The formal declarations of the Bambanani Protected Environment and the Ukuthanda Ukukhanya Protected Environment in July this year put an additional 1 680 hectares of grasslands into conservation for the next 30 years.

The declarations are a high point for the long-standing relationship with WWF which first approached these neighbouring communities, in 2011 and 2012 respectively, with an offer to help them better manage their land which is located in a strategic water source area.

Initially, they opted to sign voluntary biodiversity agreements for a portion of their land – 930 ha for Bambanani and 750 ha for Ukuthanda Ukukhanya. In return, they were helped to tackle the many problems they were facing, from high levels of unemployment to runaway veldfires, soil erosion and overgrazing.

Over time, community members were mentored in stewardship best practices and good governance, learnt firefighting skills and gained employment through alien clearing teams.

Today, Ukuthanda Ukukhanya grows crops for use by the 84-strong community, and is a producer of dry beans and mielies for sale on local markets. Nearby Bambanani derives an income through auctions from its healthy, grass-fed cattle for their 102 community members. In the past year, eight people from Bambanani were employed to clear the woodlots which have since been sold as poles for additional income.

Along with the restoration of the land, fire is no longer the threat it once was.

“Now, if we wake up to the smell of smoke at night, we know we will be able to put the fire out quickly and get back to bed,” said Mr Amos Mnisi, the chairperson of the Bambanani CPA whose house once burnt down.

Mr Mnisi welcomed the declarations, saying, “We are very pleased with the way we have worked together from the beginning, and we hope this collaboration will continue. We have children, and we wish for the next generation to learn about the successful agreement we have achieved. We are genuinely happy.”

Phumzile Busisiwe, Secretary of Ukuthanda Ukukhanya CPA, extended “heartfelt gratitude to WWF” for all the support they had received and help in engaging with other stakeholders in this process.

“WWF has taught us, the Ukuthanda Ukukhanya community, about nature and its significance,” she said. “They have provided us with solar lights, assisted us in starting our gardens, and supplied us with gardening tools…We are deeply grateful for all the support.”

Bambanani community member Johan Mngomezulu echoed this view, saying: “I would like to express my appreciation for the developmental education we have received. We are truly thankful and hope that WWF will continue to support us.”