The Klipriviersberg Conservancy is a new conservancy, and one which strives to integrate many different stakeholders and activities.

At the centre of the conservancy lies the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, the largest proclaimed nature reserve in Johannesburg at 680 hectares.

The Northern border is the N12 highway (the Southern Bypass), the R59 highway to the east (the Vereeniging Highway), the R550 and R554 south of the Klipriver and the N1 highway to the west (Vanderbijlpark Highway).

The Conservancy is the rich, largely unspoilt diversity of the terrain of ridges, grasslands, wetlands and rivers included in its boundaries.

The southern suburbs of Johannesburg have, to a large degree, been regarded as the “Cinderellas” of the city. Whilst the northern, western and eastern areas of Joburg have been developed to such an extent that, in many instances roads and other services are fast becoming unable to bear the population and development loads.

It is only relatively recently that intense interest has become focused on the southern areas. And why not? We have huge potential for tourism, cultural, sporting/recreational, educational and developmental projects. We have some of the most beautiful natural scenery in Gauteng with our hills, ridges and rivers.

Of particular note is the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve which, covering some 680 hectares, is the largest proclaimed nature reserve in Johannesburg with a vast variety of plants, trees, small animals and birds, as well as historical features. It is the natural core of our suburbs. However, progress nearly always comes with a price, both to man and his environment. This is where a conservancy comes in.

Basically, a conservancy is a group of concerned individuals who, on a voluntary basis, undertake to safeguard and protect the integrity and well-being of a designated area of the environment. Whilst the need to bring development into the area of the Conservancy with its resultant employment and area-enrichment opportunities is undeniably necessary, this can, and must be, handled in a formal, responsible, carefully considered and environmentally-friendly manner.

For example, wherever possible we must work with potential developers to realise development that is appropriate and fits into the area. Environmental issues are gaining momentum within the community and government and we aim to make ourselves heard in the decision-making processes regarding planning and development.

The Klipriviersberg Conservancy currently has an interim constitution and an interim executive committee representing municipalities, businesses, sports and recreation, education, large and smaller land owners, cultural and social organisations and residents. Application will be made for registration as a Non-Profit Organisation and Public Benefit Organisation with the relevant government departments. We hold an interim registration number with the Gauteng Conservancy Association (GCA062).

On 5 September 2009, the Conservancy launched its logo. 

The logo has been carefully designed with only a few elements to create a feeling of openness and space – something which is being protected and promoted throughout the area of the conservancy.

The brown wave – represents the Klipriviersberg and the specific tone of brown represents the typical rocks that are found in the Nature Reserve and surrounding areas. Also captured it the geological history and flow of lava which has become the foundation rocks of the Klipriviersberg Hills and the building stones of the many historical ruins.

The blue wave – symbolizes the river that flows through the Conservancy. The Klip River rises in Johannesburg Central Area, passes through Soweto and along the southern boundary of the Conservancy, feeding into the Vaal River.

The green wave signifies the wetlands and grasslands found throughout the area. Wetlands play a vital role in the creation of life supporting ecosystems which can be of great value to people and to wildlife. The biodiversity and associated ecosystems of the grassland biome needs to be sustained through the establishment of biodiversity corridors.

The letter “V” with the green leaf attached to it represents the thorns and leaf of the Ziziphus mucronata commonly known as the “Blinkblaar Wag-n-Bietjie” or Buffalo Thorn tree. It symbolizes the commitment of the Conservancy to the protection of indigenous plants and trees, many of which have a special significance and play important roles in the social, medicinal, cultural and economic realms of local populations. The shape of the letter “V” made by the two thorns at the nodes also indicates appropriate value-adding development, growth and progression. The thorns are considered to be important in local culture because the one that faces backward represents where we have come from and the one facing forward denotes where we are going.

Policies and procedures for the administrative and financial running of the Conservancy have been drawn up and an honorary auditor has been appointed. A budget has been approved by the executive committee. A management plan is in the process of being prepared and presentations to interested parties are being undertaken to explain aims and objectives and to seek the public’s ideas, concerns and suggestions as to what the Conservancy needs to achieve.

The aim is to involve as many people as possible in protecting and preserving the rich cultural and environmental heritage in our suburbs for future generations – no offer of financial assistance or indeed practical help is too small just as no child is too young to learn a sense of pride in their environment.

• Ex officio members that include Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Midvaal Municipalities, as well as the Gauteng Conservation Association (GCA)
• Land owners and users who own or use more than 500 hectares of land within the boundaries of the Conservancy.
• Land owners and users who own or use between 5 and 500 hectares of land within the boundaries of the Conservancy.
• Residents including land owners and tenants in established residential townships & agricultural holdings within the boundaries of the Conservancy.
• Businesses.
• Educational institutions.
• Sports and recreational organizations.
• Other organizations and bodies.

All you need do to become a member, is to e-mail your name, postal address, telephone number(s) and e-mail address This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You also need to opt for the class of membership that suits your circumstances, be this as a resident, business owner, land owner, etc.

 Visit the website at www.klipcon.org.za

For information contact:

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it – Cell 083 274 4424

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it - Cell 082 458 2816 l

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it - Cell 082 481 8746