Northern KZN community game farm receives tall donation

The community-owned Makhasa Community Conservation Area (CCA) adjacent to iSimangaliso Wetland Park welcomed the donation of 12 giraffes recently.

Forming part of the GEF Trust Fund (GEF-7) objective to expand conservation benefits for local communities, iSimangaliso and conservation partner Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife made the donation to the 2 867ha Makhasa CCA in Hluhluwe.

The Makhasa Community Trust owns and operates the game reserve and a vast portion of land within the Munywana Conservancy.

They are benefitting from this collaborative initiative that aims to expand community benefits across the three biodiversity economic sectors: wildlife, bio-trade/bioprospecting, and ecotourism.

Commenting on the donation, director of Makhasa CCA, Thokozani Mlambo said, “A few years ago, we requested game from iSimangaliso, as well as infrastructure development to build a lodge.

“We hope more animals will be donated soon, and delivered together with other requests submitted to iSimangaliso and the GEF-7.”

Among the requests are the construction of a spa, gym, conference hall and registration for stewardship.

In October 2024, Makhasa CCA received leadership and governance training from iSimangaliso, with further training scheduled for this year.

This includes a biodiversity assessment to determine the stewardship category for which Makhasa CCA will qualify.

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