uMhlanga wilderness area reopens after riots

The uMhlanga Tourism Association says nature enthusiasts are guaranteed to enjoy themselves at the reopened uMhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve with repaired infrastructure and cleared trails.

Until early July, the usual functioning of this much-loved conservation area was interrupted by a toxic chemical spill that occurred during the July 2021 riots.

According to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife spokesperson Musa Mntambo, the main section of the reserve that had been compromised was the Lagoon area and its precinct.

He said the decision to reopen was taken by the Joint Operations Committee, which was established after the chemical spill, and comprised all stakeholders.

The bodies that contributed to the reopening were the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, eThekwini Municipality, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, among others.

“The reserve is in a state of rehabilitation and the biodiversity is slowly re-establishing itself,” said Mntambo. “We have roosting and nesting birdlife, the Blue duiker population has recovered as have various other small mammals.

“Running is not allowed in the reserve because this spooks the wildlife which has to share a small footprint with people and the water areas. We also do not allow dogs at the Lagoon where waders are finding homes,” he said.

Mntambo encouraged people to visit the reserve and support the various ventures within the reserve, adding that their collaboration with the uMhlanga UIP and uMhlanga Tourism had created an oasis within suburbia.

uMhlanga Tourism Association chairperson Duncan Heafield said this location was one of the core assets of uMhlanga for their nature and eco-lovers.

“The reopening of the Lagoon, especially in terms of the walkway, the areas along the beachfront and the extended areas along the river mouth has brought more nature lovers into the area and also allows our normal local visitors to explore the natural beauty of our coastal line in a safe area in uMhlanga,” he said.

Heafield said that with the holiday season fast approaching, they were confident it would still be an ideal holiday destination.

“In the last two years, uMhlanga has been making a concerted effort in terms of becoming the most desirable location in South Africa to visit again. I think the opening of the beaches, lagoon and nature reserve adds to that and I am sure uMhlanga will claim that position,” he said.