Applicants for leases on state land around the Hartbeespoort Dam will know if their applications were successful after 31 March.

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) told Kormorant that the lease process for the whole country is to be concluded by 31 March 2025.
“The number of leases to be awarded will be determined by the land parcels available per dam, as well as the applications received by the Department,” said DWS spokesperson Wisane Mavasa.
Currently only four entities hold valid leases at Hartbeespoort Dam. These are Boater’s World Adventures, Sunshine Cruises, Adventure Academy and the Caribbean Beach Club Homeowners Association.
Thirteen operations on the dam shore had DWS Permissions to Occupy (PTOs) issued. However, in 2023, the Department revoked all PTOs issued based on the legal opinion that it had no legal stance. Currently all previous holders of PTOs had to reapply for leases in line with the DWS lease policy.
DWS last year invited Expressions Of Interest (EOI) from private or public entities who were interested in leasing state land to obtain access rights to state dams and/or to enter into lease agreements with the department.
The key criteria outlined in the EOI included:
• Increased recreational or tourism economic activities.
• Existing local landowners or local communities.
• Local community empowerment impact, and
• Historically disadvantaged individuals.
According to DWS, regulations in a DWS lease agreement at Hartbeespoort Dam regarding liquor licenses, noise control and access control are as follows:
• Liquor licenses
The lessee shall not be entitled to sell liquor on the site for which a license is required, unless the necessary written permission from DWS has been obtained, and the liquor licence was obtained from a relevant authority.
This includes the operation of a shop or spaza shop.
• Noise control
The lessee shall, for the duration of this lease and at his/her own expense, comply with all laws, regulations, and other legal prescriptions of any competent authorised body regarding the site and its environment. This provision also encompasses laws and regulations pertaining to noise control.
In the absence of promulgated noise control regulations in the Madibeng Municipality’s bylaws, noise complaints at Hartbeespoort Dam can be addressed through, but not limited to, the following measures:
• Residents and affected parties can report noise complaints to the local police or municipal offices. Although specific noise regulations may not be in place, general laws against disturbances and nuisances can still be invoked.