Invasive alien plant clearing is a hot topic in South Africa, with over 200 declared invasive species that have invaded over 20 million hectares of land nationwide. Invasive alien plants are particularly prominent in and along watercourses and proliferate due to a lack of natural enemies. Their dense growth results in the loss of local species and biodiversity increased biomass and fire risks, and the clogging of waterways, increasing the risk of floods and soil erosion. The dense invasions degrade land and often render it unsuitable for other land uses. Comprehensive research has also shown that invasive alien plants in South Africa, especially in dense stands along rivers, use more water than indigenous vegetation. This translates into a 4% reduction in water availability, which could escalate to around 16% if these plants are left to spread uncontrolled. Nationwide efforts to eradicate and control invasive alien plants are thus essential to safeguard South AfricaÕs limited water resources. The Working for Water program is a government effort that has been eradicating invasive alien plants since 1995. Its focus on job creation and environmental improvement has brought it worldwide recognition. The program has a large footprint in terms of the control of invasive alien plants in South Africa, but it is not enough. Landowner clearing initiatives are needed to support the control and spread of invasive alien plants. The Alien and Invasive Species Regulations (2014) legally force private landowners to halt the spread of several invasive species that are considered a major threat. There are clearly defined fines and penalties for non-compliance, but the key aim of the regulations is to bring about cooperation from landowners. In the upper Breede Basin, invasive alien plant control was a key issue raised by farmers.

As far back as 2015, they found: 1. There was general interest among farmers to explore a collective clearing approach. 3. A lot of private clearing was ongoing, but it was uncoordinated and financial assistance for clearing would be required by farmers. 4. Farmers had little time available for lengthy administration and coordination a project manager was needed to source the funds, administer them and manage the clearing teams. 5. There was a need for good and trusted contractors to do the clearing. Based on the above request from farmers, private funding via Woolworths was found to house a clearing coordinator in the local Wolseley Water Users Association. This position has been filled since 2017 and its presence in the landscape has snowballed alien clearing coordination, farmer buy-in, employment opportunities for clearing teams, hectares cleared of alien plants, liters of water saved.

The WWF coordinates the position of the clearing manager and is looking for funding opportunities to extend the contract of the alien clearing coordinator. Keeping the position alive is pivotal to unlocking all the associated landscape benefits of the alien clearing.