What We Do
uMkhuze Honorary Officers (like most other HO groups) spend at least one weekend of every month at the game reserve performing tasks which are repaired in order of their importance or impact they would have on the daily running of the reserve. These work weekends are planned well in advance as to ensure that full preparation is done i.r.o tools and equipment required to complete the required work. The is done at least 2 or 3 weeks prior to the planned weekend to secure enough time to contact donors and sponsors of equipment for their assistance to complete the job/s. Once on site, a meeting is held prior to commencement of the first workday, with the conservation officer in charge, to determine if there are any emergency repairs/jobs that may have arisen. These will take priority over the planned work which then will only be done after the emergency work is completed, or only if there are enough hands available to carry on with the planned work.
Typical jobs over a weekend could include repairs to distribution boards damaged by lightning, repairs of short circuits in wiring, removal and replacement of submersible pumps, brazing, and more. Regular planned work entails continued maintenance of the boma, in preparation for introduction of new wildlife to the reserve, and maintenance at the environmental centre in preparation for new school groups from the surrounding communities. And then there is also maintenance to be done at the guard camps, and staff quarters. Much needed spare parts are also sourced to effect repairs on the reserve's vehicles which heavily utilized by the rangers in performance of their duties. The water tankers are also very busy every day, requiring continued repairs and maintenance to the vehicles and their pumps as they supply all the water for the guard camps and Mshopi campsite. They travel many kilometers over terrible terrain to supply the guard camps and campsite visitors with much needed water. Without these generous donations and hardware sponsorships, none of the maintenance in uMkhuze Game Reserve would be possible.
The collages below represent only a fraction of the work that is, and has been done over the years, thank you uMkhuze Honorary Officer Group!
THANK YOU to all our donors and sponsors!
