Northern Cape Provincial Development and Resource Management Plan / Provincial Spatial Development Framework (PSDF)

Transcription

1 Northern Cape Provincial Development and Resource Management Plan / Provincial Spatial Development Framework (PSDF) Office of the Premier of the Northern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs Policies & Strategies 31 JULY 2012

2 Foreword and Approval Statement MEC for the Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs The Northern Cape Province is a unique part of the globe. This is primarily due to its rich endowment of natural, cultural, economic and human resources. As a consequence, our province has become an international economic, scientific and environmental focal area, as is demonstrated by inter alia the designation of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, UNESCO s registration of the Richtersveld Botanical and Landscape World Heritage Site, and the growing investors interest in the Gamagara Development Corridor. The international focus and the need to utilise the resource base of the province in order to grow both the provincial and the national economy poses a huge challenge to the people of the Northern Cape. The core of the challenge is to implement innovative and best-practice strategies to create a developmental state as is advocated by the South African Constitution whilst, simultaneously, giving effect to our global obligations pertaining to social, economic and environmental sustainability. The Northern Cape Provincial Development and Resource Management Plan / Provincial Spatial Development Framework (further referred to as the PSDF) presented herewith, and our commitments regarding its implementation, are our response to the above challenge. The PSDF expresses our core values, principles and strategies in terms of which the challenge will be addressed in the long-term and it confirms our commitment to ensuring productive partnerships with our key partners in this process, namely the private sector. The PSDF is the end-product of an 18-month planning process jointly commissioned by the Office of the Premier of the Northern Cape and the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform. It is a first step towards giving effect to a sustainable future for our province and all its people. The document complies with, and responds to, all applicable international agreements, conventions and protocols, and the relevant national and provincial legislation and policy related to sustainable use of resources for the benefit of all. The PSDF evolved through an integrated planning process facilitated by a dedicated organisational structure which, collectively, represented and addressed the interests and mandates of the full spectrum of government departments, district and local municipalities, and key non-governmental organisations. All of the institutions that formed part of the organisational structure have endorsed the PSDF and are accordingly committed to the implementation thereof. The planning process furthermore incorporated a broad stakeholder consultation process which provided all concerned the opportunity to participate in the preparation of the document. The PSDF is therefore effectively an expression of the wishes and aspirations of the people of the Northern Cape. The PSDF does not create, or take away, land-use rights and it is to be applied in a flexible and pragmatic manner which takes into account the merits and particular circumstances of each case as required by law. However, the approval of the PSDF in terms of the Northern Cape Planning and Development Act 7 of 1998 means that the PSDF has statutory status as the common spatial vision and strategy around which to align the future development and management of the province. Compliance with the PSDF in this regard is therefore mandatory. The Northern Cape Government recognises that the transformation of the Northern Cape into a global model for sustainability and a place where all its people would be able to live with dignity and pride, has a long-term horizon. The PSDF is therefore the expression of a 30-year vision that is totally dependent upon the commitment of all spheres of government and the true cusodians of our future, namely our people. Government accordingly appeal to all concerned to help give effect to the intent of our PSDF. We wish to thank and commend all who contributed to and participated in the preparation of the PSDF. Specific reference is made to: The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, which, in a true spirit of partnership and corporate governance, assisted us with the preparation of this document.

3 The service provider for the project, Dennis Moss Partnership, which responded, in an exemplary manner, to our need and requirement for a PSDF that conforms to international standards for land-use planning and which could be considered a national model in this regard. In accordance with my mandate vested in the Northern Cape Planning and Development Act 7 of 1998, I hereby approve the Northern Cape Provincial Development and Resource Management Plan / Provincial Spatial Development Framework in terms of the principles and requirements and for the period stipulated in the said Act and in the document itself. SIGNED BY THE HONOURABLE MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL DEPARTMENT OF CO-OPERATIVE GOVERNANCE, HUMAN SETTLEMENTS AND TRADITIONAL AFFAIRS DATE

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page A1 BACKGROUND 1 A1.1 STRUCTURE AND USER S GUIDE 1 A2 KEY ASPECTS OF THE PSDF 1 A2.1 PLANNING CONTEXT 1 A2.2 PURPOSE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE PSDF 1 A2.3 VISION, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 3 A3 BIOREGIONAL PLANNING APPROACH AS ADOPTED FOR THE NORTHERN CAPE 3 A4 IMPERATIVES FOR EFFICIENT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PSDF 4 A4.1 DIRECTIVES FOR INSTITUTIONAL INTEGRATION, INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT 4 PLANNING AND CO-OPERATIVE GOVERNANCE A6 ROLE OF AND FUNCTION OF SECTORAL STRATEGIES AS PART OF THE PSDF 5 C1 LAND-USE PLANNING DIRECTIVES 7 C1.1 OBJECTIVES 7 C1.2 SPATIAL PLANNING CATEGORIES 7 C1.3 POLICY 8 C1.4 SPATIAL PLANNING INFORMATION SYSTEM 9 C1.4.1 POLICY 10 C2 COMPOSITE SPATIAL PLAN FOR THE NORTHERN CAPE 10 C2.1 THE CONCEPT 10 C2.2 LAYERING OF SPC AND/OR SECTORAL SPATIAL PLANS 12 C2.3 COMPOSITE SPATIAL PLAN FOR THE NORTHERN CAPE 12 C2.4 OBJECTIVES, POLICY AND PRIORITISED STRATEGIES FOR GIVING EFFECT TO THE 14 PROVINCIAL SPATIAL VISION C2.4.1 PRIORITISATION OF STRATEGIES 14 C3 MANAGING THE NORTHERN CAPE AS PART OF THE GLOBAL BIOSPHERE 15 C3.1 GIVING EFFECT TO INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS 15 C3.1.1 OBJECTIVES 15 C3.1.2 POLICY 15 C3.1.3 PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES 16 C3.1.4 PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES FOR THE MAB PROGRAMME 16 C3.1.5 SPATIAL PLAN FOR DESIGNATED BIOSPHERE RESERVES 17 C3.2 NORTHERN CAPE IN A SOUTHERN AFRICAN CONTEXT 19 C3.2.1 OBJECTIVES 19 C3.2.2 POLICY 19 C3.2.3 PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES 19 C3.2.4 SPATIAL PLAN FOR THE NORTHERN CAPE AS A PIVOTAL PART OF SOUTHERN AFRICA 20 Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs i

5 C3.3 INTERROGATING PROVINCIAL BIOREGIONAL BORDERS 21 C3.3.1 OBJECTIVES 21 C3.3.2 POLICY 21 C3.3.3 PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES 21 C3.4 DETERMINING CONCEPTUAL BIOREGIONS 22 C3.4.1 OBJECTIVES 23 C3.4.2 POLICY 23 C3.4.3 PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES 23 C4 MANAGING SPC A AND SPC B AREAS: THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 24 C4.1 SPC A: CORE CONSERVATION AREA 25 C4.1.1 DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE 25 C4.1.2 OBJECTIVES 27 C4.1.3 POLICY 27 C4.1.4 PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES 29 C4.1.5 SPATIAL PLAN 30 C4.2 SPC B: BUFFER AREA 32 C4.2.1 DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE 32 C4.2.2 OBJECTIVES 32 C4.2.3 POLICY 33 C4.2.4 PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES 34 C5 ENSURING SUSTAINABLE USE OF SPC C: AGRICULTURAL AREAS 35 C5.1 DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE 35 C5.2 OBJECTIVES 36 C5.3 POLICY 36 C5.4 PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES 36 C5.5 SPATIAL PLAN FOR SPC C: AGRICULTURAL AREAS 39 C6 FACILITATING DEVELOPMENT OF SPC D: URBAN AREAS 40 C6.1 ESTABLISHING SUSTAINABLE SETTLEMENTS 40 C6.1.1 DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE 40 C6.1.2 OBJECTIVES 42 C6.1.3 POLICY 42 C6.1.4 PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES 45 C6.2 PREMISE FOR GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT 48 C6.2.1 OBJECTIVES 48 C6.2.2 POLICY 48 C6.2.3 PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES 49 C6.2.4 INVESTMENT PRIORITIES: WHERE AND WHAT TO INVEST 49 C6.2.5 USE OF THE SETTLEMENT INDICES 50 C6.2.6 SPATIAL PLAN FOR SPC D AREAS: URBAN AREAS 51 C7 REGULATING THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPC E: INDUSTRIAL AREAS 52 C7.1 DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE 52 C7.2 OBJECTIVES 52 Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs ii

6 C7.3 POLICY 52 C7.4 PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION 53 C7.5 SPATIAL PLAN FOR SPC E: INDUSTRIAL AREAS 54 C8 ENSURING DEVELOPMENT OF EFFICIENT SPC F: SURFACE INFRASTRUCTURE 55 C8.1 DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE 55 C8.2 OBJECTIVES 56 C8.2.1 TRANSPORT OBJECTIVES 56 C8.2.2 WATER OBJECTIVES 56 C8.2.3 ENERGY OBJECTIVES 56 C8.2.4 TELECOMMUNICATION OBJECTIVES 57 C8.2.5 HOUSEHOLD SERVICES OBJECTIVES 57 C8.3 POLICY 57 C8.3.1 TRANSPORT POLICY 57 C8.3.2 WATER POLICY 58 C8.3.3 ENERGY POLICY 58 C8.3.4 TELECOMMUNICATION POLICY 59 C8.3.5 HOUSEHOLD SERVICES POLICY 59 C8.4 PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES 60 C8.4.1 TRANSPORT STRATEGIES AND GUIDELINES 60 C8.4.2 WATER STRATEGIES AND GUIDELINES 61 C8.4.3 ENERGY STRATEGIES AND GUIDELINES 62 C8.4.4 TELECOMMUNICATION STRATEGIES AND GUIDELINES 63 C8.4.5 HOUSEHOLD SERVICES STRATEGIES AND GUIDELINES 63 C8.5 SPATIAL PLAN FOR SPC F: SURFACE INFRASTRUCTURE 64 C9 STRATEGIC SECTORAL POLICY AND GUIDELINES 65 C9.1 ENABLING SUSTAINABLE USE OF RESOURCES (CAPITAL) 65 C9.1.1 OBJECTIVES 65 C9.1.2 POLICY 65 C9.1.3 PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES 66 C9.2 PLANNING FOR RESPONSIBLE TOURISM 67 C9.2.1 CHARACTERISTICS OF RESPONSIBLE TOURISM AS PROMOTED BY THE PSDF 67 C9.2.2 OBJECTIVES 67 C9.2.3 PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES 67 C9.2.4 PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES 67 C10 MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE AUDITING AS A KEY GOVERNMENTAL 68 FUNCTION C10.1 KEY ASPECTS OF PROVINCIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITING 68 C DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS 68 C OBJECTIVES 69 C POLICY 69 C PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES 70 C PROCEDURAL ARRANGEMENTS 70 C10.2 ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT THROUGH THE IDP AND SDF PROCESS 71 Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs iii

7 CONCLUSION OF THE NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCIAL SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 73 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 PSDF structure. 1 Figure 2 Legislative and policy context for the PSDF. 2 Figure 3 A systems approach to sustainability (Adapted from DEA, 2011). 3 Figure 4 Spatial Planning Categories applicable to the PSDF. 7 Figure 5 Land-use classification model adopted for the Northern Cape. 8 Figure 6 Conceptual spatial vision. 11 Figure 7 Structure and content of Chapters C3 to C10 14 Figure 8 Zones for coastal management. 30 Figure 9 Detailed farm planning. 38 Figure 10 Spatial structuring elements to be adopted in the planning and design of 48 settlements. Figure 11 General approach to the appropriation of capital. 50 Figure 12 Model for the adaptive management approach to be implemented throughout the Northern Cape to enable continual improvement of governance and enterprise management. 71 LIST OF MAPS Map C1 Conceptual bioregional borders for the Northern Cape compared with the existing 22 administrative borders. Map C2 Conceptual bioregions of the Northern Cape. 24 LIST OF TABLES Table C1 Development guidelines in accordance with SPCs. 9 LIST OF PLANS Plan C1 Northern Cape Composite Spatial Plan. 13 Plan C2 Spatial plan for designated biosphere reserves in the Northern Cape. 18 Plan C3 Spatial plan for the Northern Cape as a pivot between surrounding provinces and 20 countries. Plan C4 Spatial plan for SPC A and B areas in the Northern Cape. 31 Plan C5 Spatial plan for SPC C areas (Agriculture). 39 Plan C6 Spatial Plan for SPC D indicating the settlements categorised in terms of their levels of 51 human need and economic potential and the investment typology proposed. Plan C7 Spatial plan for SPC E: Industrial Areas. 54 Plan C8 Spatial plan for SPC F: Surface Infrastructure. 64 Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs iv

8 A1 INTRODUCTION This document is an abriged version of the Provincial Development and Resource Management Plan / Provincial Spatial Development Framework (PSDF) for the Northern Cape (further referred to in this document as the main report). The purpose of this document is to serve as a concise policy and strategy report that is user-friendly and promotes efficient application of the PSDF. A1.1 STRUCTURE AND USER S GUIDE This report focuses on Section A and, in particular, on Section C of the PSDF (refer to the figure below). For ease of reference, the cover page (i.e. structure and content) of each of the sections of the main report has been included. Where required, the report should be read together with the User s Toolkits in Section D of the main report. SECTION A INTRODUCTION AND PRIMARY ADMINISTRATIVE ASPECTS OF THE PSDF SECTION B SYNOPSIS OF THE INHERENT CAPITAL OF THE NORTHERN CAPE FOCUS OF THE POLICY & STRATEGY REPORT SECTION C SPATIAL VISION AND DIRECTIVES, POLICY AND STRATEGIES SECTION D USER S TOOLKITS TO INFORM THE APPLICATION OF THE PSDF Figure 1: PSDF structure. A2 KEY ASPECTS OF THE PSDF A2.1 PLANNING CONTEXT In terms of the bioregional planning and management principles that were applied in the preparation of the PSDF it is recognised that the Northern Cape is not an island isolated from its surroundings it is an integral part of the global biosphere of which the cultural, social and economic functions are uniquely interdependent. The PSDF accordingly recognises and is aligned with the applicable statutes, policies, protocols and agreements that regulate land-use at all levels throughout the biosphere, including: Relevant international agreements, protocols and conventions. National and provincial legislation and policy. Regional and local SDFs, structure plans and other policy. A2.2 PURPOSE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE PSDF The overarching functions of the PSDF are to serve as a: a) Spatial land-use directive which aims to promote environmental, economic, and social sustainability through sustainable development. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 1

9 b) Guideline for instilling a developmental state. c) Basis for prioritising governmental programmes and projects. d) Premise for governmental performance management. e) Manual for integrated land-use planning. Figure 2: Legislative and policy context for the PSDF. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 2

10 A3 VISION, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The PSDF draws upon and aims to give effect to the vision put forward in the Northern Cape Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (Northern Cape PGDS), namely.building a prosperous, sustainable growing provincial economy to eradicate poverty and improve social development. The PSDF creates the enabling spatial and policy context required to give effect to the above vision and to sustainable development as the overarching goal of the PSDF and the Northern Cape PGDS. Accordingly, the PSDF responds and gives practical effect to the overarching objective stipulated in the Northern Cape PGDS, i.e. to ensure integration of development processes and, in particular, to facilitate sustainable development throughout the province. Sustainable development is generally referred to as development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 (NEMA) defines sustainable development as the integration of social, economic and environmental factors into planning, implementation and decision-making so as to ensure that development serves present and future generations. The PSDF is premised upon the systems approach to sustainability advocated by the National Strategy for Sustainable Development and Action Plan (NSSD). In terms of this approach the economic system, the socio-political system and the ecosystem are embedded within each other, and then integrated through the governance system that holds all the other systems together in a legitimate regulatory framework (refer to Figure 3). Sustainable development has three global imperatives, i.e. environmental integrity, human well-being and economic efficiency (International Institute for Sustainable Development {IISD}, 1995). The Rio Declaration, which forms the preamble to Agenda 21 1, states that human beings are at the centre of concern for sustainable development (CSIR, 2002). Accordingly, sustainable development in the Northern Cape constitutes a proactive and systems approach focussed on the enhancement of human well-being and environmental integrity through the efficient use of the inherent resources (capital) of the province. Figure 3: A systems approach to sustainability (Adapted from DEA, 2011). A4 BIOREGIONAL PLANNING APPROACH AS ADOPTED FOR THE NORTHERN CAPE The PSDF was prepared in accordance with the principles of bioregional planning adapted to suit the requirements of the Northern Cape. The objective is to provide a coherent and place-specific 1 Agenda 21 is an international programme, adopted by 178 governments, aiming to put sustainable development into practice around the world. It emerged from the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 3

11 methodology for the planning and management of the Northern Cape as a distinct and unique place and to facilitate its management in accordance with local and global best-practice. Bioregional planning is understood as planning and land management that promote sustainable development by enhancing environmental integrity and human well-being through economic efficiency within a defined geographical area, the boundaries of which are determined in accordance with environmental, social and economic criteria. Miller (1996) describes bioregional planning as an organised process that enables people to work together, think carefully about the potential and problems of their region, set goals and objectives, define activities, implement projects, take actions agreed upon by the communities, evaluate progress and refine their approach. A5 IMPERATIVES FOR EFFICIENT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PSDF A global stumbling block to efficient implementation of governmental strategies and plans is a lack of co-ordination and co-operation among the relevant institutions. The Northern Cape is currently no exception in this regard. In order to address this challenge, the bioregional planning approach as adopted for the PSDF requires compliance of all concerned with the following imperatives: a) Institutional integration: Alliances between institutions are to be forged to close gaps, minimise overlap and make management and investment in the province more efficient. b) Integrated development planning: This is defined as a participatory approach to integrate economic, sectoral, spatial, social, institutional, environmental and fiscal strategies in order to support the optimal allocation of scarce resources between sectors and geographical areas and across the population in a manner that provides sustainable growth, equity, and the empowerment of the poor and the marginalised. (Forum for Effective Planning and Development, 1995). c) Co-operative governance: 'Inter-governmental relations' refer to the relationships between the three spheres of government, i.e. national, provincial and municipal. The South African Constitution states, 'the three spheres of government are distinctive, interdependent and interrelated'. Local government is a sphere of government in its own right, and is not an administrative implementing arm of national or provincial government. Although the three spheres of government are autonomous, they exist in a unitary South Africa and they have to work together on decision-making and must co-ordinate budgets, policies and activities. Compliance with the latter is not only a bioregional planning requirement, it is also a legal obligation in terms of the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act 13 of Moreover, the Act seeks to set up mechanisms to coordinate the work of all spheres of government in providing services, alleviating poverty and promoting development. A5.1 DIRECTIVES FOR INSTITUTIONAL INTEGRATION, INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLANNING AND CO-OPERATIVE GOVERNANCE The PSDF serves as an integrated spatial and policy framework (i.e. common ground ) within which the imperatives of institutional integration, integrated development planning and cooperative governance can be achieved. The following directives apply to all sectors and stakeholders with regard to the above imperatives: Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 4

12 a) Institutional integration, integrated development planning and co-operative governance shall be given effect among all spheres of government as stipulated by the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act 13 of b) The MEC will, in terms Chapter III of the Northern Cape Planning and Development Act, establish a Forum for Co-operative Planning and Development. c) The Forum for Co-operative Planning and Development, together with the Head of Department (HOD) Forum will facilitate institutional integration, integrated development planning and co-operative governance. d) Compliance with the directives pertaining to institutional integration, integrated development planning and co-operative governance is subject to annually auditing by the Forum for Co-operative Planning and Development. e) HODs or functionaries will be held accountable for institutional integration, integrated development planning and co-operative governance. A6 ROLE AND FUNCTION OF SECTORAL STRATEGIES AS PART OF THE PSDF The sectoral strategies and plans are integral and dynamic components of the PSDF and vice versa. The sectoral strategies serve as a basis for provincial budgetary and expenditure processes, as such, partly addressing the related function assigned to the PSDF in terms of the Northern Cape Planning and Development Act 7 of 1998 (Chapter IV, Section 14), i.e. providing an investment and expenditure programme coordinated with budgetary cycles and capable of securing financial and other resources from National Government and any other funding agencies as well as public/private sector partnerships. The objectives, policy and guidelines cited in Chapters C3-C8 of the PSDF have primarily been drawn from the sectoral strategies and plans. They are to be prepared and implemented in terms of the common ground directives of the PSDF and the principles of institutional integration, integrated development planning and co-operative governance summarised in Chapter A5.1 above. The following directives apply: Sectoral strategies and plans are subject to scheduled revision and continual improvement in terms of the principles of adaptive management. Sectoral strategies and plans must be aligned and implemented in accordance with the PSDF and with one another. The PSDF, in turn, is subject to alignment with sectoral strategies and plans as may be required. The key sectoral strategies and plans are to be read and treated as key components of the PSDF. To facilitate easy reference, efficient alignment, and coherent application of the PSDF and the sectoral strategies, the latter have been numbered as follows: Sectoral Strategy 1: Provincial Growth and Development Strategy of the Provincial Government. Sectoral Strategy 2: Comprehensive Growth and Development Programme of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. Sectoral Strategy 3: Fishing and Mariculture Sector Development Strategy of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism. Sectoral Strategy 4: Sectoral Strategy 5: Land Transport Framework of the Department of Roads and Public Works. Local Economic Development (LED) Strategy of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 5

13 Sectoral Strategy 6: Sectoral Strategy 7: Sectoral Strategy 8: Sectoral Strategy 9: Sectoral Strategy 10: Sectoral Strategy 11: Sectoral Strategy 12: Sectoral Strategy 13: Mineral Sector Strategy of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism. Northern Cape Manufacturing Strategy of the Department Economic Development and Tourism. Northern Cape Province Coastal Management Plan of the Department of Environment and Nature Conservation. Northern Cape Sport and Recreation Plan of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. Roads Plan and Strategy of the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL). Small Micro Medium Enterprises (SMME) Development Strategy of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism. Tourism Strategy of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism. Water Plan and Strategy of the Department of Water Affairs. The following sectoral strategies and plans are to be prepared and, upon approval, numbered and applied as part of the PSDF: Sectoral Strategy 14: Provincial education and training strategy (to be facilitated by the Department of Education). Sectoral Strategy 15: Provincial energy reticulation plan and strategy (to be facilitated by Eskom). Sectoral Strategy 16: Provincial environmental management framework (to be facilitated by the Department of Environment and Nature Conservation). Sectoral Strategy 17: Provincial agriculture and agro-processing strategy (to be facilitated by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development). Sectoral Strategy 18: Provincial industrial development strategy (to be facilitated by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism). Sectoral Strategy 19: Provincial renewable energy strategy (to be facilitated by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism). Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 6

14 C1 LAND-USE PLANNING DIRECTIVES C1.1 OBJECTIVES The key objectives of the PSDF as it relates to spatial planning are to integrate and standardise planning at all spheres of government in the province with specific reference to the following: a) Supporting the district and local municipalities in the preparation of their SDFs prepared in terms of the Northern Cape Planning and Development Act 7 of 1998, the Local Government Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000, and the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Bill (2011). Specific reference is made to: (i) Facilitating the land-use classification of the entire land surface of the province in a standard format in accordance with a set of dedicated Spatial Planning Categories (SPCs). (ii) Describing the existing and desired future spatial patterns that provide for integrated, efficient and sustainable settlements throughout the province. b) Guiding the investment of public resources through the following: (i) Providing a credible context for public investments in the coming years. (ii) Promoting rational and equitable development of areas that have lagged behind. (iii) Providing certainty to all stakeholders regarding spatial and socio-economic (iv) implications of future development in the Northern Cape. Providing a basis for co-ordinated decision-making and policy-formulation regarding future land-use. c) Facilitating cross-boundary co-operation and co-ordination between district and local municipalities, adjoining provinces, and bordering countries as it relates to issues that are of mutual interest for their respective areas of jurisdiction (refer to inter alia issues pertaining to land-use, biodiversity conservation, and resource utilisation). C1.2 SPATIAL PLANNING CATEGORIES In order to give effect to the conceptual spatial vision cited in Chapter C2.1 a composite plan was prepared for the province in accordance with six SPCs. These SPCs were formulated in terms of the bioregional planning principles and collectively illustrate the desired matrix of land-uses throughout the province. Figure 4: Spatial Planning Categories applicable to the PSDF. The land-use classification is based upon UNESCO s biosphere reserve zoning model as advocated by the MaB Programme. South Africa s endorsement of the MaB Programme and the adoption of Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 7

15 a bioregional planning approach imply that the said model should logically be applied. The model provides for three broad land-use categories, i.e. a core conservation area (SPC A), a conservationfocussed buffer area (SPC B) and a transition area (SPC C-F). Figure 5: Land-use classification model adopted for the Northern Cape. Definition of Buffer and Transition Zone The term Buffer Zone was derived from the bioregional planning approach and the supporting international land-use programmes and agreements (refer specifically to UNESCO s MaB Programme). It consists of SPC B Areas and certain SPC C Areas (Agriculture). It serves as a buffer between SPC A (Core Conservation Areas) and the intensive land-uses that typically characterise the Transition Zone (i.e. SPC D, E, F and G). SPC B provides an appropriate interim classification for conservation-worthy areas that do not have statutory protection, including ecological corridors, Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs), irreplaceable habitats and major wetland and catchment systems. The term Transition Zone was also drawn from the bioregional planning approach. It refers to those areas where the main consumptive land-uses occur, including settlement development, industry, mining, and other disruptive land-uses that represent the bulk of the economic activities of the province. In this zone, local communities, management agencies, scientists, nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), cultural groups, economic interest groups and other stakeholders should be working together to manage and develop the area's resources in a sustainable manner. C1.3 POLICY The following policy guidelines apply: a) Land-use planning (i.e. the drafting of SDFs) must be undertaken in terms of the bioregional planning approach. b) Detailed land-use planning at the district and the local municipal sphere is to be undertaken in accordance with the guidelines put forward in the PSDF. c) Land-use planning at all spheres is to be supported by a standard Spatial Planning Information System (SPISYS). d) Any land-use amendment has to conform to the PSDF. This means that the relevant organs of state must take account of, and apply relevant provisions of the PSDF when making decisions that affect the use of land and other resources. e) The PSDF does not create, or take away, land-use rights. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 8

16 f) The PSDF is to be applied in a flexible and pragmatic manner that focuses on promoting a developmental state and which takes into account the merits and particular circumstances of each case as required by law (i.e. through an Environmental Impact Assessment undertaken in terms of the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998). g) No land-use changes may be approved until the parameters of the SPCs applicable to the subject area have been verified and ground-truthed through a detailed site analysis. This is to be undertaken by the proponent of the land-use change. h) The SPC designation illustrated by the municipal SDFs must be used as a criterion for evaluation of rezoning and development applications. In the case where an application is inconsistent with relevant SPC, or where it implies a change of SPC designation, the onus will be on the applicant to prove that the proposed change is desirable and that it will not have a significant detrimental impact on the environment. i) Existing Zoning Scheme Regulations must be amended, where possible, to accommodate the SPCs and their applications. j) The guidelines put forward in Table C1 below are to be applied in all spatial planning. Table C1: Development guidelines in accordance with the SPCs. E F Full spectrum of industrial developments required by the economic sectors. All surface infrastructure and buildings that are required for sustainable socioeconomic development and resource use. C1.4 SPATIAL PLANNING INFORMATION SYSTEM SPC TYPE OF DEVELOPMENT CONDITION A No development allowed. B a) Resort development. b) Infrastructure required for research. a) To be changed to SPC D, depending on the proposed type of development. b) Must be undertaken in accordance with site-specific design and planning guidelines (refer to Chapter C6). C a) Agricultural development and a) To be changed to SPC D, depending on the infrastructure required for extensive and intensive agricultural land-uses. proposed type of development. b) Must be undertaken in accordance with b) Resort development on game farms. site-specific design and planning c) Agricultural industry. guidelines. D All urban-related developments. Must be undertaken in accordance with sitespecific design and planning guidelines. a) Must be undertaken in accordance with site-specific design and planning guidelines. b) All industrial activities must be regulated and managed in accordance with sustainability standards (e.g. ISO 14001). a) Must be undertaken in accordance with site-specific design and planning guidelines. b) All industrial activities must be regulated and managed in accordance with sustainability standards (e.g. ISO 14001). A key dimension of land-use management as contemplated by the PSDF and the associated package of municipal SDFs and other land-use policy is a comprehensive Spatial Planning Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 9

17 Information System (SPISYS). The purpose of such system is to facilitate land-use planning and governance throughout the province in terms of standard formats and procedures. The Northern Cape SPISYS is an information system comprising an integrated set of components for collecting, storing and processing data and for delivering information, knowledge and digital products. It combines hardware, software, infrastructure and trained personnel organised to facilitate effective land-use planning throughout the province though the implementation of the SPCs and Sub-Categories. It provides for the standardisation of spatial data in a coherent manner to promote the utilisation of spatial information for all applicable end-users. The implementation of GIS software will ensure geo-referencing, standardisation, and coordination of spatial data in digital format. C1.4.1 POLICY The policy in respect of developing and implementing an effective SPISYS is as follows: a) A SPISYS must be developed and implemented as part of the PSDF and all municipal SDFs. b) Dedicated personnel must be appointed by municipalities for managing the SPISYS, programming and data management. These personnel must have access to the necessary hardware and software to run the system effectively. c) To ensure effective functioning of the SPISYS, data must be exchangeable throughout the various spheres of government. This will lead to efficiency, longevity and reliability of the data and the system. d) The SPISYS should conform to the following requirements: (i) Providing information that is easy to use and maintain by authorities. (ii) Providing fast, but accurate results. (iii) Centralising and standardising applications and procedures. (iv) Aligning applications and procedures with the SPCs and Sub-Categories. (v) Providing relevant departments with shared access to the same up-to-date data. (vi) Providing an improved service to the community. (vii) Serving public interest by making relevant information accessible. C2 COMPOSITE SPATIAL PLAN FOR THE NORTHERN CAPE The spatial vision for the Northern Cape is depicted by the Composite Spatial Plan (Plan C1) put forward in Chapter C2.3. This plan serves as a first level broad guide to land-use throughout the province. The plan constitutes the following: a) Conceptual spatial vision in accordance with the bioregional planning principles. b) Layering of the spatial plans that have been articulated for the various SPCs and/or sectors. c) Collation of all spatial data. C2.1 THE CONCEPT Essentially, the purpose of the PSDF is to create an environment that is conducive to economic, social and ecological sustainability and prosperity. Accordingly, the spatial vision for the Northern Cape for the following 30 years comprises the following: It envisages the province in an appropriate international, national and provincial context which recognises the province as a key component of the biosphere due to its inherent comparative and competitive advantages. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 10

18 It constitutes a coherently structured matrix of sustainable land-use zones that collectively support a dynamic provincial economy vested in the primary economic sectors, in particular, mining, agriculture, tourism, and the energy industry. The matrix comprises the following (Figure 6 illustrates the conceptual matrix of land-uses): a) Natural resource areas and critical biodiversity areas connected through a network of functional ecological corridors. b) Productive agricultural regions pivoting around the core agricultural resources. c) A coherent hierarchy of viable and appropriately-governed human settlements bordered by appropriate bioregional parameters. d) The settlements are to be clustered in close proximity to the primary economic development corridors supported by adequate bulk services and linked by an efficient transportation network to the global, national and neighbouring provincial economies. In context and in compliance with the above concept, the vision for the respective comparative and competitive economic advantages of the province and the various forms of capital and associated land-uses are collated and synthesised into a composite long-term visionary plan for the province (refer to Chapter C2.3). Figure 6: Conceptual spatial vision Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 11

19 C2.2 LAYERING OF SPC AND/OR SECTORAL SPATIAL PLANS The spatial plans for the six SPCs and/or sectors were overlayed to form the Composite Spatial Plan (Plan C1). The sectoral spatial plans are premised upon the baseline maps put forward in Section B and incorporate the interventions proposed by the PGDS, the sectoral strategies, and the input received from the stakeholders that participated in the drafting of the PSDF. The relevant spatial plans are: Plan C2: Spatial plan for UNESCO biosphere reserves in the Northern Cape (refer to Page 18). Plan C3: Spatial plan for the Northern Cape as a pivot between surrounding provinces and countries (refer to Page 20). Map C1: Conceptual bioregional borders for the Northern Cape (refer to Page 22). Plan C4: Spatial plan for SPC A and SPC B areas, i.e. protected and conservation-worthy land that is essential for environmental integrity and human well-being (refer to Page 31). Plan C5: Spatial plan for SPC C areas, i.e. agricultural land which constitutes the resource base for the agricultural sector (refer to Page 39). Plan C6: Spatial Plan for SPC D, i.e. indicating urban areas categorised in terms of their relative levels of human need and economic potential and, in particular, the investment typology required and proposed (refer to Page 51). Plan C7: Spatial plan for SPC E, i.e. industrial areas. This refers to, in particular, the development corridors where the main mining, industrial and energy sectors are concentrated. Economic development focal areas including potential industrial development nodes are indicated (refer to Page 54). Plan C8: Spatial plan for SPC F, i.e. bulk services, main access routes, and infrastructure required to sustain the economic sectors that support the economy of the province (refer to Page 64). C2.3 COMPOSITE SPATIAL PLAN FOR THE NORTHERN CAPE The spatial vision for the Northern Cape is depicted by the composite spatial plan below (Plan C1). Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 12

20 Plan C1: Northern Cape Composite Spatial Plan. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 13

21 C2.4 OBJECTIVES, POLICY AND PRIORITISED STRATEGIES FOR GIVING EFFECT TO THE PROVINCIAL SPATIAL VISION Chapters C3 to C10 collectively address the key aspects, sectoral issues and proposed PGDS interventions through which the spatial vision for the Northern Cape (as illustrated by Plan C1) is to be manifested. The figure below summarises the structure and content of the chapters. C2.4.1 PRIORITISATION OF STRATEGIES CHAPTER STRUCTURE AND CONTENT 1. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE 2. OBJECTIVES 3. POLICY 4. PRIORITISED STRATEGIES & IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES 4.1 Number 4.2 Description 4.3 Responsible Institution 4.4 Priority 5. SPATIAL PLAN Figure 7: Structure and content of Chapters C3 to C10. The strategies and projects listed in Chapters C3 to C10 have been prioritised in terms of the following criteria and principles: a) Location of the strategy or project in context of Plan C1. Strategies and projects located within the priority areas for conservation, intensive agriculture, urban and rural development and industrial development are considered to be of High Priority. b) Location of the strategy or project in context of the Plans C2 to C8 put forward in Chapters C3 to C10. c) Need and desirability and potential contribution of the strategy or project to the enhancement of the relevant sector or key issue. d) PGDS strategic interventions. e) Input received during the stakeholder participation process. The prioritisation provides for 3-5 year capital expenditure programmes that inform the annual capital and operations budget allocations of the province (refer to Chapter 15(3)(b) of the Northern Cape Planning and Development Act). Accordingly, the following criteria apply: High priority implies immediate implementation (i.e. within 1 to 3 years). Medium Priority implies implementation within 4 to 6 years. Low Priority implies implementation within 7 to 10 years. The application of the above criteria and principles largely negates the possibility of subjective prioritisation. The priority ratings put forward in Chapters C3 to C10 are subject to annual revision by the HOD Forum in accordance with the principles and guidelines for institutional integration, integrated development planning and co-operative governance cited in Chapter A5.1. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 14

22 C3 MANAGING THE NORTHERN CAPE AS PART OF THE GLOBAL BIOSPHERE C3.1 GIVING EFFECT TO INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS The South African Government is a signatory to a number of international protocols, conventions and agreements pertaining to the above aspects. Consequently, all spheres of government (including the Northern Cape, and its district municipalities and local municipalities) are obliged to adopt and give effect to these protocols, conventions and agreements. C3.1.1 OBJECTIVES The key objectives are to: a) Give effect to the international sustainability obligations placed on the Northern Cape Government by virtue of the protocols, conventions and agreements endorsed by the South African Government on behalf of the country. b) Obtain the highest international recognition for globally-unique natural manifestations in the province. c) Implement and reap the benefit vested in international programmes promoting environmental sustainability through integrated land-use planning. d) Adopt a global programme of international scientific co-operation dealing with peopleenvironment interactions over the entire realm of bioclimatic and geographic situations of the biosphere. e) Create a more efficient premise for joint research, information management and investment facilitation between neighbouring countries of Namibia and Botswana. f) Adopt a strategy, supplementary to SKEP (Succulent Karoo Ecosystem Plan), to involve the international community, decision-makers and local people in research projects, training and demonstration at the field level, and the bringing together of disciplines from the social, biological and physical sciences in addressing complex environmental problems. C3.1.2 POLICY a) The Northern Cape is not an island isolated from its surroundings it is an integral part of the global biosphere of which the cultural, social and economic functions are uniquely interdependent. The status of the Northern Cape as a unique entity is to be enhanced and maintained through efficient land-use management as provided for in this PSDF. b) Compliance with the strategies listed in Chapter C3.1.3 is mandatory and is to be given effect through the municipal SDFs. c) In particular, effect is to be given to the eight Millennium Development Goals, i.e: (i) Eradication of extreme poverty and hunger. (ii) Achievement of universal primary education. (iii) Promotion of gender equality and empower women. (iv) Reduction of child mortality. (v) Improvement of maternal health. (vi) Combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases. (vii) Ensuring environmental sustainability. (viii) Establishment of a global partnership for development. d) The Northern Cape supports and strives to give effect to the protocols, agreements and conventions listed below: (i) United Nations Millennium Development Goals. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 15

23 (ii) Rio +20 on Sustainable Development. (iii) Agenda 21. (iv) Local Agenda 21. (v) UNESCO s World Heritage Convention. (vi) Convention on Biological Diversity. (vii) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. (viii) Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change. (ix) United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. (x) New Partnership for Africa s Development (NEPAD). (xi) Ramsar Convention. (xii) Orange-Senqu River Commission. (xiii) SKA agreement. C3.1.3 PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES NUMBER DESCRIPTION RESPONSIBLE INSTITUTION C3.1.3(a) Implement UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MaB) Office of the Programme as an overarching strategy to give Premier effect to the policy cited under Chapter C3.1.4 with specific reference to the Implementation of international protocols, agreements and conventions. C3.1.3(b) Prepare and implement a comprehensive climate Department of neutrality strategy that is to be implemented Environment and through all development projects, and which Nature Conservation could subsidise sustainability programmes with the aid of international and national funding institutions. C3.1.4 PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES FOR THE MAB PROGRAMME PRIORITY The over-arching goal of the PSDF is to promote sustainable development throughout the Northern Cape. It is generally accepted that UNESCO s Man and the Biosphere (MaB) Programme provides an ideal framework for achieving this objective. The MaB Programme is supported by a host of institutions that could lend financial and/or logistical support. The strategies, programmes and projects proposed by the PSDF are generally aligned with and give effect to the goals of the MaB Programme and, accordingly, qualify for support from the relevant institutions, including the following: Conservation International. Development Bank of Southern Africa. Global Environmental Facility. International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Smithsonian Institute. Third World Academy of Sciences. World Bank. World Resources Institute. World Wide Fund for Nature. High High Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 16

24 The World Network of Biosphere Reserves provides an ideal platform for implementing the MaB Programme in defined areas and for creating partnerships for knowledge-sharing, research and monitoring, education and training, and participatory decision-making. Biosphere reserves are defined as areas of terrestrial and coastal/marine ecosystems or a combination thereof, which are internationally recognised within the framework of UNESCO s MaB Programme. The main objective of biosphere reserves is to promote and test innovative approaches to the sustainable development challenge. This structural framework, to promote sustainable development, is a unique asset of biosphere reserves. Biosphere reserves are intended to fulfil three basic functions, which are complementary and mutually reinforcing, namely: Conservation function - to contribute to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation. Development function - to foster economic and human development which is socioculturally and ecologically sustainable. Logistical support function - to provide support for research, monitoring, education and information exchange related to local, national and global issues of conservation and development. Key guidelines as it relates to the biosphere reserve concept are to: a) Plan and manage the entire province as a biosphere reserve (i.e. through the bioregional planning approach described in Chapter A4). b) Identify, plan and apply to UNESCO for the listing of key areas of the Northern Cape on the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (refer to the spatial plan under Chapter C3.1.5). c) Collaborate with Namibia with regard to a trans-border biosphere reserve in the Richtersveld/Fish River Conservation Area. d) Collaborate with Botswana with regard to a trans-border biosphere reserve over the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. C3.1.5 SPATIAL PLAN FOR DESIGNATED BIOSPHERE RESERVES The designated biosphere reserves proposed in the Northern Cape are depicted by the spatial plan below (Plan C2). Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 17

25 Plan C2: Spatial plan for designated biosphere reserves in the Northern Cape. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 18

26 C3.2 NORTHERN CAPE IN A SOUTHERN AFRICAN CONTEXT C3.2.1 OBJECTIVES a) Enhance the pivotal functions of the Northern Cape as a vital linkage between the remainder of South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. b) Enhance the comparative economic advantages vested in being a linkage between provinces and countries. C3.2.2 POLICY a) Transport linkages within the province must be of a high standard. b) Tourist amenities and the services presented to tourists must be of a high standard and must reflect the sense of place qualities of the Northern Cape. c) The Northern Cape must provide high-quality education and training that would attract students from neighbouring countries and provinces and prevent students from migrating from the province. d) The Northern Cape will give effect to agreements between South Africa and Namibia. C3.2.3 PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES NUMBER DESCRIPTION RESPONSIBLE PRIORITY INSTITUTION C3.2.3(a) Implement the SKA project as planned in Department of High collaboration with the designated partners and Economic institute a programme to unlock the economic Development and multipliers and synergies vested in the project. Tourism C3.2.3(b) Enhance the use of Upington as a cargo hub and Department of High international access point for southern Namibia Roads and Public and southern Botswana. Works C3.2.3(c) Promote development of tourism-related High amenities and activities along the main routes through the province. C3.2.3(d) Establish a university at Kimberley with a satellite Department of High campus in Upington to serve the central regions of the Northern Cape, Namibia and southern Botswana. Education C3.2.3(e) Upgrade the access roads to the Kgalagadi Department of High Transfrontier Park. Roads and Public Works C3.2.3(f) Enhance opportunities and amenities for the Municipalities and High international vehicle testing industry. Department Roads and Public Works Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 19

27 C3.2.4 SPATIAL PLAN FOR THE NORTHERN CAPE AS A PIVOTAL PART OF SOUTHERN AFRICA Plan C3: Spatial plan for the Northern Cape as a pivot between surrounding provinces and countries. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 20

28 C3.3 INTERROGATING PROVINCIAL BIOREGIONAL BORDERS C3.3.1 OBJECTIVES a) Determine evident discrepancies that need to be rectified through demarcation or collaborative management. b) Identify areas requiring co-operation between the Northern Cape and the adjoining countries and provinces and between the various district municipalities (i.e. overlapping areas where existing boundaries do not correspond with bioregional parameters). Identify the biological diversity elements of national, regional and local significance, the extent to which they need to be protected, and the extent to which they already occur in protected areas. c) Identify the major activities taking place within the province and in adjoining regions and analyse how these may adversely affect the region s biological diversity. C3.3.2 POLICY The demarcation of the Northern Cape and the adjoining provinces was not necessarily based upon the applicable social and economic criteria and the biophysical, topographical boundaries, which form the parameters of the places people call home. The following policy therefore applies: a) Establish bioregional planning units that recognise regional environmental characteristics, that are based on environmental parameters, and that take account of productive uses and the identity and needs of human communities. b) Treat each region as an integrated system, taking into account the interactions among and between land, air, water, organisms and human activities. c) Ensure that the planning of the region is always considered in context of the whole. C3.3.3 PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES NUMBER DESCRIPTION RESPONSIBLE INSTITUTION C3.3.3(a) Address anomalies existing in the common Department of borders between the Northern Cape and the Cooperative neighbouring provinces (refer to Map C1). These Governance, Human are to be addressed through a detailed inquiry Settlements and and rectified through cooperative agreements or Traditional Affairs delineation of the borders at the level of the (COGHSTA). municipal SDFs. Specific reference is made to: a) Western Cape, i.e. in the vicinity of Bitterfontein, Sutherland, Nelspoort/Drie Susters. b) Eastern Cape, i.e. in the vicinity of Middelburg/Noupoort. c) North West, i.e. as it relates to the Phokwane Local Municipality and Joe Morolong Municipality. PRIORITY High Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 21

29 Map C1: Conceptual bioregional borders for the Northern Cape compared with the existing administrative borders. C3.4 DETERMINING CONCEPTUAL BIOREGIONS Existing statutory planning processes do not necessarily provide for effective integration of administrative, biophysical, and topographical boundaries, which form the essence of the places people call home. Furthermore, no allowance is generally made for matching the parameters of a particular ecosystem (or ecosystems) within a specific geographical space with the human settlement patterns that occur within that space. Bioregions can fill this gap and are, therefore, especially well suited for inter- and intra-district and local municipal planning, and provincial and national co-ordination. The unique ecological, cultural, social and economical characteristics and components of each bioregion co-exist and function in an integrated, and often complex, manner. For bioregions to be optimally effective in terms of their community-supporting functions it is of paramount importance that this symbiosis of bioregional characteristics and functions be maintained and that bioregions must, as far as possible, not be fragmented by political boundaries. They should be maintained and governed as distinct units. In this regard, it is imperative that no bioregion, or any land unit, should be seen as an island in isolation from its surroundings. Each unit is an important part of the broader region within which it is situated, and the mutual relationships and linkages between adjacent units must be understood and applied when delimiting and managing these units. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 22

30 C3.4.1 OBJECTIVES a) Delineate bioregions as a basis for the preparation of municipal SDFs. b) Identify priority areas for biological diversity conservation and for ecologically sustainable use, and their relationship to essential community requirements, such as the development of bulk infrastructure, urban and industrial areas. c) Formulate co-ordinating mechanisms to ensure sustainable use of biological resources, with particular reference to agricultural lands, catchments and fisheries. d) Incorporate flexibility, to allow for changes in land-uses of particular locations, and to accommodate improvements in knowledge and management techniques and changes in institutional arrangements. C3.4.2 POLICY a) The bioregions and their component neighbourhood areas of the province must form the planning units for the preparation of IDPs and SDFs. b) The various municipalities must facilitate the delimitation of the bioregions and neighbourhood areas of their areas of jurisdiction as a fundamental part of the preparation of their IDPs and SDFs. c) Bioregional planning units must recognise regional environmental, social and economic characteristics and take account of productive uses and the identity and needs of human communities. d) Bioregional boundaries should define geographical spaces that contain one whole, or several nested ecosystems characterised by landforms, vegetative cover, human culture and history as identified by local communities, governments and scientists. e) Consider people as an integral part of the system and evaluate the social, economic, environmental, technical and political factors, which will influence the manner in which they use natural resources. C3.4.3 PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES Much of the Northern Cape is relatively monotonous as it relates to topography and the occurrence of major geographical manifestations. It is therefore not possible to identify the bioregions of the province accurately on the scale of the PSDF. Detail boundaries should therefore be determined at the level of the district and local municipalities (i.e. as part of the municipal SDFs). Based on the available indices, a conceptual provincial bioregional plan was prepared to provide authorities and planners with a framework for the required detailed bioregional delimitation. Map C2 illustrates the conceptual bioregions. NUMBER DESCRIPTION RESPONSIBLE INSTITUTION C3.4.3(a) Facilitate detailed delimitation of the bioregions District & local and neighbourhood areas as a fundamental part municipalities of the preparation of the municipal IDPs and SDFs. Such delimitation is to be undertaken in accordance with the delimitation methodology described in. PRIORITY High Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 23

31 C3.4.3(b) Adopt bioregions and component neighbourhood areas as planning units for the preparation of IDPs and SDFs. High Map C2: Conceptual bioregions of the Northern Cape. C4 MANAGING SPC A AND SPC B AREAS: THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT The Biodiversity Policy and Strategy (DEAT, July 1997) provides for the conservation and sustainable use of the country s rich biological diversity. Of particular relevance are the following aims of the Biodiversity Policy: (a) Conserve the diversity of landscapes, ecosystems, habitats, communities, populations, species and genes in South Africa, through the following: (i) Establishing and managing a representative and effective system of protected areas. (ii) Promoting environmentally sound and sustainable development in areas adjacent to, or within, protected areas, with a view to furthering protection of these areas. (b) Use biological resources sustainably and minimise adverse impacts on biological diversity, through: (i) Integrating biodiversity considerations into land-use planning procedures and environmental assessments. According to the Northern Cape State of the Environment Report (2004), a rational and consolidated system of formally protected areas is essential to ensure effective conservation of biodiversity. Current trends indicate that a systems approach to conservation is more effective than designing conservation efforts around protecting individual species (DEAT, 2001). Such an approach is effective if the designated protected areas are located in areas that contribute to the representation of the local/regional biodiversity (Margules and Pressey, 2000). In South Africa the Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 24

32 existing protected area system poorly represents biodiversity patterns and processes. As many as 50 of South Africa s 68 vegetation types are less than 10% conserved. C4.1 SPC A: CORE CONSERVATION AREA SPC A areas constitute sites of high conservation importance including terrestrial land, aquatic systems (rivers, wetlands and estuaries) and marine areas (beach or rocky headlands). Due to their highly irreplaceable status such areas should be protected from change or restored to their former level of ecological functioning. Such SPC A areas are a natural resource (capital) of international, national and provincial significance (refer, for example to the international status of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and the Richtersveld Botanical and Landscape World Heritage Site which is the core of the Succulent Karoo Biodiversity Hotspot) within which the natural environment is able to provide a range of ecosystem services essential for sustainable life on earth. The integrity of the SPC A areas is therefore an imperative for the long-term future of the Northern Cape. C4.1.1 DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE SUB-CATEGORY CATEGORY A: CORE AREAS DESCRIPTION A.a A.a.1 Statutory Protected Areas Areas designated in terms of legislation for biodiversity conservation, defined categories of outdoor recreation and non-consumptive resource use. Conservation purposes are purposes normally or reasonably associated with, the use of land for the protection of the natural and/or built environment, including the protection of the physical, ecological, cultural and historical characteristics of land against undesirable change (adapted from Spatial Planning and Land-use Management Bill, 2011). Wilderness Areas (declared in terms of NEMPA 2 57 of 2003) Areas characterised by their intrinsically wild and pristine appearance and character, or that are capable of being restored to such, and which are undeveloped, without permanent improvements or human habitation. Such areas are declared to: a) protect and maintain the natural character of the environment, biodiversity resources, associated natural and cultural resources ; b) provide environmental goods and services; c) provide outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive outdoor experiences; and d) provide controlled access to those who understand and appreciate wilderness, and those who wish to develop such an understanding. Special Nature Reserves (declared in terms of NEMPA 57 of 2003) Areas characterised by sensitive, ecologically outstanding ecosystems or natural A.a.2 habitats, natural communities, populations or species, or unique geological or biophysical features conserved primarily for scientific research, educational and limited nature-based recreational purposes. A.a.3 National Parks (declared in terms of NEMPA 57 of 2003) 2 National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act 57 of Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 25

33 A.a.4 A.a.5 A.a.6 A.a.7 Designated to protect areas of national or international biodiversity importance; or containing a representative sample of South Africa s natural systems, scenic areas or cultural heritage sites; or the ecological integrity of one or more ecosystems. National parks provide spiritual, scientific, educational, recreational and tourism-related opportunities which are mutually and environmentally compatible and can contribute to local and regional economic development. Nature Reserves, including provincial, local authority and registered private nature reserves (declared in terms of NEMPA 57 of 2003) Areas of significant ecological, biophysical, historical, or archaeological interest or that are in need of long-term protection for the maintenance of its biodiversity or for the provision of environmental goods and services. Nature reserves are declared to: a) supplement the systems of wilderness areas and national parks in South Africa; b) sustainably provide natural products and services to local communities; c) enable the continuation of traditional resource uses; and d) provide nature-based recreational and tourism opportunities. Protected Environments (declared in terms of NEMPA 57 of 2003) Areas may be declared as a protected environment to: a) Conserve the area as a buffer zone for the protection of a wilderness area, special natural reserve, national park, world heritage site or nature reserve. b) Enable owners of land to take collective action to conserve biodiversity on their land and to seek legal recognition for such actions. c) Protect the area if it is sensitive to development due to its Biological diversity; Natural, cultural, historical, archaeological or geological value; Scenic and landscape value; or Provision of environmental goods and services. d) Protect a specific ecosystem outside of a wilderness area, special nature reserve, natural park, world heritage site. e) Ensure that the use of natural resources is sustainable. f) Control change in land-use if the area is earmarked for declaration as, or inclusion in, a wilderness area, national park or nature reserve. Forest Wilderness Areas / Forest Nature Reserves (in terms of Section 8[1] of National Forests Act 84 of 1998) Declared forest wilderness areas and forest nature reserves include: a) natural forests, i.e. tract of indigenous trees whose crowns are largely contiguous and which comprise all other floral and faunal forest elements; b) woodlands, i.e. a group of indigenous trees which are not a natural forest, but whose crowns cover more than 5% of the area bounded by the trees forming the perimeter of the group; and c) natural habitats or ecosystem components. Marine Protected Areas (declared in terms of Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998) Areas declared as a marine protected area: a) For the protection of communities, populations or species of fauna and the biophysical features on which they depend; b) To facilitate fishery management by protecting spawning stock, allowing stock recovery, enhancing stock abundance in adjacent areas, and providing pristine communities for research; or c) To mitigate any conflict that may arise from competing uses in that area. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 26

34 A.a.8 A.a.9 World Heritage Sites (declared in terms of the World Heritage Convention Act 49 of 1999) Cultural or natural areas that has been: a) Included on the World Heritage List, or the tentative list of the Republic, and has been proclaimed as a World Heritage Site, or b) Proclaimed to be a special heritage site for management in accordance with the Act (such areas cannot be referred to as a World Heritage Site). Mountain Catchment Areas (declared in terms of the Mountain Catchment Areas Act 63 of 1970) Areas declared as mountain catchment areas that provide for the conservation, use, management and control of such land. C4.1.2 OBJECTIVES a) Create representative core conservation areas in all biomes, centres of endemism and in the coastal zone. b) Facilitate SPC A status for all Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) through innovative publicprivate partnerships. c) Manage SPC A areas as: (i) Benchmarks ( a base-datum of normality or naturalness ) or as standards for environmental health and self-sustaining ecosystems. (ii) Secure refugia for source populations and biodiversity. (iii) Sites where natural processes can continue without human interference. (iv) Sites providing opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined types of recreation. (v) Sites containing ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic, historical or cultural value. (vi) Sites providing ecosystem functions, including the provision of a clean water from catchments, serving as carbon sinks, etc. C4.1.3 POLICY a) The highest statutory protection must be afforded to SPC A areas. b) Only non-consumptive activities are permitted, for example, passive outdoor recreation and tourism, traditional ceremonies (e.g. at grave sites), research and environmental education. c) SPC A areas representative of coastal ecosystems, and typical of the various sectors of the coastal zone, and/or areas of high aesthetic value, must be identified in the municipal SDFs and their protection ensured by the relevant authorities. d) Where such pristine areas are in state control (e.g. the Admiralty Reserve), they should be conserved in Provincial Nature Reserves or National Parks (Category A.b), and if in private ownership, should be conserved in Special Management Areas or Natural Heritage Sites (Category A.b). e) Aesthetically prominent natural features or areas should be declared Protected Natural Environments if such declaration would promote natural scenic beauty or biodiversity. No development must be allowed in proclaimed Protected Natural Environments. f) Important cultural-historic or archaeological sites, including sites of wrecks are protected in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999 and must be entered into a National Registry of conservation-worthy immovable property, to facilitate their Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 27

35 protection. Future planning and development that could affect such sites would then be controlled by the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) and the relevant local government authority. g) The provisions of the Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998 with respect to controlling the harvesting of marine organisms, allowable catches, the prohibition of certain fishing methods and the use of certain equipment, must be strictly enforced. h) Marine Protected Areas, established in terms of the Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998, must be expanded as far as possible to promote the replenishment or enhancement of the populations of marine species in adjacent utilisation areas (Marine Protected Areas are vital for restocking utilised resources by offering safe spawning and nursery habitats to fish and other organisms). i) A system of protected areas must be established throughout the province in accordance with the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act 24 of Such a system should radiate out from core reserves, and should be connected through a network of ecological corridors and buffer zones where people pursue livelihoods subject to an agreed-upon system of values and environmental ethics. j) The system of protected nature areas must cover SPC A areas (refer specifically to those areas that have a high intrinsic and systemic value) in order to: (i) Provide a benchmark for environmental health and self-sustaining ecosystems. (ii) Provide secure refugia for source populations and biodiversity. (iii) Allow natural processes to continue without human interference. (iv) Contain ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic, historical or cultural value. k) The protected nature area system must comply with the following criteria: (i) (ii) It should transect the bioregions from low-to-high elevation, terrestrial, freshwater, marine systems, wetlands, rivers, and other ecosystem types, as well as the full range of climate, soil types, geology, etc. It should be large enough to provide functional habitats for the indigenous organisms that inhabit them. Where necessary, they should be rehabilitated and critical keystone species should be re-introduced. They should be large enough to support natural disturbance regimes such as natural wildfires, floods, and storms that play a critical role in their dynamics. In order to provide evolutionary continuity, such disturbance regimes should either occur naturally, or be carefully mimicked through management interventions. (iii) It should include representation from all levels of biodiversity, including populations, species, and landscapes. (iv) It should include terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. l) The system of protected areas must be managed in a manner that honours long-standing, benign uses by local people for whom the system should include places of spiritual and cultural renewal. m) Proposals for new reserves must be scientifically defensible. In this regard, the establishment of protected areas must be based upon scientific information indicating the irreplaceability of habitats or broad habitat units, as provided by inter alia SKEP. Such information must also form a fundamental element of any SDFs so as to ensure that the designation of SPC A and B areas contributes effectively to the establishment of an appropriate system of protected nature areas. n) The management plans for a protected area system must make provision for the following: Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 28

36 (i) (ii) (iii) Effective integration of reserves with their surrounding environments, which could be achieved through the establishment of Special Management Areas and/or Stewardship agreements. Appropriate management of ecological corridors that link the statutory conservation areas. Appropriate management of private land that forms part of the ecological corridors and sustainable use of resources, to be achieved through inter alia the establishment of Special Management Areas and/or Stewardship agreements. C4.1.4 PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES NUMBER DESCRIPTION RESPONSIBLE PRIORITY INSTITUTION C4.1.4(a) Prepare a dedicated biodiversity conservation Department of High plan for the Northern Cape. Environment and Nature Conservation C4.1.4(b) Secure additional potential SPC A areas with the Medium aid of institutions such as the WWF, IUCN, SKEP and GEF. C4.1.4(c) Seek international recognition for SPC A areas in terms of, for example, the World Heritage Convention, Biodiversity Convention, UNESCO s MaB Programme, Ramsar Convention, etc. Medium C4.1.4(d) Establish a system of protected areas High incorporating the diverse coastal landscapes, ecosystems, habitats, communities, species, and culturally significant sites. The Special Management Area concept in combination with an efficient Stewardship agreement is to be implemented. C4.1.4(e) Conserve existing ecological corridors, and High consolidate and rehabilitate any remnants of corridors that link coastal ecosystems with one another and with terrestrial ecosystems. C4.1.4(f) Manage the coastal zone in accordance with the relevant legislation which provides for the following land-use zones (refer to Figure 8): High a) Coastal public property. b) Coastal protection zone. c) Coastal access land. d) Coastal waters. e) Coastal protected area. f) Special management areas. g) Coastal set-back lines. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 29

37 Figure 8: Zones for coastal management. C4.1.5 SPATIAL PLAN FOR SPC A AND SPC B AREAS: THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT The designated core conservation areas (SPC A) and natural buffer areas (SPC B) in the Northern Cape are depicted by the spatial plan below (Plan C4). Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 30

38 Plan C4: Spatial plan for SPC A and B areas in the Northern Cape. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 31

39 C4.2 SPC B: BUFFER AREA C4.2.1 DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE B.a B.a.1 B.a.2 B.b B.b.1 B.b.2 B.b.3 B.c B.c.1 B.c.2 Non-Statutory Conservation Areas CATEGORY B: BUFFER AREAS Areas voluntarily set aside by land owners and managed for conservation purposes in terms of the legislation applicable to the current zoning of such land and not in terms of dedicated conservation legislation. Contractual Conservation Areas Areas designated for conservation purposes in terms of an agreement with a conservation agency, or between landowners, a lease agreement, or a servitude. This category includes conservancies and biodiversity stewardship sites. Private conservation areas Areas zoned as private open space for the primary use of conservation. Also areas unofficially designated and managed for conservation purposes by the relevant land owner. Ecological Corridors Linkages between natural habitats or ecosystems that contribute to the connectivity of the latter and to the maintenance of associated natural processes. Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (FEPA) (in terms of National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas Project) Identified river and wetland FEPAs and fish support areas, including a generic buffer of 100m, measured from the top of bank of the river or the delineated riparian areas, whichever is larger, and measured from the outside edge of the wetland (Implementation Manual for Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas, Aug 2011). Rivers or riverbeds (incl. 32 m buffer) (in terms of NEMA) All other perennial and non-perennial rivers and wetlands, including a buffer of 32m based on the generic buffer width used for aquatic features in the Listing Notices of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010 (GN R544, GN R545 and GN R546). Other Natural Areas a) Sensitive Coastal Areas. b) Tracts of natural vegetation that form part of, or link ecosystem components (i.e. tracts of natural vegetation acting as a buffer zone between rivers located in FEPA Fish Support Areas and Fish Sanctuaries, and Category C and D areas). c) Any other natural areas that are conservation-worthy and which form linkages to natural areas within Category C and D areas. Urban Green Municipal open spaces that form in integral part of the urban Areas structure. Public Park Landscaped Areas C4.2.2 OBJECTIVES a) Create appropriate buffer areas around or adjacent to SPC A areas that protect the latter against consumptive or habitat-fragmenting land-use impacts. b) Create a continuous network of natural resources areas throughout the province that maintain ecological processes and provide ecosystem services (e.g. benefits that people Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 32

40 derive from ecosystems. In the Northern Cape, these include the provision of water, arable soil, disaster amelioration, recreational opportunities, etc.). C4.2.3 POLICY a) SPC B designation illustrates the following: (i) Extent of the area that contains conservation-worthy habitats or habitat units. (ii) Extent of land, which should, ideally, be rehabilitated to improve the quality of the natural landscape and/or to promote biodiversity conservation. b) SPC B.c and SPC B.d areas are primarily private property. The designation of SPC B.c and B.d areas does not imply that it is necessarily undesirable to undertake any development within such areas. Such designation is rather an indication that one must proceed with caution. c) SPC B.c and B.d provide an explanation of the nature and extent of the landscape characteristics of the particular area and present a basis for the evaluation of development proposals in proper context. SPC B.c designation, therefore, essentially represents an ideal, the achievement of which represents a challenge to the authorities, planners, developers and landowners. d) SPC B.c designation does not take away any of the landowner s rights, nor does it grant any rights. It merely indicates that the particular tract of land is of importance to biodiversity conservation and, consequently, to the well-being of the people of the area, and that due care should be taken in the management of the land. e) Only activities that have an acceptable ecological footprint are permitted in SPC B. Where applications are made for such developments the onus is on the applicant to prove the desirability and sustainability of the proposed development. f) Ribbon development along the coastline and riverbanks (refer specifically to the Orange River) outside the defined urban edge is prohibited. g) River bank development must be behind the ecological setback lines including flood and storm surge lines (1:50 year floodline for property boundaries and 1:100 years floodline for building footprint). h) Coastal resort development outside the urban edge must be nodal, and restricted to less sensitive areas (sensitive areas include frontal dunes systems, estuaries, mud flats, and wetlands). i) No development is permitted on open coastlines that are vulnerable to erosion, inlets that are susceptible to increased storm activity and river banks that are liable to flooding, and within coastal buffer zones and ecological setback lines in estuaries and below the 1:50 year floodline. j) Where such pristine areas are in state control (e.g. the Admiralty Zone), they should be conserved in Provincial Nature Reserves or National Parks (Category A.b), and if in private ownership, should be conserved in Special Management Areas or Natural Heritage Sites (Category A.b). k) Aesthetically prominent natural features or areas should be declared Protected Natural Environments if such declaration would promote natural scenic beauty or biodiversity. No development must be allowed in proclaimed Protected Natural Environments. l) Sensitive coastal areas must be kept free of permanent structures, and disruptive human activities. An ecological set-back study must be undertaken to determine the seaward limit for development (refer to Figure 8). m) In coastal SPC B areas development is prohibited in the following areas: (i) Geologically unstable sites, e.g. potential hill-slide or mud-slide sites, etc. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 33

41 (ii) Sites of karst topography (sinkholes) within ancient limestone/calcified sand dune areas or other unstable geological formations. (iii) Steep slopes (>1:4). (iv) Sites having a high water table or constituting an aquifer. (v) Sites within or near the littoral active zone of the sea, or constituting a fixed frontal dune, exposed inshore dune system, or a previously stabilised dune. (vi) Beaches and rocky shores. (vii) Sites below the high water mark. n) Any modification of an SPC B area is subject to an appropriate environmental off-set or quid pro quo. Such off-set could be in the form of other SPC B land being formally designated as SPC A, mitigation banking (i.e. putting an appropriate amount of monetary capital into a trust to fund conservation initiatives where required) and implementation of the SDI approach. C4.2.4 PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES NUMBER DESCRIPTION RESPONSIBLE INSTITUTION C4.2.4(a) Ensure appropriate management of SPC B areas Department of through ongoing application of the relevant Environment and legation e.g. CARA 3 and NEMA and compliance Nature Conservation monitoring. & Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. C4.2.4(b) Obtain statutory conservation status (i.e. SPC A designation for SPC A status) for designated SPC B areas (refer in particular to CBAs in private ownership) through the implementation of innovative strategies, such as the establishment of a Special Management Area. Such strategies in particular apply where approval for rezoning or development rights are applied for. C4.2.4(c) Prepare and implement a coastal setback policy and guideline. C4.2.4(d) Implement and maintain environmental education, awareness and voluntary activism. Fully implement the Environmental Sector Skills Plan (ESSP). C4.2.4(e) Establish Special Management Areas to promote sustainable land-use over a group of land units in terms of the following principles: a) Both public and private land can be declared a Special Management Area, and both natural, cultivated (i.e. farmland) and inhabited land can be included into a Special Management Area. PRIORITY High/ On-going High/ Ongoing High High/ Ongoing High/ Ongoing 3 Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act 43 of Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 34

42 b) The establishment of a Special Management Area can be required as a condition of approval where new or additional land-use rights or subdivision have been granted. As such, the establishment of a Special Management Area could be a viable mechanism for ensuring long-term environmental sustainability on the relevant property, as such presenting a positive precedent as is promoted by the Northern Cape Government. c) The Special Management Area is to be managed in accordance with an Environmental Management System (EMS) or an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) that conforms to international standards for environmental management (e.g. ISO ). d) The owner of the Special Management Area must establish a trust fund, which will ensure that the necessary financial resources are available for effective long-term management of the Special Management Area. C5 ENSURING SUSTAINABLE USE OF SPC C: AGRICULTURAL AREAS The protection and appropriate use of high potential agricultural land (in particular the areas along the Orange River, Vaal River and Harts River and those falling within the existing irrigation scheme areas) is of critical importance for sustainable economic growth and food security. High potential agricultural land in close proximity to settlements are often subjected to non-agricultural development pressure, while negative social impacts associated with such settlements often have a significant detrimental impact on the production potential of such land. It is therefore imperative that the highest priority be given to the protection of high potential agricultural land and that measures be instituted to create and maintain circumstances conducive to sustainable agriculture. C5.1 DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE CATEGORY C: AGRICULTURAL AREAS SUB-CATEGORY DESCRIPTION C.a Extensive agricultural areas Agricultural areas covered with natural vegetation, used for extensive agricultural enterprises, e.g. indigenous plant harvesting, extensive stock-farming, game-farming, eco-tourism. C.a.1 Bona-fide Game Farms C.a.2 Extensive Stock Farms C.b Intensive Agricultural areas used for intensive agricultural practices, e.g. crop 4 ISO (the International Organisation for Standardisation) is a world-wide federation of national standard bodies (ISO member bodies). Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 35

43 C.b.1 C.b.2 agricultural cultivation, citrus, lucern, dates, vineyards, intensive stock farming on areas pastures. Cultivated Areas Plantations and Woodlots. Plantations, i.e. group of trees cultivated for exploitation of the wood, bark, leaves or essential oils in the trees; forest produce, i.e. anything which appears or grows in such plantation including any living organisms and any product of it. C5.2 OBJECTIVES a) Develop the Northern Cape agricultural sector into a national and international asset. b) Develop and utilise the comparative economic advantages vested in agriculture. c) Protect high potential agricultural land from non-agricultural development. d) Utilise agricultural land in terms of the principles of sustainable agriculture. e) Utilise natural agricultural resources for the benefit of all (e.g. through partnerships). C5.3 POLICY The following policy pertaining to the protection and sustainable use of high potential agricultural land applies: a) High potential agricultural land must be excluded from non-agricultural development and must be appropriately utilised in accordance with sustainable agriculture principles. b) Land-users causing unacceptable degradation of the natural environment are responsible for rehabilitation of mismanaged natural agricultural resources. c) Agricultural activities must be monitored and regulated in terms of the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act 43 of In particular, restoration and reclamation of eroded land, control of the number of stock kept and the control of weeds and invader plants must be monitored. d) Any enhanced development rights on SPC C areas must be subject to the establishment of a Special Management Area where the ethos of sustainable agriculture is served in practice. e) Any non-agricultural development on a SPC C area is subject to an appropriate environmental off-set or quid pro quo. Such off-set could be in the form of designated SPC B land being formally designated as SPC A, or mitigation banking (i.e. putting an appropriate amount of monetary capital into a trust to fund conservation or social development initiatives where required) in accordance with the SDI approach. C5.4 PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES NUMBER DESCRIPTION RESPONSIBLE INSTITUTION C5.4(a) Give effect to the ideals of Agenda 21 pertaining Department of to the promotion of sustainable agriculture and Agriculture, Land rural development. In the United Nations Reform and Rural Document on Sustainable Development 5 it is Development stated that major adjustments are needed in agricultural, environmental and macro-economic PRIORITY High/ On-going 5 Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 36

44 policy, at both the national and the international level to create the conditions for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (SARD) 6. SARD promotes innovative education initiatives, utilization of economic incentives, and the development of appropriate new technologies. The primary goal is to ensure stable supplies of nutritionally adequate food, access to those supplies by vulnerable groups, production of highquality produce for markets, employment and income generation to alleviate poverty and inequality, and natural resource management and environmental protection. In particular, the focus should be on the following key areas of the SARD: a) Ensuring people's participation and promoting human resource development. b) Improving farm production and farming systems through diversification of farm and non-farm employment and infrastructure development. c) Land-resource planning information and education for agriculture. d) Land conservation and rehabilitation. e) Water for sustainable food production and sustainable rural development. f) Conservation and sustainable utilization of genetic plant resources. g) Integrated pest management and control. h) Rural energy transition to enhance productivity. C5.4(b) Consider the rezoning of low-potential agricultural land as a mechanism to promote sustainable economic development by unlocking the latent capital vested in non-agricultural uses through the Sustainable Development Initiative (SDI) approach. The outcomes of such SDIs could include: a) Providing landowners with opportunities to establish on-farm tourism-related facilities and amenities and other enterprises supportive of IDP objectives. b) Cross-subsidising lower-income housing and amenities in Category D.d and D.f areas. c) Facilitating the establishment and High/ Ongoing 6 The United Nations Document on Sustainable Development states that the priority must be on maintaining and improving the capacity of the higher potential agricultural lands to support an expanding population. However, conserving and rehabilitating the natural resources on lower potential lands in order to maintain sustainable human/land ratios is also necessary. The main tools of SARD are policy and agrarian reform, participation, income diversification, land conservation and improved management of inputs. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 37

45 C5.4(c) C5.4(d) C5.4(e) management of SPC A and B areas (i.e. core conservation areas, buffer areas, ecological corridors and rehabilitation areas). Encourage local processing of farm products and the provision of local farm services to enhance the rural economy, increase the viability of agricultural production and reduce rural poverty. Encourage bona fide game farms to combine their landholdings to create extensive SPC B areas that would support biodiversity conservation in a meaningful manner. Such areas should be managed as Special Management Areas. Undertake detailed farm planning in accordance with the standard SPC designation facilitating inter alia appropriate placement of infrastructure, protection of ecological corridors, and appropriate use of the various sections of the farm (refer to Figure 9). High/ Ongoing Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development & Department of Environment and Nature Conservation High/ Ongoing Medium/ On-going Figure 9: Detailed farm planning. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 38

46 C5.5 SPATIAL PLAN FOR SPC C: AGRICULTURAL AREAS Plan C5: Spatial plan for SPC C areas (Agriculture). Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 39

47 C6 FACILITATING DEVELOPMENT OF SPC D: URBAN AREAS C6.1 ESTABLISHING SUSTAINABLE SETTLEMENTS It is generally accepted that public funds should be applied for the improvement of a small town s structure and functioning (e.g. investment in market support, provision of water and electricity, development of housing and new industrial areas) only if the basic rural development conditions are suitable (Hinderink and Titus, 2002). The basic driving force behind a town s growth is provided by its specific economic activities, which generate job opportunities, capital, buildings and infrastructure (Badcock 2002: 66). An economic, social and environmental interdependence exists between urban and rural areas and the rural-urban linkage development perspective is increasingly becoming the accepted approach in developing countries. Rural-urban linkage generally refers to the flow of monetary capital, people, goods and information between urban and rural areas. Infrastructure related to transportation, communications, energy and basic services, form the backbone of the urban-rural development linkage approach. C6.1.1 DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE CATEGORY D: URBAN-RELATED AREAS SUB-CATEGORY DESCRIPTION D.a Main Town Towns accommodating Category A Municipalities (i.e. metropolitan areas) and the seat (capital town) of Category C Municipalities (District Municipalities). D.b Local Town Towns accommodating the seat (capital town) of Category B Municipalities (Local Municipalities). D.c Rural Settlements Smaller towns and rural settlements that fall under the jurisdiction of Category B Municipalities (i.e. towns and rural settlements forming D.d D.e D.f Tribal Authority Settlements Communal Settlements Institutional Areas part of a Local Municipality). Formal and informal residential areas under the ownership of tribal authorities 7, e.g. Kamden, Ga-Sehunelo Ward 1, Gamorona, Heuningvlei, Kleineira, Segwaneng, Cassel, Deurward, etc. Settlements that have been planned, classified and subdivided in terms of the former Rural Areas Act 9 of 1987 and which, in terms of the Transformation of Certain Rural Areas Act 94 of 1998, can be transferred to a legal entity of the community s choice, e.g. Pella, Concordia, Richtersveld, Steinkopf and Leliefontein. Areas designated for schools, colleges, churches and mosques and other institutional purposes. 7 The following Tribal Authorities are present in the Northern Cape Province: Kgosi Phetlhu Ba Ga Phetlhu Kgosi Leburu Ba Ga-Sehunelo Kgosi Toto Ba Ga Motlhaware Kgosi Dioka Ba Ga Phadima Kgosi Bareki Ba Ga Lotlware Kgosi Jantjie Ba Ga Phuduhutswana Kgosi Motswarakgole Ba Bothithong Kgosi Thaganyana Ba Ga Phuduhutswana Kgosi Mahura Ba Ga Mahura Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 40

48 D.f.1 Place of Instruction D.f.2 Place of Worship D.f.3 Institution D.g Authority Areas Areas designated for governmental purposes and other official uses, e.g. municipal offices, offices of parastatals (Telkom, Eskom) (areas zoned for authority purposes). D.g.1 Government Uses D.g.2 Municipal Uses D.h Residential Areas Areas designated for residential purposes, e.g. single title erven, group housing, estates, GAP housing 8 and residential smallholdings. D.h.1 Single Residential House D.h.2 Group Housing D.h.3 Guest House D.h.4 Flats/Residential Building D.h.5 Mixed Density Residential Area D.h.6 GAP Housing D.h.7 Subsidised Housing D.h.8 Informal Housing D.h.9 Small Holdings D.h.1 Residential Estate 0 D.i Business Areas Areas designated for activities associated with retail and service industries, e.g. shops, restaurants, professional offices (areas zoned for business purposes). D.i.1 Business Premise D.i.2 Shop D.j Service-Related Areas designated for other business activities associated with service Business trade industries, e.g. launderettes and light manufacturing industries; and industries associated with motor vehicle sales and repairs. D.j.1 Service Trade Industry D.j.2 Service Station D.k Special Business Areas designated for special business activities associated with casinos and gambling houses and areas identified for adult entertainment. D.k.1 Casino D.k.2 Adult Entertainment D.l D.m SMME Incubators Mixed-Use Development Areas Areas designated for Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and associated infrastructure and services focused on communitybased service trade and retail. Areas designated for innovative combinations of land-use, e.g. residential/light business; light industry/light business (in terms of various municipal zonings). 8 GAP housing refers to a category of residential units that falls between the housing units provided by the state (< R ) and those provided by the private sector (>R ). The GAP housing market typically caters for people earning between R3 500 and R per month, which is too little to enable them to enter the private property market, yet too much to qualify for state assistance. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 41

49 D.n Cemeteries Cemeteries and formal burial parks, excluding crematoriums. D.o Sports fields & Infrastructure Dedicated sports fields together with the associated infrastructure, parking areas, and services. D.p Airport and Area designated as airport together with the infrastructure and Infrastructure services associated with the airport and its activities. D.q Resorts & Resorts and tourism-related nodes and amenities that form part of a Tourism Related designated Hospitality Corridor. Areas D.r Farmsteads & Outbuildings C6.1.2 OBJECTIVES Main farmsteads, including on-farm infrastructure required for farm logistics, e.g. houses, sheds, packing facilities, etc. a) Develop sustainable settlements that would promote the well-being of the people of the Northern Cape, i.e. where they can live with dignity and pride. b) End the apartheid structure of urban settlements. (i) Prohibit further outward expansion of urban settlements that entrenches the current spatial apartheid pattern and results in urban sprawl. (ii) Ensure that public funds are not spent in perpetuating segregated and unsustainable settlement patterns. (iii) Use socio-economic gradients based on walking distance to create a higher level of integration than currently exists while remaining sensitive to community social norms and levels of living. (iv) Use publicly-owned land and premises to spatially integrate urban areas and to give access for second economy operators into first economy spaces. c) Promote sustainable urban activities and public and non-motorised transport. (i) Use walking distance as the primary measure of accessibility. (ii) Develop walking and cycling routes. (iii) Densify urban settlements, especially along main transport routes, at nodal interchanges etc. (iv) Identify areas of highest accessibility that can be designed to maximise safe social and economic activity, especially for participants in the second economy. (v) (vi) C6.1.3 POLICY Restructure road networks to promote economic activity in appropriate locations. Cluster community facilities together with commercial, transport, informal sector and other activities so as to maximise their convenience, safety and social economic potential. The following policy guidelines apply: a) Urban settlements are to be restructured so as to break down the spatial barriers created by apartheid and make them more convenient and pleasant to live in while creating economic opportunities close (within walking distance) to where people live. The SDFs of local municipalities must provide guidance in this regard. b) Densification of urban settlements must occur with due regard for ecological and heritage concerns as identified in EIAs/HIAs. Ecological concerns include impacts on biodiversity, flora/fauna in general, soil, and water quality and quantity, and heritage concerns include cultural landscapes, historic buildings and precincts, and artefacts of memory. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 42

50 c) Municipal urban plans must make provision for non-motorised transport, bicycles and pedestrians along major routes as a start. d) Transport interchanges are to be integrated into a series of mixed-use nodal points strategically located on corridors of highest intensity in the larger towns (to be identified in the SDFs). e) Where appropriate, the geometric design of gateway intersections on by-passes around small towns should be reprioritised so as to encourage suitable through-traffic to pass through rather than around the town. f) Institutional buildings that accommodate community activities, educational and health services, and entrepreneurial development and skills training, should be located at points of highest access in urban settlements. g) Planning, design and development guidelines must reflect an understanding of places and the values, norms and principles that provide meaning and identity for the communities of such places and society at large. h) The aesthetic qualities of an area must be a determinant of the scale and format of development in that area. i) Development within natural areas must blend in or harmonise with the biophysical characteristics of the environment. This implies the following: (i) Developmental components must be discretely sited within the environment. (ii) Development must blend in with the natural surroundings in terms of colour, use of locally occurring natural building materials and architectural style. (iii) Development must conform to the local vernacular in terms of scale and design, of (iv) that particular area or bioregion. Where necessary existing unsightly development must be screened through effective landscaping. j) To ensure that buildings of resort developments are in harmony with the surrounding landscape and local vernacular, thus maintaining the character and aesthetic quality of the area, the planning and design process must address, inter alia, the following: (i) Architectural vernacular. (ii) Architectural design (cast shadows, break bulk of buildings). (iii) Urban design to maintain space. (iv) Materials to be used (natural stone, thatch, wood). (v) Fencing (if any). (vi) Height and coverage of units. (vii) Landscaping proposals for the site. (viii) Extent of units and erven. k) Place-specific design guidelines must be drafted for each town as part of the municipal SDF. An aesthetics committee must be established for each town to review building and planning applications in collaboration with the relevant authority and in accordance with the principles of critical regionalism (i.e. giving effect to a sense of place, a sense of history, a sense of nature, a sense of craft and a sense of limits). l) Landscaping must be undertaken simultaneously with construction. Such landscaping could include the following: (i) (ii) (iii) Indigenous vegetation could be used to break the harsh, straight lines of buildings, i.e. for screening, water-saving measures, etc. As much of the indigenous flora on the site must be retained as possible, especially in areas prone to wind-blown sand. As far as possible, only indigenous plants are to be used in the landscaping of the property. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 43

51 (iv) Earthworks, such as earth berms and mounds, to add topographical interest, provide wind-shelter and screen structures, must be encouraged in the landscaping of the development. m) Procedures for monitoring design quality (e.g. aesthetics committee) need to involve the full range of design consumers, such as planners, architects, councillors and amenity representatives. n) The proponent of a large-scale development must submit financial assurances for longterm environmental management and rehabilitation of the development site and the surrounding environment. One way of providing assurance is to establish a trust fund for the development. This could be required as a condition of approval. The trust fund could be funded by depositing into it a percentage of the sale of each portion of the property. o) In terms of the concept of critical regionalism, all development should reflect a sense of limits. There is a need for physical and temporal boundaries to frame and limit human places and activities. Limits need to be considered over the full spectrum of environmental management practices and issues, including the following: (i) Scale of urban expansion. (ii) Scale of natural resource utilization. (iii) Architectural styles, scale and visual impacts of surface infrastructure and roads. p) The scale of urban development must be within the carrying capacity of water reserves, capacity for waste absorption, use of recreational amenities, etc. q) All future buildings, roads and infrastructure (including powerlines) must be sited and designed according to the relevant SPCs and guidelines and are subject to heritage, environmental and visual impact analyses. r) Municipalities must apply appropriate Spatial Structuring Elements (refer to Figure 10) in the development of new urban areas or the restructuring of existing urban areas. This includes defining and delineating, as part of their SDFs, the outer limit of urban expansion (i.e. an urban edge) to contain lateral growth of urban areas. As a general guideline, the average gross density in settlements must be increased before further extensions to the urban edge are considered. The term average implies that densities may be as low as 3-6 units per hectare on the urban periphery and that it could increase to units per hectare at or near the centre of the urban area. Densification should occur in strategic parts of urban settlements such as along major routes, around open spaces, on well located land or in underdeveloped areas with good location that warrant increased development. Heritage resources should be taken into account in the planning and design of higher density areas. SDFs of municipalities should indicate how and where infill development should be undertaken in order to increase the average density. This is to ensure that civil infrastructure and public transport services are developed and used costefficiently, that public facilities are well supported and that SMMEs and informal trades have viable thresholds. s) As a general rule, non-agricultural development may not be permitted outside the urban edge except for bona-fide holiday/tourism accommodation; bona fide agri-industry development; agri-settlements, and social facilities and infrastructure necessary for rural development. However, this guideline is subject to Section 3(1)(j) Development Facilitation Act 67 of 1995 which states that each proposed land development area should be judged on its own merits and no particular use of land, such as residential, commercial, conservational, industrial, community facility, mining, agricultural or public use, should in advance or in general be regarded as being less important or desirable than any other landuse. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 44

52 t) Municipal SDFs must make provision for appropriate Restructuring Zones 9 in terms of the Social Housing Act 16 of C6.1.4 PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES The settlements of the Northern Cape were generally structured through the application of general standards and regulations pertaining to, amongst others, street widths, building guidelines in respect of lines and heights, erf dimensions, and minimum densities. These standards and regulations serve an important purpose in regulating development. However, due to the fact that the regulations do not take sufficient cognisance of site-specific requirements and the existential dimensions of people s lives, they often contribute to the development of nowhere places. Such nowhere places are generally characterised by a lack of structure and character, urban sprawl and extensive road and electricity networks that have negative ecological and aesthetical impacts. In order to provide an antithesis for the rules-based decision-making process referred to above, the PSDF promotes a process based on a thorough understanding of the environment and its processes and functions (i.e. critical regionalism). This implies that any considerations regarding the desirability and scale of development must be primarily based on site-specific environmental criteria. It is imperative that consideration also be given to the broader environmental context and the potential cumulative impact of the development, as well as innovative town planning and urban design criteria. The following strategies and guidelines are to be adopted: NUMBER DESCRIPTION RESPONSIBLE INSTITUTION C6.1.4(a) Ensure that development scale and design are Local determined by the carrying capacity of the Municipalities environment, including the following: a) Biophysical characteristics (i.e. the intrinsic value of the site). b) Sensitivity and/or irreplaceability of natural habitats that may be affected by the proposed development (i.e. the systemic value of the site). c) Aesthetic qualities of the proposed development site. d) Availability of natural resources such as PRIORITY High/ On-going 9 A geographic area which has been: identified by the municipality, with the concurrence of the provincial government, for purposes of social housing; and designated by the Minister in the Gazette for approved projects. Restructuring is about moving away from housing interventions that entrench/enforce or in any way maintain the spatial status quo, which reinforces certain social and economic disparities. Restructuring is thus intimately linked to interventions in the land market: either to protect lower income (and often Black) people from displacement or to bring lower income (often Black) into areas of economic and other forms of opportunity from which they would otherwise be excluded. This is perhaps the most important meaning of restructuring. The logic of restructuring is clearly not the same as the logic of urban regeneration and urban renewal but there are some overlaps (Social Housing Regulatory Authority Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 45

53 water. e) Potential aesthetic impact of the proposed development. f) Potential of the site for sustainable agriculture or other productive land-use (i.e. the instrumental value of the site). g) Density and scale required in order to establish an appropriate sense of place within the proposed development. h) Extent of the property. C6.1.4(b) All spheres of government, especially municipalities, must provide quality spatial data and interpretation to land managers to assist decision-making and adaptive management, and make regional natural resource information and knowledge widely available or accessible (i.e. the SPISYS). C6.1.4(c) Address the following in the municipal SDFs: a) The availability and extent of vacant land that could be utilized to address the various needs of the relevant settlement and its inhabitants. b) Environmental constraints that impact upon the future use of any such vacant land. c) Potential opportunities on vacant land for development or any other appropriate forms of land-use that address the needs of the relevant settlement and its inhabitants. d) Appropriate land-use classification of the relevant settlement with the objective to ensure the sustainability of such land-uses and the compliance thereof with the vision, goals, and objectives set for the area. e) Spatial structuring elements to be imposed to ensure that any future urban renewal and restructuring, development projects, and associated land-uses to be undertaken in the relevant settlement comply with the criteria and principles of good place-making. These spatial structuring elements include (refer to Figure 10: (i) (ii) Appropriate outer limits for outward spread of the relevant town under the present growth rate and in terms of the current and predicted availability of resources. Activity corridors that abut primary transport routes and provide opportunities for mixed-use All three spheres of government Local Municipalities High/ On-going High Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 46

54 development. (iii) Activity Streets that provide viable opportunities for local business and community facilities. (iv) Nodes that occur at intersections of activity corridors and streets and which are designated for concentrations of a particular use. (v) Precincts, or special use areas, dominated by primary communitybased activities and land-uses that influence the settlement pattern and growth. (vi) A Municipal Open Space System (MOSS) which consists of a contiguous network of natural corridors and public open spaces focused on promotion of the well-being of the people of the area and the integrity of the environment as a totality. C6.1.4(d) Include in the SDFs guidelines pertaining to the following: a) Tree planting projects, including appropriate indigenous, ornamental and fruit trees, urban greening (landscaping) and food gardens along streets and in open spaces as part of urban restructuring programmes. Successful tree planting programmes are recognised as having a huge aesthetic impact (refer, for example, to Aggenys). b) Develop and institute, as part of the municipal SDFs, innovative restoration and rehabilitation plans for unattractive and inappropriate urban areas, in terms of the principles of critical regionalism. C6.1.4(e) Improve the quality of subsidised housing settlements through innovative urban planning and design and cross-subsidising (refer to Figure C6.1.4(f) 10). Provide basic services to all settlements in accordance with their composite resources index provided and their composite economic status. Local Municipalities Local Municipalities COGHSTA, district and local municipalities High High High/ On-going Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 47

55 URBAN EDGE 1 PRECINCTS 2 NODES 3 ACTIVITY CORRIDOR 4 ACTIVITY STREET 5 MUNICIPAL OPEN SPACE SYSTEM 6 Figure 10: Spatial structuring elements to be adopted in the planning and design of settlements. C6.2 PREMISE FOR GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT C6.2.1 OBJECTIVES a) Align the future settlement pattern of the province with areas of economic potential and the location of environmental resources (refer to Plan C6 on Page 51). b) Strategically invest scarce public sector resources where they will generate the highest socio-economic returns. c) Deliver human development programmes and basic needs programmes wherever they may be required (refer to Plan C6 on Page 51). C6.2.2 POLICY a) Settlements which show high economic growth potential and have high population thresholds are to be prioritised as locations for fixed infrastructure. b) Settlements with high levels of human need (including settlements with high as well as low economic growth potential) are to be prioritised for state funding as it relates to the delivery of human resource development and minimum basic services. c) Where possible, existing facilities such as underutilised public buildings, are to be used for accommodating human resource services. d) Where such facilities do not exist, periodic service centres are to be established for coordinated use by a wide variety of government, non-government and private organisations. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 48

56 C6.2.3 PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES A key objective is to guide the investment of government and private sector resources. To inform the PSDF in this regard, a dedicated settlement study was undertaken by Van der Merwe and Zietsman (2011). The outcomes of this study were applied as a spatial rationale and premise for the formulation of dedicated policy guidelines and strategy as it relates to the appropriation of government funds and investment of private sector resources. The key determinants are the development potential and human development need of the respective municipalities and settlements. In the chapters below these two determinants and the required and appropriate investment type are summarised and spatially indicated. NSDP Strategic Priorities In keeping with the NSDP strategic priorities, new infrastructure should be prioritised in settlements with high economic growth potential. The NSDP requires that a strategic approach to investment be taken and that fixed infrastructure be located in urban settlements likely to experience population and economic growth rather than decline. Therefore, as a general principle, fixed investment should be directed towards urban settlements that exhibit high economic growth potential in the first instance and high human need in the second. Settlements with low human need and low economic growth potential would have a lower fixed investment priority. This policy implies that settlements with large numbers of people would take precedence over those with only a few residents. C6.2.4 INVESTMENT PRIORITIES: WHERE AND WHAT TO INVEST While the idea of focusing government spending on fixed infrastructure in areas with potential for economic development may seem to exclude other areas/settlements from development this is, in fact, not the case. Different regions and settlements have different economic potential and the spatial variations in the incidence of poverty are also vastly different. According to the NSDP these diverse and disparate spatial contexts suggest a policy approach that, in itself, should be differentiated and conducive to the requirements of the different contexts. Hence, in areas of low or no economic potential, the path of development and poverty reduction should be through a focus on investment in social capital (e.g. education, training, social welfare, rural development planning, land and agrarian reform, expansion of agricultural extension services, etc). This means that each individual settlement should discover its real development potential and then grow to the maximum of that potential. It is important to stress that the NSDP and the PSDF do not in any way rule out investment in small settlements per se. What matters is whether an area has the potential to grow economically in a sustainable way, create jobs and alleviate poverty. If a small town has such potential there is nothing that precludes investment (Oranje et al, 2008). It is only when the networked relations and correlations among the various forms of capital are recognised and operational, that a sustainable economy and a contented society can be created in the Northern Cape. Figure 11 illustrates the general approach to the investment of public and private funds in terms of the business principle that investment should be directed to where the best return on such investment can be generated. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 49

57 HIGH PRIORITY AREAS For investment and infrastructural development CATEGORY 1 SETTLEMENT High Development Potential & Low Human Needs CATEGORY 2 SETTLEMENT High Development Potential & High Human Needs Investment Type Investment Type INFRASTRUCTURAL CAPITAL LARGE-SCALE MONETARY CAPITAL INFRASTRUCTURAL CAPITAL LARGE-SCALE MONETARY CAPITAL SOCIAL CAPITAL CATEGORY 3 SETTLEMENT Low Development Potential & High Human Needs Investment Type SMALL-SCALE MONETARY CAPITAL BASIC SERVICES SOCIAL CAPITAL LOW PRIORITY AREAS For investment and infrastructural development - However not excluded, subject to feasibility proof + meaningful cross-subsidy from developer CATEGORY 4 SETTLEMENT Low Development Potential & Low Human Needs CATEGORY 5 SETTLEMENT Neither High nor Low Development Potential & Human Needs Investment Type Investment Type SMALL-SCALE MONETARY CAPITAL BASIC SERVICES SOCIAL CAPITAL SOCIAL CAPITAL BASIC SERVICES OTHER TYPES SUBJECT TO DISCRETION OF GOVERNMENT CATEGORY 6 SETTLEMENT Rural settlement areas not defined as bona fide urban Investment Type Figure 11: General approach to the appropriation of capital. C6.2.5 USE OF THE SETTLEMENT INDICES SOCIAL CAPITAL BASIC SERVICES OTHER TYPES SUBJECT TO DISCRETION OF GOVERNMENT Toolkit D14 in the main report includes a development profile (displayed in the form of histograms) for each of the local municipalities. These basic profiles serve as a platform for a detailed diagnoses and preparation of a development strategy for each local municipality. Toolkit D14 constitutes a manual with regard to the interpretation and application of the profiles in order to achieve the objectives referred to above. The indices in Table C4 and the histograms in Toolkit D14 are to be used to: a) Prioritise government spending and LED to the best benefit of province as a whole. b) Prepare IDPs and prioritising IDP spending. c) Indicate what type of development and investment are required and how the municipal budget should be allocated to eradicate backlogs or weaknesses. d) Measure performance of municipalities. e) Assist municipalities in the continual improvement of their performance and status. f) Assist national and provincial government departments in allocating their budgets, e.g. identify towns that can qualify for pilot projects of the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme or guide LED-programmes, etc. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 50

58 C6.2.6 SPATIAL PLAN FOR SPC D AREAS: URBAN AREAS Plan C6: Spatial Plan for SPC D indicating the settlements categorised in terms of their levels of human need and economic potential and the investment typology proposed. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 51

59 C7 REGULATING THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPC E: INDUSTRIAL AREAS A key challenge is to broaden and unlock the opportunities presented by the availability of natural resources. Industrial activities, whether large- or small-scale, have the potential to stimulate economic diversification and development in the province. C7.1 DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE CATEGORY E: INDUSTRIAL AREAS E.a Agricultural industry Agriculture-related industrial development, e.g. silos, wine cellars, packing facilities, excluding abattoirs. E.b Industrial Development Zone Dedicated industrial estate ideally linked to an international, or national, port that leverages fixed direct investments in value-added and export-orientated manufacturing industries. E.c Light industry Areas designated for light industrial activities associated with the service industry (e.g. repair of motor vehicles) including warehouses and service stations. E.d Heavy industry Areas designated for robust industrial activities, e.g. chemical works, brewery, processing of hides, abattoirs, stone crushing, crematoriums. E.e Extractive industry C7.2 OBJECTIVES Settlements and infrastructure associated with multiple consumptive resource extraction, e.g. mining. a) Establish the industrial areas and infrastructure required for the harvesting, processing and beneficiation of the resources of the province. b) Ensure that the larger economic sector (mining, in particular) contributes to an appropriate off-set or quid pro quo for the detrimental impacts associated therewith. c) Ensure that the planning, design and construction of industrial areas comply with the principles of sustainability with specific reference to climate-neutrality. d) Develop industrial areas in a manner that supports the Second Economy. e) Promote, to the extent possible, a bioregional economy, which inter alia requires that the province and its component districts (bioregions) be self-sufficient as it relates to the production of essential commodities and that resources be processed and beneficiated locally. f) Explore alternative and emerging technologies to improve quality and quantity within the manufacturing sector. g) Ensure the sustainable use and protection of the environmental capital. C7.3 POLICY a) Codes and standards for energy efficient buildings in the government, commercial, industrial, residential and community sectors are to be set according to the following: (i) Green House Gas emissions reduced by 10% over 20 years commencing in (ii) Electricity consumption reduced by 20% from what it would have been if the current trend continued unabated for the next 20 years. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 52

60 b) Renewable energy sources (e.g. wind, solar thermal, biomass, and domestic hydroelectricity generation) are to comprise 25% of the province's energy generation capacity by c) Solar thermal water heating and photo-voltaic energy generation are to be compulsory, linked to main electricity sources as backup, on all new residential, commercial, industrial and community buildings, and should be progressively phased in as appropriate. d) In order to protect the unique natural characteristics of the province, the objective is to ensure that all industrial development is sustainable. In this regard, the following needs to be instituted: (i) Constant assessment of the environmental impact of industrial activities. (ii) Development of system packages for industrial clients. (iii) (iv) Implementation of low, or no waste, technologies. Modification of the industrial system itself, with the view to optimise resource use and minimise waste and ecological damage. e) Industrial mechanisms are to be designed to prevent the generation of pollution throughout the production process. f) Industrial development must be clustered in close proximity to the product source, within the defined development corridors, in close proximity to major transport linkages, and bulk infrastructure. g) Where industrial development is proposed in remote areas that do not comply with the requirements set in (f) above, the proponent has to provide conclusive evidence regarding the desirability and sustainability of the proposed development and must fund the provision of the required access and services. h) Industrial development in settlements is subject to the defined guidelines to be provided in the municipal SDFs. C7.4 PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES NUMBER DESCRIPTION RESPONSIBLE PRIORITY INSTITUTION C7.4(a) Prepare a provincial industrial development Department of High strategy. Economic Development and Tourism C7.4(b) Prepare a provincial climate-neutrality strategy High that would be mandatory on all industrial development. C7.4(c) Prepare, as part of the municipal SDFs, a more detailed climate-neutrality strategy for each municipality. District and local municipalities. High C7.4(d) C7.4(e) Prepare as a mandatory requirement, a detailed climate-neutrality strategy for large-scale industries. Develop the required industrial amenities and infrastructure in the defined development corridors which respond to the availability of Environmental Capital (e.g. water, suitable agricultural soil, mining resources, etc.) and Infrastructural Capital ( roads, bulk services, etc.). Industrial developers Department Economic Development Tourism Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 53 of and High High

61 C7.5 SPATIAL PLAN FOR SPC E: INDUSTRIAL AREAS Plan C7: Spatial plan for SPC E: Industrial Areas. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 54

62 C8 ENSURING DEVELOPMENT OF EFFICIENT SPC F: SURFACE INFRASTRUCTURE An effective, competitive and responsive infrastructure network is imperative for ongoing economic development of the province. Much of the province s primary agricultural and mineral production is produced in localities distant from markets and from points of export. The province s ability to convey goods effectively and efficiently is a key aspect to be addressed. The relevant sectoral departments therefore have a vitally important task in providing the infrastructure and bulk services required by the various economic sectors, the human settlements of the province, and the rural hinterland. C8.1 DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE CATEGORY F: SURFACE INFRASTRUCTURE & BUILDINGS F.a National roads National roads proclaimed in terms of the National Roads Act 7 of F.b Main roads Provincial and regional roads proclaimed in terms of the Roads Ordinance 19 of F.c Minor roads Regional and local roads proclaimed in terms of the Roads Ordinance 19 of F.d Public Streets Public streets and parking areas within main town and rural settlements. F.e Heavy Vehicle Areas designated for heavy vehicle parking and overnight facilities. Overnight Facilities F.f Railway lines Railway lines and associated infrastructure. F.g Power lines Power lines and associated sub-stations and infrastructure. F.h F.i Telecommunication infrastructure Renewable energy structures Any part of the infrastructure of a telecommunication network for radio/wireless communication including, voice, data and video telecommunications, which may include antennae, any support structure, equipment room, radio equipment and optical communications equipment provided by cellular network operators, or any other telecommunication providers, and all ancillary structures needed for the operation of telecommunication infrastructure. Any wind turbine or solar voltaic apparatus, or grouping thereof, which captures and converts wind or solar radiation into energy for commercial gain irrespective of whether it feeds onto an electricity grid or not. It includes any appurtenant 10 structure or any test facility which may lead to the generation of energy on a commercial basis. Major dams and reservoirs. F.j Dams & Reservoirs F.k Canals Constructed permanent waterways, e.g. irrigation canals and stormwater trenches. F.l Sewerage Plants Areas designated as municipal and private sewerage treatment plants and and Refuse Areas refuse areas. F.m Science and Any areas associated with the science and technology sector, with specific Technology reference to the SKA and the designated astronomy reserve. Structures 10 Appurtenant structure means any structure or accessory necessary for, or directly associated with generation of renewable energy. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 55

63 C8.2 OBJECTIVES C8.2.1 TRANSPORT OBJECTIVES a) Provide and maintain an adequate road and railway transport system throughout the province and, in particular, in the defined development corridors, the main agricultural development nodes, and the primary settlement areas. b) Revitalise and optimise the use of the: (i) De Aar junction (possibly as a freight intermodal terminal). (ii) Sishen-Saldanha railway line. (iii) Upington/Namibia railway line. c) Upgrade the Port Nolloth harbour and the Hondeklipbaai harbour to accommodate a viable fishing industry. C8.2.2 WATER OBJECTIVES a) Increase water storage capacity for water security and availability for socio-economic development. b) Provide water resources infrastructure to communities that have lagged behind in terms of the CRDP. c) Institute a strategy to curb unlawful water use. d) Ensure a reliable supply of water from bulk water resources infrastructure within acceptable risk parameters to meet the sustainable demand for the province. Solicit and source funding to implement, operate and maintain bulk raw water resources infrastructure in an efficient manner by strategically managing risks and assets. e) Facilitate water conservation and water demand management in the province. f) Accelerate provision of communities access to water infrastructure. g) Ensure the development, implementation, monitoring and review of regulations across the water value chain in accordance with the provisions of the National Water Act 38 of 1998 and the Water Services Act 108 of C8.2.3 ENERGY OBJECTIVES a) Promote the development of renewable energy supply schemes. Large-scale renewable energy supply schemes are strategically important for increasing the diversity of domestic energy supplies and avoiding energy imports while minimizing detrimental environmental impacts. b) Enhance the efficiency of Eskom s power station at the Vanderkloof power station. c) In order to reinforce the existing transmission network and to ensure a reliable electricity supply in the Northern Cape, construct a 400 kv transmission power line from Ferrum Substation (near Kathu/Sishen) to Garona Substation (near Groblershoop). There is a national electricity supply shortage and the country is now in a position where it needs to commission additional plants urgently. Consequently, renewable energy projects are a high priority. d) Develop and institute innovative new energy technologies to improve access to reliable, sustainable and affordable energy services with the objective to realize sustainable economic growth and development. The goals of securing supply, providing energy services, tackling climate change, avoiding air pollution and reaching sustainable Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 56

64 development in the province offer both opportunities and synergies which require joint planning between local and provincial government as well as the private sector. e) Develop and institute energy supply schemes with the aim to contribute to the achievement of the targets set by the White Paper on Renewable Energy (2003). This target relates to the delivery of GWh of energy from renewable energy sources (mainly biomass, wind, solar, and small-scale hydro) by C8.2.4 TELECOMMUNICATION OBJECTIVES a) Ensure the ongoing development of international best-practice telecommunication systems for the province as a whole. b) Accelerate the deployment of telecommunication infrastructure to enhance effective development in rural communities. c) Increase infrastructure deployment in the province by exploring cheaper and affordable broadband technologies which will enhance the accessing of information and knowledge. d) Extend signal coverage of radio and television over the entire province. e) Develop a provincial e-skills development programme to ensure a coordinated approach to addressing telecommunication skills shortages. f) Develop and implement an e-awareness programme targeted at under-serviced rural communities. g) Enhance rural telecommunication enterprise development in order to foster local economic development and improving rural livelihoods. h) Deploy incubational hubs in rural areas to support the sustainability of local enterprises and promote innovation. i) Broaden the telecommunication market access scope for rural-based small enterprises. j) Ensure Internet connectivity to all people in the province. k) Investigate and promote the establishment of tele-centres and digital hub service points in the province. This could provide access to telecommunication networks in the rural areas that are located far away from larger settlements. C8.2.5 HOUSEHOLD SERVICES OBJECTIVES a) Ensure the ongoing development of bulk services required to promote the well-being of all the people of the Northern Cape. b) Implement household services in accordance with constitutional imperatives and basic human rights and in terms of the CRDP. c) Provide household services in accordance with the guidelines put forward in Chapter (Investment Priorities: Where and what to invest). C8.3 POLICY C8.3.1 TRANSPORT POLICY a) Provincial, district and local transport plans must take cognisance of the potential demand for transport infrastructure to facilitate the development of new mineral operations (refer to Plan C8). b) A provincial transport forum involving both users and service providers is to be established to liaise and co-ordinate regarding the transport requirements of the mining industry. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 57

65 c) Transport infrastructure will be constructed, operated and maintained in terms of the principles of sustainability provided in the PSDF and, in particular, in accordance with the spatial plans and guidelines. d) Labour intensity of government-funded infrastructure projects is to be increased. e) The transport network must be economically efficient, competitive and equitable. f) Each economic sector must prepare and annually review a clear freight strategy that will ensure that goods are efficiently transported to the various markets. This strategy will be incorporated into the provincial transport plans and into the PSDF and municipal SDFs. g) Safe and convenient public transport must be provided. h) Provision and maintenance of transport infrastructure is subject to the prioritisation directives put forward in Chapter C6.2.4 (Investment Priorities: Where and what to invest). C8.3.2 WATER POLICY a) Water is the most vital natural form of capital (resource) of the Northern Cape and must be invested in the most efficient and equitable manner. b) The basic water needs of all people in the province must be met. c) Pollution and degradation of the water resources must be prevented. d) The ecological integrity of the natural systems in the province which form part of the catchment of the Orange River and the other prominent community-supporting systems must be restored and protected. e) Water quality and water quantity are interdependent and shall be managed in an integrated manner consistent with other broader environmental management approaches. f) A Water Demand Management Plan must be included into municipal SDFs. g) The private sector must fulfil an ongoing function as the de facto custodians of the water resources of the province through the relevant legal mechanisms, including Water Use Associations, Irrigation Boards, Agri-Northern Cape and Agricultural Associations. C8.3.3 ENERGY POLICY a) The construction of telecommunication infrastructure must be strictly regulated in terms of the spatial plans and guidelines put forward in the PSDF. They must be carefully placed to avoid visual impacts on landscapes of significant symbolic, aesthetic, cultural or historic value and should blend in with the surrounding environment to the extent possible. b) EIAs undertaken for such construction must assess the impacts of such activities against the directives listed in (a) above. c) Renewable energy sources such as wind, solar thermal, biomass and domestic hydroelectricity are to constitute 25% of the province s energy generation capacity by d) The following key policy principles for renewable energy apply: (i) Full cost accounting: Pricing policies will be based on an assessment of the full economic, social and environmental costs and benefits of energy production and utilisation. (ii) Equity: There should be equitable access to basic services to meet human needs and ensure human well-being. Each generation has a duty to avoid impairing the ability of future generations to ensure their own well-being. (iii) Global and international cooperation and responsibilities: Government recognises its shared responsibility for global and regional issues and act with due regard to the principles contained in relevant policies and applicable regional and international agreements. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 58

66 (iv) Allocation of functions: Government will allocate functions within the framework of the Constitution to competent institutions and spheres of government that can most effectively achieve the objectives of the energy policy. f) The implementation of sustainable renewable energy is to be promoted through appropriate financial and fiscal instruments. g) An effective legislative system to promote the implementation of renewable energy is to be developed, implemented, and continuously improved. h) Public awareness of the benefits and opportunities of renewable energy must be promoted. i) The development of renewable energy systems is to be harnessed as a mechanism for economic development throughout the province in accordance with the Sustainable Development Initiative (SDI) approach or any comparable approach. j) Renewable energy must, first, and foremost, be used to address the needs of the province before being exported. C8.3.4 TELECOMMUNICATION POLICY a) The construction of telecommunication infrastructure must be strictly regulated in terms of the spatial plans and guidelines put forward in the PSDF. They must be carefully placed to avoid visual impacts on landscapes of significant symbolic, aesthetic, cultural or historic value and should blend in with the surrounding environment as far as possible. b) EIAs undertaken for such construction must assess the impacts of such activities against the directives listed in (a) above. c) Internet access into strategic locations such as schools in marginalised parts of the urban settlements and rural areas is to be accelerated subject to the guidelines in Chapter C6.2.4 (Investment Priorities: Where and what to invest). C8.3.5 HOUSEHOLD SERVICES POLICY a) The provision of household services to marginalised urban settlements and rural areas is to be prioritised in accordance with the guidelines in Chapter C6.2.4 (Investment Priorities: Where and what to invest). b) All municipalities must follow an integrated hierarchical approach to waste management consisting of avoidance/reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, treatment and final disposal. The waste management system shall consist of a collection service from the source, (e.g. domestic, office or factory) transfer stations and waste disposal sites. c) Recycling of waste is a priority with material recovery facilities to be established at all transfer stations. Recycling waste on a financially sustainable basis requires effective demand for recycled products. d) Every urban settlement is to have a transfer station within a maximum of 5 km from the settlement inside the urban edge. These transfer stations must be managed according to best practice so as to minimise detrimental impacts on surrounding neighbourhoods. They should be opened after hours and on the weekends and their location should be well known so as to ensure that they are used by the community. Charges should not be levied on loads brought to transfer stations. Micro-enterprises wanting to process waste and trade second hand materials should be encouraged. e) Every municipality must have a waste disposal facility site located and operated to the DWA s minimum requirements that will service the transfer stations in the urban settlements in each municipality. These sites may or may not be located within the urban Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 59

67 edge of urban settlements. The main criteria for their location are to meet satisfactory environmental and transport requirements. f) Waste management plans addressing separation, recycling, collection, disposal, publicity and incentives are to drawn up by the municipalities. An Integrated Waste Management Plan must be developed by all municipalities and implemented. These plans need to be revised every five years together with the municipal IDPs and SDFs. g) Sewerage plants and refuse areas must comply with NEMA regulations that inter alia state under Section (2)(4)(a) that pollution and degradation of the environment are avoided, or, where they cannot be altogether avoided, are minimised and remedied. The waste is avoided, or where it cannot be altogether avoided, minimised and re-used or recycled where possible and otherwise disposed of in a responsible manner. h) Existing waste water treatment works must be progressively improved by means of regulatory measures and thereafter maintained so that the water quality of the rivers and water bodies with which they are associated would be of minimum potable, contact and phosphate, nitrate and E.coli standards. i) Alternative forms of sewage disposal and treatment for new developments are to be investigated with a view to minimising the source of waste water and minimising the pollution of surface water and groundwater. j) All wetland ecosystems must be protected in such a manner that their inherent ecological and stormwater purification function is maintained. Water abstraction from and effluent discharge into wetlands are prohibited. k) Waste separation at source is mandatory in domestic households and institutions and businesses. l) Where urban development proposals exceed infrastructure capacity, such applications would be put on hold until provision is made for the additional needs. C8.4 PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES C8.4.1 TRANSPORT STRATEGIES AND GUIDELINES NUMBER DESCRIPTION RESPONSIBLE INSTITUTION C8.4.1(a) Ensure compliance with the Land Transport Department of Framework. Roads and Public Works in collaboration with SANRAL C8.4.1(b) Ensure the maintenance and ongoing ACSA improvement of the two major airports at Kimberley and Upington. C8.4.1(c) Maintain road, built and bulk infrastructure Department of development and integrate into the infrastructure Roads and Public planning activities throughout the province. Works and SANRAL C8.4.1(d) Improve the levels of mobility, infrastructure Department of development, and synergies in the transport Roads and Public planning activities. Works and SANRAL C8.4.1(e) Redevelop or sell unutilised transport Department of infrastructures, including redundant stations and Roads and Public sidings. Works in PRIORITY Medium/ On-going Medium/ On-going High/ On-going High/ On-going Medium/ On-going Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 60

68 C8.4.1(f) Investigate how affordable and sustainable mobility in rural areas can be enhanced through the roll-out of non-motorised transport initiatives, including the provision of safer pedestrian pathways and facilities and the expansion of the Shova Kalula 11 bicycle programme. C8.4.1(g) Upgrade rest stops along primary roads to cater for trucks and private motor vehicles. C8.4.1(h) C8.4.1(i) Consider mandatory guidelines regarding the use of high fuel consumption vehicles. Users of high fuel consumption vehicles should be effectively penalised on a sliding scale that makes allowances for public transport users. Consider a carbon tax with tariffs that effectively penalise producers and emitters of high levels of carbon dioxide either in the manufacturing or vehicle industry. C8.4.2 WATER STRATEGIES AND GUIDELINES collaboration with SANRAL Local municipalities in collaboration with Department of Roads and Public Works Department of Roads and Public Works in collaboration with SANRAL Department of Roads and Public Works Department of Roads and Public Works High/ On-going Medium/ On-going Medium Medium NUMBER DESCRIPTION RESPONSIBLE INSTITUTION C8.4.2(a) Implement and continually improve the Department of comprehensive water plan and strategy of the Water Affairs Department of Water Affairs. This plan is to give effect to the Water Allocation Reform (WAR) which aims to: a) Take steps to meet the water needs of the poor. b) Ensure participation by these groups in water resource management. c) Promote the sustainable use of water resources. d) Promote the beneficial and efficient use of water in the public interest. C8.4.2(b) Implement, as part of the municipal SDFs, low Local municipalities cost water supply options to supplement conventional systems such as rain water PRIORITY High High/ On-going 11 Shova Kalula is a government sponsored initiative which provides bicycles at a lower cost to rural and peri-urban beneficiaries. Government enters into a contract with a service provider who supplies bicycles to government outlets/shops. Micro-businesses are established by provincial government, municipalities and communities to manage the bicycle shops. The objective is to promote cycling as a low-cost mobility solution to low income households, targeting mainly scholars, rural women and farm workers. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 61

69 harvesting, solar pumping, fog harvesting, windmills, and improving traditional sources. C8.4.2(c) Improve the Blue Drop 12 status of municipal drinking water throughout the province (the provincial Blue Drop score in 2012 was estimated at 62.07%). C8.4.2(d) Implement an invasive alien species control plan for the province with particular focus on stressed catchments a coordinated approach, long-term plan and sustained effort is required. Specific reference is made to the threat posed by the occurrence of Prosopis glandolosa. C8.4.2(e) Implement a water demand management techniques such as minimizing leaks by reducing water pressure and a stepped tariff system that effectively addresses excessive water consumption. C8.4.2(f) Implement innovative water conservation measures. The following innovated water conservation measures shall be mandatory on all new residential, commercial and community projects: a) Rationing of water. b) Re-use of grey water. c) Mixing of water. d) Low-flow shower heads. e) Water-wise gardens. f) Dual flush toilet systems. g) Groundwater recharge. h) Re-use of sewerage water. C8.4.3 ENERGY STRATEGIES AND GUIDELINES District and local municipalities Department of Environment and Nature Conservation in collaboration with the Department of Water Affairs District and local municipalities in collaboration with the Department of Water Affairs Local municipalities in collaboration with the Department of Water Affairs High/ On-going High/ On-going High/ On-going High/ On-going NUMBER DESCRIPTION RESPONSIBLE INSTITUTION C8.4.3(a) Strictly apply the South African National Standard COGHSTA (SANS XA:2011) in the planning and design of all infrastructural development. The following aspects are to be addressed, in particular: a) Implementation of no-cost energy efficiency measures in housing, incorporating passive solar design. b) Heat insulation and air tightness measures in PRIORITY High/ On-going 12 The Blue Drop Certification system is a campaign by the Department of Water Affairs that encourages local municipalities to improve their water quality management while empowering consumers with information regarding what is coming out of their taps. Water Services Authorities that are to be awarded Blue Drop Status are required to comply with 95% of the weighted criteria in bi-annual assessments as prepared by the Department of Water Affairs. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 62

70 C8.4.3(b) C8.4.3(c) C8.4.3(d) homes. c) Replacement of electric geysers with solar water heaters. d) More efficient home electrical appliances. e) Energy efficient lighting. Prepare a renewable energy plan for the province indicating inter alia the role of different energy sources and how they should be integrated. Assess the feasibility and desirability of a largescale wind energy plant on the coast and, if desirable, promote the development thereof. Align renewable energy initiatives with the Department of Energy s Global Village Energy Partnership, and the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership. Department of High Economic Development and Tourism High High C8.4.4 TELECOMMUNICATION STRATEGIES AND GUIDELINES NUMBER DESCRIPTION RESPONSIBLE INSTITUTION C8.4.4(a) Develop and institute a system that provides Local municipalities universal service access at reasonable cost, in collaboration connecting all rural areas of the province. Create with the best-practice telecommunication infrastructure to Department of meet the communication requirements of IT, Communications media and other IT based industry. and Telkom C8.4.4(b) Develop telecommunication facilities in remote areas of the Northern Cape in accordance with the prioritisation guidelines put forward in Chapter C6.2.4 (Investment Priorities: Where and what to invest). C8.4.4(c) Ensure continual upgrading of the telecommunication sector and provide an equal opportunity for all of the telecommunication service providers doing business in the province. C8.4.5 HOUSEHOLD SERVICES STRATEGIES AND GUIDELINES PRIORITY High/ On-going High/ On-going High/ On-going NUMBER DESCRIPTION RESPONSIBLE INSTITUTION C8.4.5(a) Enforce new building codes that require the COGHSTA reduction of water and energy consumption, and the use of renewable building material wherever possible (refer to the South African National Standard {SANS XA:2011}). C8.4.5(b) Restructure urban settlements so as to minimise Local municipalities the need to travel. C8.4.5(c) Apply alternative forms of sewage treatment Local municipalities including enviro-loos, urine-diversion toilets, PRIORITY High/ On-going High/ On-going High/ On-going Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 63

71 package plants and artificial wetlands should be implemented in new areas, if they do not impact on groundwater. C8.5 SPATIAL PLAN FOR SPC F: SURFACE INFRASTRUCTURE Plan C8: Spatial plan for SPC F: Surface Infrastructure. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 64

72 C9 STRATEGIC SECTORAL POLICY AND GUIDELINES C9.1 ENABLING SUSTAINABLE USE OF RESOURCES (CAPITAL) The sustainable use of the resources (capital) of the province is a primary objective of the Northern Cape Planning and Development Act, the PGDS and the enabling national statutes and policy. A key aim of the PSDF is to give effect to the above objective and to ensure that any such use of resources unlocks meaningful and lasting benefit for both the people of the province (i.e. enhancing human well-being) and the environment (i.e. enhancing the integrity of the environment). This means that any resource use must, on balance, improve the state of the conditions or circumstances prevalent in the area to be affect by the resource use. Whilst being imperative for the economic development of the province, mining, agriculture, urban development, bulk infrastructure and renewable energy installations generally have a detrimental impact on the environment which, in turn, often manifests in a negative impact on human-wellbeing and on the tourism product. The following objectives and policy apply in this regard: C9.1.1 OBJECTIVES a) Offset direct detrimental impacts of resource use. b) Provide measures to cater for indirect impacts or impacts that may in the long-term emerge as a result of resource use. c) Unlock the latent benefit and synergies vested in the resource use in order to create a positive socio-economic legacy once the initial resource use has reached its productive life cycle. C9.1.2 POLICY a) All large-scale resource use activities must, on an on-going basis and in a balanced manner, give effect to the imperatives for sustainable development namely, human well-being, environmental integrity and economic efficiency (refer to Chapter A3.2). b) All large-scale resource use activities must be managed in accordance with a best-practice Environmental Management System (EMS) that provides for on-going monitoring, auditing and continual improvement as it relates to environmental performance and compliance with (a) above. c) All large-scale resource use activities must be planned, implemented and managed in accordance with the Sustainable Development Initiative (SDI) approach or any comparable approach. d) Where tracts of agricultural land are to be used for non-agricultural uses such as mining, construction of renewable energy installations, the SKA activities, etc., such activities must create sustainable multipliers in the local economy and synergies that would unlock meaningful benefit through implementation programmes. e) Applications for approval of large-scale consumptive resource use activities must include a comprehensive Project Development Framework, which must include inter alia the following (also refer to the proposal checklist in Toolkit D16 in the main report): (i) Detailed description of the proposed project. (ii) (iii) Graphic illustrations of the nature and extent of the proposed project. Proposals pertaining to how effect would be given to the objectives cited under Chapter C Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 65

73 (iv) Proposals pertaining to how the detrimental impacts of the proposed project would be mitigated. f) The Project Development Framework will serve as a basis for the EIA to be undertaken in terms of NEMA and for assessing the desirability of the project in an integrated, holistic and informed manner. g) Resource exploration (e.g. exploration for earth gas through fracking or any other comparable technique) is subject to the precautionary principle as stipulated by NEMA. h) Proponents of resource exploration projects must provide assurance pertaining to the existence of an adequate mitigation fund that could be used to off-set unforeseen detrimental impacts associated with the project. i) Resource exploration projects in the designated astronomy reserve (refer to Plan C1 on Page 13) and, in particular within the SKA project area, are strictly subject to the requirements of the astronomy reserve and the SKA project. j) Effect must be given to the following policy documented under Chapter C4.2.3 and C5.3 respectively, namely: C4.2.3(l): Any modification of an SPC B area is subject to an appropriate environmental off-set or quid pro quo. Such off-set could be in the form of other SPC B land being formally designated as SPC A, mitigation banking (i.e. putting an appropriate amount of monetary capital into a trust to fund conservation initiatives where required) and implementation of the SDI approach. C5.3(e): Any non-agricultural development on a SPC C area is subject to an appropriate environmental off-set or quid pro quo. Such off-set could be in the form of designated SPC B land being formally designated as SPC A, or mitigation banking (i.e. putting an appropriate amount of monetary capital into a trust to fund conservation or social development initiatives where required) in accordance with the SDI approach. C9.1.3 PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES NUMBER DESCRIPTION RESPONSIBLE INSTITUTION C.9.1.3(a) Plan, implement and manage all large-scale COGHSTA resource use projects in accordance with the SDI approach, or any comparable approach, as a strategy to enhance human well-being and environmental integrity through the unlocking and innovative investment of capital. C.9.1.3(b) Plan and manage areas where large-scale COGHSTA and local resource use projects are undertaken as a municipalities Special Management Area. This is to serve as a strategy to facilitate integrated land management, land reform and social equity, and the implementation of the LandCare programme of the Department of Agriculture and Stewardship Agreements regarding the conservation of biodiversity. PRIORITY High/ On-going High/ On-going Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 66

74 C.9.2 PLANNING FOR RESPONSIBLE TOURISM C9.2.1 CHARACTERISTICS OF RESPONSIBLE TOURISM AS PROMOTED BY THE PSDF The PSDF supports the notion that tourism can be an engine of growth, capable of mobilising and rejuvenating other sectors of the economy. C9.2.2 OBJECTIVES a) Promote and develop the Northern Cape as a globally competitive resource and destination. b) Give effect to the characteristics and potential benefits of tourism. c) Encourage efficient tourism development on suitable private land. d) Develop en utilise the tourism potential presented by SKA and other components of the science and technology sector. C9.2.3 PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES The tourism type supported by the PSDF is premised upon the following: a) The long-term sustainability of the tourism sector largely depends on the defining, enhancement, branding and marketing of the various components of the tourism product. b) There is a tendency to develop and manage tourism exclusively in response to market demand. While this may be relevant and appropriate for certain segments of the sector, e.g. the hospitality segment, such approach could be contra-productive in that no destination can fulfil the needs and demands of the entire market. The result is that uninformed, or the wrong type of visitors, visit and often leave the area disappointed. c) Tourism plans should build upon an approach that responds to market demand but which is, in particular, product-orientated. This means that: (i) The tourism product and its components are place-specific (i.e. based upon the unique selling points of the Northern Cape and its component places). (ii) The tourism product and its components are properly defined, branded and marketed to specific target markets. (iii) Strategies are implemented to enhance the product through appropriate development and management. (iv) Strategies are implemented to extend the target market (i.e. increasing the number of tourists that understand, appreciate and, consequently, visit the area with the objective to experience the defined tourism product). C PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES The Northern Cape tourism product is largely based on unique environmental attributes, local cultures and traditions (i.e. the principles of critical regionalism summarised in Toolkit D12 in the main report). It is therefore imperative to plan and manage all aspects of the sector in context of the above premise. NUMBER DESCRIPTION RESPONSIBLE INSTITUTION PRIORITY C.9.2.3(a) Prepare a tourism plan based upon the SPCs Northern Cape High Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 67

75 C.9.2.3(b) C.9.2.3(c) C.9.2.3(d) for each of the spheres of government, i.e. the province, district municipalities and the local municipalities. Such tourism plans should be based upon and should incorporate an innovative Tourism Opportunity Spectrum (TOS) manifested and supported by a detailed SPC plan and the SPISYS. Prepare a tourism strategy, such as the Karoo Tourism Strategy (Atkinson, 2012), for all macro-tourism regions. Encourage tourism-related development in the designated tourism corridors and adjacent to national parks and provincial nature reserves (refer to Plan C3 on Page 20). Encourage tourism by establishing Special Management Areas over groups of farms in the designated tourism corridors and adjacent to national parks and provincial nature reserves (refer to Plan C3 on Page 20). The objective is to create efficient and utilisable buffer areas for such conservation areas in terms of inter alia the Biodiversity Policy and Strategy for South Africa: Strategy on Buffer Zones for National Parks. Tourism Authority in collaboration with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism High High/ Ongoing High/ Ongoing C10 MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE AUDITING AS A KEY GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTION C10.1 KEY ASPECTS OF PROVINCIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITING C DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS The concept of continual improvement is embodied in and is a fundamentally important governance intervention advocated by the PSDF. Continual improvement is achieved by continually evaluating the relevance and performance of the PSDF (and the associated package of municipal SDFs), and the sectoral strategies (refer to Chapter A6) against the provincial vision, and goals and objectives for sustainability (refer to Chapter A3) with the purpose of identifying opportunities for improvement. The required evaluation is achieved through efficient environmental auditing, which is defined as a systematic, documented verification process of objectively obtaining and evaluating audit evidence (verifiable information, records or statements of fact) to determine whether specified environmental activities, events, conditions, management systems, or information about these matters conform with audit criteria (policies, practices, procedures or requirements against which the auditor compares collected audit evidence about the subject matter), and communicating the results of this process to the client (organisation commissioning the audit) (International Standards Organisation {ISO} definition cited in the Integrated Environmental Management Series: IEMS Sub Series No.1.7 (2004a). Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 68

76 C OBJECTIVES The overarching objective of audits is to test the adequacy of existing governance systems. Depending on the need of the relevant institution or enterprise audits can address one topic, or a whole range of issues. The scope of an audit can vary from compliance testing to a rigorous examination and assessment. It not only applies to operational environmental, health and safety management, but also to product safety and product quality management, and to aspects such as loss prevention. The key objectives of the mandatory environmental performance auditing are to: a) Demonstrate the commitment of the provincial government and the municipal spheres to ensuring continual improvement of activities and sustainability programmes to all concerned (refer to the role and status of the Northern Cape as part of the global biosphere as described in Chapter C3). b) Assess the efficiency and appropriateness of land-use management and provide an objective premise for continual improvement. This inter alia means the mandatory revision of SDFs (including the PSDF and municipal SDFs) is to be informed by recorded audit results. c) Evaluate the extent and implications of institutional integration, integrated development planning and co-operative governance as stipulated in Chapter A5.1. d) Verify and ensure institutional compliance with the applicable legislation, policy and other directives (refer to Chapter A2.1). e) Safeguard the environment. f) Evaluate the extent to which climate neutrality is achieved and determine and implement mitigatory measures as required. g) Indicate current or potential future problems that need to be addressed. h) Assess training programmes and provide data to assist in training. i) Enable land-users to build on good environmental performance, learn from positive precedents and rectify deficiencies. j) Identify potential cost savings, such as from waste minimisation. C POLICY The following policy applies as it relates to environmental performance auditing at all spheres of government and in the private sector: a) All government sectors, district and local municipalities, industries and large-scale land-use enterprises are to develop and implement an efficient environmental performance auditing system. b) All of the above institutions are to bi-annually undertake a comprehensive environmental performance audit. c) In order to ensure continual improvement, findings of the integrated auditing process and rectification recommendations are to be implemented through the process of adaptive management. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 69

77 C PRIORITISED STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES NUMBER DESCRIPTION RESPONSIBLE INSTITUTION C10.1.4(a) All government sectors are to, as part of their COGHSTA sectoral strategies (refer to Chapter A6), develop and implement an efficient environmental performance auditing system. C10.1.4(b) All district municipalities are to, as part of their District SDFs (refer to Chapter A2.3.5), implement an municipalities in efficient environmental performance auditing collaboration with system. COGHSTA C10.1.4(c) All local municipalities are to, as part of their Local municipalities SDFs (refer to Chapter A2.3.5), implement an in collaboration with efficient environmental performance auditing the relevant district system. municipality C10.1.4(d) All industries and large-scale land-use enterprises are to, as part of their mandatory Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) (refer to Chapter C9, etc.), implement an efficient environmental performance auditing system. C10.1.4(e) C10.4(f) All of the above institutions are to bi-annually undertake a comprehensive environmental performance audit in accordance with the directives put forward in C In order to ensure continual improvement, findings of the integrated environmental performance auditing process and rectification recommendations are to be implemented through the process of adaptive management as summarised in C10.2 below. Efficiency of the rectification measures are to measured and assessed through an appropriate audit. Industries and enterprises in collaboration with the relevant local municipality Institutions in collaboration with the relevant sphere of government Institutions in collaboration with the relevant sphere of government PRIORITY High High High High/ Ongoing High/ Ongoing High/ Ongoing C PROCEDURAL ARRANGEMENTS The bi-annual audit reports are to be submitted to and assessed as follows: a) The private sector institutions and businesses are to submit a bi-annual audit report to the relevant local municipality for adjudication. b) The local municipalities are to submit a bi-annual audit report to the relevant district municipality for adjudication. c) The district municipalities are to submit a bi-annual composite report to the Directorate Spatial Planning and Land-Use Management for adjudication. d) The various sectoral departments and functionaries are to submit a bi-annual sectoral audit report to the Directorate Spatial Planning and Land-Use Management for adjudication. e) The Directorate Spatial Planning and Land-Use Management will prepare and submit to the HOD Forum a composite state of the environment report for adjudication. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 70

78 f) Findings of the integrated auditing process and rectification recommendations will be fed back and implemented through the relevant spheres of government. C10.2 ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT THROUGH THE IDP AND SDF PROCESSES Adaptive management 13 is a process that promotes flexible decision-making that can be adjusted in the face of uncertainties as outcomes from management actions and other events become better understood. Careful monitoring and auditing of these outcomes both advances scientific understanding and helps adjust policies or operations as part of an iterative learning process. Figure 12 illustrates the steps of the adaptive management process which is to be manifested through inter alia the IDPs and SDFs of municipalities and the EMSs of public and private enterprises. The aim of the process is to serve as a mechanism to give effect to continual improvement of governance and environmental management performance based upon the findings of the auditing process summarised above. In short, adaptive management constitutes the following at the various spheres of planning and management: Figure 12: Model for the adaptive management approach to be implemented throughout the Northern Cape to enable continual improvement of governance and enterprise management. a) Provincial Land-Use Planning Sphere: (i) Planning: To be achieved through the preparation of the PGDS and the PSDF. (ii) Implementation: To be achieved through the implementation of the identified PGDS interventions and projects and the supporting and enabling contextualisation of the PSDF. (iii) Evaluation: To be achieved through the process summarised in C (iv) Analysis and To be achieved through the process summarised in C (v) Revision: Adjustment and Continual Improvement: above. To be achieved through the scheduled revision of the PGDS and the PSDF and the incorporation and implementation of the findings of the auditing process. b) Sectoral Department Sphere: (i) Planning: To be achieved through the preparation of the sectoral strategies which are to be aligned with the PGDS and the PSDF (refer to 13 For the purposes of the PSDF, management includes governance actions and functions of the three spheres of government (i.e. provincial, district and local). Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 71

79 Chapters A5 and A6). (ii) Implementation: To be achieved through the implementation of the sectoral strategies and associated programmes and projects in alignment with the PGDS and the PSDF. (iii) Evaluation: To be achieved through the process summarised in C (iv) Analysis and To be achieved through the process summarised in C (v) Revision: Adjustment and Continual Improvement: To be achieved through the scheduled revision of the sectoral strategies and the incorporation and implementation of the findings of the auditing process. c) District and Local Municipality Sphere: (i) Planning: To be achieved through the preparation and revision of the municipal IDPs and SDFs and associated programmes and projects which are to be aligned with the PGDS and the PSDF (refer to Chapters A5 and A6). (ii) Implementation: To be achieved through the implementation of the municipal IDPs and SDFs and associated programmes and projects in alignment with the PGDS and the PSDF. (iii) Evaluation: To be achieved through the process summarised in C and guidelines put forward in the municipal SDFs. (iv) Analysis and To be achieved through the process summarised in C and (v) Revision: Adjustment and Continual Improvement: guidelines put forward in the SDFs. To be achieved through the scheduled revision of the municipal IDPs and SDFs and the incorporation and implementation of the findings of the auditing process. d) Private Sector Entrepreneurial Land-Use Planning Sphere: (i) Planning: To be achieved through the preparation of a dedicated Environmental Management System (EMS) for the enterprise supported by project-specific Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) as may be required. These are to be aligned with the relevant municipal IDP and SDF. (ii) Implementation: To be achieved through the implementation of the municipal IDPs and SDFs and associated programmes and projects in alignment with the PGDS and the PSDF. (iii) Evaluation: To be achieved through the process summarised in C guidelines put forward in the SDFs. (iv) Analysis and To be achieved through the process summarised in C and (v) Revision: Adjustment and Continual Improvement: guidelines put forward in the municipal SDFs. To be achieved through the scheduled revision of the EMSs and EMPs and the incorporation and implementation of the findings of the auditing process. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 72

80 CONCLUSION OF THE NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCIAL SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK The Northern Cape PSDF is a bold and sincere attempt of the Northern Cape Government and all stakeholders to facilitate the restructuring of urban and rural space to reflect the aspirations of the people of the province. The spatial legacies of land-use tend to be much more enduring than social, economic or political factors which either have short life spans or are highly mobile in terms of people moving to places of greater economic opportunities. Without focussed and effective intervention the spatial legacy of the past will prevail. Thus, the PSDF attempts to simultaneously address objectives of social justice, economic efficiency and environmental sustainability. It provides policies intended to remedy gaps in action and implementation at the provincial, district and local scale. Such policies comply with the applicable international agreements, conventions and protocols, and national legislation and policy pertaining to land-use planning and sustainability. In conclusion, the PSDF is not about solving problems and challenges for the people of the Northern Cape, but rather about creating circumstances for the people to fulfil this task in a manner that acknowledges the uniqueness and value of each person and place in the province and, through cooperation and innovation, contributing to the cryptic vision of: Enhancing our Future. Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs 73

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