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The term vlei can be applied to most natural, low?lying, wet or damp areas in South Africa which may correspond with such categories as swamp, reedswamp, marsh and fen, but excluding pans and bogs. In the Natal Highland Sourveld, to qualify as a vler an area must have a hydromorphic soil and be drained through an outlet. A description of the main features of Natal Highland Sourveld vleis reveals that three vlei types ? Headwater, Valley and Plain, are recognisable on a physiographic basis. The grassland vegetation of each vlei type is characterised by particular successional stages. The vleis, closely connected with important river systems, are supposed to promote sustained water yield under highly seasonal rainfall conditions. However, the vleis might be of greater agro?hydrological value if they were drained and cultivated or used as dam sites. A brief consideration of the potential of the three vlei types suggests that Headwater Vleis are best left in their natural state; Valley Vleis are unsuited for drainage and cultivation, although some may serve as dam sites; Plain Vleis may be recommended for drainage and cultivation after further investigation. Plain Vleis are suitable sites for dams.