K2C Newsletter – Spring ’25

On 26 August 2025, K2C Biosphere, with support from Canada’s International Development – Global Affairs Canada, hosted an SMME Stakeholder Learning & Collaboration Workshop at Radisson Safari Hotel, Hoedspruit.

Planned and hosted in partnership with The Timbavati Foundation and Indalo Inclusive South Africa, the event brought together six organisations – Indalo Inclusive, the Kulani Collective, Conservation South Africa, Thornybush Community, Timbavati Foundation, and K2C, to share lessons, successes and challenges, while exploring ways to strengthen support for SMMEs across our landscape.

The day highlighted how inclusive collaboration helps entrepreneurs belong to a wider network of change-makers, while skills development, market access, and partnerships empower SMMEs to thrive. Inspiring stories showed that committed SMMEs are at the heart of sustainable rural economic growth. Through the “Stop-Start-Continue” activity, participants aligned on practical steps: stop duplication, start better coordination and story sharing, and continue networking and skills exchange.

The workshop closed with a call to co-create a Framework for Collaboration, ensuring consistent, long-term support for SMMEs. Participants left inspired, energised, and ready to unlock the full potential of SMMEs in the K2C landscape.

FUNDERS/PARTNERS: Global Affairs, Canada, Indalo Inclusive and the Timbavati Foundation.

On a bright veranda surrounded by Lowveld trees at the Wits Rural Campus on 7 August 2025, a traditional leader, a social science professor and a young activist engaged in a vibrant discussion about waste and the lack of waste management services in rural Bushbuckridge. Though they came from very different worlds, they soon realised they were all speaking about the same urgent challenge – how to turn this environmental and social issue into opportunities by unlocking value from what is typically considered just “trash”.

Moments of connection like this one captured the spirit of the third annual Science for Society (S4S) Symposium, hosted by the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region (K2C BR), the Wits Rural Knowledge Hub (WiRKH), and the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON). Bringing together 90 participants from 50 diverse organisations, the event was a rare chance for researchers, traditional leaders, community groups, government officials, NGOs and private partners to share knowledge and spark progressive collaboration. The room reflected the rich tapestry of voices dedicated to shaping the future of the K2C region.

As Anthony Fry from WiRKH reflected “The coming together of role-players from different domains is so useful for gaining an integrated perspective of the region.”

Shared challenges, co-creating solutions

Among the pressing issues discussed, waste management emerged as a critical concern. Studies led by Prof. Schenck from the University of the Western Cape revealed widespread illegal dumping and burning in rural communities like Moremela and Matibidi – practices that pose serious risks to both environmental and human health. Building on this, K2C and its partners conducted studies to assess the current waste management, assess the needs of the communities and possible potential solutions, including the concept of waste beneficiation centres. These initiatives aim to transform litter into valuable products contributing to circular economies and new opportunities.

Water security was another urgent focus. Sediment accumulation has reduced the Blyderivierspoort Dam’s capacity by 20% since 1999, threatening water quality and availability for agriculture, domestic use, and wildlife alike. This alarming decline is linked to upstream activities such as illegal mining, spurring both government and community responses to protect this vital resource.

Researchers and restoration managers shared hopeful insights on the resilience of local grasslands and the sustainability of livestock farming. Long-term studies show grasslands can recover from drought even under heavy grazing. However, farmers do face complex social and economic challenges, including disease control, compensation disputes and strained relationships with conservation areas that deeply affect their livelihoods and well-being.

Conservation through collaboration

Conservation related presentation topics focused on invasive alien plant management, forest restoration, and supporting predator movement through fragmented landscapes. Presentations also highlighted participatory decision support systems, community and student involvement in habitat restoration, and the use of umbrella species like the Cape Parrot to guide forest conservation. An “umbrella species” is a plant or animal whose conservation helps protect many other species and the wider ecosystem they share. By focusing efforts on preserving the habitat and needs of the umbrella species in this case, the Cape Parrot, conservationists can protect entire forests and countless other plants and animals that rely on the same environment. These initiatives underscore the power of collaborative governance and capacity building as foundations for lasting success.

Across all these issues, one theme emerged: the need for solutions that are practical, community-driven and informed by science. “The S4S Symposium isn’t just about sharing data – it’s about building trust and understanding between people who often work in adjacent worlds and finding common ground,” said Romy Antrobus-Wuth, K2C BR organiser. “When science is made accessible to the public, we open doors to real-world solutions that benefit both our communities and our natural heritage.”

From discussion to action

Breakaway sessions sparked lively conversations around gaps in current knowledge and action, from waste and water to economic development and local resilience. Across discussions, a common thread emerged: empowering local people with skills and governance tools is key to lasting change. Group discussions at the end of the day deepened these interactions, and the more casual setting allowed participants to continue conversations and build on ideas sparked earlier in the day, forging connections that could support sustained learning and real-world problem-solving.

“The symposium is helping to consolidate the emerging network of local actors interested in learning together to improve our region.” said Fry. “We feel that this process is boosted by the strong NGO presence in the region, whose agility allows them to respond quickly to opportunities.”

Looking ahead

Looking ahead to 2026, the team hopes to build on this platform, creating complementary sessions focusing on service delivery and research inside the protected areas as well. And as the veranda conversations showed – when unlikely allies sit together and listen, what begins as talk about trash can grow into plans that change the future of our region.

S4S organisers. Front l to r- Wayne Twine, Marie-Tinka Uys and Romy Antrobus-Wuth, Back l to r – Tony Swemmer and Anthony Fry

FUNDERS / PARTNERS: Wits Rural Knowledge Hub (WiRKH), the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON)

~ Dimakatso Nonyane, Restoration Project Manager

On the 23rd of September 2025, the Catchment Team embarked on an exciting field visit to Graskop Gorge alongside some members of the Intermediate Teams currently involved in Alien Invasive Plant clearing within the Blyde Nature Reserve.

The purpose of the visit was to conduct a selection exercise aimed at identifying individuals who are confident and comfortable working at heights. This was an essential step in preparing participants for the upcoming High Angle Technician Training, which will equip them with specialized rope access and safety skills for working in challenging terrains.

The day was filled with energy, enthusiasm, and a spirit of adventure as participants took on the heights of the gorge with courage and determination. Through this exercise, the team successfully identified motivated individuals ready to grow and develop in this highly skilled area of work.

The selected participants have since commenced their intensive 10-day High Angle Technician Training, which began with the fundamental skills of rope work learning how to properly tie ropes and consistently ensuring safety. The training then advanced to practical sessions on climbing and ascending steep slopes, focusing on the correct techniques required to maintain balance, coordination and above all, safety for every team member suspended on the ropes.

Photos: Dion Tromp, High Angle Technical trainer.

This hands-on and progressive approach provides a solid foundation for mastering more advanced high-angle rescue and technical skills as the program continues. The service provider has reported excellent progress from the participants, noting their strong enthusiasm, teamwork and quick learning ability. He further commended the group for demonstrating a sound foundational understanding of the core principles, which will serve them well as they move into the more complex stages of the training.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Graskop Gorge Lift Co for their generous support in offering free entry and activities and High Angle team for sharing this valuable training with us all the way from Cape Town.

~ Keneilwe Mmushi & Lauren Booth

On 22 August 2025, Sofaya Village along the Makhutswi River did something remarkable. With limited resources and few formal services, 53 residents joined forces to launch their first-ever community-led clean-up campaign. Together with the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere (K2C) and the Maruleng Local Municipality, they rolled up their sleeves and cleared waste from pollution hotspots that had been threatening their river, their crops and their health.

But this was not just a clean-up. It was the culmination of months of dialogue, evidence and determination – a powerful example of how deep understanding of a problem followed by collective action, can spark real change. It shows how even with limited resources, a community can lead powerful environmental action when knowledge is shared and understood.

From Concern to Clarity

The story began on 17 June 2025, when K2C’s Catchment Team met with the Mohlabe Traditional Council and Sofaya community members. During the session, the team screened the Our Waste documentary and shared scientific data from freshwater monitoring sites downstream of Sofaya, that indicated declining river health.

K2C conducts this monitoring on key rivers across the region on a regular basis, tracking water quality to detect changes and guide community and conservation responses.

The findings resonated immediately. Farmers voiced concerns about nappies and other waste being dumped into waterways that fed their irrigation dam. Alarmed by the potential health risks and impact on crops, the Traditional Council requested water testing at local pollution hotspots identified along the Makhutswi River.

In early August, K2C technicians joined the Traditional Council and village stakeholders for a site visit and sampling. Together, they tested water clarity, pH, oxygen levels and temperature at the identified hotspots.

These results were then presented back to the community, together with science-based recommendations. The evidence confirmed poor water quality and highlighted key pollution sites. Importantly, the findings were explained in clear, relatable language, free from classic scientific jargon, allowing the community to fully appreciate the situation and agree on the next steps.

From Data to Action

Within days, Sofaya residents had organized themselves, set dates for clean-ups on 22 and 29 August, and committed to long-term solutions. The importance of this moment cannot be underappreciated – a moment where evidence had become the foundation for collective ownership and action. It is a reminder that data becomes most powerful when it moves beyond reports and resonates with people’s lived realities.

The first clean-up was an inspiring statement of unity. Fifty-three residents, joined by K2C staff and a representative from the Maruleng Local Municipality came together to tackle illegal waste dumping along the river.

Farmers, youth, elders and partners worked side by side to clean up their waterways. Waste was removed, but more importantly, a community demonstrated what is possible when people feel empowered to respond. Change can take place very quickly!

It is a lesson for all communities – real impact doesn’t always require major funding, but shared responsibility and action.

Building for Tomorrow

After the clean-up, Sofaya didn’t stop. They formed committees to prevent further dumping, requested skip bins from the municipality and began planning recycling initiatives. In short, they are building their own system to manage waste sustainably into the future.

This forward-looking approach shows true vision: identifying the problem, solving it together and setting up governance to manage it into the future.

A Lesson Beyond Sofaya

Sofaya’s story holds a mirror to communities elsewhere, showing what can be achieved when science and community action come together. With few resources and limited formal services, Sofaya has demonstrated that if you fully understand an issue and are motivated to act, you can achieve lasting impact. That vision, ownership and unity are the true drivers of sustainability.

It is a reminder that sustainability is about commitment, collaboration and courage. Sofaya Village turned science into action, and in doing so, created a model for others to follow – if one rural village can transform concern into collective action, imagine what could be achieved if more communities did the same!

FUNDERS/PARTNERS: Mohlabe Traditional Council and Maruleng Local Municipality.

~ Vusi Tshabalala, Community Engagement & Learning Programme Manager

Across South Africa a growing threat is quietly stripping our landscapes of unique and irreplaceable plants. Driven by demand for rare succulents and locally sought-after ornamental species, the illegal harvesting of protected plants (often referred to as plant poaching) is pushing species toward extinction and undermining efforts to conserve our natural heritage.

The Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region (K2C) continues to work closely with communities living adjacent to protected areas to conserve natural resources and promote sustainable livelihoods. Through various initiatives, including the Human-Wildlife Conflict and Illegal Wildlife Trade project, K2C supports communities in finding long-term solutions that balance environmental protection, socio-economic development and tourism potential.

In Finale Village, community members have shown commendable dedication to reducing illegal activities and promoting sustainable practices. However, recent incidents have raised concern about the continued illegal harvesting and trade of protected plant species, particularly the Impala and Kudu lilies.

Earlier this year, rangers from a neighbouring reserve arrested eight individuals from Acornhoek who were found poaching Impala lilies, allegedly for sale in Hoedspruit. In another case, the local Community Policing Forum intercepted a truck reportedly sent by a buyer from Hoedspruit to collect these plants from the rangelands of Finale. Most recently, authorities detained a vehicle transporting a large quantity of Kudu and Impala lilies, again destined for Hoedspruit. Sellers claimed they were supplying regular buyers in the area.

These incidents highlight a concerning trend of harvesting indigenous plants from the natural bush in the area, to supply a local demand.

Intercepted vehicle transporting a large quantity of poached Kudu and Impala lilies, destined for Hoedspruit.

Rare lilies under threat

The Summer Impala Lily (Adenium swazicum) is listed as Critically Endangered in South Africa. Its decline is driven by habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, particularly sugar cane plantations, and illegal harvesting for medicinal and horticultural purposes.

The related Impala Lily (Adenium multiflorum), while not listed as threatened in South Africa, is considered threatened in neighbouring countries such as Eswatini, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This species occurs from the Kruger National Park and Timbavati Private Nature Reserve in the north, extending into Komatipoort and Eswatini along the Lebombo Mountains and into south-western Mozambique. Experts estimate that populations have declined by at least 20% since 1990, largely due to habitat loss and over-collection.

These species are an important part of the Lowveld’s natural beauty and ecological balance. Their loss not only threatens biodiversity but also undermines the tourism and conservation value of the region. Protecting them helps preserve the intricate web of life that supports both ecosystems and communities.

Why some plants are protected

To understand why these local cases are so concerning, it is important to know that certain plants are legally listed as Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) under South Africa’s National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA). These listings exist because many indigenous plants are slow-growing, have small populations, or occur in highly localised habitats, meaning that even limited removal can cause lasting damage.

The TOPS regulations make it illegal to pick, collect, transport, sell or buy protected plant species without the required permits. Penalties on conviction can be severe, including large fines and imprisonment. Understanding these laws helps ensure that well-meaning buyers and sellers do not inadvertently contribute to biodiversity loss.

Community commitment to conservation

It is vital for community members to understand that harvesting, transporting, selling or purchasing protected plants without valid permits is a serious criminal offence under environmental law. While the Finale community, together with conservation partners, remains committed to protecting its natural heritage and ensuring that future generations can benefit from the area’s rich biodiversity, they are only one link in the chain. It is equally important for communities further along the supply chain, including those purchasing or trading these plants, to be aware of the impacts and actively engage in preventing illegal harvesting.

How you can help

Everyone has a role to play in curbing the illegal plant trade. You can help by always buy from reputable, registered nurseries AND request documentation (legitimate growers and retailers will be transparent), refuse wild-collected specimens, report suspicious activity (large volumes of wild plants for sale, a suspicious vehicle transporting plants, nurseries unable to provide documentation), support legal alternatives (e.g. programs that certify origin and quality) and spread the word. Share this information with friends and in gardening groups so that they become aware of this problem and can buy responsibly to reduce demand for illegal specimens.

As communities like Finale have shown, through awareness, responsible choices and collective action, we can ensure that conservation and community development go hand in hand, protecting both our natural heritage and the livelihoods that depend on it. Through buying responsibly and speaking up, every one of us can help safeguard our country’s unique flora for generations to come.

Hope Morema, Community Engagement and Learning Officer

The Sand River clean-up brought together local communities, partners, and stakeholders in a powerful show of collaboration to restore one of our region’s most vital waterways. The campaign not only tackled illegal dumping but also promoted environmental stewardship through tree planting as part of South Africa’s Arbor Month celebrations.

On 25 September 2025, the Sand River Clean-Up Campaign took place along key sections of the river that flows through the Bushbuckridge area and into renowned private reserves such as Sabi Sand and the Kruger National Park. The initiative aimed to address the growing challenge of illegal dumping and to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining clean waterways for people, wildlife, and ecosystems downstream.

The clean-up brought together community members, local recyclers, municipal representatives, and conservation partners, reflecting a shared commitment to environmental restoration and collective action. Participants worked side by side, demonstrating that environmental change starts on the ground — through collaboration and consistent engagement.

In total, approximately 180 bags of general waste were collected across various sections of the river, along with 25 bags of bottles that were reclaimed by a local recycler for reuse. Beyond waste removal, the day offered an opportunity for environmental education, dialogue, and relationship-building among stakeholders who share responsibility for the river’s wellbeing.

K2C Field Worker, Tlayishego Pebane explained the Mini-SASS technique, a citizen science tool for monitoring water quality.

As part of Arbor Month celebrations, 75 trees were distributed among community members, and five trees were planted at the local Traditional House. These trees were kindly donated by SANParks BSP and SAVE The Sand, contributing to our shared pledge under the President’s call to plant one million trees. This activity not only strengthened the campaign’s environmental message but also underscored the importance of greening our communities and protecting natural ecosystems.

The Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region (K2C) is looking forward to continuing its awareness, education, and clean-up efforts along other sections of the Sand River, working hand in hand with partners and communities to sustain the momentum built through this campaign.

The success of the initiative highlighted the importance of partnership-driven approaches in tackling environmental challenges. Together, communities and organizations proved that effective waste management and conservation outcomes are achievable when efforts are coordinated and inclusive.

FUNDERS/PARTNERS: SANParks BSP, Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, SAVE The Sand, Local Community Leaders and Recyclers, Private Reserves (Sabi Sand & Londolozi).

~ Dimakatso Nonyane, Restoration Project Manager

Four inspiring women from the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region (K2C) were recently selected to take part in the Resilient Women in Conservation Leadership Program, an eye-opening and transformative workshop that brings together senior & Junior women leaders working in conservation, climate, and natural resource management.

This initiative forms part of the Gender Strategy under the Restoring African Rangelands Project and is designed to foster growth, resilience, and leadership among women across project landscapes. The program equips participants with the clarity, confidence, and compassion needed to lead effectively in complex, high-impact environments—while staying true to their values and purpose.

Program Objectives

While the program is tailored to the unique needs of each cohort, the following core themes run throughout:

Leadership Foundations: Building emotional intelligence, refining leadership styles and strengthening communication.

Resilience & Systems Leadership: Navigating team dynamics, setting healthy boundaries and engaging in courageous conversations.

Mentorship & Coaching: Ongoing support through mentorship circles and one-on-one executive coaching to enhance leadership presence and impact.

More than a training opportunity, this program is a space for reflection, growth and connection with like-minded women committed to driving meaningful change in conservation and beyond.

We are proud of the women representing K2C in these two cohorts and look forward to seeing how the program strengthens their leadership journeys, their communities and their impact on conservation.

FUNDERS/PARTNERS: GAC; CSA

In the past quarter, K2C staff have showcased their work on the following platforms:

“K2C Catchment Investment Programme – The role of Biosphere’s in leveraging sustainable finance for landscapes” – Nicholas Theron

5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves, Hangzhou China, September 2025

Nick shared K2C’s journey toward leveraging sustainable finance for landscape-scale restoration through the innovative Catchment Investment Programme. His presentation highlights how nature-based solutions, strong partnerships, and data-driven modelling are securing water resources, biodiversity, and livelihoods in the Blyde River Catchment, one of South Africa’s most critical water-producing landscapes.

Watch Presentation

“Baseline Ecological Assessment for the Management of Endangered Woodbush Granite Grasslands in the Upper Groot Letaba Catchment” – Johan Coetzer

Land Rehabilitation Society of Southern Africa (LaRSSA) Conference, Dinokeng, 10–12 September 2025

Johan shared insights from the ongoing Upper Letaba Restoration Project, highlighting collaborative efforts with partners including the University of Limpopo, Friends of the Haenertsburg Grasslands, and Mountain Environmental Watch, aimed at restoring critical grassland ecosystems and safeguarding local biodiversity.