K2C Newsletter – Winter ’25

~ Reshoketswe Mafogo, Pro-Nature Livelihoods Programme Manager

The Phiring community, located within a critical strategic water source area, is emerging as a powerful demonstration site for the K2C Biosphere Region. Its journey began with the implementation of “Dinkwenyana Water Smart” project and has since grown in its recognition of supporting biodiversity, water security and local livelihoods.

The Phiring community is located within a strategic water source area.

Seeing its potential, partners together with the community envisioned Phiring as a living laboratory where sustainable practices could be tested and scaled. Today, that vision is being applied through agroecology, sustainable rangeland management and diversified land use practices in other communities.

More than just activities on the ground, the site is becoming a space of learning, inspiration, and transformation. Phiring is also gaining attention as a destination for academic tourism and peer learning, attracting researchers, students and practitioners from across the region.  Phiring is now a demonstration site where Ecosystems-based Adaptation (EbA) practices are not just being tested but lived. Local farmers are restoring degraded rangelands through rotational grazing and erosion control. Households are experimenting with agroecological food gardens that nourish both people and soil. Traditional leaders are integrating these practices into local governance structures and youth and women are increasingly participating in land-use planning and stewardship initiatives. Importantly, these actions are accompanied by ongoing monitoring, learning exchanges and documentation, positioning Phiring as a space for peer-to-peer learning and academic exploration.

A recent learning exchange with students from a Hoedspruit school as well as from the Rhon Biosphere in Germany.

For the community, this foot traffic not only stimulates the local economy through guiding and accommodation, but also positions the community as custodians of natural and cultural knowledge. The initiative gives residents, especially women and youth, an active role in shaping how their stories, landscapes and practices are shared with the world. More broadly, the demonstration site instils a sense of pride, agency and purpose. The community sees that their land, when well cared for, has both ecological and economic value, and that they are at the center of that transformation.

For the K2C, there is immense value in having a physical demonstration site. It enables the organisation to ground its landscape strategies in real outcomes, strengthen its learning partnerships and showcase nature-based solutions in action.

Phiring is no longer just a strategic water source area. It is a story of what happens when we invest in people as much as in place. A community once on the margins is now shaping the mainstream, offering not only a model of EbA in practice, but a vision of hope for other communities facing the same climate and development pressures.

FUNDERS/PARTNERS: Global Affairs, Canada, Goverment of Flanders.

~ Mpho Mativandlela, Eco- Savings and Credit Groups(E-SCG) Coordinator

In 2021, the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region (K2C BR) launched a bold financial experiment in Phiring: to build locally governed Eco-Savings and Credit Groups (E-SCGs) that empower community members, to pool financial resources for sustainable livelihoods and climate adaptation.

What began with just four groups in 2021, grew by two more in both 2022 and 2023, and has since accelerated with 12 new groups formed between 2024 and July 2025, bringing the total to 20 active savings groups across the landscape. These groups now include diverse members of young people, farmers, unemployed individuals and young professionals, that are united by a common goal: building economic resilience through pro-nature livelihoods.

Mpho prepping E-SCG kits for all the new Savings Groups.

The E-SCG methodology enables small groups (typically 10–20 members) to pool their savings into a community fund from which they can take low-interest loans. These funds have financed initiatives ranging from sustainable rangeland management and agroecology, to reusable hygiene products that reduce waste in water catchments. A unique feature of the E-SCGs is that loan allocations are prioritized for climate-resilient investments, meaning every rand serves both a livelihood and environmental purpose.

By May 2025, the collective savings across all cycles had surpassed R1.4 million, while loan values exceeded R2 million. Impressively, over R625,000 in returns were generated through interest, demonstrating the groups’ ability to grow their capital base sustainably.

Women continue to be the backbone of these groups, comprising 80% of the 331 total members, and many holding leadership roles. Notably, 7 groups have benefited from Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) funding, enabling investments in Ecosystem-based Adaptation projects such as climate-smart agriculture, water-saving technologies, SMME development and rangeland practice infrastructure.

Beyond finance, the E-SCGs have become platforms for learning and governance. The quarterly Chairman’s Forum recently held in May 2025 brings together group leaders to reflect, learn and hold one another accountable, while also interfacing with stakeholders such as the K2C BR team and NGO partners. During the latest forum, a partnership was solidified with Conservation South Africa (CSA), who have now adopted the E-SCG methodology to replicate in the communities they serve following an impactful Training of Trainers facilitated by K2C.

Scaling E-SCGs for impact – new trainers receiving instruction on the methodology.

The groups are expanding into new areas such as Ga-Boelang and Moremela, supported by trainings for new cohorts including women crafters and elderly groups. These initiatives show that the E-SCG model is not only replicable but scalable, serving as a vital tool for Ecosystem-based Adaptation and inclusive conservation finance.

As the K2C Biosphere Region continues to foster partnerships and strengthen financial governance at grassroots level, E-SCGs stand as a beacon of how community empowerment, conservation and economic inclusion can thrive together.

FUNDERS / PARTNERS: Global Affairs Canada, Save Act.

~ Angi Ellett, Community Income Generation Manager

At K2C, we believe that sustainable community development starts with the growth of local businesses. Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are the backbone of our region’s economy, in both the formal and informal markets, and our mission is to empower these businesses through comprehensive support that fosters long-term success. Our core values centre around the belief that by nurturing local talent and strengthening entrepreneurial capabilities, we can build a more resilient and self-sustaining community.

Supporting SMMEs is about more than just providing linkages to funding – it’s about offering the tools and guidance necessary to thrive in an ever-changing marketplace. Capacity building is at the heart of our approach. Through targeted training programs, mentorship and hands-on support, we help entrepreneurs develop the essential skills needed to run and grow their businesses. From financial literacy to marketing strategies, we work closely with entrepreneurs to ensure they have the resources and knowledge to manage their businesses effectively.

One of the ways we help businesses succeed is by offering platforms for exposure and growth. The monthly K2C Farmers Market plays a vital role in this, providing local entrepreneurs with the opportunity to showcase their products, connect with potential customers and expand their networks on a regular basis. This not only creates a space for businesses to grow but also help to strengthen the local economy by encouraging community members to support homegrown businesses.

SMME crafters, producers and growers have the platform of the Hoedspruit Farmers Market, powered by the K2C Biosphere, to access an economic center to sell their products.

At K2C, we believe that by supporting SMMEs and investing in their growth, we are contributing to the broader goal of community empowerment. We understand that the road to success is not always easy, but by providing training, mentorship and access to platforms that foster market connections, we ensure that local businesses have the foundation they need to succeed.

Through this holistic approach, we are building a network of resilient, skilled and successful entrepreneurs who will continue to contribute to the social and economic development of the Kruger to Canyons region.

FUNDERS/PARTNERS: TASC

~ Leon Reynolds, TASC Project Manager

The TASC Foundation in partnership with Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region represents a natural evolution of community empowerment, born from the success and relationships built through the TASC Cookstove distribution project. What began as an initiative to provide clean cooking solutions has blossomed into a comprehensive foundation dedicated to fostering sustainable community development in areas where cookstoves have made their mark.

From Cookstoves to Community Impact

The foundation’s establishment reflects a deeper understanding of community needs that emerged during the cookstove distribution process. As project teams worked closely with local communities, they recognized that access to clean cooking technology was just one of many pressing needs. Communities expressed diverse needs spanning economic development, education, waste management and digital literacy. The TASC Foundation was established to address these challenges while building on the trust, insights and infrastructure created through the cookstove initiative.

Strategic Approach to Community Development

The Foundation operates on a carefully crafted philosophy that prioritizes projects with broad socio-economic benefits and long-term sustainability. Rather than implementing short-term interventions, the TASC Foundation focuses on initiatives that create lasting change and build local capacity.

Project selection follows rigorous criteria that evaluate potential impact, community ownership, sustainability and scalability. This strategic framework ensures that every project contributes to a larger vision of community empowerment and resilience.

Transforming Waste into Opportunity

The London Waste Beneficiation Centre exemplifies these philosophies. This innovative recycling hub tackles environmental and socio-economic challenges simultaneously. It improves local waste management while supporting Reclaimers with fair market access and compensation.

By increasing recycling rates and reducing landfill waste, the Centre demonstrates how well-designed community projects can address multiple development goals while creating a model that other communities can adapt and replicate.

London Waste Reclaimers

Building on Established Relationships

One of the Foundation’s key strengths is its strong relationships with communities previously reached through the cookstove programme. These established connections provide invaluable insights into local needs, cultural contexts and community dynamics, leading to deeper engagement and more effective project implementation.

A Model for Sustainable Development

The TASC Foundation demonstrates how successful development projects can evolve into comprehensive community empowerment initiatives. By building on existing relationships and focusing on sustainable, community-owned solutions, the Foundation can create lasting impact that extends far beyond any single intervention.

As communities continue to grow and develop through foundation support, they can become examples for other areas, creating a ripple effect of positive change. The foundation’s approach proves that effective development work requires patience, partnership, and a commitment to building local capacity rather than creating dependency.

Through projects like the London Waste Beneficiation Centre, the TASC Foundation continues to expand its impact, creating opportunities for communities to thrive.

Many constructive community meetings take place at Cookouts, where there is an established relationship between the participants and the TASC Team members.

FUNDERS/PARTNERS: TASC Foundation

~ Hope Morema, Community Engagement and Learning Officer

On 3 June 2025, the K2C BR and partners successfully hosted an impactful ISOW workshop at the K2C offices, bringing together key local stakeholders to explore innovative waste management solutions for Bushbuckridge. Representatives included the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, Tribal Councils, by-back centres, local NGOs, Ward Committees, informal businesses, schools, Early Childhood Development Centres and waste reclaimers.

The workshop introduced the concept of a Waste Beneficiation Centre – a potential local initiative aimed at transforming waste challenges into economic opportunities. Participants were presented with key findings from a detailed baseline study on current waste management practices in the region. These insights laid the foundation for vibrant discussions around the pressing challenges faced by communities, as well as possible pathways to more sustainable waste management.

A highlight of the workshop was the spirit of collaborative idea generation, where diverse stakeholders contributed their expertise, experiences and local knowledge. This collective input is invaluable in shaping solutions that are both practical and grounded in the realities of Bushbuckridge.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who attended, shared insights, and actively engaged in the dialogue. Their participation is critical in developing initiatives that address waste management while unlocking socio-economic benefits for local communities.

Together, we move a step closer to creating a cleaner, more sustainable Bushbuckridge. We are grateful to everyone who contributed  for your time, expertise and unwavering commitment to collaborative problem-solving.

FUNDERS/PARTNERS: University of the Western Cape, Plastics SA, The MOSS Group, AQUILA Environmental.

From 19 – 21 May 2025, K2C’s Keneilwe Mmushi and Vusi Tshabalala attended on the SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) International Conference in Harare. The event marked 25 years since the formal inception of TFCAs in Southern Africa – an ambitious and visionary model of conservation that recognises that ecological systems don’t end at national borders.

It was a privilige to contribute to a space that celebrates cross-border collaboration while confronting the region’s complex environmental and socio-economic challenges.

A Celebration of progress and partnerships

The opening ceremony traced the TFCA journey from the establishment of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in 1999 to the present, where countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique now lead with six and five TFCAs respectively. As funders and partners (including the EU, Germany, Peace Parks Foundation and WWF) reflected on their roles, one thing became clear: meaningful conservation requires persistent, inclusive collaboration over decades.

Opening ceremony of the SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) International Conference.

Voices from the landscape: Community inclusion in conservation

One of the impactful sessions featured Mr. Aubrey Maluleke from the Makuleke CPA, part of the Vhembe Biosphere, K2C’s sister biosphere to the north. His insights into the socio-economic benefits that can emerge from well-managed conservation agreements reminded us why community-centred approaches are not just important, they are essential.

Innovation in sustainable finance and conservation tools

On Day 2, the conference explored critical themes of financial sustainability. From unlocking new tourism markets to building diverse conservation finance models, the emphasis was on moving beyond traditional donor dependency.

Our participation in the side event on Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) was particularly affirming. K2C’s landscape contributed case studies highlighting innovative stewardship models at the South African Military Airforce Base and the South African Wildlife College. These examples show that conservation can thrive in places that aren’t formally designated Protected Areas, when there is strong local management and community buy-in.

GLTFCA and nature-based finance: Looking ahead

On the final day, we attended several workshops, including a presentation by Conservation International on the future funding strategy for the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA). The Blyde Catchment Investment Programme being piloted by CSA and K2C was presented as a model for climate-resilient, catchment-level funding linked to broader landscape goals.

We concluded the conference with an intensive “Sustainable Finance Bootcamp,” where we explored cutting-edge funding mechanisms such as nature credits and private-sector driven environmental markets. These are tools we believe will be crucial for the future of resilient conservation funding in our region.

Vusi and Keneilwe networked with the other delegates at the conference.

Bringing it home: Why this matters for K2C

Our participation in the TFCA Conference reaffirms K2C’s commitment to transboundary thinking, innovative financing, and community-rooted solutions. It was a timely reminder that biospheres like ours are not isolated projects – they are active nodes in a growing regional and global network of conservation practice.

We returned from Harare inspired, better connected and ready to embed what we have learned into our work on the ground, from policy engagement to funding strategy to community dialogue.

As we mark this 25-year milestone, we are proud to play our part in shaping the next generation of conservation leadership across the SADC region. Thank you to UNESCO and the Global Affairs Canada for making our attendance at this valuable conference possible

~ Johan Coetzer, Project Manager

The Upper Groot Letaba Catchment in Limpopo Province, South Africa, is gaining recognition for two complementary efforts aimed at restoring ecosystem health and supporting sustainable development: the ongoing Upper Letaba Restoration Project, and a multi-stakeholder process to develop a Landscape Plan for the area.

The Landscape Planning initiative was launched through the Netherlands Embassy in South Africa, in partnership with the Association for Water and Rural Development (AWARD). Funded through the Netherlands Enterprise Agency’s Partners for Water programme, the initiative seeks to co-develop a ‘first generation’ Landscape Plan for the Upper Groot Letaba by the end of 2025.

This planning process is grounded in collaborative decision-making, aiming to address critical challenges such as water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable land-use practices. The catchment forms part of South Africa’s Strategic Water Source Areas and is recognised as an ecologically important area that supports both people and nature. However, much of the upper catchment has already been transformed by land-use changes, which places increasing pressure on local water resources and the health of natural ecosystems.

Two full-day stakeholder meetings, held in Haenertsburg on 27 May and 17 July 2025, marked important milestones in the development of the plan. These gatherings brought together landowners, researchers, civil society organisations, and government representatives to collaboratively shape its strategic direction. The initiative initially focuses on the Upper Groot Letaba catchment, above the Tzaneen Dam, with the aim of piloting landscape approaches that can be scaled over time.

These meetings bring together voices from commercial agricultural, municipalities, local NGOs, local community groups and Tribal Councils, and allowed for impactful conversations around issues such as water security, infrastructure challenges and the importance of ecological infrastructure.

Complementing the planning process is the Upper Letaba Restoration Project, which continues to make steady progress in removing invasive alien plants (IAPs) across the region. Led by K2C and implemented by contractor Hlole Development Projects, the clearing teams have remained active and effective despite challenging weather conditions earlier this year. IAP removal is critical for improving catchment function, increasing baseflow and restoring native grassland ecosystems.

Further strengthening these efforts is a collaborative research initiative involving K2C, Friends of the Haenertsburg Grasslands (FroHG), Mountain Environmental Watch (MEW) and the University of Limpopo. This team is conducting grassland surveys and pollinator assessments across patches of Wolkberg Granite Grasslands, one of the region’s most threatened vegetation types. The research not only contributes to ecological understanding but also strengthens community engagement and stewardship.

University of Limpopo students contributed to research through grassland surveys and pollinator assessments.

A particularly notable achievement this year has been the creation of South Africa’s first butterfly servitude—a legal conservation agreement that permanently protects a portion of habitat for the endangered Wolkberg Zulu Butterfly (Alaena margaritacea). This success was made possible through the efforts of the Lepidopterists’ Society of Africa (LSA), the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and a committed private landowner. The servitude now safeguards the species from threats such as development, agriculture and mining.

Together, these intersecting efforts of landscape-level planning, ecological restoration, species protection and scientific research, are helping to secure a more resilient future for the Upper Groot Letaba Catchment. They also demonstrate how inclusive, evidence-based collaboration can lead to meaningful environmental outcomes.

FUNDERS/PARTNERS: Coca-Cola, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Association for Water and Rural Development (AWARD), Netherlands Embassy of South Africa, Netherlands Enterprise Agency (Partners for Water), Association for Water and Rural Development (AWARD), Mountain Environmental Watch (MEW), University of Limpopo, Friends of the Haenertsburg Grasslands (FroHG).

 ~ Simon Attwood, Project Manager

The Upper Blyde Restoration Project has now commenced. K2C has worked hard to select two teams of 24 people to clear invasive alien plants from the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, focusing on the area atop the mountain southeast of Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Most of the team members hail from the nearby towns of Matibidi, Leroro and Moremela.

A rigorous selection process was held together with a panel made up of representatives from Mashilane CPA, Maorabjang CPA, MTPA and K2C, to choose the teams based on a fitness test and prior experience in nature conservation and invasive species removal. The teams have received training in health and safety, first aid, herbicide application, and chainsaw operation.

Since implementation began on 10 June 2025, 200 hectares of pines, gums, and Australian wattles have been cleared in the reserve.

The clearing work is being guided by MTPA ecologists, who recommended treating wattles through ringbarking to avoid stacking large volumes of wood on the ground. A high fuel load close to the soil surface can be ecologically risky, especially since prescribed burns form part of the long-term restoration strategy.

Most of the alien tree invasions in the upper Blyde occur in grasslands, where they face little competition for light. One of the key drivers behind some of the worst pine invasions has been the absence of fire (certain parts of the reserve haven’t burned since 2007). In this high-rainfall escarpment region, fire is needed every 2–3 years to maintain healthy grassland ecosystems and prevent bush encroachment. Unfortunately, fire suppression, commercial timber plantations and firebreaks have disrupted the natural fire regime, allowing invasives like gums, wattles and pines that benefit from low fire frequency, to thrive.

K2C, in partnership with MTPA, has begun reintroducing fire to remote sections of the reserve to reinvigorate grasslands, improve access for clearing teams, and kill off a portion of the invasive species. A burn plan has been developed to implement cool burns after clearing, which will help remove the dead biomass without scarring the soil or shading out indigenous plant species. Ideally, these burns will take place after rainfall, when the soil is moist but surface fuels are dry.

Team members monitor the progress of a controlled burn.

Another key component of the project is monitoring the outcomes of the clearing work. K2C is designing a paired catchment experiment to track how removing invasive alien trees affects streamflow and the broader water cycle. In partnership with SAEON, vegetation monitoring transects are being established to track ecological changes over time in the cleared areas. A species list has also been compiled to help monitor biodiversity recovery.

To help track how wildlife responds to the clearing efforts, a camera trap has been installed in one of the cleared areas to monitor which species frequent the site before and after the intervention. In just the first month of work, the teams have already reported several wildlife sightings, including red duikers, samango monkeys, bushbuck, a python and even a leopard.

FUNDERS/PARTNERS: Global Affairs Canada

The Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region has long been recognised as one of South Africa’s most ecologically significant landscapes. Now, this richly biodiverse region has added a remarkable chapter to its conservation story with the rediscovery and protection of a rare plant species, found only in the Blyde River Canyon, and likely new to science.

This rare species belongs to the genus Thorncroftia, a lesser-known cousin of the more familiar Plectranthus, and is endemic to a narrow range within the Blyde Canyon area. Characterised by striking purple and pink flowers and a distinctive floral structure, Thorncroftia species typically flower at the end of summer, lighting up the rocky hillsides where they grow.

From forgotten specimen to scientific curiosity

The story begins in 1954, when renowned botanist Dr Leslie Codd collected a specimen of what he then believed to be Plectranthus succulentus near Mariepskop. Years later, in 1961, Codd reclassified it as part of the Thorncroftia genus, though no further sightings were confirmed. For decades, the plant’s fate remained a mystery.

The landscape surrounding Mariepskop changed dramatically in the decades that followed. The natural mosaic of grasslands and forest patches was replaced by commercial pine plantations from the mid-1960s, followed by decades of abandonment and infestation by invasive alien trees. By the time negotiations to incorporate these degraded slopes into the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve began in the 1990s, much of the native vegetation, and the ecological balance it supported, had been lost.

Restoration clears the way for hope

It was only in recent years that the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere (K2C), through its Catchment Restoration work, began rehabilitating the area. Systematic alien clearing, particularly of invasive pine and gum trees, was carried out by local teams as part of broader landscape restoration efforts and this critical intervention created conditions conducive for the return of indigenous plant life.

In September 2024, Professor Kevin Balkwill, together with K2C Project Manager Simon Attwood and the Mpumalanga and Limpopo Plant Specialist Group, retraced Dr Codd’s steps using historic herbarium records and aerial imagery. Although the original collection site had been heavily affected by landslides and pine growth, the team’s persistence paid off. Against the odds, a few Thorncroftia plants were found clinging to life atop boulders on a slope where pines had been recently cleared.

If these alien trees had remained, the endemic plant would almost certainly have been shaded out or chemically suppressed by pine litter – a phenomenon known as allelopathy. Thanks to the restoration work, light and resources were once again available for indigenous flora to thrive.

Thorncroftia plants growing on rocks amongst a recently cleared landscape.

From mistaken identity to new species

Plectranthus succulentus, now Thorncroftia succulenta, is a species that is only known to occur in the Soutpansberg mountains. Until now, the Blyde population had been regarded as part of T. succulenta. However, there are no known populations between the Soutpansberg and Blyde, and this geographic gap, along with distinct morphological differences, demonstrates that the Blyde plant is in fact a separate, overlooked species.

In April 2025, members of the K2C team returned once more to the site and found the plant in full, glorious flower. This confirmed not only its survival, but its distinctiveness from Thorncroftia succulenta found further north in the Soutpansberg mountains.

Morphological features of the Thorncroftia are one of its distinguishing factors.

Professor Balkwill has now formally drafted a scientific paper describing this Blyde endemic as a new species named Thorncroftia coddii. “This is to commemorate Codd’s contribution to the taxonomy of the genus and his role in collecting the first herbarium specimen of the species.” says Simon Attwood. “This discovery is an apt symbol of nature’s resilience and the importance of long-term ecological restoration being done by organizations like K2C and their partners.

Restoration makes the difference

The rediscovery is not just a botanical milestone, it is a powerful reminder of the value of conservation work. It illustrates how restoring degraded habitats can make the difference between extinction and survival, and why protected areas like the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve must be nurtured and expanded.

As part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region’s mission, initiatives like these not only safeguard biodiversity but also secure ecosystem services that benefit communities, water security and tourism. This rare Thorncroftia now faces a far brighter future, rooted in a landscape that is slowly healing. Its survival is a triumph of science, persistence and the power of restoration.

The dust has settled on the 2025 Kruger2Canyon Challenge, but the spirit of the weekend still echoes through the mountain, bushveld and community that define this unique race.

Held over the weekend of 27–29 June, the K2C Challenge brought together runners, hikers, rangers, crafters, conservationists and a passionate community of supporters in a celebration of endurance, place and purpose. On the slopes of Mariepskop Mountain, the quiet town of Kampersrus was alive with activity as bright pink route markers and an influx of visitors appeared for the 10^th year of this iconic event, that was later described by athletes as “something truly special.”

Across four stage race distances, 70km, 44km, 30km and 20km, trail runners and hikers of all experience levels pushed their limits on challenging terrain, through forest, escarpment and savannah. But the Challenge is more than a race – it is about the experience had out on the trails, absorbing the sense of place and enormity of being on foot in these lesser-explored parts of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere.

2025 Podium 1^st men & women:

• 70km Stage Race: Theo Viallard & Kate Mapham
• 44km Stage Race: Koenraad van Craeynest & Jessica Edwards
• 30km Stage Race: Ruan Rademeyer & Lita Breytenbach
• 20km Stage Race: Janrich Cronje & Ansophie Olivier

Full results can be found HERE.

A Trail with Purpose

The Kruger2Canyon Challenge is deeply rooted in its home landscape – the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Reserve. The event partners with the K2C Biosphere NPC, custodians of the UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve and whose work is at the intersection of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development across the landscape. The race offers more than scenic trails: it raises funds for the impactful work being done by the K2C Biosphere and is a platform to highlight the conservation work taking place in the region, from anti-poaching units to recycling co-ops, sustainable agriculture to mentoring crafters.

The K2C Biosphere provide logistical support to the race, critical to the smooth operations, and a fun day out for all!

The race has become a platform to share the work being done by the K2C Biosphere.

This year saw powerful representation in the Ranger Challenge, with standout performances from Graeme Wuth (Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Fund) and three members of the incredible Black Mambas anti-poaching unit – Bongane, Remember, and Nurse. Day 1 also saw strong energy from the Siyafunda Conservation team. The participation of these groups reflects the heart of the event: a celebration of the incredible diversity of this region and those protecting these wild spaces every day.

Two members of the Black Mambas APU, Remember Madike & Bongane Nkwinika finished tied third on the 20km (pictured alongside 1st placed Ansophie Olivier and 2nd placed Mieke Greyvensteyn.

Powered by Local Heart

Another highlight of the weekend was the growing involvement of local businesses and community partners. The event village buzzed with authentic, local flair, from farm-to-fork meals by Keystone Café, to AfiPlaas Bakery’s beloved “koffie koekies”, to engaging conservation demos by partner organisations. Adding to the atmosphere, locally made crafts and products were on display and for sale, many created by entrepreneurs currently being mentored through a small business incubation programme supported by one of K2C’s long-standing partner organisations. Their presence at the event reflects how the Challenge serves not only as a celebration of wild spaces, but also as a platform for local livelihoods and opportunity.

Organisers expressed heartfelt thanks to all sponsors and contributors, including:
ClemenGold and BBI, PURA Beverages, Hoedspruit Private Hospital, PnP Hoedspruit, Ultimate Mango Shop, Modern Athlete, and HFM Stream, among many others.

“There’s a special energy in that forest,” said Race Director Andrew Booth. “You could feel it vibrating through the trees on Day 1, and again as runners returned to the village – eyes wide and hearts full.”

As the final markers were removed from the trails, organisers reflected on a successful edition of the event, hoping that it tested bodies, soothed souls and inspired a deeper curiosity about the landscapes we traverse. Most of all, they hope participants left with a greater sense of connection to the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, and a renewed investment in the people and places that make it so extraordinary.

To stay updated and relive the magic:

• Browse race photos on @Kruger2CanyonChallenge on Facebook
• Explore how trail running meets conservation at: www.kruger2canyonchallenge.co.za

~ Lauren Booth, Race Organiser & Biosphere Communications Officer