PUBLIC MEETING AND Comment on Draft Action PLan for the Tradouw Redfin

9/11/2025

On 10 September, the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy hosted a meeting to share the new action plan for the Tradouw Redfin. The meeting was attended by representatives from CapeNature, Breede-Olifants Catchment Management Agency, Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve, World Wildlife Fund, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP), and the the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). Thank you to everyone who joined us on a lovely spring day.

During the day, participants rolled up their sleeves to take direct action—planting trees and riparian plants along the river and picking up litter. It was inspiring to see our community actively contributing to the health of our local river.

Action plans in action as we restore the Huis River

The meeting was also an opportunity to highlight the critical role the Huis River plays in the community and environment and to celebrate the activities of the past year. The town and surrounding farms rely entirely on this river for water, yet the area is already experiencing water stress, especially during the summer months. With ongoing drought and the impacts of climate change, these challenges are expected to intensify. The Huis River is also home to the critically endangered Tradouw River Redfin (Pseudobarbus burchelli). Found only within a small portion of the Tradouw and Huis catchments, this species is a vital indicator of river health. Protecting the redfin and its habitat is therefore crucial for the broader ecological health of the river system.

Dr Martine Jordaan from CapeNature discusses the plight of the Tradouw redfin

Since 2011, several organisations have been working on projects along the river, monitoring both the redfin population and overall river health. The newly drafted Species Action Plan will form the foundation of a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP), guiding ongoing conservation actions in the catchment.

We want to thank everyone who attended and contributed their feedback. For those who could not make it, your input is still welcome! We invite all community members to review the draft Tradouw Action Plan and share your comments and suggestions. Together, we can help safeguard the Tradouw Redfin and the water resources that sustain Barrydale.