The situation
Water hyacinth is a fast-spreading floating plant that is not native to South Africa. On Hartebeespoort Dam it has at times covered large areas of the water surface, blocking light, reducing oxygen in the water and affecting fish life, recreation and the communities and businesses that depend on the dam. Clearing and controlling it is slow, ongoing work that needs sustained funding rather than once-off effort. Cradl's first impact mission is to work toward contributing R15 million toward this effort. We publish every rand we allocate.
Why it matters
An invasive plant, not a local one
Water hyacinth is a fast-spreading floating plant that is not native to South Africa. Left alone, it can blanket large areas of a dam's surface.
The water underneath suffers
Dense mats block sunlight and reduce oxygen in the water below, which affects fish and the wider aquatic ecosystem.
Communities feel it
Hartebeespoort Dam supports recreation, tourism and local livelihoods. When the water is choked, that economic activity is affected too.
It needs sustained funding
Control work is ongoing rather than once-off. Consistent, long-term funding is what makes a lasting difference.
Cradl publishes references for any specific figure or scientific claim alongside it. Where we don't yet have a verified source, we describe the situation in general terms rather than stating numbers.
Project milestones
- 01
First R100,000 committed
R 100 000
Establishing the fund and publishing our first ledger entries.
- 02
R1 million committed
R 1 000 000
Enough to support sustained clearing work rather than once-off effort.
- 03
R5 million committed
R 5 000 000
Scaling contribution alongside verified project partners.
- 04
R15 million goal reached
R 15 000 000
Our full first-mission commitment.
How you can help
You don't need to donate. Buy something pre-loved, or sell what your family has outgrown. The marketplace is the engine — your participation is what powers it.