A contractor for the South African National Roads Agency has been accused of destroying hectares of the endangered Pondoland Pincushion and other rare plants while working on the N2 Wild Coast project, prompting protests from the Amadiba community. Local environmentalist Sinegugu Zukulu discovered the damage last week in the Eastern Cape's pristine coastal area. This incident has reignited long-standing disputes over the highway's route through sensitive ecosystems.
The destruction occurred as part of efforts to clear alien plants for the R4-billion Mtentu Bridge project, aimed at building one of Africa's highest cantilever bridges over the Mtentu River to cut travel time between Durban and East London and stimulate the Eastern Cape economy. Sinegugu Zukulu, a local tourist guide and environmentalist, found that the contractor had mowed down a colony of Pondoland Pincushions, along with the Spearleaf Conebush (Leucadendron spissifolium) and Lance-leaved waxberry (Morella serrata), all Red List species.
“All three of these species are highly vulnerable and under threat to become extinct,” Zukulu said.
These plants thrive in the Pondoland Centre of Endemism, a biodiversity hotspot popular with tourists. Zukulu emphasized their role in supporting bees and the need for rehabilitation, worker education, and better supervision by the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency.
This marks the third such incident since May and June 2025, within the project's Biodiversity Offset programme, which is meant to protect areas from highway construction impacts. The Amadiba Crisis Committee, opposing the N2 route since 2010, has petitioned Parliament for an inland alternative. Their late chairperson, Sikhosiphi “Bazooka” Radebe, was assassinated in 2016 amid the fight.
Environmental activist Nonhle Mbuthuma criticized the absence of an ecological expert and poor monitoring:
“Sanral, agencies and N2 project outfits... have no way to control contractors, or they don’t want to.”
A December 11, 2025, letter from the Department of Forestry, Fishing and the Environment's Green Scorpions confirmed “serious noncompliance” after an October investigation, including wetland destruction and water pollution. The committee also filed a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission over impacts on local water sources, affecting communities like Khanyayo since January 2025.
Sanral stated it conducted site visits in June and October 2025 with the department, finding no major issues, and awaits further official guidance.
