Conservation Watch
Wild about weeds
We are often in a rush to rid our gardens of blackjacks, stinging nettles and a bunch of other bitter things. But Julia Invernizzi wised up on a recent walk.
Enviro Champs tackle Pietermaritzburg river pollution
A community-based programme is helping to clean rivers in the KZN capital. Thobani Ngomane and Matthew Hattingh report.
Swimming against the tide of sewage: Standerton sanfus stir up action
An intrepid band of activist-athletes are drawing attention to a pressing pollution problem, with their latest target the Vaal River that flows through the Mpumalanga town of Standerton. Laura du Toit reports
Heads up for rookie environmental writers
The window period for submission of story pitches has closed – June 15 2021 Keen to write a few environmental wrongs? Do you have a conservation story that needs to be told, but are not sure how to go about it?
Hiya ladies, I am in a wooing mood!
. . . Spider love can be so strange
When it comes to wooing aggressive females, spiders can really spin the charm… just ask David Attenborough and Jurgen Otto. Fatima Khan reports
Trial may shed light on Wild Coast violence
A much-delayed case, back before the courts, brings to light community conflict over mineral sands mining plans. Fred Kockott reports.
The story behind the murder of anti-mining activist, Fikile Ntshangase
Fikile Ntshangase will be buried tomorrow. Roving Reporters looks into the background to her murder last Thursday evening. Mine boss links the killing and other recent incidents of violence and intimidation to concerns in the community about job losses should be the mine be forced to close Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife – the custodian of Kwazulu-Natal’s protected parks – wants Tendele Coal Mining to fund a comprehensive study on the adverse impacts its operations have on the iMfolozi wilderness area Commentators
Fikile Ntshangase opposed a mine extension. Now she has been murdered
Violence on border of iMfolozi-Hluhluwe Game Park linked to fears of mass retrenchments Fikile Ntshangase, a vocal opponent of plans to extend the Somkhele coal mine, was murdered in her home on Thursday night. This comes after threats and attacks have previously been made against those opposing the mine. Mine management says expansion is essential if the mine is to be saved. The Tendele mining company says the violence is linked to fears of mass retrenchments. By Fred Kockott and
Zululand pangolin project launched
. . . where the species became locally extinct 70 years ago
“We must get 30% of earth’s natural resources protected by 2030”
The world is paying a heavy price for the exploitation of wild species and wild places, deforestation, uncontrolled expansion of agriculture, intensification of farming, and infrastructure development, says Chris Galliers, President of the International Ranger Federation. Fred Kockott reports Galliers said unbridled exploitation of natural resources modified the interface between people and wildlife, creating a ‘perfect storm’ for spill over of diseases. “We hope that the world takes a greater appreciation of the value of conserved areas and realise having a
