Institute of Natural Resources

03/03/2026

Celebrating World Wetlands Day at Ntwasahlobo!

Last week Thursday, the INR proudly joined the global community in commemorating World Wetlands Day at Ntwasahlobo, recognising the vital role wetlands play in sustaining life on Earth. The event was well attended by local organisations actively working in wetland conservation and rehabilitation, creating a strong platform for collaboration and shared learning.

Discussions highlighted the importance of wetlands in water purification, flood reduction, biodiversity conservation, and supporting rural livelihoods. Traditional authorities from Nxamalala, Amangwane, and Molefe played a central role in the dialogue, sharing valuable indigenous knowledge about wetlands and local perspectives, while highlighting the challenges and commitments to practical solutions towards wetland rehabilitation and protection by the local communities.

We were honoured to engage alongside key stakeholders including Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma (NDZ) Local Municipality and WWF-SA, who shared their roles in wetlands work. Their participation strengthened our shared commitment to protecting, rehabilitating and sustainably managing wetlands for future generations.

27/02/2026

Amanzi champions workshop – The conservation and restoration project of the upper uMkhomazi Catchment

The Institute of Natural Resources (INR) hosted a refresher workshop with our dedicated citizen scientists – the Amanzi Champions – who are playing a vital role in the conservation and restoration project in the Upper uMkhomazi Catchment.

The session brought together both long-standing and newly recruited Amanzi Champions to reconnect, reflect, and realign. We shared updates on the progress made in the catchment, discussed current challenges, explored practical solutions, and revisited the core objectives of the project.

Workshops like these are essential for strengthening collaboration, building capacity, and ensuring that our community-based monitoring efforts remain impactful and sustainable. We are grateful for the continued commitment and passion of our Amanzi Champions in safeguarding our Catchment.

25/02/2026

19/02/2026

The 5th issue of the uMkhomazi Catchment Working Group (UCWG) Newsletter — first edition for 2026!

This issue reflects strong momentum across the catchment — advancing water security, restoring landscapes, and strengthening local leadership.

A key highlight is the 5 November “10 Species Method” veld condition assessment training, conducted under the Green Trust WWF project and hosted by KZNDARD and Uplands Rivers. Over 30 farmers, citizen scientists, and practitioners gathered at KwaNovuka to learn this practical “Mini-SASS for grasslands” using ten indicator species to assess veld health and support improved rangeland management.

The issues also shine a spotlight on green enterprise development through IYBA-SEED, the continued growth of our Amanzi Champions as facilitators, and partnerships delivering measurable restoration and stewardship impact across the catchment.

A cherry on top is that the issue is published on both English and IsiZulu for everyone to enjoy reading this piece!

16/02/2026

Getting down to business

We were honoured to host the Pietermaritzburg & Midlands Chamber of Business (PMCB) for a field visit to the upper uMkhomazi Catchment on Friday. The visit was catalysed by the IYBA programme that supports entrepreneurial ecosystems and ‘weaving’ new networks.

The purpose of the visit was to demonstrate the ongoing restoration work in the Upper uMkhomazi and to share progress on the green enterprises that INR is supporting and incubating in the catchment.

The Chamber brought a valuable perspective on how to establish, strengthen, and sustain green enterprises, challenging us to think more deliberately about market access, financial viability, and long-term scalability.

It was an insightful and inspiring engagement that strengthened the bridge between ecological restoration and green enterprise development.

infrastructure

15/02/2026

World Wetlands Day!!

The INR and SANBI supported Amanzi Ethu Nobuntu (AEN) and the uMngeni Ecological Infrastructure Partnership (UEIP) in hosting World Wetlands Day in Caluza, Pietermaritzburg.

Stakeholders and guests including uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW), DUCT, uMsunduzi Local Municipality, Department of Forestry Fisheries and Environment, and Ground Truth showcased their work on wetland protection, conservation and environmental restoration. The event was well attended by local community members, Environmental Champions from DUCT, and Amanzi Champions from the INR and UUW. This day demonstrated the stronger collaboration amongst these organisations and their commitment towards environmental restoration and the distribution of knowledge within local communities.

15/02/2026

Weaving the upper uMkhomazi Catchment Entrepreneurial Ecosystem – Internal Workshop

The INR efforts in establishing the green enterprises are currently supported through the Investing in Young Business Africa (IYBA) Programme, funded by the European Union, German Cooperation, République Française, and SlovakAid, with implementation by Expertise France, Enabel, GIZ, and the Slovak Agency for International Development Cooperation.

The INR was delighted to host Shawn and Annelien from Meso Partners at their offices. Together with some of our catchment partners, the team revisited their systemic competitive analysis, bringing fresh eyes and new ideas to better weave local support for green enterprises in the Upper uMkhomazi Catchment.

The discussion surfaced valuable perspectives that sharpened our thinking on how to enable enterprise growth in the catchment. It was a significant step toward establishing a clearer strategic direction for strengthening and structuring our entrepreneurial ecosystem.

A sincere thank you to Meso Partners and IYBA for the continued collaboration and support.

15/02/2026

Farmer’s Day on Livestock Supplementary Feed (Wattle)

The INR successfully hosted a Farmer’s Day on wattle supplementary feed at the Nzinga Traditional Court, bringing together farmers from Nzinga and Stoffelton alongside key stakeholders, including DARD, EDTEA, and the Livestock Association.

The workshop aimed to reflect on the wattle feed experiment, share results, and discuss the way forward. The turnout was great, and the energy even better! Farmers showed strong excitement and interest in the wattle supplementary feed, highlighting its potential to support livestock production.

A big thank you to all stakeholders and farmers who participated and contributed to meaningful discussions. Together, we’re building practical solutions for sustainable farming.

10/02/2026

🔍💚 An exciting and rewarding BioBlitz 2026! 🌿🦋

The INR team had the privilege of participating with the incredible teams from WWF South Africa and UKZN to explore and document biodiversity in the upper uMkhomazi catchment near Impendle. From rare and often overlooked plant species to unexpected animal sightings, the richness of this ecosystem truly stood out and reinforced its ecological importance.

Beyond the data collected, the 2-day BioBlitz played a valuable role in empowering citizen scientists and enviro champs by helping them recognise the significance of their local environment and increasing awareness of the need to conserve and protect biodiversity within their own communities. 💚🌍

A huge thank you to our dedicated event organisers, team and enthusiastic participants for their commitment and energy—this event would not have been possible without you! 🙌🐞

05/12/2025

Building Hope with Waste Pickers in eMangwaneni Rural Community in the upper uMkhomazi Catchment

In the rural hills of KwaZulu-Natal lies eMangwaneni - a beautiful but distant community where households are spread out and basic services, such as waste collection, are limited. With no waste removal, illegal dumping has become a growing challenge.

In recognition of the challenge, a small group of community members began collecting and separating recyclables, turning a problem into an opportunity to earn an income. However, there were other challenges that remained. With low waste volumes and buyers of recyclables being located far away, the viability of the initiative seemed impossible.

Through support from a number of funders, including DG Murray Trust most recently, the INR have been working with the community to find practical solutions for solid waste management. One the interventions was connecting waste pickers with potential recycling partners.

Sisekelo Mthembu from uMzimkhulu Scrap Metal, based in Pietermaritzburg visited the area, saw the commitment of the waste pickers, and showed interest in buying recyclables, especially glass waste, directly from the community. This has sparked a new relationship between the recycler and the waste pickers; they are working on starting a collection and selling system that will benefit both parties. The INR also provided the waste pickers with materials for storage and safe keeping of waste and basic PPE, including gloves, goggles and aprons.

With recyclables being collected within their community, residents of eMangwaneni will address the illegal dumping of waste while also earning an income.

19/11/2025

Municipalities learn about catchment restoration and share ideas on collaboration

The INR recently hosted and provided an insightful tour for colleagues from uMgungundlovu and Harry Gwala District Municipalities and also from Impendle, and Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Local Municipalities. We were joined by uMngeni-uThukela Water, DFFE, and traditional leaders from KwaNxamalala and Molefe Traditional Authorities. The purpose of this field visit was to introduce stakeholders to the Upper uMkhomazi restoration work, showcase the different restoration actions progress made so far. Most importantly the field visit aimed at strengthening collaboration amongst stakeholders working in the upper uMkhomazi Catchment.

We started off at Inguga, where we met Indunankulu Mr Zuma from the Nxamalala Traditional Authority along with iNduna Ms Zuma from the Inguga community. At the restoration site, our team leader, Mbongiseni Zuma, walked everyone through how the brushpacks installation. The Amanzi Champions also shared their ongoing monitoring of sediment and water quality. We then heard from the Herding for Health team, who explained how grazing rotation helps improve soil cover and boost carbon sequestration.

From there, we headed to Ntwasahlobo to visit Induna Mr Mbelu’s homestead, one of the households practising Conservation Agriculture. Mfundo Dlamini gave a great explanation of how minimal soil disturbance and the use of cover crops help hold moisture and ultimately improve yields.

All these efforts are connected — working together to strengthen rangelands for livestock, reduce flood risks, and cut down the sediment ending up in our rivers and dams.

Many colleagues expressed a deep appreciation for the work underway, recognised its significance. There were positive conversations about where we can collaborate even more closely. Overall, it was an inspiring and eye-opening day, and a big step toward stronger partnerships between INR, UUW, local government, and other catchment stakeholders.

12/11/2025

The “10 species method” for Veld Condition Assessment

On November 05, a team from the INR had the opportunity to learn about the “10 species method” veld condition assessment (VCA). The training was hosted by Cobus Botha and Dumisani Mashele (KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development) and Andrew Fowler (Uplands Rivers).

The training brought together more than 30 farmers, citizen scientists, practitioners, ecorangers, and researchers to KwaNovuka, all eager to learn a simple yet powerful way to assess the veld conditions. The idea is straightforward: by looking at just ten key indicator species, you can get a sense of veld condition. Think of it as a “Mini-SASS” for grasslands!

The indicator species for conducting VCA comprise 8 grasses (i.e. Themeda Triandra, Heteropogon Contortus, Diheteropogon Filifolius, Andropogon Appendiculatus, Eragrostis Curvula, Aristida Junciformis, Tristachya Leucithrix and Microchloa Caffra), Forbs and Sedges.

The session was not only informative but also very hands-on, helping participants build confidence in identifying grasses and applying the method for better rangeland management. The 10 species method is best suited for highland sourveld and midlands mistbelt grasslands: in line with our ongoing work in the uMkhomazi Catchment.

If you would like to try this method yourself, check out the Key Grass Species App developed by the department (https://survey123.arcgis.app/?itemID=d133ab98a3b745be9f8124b175b161b7&portalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fgis.kzndard.gov.za%2Fportal).