Ezemvelo Mag English

Inkanyezi

1 | New houses for field rangers 2 | The Ezemvelo Corporate Logo 3 | Communities welcome Izibaya initiative October - December 2010 - Official Newsletter

4 | Mondi Paper and Waltons lending a hand

Report poaching: 08600 10111 October - December 2010 Stay anonymous and report those responsible for poaching.

They are stealing your children’s heritage

Vision, Mission and Core Values Vision “To be a world renowned leader in the field of biodiversity conservation”

Mission “To ensure effective conservation and sustainable use of KwaZulu Natal’s biodiversity in collaboration with stakeholders for the benefit of present and future generations”

Core Values • Integrity – at all times we act morally, ethically, and with honesty • Respect – we treat stakeholders with patience, politeness, and acknowledge and value their rights and those of the environment

• Accountability – we involve stakeholders in the organisation’s activities with a culture of openness and are answerable for the outcome of our actions and activities • Team Work – working together to achieve our vision through goals • Innovation – an adaptable organisation that embraces the culture of creativity and learning • Excellence – we are a progressive organisation applying best practices to achieve the highest quality and standards • Commitment – at all times we undertake our activities with passion, loyalty and dedication • Productivity – we undertake to produce results timeously, efficiently and effectively.

Editorial Team Editor in Chief Dr Bandile Mkhize News Team Maureen Zimu, Jeff Gaisford, Musa Mntambo.

Language Services Philani Ncalane Layout and Design Mediacom SA

Vision, Mission and Core Values

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Contents

Inkanyezi is a quarterly internal newsletter published by the Communications Division of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (Ezemvelo). All material published is copyrighted and cannot be used without the written permission of the Editor in Chief.

You are invited to submit your contributions to the magazine by e mailing them to mntambom@kznwildlife.com, maureen@kznwildlife.com deadline for the next issue is 19 March 2011.

Different Talents from Ezemvelo

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Foreword by the CEO

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New houses for field Rangers

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The Ezemvelo Corporate Logo PMR Awards

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Ezemvelo Cup 2010

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Rhino Tour Festive Season Report

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New Initiative for women Izibaya Initiative

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Mondi and Waltons Lend a helping hand

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Ezemvelo sponsors university students

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Co-management agreements

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Copyright

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Official Newsletter

Foreword by the CEO

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Dr Bandile Mkhize: CEO

s ever a lot has happened since the last edition of Inkanyezi hit the streets!

Soccer fever is dying down although, I am pleased to say, enthusiasm for the Ezemvelo Cup remains high. More of that somewhere in this edition.

Our resorts did very well indeed and brought in R30 million in much needed income. To our colleagues in the hospitality sections of Commercial Operations I say well done indeed. It’s never easy to be on duty when it seems as though the whole world is on holiday. It was a festive season almost completely without incident as well. Sadly two visitors drowned at Sodwana, but the remainder of our resorts enjoyed an incident -free summer holiday period. Cathedral Peak reported a few relatively minor upsets all due to unusually heavy rains.

A mudslide blocked the road to the Cathedral Peak Hotel and no sooner had staff cleared it than another landslide blocked Mike’s pass resulting in the closure of the route until it could be declared safe by an engineering team. A group of hikers was airlifted to safety after being trapped by flooding rivers in the Cathedral Peak area and another man was on his way while trying to link up with a hiking group also at Cathedral Peak. He too,

was quickly located during a helicopter search and united with his group.

In early December 2010 comanagement Memorandum of Understanding were signed between Ezemvelo and the leaders of communities around four of our protected areas.

First reports coming in from the sea-turtle monitoring project based at Bhanga Nek up near Kosi Bay is that the present seaturtle nesting season has been a very good one with 2085 loggerhead turtles and 167 leatherback turtles been recorded as nesting. A team from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the Marine and Coastal Management branch of the national Dept of Environment Affairs placed satellite transmitter tracking units on six loggerhead turtles in early December 2010 and another five units on loggerheads in mid-January 2011. The tracking records show that having completed their final nestings, the female loggerheads are all headed northwards close inshore along the coast of Mozambique. Previous similar exercises showed that they settled into feeding grounds off the coast of Kenya, Tanzania and Somalia.

In another dramatic operation, 14 African Wild Dogs were re-

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leased into the Tembe Elephant Park on 11 January 2011. The dogs had been in the holding pens for almost a year and at first were hesitant about leaving the security of the enclosure. After a few braver dogs had “taken the gap” the rest streamed out after them. Initial reports state that the wild dogs are doing well and are exploring their new home.

Knowledge of their home range is vital for the wild dogs as they use this knowledge tactically while hunting. What is important too, is that the Mozambican Government has signed an MoU supporting the conservation of wild dogs, and has agreed that this will benefit the future of the cross-border conservation area ultimately linking the northern KZN border with the Maputo Elephant Reserve.

An important milestone was reached with the donation of a small bus to Ezemvelo by Springbok Atlas. Having this bus available will facilitate our work of promoting environmental awareness enormously - especially with regards to dealing with communities where transport often is a challenge and this bus will play an important role.

We will be able to transport our people to community events or transport community members to our events. Either way this is a very positive move. This is a wonderful example of private sector in support for our work.

In late October/early November last year a group from Ezemvelo paid an educational and sporting visit to the Kruger Park. Our staff, from a wide variety of levels and positions, met their counterparts in the Kruger Park and were able to exchange ideas and learn from each other. A group of our field rangers will soon visit the Kruger Park to learn from their staff and to pass on our knowledge to them.

Another initiative which was launched in October 2010, the Omakhelwane/ Community Outreach Programme, aims at assisting former employees of

Ezemvelo though it does not discriminate against current employees if they have been identified as being needy. It also aims at assisting communities residing around our reserves. The main purpose of the project is to make a contributions towards rural advancement and poverty alleviation. To date more than ten families and communities residing around our reserves have benefited. Appreciation goes to our sponsors like Boxer and Al Baraka Bank which have sponsored items that were donated to those families and communities.

Getting back to the Ezemvelo Cup - it has been a most remarkable tool in our ongoing campaign to inform our neighbouring communities about who Ezemvelo is and what it does.

Apart from providing the most wonderful opportunities for our staff to interact sportingly and socially with teams and supporters from the communities, it has provided us with a chance to tell these folks more about our activities. I don’t think I would be bragging if I said that more than ever before, our neighbours are better informed about us. This brings to mind the truth of what was said many years ago - that without the active support of our communities, conservation and our protected areas would be doomed. Well, I can say that because of the Soccer World Cup and now the Ezemvelo Cup, we have an ever expanding support base at grassroots level.

Rhino poaching continues to be our number one headache, but as I have so often said, we have a dedicated staff and we also have forged closer links with our sister organizations throughout the country. We must simply never let up or ease the pressure in this fight.

In closing I would like to wish all members of staff a very successful 2011 and I encourage you all to make this one of the best years ever.

Conservation, Partnerships & Ecotourism

October - December 2010

New Houses for Field Rangers E

zemvelo KZN Wildlife built worldclass houses for Field Rangers who are tirelessly working in the famous Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. These houses were officially opened by the CEO of Ezemvelo, Dr Bandile Mkhize on the 16 December 2010, inside the above mentioned Park.

Previously, the Rangers were housed in small one room houses where they had to cook and sleep inside. Moreover, they had to use outside ablutions, which was very dangerous, especially at night as the park is a home to big 5 wildlife.

Due to these circumstances, Ezemvelo made a commitment to build houses of outstanding quality for the Rangers. In addressing the Rangers, Mkhize asked them to work extremely hard in what they are doing.

“Now there is absolutely no reason for poor performance. I strongly believe that you will be more committed. You have to be responsible for these houses because we invested a lot of money in this project,” Mkhize said.

Mkhize was pleased to see Mpume Ngcobo, a young female Ranger who is working jointly with her male counterparts HiP. “You have to ask other ladies to take this work seriously. Hopefully they will be interested because you have paved them the way. We really need female Rangers on board. This is part of creating job opportunities for females, especially those who resides next to our protected areas,” Mkhize said.

He also emphasized to the Rangers that they should be more aggressive to Rhino poachers. Mkhize said the country depends on them to save the Rhinos from poachers.

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Old Field Rangers House

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Official Newsletter

DID YOU KNOW? THE CORPORATE LOGO (Registered Trademark)

The corporate logo of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is made up of a Zulu shield and a Black rhino.

• The shield is a representative of the traditional Zulu shield, symbolizing protection; • the black rhino has been identified as an endangered species that needs special protection.

It is graphically represented as a strong, dynamic form that is moving forward. This is symbolic of the organisation it represents. Together the shield and the black rhino stand for the protective role over wildlife in the province.

PAY-OFF LINE The pay-off line is an important marketing device that assists with the positioning of the organisation within the market place.

The KZN Wildlife pay-off line • Conservation, Partnerships & Ecotourism • informs the public of the core functions undertaken by the organisation.

The application of the pay-off line is restricted for use on corporate stationary as well as marketing and advertising applications. The pay-off line is to appear in Tahoma Regular directly beneath the KZN Wildlife logo.

PMR Awards

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zemvelo KZN Wildlife officials together with the CEO, Dr Bandile Mkhize (4th in the front row) received three awards from PMR Africa.

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife scooped three awards which comprises of 2 Gold medals for excellent work in enhancing conservation and Ntshondwe Camp-iThala Game Reserve for having Executive Lodges. The 3rd award was the Diamond which went to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park for being the best protected area in the Provincial Parks and Game Reserves category.

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Conservation, Partnerships & Ecotourism

October - December 2010

EZEMVELO CUP 2010 A HUGE SUCCESS

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Mpukunyoni netball team

hlana soccer team and Mpukunyoni netball team will board the Kulula. Com flight to Johannesburg after winning the Ezemvelo Cup 2010 at the expense of Mpembeni soccer team and Somopho netball team respectively in the finals held at KwaMsane Sports Ground in Mtubatuba.

Mhlana won by 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 all draw in normal time. They went away with R12000, a trophy, medals, a jersey and they will spend a weekend in Protea Hotel in Johannesburg, courtesy of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and Kulula.com. In Johannesburg, Mhlana will play against the National DBSA selected team for a prize which has not yet

been announced.

Phakamani Ngxongo was selected as the player of the tournament by former Bafana Bafana coach Clive “The Dog” Barker and received R1000.

He stands a chance of being invited for trial at AmaZulu FC. Mpembeni received R7000, medals and a jersey while Matshamnyama went away with R5000 for occupying the 3rd position.

In netball, Mpukunyoni received R7000, a trophy, medals, a jersey and also a trip to Johannesburg. Somopho got R5000 for reaching the final while Madlankala received R4000 for the 3rd place. Samkelisiwe Mthombeni was chosen as the player of the tour-

Woman of the match - Samkelisiwe Mthombeni

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Mhlana soccer team

nament in the netball category and walked away with R1000.

Ezemvelo Cup is one of the initiatives that Ezemvelo uses to educate various communities about the importance of nature conservation. During his address, the CEO of Ezemvelo invited the spectators to participate in nature conservation.

“As from today, you must be the ambassadors of nature conservation. We are giving young players a chance to showcase their skills in the field of play, but we can not afford to continue if you fail to recognize wildlife species.

I am asking you to report all those people who are desperately looking for rhino horns.

We must protect these rhinos

from poachers for the benefit of the future generation” Dr Mkhize said.

He thanked all the stakeholders who did exceptionally well for this tournament to be successful. This tournament was sponsored by Boxer Super Stores, Nedbank, Ukhozi FM, Total, DBSA, Thanda Private Game Reserve, AmaZulu FC and Katanga Parking Services.

These games were attended by highly profiled individuals and amongst them were amaKhosi, iziNduna, Councilors and SAFA officials led by Jeremiah “Ace” Mdlalose and Kwenzakwakhe Ngwenya.

Man of the Match - Phakamani Ngxongo

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Official Newsletter

HLABISA

Rhino Tour Nongoma

Jabulani Ngubane - Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Co-ordinator of the Rhino Security

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zemvelo Community Conservation Unit in collaboration with World-Wildlife Fund (WWF) embarked on an Awareness Tour to stop the Rhino killings in the Province from the 6 – 9 December 2010. The purpose of this initiative was to educate, raise awareness and caution the public on the poaching incidents occurring in their neighborhood.

The Province has seen an increase in the number of rhinos being killed for their horns since 2008. This culminated to Ezemvelo and Kruger National Park getting involved is a series of meetings discussing the Rhino security and Anti-poaching strategies. Jabulani Ngubane has been appointed to co-ordinate the Rhino Strategy which is aimed at minimising losses of

the rhinos from illegal activities which can be achieved through effective law enforcement, improved neighbor relations, effectively implement crime investigations, secure and monitored rhino horn stockpile.

The tour saw Senior/Community Conservation Officers with banners walking to public areas like Taxi ranks, Towns, outside Schools. Anti poaching pamphlets written in Zulu/English were explained and distributed.

Rhinos are poached and their horns are used for various wrong reasons. The main market for the horn is China and Vietnam, though the demand is also growing in other countries. In Asia the horns are used for medicinal purposes whilst in Middle East the horns are fashioned into ceremonial dagger handles. One of the leading rhino experts, Dr. Raj Amin, concluded in his study of rhino horns, that consuming rhino horn has the same effect as chewing one’s own fingernails.

He could not find any evidence to indicate that rhino horns contain medicinal properties.

The message from Ezemvelo Community Conservation Unit is that it entirely depends on all South Africans to alleviate crimes relating to rhino killings.

An important fact to consider is that rhinos are slow breeders; therefore it takes a long time for them to increase numbers. That is why it is so important that we protect our remaining rhinos’ and report poachers.

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NO DROWNING INCIDENTS REPORTED DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON

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oliday makers who visited the Northern Kwazulu Natal heaped praises on cooperation amongst various stakeholders which ensured that they had safe festive season. An estimated 2000 holiday makers visited Kosi Bay on the Christmas and New Year’s days. On both days no incidents were reported to the police. No drowning incidents were reported which is an indication of successful crowd control by Ezemvelo staff and SAPS. Joint access and search operations were successfully coordinated by both the SAPS and Ezemvelo. Vehicles found carrying alcohol were prevented from proceeding to Kosi Mouth unless drivers were willing to offload alcohol. Reports received from Ezemvelo officials indicated that the crowds that descended at Kosi mouth were well behaved.

Meanwhile at Mdoni camp, approximately 1000 people had picnic on both Christmas and New Year’s days .Only one incident was reported; Cpl. Simon Msweli was attacked by the

group of drunkards with empty beer bottles. Two warning shots were fired to the ground to stop the attackers. The SAPS came to investigate and the situation was brought to normal within short space of time. The case was reported to Manguzi Police station for further investigation. Two unlicensed boats were turned back after failing to produce the required permit to access the area.

Leornard Zulu, Conservation Manager Kosi Bay praised the role played by LT. Colonel S.D. Mtshali who is in-charge of Manguzi police station and Captain B.J. Tembe also from Manguzi police station. Previous holidays had seen no or little cooperation between Ezemvelo and the SAPS but the two have created good synergy amongst various stakeholders. He also paid tribute to the Municipal Manager and the local councilors. “We would not have achieved such success particularly around crowd control without their commitment, skills and support during these holidays “said Zulu.

Conservation, Partnerships & Ecotourism

October - December 2010

CEO ANNOUNCES NEW TRAINING INITIATIVE FOR WOMEN

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zemvelo KZN Wildlife CEO, Dr Bandile Mkhize announced during the Field Ranger’s Award Ceremony and Pensioner’s day held at Godeni Soccer Field in HluhluweiMfolozi Park that as from 2011 Ezemvelo will embark on a training programme for Female Field Rangers exclusively.

The low number of Female Rangers currently in the employ of

Ezemvelo has necessitated this new initiative. Out of 26 Field Rangers honored, only one was female. Dr Mkhize also indicated that training tactics used during the training of Rangers do not cater for women as at times trainees are expected to carry heavy items which women find difficult to carry due to their unique built.

Dr Mkhize stressed the fact that the training programme will not in anyway be inferior to the current training programme.

The CEO further warned against heavy intake of alcohol and usage of drugs. Such activities, the CEO indicated, paint a bad picture not only about the Ranger involved but about the whole organization. In reply, the Rangers read commitment oath in which they acknowledge the increased challenges faced by people involved in biodiversity conservation particularly the poaching of

rhinos. They then recommitted themselves to, in the name of all people involved in conservation, past and present, protect biodiversity to the best of their abilities.

The announcement was made during the ceremony aimed at showing appreciation to the Field Rangers for excellent work done. The low number of poaching incidents within Ezemvelo reserves is due to the commitment of these Rangers. The best Field Ranger Award, chosen by his colleagues, went to Mr. J Nkwanyana. The runners up were Mr B J Ntombela, Mr J Ntombela and Mr L Gebashe. All Rangers were awarded with medals in appreciation of their commitment to their work.

Entertainment was galore. Rangers thrilled people in attendance with their exhilarating drill performance. Guitarist K Zungu and

his band left the audience gasping for more. People were heard raising their disappointment that Mr Zungu has not yet recorded any album as his group is very talented. Mr Zungu has a unique style of ending his performances which involves pulling his guitar from the amplifier whilst jumping up and down; again he did not disappoint the audience which was waiting in anticipation of his “fodo finish.”

The ceremony also bid farewell to Mr C Mfeka who has gone on pension. His experience and dedication to his duties will be solely missed by his colleagues in the field. We wish him well in his retirement and hope that he will continue giving advice to upcoming Rangers as he possesses a wealth of knowledge gained over many years.

Field Rangers Awards – Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park

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Official Newsletter

Mondi Paper and Waltons lend a helping hand in the fight Against Rhino poaching Mondi Paper, Walton and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife joined forces in fight against Rhino Poaching in October last year. From left Gary Nossiter - Mondi Marketing Manager, Obert Mandimutsira - Mondi Head of Sales, Marketing and Logistics, Mike Frizelle - Managing Director of Waltons, Dr Bandile Mkhize CEO Ezemvelo and Dan Chlorboli - Marketing Director of Waltons

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ational stationery retail chain store Waltons has also joined forces in the fight against the scourge of rhino poaching.

This was announced at function held at Kloof in October last year.

In a joint initiative with Mondi, the stationery retail chain store Waltons announced that it would donate money to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife from the sale of Rotratrim Green Line paper.

All Waltons outlets will carry extensive internal displays drawing the attention of their customers to the plight of the rhino thus introducing educational awareness to the anti rhino poaching project.

Funds generated will be used towards training and treatment required for the rhinos.

Waltons hopes to sell as many reams of Mondi paper so as to contribute to anti-poaching and assist with training for the rangers.

The stationery company sees its involvement in this initiative as

its small token in contributing to anti-poaching initiatives.

In recent months, there has been an alarming increase in incidents of rhino poaching in different parts of the country with KwaZulu-Natal, North West and Limpopo as well as Gauteng being the hardest hit provinces.

More than 200 rhinos have died during these poaching activities in which carcasses of rhinos had been found dehorned.

“There will be major blitz days at all Waltons outlets every month where there will be a competition among our sales team that sells the most reams of paper.

Prizes to be awarded to include weekend away to different Ezemvelo facilities,” says Mike Frozalle – Managing Director of Waltons.

Mondi Head of Sales, Marketing and Logistics Obert Mandimutsira added that his company is grateful for the opportunity given to it to also partake in this noble gesture to highlight this cause aimed at fighting rhino

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poaching.

“The illegal activity perpetrated on these creatures is a cause of concern. The campaign should start at home, when the customers purchase the reams of paper they will also receive an educational awareness and will be made to understand that they are contributing to the campaign”.

Dr Bandile Mkhize – CEO Ezemvelo expressed his concern that the illegal activities of poachers should prick the conscience of all nature loving people to act on this scourge.

“More business partners are needed to support the antipoaching drive,” said Dr Mkhize.

In his presentation,The Ezemvelo CEO mentioned that 7 rhino horns were discovered in Limpopo and the economist has compared the rhino horn that in Vietnam it has a huge monetary value.

In 2009 there were 19 409 white rhino and 1 678 black rhino that were accounted for, but in

Kruger National Park because of its concentration, there could be number of rhinos unaccounted for.

During 2010, between January and September, 23 rhinos were killed in KwaZulu Natal and 82 in Kruger National Park which is the hardest hit.

Mkhize also said at the Rhino Summit where the rhino strategy was mooted, it was alleged some of the summit attendees were not screened and there was a possibility that some poachers could have attended the summit too.

Rhino poachers could also be helped in their illegal activities by insiders who work in the game parks and nature reserves In 2010 alone about 220 rhinos were poached and there was a projection that additional 112 rhinos will be poached in 2010.

The projected imagine is that 1800 rhinos will be poached a year which is 9% of the current population.

Conservation, Partnerships & Ecotourism

October - December 2010

Ezemvelo sponsors University students

Thandeka Mthembu (12), the youngest pupil of them all at Maputa Community School, receives the prize from Dr Bandile Mkhize who is the CEO of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

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he lives of aspiring tertiary students of kwaNgwanase, in Umkhayankude District north of KwaZulu-Natal will never be the same again, thanks to a R200 000 donation by the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

The money is aimed at assisting the local students of kwaNgwanase under the leadership of iNkosi uMabhudu Tembe who

are in need of funding to further their studies at tertiary levels.

The cheque hand-over function took place at kwaTembe Community hall in November 2010 at a function graced by the organisation’s CEO, Dr Bandile Mkhize.

This well-known Tembe Traditional Council Bursary Scheme was founded by iNkosi Mabhudu Tembe himself, moreover and

INkosi Mabhudu Tembe receives the cheque of the donation to the Tembe Traditional Council Bursary scheme from the CEO, Dr Bandile Mkhize.

above it has helped more than fifty students.

This area which is bristling with arid landscapes is also suffering from infrastructural development backlogs.

This factor is one of the reasons why iNkosi Tembe brought this kind of an initiative to assist learners to pursue further education and be able to plough back

This is part of students that are already benefiting from the Tembe Traditional Council Bursary Scheme. Back row: Nonhlanhla Mntambo – studying the Bachelor of Art Formative from the University of Zululand, Zanele Mthembu and Ntombifuthi Tembe both studying the Bachelor of Education from the University of Zululand, Khethiwe Gumede who studies Information Technology from DUT, Sibusiso Makhanya studies Transport Management from the University of Zululand, Hloniphile Tembe who studies Transport and Logistics Management from the University of Zululand, Thandeka Nhlozi studies towards the Bachelor of Science from Witwatersrand University, Banele Biyela who studies Cost and Management Accounting from the University of Zululand. Front row: Thobeka Gumede who studies Physiotherapy from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Thulani Ntuli who studies towards the Bachelors of Commerce from the University of Zululand.

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to the community of kwaTembe.

“This initiative has always been my late father’s vision, Mzimba Tembe, to uphold educational strings at kwaTembe area,” said an animated iNkosi uTembe.

This function also saw people from various fields in attendance who also pledged their support for the scheme.

Thandeka Mthembu (12), the youngest pupil of them all who is doing Grade-6 at Maputa Community School, impressed the dignitaries who attended this function with a cautionary poem.

The young orator composed and sang the poem, which was alerting people about the adverse dangers of illegal poaching.

Dr Mkhize, the CEO of Ezemvelo, promised her that his organisation will cover all her educational costs until she reaches a university level, since it is apparent that she is very fond of the nature.

She also won a holiday to go and explore the Hluluwe-iMfolozi Park together with her family, which is part of building the foundation on her for loving the nature.

Another remarkable thing that Ezemvelo did was to donate with food parcels to the merely destitute households.

Official Newsletter

Communities CO-MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTs SIGNED welcome Izibaya with communities initiative

Dr Bandile Mkhize, CEO Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, iNkosi Mabhudu Tembe-Tembe Community, iNkosi Mzamo Buthelezi (blue shirt) Ithala Community, Lydia Johnson - MEC Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development, iNkosi Bhekumuzi Zulu Ithala Community, P.D Mhlaba - HiP Community and Clement Mpotshane - Ndumo Community.

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zemvelo KZN Wildlife signed an historical comanagement agreement with different communities which were forcefully removed from their areas for conservation purposes.

The first of its kind to signed between Ezemvelo managed protected areas and the Trustees representing communities bordering the Tembe Elephant Park, Ndumo Game Reserve (Eastern section), Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park and the Ithala Game Reserve This event took place in December at the Centenary Centre inside the eminent HluhluweiMfolozi Park. The co-management agreement will provide communities with an opportunity to manage jointly with Ezemvelo some of the reserves around the Province of KwaZulu-Natal.

The signing comes follows the government commitment to compensate families that were removed from their areas when protected areas were established. Some families have begun receiving their R10 000 compensation per household. The ceremony was attended by a number of high profile people including the MEC for Agriculture,

Environmental Affairs and Rural Development – Lydia Johnson, amaKhosi from communities neighboring the protected areas were also present to witness the signing of the agreement.

“The focus of conservation has changed from the management of game reserves and park for the purpose of recreation and protection of flora and fauna, to understanding that conservation relates to the wise management of natural resources to ensure the credibility and the survival of diverse species within the natural resources” said MEC Lydia Johnson.

Speaking on behalf of all amaKhosi, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi from Mbongombongweni expressed appreciation to all parties involved and indicated that their communities are committed in conservation.

In his address, the CEO of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Dr Bandile Mkhize indicated his excitement in seeing the signing of the comanagement agreement. He also committed Ezemvelo Wildlife to working together with the communities in improving the state of conservation in the Province.

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Ezemvelo officials visited the communities who are the beneficiaries of the Izibaya Project. Seen in this picture is Ezemvelo CEO, Dr Bandile Mkhize and one of the project beneficiary, Khoyo Buthelezi.

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zemvelo KZN Wildlife has responded positively to those communities living adjacent to the majestic Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park who were always complaining about predators like leopard killing their livestock.

Ezemvelo’s delegation led by the CEO, Dr Bandile Mkhize, visited the Buthelezi family outside the Park on the 15 December 2010, to get testimony from them if the initiative by Ezemvelo of building the Izibaya for the affected communities has yielded any good results.

Khoyo Buthelezi one of the community members who benefited from the Izibaya project was very happy with what Ezemvelo has done for them.

“The kraal is very protective and now our livestock is safe. Since I have this kraal, none of my livestock has been hunted by predators. Even though I’m happy but my concern is that Ezemvelo has never compensated us for our livestock,” said Buthelezi.

Buthelezi further asked Ezemvelo to fence his farm hence he was using it to support his family. The CEO of Ezemvelo, Dr Bandile Mkhize was pleased to hear that the Izibaya Project is yielding the desired results.

“I’m happy Shenge because your livestock is now living under protection. It is our main priority as Ezemvelo to work cohesively with people who leave next to our protected areas. About fencing your farm, I advise you to consult iNgonyama Trust Board to seek clarity and assistance. You must also liaise with iNkosi who will then ask the Board to fence your farm. The Board is waiting for applications of that nature, therefore you must make use of that opportunity,” Mkhize said.

The fence is sharp enough to prevent predators to get inside and it is very long in terms of the height, which is a clear indication of its protectiveness. Mkhize stressed that Ezemvelo will continue with this project to ensure that livestock is free from predators

Conservation, Partnerships & Ecotourism

October - December 2010

REAPING THE BENEFITS OF COMMUNITY LEVY FUND Mbongombongweni community from Louwsburg under the leadership of iNkosi Mzamo Buthelezi received the 10 ton Double Diff Tipper truck worth R950 000.00 from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife from the Community Levy Fund generated from Ithala Game Reserve. Over and above this truck the community also received further R728 869.00 which is set aside for insurance, running costs and the operator’s salary for a year. The track will improve the lives of this community and their standard of living that is engulfed by poverty and shortage of employment. iNkosi Mzamo Buthelezi and Dr Bandile Mkhize

Ezemvelo Senior Marketing Manager Siphelele Luthuli and Ukhozi Station Manager Bonga Mpanza during Ukhozi live broadcast at Umlalazi Nature Reserve

Lance Corporal - Lindani Gebashe , Lance Corporal- Jabulani Nkwanyana (overall winner), CEO-Dr Bandile Mkhize, Field Ranger Jabulani Ntombela and Field Ranger- Velenkosini Ntombela during the Field Rangers awards at Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park.

Sibusiso Myeni (Ezemvelo), Mroza Buthelezi (Ukhozi presenter) and Vusumuzi Buthelezi (Ezemvelo) during Ukhozi live broadcast at Umlalazi.

There was no rest for Working for the Coast officials (Umlalazi Team) during the festive season. WFTC team is hard at work cleaning the camping sites with Dr Bandile Mkhize who visited Umlalazi for a live Ukhozi broadcast that was aimed at encouraging more visitors to Umlalazi Nature Reserve.

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