Media Release – Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s new project delivers safe water to thousands

RELEASE DATE: 25 June 2025

From drought to hope, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s (Ezemvelo) water project has brought relief to communities living adjacent to Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park. This follows the successfully implementation of a vital water project, bringing clean and reliable water to seven communities. Before this initiative, residents were forced to share unsafe, undrinkable water sources with livestock, a situation that worsened during drought seasons when these water supplies would completely dry up.

The project that started a few years ago was funded through co-management funding at an estimated cost of R100,000 and now serves an estimated 64 homesteads, significantly improving health, sanitation, and quality of life in the region. This project brought clean water to over 4 sub-communities including Mnyamane,Dikidiki, Finland, and Nyongwana.

“We would like to extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering cooperation and the incredible support you have provided to our community. Your efforts have made us feel seen, valued, and treated with the dignity we deserve, like ordinary people living fulfilling lives,” says Ms  SG Sithole, a local community member.

Talking on behalf of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Mr Amos Tembe who is the the Park Manager for Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park noted that, “We manage the game reserves on behalf of the communities, and are committed to giving back wherever possible to improve their quality of life. When the communities surrounding the reserves thrive, human-wildlife conflict naturally decreases.”

“You have lifted an immense burden from our shoulders, one we had long carried without knowing how to overcome it. Thanks to Ezemvelo, many in our community are now recognizing the profound benefits of being adjacent to the HiP Game Reserve,” said Mr DD Mabizela, a committee member, during the handover ceremony.

For enquiries, you can contact Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Communications Manager.      

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACTS

Musa Mntambo                                                                   

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife: Communications Manager                                          

Tel: +27 (0) 33 845 1743                                                    

Cell: +27 (0) 83 284 9586                                      

Email: mntambom@kznwildlife.com

Chris Bischoff

Cell: +27 (0) 83 260 0406                                      

Email: chris@susco.co.za