Wetland park celebrates improved relations with communities

In a heartening display of unity, Sibusiso Bukhosini, CEO of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, emphasised the enhanced relations between nature conservation reserves and their neighbouring communities.

Speaking at a year-end handover to Amakhosi, Bukhosini expressed his gratitude to them for fostering a positive working relationship with the park, acknowledging historical tensions arising from forced relocations during pre-democracy times.

He highlighted the challenge of advocating for nature conservation to communities who are struggling with basic needs and who question the relevance of preserving wildlife when some face food insecurity.

“At iSimangaliso, in collaboration with Amakhosi, we’ve initiated programmes demonstrating the importance of nature conservation while providing tangible benefits to people,” explained Bukhosini.

Business and job opportunities have been created, with approximately 99 contractors employed to tackle the invasive uSandanezwe (triffid weed) within the nature reserves.

Each contractor in turn employs around 12 individuals, resulting in over 1 000 ongoing jobs.

Bukhosini emphasised the lasting impact of these initiatives on community relations, citing examples like the Cleaning and Greening programme, which employed around 2 000 people in local municipalities.

Bukhosini also spoke about progress on resolving the dispute over St Lucia Estuary’s mouth closure, offering hope to local farmers impacted by the inundation caused by this natural occurrence.

Inkosi Mbusowesizwe Gumede expressed gratitude for the unexpected gifts of sheep, symbolising the strong working relationship between the park and traditional leaders throughout 2023.

He commended the positive transformation from the days of apartheid, and praised Bukhosini for his inspiring vision as iSimangaliso CEO.

The exchange of gifts served as a testament to the improved rapport between the park and surrounding communities.

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