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Donga Reclamation Project
The Reitsositse Environmental Club operates from Langa La Sembo High School situated in the Mamalec district. The club is headed by three energetic, pro-active leaders namely David Sentsho, K Dibeto and P Tilana. David Setsho attended the Bushveld Mosaic course in 2001, from which he graduated with merit.
Situated between the two villages of Welgeval and Goodhope is an area so badly eroded that huge dongas have formed. The club leaders decided to visit the area and assess the situation. It was established that the following factors had contributed to the formation of the dongas:
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The area had once been a road and was still used by donkey carts. |
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The reservoir had leaked aggravating the problem. |
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The whole area is a slope. |
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The dam had breached and water continues to flow into the donga because of the slope. |
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Overgrazing by cattle is reducing the grass cover on the soil. |
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Burning of the veld during unfavorable conditions. |
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Unwise firewood collecting resulting in the soil being exposed. |
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After inspecting the area it was decided to concentrate on a section, Area A, which despite being 1,5 km long was only 90cm deep and 14.3 m wide. It was felt that if corrective measures were taken it would prevent the donga from expanding and assuming the size of the nearby area identified as Area B (a donga measuring 800m long by 32,5m wide and 1.8m deep). |
| Work was started in Area A and to date 200m has been reclaimed. |
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The following action was taken:
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Stones were arranged against the direction of the flow of water with the aim of reducing the speed of runoff. The stones also would trap the silt and seeds of plants caught up in the water. The stones would also close the area off to the donkey carts. |
| Branches were cut off from trees in a bush encroached area and the bare ground was covered with these. This would reduce the speed at which the raindrops hit the bare soil. The branches would also shade the soil and slow down the rate of evaporation. The leaves from the branches would decompose and help to fertilize the soil. Seeds would germinate more readily in the improved microhabitat. |
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Because Area B is so badly affected only with a large investment of both cash and manpower will make reclaiming it viable. Further research must be undertaken to investigate if indeed this is feasible. |
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BUSHVELD MOSAIC