“Wildlife as Part of Our Heritage”

Around 2,000 people gathered with Jongilanga Traditional Authority on 20 September for a cultural celebration centred on heritage, community and the importance of working together on issues affecting both people and the environment.

A central message from Hosi Jongilanga was that preserving heritage also means recognising the value of wildlife as part of that heritage. He encouraged his community to prioritise education, address crime collectively and work together to report criminal activity.

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The gathering brought together the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Kruger National Park, Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, the Department of Safety and Security, SAPS, the Department of Health, CONTRALESA and Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, alongside GKEPF and community members.

For GKEPF, supporting gatherings such as this forms part of strengthening relationships between Traditional Authorities, communities and protected areas. These platforms also create opportunities to share environmental education and conservation messages alongside conversations about the wider social issues affecting communities.

The event formed part of GKEPF’s Prosper Programme and Community Governance work.