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These include measures to improve the
presence and effectiveness of firebreaks
and minimal infrastructures in order
to respond to and contain accidental
fires; improving and maintaining fynbos
species diversity in order to restore areas
adversely affected or destroyed by urban
and agriculture expansion or utilization,
soil erosion and fire; and using these
measures above to improve soil
drainage and water catchment into
natural and man-made water reservoirs.

Environmental concerns in South
Africa are often at the mercy of the
local political and economic climate
and enforcing these environmental
protection reforms are often ignored or
implemented in a haphazard fashion.
It has habitually become the remit of
private landowners and communities to
implement these environmental reforms
on their own.
Fizantakraal Farm is an outstanding
example of this innovative spirit as the
owner and farm community not only
apply environmental reforms to achieve
what the law requires, but also surpass
requirements to do what is environmentally
right and commendable to protect
their piece of the Cape Fynbos heaven.
They have demonstrated that steadfast
and committed work can make a sound
partnership between conservation and
commerce, making them custodians for
the future of our Cape Floral Kingdom.

With special thanks to Mr. Dan
Womersley. Mrs. Donna van der Walt,
Mr. Jack Jabes and the friendly staff of
Fizantekraal Farm for their warm
hospitality on a cold winter’s day!
by Petra Strydom-Catterall
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