Ezemvelo, Wildlands and the African Conservation Trust launch strategic Rhino partnership

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (Ezemvelo), the Wildlands Conservation Trust (Wildlands) and the African Conservation Trust (ACT) have formed a strategic partnership aimed at stopping rhino poaching in Ezemvelo’s protected areas. “The poaching of our Province’s rhino can only be stopped through a collaborative effort. Wildlands and ACT are key partners. We met today to explore ways in which we can work more closely to stop this poaching, and it is with pleasure that I can announce that Wildlands and ACT have agreed to actively help us develop our capacity and secure the resources which we need to effectively protect our rhino”, said Dr Bandile Mkhize, CEO of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

The Wildlands CEO, Dr Andrew Venter, and ACT CEO, Francois Du Toit will meet on a regular basis with Dr Mkhize and senior Ezemvelo staff to develop their understanding of the challenges which the organisation is facing, with a view to channelling the resources of the Wildlands network to address these challenges. “The rhino onslaught has taken us all by surprise. Conservation has made great strides towards becoming inclusive and community based over the past decade. This sits at the heart of both the Ezemvelo and Wildlands Vision, and Ezemvelo are world leaders in this community engagement interface. Unfortunately, the poaching syndicates are ruthless and willing to exploit any weakness. They are actively developing local criminal syndicates, corrupting individuals and abusing Ezemvelo’s goodwill. As such we’re entering a new era of conservation. We need to continue nurturing and supporting community based conservation approaches, whilst demonstrating an intolerance of lawlessness and criminal activity” commented Dr Venter.

The rhino onslaught is not limited to KZN. South Africa has lost a record number of Rhino this year, and there is every indication that the onslaught will continue. Thus the experience gained and systems developed through the formal collaboration between Ezemvelo and Wildlands, will have benefits way beyond the fences of Ezemvelo’s reserves. Prof Rob Fincham, Chairman of the Wildlands Conservation Trust stressed the importance of this partnership: “These are three committed and visionary organisations, trying to find a solution to this appalling onslaught. I believe that their collective effort, supported by their extensive networks, will turn the tide. Wildlands already has a number of strategic partnerships with Ezemvelo, including the Wild Series, Integrated Greening Programme, the Conservation Symposium and the Umgeni Recycling initiative. This Rhino partnership adds to this legacy of working together to address the many environmental challenges which we face. This partnership will be unusual as it will see the two executive teams working directly together to stop this onslaught. I have absolute confidence in their collective ability and am equally dedicated to making this a success. I call on all our partners and supporters to get behind this initiative help us develop and resource the systems required to stop rhino poaching!”

The Ezemvelo and Wildlands executive team will meet this coming week to begin shaping a strategy. ”Our initial emphasis will be on addressing the issues identified through Ezemvelo’s internal investigation of the recent poaching incidents at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park. Over time we’d like this partnership to focus on all Ezemvelo’s rhino reserves, with a view to reversing the recent poaching onslaught and allowing us to once again drive the expansion of Rhino territory across KZN. This remains our collective goal, as it is essential for the long term survival of this iconic species,” stated Dr Mkhize.

The partnership builds on the foundation laid through the establishment and activities of the ground breaking Project Rhino KZN initiative. “We all need to work together to ensure that not only do we stop the poaching of rhino in KZN and South Africa, but also help Ezemvelo grow from strength to strength. They are the custodians of our wonderful natural heritage. They need our help to nurture, care and protect this heritage. They cannot do it alone,” concluded Francois du Toit, CEO African Conservation Trust.

Bicycles and “Clever Desks” handed over to Wildlands’ Tree-preneurs in Buffelsdraai

Yesterday, in an inspirational event made possible by Wildlands Conservation Trust, MTN and Qhubeka, over 100 bicycles, cell phones and “clever desks” were handed over to community members in Buffelsdraai. This formed part of the Wildlands’ Tree-preneur programme which sees community members planting trees and being rewarded for their “green” efforts with items such as bicycles, which ultimately increases their accessibility to healthcare and education.

Qhubeka and Wildlands formed a partnership with a common goal in mind – to help build communities where transportation is no longer a barrier to healthcare, education, sport and economic opportunity. Through the support of World Bicycle Relief (WBR) Wildlands and Qhubeka opened a Bicycle Assembly Plant in Pietermaritzburg in October 2011, which has produced over 2000 bicycles in 2012 alone.

The event also launched the “Clever Desk” – a pilot project involving support from the Dalo Group, MTN, Qhubeka 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 clever desk was developed when there became an obvious need for desks and chairs within rural schools,” said Lyle Krause 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 Krause.

Cyclist and employee of MTN, Jody Forrester, also spoke at the ceremony, with Siphiwe Ndlovu of Wildlands translating his speech for the community members. “I cycled 2400km in 19 days from Pietermaritzburg to Cape Town as part of the Freedom Challenge earlier this year,” said Forrester. “It was through this race and the sponsorship of MTN that I could contribute to raising funds to purchase some of the bicycles we have handed over,” continues Forrester, “participating in the race was truly amazing, but I must say the best part is seeing how people have benefitted here today.”

One of the bicycle recipients included 51 year old Fikelephi Dladla who said, “I am very happy because not using the taxis all the time will save me money, and my grandchildren will also benefit from the desk because they will learn new things.” Celiwe Goqo received 5 bicycles for planting 500 trees, “I am so happy I planted those trees, now I can sell these bicycles and buy food for my family,” concluded Celiwe.

Wildlands assist in Karkloof Nature Reserve proclamation

South Africans face critical challenges in protecting our unique and highly diverse natural environment, as well as implementing programmes to improve the livelihoods of people within these areas. Many of our more significant and well-known protected areas have been established within the savanna regions of the country, with little emphasis being placed on our grassland areas in the Midlands. This therefore makes the formal proclamation of Karkloof Nature Reserve, a 3500ha area dominated by grassland and indigenous forest mosaic, an incredible achievement and contribution to conservation efforts in KwaZulu-Natal.

This Nature Reserve consists of land owned by the Wildlands Conservation Trust, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) and the Hancock family. Up until this point, this land has been run as a nature reserve but has not had the legal protection of a formally proclaimed protected area. Wildlands has assisted EKZNW in formally proclaiming the Karkloof Nature Reserve, which was also signed off by the MEC of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development in KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Meshack Radebe, and officially published on the 30th of August 2012.

“The formal conservation security of the Karkloof Nature Reserve makes a significant contribution to the conservation activities in the Midlands,” states Kevin McCann, Wildlands’ Strategic Manager, “and supported by the Karkloof Conservancy and the Wildlands’ Wild Series Three Cranes Challenge, will continue to contribute ecosystem services to the area, and for species like the three crane species and Oribi antelope.”

Wildlands initiated its engagement with the Karkloof Conservancy, an area covering approximately 40 000ha (which includes the Karkloof Nature Reserve), when it secured funding through the SAPPI Tree Routes programme for the construction of the Karkloof Conservation Centre almost 5 years ago. The Karkloof Conservation Centre is located at the entrance to Gartmore Farm, and the conservancy’s offices can also be found on this farm. Two bird hides have also been built, one of which is situated on Gartmore Farm and the other of which is on the adjacent Loskop Farm. These hides are known for their regular sightings of all three species of crane. The Karkloof Conservation Centre will be celebrating its 5 year anniversary on Sunday the 21st of October, with Dr Andrew Venter, the CEO of Wildlands, due to give a key note address at this event.

The Karkloof Conservancy focuses a lot of its activities around environmental education. The Conservancy has a very active rural school Environmental Education Programme, focusing on different environmental themes each year, involving the four schools within the conservancy area. The Karkloof Conservation Centre has also linked up with the Wild Series Three Cranes Challenge, to help secure funding for these educational programmes, one of which teaches learners and educators alike to grow vegetable gardens.  “The idea behind this project is that if you can grow your own food, you are less likely to resort to poaching and other illegal activities in the area that may impact on the area’s biodiversity,” comments McCann. Learners are taught about mulching, how to make compost and shown how to control pests and weeds without using pesticides. Wildlands has donated books, seeds and tools to enable this garden project.

With the continual development of “Green-preneur” projects in the valley and the education of the next generation in sound environment practices; the Karkloof Valley and the Karkloof Nature Reserve, are set to have a very green future!

Ray Phiri’s Heart Song

Wildlands’ Rhino Ambassador and world renowned musician Ray Phiri, unveiled his ¾ life size rhino sculpture this morning at King Shaka International Airport. A large group of people attended the event to support the musician in making a stand against the current rhino poaching crisis, which is noticeably something he feels very passionate about. It forms part of Rays personal “heart song” – a creative term used to describe a musician’s passions and feelings.

Approaching his sixty fifth year the legendary Ray Phiri stated, “I have reached that special stage in my life where I am determined to leave a lasting legacy for both my fans and younger generations to come, I hope I can do this through the Rhino Parade.” The youth and their potential as leaders of tomorrow is something that really drives Ray to share his worldly knowledge.

“Ray is so full of wisdom and is quite frankly one of the most interesting people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting,” comments Lauren Laing of the Wildlands Conservation Trust. “He has lived a broken road, but what he considers a blessed life, which has given him a wealth of knowledge not only with regards to the music industry, but love and life in general. He obviously went down a storm with the third year students at DUT (Durban University of Technology), who volunteered their talents for the conception and implementation of the rhino artworks.”

“Ray is a fantastic storyteller,” said Carla Ziady, the student from DUT who designed and painted Ray’s rhino sculpture, “so much so that I had to include his famous quote – THIS IS YOUR STORY, MY STORY…THE UNFINISHED STORY – and make the art of ‘storytelling’ the creative thread that links the designs on the rhino!” His commitment of being a great citizen and the entertaining way in which he urged students to get back in touch with their heritage was truly unforgettable, as he also spoke of how important it is to care, love, inspire and nurture communities, family and friends.

Ray is a leading South African songwriter, musician, producer, and social justice activist and has received several accolades including a Grammy Award and the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver from President Jacob Zuma for his contribution to the South African music industry and the successful use of arts as an instrument of social transformation. Ray has also worked on various projects to promote the development of the arts in Southern Africa through the ‘Ray Phiri Arts Institute’ and is involved in various social re-engineering projects, which have seen him volunteering his time and counselling service to fight the scourge of HIV/AIDS.

Just as Ray liberated oppressed South Africans through his music several years ago, he aims to use music as a means to fight the rhino poaching crisis. Ray will share the stage with his rhino sculpture on Saturday the 6th of October at the KwaMashu Africa Festival 2012, and will also talk to the thousands of spectators set to attend about his passion for the conservation of our heritage.

Kevin McCann of Wildlands spoke to the fact that ambassadors like Ray help leverage our fundraising efforts.  “Through the celebrity endorsed Rhino Parade we are able to increase our conservation efforts, which include 3 key projects namely, Project Rhino Tracker, Project Rhino Aerial Support and Project Rhino Investigations & Prosecution Support,” said McCann. “A lot of the public are wary of donating funds for fear of investing in an organisation that is not legitimate. Through our partnerships with 16 other organisations, all collaborating efforts under the Project Rhino KZN banner, we hope to curb this fear.”

“We have been involved with Wildlands for several years through their donation boxes that appear in our Airports countrywide,” commented Colin Naidoo, Brand & Communications Manager at ACSA. “We believe they are making a significant difference through all the work that they do and are confident that we have partnered with an organisation that we know will invest the funds wisely.”

The Durban Rhino Parade includes four celebrity rhino sculptures in total, with the first three having been adopted by former Proteas’ fast-bowler Shaun Pollock, Sprinkbok Pat Lambie, Ray Phiri and the fourth by Olympic Gold Medalist Chad Le Clos. The sculptures will be on parade at King Shaka Airport until the end of November before they are moved to the Durban City Hall to be auctioned at a high profile Gala Dinner set to be held on the 29th of November.

Photo credit: Emma Gatlin

Local NPO wins Global Best Partnerships Award

Local Non-profit, the Wildlands Conservation Trust, was awarded the Global Best Award for Partnerships that have a Key Role in Building Employability Skills for the 21st Century in Africa for its Integrated Greening Program.  Wildlands was also awarded the Regional Partnerships Award for Africa, winning across all award themes for the continent.  The awards, an initiative of the International Partnerships Network, were presented at the 11th International Education Business Partnership Conference, held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban last week.  Awards were also given to organisation representatives from across the globe, including Australia/Pacific, Europe and the Americas.

The KZN Integrated Greening Programme is a unique partnership between the Wildlands Conservation Trust, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, including the Office of the Premier, Department of Public Works and Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs and Business South Africa.  The highly acclaimed programme is delivering significant social, economic and environmental benefit to the communities of KwaZulu-Natal. During its first year, it enabled the creation of 3 167 work opportunities, including 352 full-time positions. Through the Programme, 545 997 trees were propagated, 277 891 of these were planted and 1 073 095 kgs of recyclable waste was collected.

The programme has also won a number of other awards including the Top Partnership Award at the 2012 6th FNB KZN Top Business Awards and the Governance Award at the Mail & Guardian Greening the Future Awards for the way in which it has enabled a partnership between the KZN Province, Civil Society, Corporate South Africa and eThekwini Municipality.  One of the project ‘tree-preneurs’, 17 year old Mabutho Martin Khoza from KwaMzimela was also recognised as KZN’s Best Emerging Entrepreneur at the Inheritors Community Achievement Awards in August this year.

Simone Dale, Strategic Manager for the Trust’s training & skills development portfolio (uBuntu Earth) who received the award on behalf of the Trust said, “We’re really proud of this award because we believe this is one of the most significant strengths we bring to building a more sustainable future in this country.  Job creation is a massive challenge and if we can create jobs while helping to restore and protect our natural heritage, we’re on to a winning formula.  Partnerships are no longer just a better way of doing things, they’re vital if we’re going to meet the environmental and social challenges that Africa faces today, and will continue to face in the future.”

Wildlands would like to thank the Province of KwaZulu-Natal and our corporate partners who have contributed to the training and development of our project teams and green-preneurs including Bonitas Medical Fund, Foschini, Old Mutual, Unilever SA, BHP Billiton and Rand Merchant Bank as well as the National Lotteries Distribution Trust Fund.

Photo Credit: Alistair Jones / Jonesy Photo