Boyes Drive alien invasive project makes strides in vegetation clearing

Geoffrey Kusamba working in Nbal 085 near the fire break on Boyes Drive as part of ongoing alien invasive clearing efforts. The Boyes Drive Alien Invasive Hacking Group says it has continued clearing invasive vegetation along Boyes Drive and surrounding slopes. The group, which works closely with SANParks, reported steady progress through 2025 and into 2026.

According to founder Karen Hart, work has focused on several areas between Lakeside, Boyes Drive and Steenberg, including sites affected by recent fires and regrowth over the past two years. A key focus has been the burnt section near the Steenberg Plateau car park (Nbal 245), where teams cleared regrowth following the January 2023 fire. Before clearing at the Lakeside corner of Boyes Drive.

Further clearing was conducted below Boyes Drive, between Lakeside and the steps at Bunker Road, following the April 2025 fire. The group has targeted invasive plants such as lantana and lavender, which have spread into the area. Work has also taken place around the climbers’ path on Lakeside Pinnacle and nearby slopes, with assistance from the Traffic Department on several occasions. This included the temporary closure of the northbound lane at Old Boyes Drive, with traffic diverted to Main Road to ensure safe working conditions.