Human-wildlife conflict is rarely simple. In northern KwaZulu-Natal, it threatened the survival of a vulnerable elephant herd until collaboration opened the door to a lasting solution.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (22 December 2025) – For more than a decade, a small elephant herd in KwaZulu-Natal has been walking a thin line between freedom and danger. Their story has been complicated, emotional and, at times, deeply uncertain. Recently, it took a hopeful turn that shows what can happen when collaboration replaces conflict.
The greater Mawana/Loziba elephants are South Africa’s smallest isolated free-roaming elephant population. For years, they roamed across northern KwaZulu-Natal. But as damaged fences went unrepaired and land uses shifted around them, their natural movements began bringing them into closer contact with nearby farms and communities. Tension grew, not out of malice, but out of proximity. When the original reserve owners failed to restore critical fence lines, the herd was declared res nullius, leaving them without clear protection and triggering an urgent search for a solution that could keep both people and elephants safe. It was a moment that could easily have ended badly. Instead, it became the start of something extraordinary.
A historic partnership between Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, Humane World for Animals, and Loziba Wildlife Reserve stepped in with a shared goal: long-term coexistence rooted in science, welfare and respect for surrounding communities.
In November 2024, a proposal for an emergency conservation area of approximately 8,300 hectares south of the Mawana Reserve was presented to the Ulundi Legislature. The plan was accepted, subject to strict fencing requirements and the implementation of a comprehensive Elephant Management Plan. While those conditions were being met, immediate conflict-mitigation measures were introduced to reduce risk on the ground.
Ms Vuyiswa Radebe, Head of Biodiversity Conservation Operations at Ezemvelo, described the outcome as a major step forward in addressing long-standing human-wildlife conflict in the area.
“This accomplishment would not have been possible without the outstanding collaboration and steadfast support from our NGO partners, whose expertise, resources, and dedication proved essential in executing this intricate operation. As Ezemvelo, we stand resolute in our commitment to conserving KwaZulu-Natal’s biodiversity for generations to come, and we offer our profound thanks to everyone involved, as well as to the communities for their remarkable patience during the search for a lasting solution.”
Together with its partners, Humane World for Animals led a suite of non-lethal, science-driven interventions designed to stabilise the herd and reduce conflict. Fertility control through immunocontraception was introduced to manage population growth humanely, while conflict-response units were supported with specialised tools under Ezemvelo’s direction. Community engagement played a central role. Dedicated elephant shepherds were trained to help guide peaceful coexistence, working closely with reaction units and local residents whenever elephants moved near settlements. At the same time, real-time GPS tracking and virtual fencing provided crucial insights into elephant behaviour and allowed for rapid responses when needed.
Months of effort culminated in the completion of the Loziba Wildlife Reserve’s 66-kilometre perimeter fence. Designed with an innovative “tentacle” system, the fence prevents elephants from making direct contact while guiding movement safely within the reserve. This physical infrastructure works alongside a virtual fence linked to satellite collars, delivering real-time alerts to rangers when elephants approach sensitive areas.
On Thursday, the 6th of November, the herd was in the iThaka Valley region, close to nearby communities. A decision was made to gently move them away from the area. As they shifted, the elephants moved naturally towards the Loziba corridor, and the primary herd was successfully closed into the newly fenced reserve. A few bulls remained outside the perimeter the following day. Rather than rushing the process, teams calmly shepherded them inward. By the 10th of November, 28 elephants were safely within Loziba Wildlife Reserve. The aerial operation was led by elephant expert JJ van Altena of Global Supplies, facilitated by Humane World for Animals and authorised by Ezemvelo. The animals are now being closely monitored and are settling well.
This success is not only about protecting elephants. The establishment and ongoing management of Loziba Wildlife Reserve have created jobs for local communities, from fencing and security to wildlife monitoring and eco-tourism. Elephants remain one of South Africa’s most powerful tourism attractions, supporting future lodges, guides and hospitality businesses in the region.
Partnerships linked to the reserve also include skills development and income opportunities for surrounding villages, helping ensure that conservation delivers real benefits to the people who live alongside wildlife.
Dr Audrey Delsink, senior director of wildlife at Humane World for Animals, reflected on the broader impact of the project, “This success proves that coexistence is possible when science, collaboration, and willpower come together. Non-lethal, ethical solutions are ready to be deployed; thus we urge authorities and stakeholders in other jurisdictions to embrace them and follow suit.”
After years of uncertainty, a small elephant herd in KwaZulu-Natal now has space to move, safety to settle and a future shaped by cooperation rather than conflict. It is a reminder that when people choose to work together, across organisations, disciplines and communities, even the most complex conservation challenges can find a hopeful way forward.
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