Protecting the natural environment of Melville Koppies takes more than conservation work on the ground – it requires a community willing to give its time, energy and resources.

This was highlighted at the Friends of Melville Koppies annual general meeting on September 19, where chairperson Jenny Grice spoke about the organisation’s ongoing conservation priorities and the importance of community involvement.

The Friends has an agreement with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo to assist with the conservation of the Koppies, with a particular focus on its grasslands. A full-time conservation team works on the site, costing the organisation about R25 000 a month. To meet this expense, the Friends relies on income from activities including guided tours, school and university visits, group hikes and storytelling sessions. But money is only one part of keeping the organisation going.

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The Friends itself is largely driven by volunteers who give their time without payment. “It is really important to have local people that live close by to be invested in this place and to offer their time free,” Grice said.

She said one of the organisation’s biggest achievements over the past year had been continuing its work after former chairperson Wendy Carstens left. “It is a lot of work, but we can also do it,” she said.

The AGM also brought together representatives from other community-led conservation groups, including Friends of Kloofendal Nature Reserve, Friends of Klipriviersberg and Friends of Albert’s Farm. Representatives involved in efforts to establish conservation initiatives around Claremont Koppies also attended.

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Grice said connecting with other Friends groups could help the organisations learn from one another and strengthen their work across Johannesburg. For residents who want to become involved, there are several ways to support the Friends of Melville Koppies, from volunteering and sharing ideas to attending activities or making donations.

Grice encouraged residents to contact the organisation through its social media platforms or website, or to visit the Koppies on a Sunday and speak to volunteers. Ultimately, she hopes visitors to the AGM and the wider community understand that protecting the Koppies is a shared responsibility, adding that there is an opportunity for anyone willing to help play a part in preserving it.

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