PRIVATE LANDOWNERS’ LEGAL DUTY TO CONTROL INVASIVE PLANTS

In terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA), all landowners, including private property owners, are legally obligated to control and, where necessary, eradicate listed invasive plant species found on their land.

Invasive alien plants are non-native species that spread aggressively, outcompeting indigenous vegetation and disrupting ecosystems. They can reduce biodiversity, deplete water resources, increase fire risk, and impact agricultural productivity. Effective control and removal are therefore essential to protect our natural environment and the services it provides.

Your Responsibility as a Landowner

• Identify invasive species on your property.
• Control or remove them in line with legal requirements and best environmental practices.
• Prevent re-establishment through regular monitoring and maintenance.
• Failure to comply with these obligations may result in enforcement action and penalties under NEM:BA.

Top 20 Invasive Plant Species in the Western Cape
(*Noted in the Langeberg municipal area)

1. Rooikrans (Acacia cyclops) *
2. Long-leaved Wattle (Acacia longifolia) *
3. Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii) *
4. Australian Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) *
5. Port Jackson Willow (Acacia saligna) *
6. Giant Reed (Arundo donax) *
7. Sponge-fruit Saltbush (Atriplex nummularia)
8. Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) *
9. Red River Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) *
10. Syringa (Melia azedarach) *
11. Oleander (Nerium oleander) *
12. Wild Tobacco (Nicotiana glauca)*
13. Imbricate Prickly Pear (Opuntia imbricata)*
14. Sweet Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica)*
15. Honey Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa)
16. Castor Oil Plant (Ricinus communis)*
17. Kariba Weed (Salvinia molesta)
18. Red Sesbania (Sesbania punicea)*
19. Spanish Broom (Spartium junceum)
20. Beefwood (Casuarina cunninghamiana)

Other Noted Invasive Plants in Langeberg

• Tumbleweed (Salsola kali)
• Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum

Taking Action
The Municipality encourages all landowners to inspect their properties regularly, remove invasive species responsibly, and seek guidance on safe control methods.

For assistance or to report invasive plants, contact Nomasibulele Mdalase- Nature Conservation Officer on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Vuyolwethu Flepu- Manager: Parks & Amenities on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Together, we can protect our natural heritage and ensure a healthy environment for future generations.

Click here to view the Alien and Invasive Species Lists.
Click here to view the Alien and Invasive Species Regulations