Crocodile River (Limpopo)

The Crocodile River (Tswana: Oodi,[1] Afrikaans: Krokodilrivier) is a river in South Africa. At its confluence with the Marico River, the Limpopo River is formed.[2]

This article is about the river in Gauteng, North West and Limpopo provinces. For the tributary of the Komati River, see Crocodile River (Mpumalanga).
Crocodile River
Crocodile River at Pelindaba, North West
Crocodile River (Limpopo) is located in South Africa
Crocodile River (Limpopo)
Location of the Crocodile River's mouth
Native nameTswana: Oodi
Location
CountrySouth Africa
ProvinceGauteng, North West and Limpopo
Physical characteristics
SourceWitwatersrand
 • locationWitpoortjie, Gauteng
 • coordinates26°07′23″S 27°49′48″E
 • elevation1,710 m (5,610 ft)
MouthLimpopo River
 • location
Dwaalboom, Limpopo
 • coordinates
24°11′27″S 26°52′22″E
 • elevation
872 m (2,861 ft)
Length423 km (263 mi)
Basin size29,572 km2 (11,418 sq mi)
Basin features
ProgressionLimpopo River → Indian Ocean

Course
NASA picture of the Crocodile River south of Thabazimbi

The Crocodile River has its source in the Witwatersrand mountain range, originating in Constantia Kloof, Roodepoort, Gauteng province. The first dam on the river is the Lake Heritage Dam just west of Lanseria International Airport. Just north of this airport is its confluence with the Jukskei River. Further downstream into the North West province are the Hartbeespoort Dam[3] and the Roodekoppies Dam. Beyond the Hartbeespoort Dam, the stream passes the town of Brits. The Elands River joins downstream from the Vaalkop Dam, about 20 km further the Pienaars River joins its right bank, shortly after exiting the Klipvoor Dam.

In Limpopo province, about 35 km further, the river passes the town of Thabazimbi and meanders for many miles through a sparsely inhabited area before joining the Marico River just west of Rooibokkraal at the limit of North West province to form the start of the Limpopo River.[4]

Tributaries

The tributaries of the Crocodile River include the Bloubankspruit, Hennops River, Jukskei River, Magalies River, Sterkstroom River, Rosespruit, Skeerpoort River, Kareespruit, Elands River, Bierspruit River and Sundays River.[5]

Pollution
Massive growth of water hyacinth deteriorating the water quality of Hartbeespoort Dam

The Crocodile River is one of the most polluted river systems in South Africa. The effects of pollution from two of South Africa's metropolitan areas, Johannesburg and Tshwane, has been detrimental to the ecology of the system. Untreated industrial, mining, agricultural and household waste has deteriorated the water quality throughout most of its course and led to massive algal blooms in the Hartbeespoort Dam and Roodekoppies Dam. Invasive plant species have negatively affected the integrity of the system. Unsustainable farming practices have led to sediment overloads and erosion further harming the river.

Dams
View of the Hartbeespoort Dam

The Crocodile River is part of the Crocodile (West) and Marico Water Management Area. Dams in the river basin are:

See also

References
  1. Morton, Fred. "Fenders of Space: Kgatla Territorial Expansion Under Boer and British Rule, 1840–1920". Indigenous Southern African Responses to Colonialism, 1840-1930: 21–46.
  2. Major rivers and streams within the Limpopo River Basin
  3. Hartbeespoort Dam History Archived 2012-07-07 at archive.today
  4. Mokolo and Crocodile River (West)
  5. Crocodile/Marico WMA 3
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