A recent global rice shortage and the inability of neighboring Zimbabwe to feed its population have brought the issue of dwindling food resources into sharp focus. This has, in turn, led to much criticism both within South Africa and internationally. Recent studies by golf experts suggest that as much as 70% of the average South African golf course consists of rough terrain and other non-playing areas. Although there are no statistics on land use before it was designated for golf development, many golf courses have been built on landfill sites and areas heavily impacted by mining. While there may be some validity to Xingwane's concerns, no empirical study has been conducted to compare the benefits of commercial farming against golf resorts or game farms, and many experts hold opposing views regarding golf real estate. The remaining 30% might be lost to indigenous inhabitants, but the dense root system of golf course turf offers significant advantages. These include:
- Slowing surface water runoff, which protects topsoil from wind and water erosion.
- Holding up to 20% more soil than traditionally farmed crop land.
- Creating golf playgrounds out of damaged land.
- Combating weeds and invasive plants.
- Promoting sustainable irrigation practices, including preventing waterlogging, utilizing and protecting vleis, marshes, watercourses, and sources, and regulating runoff water flow patterns.
Golf estates, along with game farms, were recently criticized by the incumbent Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs in South Africa. Golf courses consume a substantial amount of water for irrigation—approximately 10,800,000 liters per annum per course—but most, especially those on the Garden Route, use recycled sewage or even desalination plants to maintain pristine greens and fairways.
Advantages of golf estates include:
- Soil conservation
- Water conservation
- Conservation of indigenous vegetation
Despite being viewed as elitist and unnecessary developments that consume prime agricultural land and scarce water resources, the Minister advocates restricting future golf estate developments. According to the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (Act 43 of 1983), all natural agricultural resources are legally protected, including those used for golf estate development. Key points in the Act include:
- No empirical evidence supporting the Minister’s comments.
- Various acts reinforce environmental legislation, whether for farm land, conservation areas, or golf estates.
- If golf developers adhere strictly to legal requirements, there is no basis to label them as resource guzzlers.
Developers generally rehabilitate these areas fully, replacing water-intensive, invasive plant species with indigenous flora that form pristine habitats rich in wildlife. Every proposed golf estate must undergo an environmental impact assessment reviewed by relevant authorities. Thus, it is misleading to suggest that there is no regulation of golf estates in South Africa or that they harm agriculture.
Minister Lulu Xingwane is concerned about the recent decline in crop production amid a growing population and tight food supply.
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