Restore our Veld (ReV): PARKLAND AND LIONSPRUIT

INTRODUCING A CRITICALLY IMPORTANT NEW PROJECT (17/8/21)

We are delighted – and relieved! – to introduce our newest Honorary Ranger: Johan van der Walt. Johan is to manage a challenging, but essential, new long-term project: Restore our Veld: Parkland and Lionspruit. Without this part of our ReV Campaign getting going at once, our status as a conservation area is under threat.

Chief Ranger Genie Retief says, “Every property owner here is a custodian of the veld and we need professional guidance on the way forward. If not, there is a real threat of total collapse of the ecosystem.”

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We have raised enough money to get the project underway. Johan can now implement a management plan drawing on already-existing research, such as the Ralph Kalwa Environment Management Report.

We believe he is the ideal person as Johan has a National Diploma in Nature Conservation, plus a National Higher Diploma in Veld and Game Management, with Veld Management, Game Management, Research Methodology and Soil Science. He also has many years of local experience.

And, if you are wondering why his name is familiar, it is because he was Section Head, Nature Conservation, at Marloth Park Local Government from 1993 to 2007. (This post disappeared with restructuring.) A bonus is that he and his wife, Cornelia, live in Marloth Park.

Johan says, “I am honoured and excited to be part of turning around this veld crisis. It’s going to be a challenge, but if we all do our part, are patient, supportive and open minded, we will reap the benefits in the end.”

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#marlothparkhonoraryrangers

Johan will work part-time and report to Honorary Rangers, and via us, to Nkomazi Conservation Manager Mr Velly Makwakwa. To carry out the work he will collaborate with Marloth Park Field Rangers, Marloth Park Honorary Rangers, Nkomazi Municipality administrative and other staff plus Marloth Park Property owners – both groups and individuals.

MTPA’s Mr Gerrie Camacho has offered his input and so has Mr Ralph Kalwa of Rhengu Environmental Services.

This project is supported by:

  1. Nkomazi Municipality, Conservation Manager, Mr Velly Makwakwa

  2. Marloth Park Honorary Rangers

  3. Marloth Park Property Owner’s Association

  4. Marlothi Conservancy

  5. Marloth Wildlife Fund.

  6. Mr Ralph Kalwa, Rhengu Environmental Services

  7. Mr Gerry Camacho from MTPA, and other concerned Property Owners

We hope property owners will do their part by supporting our ReV By-laws Campaign, and that Johan can count on all our support for the huge task ahead, restoring our parkland and Lionspruit.

Please share this news!

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