Invasive Alien Species Disclosure for a property in Brenton-on-Sea

Location:
Brenton-on-Sea, near Knysna, Western Cape

Year:
2025

Summary:

Apex was contracted by Deon Boshoff Attorneys to supply a disclosure of the invasive alien species (IAS) present on a client’s property. The property was in the process of being sold and the buyer requested a list of all IAS present on the property.

Landowners are responsible for the control of IAS on their property. According to national legislation, landowners may not undertake any restricted activities with IAS without a permit, which includes having IAS present on the property or allowing IAS to spread. IAS control can require a large amount of resources and time investments, often requiring many years of follow up clearing after the initial clearing. When a property is sold, the responsibility to control the IAS on the property is transferred to the new owner. For this reason, property buyers often request disclosures of IAS on a property before finalizing sales.

Key pieces of legislation which determine the responsibilities of landowners and the requirements for IAS control include:

• National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004)
• National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (10 of 2004): Alien and Invasive Species Regulations (No. R 1020 of 2020).
• Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (Act No. 43 of 1983)

Apex undertook a field survey to identify all the invasive alien plants (IAPs) on the property. As part of the IAS survey, Apex also identified invasive alien animals which are likely to occur in the area. A summary report was provided which included vegetation mapping for the property, an outline of relevant legislation, as well as a species inventory of the IAPs on the property, and invasive alien animals likely to occur in the area. Once the field survey and report were completed, Apex also advised the client on the next steps for the control of IAS on the property.