One of the challenges facing the management is how to integrate and form partnerships with the local people who live close to or who border onto Kwa Madwala. We believe that these people too have a right to this wildlife heritage and it is vital that they are brought into mainstream conservation and tourism to ensure the sustainable future of their local communities.
In 2005 the Kwa Madwala Community and Personal Development Trust was established. The aim is to wherever possible involve the local community in wealth creation through tourism, ownership, skills and training. Hopefully this will become a win-win situation when local communities are directly involved in the benefits of wildlife tourism and the protection of the natural environment.
Examples of projects involving local communities include: market gardening operation whereby all fresh vegetables are sourced directly from local supplier who has been trained and assisted in getting set up to supply Kwa Madwala.
Game Ranger training - we are committed to training and recruiting local people for future employment at Kwa Madwala as rangers and trackers. This will be done at no cost and ensure that full FGASA status is obtained.
Garden maintenance services business whereby Kwa Madwala would outsource its gardening needs to a local person who will be assisted in setting up the business, trained and assisted in obtaining additional contracts for this type of service in the surrounding area.
As part of our commitment to the programme, Kwa Madwala will contribute 3% of annual turnover to the programme as well as provide training, support and expertise in several areas.
It is very much hoped that future generations will benefit greatly from the benefits sustainable eco tourism can bring to this area through partnership with Kwa Madwala Private Game Reserve.
In the words of former President Nelson Mandela, we hope Kwa Madwala can contribute to "creating a better South Africa for all".