WILDLIFE HEALS APARTHEID WOUNDS
In a colourful traditional ceremony, the ribbon was cut on South Africa’s newest game reserve…
In a colourful traditional ceremony attended by officials, VIP’s, and hundreds of rural community members Mr Mujahid Alam of the United Nations cut the ribbon heralding the start of Africa’s newest game reserve. “This is a historic day for the people of South Africa,” said Alam. “Environmental protection and enhancement is the right and duty of all peoples and all nations.”
The Mayibuye reserve in Camperdown, near Durban in South Africa, is a joint venture between The Earth Organization and the UK based Bridgehouse Capital group, with the Mayibuye community Trust.
The reserve comprises land taken away from the residents in forced removals during Apartheid, and successfully claimed back through the Land Commission by the 445 displaced members of the Mayibuye community trust.
“We have come the full circle since we were forcibly evicted from our land,” said Mayibuya Trust chairman Welcome Maphanga. “It has been a long hard road but we are back. Wild animals have always lived in our area and we used to hunt them. If you kill a wild animal it provides food for a week, but by protecting them we create jobs for a lifetime.”
The 5,000ha Mayibuye reserve will be the closest major game reserve to the metropolitan areas of Durban and Pietermaritzburg, placing it in prime position to tap into popular tourist routes. A luxury Lodge and day centre will be complimented by an exclusive housing estate, a raptor sanctuary, and a wildlife rehabilitation facility.
