WEENEN IS A WIN FOR WILDLIFE
- O&A Team
- October 1, 2025
- Places
- Community partnerships for conservation, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Rhino conservation, Weenen Farmers Association, Weenen Nature Reserve
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Weenen Nature Reserve celebrates 50 years of ecological restoration
The Weenen Nature Reserve’s remarkable journey from a mostly degraded landscape to a thriving hub for biodiversity conservation came under the spotlight on Heritage Day (September 24, 2025) when conservationists and community figures joined to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
The guest list included local community leadership, internal staff from the nearby reserves and head office, past reserve wardens, conservationists and the Weenen Farmers Association. The event, which included a plaque unveiling and a game drive, honoured the reserve’s remarkable journey which began in 1975.
Five decades ago, the reserve was birthed on land that was once severely overstocked and described as “an ecological desert.” The 5 000-hectare reserve now stands as powerful example in what is possible with ecological rehabilitation. Decades of tireless work by conservationists transformed the area, and today it plays a big role in providing a critical habitat from many endangered species including white and black rhino.
“The story of Weenen is a story of hope,” said Frik Lemmer, Reserve Manager at Weenen Nature Reserve. “It shows what is possible when people come together to restore the land. Where there were once only stone and sand, we now have a rich ecosystem supporting a vast array of wildlife, from big mammals to the small-five.”
In the greater scheme of things, the Weenen Nature Reserve is small reserve which spans typical inland KwaZulu-Natal acacia savanna with occasional thickets.
BOXING ABOVE ITS WEIGHT
Despite its modest size, Weenen Nature Reserve has emerged as a crucial player in the fight to save rhinos. The reserve is home to a successful black rhino breeding program and boasts the highest black rhino birth rate in the province. The reserve’s commitment to rhino conservation is further demonstrated by its proactive anti-poaching measures, including dehorning and deploying of modern surveillance technologies like remote sensing and horn chips to monitor animals’ movements.
“This little place has produced incredible returns for rhinos,” Lemmer stated. “Our team is on the ground 24/7, working to protect these magnificent animals. We’ve also carried out extensive carrying capacity studies for many of the large grazing species, including rhino, zebra and waterbuck. This allows us to determine the optimal number of animals to ensure that there is enough food supply to keep them healthy, and that the grasslands are not degraded from overgrazing. Managing this reserve means achieving a fine ecological balance which works well for all species.”
The reserve’s success can largely be attributed to strong community partnerships. The anniversary celebration welcomed leaders from the Isigqozo community, a successful land claimant group that works closely with the reserve. This strong relationship is a critical part of Weenen’s management strategy, helping to mitigate challenges and create a shared responsibility for conservation.
PARTNERING FOR CONSERVATION
“We have a very strong community liaison forum, and we sit down quite regularly to talk about things and make sure we all know what’s going on,” Lemmer explained. This collaborative spirit extends to external funders and partners whose support is vital for operational costs and key projects like rhino dehorning.”
Talking during the event, Dr. Hughes, retired former CEO of Ezemvelo, shared a story about the moment conservation captured Nelson Mandela’s heart. It was 1994 in Weenen. “When the former president noticed six guides standing proudly in full uniform, he immediately summoned me and requested an introduction. His conversation with them planted a powerful conservation seed within him, fostering a lasting affection for Ezemvelo that ultimately led to his visit to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.”
Weenen Nature Reserve offers a peaceful and authentic escape for tourists seeking a true wilderness experience without the crowds. With over 30 km of well-maintained roads, visitors can enjoy self-drive game viewing and appreciate a rich variety of wildlife beyond the typical “Big Five,” including giraffe, zebra, and various antelope. The reserve is also gaining recognition as a birding hotspot, with over 230 species recorded.
The park provides a range of accommodation options, including campsites, a bush camp, and a popular self-catering cottage. Lemmer highlighted the reserve’s secluded location, noting that unlike many other famous reserves, visitors see “no lights anywhere” at night, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the natural environment.
With three picnic sites, the reserve is also ideal for day visitors.
Ezemvelo CEO, Mr Sihle Mkhize extended his deepest appreciation to every stakeholder who attended the event and indicated that their presence is a powerful show of our shared commitment to this cherished reserve.
“To all Honorary Officers here today, you are the lifeblood of Weenen. It is through your selfless efforts that this remains one of Ezemvelo’s premier reserves, steadfastly fulfilling its conservation mandates,” said Mr. Mkhize. “I further wish to make a direct and heartfelt appeal to our Reserve Manager, Mr Frik Lemmer, to prioritize the meticulous documentation of Weenen’s rich history. I appeal to you to ensure this legacy is captured and safeguarded, serving as an enduring source of knowledge and inspiration for current and future generations.”
