Onrus Estuary - We want your comments!

Have your say on the revised draft Onrus River Estuarine Management Plan

The Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning invites the public to submit written comments or objections on the revised Onrus River Estuary Draft Estuarine Management Plan (EMP).

The closing date for submissions is 30 November 2026.

The plan sets out a vision, objectives and management actions for the Onrus River Estuary. It aims to improve the health and ecological functioning of the estuarine ecosystem by coordinating activities in the estuary aligned with relevant legislation and policies

Why is the plan open for public comment again?

The draft plan was first published for public comment under Provincial Notice 6 in Provincial Gazette 8538 on 28 January 2022.

The Department considered the comments and objections received during that process. 

In addition, the environmental changes within the catchment arising from the September 2023 flood events required consideration. Together with the other identified factors, these changes prompted further amendments to the draft plan.

This public participation process gives the public another opportunity to comment on or object to the revised draft. New submissions will be considered alongside those received during the first commenting period.

Once this process is complete, the draft plan will be finalised and submitted to the Provincial Minister responsible for environmental affairs for approval, as required by paragraph 9.1(1)(a) of the National Estuarine Management Protocol (NEMP).

What does the draft plan cover? 

The draft Onrus River EMP includes:

• A summary of the Situation Assessment Report (SAR), which provides the initial assessment and background information required to develop or update an estuarine management plan.
• A geographic description and map of the estuary.
• A vision, aim and objectives for the estuary.
• Management objectives, Actions and Priorities
• Proposed spatial zones, showing how different parts of the estuary are intended to be used and managed.
• An integrated monitoring plan to track conditions in the estuary.
• Details of institutional capacity and arrangements, covering the capacity, roles and structures needed to implement the plan.
• An implementation plan 

How will the plan guide planning and activities?

Approved estuarine management plans enhance coastal planning and decision-making.

Section 56(2)(b)(iv) of the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act, 2008 (Act 24 of 2008) requires coastal planning schemes to be consistent with approved Estuary Management Plans (EMPs).Because the Department developed the draft Onrus River EMP, it must also be incorporated into the provincial coastal management programme in terms of paragraph 9.2(2) of the NEMP.

Approved EMPs must be taken into account when applications for environmental authorisations, general discharge authorisations and coastal waters discharge permits are considered. These requirements are set out in sections 63(1)(d) and 69(7)(c) of the Act.

The regulation of certain recreational activities will be guided by the proposed spatial zonation plans described in the draft Onrus River EMP, municipal by-laws or other legislation.

Legal requirements and review process

Gerhard Gerber, Head of the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, has issued this invitation in terms of paragraphs 8 and 10 of the NEMP, read with section 53(1)(c) of the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act, 2008 (Act 24 of 2008).

The NEMP was published under Government Notice 533 in Government Gazette 44724 on 18 June 2021.

The Department has ensured that both the draft plan and the process followed to review it are consistent with:

• The NEMP.
• The national coastal management programme.
• The provincial coastal management programme.
• Applicable municipal coastal management programme.

This is required by section 34(1)(b)(i) and (ii) of the Act. The draft plan has also been reviewed in compliance with the minimum requirements set out in paragraph 6 of the NEMP.

Where to view the draft plan

The draft Onrus River EMP is available on the Department’s coastal management webpage  or for your ease, a copy can be seen here.

You can also request details electronically by emailing DEADP.EMPComments@westerncape.gov.za.

For enquiries, contact any of the following officials on weekdays between 09:00 and 12:00:

Contac person:

Mrs Mysoero George: 021 483 3092

Mrs Carmen van Uys: 021 483 2811

Ms Caren George: 021 483 2724

How to submit comments or objections

Submit your written comments or objections on or before 30 November 2026, using one of the following methods.

By post

Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
Attention: Ms Caren George
Directorate: Biodiversity and Coastal Management
Private Bag X9086
Cape Town
8000

By email

DEADP.EMPComments@westerncape.gov.za

By hand

Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
Attention: Ms Caren George
4th Floor, Leeusig Building
1 Dorp Street
Cape Town

Comments or objections received after the closing date may be disregarded.

The public notice was signed in Cape Town on 27 October 2026 by G Gerber, Head of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning.

You can find the Gazette notice here.