Water hyacinth is cleared from Zeekoevlei.

Zeekoevlei, a wetland site of “international importance” and Cape Town’s largest freshwater lake, is under threat from the world’s fastest-growing aquatic weed that has already suffocated water bodies across South Africa.

Situated at the south-western corner of the Cape Flats, surrounded by the suburbs of Grassy Park, Lotus River, and Pelican Park, Zeekoevlei, proclaimed a local authority nature reserve more than two decades ago, is in danger.

Despite being part of the greater False Bay Nature Reserve – recognised as a Ramsar site, a wetland designated to be of international importance – Zeekoevlei has been plagued by pollution and poor water quality.