Dear Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure,

National Park Development Plan

Proposed Name: Sebokeng Greenlands National Park
Location: Near R54 Road, close to Elim Game Farm, Emfuleni Local Municipality, Sedibeng District, Gauteng Province
Prepared by: Maniki Goodstaff Rapuleng
Date: 2 June 2025


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1. Executive Summary

This plan outlines the development of Sebokeng Greenlands National Park, strategically located near the R54 road by Elim Game Farm. The initiative aims to preserve vital natural ecosystems, stimulate ecotourism, support biodiversity conservation, and create socio-economic benefits for communities in Emfuleni. The proposal aligns with South Africa’s National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (NEM:PAA) and the National Development Plan 2030 (NDP 2030), advancing the country's goals for inclusive, sustainable development.


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2. Vision & Mission

Vision:
To establish a leading national park that preserves South Africa’s natural heritage, promotes biodiversity, and empowers local communities through sustainable land use and development.

Mission:

Protect and restore ecologically valuable grasslands and wetland ecosystems.

Promote environmental education, research, and tourism.

Collaborate with stakeholders including local communities, traditional leaders, NGOs, and government.

Create inclusive economic opportunities aligned with conservation and sustainability principles.



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3. Objectives

Designate and legally protect approximately 1,200 hectares of natural land.

Rehabilitate degraded ecosystems and enhance native biodiversity.

Develop sustainable infrastructure for ecotourism, education, and conservation management.

Create employment and skills development opportunities for youth and local residents.

Preserve and celebrate cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge systems.



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4. Location & Geographic Scope

Proposed Site:
Open natural land along the R54 road, adjacent to Elim Game Farm.

Size:
Approximately 1,200 hectares

Ecological Region:
Grassland Biome, with high conservation value due to riparian corridors and seasonal wetlands.

Nearby Areas:
Elim Game Farm, Sebokeng, De Deur, Vereeniging, Meyerton, and other peri-urban communities.

Land Ownership:
Combination of municipal, provincial, and privately held land. Engagements are ongoing for conservation-focused land use agreements or protected area declarations.


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5. Environmental & Biodiversity Value

Flora: Indigenous grass species, wild olive trees, karee, acacia, and medicinal plants.

Fauna: Presence of hares, mongooses, jackals, antelope species, amphibians, and diverse birdlife.

Ecosystem Services: Soil stability, water purification, carbon storage, and climate regulation.

Conservation Significance: Connects fragmented habitats and supports broader ecological corridors.



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6. Infrastructure & Development Phases

Phase 1: Planning & Stakeholder Engagement

Community consultations with residents, leaders, and civil society.

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and feasibility studies.

Institutional partnerships with DFFE, SANParks, universities, and NGOs.

Negotiation of land agreements and conservation declarations.

Formation of a park steering committee and governance framework.


Phase 2: Infrastructure Development

Construction of access roads, eco-friendly park entrances, and signage.

Development of visitor reception center, eco-lodge, trails, picnic areas, and viewing platforms.

Security infrastructure, ranger posts, and minimal fencing for protection zones.

Renewable energy installations, solar power, and rainwater harvesting systems.


Phase 3: Conservation & Rehabilitation

Removal of alien invasive species.

Indigenous plant restoration and wetland regeneration.

Wildlife reintroduction and habitat enhancement.

Implementation of biodiversity monitoring programs.


Phase 4: Community Development & Capacity Building

Job creation in conservation, tourism, and infrastructure development.

Accredited training in eco-tourism, park management, and hospitality.

Youth environmental education and ranger programs.

Promotion of cultural zones, local crafts, and storytelling.



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7. Economic & Social Impact

Local Economic Development (LED): Tourism-driven job creation, community businesses, and green enterprise hubs.

Enterprise Development: Support for cooperatives and SMMEs in tourism services, crafts, transport, and food supply.

Education & Awareness: Nature clubs, outdoor classrooms, and science partnerships with schools.

Health & Wellbeing: Access to green spaces for recreation, healing, and community gatherings.



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8. Legal Framework & Compliance

National Legislation: Aligned with NEM:PAA, NEMA, Biodiversity Act, and SPLUMA.

Protected Area Status:** Application to DFFE for protected area declaration under NEM:PAA.

- **Local Planning Instruments:** Integration into Emfuleni Spatial Development Framework (SDF) and more