The Blesbokspruit is a river located in Gauteng, South Africa, originating north of Daveyton. It flows south and then west, passing through the towns of Springs, Nigel, and Heidelberg, before it merges with the Suikerbosrand River, which is a tributary of the Vaal River.

 

The Marievale Bird Sanctuary can be found in its upper reaches, established in 1930 when and pipelines were constructed for nearby mines. Covering an area of 1,848 hectares, it has been designated as a Ramsar site to protect the wetland from industrial pollution and is recognized as an Important Bird Area.

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According to Ramsar - It is one of the few permanent water bodies in the Transvaal region. Formed during the 1930 construction of road and pipeline embankments for the mining industry. Seasonally important for several species of locally migrant waterbirds and various notable mammals. Mining activities take place upstream. The site was placed on the Montreux Record in May 1996 in response to contamination by large quantities of polluted water discharged from adjacent mines. Ramsar site no. 343.

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During the rainy season, the Blesbokspruit is known for flooding, particularly at Maré Street near the low water bridge. Residents of Heidelberg should exercise caution during these times—driving through rushing water may seem appealing, but many (and we all know someone), who have tried experienced engine flooding or even had their vehicles swept away.