On Mandela Day, the Princess Vlei Forum held a planting event in our restoration site on the Elfindale side of the Vlei. Last year, we cleared the site of invasive vegetation such as kikuyu grass and Brazilian pepper trees, to make space for hundreds of indigenous plants which were planted by school learners and community members. We also created a new seasonal pond. (Read More) The area is thriving, and supporting chameleons, frogs, birds and insects, although low rainfall means that the pond is not as full as last year.
This year, we cleared more ground, and invited community members to devote their '67 minutes' for Mandela Day to putting new plants in the ground. 

About twenty volunteers came to join the planting, and we were joined by several people passing by on the new walkway, who happily paused their walk to put a plant in the ground. These included a few dozen who joined the African Solidarity walk organised
by the Ishraaq Solidarity Forum to show solidarity with people from other parts of Africa. Altogether, over 400 plants were put in of the following species: Searsia angustifolia; Orphium frutescens (Oxalis); Orphium frutescens  (Gladiolus quadrangulus); Elegia nuda (restios); Eriocephalus africanus and Zantedeschia aethiopicum (Arum lilies) 

• Thanks to the Hans Hoheisen Charitable Trust managed by Nedbank Private Wealth, the Kirstenbosch Branch of the Botanical Society South Africa and the Rowland Leta Hill Trust for supporting our restoration programme. 

This planting helps us remember the struggles the youth have had, from fighting against the apartheid regime, til now fighting to get employment…. Planting here helps to celebrate them and to show that they have a purpose in this world.’   Kamva Nose

June 16 2026, the 50th anniversary of the Soweto uprising, was a beautiful day. There was a festive air at Princess Vlei, as scores of community members turned out to enjoy the recently opened walkway. A phalanx of young runners, dog walkers, families with strollers and toddlers, old friends walking together … the whole time we were planting, there was a steady stream of passers by. 
        It was a far cry from the tragic moment in Soweto 50 years ago, when police opened fire on school children and Hector Petersen became  the first of many young people to be sacrificed in the fight for freedom. And yet,  both the act of protesting and planting are acts of hope for a better future. 

The youth of 1976, and those that followed, faced a seemingly insurmountable enemy. Their immediate demands were simple - the refusal to be instructed in Afrikaans. But underlying that was a yearning for freedom, for the right to self governance, the right to dignity, the right to life. While our first democratic elections in 1994 was a significant milestone in this quest for freedom, they did not deliver the society the youth were striving for. Young people all over South Africa still face a bleak future, with few choices and fewer opportunities. The older generation - ironically the ’76 generation - continues to fail them, through greed, or corruption, or lack of imagination. And perhaps the biggest betrayal is the destruction of the planet through climate change, extractivism and pollution. A destruction which threatens all future generations with scarce resources, hunger, and unlivable conditions. 
    As we face so many crises in our country and our world, the act of planting, or restoring one small patch of ground to a place of liveliness and beauty, may seem futile. And yet, every plant we put in the ground is a promise to future generations. A promise that this world is worth saving, That every plant, insect, bird we save is critical for weaving a livable world, a world in which humans and all other species can flourish. 
    About forty people gathered on the southern shore of Princess Vlei, to plant over two hundred seedlings, including Jordaaniellia dubia, Ruschia macowanii, Pelargonium capitatum, Serruria foeniculacea, Helichrysum patulum, Pelargonium capitatum, and Pelargonium triste. Volunteers also pulled out a substantial pile of the highly invasive lupins. Amongst the volunteers were fifteen conservation students from CPUT, future guardians of our natural world. 
    One of the volunteers was Kamva Nose, who interned with the Princess Vlei Forum last year. In his words, ‘Celebrating and remembering our youth is important especially as we feel quite neglected. There are many things that impact the youth, such as the high rate of unemployment, but actions like this actually empower youth, and help them know that they have a purpose. And what a way to give back to mother earth, and to our communities, by ensuring that our natural sites are protected, they are restored, and they are celebrated. This is our heritage. Fynbos is unique to us, we have to own it, be proud of it. 
    ‘Involving the youth shows them that they are the future generation, and this helps them take care of the future. It gives them purpose, takes them away from destruction, gives them a safe haven to feel and connect to themselves again, to touch soil, to smell the grass, to have joyful meeting with other youth. The efforts of the PVF are important to help us remember the struggle the youth had, from fighting against the apartheid regime, til now fighting to get employment…. This helps to celebrate them and to show that they have a purpose in this world.’

• Thank you to everyone who took part, and to the Kirstenbosch Branch of the Botanical Society of South Africa for funding the plants. 

On the night of June 30, vandals made use of the full moon to strip wood from one of the bridges in the Princess Vlei trail. They were interrupted by the City's Quemic rangers before they could make off with the stolen planks, but they managed to evade capture. 
   In the past few weeks, thousands of people have made use of this trail. So many have expressed delight at this community asset, which offers local residents a beautiful walk in nature, and a space to meet and connect with other community members.
 

This is an act of theft and destruction against the community. Those who did this are stealing from the people of Grassy Park, Lotus River, Lavender Hill, Retreat, Elfindale and beyond. Someone must know who did this - it was not a simple operation. We urge anyone with information to come forward.
   The Princess Vlei Forum is in discussion with the City to find solutions, which include  speaking to community forums such as Community Policing Forums, and Neighbourhood Watches, and making the CIty's security measures more effective - including the possible installation of CCV cameras. The City provides Quemic rangers who patrol the site 24/7, but rangers can’t be present everywhere all the time. Community support with security is vital as well.    We need all community members to get involved in helping us to protect this valuable community asset - an asset worth much in monetary terms but worth far more in what it brings to every child, elderly person, youth or adult  (and their dogs) who walk this trail. 
   When Cllr Southgate and City invested in this project there were critics who said, 'it'll just get vandalised', 'Princess Vlei is not worth it.'
  We know that Princess Vlei, and the communities who live around Princess Vlei, are worth this investment. It is even more important to create these spaces for communities who do not have easy access to other natural spaces in Cape Town. We call on all community members to support efforts to protect this trail, and to prove the critics wrong.

On June 10, the City hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to open the new walkway around Princess Vlei. 
    This came nearly 14 years after community members walked the informal path around  Princess Vlei in protest against the proposed mall in December 2012. That group included two ponies, which offered rides to younger walkers . This walk was not just protest, but also an act of hope, an act of imagining a public space that could serve nature and community. Twelve years later, that community vision has been realised.

There were no ponies on June 10, but plenty of excitement, as few hundred people arrived to celebrate this community victory. Cllr Southgate, who has been instrumental in promoting the development of the walkway, spoke about the legend of the Princess. According to some versions of the legend, the Princess Vlei was formed by the tears of a Khoi 'princess' who had been abused by Portuguese sailors who came with Fransico d’ Almeida in 1510.
   'I believe the Princess would be crying tears of joy today to see this development for the community,’ Cllr Southgate said. 

The City’s Mayco Member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham, welcomed the initiative. ‘We wanted to create a safe and accessible space where residents can enjoy the beauty of Princess Vlei,’ she said. ‘Communities need dignified space to walk, run, connect with nature and spend time with family and friends.’ 
   Higham said that Princess Vlei was more than just a body of water. It was a place of memory, heritage, biodiversity and deep community meaning. 

Hugo van Niekirk from the City Park’s Planning and Development Department described the opportunity to work on the trail as a privilege, because of the special nature of the site. He remarked that the community ‘fought tooth and nail to save the site from development’, and described the development as an embodiment of what communities can achieve when they work together.
    He spoke about the process of realising the plan for the route of the walk way. ’We wanted to create a pathway that works with nature, and does not cut through it. You need to let the landscape guide you and listen to its story.’
    Speaking on behalf of the Princess Vlei Forum, Bridget Pitt paid homage to the community vision which had driven the development, sometimes against all odds. 
  This walk way is an expression of what can happen when the City and the community work together. The spirit of Princess Vlei, of resistance, reliance and endurance is beautifully expressed in this trail. ’
  The walk way involves two trails, one of 4.2 km and one of 3 km version, with two wooden bridges over the canal and through the wetlands. It connects all the communities surrounding the Vlei, helping to break down some of the barriers that were created by apartheid city planning. Several information boards along the way give information on the natural and cultural heritage of Princess Vlei.
   So many people have been involved in creating this. Those community feet which first felt out the path; the many community members who came to early workshops held by the Forum to create a vision for the Vlei; the creators of the People’s Plan which first guided the struggle against the mall. Forum members  John Prince, an engineer, and Malcom Campbell, a landscape architect, who volunteered hours of their time to assist the city in mapping out the route. 
   In 2013 we ran a campaign called Imagine Princess Vlei, to consolidate the community vision for this space. This trail is a testament to the people’s imagination, and their resolve in manifesting their vision for a better future. The huge numbers of people using the trail since the inauguration affirm what value this has brought to the community.

‘The best thing is when we went canoeing and went into the unknown…’

This comment by grade 6 Harmony Primary learner, Zarah van Graan beautifully captures the spirit of the Princess Vlei Wetland Explorer event in earlier in February. The program was held over two days, involving 83 learners from Lotus High, Levana, Harmony and Rosmead Primary. Lotus High stepped in when another primary school had to cancel at the last minute. 
    The learners went on a habitat hunt, to assess the Princess Vlei wetland area for its suitability as a habitat for various species. They noted food, nesting material, places to shelter, and threats such as plastic litter. 
     A highlight for all the learners was the kayaking, facilitated by Gravity Adventures. Gravity crew members Jen and Waris briefed the learners on water safety and kitted them out with lifejackets. With temperatures approaching 35 degrees on Day 2, the kids were happy get wet in the process of getting the kayaks in and out of the water.

The learners also thoroughly enjoyed exploring the aquatic life at Princess Vlei, by netting some of the small species such as tiny bass and carp fingerlings, tadpoles, water boatmen and water skimmers, dragon fly and damsel fly nymphs. Kamva Nose showed the learners how to safely catch these creatures and transfer them to specimen trays for observation, and how to release them again without harm and minimal distress. 
      Kamva also explained that checking for the presence of aquatic species is a good measure of water health. The number and diversity of species found suggests that the Princess Vlei is reasonable shape for an urban water body. Unfortunately, plastic pollution is a perennial issue. 
     While the learners enjoyed the activity, many squealed with alarm at the feel of the mud squelching between their bare toes. Most of our older readers will remember this sensation as a staple of childhood experience, but modern urbanised children raised in a world of screens seldom go barefoot and may have very little variety in their tactile experiences. Getting them out into ‘the unknown’ not only teachers them about the natural life at Princess Vlei, but also helps them push their own boundaries of fear and gain confidence in themselves.
    Learners also spotted a number of birds, including weavers, swallows, African Darters, Blacksmith lapwings, and Egyptian geese. The massive improvement made to the water quality by the Princess Vlei Forum’s hyacinth clearing project in 2025 is paying off with the return of many bird species. 
     We look forward to visiting the Princess Vlei wetland with our intrepid young explorers and scientists again. 

• Thanks to the National Lotteries Commission for making this possible, and to Gravity Adventures for their invaluable contribution of supplying the kayaks, paddles, life jackets and experienced guides.
  

‘ A River has the right to flow and to flourish and to exist… we should change the way we value water… The river sustains living organisms and has the right to flow free and be free from pollution.'

This was said by one of the Lotus High Learners who participated in the Forum's Source to Sea programme. Over three sessions, the learners traced the course of the Diep river, from near its source on Table Mountain, through Princess Vlei, to the estuary at Muizenberg. This project gave them the opportunity to see a river as a living entity, as it flows through these different states from a stream to wetland to the sea

The learners hiked to Cecilia waterfall last year, to visit the river near its source. On 22 January this year, 22 learners and 5 educators from Lotus High School and visited Princess Vlei to investigate wetland phase of the river. The session was facilitated by Denisha Anand (Project Manager) and Kamva Nose (Intern) from the Princess Vlei Forum.
      The learners discussed the importance of the vlei as a freshwater system and its ecological role in the river’s journey from source to sea. Denisha Anand explained the purpose of the programme and outlined the ground rules to ensure safety and respectful behaviour towards each other, and towards the living species at Princess Vlei.  Kamva Nose explained the mini SASS method and its importance in assessing river and wetland health. The following steps of the mini SASS method were explained:

• Select a suitable sampling area within the waterbody.
  
• Using insect nets to gently skim through the water, vegetation and substrate to collect macroinvertebrates.
• Emptying the collected organisms into transparent buckets half-filled with water.
  
• Use the mini SASS identification sheet to identify the macroinvertebrates caught.
• Assign sensitivity scores to each identified organism.
• Add the scores together to determine the overall mini SASS score and water quality rating.

After this introduction, the learners were divided into two groups and taken to different sections of the vlei. A demonstration of the mini SASS method was conducted, after which learners were given the opportunity to carry out the activity themselves under supervision. Species caught included crabs, a dragonfly larva, beetles, snails and water skimmer insects. Several small fish were also observed.
     After sampling, all organisms were placed into clear buckets for identification. The mini SASS scores were calculated, and the results indicated that the upper part of the outlet was moderately modified (fair condition). This was supported by clearer water and the presence of more sensitive species. The lower part of the outlet was found to be largely modified (poor condition), showing reduced water quality, perhaps due to the sluggish flow of water in the dry season.
   The programme concluded with a reflection session, where learners discussed what they had learnt about freshwater systems, water quality monitoring and the importance of protecting wetlands such as Princess Vlei.

On the 30th of January, 37 of these and other Lotus High School learners attended the final Source to Sea session, a field trip to Zandvlei estuary  to explore the last stage of the river’s journey to the sea. 
   Learners explored the estuary environment and discussed the differences between rivers, wetlands and estuaries and the roles that they each play in Cape Town’s urban water system. We did a short recap on the journey of water and recalled how water moves through the city before reaching the ocean.

Learners worked in groups to pick up litter in and around the estuary area and completed a litter audit activity in their source to sea workbook, which involved  and recording the types of litter that they collected, where they come from and threats that they pose to biodiversity.
     After the estuary lesson and exploration learners walked to Muizenberg beach where the water from Little Princess Vlei finally reaches the ocean . They learners spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying nature - swimming in the sea and playing soccer on the sand. 

• Thanks to the National Lotteries Commission for making this project possible

The restoration efforts at Princess Vlei are steadily growing the biodiversity on site, not only of the plants but also of the many faunal species they attract.
   Our conservation intern, Kamva Nose, has greatly increased our capacity to monitor the changing biodiversity at Princess Vlei.
   Kamva recruited Cape Peninsula University of Technology Nature Conservation students to participate in all biodiversity related activities at the conservation area. Their primary involvement has been in surveys and monitoring, including bird counts at the Eastern, Western, Northern, and Southern shores, vegetation assessments at restoration sites. 
     During the mid-year break in June an average of 12 students participated daily, peaking at 21 students in a single day. Over 27 CPUT students contributed throughout June. 

They played a vital role in biodiversity surveys, including vegetation monitoring, insect sampling, and frog surveys, which not only provided valuable ecological data but also gave students practical conservation fieldwork experience. Their involvement in habitat condition assessments ensured that disturbance levels were properly recorded and that management decisions were supported by field evidence. They also conducted  alien vegetation clearing and weeding at sensitive restoration sites such as Briana and the pond area.
       In July, a CPUT MSc student conducted bird ringing research on nectar feeders, successfully capturing and ringing species such as Cape White-eyes, Bulbuls, Sunbirds, and Weavers, providing valuable long- term data - read more here. 

       Under Kamva's supervision,  bird surveys were conducted at all shores, with over 45 species recorded during the year. Notable observations included the African Fish Eagle, Jackal Buzzard, Reed Cormorant, Hartlaub’s Gull, and a wide range of waterfowl and passerines. Vegetation surveys and habitat condition assessments further informed management decisions. Mini SASS surveys evaluated aquatic invertebrate communities as indicators of water quality. Amphibians such as the Endangered Western Leopard Toad and the Clicking Stream Frog were recorded, highlighting the ecological value of restored habitats. Reptile sightings included the Cape Terrapin and Mole Snake, while small mammals such as the Striped Field Mouse and Cape Mole Rat were observed. Insects, including dragonflies, damselflies, bees, moths, and beetles, further confirmed the site’s biodiversity richness.

We look forward to welcoming more species at Princess Vlei as the restoration progresses. 

   Small nectar feeding birds such as our local sunbird species rely on regular supplies of nectar, and in turn are important pollinators of many fynbos species. They are threatened by urban development which eradicates their fynbos feeding stations. The restoration of fynbos at Princess Vlei, and in surrounding schools is helping to sustain these jewels of the bird kingdom.
  Since 2013, the Ingcungcu Sunbird Restoration Project has been developing nectar-rich gardens at several schools across the highly urbanised Cape Flats to provide important bird pollinators, particularly sunbirds, with a source of nourishment. According to monthly bird surveys carried out at the schools, sunbird presence has increased significantly after the establishment of these gardens. However, the question arises whether a sunbird seen at one school is the same individual seen at the other schools or in the surrounding nature reserves. Are these gardens acting as stepping stones which help these birds move not only within the urban area, but to the surrounding natural areas where many threatened plant species depend on their pollination for their survival?
   Muneeba Lamera is a Masters in Conservation Science student at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology supervised by Prof Sjirk Geerts and Dr Colleen Seymour and funded by the Joan Wrench Kirstenbosch Scholarship and South African Association of Botanists. Earlier this year, she began a two year study to investigate how help understand the movement of sunbirds through these spaces,  ringing sunbirds at Princess Vlei and from surrounding areas.
  

    Under the supervision of licensed bird ringer, Dr Dieter Oschadleus, Muneeba’s team captured nectar-feeding birds at the schools and protected areas, including Princess Vlei, using standard bird ringing techniques (i.e., capturing with mistnets). They then placed a PIT (Passive Integrated Transponder) tag leg band on one of their legs to provide the bird a unique signal and identification code via a microchip. Bird tracking stations linked to a sugar-water feeder were then placed at each of their sites, recording all visitation from the tagged birds. From this data, they will have an idea of how individuals move between natural and urban areas, and whether these gardens are successful in helping our important pollinators.
    While at Princess Vlei, Muneeba and her team tagged 5 Cape bulbuls, and 4 Cape white-eyes at PVlei during our 3 ringing sessions. But additional birds caught were ringed caught, such as a Cape Spur fowl ( Cape Francolin) and Levaillaint's Cisticola. This also provides valuable data for the monitoring of biodiversity at Princess Vlei. 

‘Princess Vlei… You are not alone any more … we are here to inspire the next generation to love you as we do’
These words were said by Hafzah Mahmoud from Lotus High, reading her poem at the Princess Vlei Forum’s Fynbos Fantasia celebration on Saturday 25 October.
    On Saturday 25 October, over 170 young people from local primary and high schools, and some from further afield, came to celebrate our rich floral diversity. Thanks to restoration efforts for the past fifteen years, many fynbos species are now flourishing at Princess Vlei. 

   The day marked the highpoint of the Fynbos Fantasia  project to open the minds of young people to the variety and beauty of Cape Town’s fynbos, the interaction of plants and pollinating insects, birds and other animals, and its historical cultural and spiritual significance. 
   For over two months, learners have been interacting with the fynbos at Princess Vlei in different ways, and have been hard at work preparing for this celebration by writing poems, preparing dances, and painting t-shirts featuring local fynbos flowers and pollinators. Crestway learners took it to a new level by turning themselves into Plant People, wearing  flower headdresses featuring giant versions of plants such as proteas, rain daisies, pincushions, bietou and Wilde dagga. 

The group gathered at Retreat civic for face painting and to make fynbos inspired headdresses. They watched the dances created by four primary schools (Rosmead, Levana, Hillwood and Floreat) and heard the poems written and read by Lotus High learners Tracy Daniels, Paige Eden, and Hafzah Mahmoud.  They also watched a performance of Hoerikwaggo, a story of Table Mountain’s baboons returning a lost baby to its parents. 
    Then it was time for the parade, as learners poured out onto the streets of Sassmere Estate, with their colourful t-shirts, headdresses, fynbos hats and bird puppets made by previous groups of learners. Drummers trained by the Jungle Theatre Company kept time. 

The procession wound its way to Princess Vlei, and along the edge of the Vlei on the newly constructed walkway. At the waters edge, Shihaam Domingo saluted the Princess of Princess Vlei and led learners in a traditional Khoe song to honour women. 
      The learners from the different schools pledged to care for nature, and for Princess Vlei, for future generations. ‘We act like we have a spare earth in our pockets, but we don’t. Nature doesn’t need us by we need nature so we’d better start treating it with respect’  warned a learner from Crestway High.
      Floreat learners reminded all present of the medicinal benefits of many plants such  buchu, Kankerbos, honeybos, Cape May, Aloe, Rooibos. Hillwood learners said, ‘Nature feeds us thats why we have to take care of the world.’
      Levana learners pledged to ‘protect and preserve Princess Vlei, to honour its natural beauty, safeguard its wildlife, and ensure it remains a sanctuary for future generations. Through care and respect and sustainable practices we commit to maturing the vital eco system.’
     The Princess Vlei Forum would like to thank the City of Cape Town for their support for the project through the Grant in Aid fund; the fabulous dance and drumming  instructors, all the many volunteers who helped us, and the learners who came to truly celebrate Princess Vlei and our fynbos heritage.