Government ‘beams’ with pride over Mayibuye

THE MAYIBUYE

The Mayibuye Game Reserve is a success story that will transform the rural economic landscape for the Mayibuye community in KwaZulu-Natal.

“This is the successful outcome of the commitment by government and stakeholders to work together to ensure a thriving, inclusive and sustainable wildlife economy for the wellbeing of all South Africans," said Environmental Affairs Deputy Minister Barbara Thomson.

She was speaking during the launch of the Mayibuye Game Reserve in Pietermaritzburg.

Following a successful land claim through the Land Claims Commission in 2007, the Mayibuye Community Trust was given 5 581 hectares of land located between Pietermaritzburg and Durban.

The trustees decided to turn the land into a private game reserve which currently employs 78 people. Another 1 000 jobs will be created after completion.

Deputy Minister Thomson said government is grateful for the support given to the Mayibuye community Trust.

"This includes support from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, a strategic partner, that will incorporate its Nagle Dam Nature Reserve into the greater reserve and donate wildlife stock populations,” she said.

The partnership between government and key stakeholders was further cemented at the recent Third Biodiversity Economy Indaba in East London.

South African National Parks pledged to donate 3 000 animals to emerging wildlife farmers in the next three years.

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife also pledged to donate 1 200 animals over the next four years, the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency will donate 1 500.