Original Research
Swartwattelbome: seën of vloek vir Suid- Afrika?
Submitted: 22 September 2006 | Published: 22 September 2006
About the author(s)
F.H. Smith, Departement Publieke Administrasie & Bestuur, Universiteit van Suid-Afrika, Posbus 392, UNISA, 0003, South AfricaFull Text:
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Abatract
Black wattle trees: blessing or curse to South Africa
Much has been written about alien invasive plants, especially Acacia mearnsii De Wild, the black wattle tree and the damage done by these plants to the local ecology. In this article cognisance is taken of how the problem was created, the introduction into and the distribution of black wattle trees in the Republic of South Africa (South Africa). Problems experienced by the uncontrolled spreading of wattle trees forced the government to act, as there was no formal policy before 1936 on the importation, cultivation and control thereof. This led to intervention by government in the wattle industry to establish some form of control and to address the problems related to alien invasive plants in general, and the black wattle tree in particular. Furthermore, cognisance will be taken of the role the black wattle plays in sustainable development by considering the environmental/ecological problem of its impact on bio-diversity and the water sources as well as the advantages it has in the process of forest recovery. Secondly notice will be taken of the social advantages the tree has for the inhabitants of rural areas as a provider of building and construction material and firewood, which would otherwise come from the woodlands and/or indigenous forests. The tree also provides in the timber requirements of industry in the form of for instance poles, pulp and extract. Lastly, the article explores the Work-for-Water Programme.
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