Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has announced that CEO, Dr Bandile Mkhize; Ezemvelo Executive Director for Biodiversity Conservation, Bheki Khoza; GM for Zululand, Sifiso Keswa; and senior staff from the Ezemvelo rhino reserves, recently held a meeting with traditional leaders from the 10 communities surrounding the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park as well two local leaders from communities surrounding the eMakhosini Ophathe Heritage Park near Ulundi.
In the discussions, Dr Mkhize explained the implications of the fight to counter rhino poaching in the various protected areas under Ezemvelo management to the local community leaders, who committed themselves to supporting and assisting Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife in its efforts to curb poaching.
At the meeting it was decided to create a special category of honorary officers who would interact closely with members of the communities and promote conservation awareness, with emphasis on the problems associated with rhino poaching.
Said Dr Mkhize: “The commitment of the traditional leadership to the cause of rhino security in communities neighbouring KZN’s rhino parks is thus of critical importance and is most welcome.”
