Hello 2025

It’s been a busy start to the year! 

Last winter was an exceptionally wet winter, with cumulative rainfall recorded in Newlands station that was comparable to wet seasons of 1987 and 2001 respectively. This however plateaued from September and stagnation of higher water levels allowed for the regrowth of the invasive Kariba Weed.

 

Thank you to the community for all your support in caring for die Oog

In an attempt to be proactive and limit the impact of the overgrowth of the Kariba weed, FODO motivated and managed neighbourhood voluntary task teams who met over weekends early in January 2025. We send a heartfelt thanks to everyone who came to help and made for a fun family day out.  

 

   

 

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The invasive Kariba weed grew rapidly over the hot summer months, completely covering the surface of the pond at Die Oog by December 2024.  This is a concern, as it feeds off nutrients in the water column, limits sunlight and hinders oxygen levels in the water below. 

Water quality is a concern when the ecosystems are under strain. Some potential concerns include pollutants entering the soil or waterbody of Die Oog, when invasive plant species growth becomes unmanageable, or when water levels become too low. 

Sample results from the council’s monitoring system show that water quality is currently within the range of acceptable limits, however Ortho-phosphate readings are showing poor levels for a vlei-wetland environment. 

  • Ortho-phosphate is a form of phosphorus that is readily available for biological uptake in aquatic environments. It is important for understanding nutrient levels in water bodies, as excessive amounts can lead to algal blooms and eutrophication. By providing a direct measure of bioavailable phosphorus, ortho-phosphate levels help gauge the potential for nutrient pollution and its impact on aquatic ecosystems and water quality.

ARCgis.com 

 

 

Security and Maintenance

An important aspect of our role as Friends of Die Oog (FODO) is to engage with the city council and relevant organisations like WESSA for the overall maintenance and improvement of our beautiful City.

FODO met with representatives of the city council at Die Oog on Tuesday 11 February.  

Representatives from the City of Cape Town (CoCT) Catchment, Stormwater & River Management Team have committed to clearing the invasive Kariba weed and algae from Die Oog. The weed clearance started on Friday, 21 February 2025. If time allows, they’ll attempt to clear the wetland area as well.

 

Upcoming Annual General Meeting

Please join us at our next AGM, where we need the support of members and the community. Please spread the word and bring your family and friends.

This is a great opportunity to stay informed, ask questions, and be part of shaping the future of Die Oog. 

We’ll be sharing: Updates on the Kariba weed removal & wetland clearing, the CoCT’s long-term maintenance plan for Die Oog, progress on pathway repairs, dredging & fence upgrades and plans for community involvement & future projects.

 

 

We rely heavily on subscriptions and donations, so please extend an invite to any newcomers to the area, family and friends. Annual family membership is only R100. Any additional donations go a long way to help us cover the rising costs of maintenance and we may then be able to employ a new gardener for Die Oog.

Please drop us an email to admin@dieoog.org.za if you’d like to purchase a pack of cards. All proceeds are shared between the artist and maintenance and upkeep of the garden areas at Die Oog.

 

 

Please click on this link for membership renewal or donations.  

Please email us at admin@dieoog.org.za for any questions or if you’d like a copy of the minutes of the previous AGM. 

Best regards from all of us on the Friends of Die Oog committee 

 

Keryn Tsimitakopoulos

Committee member of Friends of Die Oog