For over a century, the Mountain Club of South Africa has played a pivotal role in conserving South Africa’s mountainous landscapes. The MCSA Johannesburg Section, in particular, is deeply committed to protecting and managing vital wilderness areas, with a strong focus on the Magaliesberg, a region of extraordinary ecological and historical significance.

Our Legacy of Mountain Conservation

The Mountain Club of South Africa’s conservation efforts trace back to its founding in 1891, making it one of the oldest mountain clubs in the world as well as the oldest amateur conservation body in South Africa. MCSA members have actively contributed to increasing awareness of environmental issues as well as actual conservation for a long time. Valuable work in the field of alien eradication has been done by Club members who visit areas which are difficult to access. The Club also acts as a pressure group for mountain conservation; campaigning for the declaration of the Cape Peninsula and Magaliesberg Nature Areas, with members serving on management committees of both. The Club is a co-founder of the Habitat Council and the prime mover in the establishment of the Magaliesberg Protection Association and the Federation of Drakensberg Users Group (FDG). Members serve as Honorary Forest Wardens and advise on the conservation of the Drakensberg, administer programs to eradicate alien vegetation in mountains and contribute to the Protea Atlassing Project.

Since its inception, MCSA has:

• Advocated for the protection of mountain landscapes against urban development and unsustainable tourism.
• Acquired and safeguarded mountain properties to prevent ecological degradation.
• Supported scientific research on biodiversity, geology, and environmental sustainability in South Africa’s mountainous regions.
• Influenced conservation policy, including the recognition of the Magaliesberg as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Protecting and Conserving the Magaliesberg

The Magaliesberg Mountain Range, one of the world’s oldest mountain formations, is home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal life. The MCSA is a member of the Magaliesberg Protection Association, that deals with sustainable use and management of the Magaliesberg as a wilderness area. Our properties provide safe havens for indigenous flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. Through controlled access and responsible property use we strive to ensure that human impact is minimized through sustainable visitor policies and ethical outdoor practices. Regular maintenance efforts prevent soil erosion and promote the removal of alien invasive plant species.

Current Conservation Activities

MCSA Johannesburg actively owns, manages and protects several key properties in the Magaliesberg area and beyond. Our Conservation Portfolio actively strives to promote and introduce the concept of conservation to our members by providing opportunities to learn about the endemic ecosystems on our properties and how to limit the threats to these precious resources. Ultimately ensuring that these pristine landscapes remain unspoiled for future generations.  This is done by arranging regular Conservation Meets, Work Meets, Snare Patrols and Verreaux Eagle Monitoring.

• Conservation Meets are planned according to an annual calendar following the flowering seasons of Alien Invasive Plants (AIP) to instill best practices in AIP management.
• Property Maintenance – MCSA properties require regular maintenance in the form of parking grass cutting, fire break grass cutting and path maintenance. Work Meets are arranged for members to learn and contribute to these tasks.
• Patrolling – Snare Patrols on targeted properties are arranged when needed. Property Patrols are also a key requirement to reducing the security threat on our properties and involves reporting trespassers and any other suspicious activity. Eco Rangers are trained and employed to help with this work.
• The Verreaux Eagle Monitoring program of breeding pairs near sport climbing crags is undertaken using information gathered from members who visit our properties as well as trail camera footage.

How you can support conservation

• Join MCSA Johannesburg – Club membership directly supports conservation initiatives and the protection of mountain areas.
• Practice ‘Leave No Trace’ Principles – Respect the environment by minimizing your impact on trails and campsites.
• Participate in Conservation activities – Join the regular Conservation Meets that take place monthly at various MCSA properties. Activities include removal of invasive alien plants, trail maintenance and collection of scientific data.
• Report any concerns – We rely on members to assist in alerting us of any issues on our properties. Help us safeguard our properties by notifying us of any illegal activity including snares and trespassers, pollution or environmental erosion.

At MCSA Johannesburg, conservation isn’t just a responsibility – it’s a passion. Protecting our mountain heritage is a collective effort. By becoming a member and supporting our initiatives, you contribute to the long-term protection of some of South Africa’s most breathtaking and ecologically significant landscapes. Join our efforts so that future generations can continue to explore, climb, and appreciate these incredible natural spaces.