding services. 

(iii) Develop opportunities to facilitate an empowerment component 

for selected individuals from the Majeje, Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) and 

other communities in any outsourcing/concessioning of the tourism 

and recreational products of the reserve. 

(iv) Identify, and apply for, EPWP-related funding for relevant tourism 

and conservation initiatives in the reserve. 

(v) Identify, and if feasible develop, opportunities for the 

establishment of community-based entrepreneurial opportunities 

within, or linked to, the reserve, including game drives; the selling of 

curios and crafts; guided walking trails; village tourism; conservation 

enterprises; event management and commercial hunting packages. 


Management 

Authority: 

Economic 

Development 

Management 

Authority: 

Economic 

Development 


KPA 6: ADMINISTRATION AND PLANNING 


Legal status 


1 

The legal tenure for the effective planning and management of the reserve as a provincial 

protected area shall be secured. 

Human resources 


The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the following human resources 

legislation: 

LRA; 

BCEA; 

1 

EEA; 

SDA; 

OHSA; and 

PSA. 

2 

The reserve shall, in partnership with the Majeje, Mthimkhulu (Mabunda) and other 

communities, identify opportunities for the training, capacity building and/or preferential 

employment of individuals permanently resident in surrounding villages. 

Administration 


1 

The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the following financial management 

legislation: 

PFMA and associated Treasury Regulations. 

2 

3 


relating to supply chain management: 

Draft procedure manual for demand and acquisition management. 

The reserve shall conform to all relevant provincial/departmental financial and administrative 

reporting requirements. 

Information management 


1 

All information that is used to support the operational planning and decision-making in the 

reserve shall be collected, collated, updated, maintained and presented in a cost-effective 

format that is readily accessible for use by management. 



KPA 6: Administration and Planning 

Objective 6.1: Secure the legal tenure of, and management authority for, the LRNR 


indicators 

(i) Review the efficacy and ongoing relevance of the Letaba Ranch Co- 

Management Agreement as per the requirements of the 2009 

National Co-Management Framework, and amend or revise, as 

required. 

Transparent and 

efficient 

management. 

Updated comanagement 

agreement. 

Objective 6.2: Maintain an adequately equipped, resourced and trained staff complement for the LRNR 


indicators 

(i) Ensure that all vacant posts in the reserve’s approved organogram 

are filled. 

(ii) Identify training needs, and facilitate access to training 

programmes for reserve staff, with a priority focus on field ranger, 

first aid, hospitality and IT skills training. 

(iii) Implement the institutional staff performance appraisal system. 

(iv) Ensure that each staff member is regularly issued with uniform, 

protective clothing (as may be required) and the necessary equipment 

to fulfil their job function. 

(v) Maintain all staff information for the reserve (leave records, 

attendance registers, overtime, etc.). 

(vi) Implement the institutional Occupational Health and Safety 

policies and procedures in the reserve. 


Letaba Ranch 


Management 

Committee; 

Management 

Authority 


n/a n/a Regional Manager 







Time frame 

(Years 1 – 5) 

1 2 3 4 5 

Time frame 

(Years 1 – 5) 

1 2 3 4 5 


Objective 6.3: Institute and maintain an effective administrative and planning capability in the LRNR 


indicators 

(i) Maintain and update all assets and stock inventory registers and 

reports for the reserve. 

(ii) Maintain a reserve-based record of all purchases made, accounts 

paid and services procured in support of reserve operations over each 

financial year. 

(iii) Prepare the reserve Annual Plan of Operations (APO). 

(iv) Facilitate the implementation of annual METT-SA assessments for 

the reserve. 

Asset inventory, 

stock registers, 

financial records, 

monthly reports and 

APOs are all up to 

date. 

Spot checks. 

Objective 6.4: Establish, maintain and host a reliable inventory of key information on the LRNR and its ongoing management 


indicators 

(i) Prepare and submit monthly reports to the Regional Manager. 

(ii) Institute and maintain an electronic and/or hard copy filing system 

for all reserve-specific information. 

(iii) Determine the economic valuation of the LRNR. 

Up to date, and 

accessible, 

information on the 

reserve and its 

management. 

n/a 











Time frame 

(Years 1 – 5) 

1 2 3 4 5 

Time frame 

(Years 1 – 5) 

1 2 3 4 5 


5. RESOURCING AND GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK 

This section provides brief recommendations on the minimum staffing complement and funding that 

would be required to implement the RMP (i.e. the SP and APO). 

This section also briefly describes the key responsibilities of the reserve management team and Letaba 

Ranch Nature Reserve Co-Management Committee (LRNRCMC) in the development, implementation, 

monitoring and review of the RMP. 

5.1 Staffing Requirements 

It is proposed that the following minimum staffing complement 6 would be required to implement this 

SP 7 : 

POST DESIGNATION 

NUMBER 

Reserve Manager 1 

Chief Nature Conservator 1 

Nature Conservator 8 2 

Senior Field Ranger 8 

Field Ranger 45 

Gate Guard 15 

Administrative Officer 2 

Artisan 2 

Logistical Support Services: 

 

 

General Worker; 

Cleaner. 

10 

2 

Total 88 

6 This minimum staff complement assumes that the overnight tourism facilities and services of the reserve are outsourced to an operator or 

concessionaire and that the reserve management is not directly responsible for the management of these facilities and services. 

7 The staffing requirements reflected in the SP are premised on two elements: (i) a critical assessment of the efficacy of the current approved 

(not actual) organogram for the reserve in respect of current reserve management responsibilities; and (ii) a facilitated discussion with the RPT 

on any (mostly minor) adjustments/changes that may be required to this approved organogram in order to more effectively implement the SP 

for the next five years. 

8 Including Senior/Sergeant/Principal Field Ranger. 


5.2 Funding Requirements 

It is proposed that the following operational 9 and capital 10 budget would be required to implement this SP: 

KEY PERFORMANCE AREA 

2013/2014 2014/2015 2015/2016 2016/2017 2017/2018 

CAPEX (R) 

OPEX 

(R) 

CAPEX 

(R) 

OPEX 

(R) 

CAPEX 

(R) 

OPEX 

(R) 

CAPEX 

(R) 

OPEX 

(R) 

CAPEX 

(R) 

OPEX 

(R) 

KPA 1: Biodiversity and heritage conservation 2,500,000 95,000 1,100,000 60,000 750,000 65,000 0 70,000 0 70,000 

KPA 2: Sustainable use 5,000,000 85,000 2,500,000 50,000 850,000 50,000 0 45,000 100,000 45,000 

KPA 3: Enforcement, security and access control 850,000 30,000 500,000 20,000 0 25,000 0 35,000 0 35,000 

KPA 4: Infrastructure and equipment 5,000,000 100,000 3,000,000 65,000 1,100,000 80,000 500,000 90,000 150,000 95,000 

KPA 5: Stakeholder involvement 0 15,000 0 15,000 0 20,000 0 20,000 0 20,000 

KPA 6: Administration and planning 0 45,000 0 35,000 0 45,000 0 55,000 0 55,000 

Total 13,350,000 370,000 7,100,000 245,000 2,700,000 285,000 500,000 315,000 250,000 320,000 

9 Operational costs are roughly based on an area-complexity factor (i.e. different cost ranges per ha, based on the level (high, medium or low) of management complexity). This was then moderated against documented 

expenditure for operational costs in Limpopo’s provincial reserves, wherever available. This was then again moderated against equivalent reserves in Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Western Cape, as well as reserves of SANParks 

and ECParks, where operating costs have stabilised and are well documented over a period of three to five years. 

10 Capital budget requirements are roughly based on known costs for similar capital investments, either in terms of replacement costs (e.g. vehicles), infrastructure development costs (e.g. cost/ha or cost/km for fencing or 

roads), bulk services (e.g. costs/m for pipelines, etc.), or building costs (e.g. cost/m 2 for staff accommodation or chalets), etc. 


5.3 Roles and Responsibilities 

The key responsibilities of the reserve management team and the LRNRCMC in the development, 

implementation, monitoring and review of the RMP are summarised as follows: 

Reserve Management Team (SONR) 


(Mopani) 


(Letaba Ranch Nature 

Reserve) 

Biodiversity Unit 

(Management 

Authority HO) 

The Regional Manager shall have overall responsibility for: 

Ensuring the alignment of the SP with Provincial and LEDET policies and 

guidelines; 

Ensuring the coordination and alignment of the SP with other 

departmental activities and initiatives; 

Providing oversight of the implementation of the SP and APO; 

Reporting on the performance of the LRNR in the implementation of 

the SP and APO to the Senior Manager (SONR); 

Instituting corrective actions to ensure that the SP and linked APO is 

implemented, reviewed and updated; and 

Approval of the APO. 

The Reserve Manager shall have direct responsibility for: 

Annually drafting an APO to operationalise the priority activities 

identified in the SP; 

Implementation of the APO; 

Monitoring of performance against the APO (and the SP); 

Reporting on the performance of the LRNR against the APO (and the 

SP) to the LRNRCMC; 

Management of reserve staff, resources and finances in the 

implementation of the APO; and 

Communicating with the Regional Manager about obstacles in the 

implementation of the APO. 

The Biodiversity Unit of the Management Authority shall have direct 

responsibility for: 

Implementation of the designated priority activities in the SP, and 

linked APO; and 

Providing professional and technical support to the Regional Manager, 

Reserve Manager and LRNRCMC in the implementation of the SP and 

APO. 

Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve Co-Management Committee 

The LRNRCMC shall have overall responsibility for: 

Representing the interests of the different reserve stakeholder groups and institutions during 

the preparation of the SP and APOs; 

Overseeing the drafting of the SP and APOs; 

Providing strategic inputs into the drafting of the SP, and technical inputs into the annual 

drafting of the APOs; 

Making recommendations to the Regional Manager on the adoption of the SP and annual APOs; 

Reviewing the quarterly and annual performance of the APO (and SP); and 

Providing inputs into ad hoc and emergency reserve decision-making not adequately addressed 

in the SP/APO. 

The Regional Manager and Senior Manager (SONR) are the officials responsible for submitting the SP to 

the Head of Department (HOD, Economic Development, Environment and Tourism) for formal approval 

and adoption. The HOD will then submit the approved SP to the Limpopo MEC for Economic 


Development, Environment and Tourism as per the requirements of NEMPAA. This can be summarized 

as follows: 

RESERVE 

MANAGEMENT 

PLAN 

COMPONENT 

SP / APO Reserve Manager Letaba Ranch 

Nature Reserve 

Co-Management 

SP / APO 

RESPONSIBILITY SUBMIT TO OUTCOME SOUGHT FREQUENCY 

Regional 

Manager 

Committee 

Senior Manager 

(SONR) 

Approval of final 

draft. 

Approval of final 

version of SP and 

APO. 

Departmental 

SP 

Senior Manager HOD (LEDET) 

(SONR) 

adoption of SP. 

SP HOD (LEDET) MEC (LEDET) Formal approval 

and adoption as per 

legal requirements. 

SP (at 5-year 

intervals); 

APO (annually) 

SP (5-yearly); 

APO (annually) 

SP (5-yearly) 

SP (5-yearly) 


6. BIBLIOGRAPHY 

The following references were extensively consulted during the drafting of this document: 

Bass Air Aviation. 2010. Game count: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve – 2010. Unpublished report. 

Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality. 2012. IDP: 2012 - 2017. Local Municipal Integrated Development 

Plan: Final. 

Cowan, G.I. & Mpongoma, N. 2011. Guidelines for the development of a management plan for a 

protected area in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003. 

Unpublished document. 

Cronje, H.P., B.K. Reilly and I.D. Macfadyen. 2002. Natural mortality among four common ungulate 

species on Letaba Ranch, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Koedoe 45(1): 79–86. 

Envirodel. 2005. Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve Ecological Management Plan. Unpublished report. 

Greater Giyani Local Municipality. 2010. Adopted IDP: 2010 - 2013. Local Municipal Integrated 

Development Plan. 

IUCN. 2012. [online] Available at: [Accessed July 2012]. 

LEDET. 2012. Guidelines for the development of Management Plans for Limpopo’s Provincial Nature 

Reserves. Unpublished planning guideline. 

Limpopo Department of Agriculture. 2012. [online] Available at: 

[Accessed 

June 2012]. 

LTA. 2012. [online] Available at: 

[Accessed June 2012]. 

Mopani District Municipality. 2011. IDP: 2011 - 2016. District Municipal Integrated Development Plan. 

Mucina, L. & Rutherford, M.C. (eds.). 2006. The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. 

Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. 

Municipal Demarcation Board. 2012. [online] Available at: http://www.demarcation.org.za/# 

[Accessed December 2012]. 

Nel, E.J. & Kruger, J.W. 2012. Scientific Review: State Owned Nature Reserves – Limpopo. Unpublished 

report. 

Stats SA. 2012. [online] Available at: 

http://interactive.statssa.gov.za/superweb/loadDatabase.do?db=Descriptive11_wd [Accessed 

December 2012]. 


ANNEXURE 1: ZONATION CATEGORIES (CHARACTERISTICS) 

The main characteristics of each use zone are summarized in the tables below: 

ZONE 

ZONE OBJECTIVE 

CHARACTERISTICS 

VISITOR 

ACTIVITIES 

FACILITIES / 

INFRASTRUCTURE 

VISITOR ACCESS 

MANAGEMENT 

GUIDELINES 

Natural 

Users: 

− To provide easy access 

to experience the 

reserve’s natural 

landscapes, habitats, 

species and heritage 

resources. 

Conservation: 

− To minimise and 

mitigate the effects of 

visitor use on the 

reserve’s natural 

habitats and species 

and its cultural sites. 

- Areas of extensive and 

accessible natural 

habitats and species. 

- Areas with important 

heritage sites and 

features. 

- Areas whose primary 

habitats, species and 

cultural sites are 

resilient to the impacts 

of regular visitor use. 

- Areas with popular view 

sites or natural and 

cultural attractions. 

- Areas with an extensive 

and accessible road, trail 

and track network. 

- Areas that require active 

conservation 

management 

interventions. 

- Areas with moderate 

levels of visibility 

obtrusiveness. 

- Game viewing. 

- Motorised 2x4 selfdrive 

access on 

designated routes. 

- Permitted motorised 

4x4 trails on 

designated routes. 

- Day hiking trails 

and/or short trails. 

- Bird hides, canoeing, 

mountain biking and 

rock-climbing, 

where appropriate. 

- Other recreational 

activities that may 

be considered 

appropriate by 

reserve 

management. 

- No accommodation 

or camping. 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

Self-drive roads and 4x4 

tracks. Roads may be 

surfaced where visitor use 

levels are high. 

Management access 

roads and management 

tracks. 

Perimeter firebreaks. 

Small picnic areas and 

ablution facilities may be 

provided. 

Parking or viewing sites/ 

areas may be provided. 

No accommodation or 

camping. 

Signage may be erected 

to designate routes 

(including 4x4, horse, 

MTB, canoe, 2x4 selfdrive, 

etc.), closed areas 

or junctions. 

- Cater for all reserve 

visitors. 

- Vehicle access on 

dedicated routes, 

with pedestrian 

access from parking 

areas or adjacent 

development zones. 

- On water, only nonmotorised 

crafts 

allowed, unless 

otherwise agreed. 

Visitor and 

conservation 

management: 

- Intensive 

maintenance of 

visitor facilities 

and 


- Active 

enforcement of 

reserve 

regulations. 

− Intensive 

conservation 

management 

activities 

undertaken. 

Consumptive Use: 

− Sustainable use 

of natural 

resources may, 

where feasible, 

be considered on 

application, and 

subject to a 

formal permitting 

arrangement. 


Development – Low Intensity 

Users: 

− To provide small to 

medium-sized picnic, 

accommodation 

and/or camping 

facilities and services. 

− To facilitate access to 

environmental 

educational facilities 

and services. 

Conservation: 

− To contain the impacts 

and footprint of 


facilities, services and 


− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

Areas with a 

contained, low-density 

development 

footprint. 

Areas with roads, trails 

and small to mediumscale 

recreational 

facilities and 

accommodation 


Degraded or 

transformed areas. 

Natural or seminatural 

habitats. 

Areas with a high 

visitor absorptive 

capacity. 

Areas with limited 

biodiversity 

significance. 

Areas that are easily 

accessible from the 

reserve entry points. 

Areas where risk of 

fire damage to 

infrastructure is low, 

or can be mitigated. 

Areas with low 

visibility from the 

surrounding 

landscape. 

Areas that have access 

to potable water, and 

not sensitive to 

disposal of treated 

wastewater. 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

Picnic and braaiing. 

Parking. 

Overnight 

accommodation. 

Camping/ 

caravanning. 

Environmental 

education. 

- Reception offices. 

- Small camping/ 

caravanning facilities. 

- Small lodges/ tented 

camps/ self-catering units. 

- Small restaurant or 

catering facilities for 

overnight guests only. 

- Surfaced roads and 

parking areas. 

- Bird hides. 

- Services (power, waste 

management, water, 

etc.). 


visitors. 

- Motorised self-drive 

car access. 

- Tour bus access. 

- Parking and walk-in 

for day and overnight 

visitors. 

- Intensive 

development and 


visitor facilities, 

services and 


- Active 


reserve 

regulations. 

- Limited 

conservation 

management 

activities 

undertaken. 

− Risk management 

(e.g. fire safety) 

measures 

implemented. 

− Development 

footprint actively 

contained. 


− Sustainable use 

of natural 

resources may, 

where feasible, 

be considered on 

application, and 

subject to a 

formal permitting 

arrangement. 


Development – High Intensity 

Users: 

− To provide medium 

sized to large scale 

accommodation 

facilities, and 

associated attractions 

and conveniences. 

Conservation: 

− To contain the impacts 

and footprint of 


facilities, services and 


− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

Areas with an extensive 

high-density 

development footprint. 

Areas with roads, trails 

and small to mediumscale 

recreational 

facilities and 

accommodation 


Degraded or 

transformed areas. 

Natural or semi-natural 

habitats. 

Areas with a high visitor 

absorptive capacity. 

Areas with limited 

biodiversity significance. 

Areas that are easily 



Areas where risk of fire 

damage to 

infrastructure is low, or 

can be mitigated. 

Areas with low visibility 

from the surrounding 

landscape. 

Areas that have access 

to potable water, and 

not sensitive to disposal 

of treated wastewater. 

- Picnicking and 

braaiing. 

- Overnight 

accommodation. 

- Camping/ 

caravanning. 

- Meetings, workshop 

or mini conference 

activities. 

- Parking. 

- Swimming. 

- Medium-sized lodges or 

hotels. 

- High density self-catering 

units. 

- Medium to large-scale 

camping/ caravanning 

facilities. 

- Fuel supply pump. 

- Amenities, including 

restaurants and shops. 

- Surfaced roads. 

- Services (power, waste 

management, water, etc.). 

- Swimming pool. 

- Air strip. 


visitors. 

- Motorised self-drive 

car access. 

- Tour bus access. 

- Parking and walk-in 

for day and overnight 

visitors. 

- Air access may be 

permitted. 

Visitor and 

conservation 

management: 

- Intensive 

development and 


visitor facilities, 

services and 


- Active 


reserve 

regulations. 

- Limited 

conservation 

management 

activities 

undertaken. 

− Risk management 

(e.g. fire safety) 

measures 

− 

implemented. 

Development 

footprint actively 

contained. 


- None. 


Development - Reserve Administration 

To define the location of 

the infrastructure and 

facilities for reserve 

administration. 

- Areas with extensive 

degraded or transformed 

footprints. 

- Areas able to 

accommodate high 

disturbance, with no 

identified sensitive 

biodiversity. 

- Areas proximate to high 

and low intensity 

development zones. 

- Areas with low visibility 

from the surrounding 

landscape. 

- Areas that are easily 



- Areas that have access to 

potable water, and not 

sensitive to disposal of 

treated wastewater. 

n/a − Administrative offices. 

− Storage facilities. 

− Garage facilities. 

− Workshops. 

− Game capture and 

holding facilities. 

− Parking. 

NOTE: 

Reserve administrative offices 

may also be located within the 

Development - Low/High 

Intensity Zones. 

Access to reserve 

reception and 

administrative offices. 

n/a 


Special Protection / Special Management 

Special Protection (Species, Habitats, 

Heritage) 

Special Management (Resource Utilisation) 

− 

− 

− 

Protection of 

species, 

habitats or 

heritage sites 

of special 

conservation 

concern. 

Restrict 

access to 

prevent 

disturbance 

and/or 

damage. 

Regulation 

and control of 

resource 

utilisation 

(commercial 

and/or 

communitybased), 

including 

hunting. 

- Sites or areas where 

uncontrolled public 

access is undesirable due 

to the presence of 

threatened species and 

habitats or sensitive 

heritage features. 

- Demarcated sites or 

areas where seasonal 

utilisation of natural 

resources (e.g. 

harvesting of grass for 

thatching, collection of 

reeds for building 

material, hunting of 

wildlife for trophies or 

meat, etc.) takes place. 

- Research. 

- Guided nature/ 

heritage visits under 

strictly controlled 

conditions. 

- Motorised access on 

designated routes 

(primarily gravel 

roads). 

- Walking access on 

designated footpaths 

and trails. 

- Commercial hunting, 

under strict permit 

conditions. 

Usually none, but footpaths 

and tracks to allow 

management access may be 

permitted. 

Where visitor access is 

permitted, strict access 

control is required to delimit 

access routes, and, if 

necessary, screen visitors; i.e. 

hides, boardwalks, screened 

routes, and paths with railings 

may be appropriate. 

Self-drive roads, 4x4 tracks, 

management access roads 

and management tracks. 

Parking or viewing sites/ areas 

may be provided. 

Basic accommodation or 

camping facilities may be 

provided. 

Signage may be erected to 

designate seasonally closed 

areas. 

Public / tourism access 

normally not allowed. 

May be permitted under 

very tightly controlled 

conditions, to be 

determined per site. 

Public / tourism access 

will only be regulated 

during the resource 

utilisation season. 

For hunting areas, the 

zone will be closed for all 

other visitors. 

For other resource 

utilisation zones, 

public/tourism access 

may be permitted, 

although the specific 

access conditions will 

vary from site to site. 

Visitor and 

conservation 

management: 

− Restrictions on 

access and 

numbers of 

visitors may be 

enforced. 

− Active 

conservation 

and heritage 

management 

activities 

undertaken, as 

required. 


- None. 

Visitor and 

conservation 

management: 

− 

− 

Seasonal 

restrictions on 

access may be 

enforced. 

Active 

management of 

resource 

utilisation 

permits. 


- Natural 

resource 

harvesting and 

collection.

AUTHORIZATION - NCC Environmental Services

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