The Langkloof Orphanage has undergone a remarkable transformation, breathing new life into the sanctuary for AIDS orphans and vulnerable children.

Drakensberg, South Africa (18 October 2024) – Situated amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Northern Drakensberg, the Langkloof Orphanage, a sanctuary for AIDS orphans and vulnerable children, recently underwent a remarkable transformation.

Established in 2001 as a refuge for 50 AIDS orphans, the orphanage has evolved into a thriving space, complete with a fully-equipped kitchen, electricity, running water, flushing toilets, a creche, and a primary school.

The recent refurbishment has breathed new life into the orphanage’s facilities. Once characterised by worn-out walls and peeling paint, the space now exudes a vibrant and inviting atmosphere.

During the highly anticipated unveiling in the first week of October 2024, joy and excitement filled the air as the children and caregivers of the home explored their newly renovated surroundings.

Other sustainable initiatives were introduced to the new and improved orphanage. These include the establishment of a hydroponic system to grow fresh herbs and vegetables, the provision of two daily meals for 55 children, supporting staff and encouraging community action by appealing for donations towards the orphanage’s operations.

The Langkloof Orphanage stands as a symbol of resilience, compassion, and the power of community. With the continued support of Little Switzerland Resort, its main benefactor and Touching Dreams, the non-profit that sponsored of the renovations, this safe space will continue to touch many lives.

“When I recently took over the management of Langkloof, it was clear there was a lot of maintenance required. I reached out to Little Switzerland’s new general manager, Gerhard van den Heever, for support and he quickly got Touching Dreams and various hotel team members on board to work on a full refurbishment,” says Maria Mkhonza, Langkloof’s caretaker and principal.

Mkhonza expressed her gratitude to the maintenance lead, Justin Liebenberg, who coordinated everything; none of this would have been possible without all his hard work. Gerhard, and his assistant property custodian, Shalom Mashiri, were also actively involved.

“It’s been amazing to see the dedication from this group of people over the last few months,” says Mkhonza.

“Our support of Langkloof Orphanage is a perfect example of the kind of work we aim to do as an organisation and aligns with our mission at Dream Hotels and Resorts to have a positive impact on the communities in which our properties operate,” says Chris Godenir, General Manager of Dream Hotels and Resorts’ Peninsula All-Suite Hotel and Touching Dreams Ambassador.

Sources: Supplied

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The International Crane Foundation’s groundbreaking carbon offsetting project in the Drakensberg region offers a glimmer of hope for South Africa’s threatened birdlife and farmers.

Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal (26 August 2024) – In a significant step towards safeguarding threatened grassland and wetland habitats in the Drakensberg, the International Crane Foundation and the Endangered Wildlife Trust have secured registration in one of only six global carbon offsetting projects in the world.

Using the Voluntary Carbon Market Methodology, this achievement underscores the organisation’s commitment to protecting the region’s majestic crane populations and covers the country’s widest geographical footprint.

What makes this innovative initiative so noteworthy is that not only does it protect the Berg’s majestic birds and wetland species, but it also provides a lifeline for local communities, such as landowners and farmers, struggling with the devastating impacts of climate change and habitat loss.

So what is Carbon offsetting?

According to the Carbon Offset Guide, a carbon offset is essentially a way to minimise harmful greenhouse gas emissions by investing in projects that absorb or reduce carbon dioxide, such as reforestation or land restoration.

It’s great because it is considered a sustainable financing option by providing investments that reduce or remove emissions, improve livelihoods, and protect the environment. Carbon credits are also sold on the market with revenue returned to landowners.

Landowners are rewarded financially as they implement sustainable and improved land management practices that contribute to a healthier ecosystem, are friendly to cranes, and promote greater biodiversity.

How the project will benefit the Drakensberg’s environment

The International Crane Foundation has worked in the Drakensberg region for more than 15 years. Home to three species of threatened cranes – Wattled, Blue, and Grey Crowned Cranes – this region’s ecosystem has been at risk from mining, infrastructure development, invasive species, uncontrolled fire, and agricultural expansion.

These factors have reduced habitat for cranes and other species, and pose significant challenges to landowners, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of people who live and work in this region.

By investing in sustainable land management practices, the carbon offset project addresses both environmental and socio-economic challenges, creating a more resilient future for both humans and wildlife.

Hope for endangered cranes and communities

Pieter Botha, Carbon and Sustainable Agriculture Project Manager shared:

“We know these are complex problems, and they require innovative solutions. Exploration of the carbon trading market has been one of our key strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through carbon sequestration, to improve the state of these fragile habitats,” shares Pieter Botha, Carbon and Sustainable Agriculture Project Manager.

Botha said the cost associated with the removal of greenhouse gas emissions to improve the soil is expensive and landowners cannot finance it on their own.

According to the Crane Foundation, this project addresses that financial burden. Removing CO2 from the atmosphere is a cheaper alternative than dealing with the consequences of global warming.

The Drakensberg project encompasses a vast area of 90,000 hectares, with nearly 88,500 hectares under the direct management of the Foundation and Trust.

To ensure the project’s long-term success, the Foundation has established biodiversity stewardship agreements with local landowners.

A rigorous four-year cycle of carbon credit verification and issuance has been implemented, aiming to secure a 30-year commitment to the project. The anticipated revenue from this initiative is substantial, providing a sustainable funding source for conservation efforts.

“We believe this approach will mitigate the effects of global warming while creating resilient habitats for our crane population.

“This pioneering approach will result in increased carbon in the soil, while providing relief to our resilient farmers to protect their livelihoods and create conservationists at the same time,” Botha concluded.

Sources: International Crane Foundation

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Mzimkulu Vulture Hide has launched in the Southern Drakensberg to raise awareness and support for endangered vulture conservation in the region!

Drakensberg, South Africa (18 February 2024) — A much-needed addition to the Southern Drakensberg region, the Mzimkulu Vulture Hide is set to launch to the public on 19 February 2024. Created to support endangered Vulture conservation through a Vulture Safe Feeding Zone, the hide is premised to be a place of public awareness, education about vultures and support for their futures.

Located in the heart of the Southern Drakensberg, the Mzimkulu Vulture Hide is fitted with one-way glass so that vultures can be viewed and photographed but not disturbed (only six guests can visit at a time). Part of Wildlife ACT’s Southern Drakensberg Conservation Project, the main objective of this initiative is to finally provide the Southern Drakensberg with a sustainable safe feeding site for vultures.

In addition to getting to see the fascinating birds, the Hide is also equipped with educational material to ensure visitors leave having learnt more about conservation and wildlife in the region as public awareness about the challenges faced by vultures plays a hugely helpful role in the vulture’s plight.

The hide was the work of many supporters, including Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Project Vulture, Drakensberg Conservation Initiative, Bearded Vulture Recovery Programme and the Endangered Wildlife Trust as well as through the support of local Underberg farms.

The Importance of Vulture Conservation in the Southern Drakensberg Region

Vultures are nature’s cleanup crew, scavenging and disposing of animal remains that could otherwise become breeding grounds for disease. By swiftly recycling organic matter, Vultures help prevent the spread of illnesses that could affect both humans and animals.

Despite their importance, Vulture numbers across Africa are in rapid decline and their range numbers have decreased by up to 70%. Of the six Vulture species that occur in South Africa, all are either Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically Endangered. Despite being critical to our ecosystems, Vulture numbers are in serious decline, with only 50 to 100 breeding pairs of Bearded Vulture in South Africa and Lesotho and about 4,500 breeding pairs of Cape Vulture left in South Africa.

The Importance of Vulture Safe Feeding Sites

Vulture-safe feeding sites or ‘vulture restaurants’ are areas where uncontaminated carcasses are intentionally placed to provide a safe and sustainable supplementary food source for the vultures, helping to ensure their survival and contribute to the ecological balance.

The Southern Drakensberg is a stronghold location for two of South Africa’s cliff-nesting species of vulture, namely the Bearded Vulture and Cape Vulture. As such, it is essential for conservation initiatives to be spearheaded in this region, aimed at preserving and protecting this crucial population of endangered birds.

A Crucial Stronghold for South Africa’s Cliff Nesting Vultures

The Mzimkulu Vulture Hide is located 8KMs from Underberg, in KwaZulu-Natal’s Southern Drakensberg. The hide location rests on the foot of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park, which is a World Heritage Site and is one of the five largest protected areas in South Africa – providing one of the last strongholds for several threatened and endangered species.

The Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site is renowned for its spectacular natural landscape, its importance as a haven for many threatened and endemic species, and its wealth of rock paintings made by the San people over a period of 4,000 years. The Heritage Site covers an area of 249,313 ha making it the largest Protected Area complex along the Great Escarpment of Southern Africa. Extending along most of KwaZulu-Natal’s south-western border with Lesotho, the property provides a vital refuge for more than 250 endemic plant species and their associated fauna.

It also holds almost all of the remaining subalpine and alpine vegetation in the KwaZulu-Natal province, including extensive high-altitude wetlands. The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park has been identified as an Important Bird Area and forms a critical part of the Lesotho Highlands Endemic Bird Area.

Sources: Supplied; Wildlife Act

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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