KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
Sector
Environment & Waste
Tourism & Leisure
Description of business
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is a biodiversity conservation agency that is responsible for conservation efforts for the benefit of the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The main activities are the management of 99 protected areas in the province as well as the management of 65 visitor facilities, which are within these protected areas. It is also responsible for the Extended Public Works Programmes, which are aimed at ensuring that the environment is clean and include the Working for Water Programme, Working for the Coast and the Invasive Alien Species Programme.
Description of services
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife concentrates on biodiversity conservation and management of nature reserves and is the custodian of the ecotourism operations in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife reserves are the premier destinations for viewing Big Five game in the province. The organisation is also responsible for community upliftment in the areas neighbouring the protected areas and it does this through job creation with the Extended Public Works Programmes.
Key conservation priorities in KwaZulu-Natal
- Black Rhino Range Expansion Project
- Threatened or protected species management
- Bearded vulture conservation
- Wattle crane conservation
- Invasive alien plant clearing
- Increasing the land under conservationthrough the biodiversity stewardship programme
Target markets
The average tourist is part of the target audience for Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife facilities but emphasis is placed on developing the ‘black diamond’ market as a priority audience. At the present moment,
KwaZulu-Natal has a mix of local and international visitors who visit the
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife facilities to enjoy long planned vacations.
Key facts and figures
- Year established: 1997 merger between the Natal Parks Board and the KwaZulu Directorate for Nature Conservation
- No of staff: approximately 3 000
- Major clients: local and international tourists, land and property developers and communities
Contact details
Key contact people:
Bandile Mkhize - Chief Executive Officer
Kholeka Zama - Chief Finance Officer
Gladman Buthelezi - Executive Director: Commercial Operations
Bheki Khoza - Executive Director: Biodiversity Conservation
Simpiwe Mxakaza - Manager: Communication Services
Joe Baloyi - Executive Director: Corporate
Support Services
Tel: +27 33 845 1999
Fax: +27 33 845 1699
Email: mxakazas@kznwildlife.com
Website: www.kznwildlife.com
