Even those who visit GrandWest regularly, perhaps for a night out at the casino or to enjoy a concert or a meal, might be surprised to learn that this bustling 56-hectare entertainment complex, the largest of its kind in the country, is not just about the glitz and glamour. It also offers a refuge for wildlife—a sheltered wetland habitat for a growing number of feathered friends.
Tucked away from the sprawling entertainment areas, there are seven large man-made wetlands, invisible to the hustle and bustle of the complex, where birds thrive. These wetlands are a testament to GrandWest’s commitment to sustainability, quietly transforming a once problematic area into a vital ecological asset.
Since 2000
When the complex first opened its doors in 2000, engineers discovered that waterlogged patches on the grounds often overflowed into the nearby Elsies River, which was already struggling with water quality issues. It became clear that something needed to be done to mitigate the effect on the river, and that’s when the idea for the wetlands was born.
The wetlands were carefully designed to address the runoff problem. During the summer months, they dry out, but with the arrival of the winter rains, they fill up again, acting as natural runoff basins for rainwater that flows through the stormwater systems surrounding the complex. This system serves as a natural filter, preventing contaminants from entering the river and helping to restore balance to the environment.
Birdlife
Once a year, the sustainability team at GrandWest invites staff to volunteer and help clear the wetlands of alien vegetation that can clog the water flow. Species like Port Jackson, Typhoo wetland grasses, and bull rushes tend to invade the area, requiring regular removal to keep the wetlands healthy. However, this clearing process is carefully timed—only after the breeding season, so as not to disturb the local wildlife.
The wetlands have become a sanctuary for various bird species. From water birds to Cape Sparrows, Cape Weavers, and Pied Crows, the area has seen a surge in birdlife. More recently, species like the Blacksmith Lapwing, Common Moorhen, Hadeda, Sacred Ibis, Purple Heron, Egyptian Geese, and Cormorants have all been spotted, much to the delight of local birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
“We previously considered building paths and roads to the wetlands to give visitors better access for picnics and bird watching, but we realised that the real value lies in keeping these spaces untouched,” says Mervyn Naidoo, General Manager of GrandWest. “It’s important to conserve the wetlands as safe spaces for breeding birds. Aside from the occasional clearing of invasive plants, we let nature take its course.”
World Water Day
In a remarkable show of environmental stewardship, GrandWest staff and volunteers marked World Water Day on Friday 28 March by joining forces with the City of Cape Town and local learners to remove waste from the Elsies River Canal. This effort was aimed at cleaning up the section of the river that flows past GrandWest, which, like many urban waterways, faces the threat of pollution.
“Pollutants enter the river system when waste is discarded along the banks, or when waste and alien vegetation seeds are carried downstream by wind,” Mervyn explains.
“If left unchecked, the river becomes clogged and the waste it carries eventually ends up in the sea. The drought has shown us that we can no longer take water for granted. Our rivers need our
protection.”
Clean-up
The clean-up project was not only about clearing waste from the river but also about raising awareness. Tammy-lee Solomons, an education manager from Nature Connect, worked alongside the learners to discuss the impact of waste on the environment.
“We often don’t realise how long everyday items take to break down,” she explains.
“Initiatives like this are vital because they remind us of the importance of taking care of our resources. We use these things daily, and it’s easy to forget their environmental impact.”
As the volunteers worked to clear litter and invasive plants, they were also reminded of the delicate balance between urban life and the natural world.
“By helping the Elsies River flow freely again, we are giving nature back its control. In the end, that’s the most powerful thing we can do.”
