Friends of the Rivers of Hout Bay Ramps Up Conservation Efforts and Builds Safer Public Spaces

Photo Credit: City of Cape Town via Facebook

Great things happen when community and conservation flow together! Over the past few months, the Friends of the Rivers of Hout Bay team has been working on the ground to transform local waterways into cleaner, safer, and more connected spaces for everyone.

Hout Bay, South Africa (13 July 2026) – For years, Hout Bay’s aquatic ecosystems have suffered severely from urban pollution, neglect, and aggressive invasive alien plant species. Recognising that action was needed, concerned residents joined forces to form what is now known as Friends of the Rivers of Hout Bay (FORHB) – a group dedicated to rehabilitating, protecting, and conserving the delicate Hout Bay river system and its surrounding wetlands.

FORHB already runs litter collection initiatives across the Hout Bay River, surrounding wetlands, the beach, and other natural areas. Over the past few months, however, the group has ramped up its conservation efforts, community engagement and infrastructure improvements through projects that have helped ensure cleaner waterways, healthier wetlands, and safer public spaces.

Thanks to support from the City’s Water and Sanitation grant funding programme, FORHB successfully removed invasive alien vegetation as part of maintenance at Kadotstroom, Hughenden Stream (an endangered Cape Granite Fynbos biome), Longkloof Weir, Bethal Public Open Space (POS), and the lower river and wetland.

The team also constructed a 14m boardwalk from recycled plastic along the Hout Bay Wetland Walk – a pathway frequently used by pedestrians, runners, and walkers. Previously impassable during winter, the crossing now provides safe, year-round access.

A beach clean-up held on Human Rights Day at Hout Bay Beach resulted in the collection of 20 bags of waste and community members being educated about the detrimental effects of litter on the environment.

Because education is central to protecting the environment, FORHB has also been facilitating dialogue with residents to educate youth who swim in public spaces about water safety. Supported by the City’s Communications and Partnerships branch, the initial discussions encouraged cohesive and responsible use of the shared asset, cleanliness, and respect for the environment and others.

Photo Credit: City of Cape Town via Facebook

FORHB also received its very own vehicle through the grant and from private individuals who sponsor their invaluable work, making its operations much more effective and sustainable.

“The funding from the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has enabled us to make a significant impact on three areas of the river corridor and the wetland. We have removed invasive species, installed erosion control measures, and done some planting. We are excited about the improved state of the Hout Bay River catchment because of this funding and the work completed,” said Jackie Whales from FORHB.

The impact of FORHB goes far beyond just picking up trash on a weekend; it plays a crucial role in supporting natural biodiversity and encouraging community resilience.

This environmental team actively works to transform polluted, dangerous, or neglected rivers and waterways into safe, shared community spaces. Through their various projects and clean-ups, they turn ecological corridors into places where people from all walks of life can safely connect with nature and each other.