Good morning Friends
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS PAID THEIR FODS SUBS FOR 2025!! YOUR VOUCHERS WILL BE PRINTED SOON.
I am forwarding this letter I sent to various role players recently as a reminder of how FODS came about and what our role in Doringkloof is.
We have seen some Tshwane activity in the spruit with brush cutters these last 2 weeks and I sincerely hope we will see more of them!
There is a lot of unhappiness from the residents in Doringkloof regarding the state of the Doringkloof nature area (spruit) at the moment, due to the overgrowth and lack of tractors to mow the fields. I completely understand the frustration.
I want to clarify some points:
- “Doringkloof Nature Area” was separated into a nature area, as opposed to a park (like the tennis court, Jansen and Koronna parks), in 2008 and falls under City of Tshwane Nature Conservation. This allowed the area to be fenced in, with some access restriction. This was a big help with security in the area. However, this was to be a place in the suburb for birds and animals to be protected and allowed to thrive. Alexander Heunis is the functional head of this region at this time.
- Friends of Doringkloof spruit (FODS) was constituted in 2009. Friends’ groups fall under the umbrella of WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) and we work in accordance with the general principles of Friends’ Groups. We report to them and meet with WESSA at least once a year.
- Members of FODS pay a subscription fee and this money is banked in a separate account and used only for Fods related costs.
- FODS also falls under CoT Nature Conservation, and as such we have a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with them to do certain activities and assist NC in the nature area.
We submit an activities list to CoT NC via Alexander yearly which outlines various activities we plan to do in the Doringkloof spruit.
We hold regular, minuted, committee meetings. Alexander gets a copy of these.
We may not undertake any activities not previously agreed on.
- Regarding the “bushwhackers” and brush cutting done in the spruit – we(FODS) have a MOU with CoT NC to cut and remove alien vegetation, and the bushwhackers have been the strong guys who have kindly done this for us. The boundary walls always used to be brush cut and sprayed by CoT NC, but lately, they have not had the manpower or equipment to do this. It was agreed that this could be done in the interests of fire safety and security for the residents that border the nature area. We have also asked these residents who can assist, to keep their own boundary walls clear of vegetation.
- Residents may not arrange their own work parties or grass-cutting ventures without the permission of CoT NC, in this case Alexander. He will arrange a site meeting if necessary and then agree on what may or may not be done. I can always be contacted to arrange this if necessary.
- FODS holds regular clean up sessions in the spruit and the residents are always encouraged to assist us with these. This is where we really would like all the help we can get!
- Camping or overnighting in the Doringkloof nature area is not permitted at all.
If residents see anyone camping/sleeping overnight in any part of the area they must please phone Tshwane Metro Police to ask them to move them off.
They should also email TMPD with the specific location and details. This will generate a reference number for follow-up complaints.
Tshwane Metro Police Department number: 012 664 4445
I am very grateful for all the help and support FODS get from the Doringkloof Neighbourhood Watch and the Residents Association and look forward to working together again this year.
Kind regards
Penny
(chairperson Friends of Doringkloof Spruit)
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