07 November 2024
King MisuZulu ka Zwelithini has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Ezemvelo’s conservation initiatives to ensure Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) remains one of the premier game reserves globally.
During a recent two-day visit (05-06 November 2024) to HiP, King MisuZulu was accompanied by Queen Nomzamo Masesi Myeni and a number of Royal household members. Also in attendance were several prominent local Amakhosi, including Inkosi Mkhwanazi of Mpukunyoni Traditional Authority and Inkosi Hlabisa of Matshamnyama Traditional Authority. Ezemvelo was represented by Inkosi Xolo, Mr. Tallman Sibiya (members of the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Board), and Mr. Sihle Mkhize, CEO of Ezemvelo.
The visit gave Ezemvelo an opportunity to highlight latest advancements in anti-poaching technology and conservation efforts. During a confidential briefing, the Ezemvelo team updated the King to new tools deployed to combat rhino poaching. These tools include over 200 surveillance cameras that trigger immediate responses from ground teams, the use of K9 units to track poachers, and strategically placed smart fencing to monitor specific areas of HiP.
King Misuzulu also participated in a rhino dehorning session, an initiative Ezemvelo launched in April 2024 to reduce rhino poaching. Since the program began, more than 1,000 rhinos have been dehorned, contributing to a more than 70% decrease in poaching since dehorning program started. Despite these successes, October saw an unfortunate spike, with 20 dehorned rhinos lost to poaching. However, Ezemvelo hopes that it has dismantled the syndicate following the death of two foreign poachers shot during the gun battle between them and Ezemvelo’s Anti-poaching Unit.
Speaking after witnessing the rhino dehorning, King MisuZulu stated that “We need to support programs where we protect our natural resources, e.g our animals looking at everything that affects our animals negatively. We need to give great support especially those communities that are close to these game reserves and we look at their leadership to work closely with the nature conservationists.”
Ezemvelo CEO, Mr Mkhize expressed his appreciation of the King’s visit noting that the visit underlines the ongoing collaboration and dedication needed to preserve Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park’s legacy as a sanctuary for future generations. “ His Majesty’s support is an invaluable asset to our conservation efforts.” Mr Mkhize concluded.
For enquiries, you can contact Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Communications Manager.
Musa Mntambo
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife: Communications Manager
Tel: +27 (0) 33 845 1743
Cell: +27 (0) 83 284 9586
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
