Lumka Ntinga of GTTA told the Herald that the aim was to restore the dignity of one of the iconic tourist attractions in the area and to educate the community to take care of the facility that attracts international tourists by cleaning the facility. The ablution and braai facilities at the reserve were destroyed by a wildfire in 2019 and are still dilapidated after five years. The footpaths for walking through the reserve are also washed out and difficult to navigate.

The cleanup operation was spearheaded by the GTM’s Clr Sophy Raganya, head of Planning and Economic Development. Freddy Rammalo, GTM’s Local Economic Development manager, acknowledged the facility’s challenges, such as inadequate signage and damaged infrastructure. He pledged to develop a comprehensive programme to address these issues, including providing electricity, water, and plumbing assistance to the reserve.

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Among others involved in the cleaning of the reserve on Mandela Day, included Limpopo Economic Development and Tourism (Ledet), the Modjadji Royal Authority, and EPWP. Ntinga said that through the cleanup campaign, they hope to put the spotlight on getting the reserve’s facilities back to what they should be. An expert and landscape architect who regularly visits the reserve, David Griesel, told the Herald that the reserve was always very well visited, but due to the deterioration of the facilities, tourism has declined.

The Modjadji cycad, Encephalartos transvenosus, is South Africa’s largest and most majestic species and the largest specimens with upright trunks can grow up to 16m in height. The largest plants can be between 600-800 years old. There are between 15 000 and 16 000 mature plants in the forest, not including the seedling population. The reserve is open to visitors daily. No entry is currently charged.