Month: August 2013

The Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa, launched the “Farming the Wild” Green Fund Project in the uPhongolo Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal on Friday the 23rd of August 2013.

“Farming the Wild” is a community based project supported by the Green Fund and aims to green the rural community of KwaGumbi in KwaZulu-Natal through the establishment of the Somkhanda Community Game Reserve. The programme also supports another community reserve, Usuthu Gorge, which is located within the Mathenjwa community, uMkhanyakude district. The Green Fund is a national fund, under the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and managed by the DBSA (Development Bank of South Africa), which supports South Africa’s transition to a green economy. The fund provides catalytic finance to facilitate the investment in greening initiatives such as the establishment of these two game reserves. It has the ability to unlock potential in many poor, rural communities, with particular potential in the Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.

The Somkhanda Game Reserve application for support was successful and is funded to the value of R14 million, with a further R8 million available for the establishment of Usuthu Gorge. “The long term sustainable conservation of southern Africa’s natural heritage and conservation of the unique biodiversity cannot happen in isolation from the economic development of those communities living in these areas” said Kevin McCann, the Strategic Manager for Wildlands Conservation Trust, the partnering organisation for the project. “The support and catalytic investment of the Green Fund in the development of Somkhanda Game Reserve as a game farming product is going to move the Gumbi community and Somkhanda Game Reserve into a new era, where conservation land use will allow the community to unlock their potential and significantly improve their livelihoods through the development of a viable game farming and tourism business”. This project has the potential to be replicated across many rural areas, where the sustainable use of natural resources has the ability to transform the economies of such communities.

The land on which Somkhanda is founded has been restored to the Gumbi community through the Land Reform process in 2005. The community decided to place the majority of this land under conservation and create a game reserve that would serve as an economic engine to drive development in the area. The Gumbi community have formed partnerships with the Wildlands Conservation Trust, WWF-SA and the Wildlife ACT Fund to guide the community in establishing the Somkhanda Game Reserve. Through this partnership, various skills development projects have been introduced to members of the community. Somkhanda has been promoted as a flagship project for land restitution and transformation in South Africa as well as an example of conservation-based community development.

Some of the game to be purchased to ensure the reserve is economically viable includes buffalo, kudu, wildebeest and zebra. Revenue can be generated from hunting, live game sales, game products and ecotourism. The project therefore contributes significantly to alleviating poverty through the creation of employment opportunities, revenue generation and the establishment of supporting and secondary industries as stimulated by their ecotourism development. “A project such as this can create great spin-offs to the community, with many other businesses being needed to support the core operation” said Minister Molewa. The project will create approximately 80 jobs in the long run, with 28 permanent and 15 temporary jobs having already been created thus far.

The project will be implemented by the Wildlands Conservation Trust and is intended to strengthen community conservation, applying climate change adaptation and mitigation techniques through community game reserve development. “It is vital that these communities be mentored through the land restitution process to ensure full confidence and competence and it is through projects such as this that this is made possible” said McCann. This was confirmed on the day, with the Chairperson of the Emvokweni Community Trust, Lindiwe Gumbi and the CEO of Wildlands, Dr Andrew Venter, signing an agreement to formalise the already strong partnership.

With the support of the Green Fund, both  Somkhanda and Usuthu Gorge  will be able to significantly improve their ability to sustainably generate income, whilst at the same time ensuring the natural resources are protected for future generations.

On the 5^th of August two 11 year old Cowan House students, Kezia Taylor and Lauren Wood, inspired a cheque handover through their selfless efforts.

Kezia and Lauren raised R5138 for the Kwa Cheetah Project at a fete 6 weeks ago. When Wildlands CEO, Dr Andrew Venter, heard about this he was so moved by the young girls’ passion for conservation, he chatted to his team at Wildlands, and the Wildlands Conservation Trust decided to match the girl’s donation, rand for rand, and donated a further R5138 to the Kwa Cheetah Project.

Desmond Gouws of the Kwa Cheetah Project praised the girls and Wildlands for the much needed funds, “your support will help ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures – thank you!”

If you would also like to contribute to the fantastic conservation efforts of the Kwa Cheetah Project please contact Desmond at woodlands@nambiti.com.

On Saturday evening, the 27th of July, Johannesburg – based Wetback Contracts (Pty) Ltd staged a charity ball in aid of the Wildlands Conservation Trust at the famous Castle in Kyalami – themed as “Royalty of Africa.” The event marked the 22nd birthday of Wetback Contracts (Pty) Ltd, one of the leading mechanical and piping contractors in South Africa.

The event was inspired by a precious charity ball Wetback Contracts organised for their 21st Birthday in 2012, in aid of creating awareness and raising funds for nature conservation and social development.

Wetback Contracts (Pty) Ltd made a generous donation to Wildlands to enable this event, which brought together some of the company’s largest business partners, and all funds raised on the evening will go towards the Somkhanda Game Reserve in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, which is currently being managed by Wildlands in partnership with the Gumbi Community.

Master of Ceremonies on the evening, famous South African DJ, Alex Jay, set the stage for the glamorous event with an introduction of the purpose of the evening, focusing on the plight of South Africa’s wildlife, in particular the dwindling rhino population. He mentioned the important role corporate companies can play in safeguarding wildlife and contributing to sustainable development. Managing Director of Wetback Contracts (Pty) Ltd, Gianni Anic, elaborated on these points, confirming Wetback’s commitment to support wildlife conservation and the development of South Africa’s rural and urban communities. In support of this a cheque of R120 000 was handed by Mr Anic to Dr Roelie Kloppers of Wildlands.

Dr Kloppers, who was the guest speaker, thanked those present for ‘choosing to care’ through their support and commitment to Wildlands’ cause. The focus of his message was not one of ‘doom and gloom’, surrounding the current onslaught on South Africa’s wildlife, but rather a celebration of committed people wanting to make a difference. “People in this country are sick and tired of negative statistics about crime in our society and our game reserves. More and more people are coming together and putting their hands up to make a difference,” said Kloppers. This was evident during the auction, when those present pledged more than R160 000 towards Wildlands’ activities in Somkhanda Game Reserve.

Included in the auction was a post flag from the 18^th hole of the 2012 Open Championship signed by South African great Ernie Els, an original signed and framed photograph of football genius, Lionel Messi, a signed and framed piece celebrating Graeme Smith’s 100 games as captain of South Africa and two exceptional Nelson Mandela pieces, celebrating his life and wisdom.

“The event was a great success and celebration of the commitment of South Africa’s corporate society towards wildlife conservation and sustainable development,” commented Kloppers, “Wildlands would also like to extend a huge Thank you to Wetback Contracts, your investment is key in making our Somkhanda Game Reserve a success story!”

This past weekend saw approximately 300 mountain bikers from around the country arrive in the historical Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal, to take part in the 9th Bonitas Radox iMfolozi MTB Challenge. The iMfolozi MTB Challenge was started by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife a number of years ago as a way of exposing the general public to the beauty of the reserve, outside of the safety of a vehicle. Further to this, the event has provided much needed funding to a reserve constantly under economic pressure, exacerbated by increasing levels of illegal poaching.

Just before sunrise on the Saturday morning, the KZN Wildlife game capture trucks headed off to the start, not with antelope or zebra on board, but rather packed to capacity with mountain bikes to be offloaded at the start. With the sun rising over the iMfolozi River valley into a cloudless sky, the riders were fully aware that they were in for a hot, Zululand day. The challenge turned out to be just that, with high temperatures, some really steep climbs on rocky tracks and the need to constantly be alert while cycling in a Big 5 game reserve. Many had to pull out the race, with broken and bent wheels, snapped chains and a few too many punctures; But for those that persevered, the reward of arriving at the finish line to an ice cold Powerade and having accomplished such a tough ride, was truly awesome.

With the help of dedicated Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife staff, Honorary Officers, the event organisers, Impi Concept Events and Wild Series (run by the Wildlands Conservation Trust), put together an outstanding and unique experience for riders, and the generous sponsors, Bonitas, Radox, Mondi and Powerade assisted in making it a truly memorable ride.

This event is more than just a gruelling mountain bike ride, but rather, brings a group of passionate people together to assist in the conservation of South Africa’s incredible heritage. The funds from this event go directly towards conservation projects taking place in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park as well as other areas around KZN. The ride focuses on the endangered African Wild Dog, a species which is in dire need of conservation assistance, with approximately 450 individuals remaining in South Africa. It is through projects supported by events like this that organisations such as Wildlands Conservation Trust, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and their partners are able to make a difference to the survival of this species.

Two days before the Bonitas Radox iMfolozi MTB Challenge a key element, known as a ‘Big Day Out’ takes place for children that reside in communities bordering the game reserve. 100 learners from 10 different schools were offered the Wildland’s Big Day Out experience through Bonitas Medical Fund, Old Mutual and Coca-Cola. The day aims to give learners the opportunity to visit the Hluhluwe – iMfolozi park and learn about environmental issues. The day started off with a 3km fun run challenge within the reserve, and the top 6 runners (3 boys and 3 girls) were awarded with bright, shiny, red bicycles sponsored by Coca-Cola. All participants were also given a back pack full of goodies.

After the fun run learners were divided into 2 groups and participated in different leadership activities. The S’fundimvelo environmental educators also gave a talk about endangered species in iMfolozi, namely, the African Wild Dog. The children were all very excited about the experience, as both the visit to the reserve and the educational opportunity provided to them, was a first for most.
The 19 educators accompanying the children took part in a ‘’On the Money ’’ workshop, given by Old Mutual and learnt about debt management.

“Thank you to KZN Wildlife staff, the Honorary Officers, all the passionate participants that support us year after year and, of course, to the sponsors who made it all possible – Bonitas Medical Fund, Radox, Mondi and Powerade,” said Wild Series Strategic Manager, Heidi Carter-Brown. “We must also thank Guy Murray for making the biggest personal contribution yet again this year and donating R20 000 to the cause, with the likes of Gareth Roberts, Craig Goswell and the ‘Cane Rats’ also donating items and funds. Congratulations to Craig Warr and Tanya Mackenzie who conquered the gruelling course set out for them and claimed their winning titles,” said Heidi, “I am proud to say 2013 was yet another successful year for the Bonitas Radox iMfolozi MTB Challenge.”

On the 26^th of July a group of 320 happy and excited community members (referred to by Wildlands Conservation Trust as Tree-preneurs) from Empangeni and surrounding areas, eagerly awaited the arrival of their new, shiny ‘Klevr Desks.’

This forms part of the Wildlands’ Tree-preneur initiative which allows participating members of local communities to sustain themselves, by planting and growing indigenous trees and being rewarded through a barter system for their “green” efforts with items such as ‘Klevr Desks’.

The Klevr Desk is a pilot project involving support from the Dalo Group, MTN and Samsung. The desk made of corrugated board, folds up and fits into a back-pack made from up-cycled billboards.  The box the desk comes in is also re-usable and transforms into a cycling board game that can keep children busy for hours. “The Klevr Desk was developed when there became an obvious need for desks and chairs within rural schools,” said Dax Barker of the Dalo Group. “The corrugated board structure can hold up to 100kgs of weight and also has some educational elements on the desk cover including a space for a child’s name, timetables, alphabets and children’s rights,” commented Barker.

“To see women actively involved in these uplifting projects gives me great pleasure, because it shows that they are doing it for themselves and they are fighting for the educational growth of their children. I believe that these desks will bring change in the lives of beneficiaries at school and at home,” said Eleanor Potter General Manager: Branded Channel at MTN.

The total number of ‘Klevr Desks’ that will be handed out to different communities nationally (Durban, Empangeni, Luphisi, Port St John’s, Hogsback, Vosloorus) is 2500, with 1050 of these desks having been handed out in Empangeni last week Friday. The recipients include school children and Tree-preneurs in respective areas. The first in the series of Klevr Desk hand overs was in Durban on the 25th of July and the last of these will take place on the 8th of August 2013.

“The people that have been involved today have taken the first step towards making their dreams a reality. It starts small, when they trade for groceries and they move up when they trade for building materials, for example,” said Dr Andrew Venter, CEO of Wildlands Conservation Trust. “This is also one of the ways they are able to gain self confidence, because it gives them courage. They don’t have to live on handouts because they work hard for all the rewards they receive with this project,” he said. “We must also thank MTN, Samsung and the Dalo Group for their involvement in this initiative, as this day would not have been possible without them,” commented Venter.

Craige Fleischer, Director of Mobile Communications at Samsung said – “We would like to thank all community members for giving us the opportunity to contribute towards improving their lives. This gives these individuals a sense of ownership, accountability and creates a value system for them as some of these individuals have never owned something of their own,” commented Fleischer.

One of the beneficiaries of the desks Thabile Maureen Dludla, a teacher and a caregiver from the local crèche named ‘Gods Love’ received 12 Klevr Desks which she had traded with 1200 indigenous trees. “I love these desks because they teach the children how to count and spell. They really do help in the growth of these children”, said Dludla.