New Hope For Ezemvelo Wildlife

28 July 2023

ATTENTION: ALL MEDIA HOUSES FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 04 JUNE 2022 MEDIA STATEMENT The MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr Ravi Pillay today announced the members of a new Board for the long-troubled KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Board popularly known as Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

The Board members are: Ms Lydia Johnson [Chairperson] the former MEC for Agriculture who during her term became very familiar with Ezemvelo- KZN Wildlife. She comes with a solid track record. She also served as a Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature and developed strong oversight mechanisms. She brings a historic pedigree, discipline and commitment to good governance as well as the cause of conservation.

Iain C Ewing [Deputy Chairperson] is a committed conservationist who worked under Dr Ian Player in the Ian Player Magqubu Ntombela Foundation. He serves on several other charitable Trusts. He has also been Chairperson of the Wilderness Leadership School. He has a deep connection with rural communities, especially those adjoining conservation parks. Mr Ewing is also a businessman in the financial sector with international exposure. He brings a special passion and skill to achieve the objectives of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

Other members of the newly appointed Board are:

1. Inkosi Mxolisi Buhlebezwe Wilson Xolo 2. Andrew Robert Muir 3. Siyabonga Mkhize 4. Olivia Symcox 5. Njabulo Maxwell Mtolo 6. Nomdeni Xolile Banda 7. Tallman Lindizwe Sibiya 8. Logie Naidoo 9. Zethu Qunta

The team brings together skills in conservation, governance, environmental law, tourism, and economic development.

The immediate tasks will be to inter alia, stabilize the organisation through visible leadership, instill a new discipline and work ethic and crucially, sound and prudent financial management. The entity has a budget of approximately R 1.1 billion. Used effectively, this budget can have a visible impact within a period of two years.

Other priorities will be the rehabilitation and maintenance of infrastructure, the commercialization of selected facilities, the fight against rhino poaching and general tourism product development and marketing.

MEC Ravi Pillay is confident that the new Board will turn the entity around and urges all stakeholders – employees, communities, conservation bodies and tourism partners – to offer maximum support and cooperation.