Sponsor a Cross to Help Save our Rhinos

Over 600 white wooden crosses line the road leading to St Lucia; a visual statement and reminder of a subject close to all of our hearts, yet one whose support could be in danger of losing momentum the longer the slaughter of South Africa's rhino population continues.

Photo courtesy of Des Head, Images Ahead

A collaboration between St Lucia X Factor and Project Rhino KZN, the total number of crosses on display equals, sadly, the total reported number of rhinos poached in South Africa to date; an accompanying sign clearly showing the dramatic escalation experienced during 2012.

Good News for KZN's Game Reserve 'Battle Grounds'

In a continued effort to slow down, or even halt, the poaching of our rhinos, at least ten of Northern KwaZulu-Natal's state- and private-owned game reserves will benefit from air patrols over a three year period.

Photo courtesy of African Conservation Trust

In a recent press release, African Conservation Trust released the good news. The region has secured the services of the Zululand Anti-Poaching Wing (ZAP-Wing), which includes a fully funded Cheetah aircraft and dedicated pilot, access to a BAC-owned helicopter for emergencies and a core group of three additional pilots from the Project Rhino KZN association. The project has been 10 months in the making and is a collaboration between private game reserves, leading conservation NGOs and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

St Lucia X Factor 1st Fundraiser a Huge Success

The hugely successful inaugural fundraiser for St Lucia X Factor was held on Monday evening, 10 December, at John Dory's in St Lucia.

The 39 ticket holders occupied the outside deck of the restaurant for the evening during which they enjoyed a sit down meal and some wine. The evening's festivities included live music kindly donated by Ian Taylor and as the evening wore on, much dancing took place. 

As well as St Lucia News, Zululand Observer's Cenessa Stork was in attendance to provide additional media coverage of the event.

Walk for a Cause

This morning, 9 December, St Lucia residents took to the streets for a five kilometre walk in order to raise money for breast cancer awareness.

*NEW* St Lucia X Factor

What is St Lucia X Factor?
It's a group of people who are passionate about St Lucia and building community spirit by providing community based projects that focus on a common thread - our wildlife.
St Lucia's animals and their unique stories = St Lucia X Factor.
Join us for our 1st fundraiser - the money goes towards commissioning a statue of Vincent the hippo, a legend in his own right.

Easily Avoidable Litter Problem in World Heritage Site

More and more people bring to our attention the increase in litter, with obvious detrimental consequences, at the picnic sites at the St Lucia and Cape Vidal beaches, as well as in town. How is this possible, given the number of readily available rubbish bins at all of the above locations? St Lucia News investigated and discovered that the littering is down to four separate problems, for which there are apparently simple solutions:

Black Rhino and its Parasites

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park has introduced a new pair of black rhino into the Eastern Shores section of the park. The pair appears to be settling in well and many visitors to the park have been lucky enough to encounter at least one of the two.

Photo courtesy of iSimangaliso news flash

Many holidaymakers have contacted the iSimangaliso office via its emergency telephone number (0827977944) to report what appears to be wounds on the flank of the male black rhino. After examining the animal in question, KZN Wildlife Veterinarian Dr Dave Cooper confirmed that the 'wound' is not human inflicted, it is rather the symptom of a parasitic condition, filarial parasite, which is common in black rhino. While an affected animal could display symptoms for many years, the lesions which occur in the affected area may lessen as the rhino matures and, interestingly, the parasite dies when the animal dies. It is important to note that black rhinos living with this parasite are not sick in any way and live normal, healthy lives.

New Pair of Serval in Eastern Shores

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority has introduced a pair of Serval into the Eastern Shores section of the wetland park. 

The pair was found by a Vryheid farmer in snares on his farm and were relocated by KZN Wildlife to the well established Emdoneni sanctuary for rehabilitation before they were released into Eastern Shores. This section of the wetland park, with its numerous vlei areas, is an ideal habitat for Serval, a medium sized cat adapted to living in wetland areas. Serval eat predominantly rodents but also birds (including water fowl), fish and small reptiles. Due to their rarity, Serval are listed as one of the "threatened or protected species" (TOPS) as they have fallen victim to poachers for their spotted pelt.

Serval pair (female left, male right) introduced into Eastern Shores, photo courtesy of iSimangaliso press release

“It is fantastic to be releasing the serval cats into the pristine wilderness of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park where they are now free to wander in the wilderness without having to worry about any human pressure and can enjoy an abundance of delicacies of a well-balanced ecosystem. We hope we will see more of these threatened cat species being released in iSimangaliso in the future” said Louis and Cecillie Nel, owners of Emdoneni.

In the past year St Lucia News has spotted two Serval, on separate occasions, in the vlei areas along Beach Road in St Lucia.

Another Blow to iSimangaliso Wetland Park Rhino Population

Sunday evening, 21 October, KZN Wildlife staff, while following fresh human tracks in the Ozabeni section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, came across the hornless carcass of an adult white rhino, the second rhino in a week to be poached in this World Heritage Site.

Photo courtesy of iSimangaliso press release 22/10/12 & Timconwild Secretariat

The crime scene was secured and the search for the perpetrator/s continued into the early hours of Monday morning yet no arrests were made. KZN Wildlife is working closely with the Organised Crime unit and Tony Conway, KZN Wildlife Conservation Co-ordinator for iSimangaliso, warned that "absolute zero tolerance has been reinforced and anyone entering the park illegally and armed, do(es) so at their own risk". KZN Wildlife is offering a reward of R100 000 to anyone providing information leading to the arrest and successful conviction of the culprit/s.

Members of the public are urged to inform the authorities of any suspicious behaviour or if they have any information regarding criminal activities in the park. Such information can be reported to either Siboniso Duma, KZN Wildlife Conservation Manager St Lucia Marine, on 0825592871 or iSimangaliso's 24hr emergency number, 0827977944.

KZN Rhino Watch - Latest News

Following a healthy turnout for the march against rhino poaching in Hluhluwe on Saturday, 13 October, KZN Rhino Watch reported another poached rhino in the north of the HluhluweImfolozi Game Reserve.
The carcass was discovered by Kyle Shuttleworth, a King Shaka Aviation Pilot based in the game reserve, and was in the same region of the park where seven rhinos were poached during the Heritage Day long weekend. The most recent poaching was thought to have occurred during the march in Hluhluwe town.
Bringing the plight even closer to home, two rhino carcasses were found in iSimangaliso's Western Shores last weekend.

13 October Rhino March - courtesy of KZN Rhino Watch

According to recent data released by the government, KZN has suffered the loss of 55 rhino so far this year, compared with 2011's total of 34. The good news, however, is that in the three weeks since KZN Rhino Watch's inception, a grand total of R824 760 has been raised and pledged. These funds help keep the helicopter in the sky above HluhluweImfolozi Game Reserve.

The helicopter project was experimentally implemented late 2011 and it has proven to be the most effective method of anti poaching. The project stalled for a few months this year due to a lack of funding, however, as can now be seen, donations are coming in from around the province.

St Lucia Tap Water - No Contamination

Rumours are circulating St Lucia that the E. coli bacteria has been found in the town's tap water. St Lucia News has been in contact with both Gawie Dipennaar, who oversees the town's water supply, and Rudi Redinger, Chairperson of the St Lucia Ratepayers' Forum, in order to verify these rumours. At the time of publication Mr Dipennaar had not been notified by the water suppliers of possible contamination in the town's tap water. Mr Redinger, who is in regular contact with the water pumpers, said that it is required practise for the chlorine levels following a water outage to be higher than normal in order to eliminate any possibility of contamination. Mr Redinger confirmed this evening, 7 October, that, while the water colour may be unsightly, the chlorine in the water being pumped into St Lucia's reservoir is at the correct level to ensure no risk of contamination.

This news follows an intermittent water supply from Thursday 4 October until Saturday evening, 6 October, as the result of a broken 400mm pipe by an excavator.

Somkhele Mine Strike Turns Violent

It has been reported that the strike at Somkhele anthracite mine turned violent on Monday night when a security guard was killed. 

The 48 year old security guard was on duty on Monday night when he was confronted by a group of men carrying bush knives. Witnesses say he was unable to outrun his killers. Police have stated that his service pistol was stolen. According to management at Somkhele Mine, the family of the deceased is being looked after financially by the company. Suspects - allegedly striking miners - have been arrested and their imminent appearance in court is expected.

Workers at Somkhele mine started striking last week and, as per strikes taking place elsewhere in South Africa, they are demanding a salary of between R10 000 and R15 000 per month (they currently earn between R4000 and R6000 per month). Sandton Plant Hire (SPH), the contractor said to employ the striking miners, has obtained a court interdict deeming the strike illegal and has been given permission to take "any legal steps necessary" to resolve the situation. Disciplinary action may include dismissal but in the meantime SPH is encouraging the striking miners to get back to work and make use of the appropriate channels in order to air their grievances.

St Lucia residents are urged to be vigilant when travelling past Somkhele mine.

Black Rhino Poached in iSimangaliso Wetland Park

iSimangaliso Wetland Park (formerly the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park) suffered the loss of an adult male black rhino through poaching on 3 September. The dehorned carcass was found in the Ozabeni section of the wetland park within 24 hours of it being poached.

The park authority is "outraged" at the crime and plans to follow in Limpopo province's footsteps by offering a reward of R100 000 to any member of the public able to provide sufficient evidence leading to the conviction of the poacher/s. Perhaps this will encourage the park authority to spend the monies raised through recent fund raising events on the prevention of poaching and the protection of the park's rhino population, thus preventing the need for the offering of such large sums as reward after the fact.

Although tragic, it must be said that this is only the second rhino poached in the wetland park in two years and while some may say that two is two too many, most of the country's other large reserves have suffered far greater losses.

Flooding Umfolozi Flows into St Lucia Estuary

St Lucia Estuary, to which many scientists in South Africa have been paying very close attention over the past year, has today been the recipient of excess water from the flooding Umfolozi River.

Channel providing Umfolozi River a way to enter estuary

Since Spring 2011 conservationists have been trying to open the mouth of St Lucia estuary in order for the estuarine system to revert to as close to its natural state as possible. Earlier this year, after Tropical Cyclone Irina failed to re-open the estuary mouth, KZN Wildlife employed the use of earth moving equipment to dig a channel for the Umfolozi River to flow into the estuary during times of flood. Following a week of heavy rain throughout KZN, it is this channel through which today's deluge is feeding the estuary.


Archive photo: taken 8 July & provided by Dennis King

St Lucia Water Restrictions: Effective Immediately

This morning, 28 August, the St Lucia Ratepayers Association was informed by the municipality that St Lucia will be under water restrictions with immediate effect, due to the "prolonged drought".  

As from today, the St Lucia Community will have no running water from 10h00 to 15h00 everyday, and no knowledge of when the restrictions will be lifted.

St Lucia Hippo Attack Victim Returns Home

Anthony Swatton, the St Lucia resident who was severely injured when attacked by a hippo on his property in July, returned home from hospital on Friday, 17 August.

According to local sources, Swatton appears to be in good spirits and is happy to be home, although he needs to travel to the hospital in Richards Bay every three days in order to have dressings changed and for the doctors to continue monitoring his progress.

Further to the successful Car Wash Fundraiser, which far exceeded all expectations for funds raised, Candace Edgar and her volunteers held a dinner/dance fundraiser on Saturday night, 18 August, at Zulani Guesthouse.  It was a fun filled evening during which two raffles were held; a gift basket and a scrapbook packet.  Support was overwhelming and sales from the dinner and raffles go to Anthony Swatton's recovery.

Car Wash Fundraiser a Resounding Success

The St Lucia Community pulled together this weekend in an attempt to raise funds for fellow resident, Anthony Swatton, who was severely injured when attacked by a hippo on his property in Hornbill Street last month.

Warm weather in the heart of winter guaranteed happy volunteers manning the car wash, which went down a treat amongst residents and visitors alike on Friday and Saturday.  And, talking of treats, the boerewors rolls, cupcakes and other tasty morsels on sale ensured full stomachs for the public and added to the funds raised for Anthony Swatton who remains critical yet stable.

Congratulations to Candace Edgar and her group of volunteers who managed to create a carnival-like atmosphere in St Lucia during this successful fundraising drive.  Although St Lucia didn't win this years Town of the Year competition, this weekend has shown that the St Lucia Community bands together in times of need.

For further information on supporting this cause, contact Candace Edgar on   candace.edgar15@gmail.com or 071 317 9069.

Town of the Year 2012: Sabie

Congratulations to Sabie for winning the 2012 Dorp van die Jaar/Town of the Year competition run by Kwela and Rapport.

Results were tallied and released today, 12 August, revealing 71 902 votes for Sabie while St Lucia came in second-to-last with 8006 votes.  The full outcome is as follows:

Sabie: 71 902

Lady Grey: 64 677

Prins Albert: 62 759

Clarens: 49 184

Walvisbaai: 47 643

Schweizer-Reneke: 14 680

Hoedspruit: 11 794

St. Lucia: 8 006

Kathu: 7 386

 

While it is unfortunate that St Lucia is, once again, unable to 'wear the badge' of SA's Town of the Year, there's always next year to try again.

 

Community Action for Survivor of Hippo Attack

A larger file of this poster can be downloaded from https://dl.dropbox.com/u/25478279/Car%20wash%20fund%20raiser.pdf 

Letter sent in by Candace Edgar:

Anthony Swatton was involved in an unfortunate hippo attack on the eve of July 12th. He sustained serious injuries, which resulted in the loss of his left leg. However, since the start he has been fighting for his life in ICU. At the present time he is considered critical yet stable.

As a community we would like to show our support towards Anthony and his family and there are many ways to do this:

• Enjoy a cup of coffee and share stories with the family,
• Assist with supplies, hospital trips etc.

There is also a financial need in order for Anthony to recover fully and for the family to endure the long road ahead.
Already a 'Car Wash' fundraiser has been organized for the 10th & 11th of August.

This can't be done alone, but as a town we can achieve whatever we aim for. Together we can make a difference!
I hear you say: 'How can you help?' Several ways:

• Spread the news, chat with your neighbours, fishing buddies, business colleagues etc.
• Print the flyers and display in your business; also forward this email to everyone in the area
• Donate:
• Cash, for the family and for the event (expenses)
• Coins, drop off at assigned locations (Spar, Heritage tours office, Advantage Info office)
• Volunteer, we need help during the event & help during the next few days in order to get organized
• Printing
• We need to print flyers and make posters, who is willing to donate paper and colored ink?
• Poster Board, coloured markers
• Supplies
• Fold out tables, chairs, ice coolers, Skottels, buckets, sponges, towels, vacumn cleaners/dust busters (for cleaning inside)
• Food
• Ice, sandwiches, water, cold drinks - for volunteers
• Donations of Boerewors, bread rolls, tomato sauce, mustard - to sell
• Homemade baked goods (breads, muffins, pies etc) - to sell
• Donate:
• Cash, for the family and for the event (expenses)
• Coins, drop off at assigned locations (Spar, Heritage tours office, Advantage Info office) 

And of course, a fun attitude and generous heart is required! Please email me at candace.edgar15@gmail.com or phone 071 317 9069 to tell me how you are able to help.

Cape Vidal Beach Washed Away

Photo:  Dennis King

 It is thought that the combination of strong currents, high spring tides and strong south westerly winds caused Cape Vidal beach to wash away, as photographed on Wednesday 2 August.  The result is a 2 - 3 metre drop to the water - a dramatic change to one of KZN's iconic beaches and favourite holiday destinations.  Only time will tell how quickly the beach re-establishes itself.

Dorp van die Jaar / Town of the Year 2012

After winning the provincial round of this competition earlier in the year, St Lucia once again requires your vote in order to win the final round of Dorp van die Jaar / Town of the Year 2012.

Voting lines opened on the 29th of July and will close on the 6th of August.  SMS the word LUCIA to 33157 if you love St Lucia enough for our town to win.  Voters need not live in the town for which they vote and votes are not limited to one per person.

St Lucia is up against Prince Albert, Sabie, Hoedspruit, Kathu, Lady Grey, Clarens and Walvis Bay in this, the final round of the competition.  This is the second time that St Lucia has made it to the finals of this competition, however, in 2010, after being crowned KZN's Town of the Year, St Lucia failed to clinch the title of South African Town of the Year.  Let's change that this year by casting as many votes as possible and by recruiting as many friends and family members as possible to cast their votes too.

Fish Eagle taken from one of the many boat tours on St Lucia Estuary.  Photo: Patrick Jolly

St Lucians know that our unique town is the best in South Africa, so let's make sure the rest of the country realises it too!

KZN Wildlife Employee Remanded in Custody - No Bail

The KZN Wildlife employee who was arrested in connection with rhino poaching will remain behind bars until his case is heard at the Johannesburg Magistrates Court on 2 August.

St Lucia Hippo Captured and Removed

The bull hippo thought to have been responsible for biting Anthony Swatton on Thursday, 12 July, was captured and removed after re-entering Swatton's premises on Sunday.

'Hoots' of Support for Durban's First Rhino March

Photo:  Johan Liebenberg

On Tuesday, 10 July, approximately 200 people took to the streets in Durban's first Rhino March.  The march took place in Durban's City Centre, starting at the Christian Centre and ending at the City Hall.  A modest crowd, however, the time and place of this march was a tactical decision, aimed at coinciding with the International Wildlife Management Congress, which took place at Durban's International Conference Centre (ICC) this week.

St Lucia Man Attacked by Hippo

Last night, 12 July, a KZN Wildlife employee was attacked by a hippo on his property.  He was rushed to the hospital in Richards Bay where he spent a few hours in surgery.

St Lucia Estuary Tours

A handful of tour operators in St Lucia have the rights to take guests on estuary boat trips in order to view hippos, crocs and the area's abundant bird life up close.  St Lucia News was recently invited to help celebrate the launch of the estuary's newest addition, the ShakaBarge, operating north of the bridge.

March For Rhinos 2012

Given St Lucia's proximity to Durban and the number of conservationists &  wildlife enthusiasts in our community, St Lucia News thought it appropriate to report on the Rhino March 2012.

Good Start to Whale Watching Season

This year's whale watching season is well underway with a local operator reporting 9 Humpback Whales and approximately 150 Common Dolphins spotted on Thursday 7 June.

Croc Centre Hosts Snake Handling Course

A snake handling course, scheduled for this Sunday 10 June, will be conducted by renowned Herpetologist and published author, Johan Marais, at St Lucia's Croc Centre.

St Lucia KZN Town of the Year Finalist

 St Lucia has been chosen by the public as KwaZulu-Natal's town of the year.  Our town beat both Newcastle and Dundee in this year's competition and we look forward to the national round of the competition; the winner of which will be announced later this winter.  Well done St Lucia!

Whale Watching Season Imminent

With autumn drawing to a close and winter almost upon us, there is one thing we can look forward to; the start of whale watching season.

Coffee and Chords

Yesterday evening, 26 May, the St Lucia Community rocked to the sounds of Ian & Ingalore Taylor and Johan Gerber at Vida E Cafe.  The warm evening was ideal for the open air concert which took place around the coffee shop's outside seating area.  As well as the threesome's musical repertoire, the pre-arranged open mic evening meant that three amateur artists - two St Lucians and one from Umfolozi - took to the stage.  The two ladies from St Lucia performed covers of their favourite songs while David from Umfolozi shared some of his own work with the audience.

The band's rendition of timeless classics by artists including The Beatles and Credence Clearwater Revival was thoroughly enjoyed by all, adults and children alike.  A good turnout for the organisers and a festive evening left everyone in good spirits and wondering when the next "coffee and chords" would be held.

iSimangaliso St Lucia Half Marathon 2012

Nydia Brits with the start vuvuzela

In idyllic weather for this annual event, approximately 600 runners and walkers set off from St Lucia's Ski Boat Club, from 8am this morning, on staggered starts for various distance races.

The runners of the 21km half marathon were the first to start, with the oldest competitor of the day, soon-to-be 80 year old Nydia Brits, 'blasting' the start vuvuzela (pictured right). The second start was for the 10km runners and walkers, followed closely by the 5km fun runners and lastly by the kiddies' event, whose race was two laps of the Sugarloaf Campsite.

The kids' start line with support vehicle

 

 

Zululand Multisport Club's George with the Benoni contingent

Organised by the Zululand Multisport Club and hosted by the town of St Lucia and iSimangaliso, the event attracted both local participants and those from further afield. Hillcrest Villagers' registered runners took part, as well as participants from Vryheid and Benoni.  A group of students from Umfolozi School also participated, as a result of their teacher aiming to increase awareness of the plight of South Africa's threatened rhino population.  Some of the proceeds of this event went to the purchase of tracking collars for the rhino population of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

The route included St Lucia's famed Igwalagwala Trail, after which refreshments for runners were on hand at the first of the water tables.  Here, on McKenzie Street, Advantage Charters' crew handed out much needed cups of Coke and sachets of energy drinks to participants.

Winner of 21km half marathon

The winner of the 21km half marathon rocketed through the start/finish area after a mere 1hr 7min (pictured right), with the second place runner and first 10km walker close on his heels.

The iSimangaliso St Lucia Half Marathon was a festive occasion and a wonderful day had by participants and spectators alike.  The St Lucia Community welcomes another successful event next year and hopes to make an entire weekend of it by adding cycle races to the itinerary.  Much needed funds were raised for the continued protection of KZN's rhino population and the town welcomed extra visitors for this event, during an otherwise quiet time of year. 

Drug Bust in St Lucia

It has come to light that a white male, thought to be an Australian National, was recently arrested in St Lucia for the possession of drugs.  After the arrest, his case was taken over by the drug unit in Richards Bay and he was sentenced yesterday, 10 May, in a Durban court.  He was ordered to either pay a fine of R10 000 or spend two years in prison.  He paid the fine.

St Lucia iSimangaliso Half Marathon

Follow up to our previous article on the St Lucia iSimangaliso Half Marathon, due to be held on the 20th of May. 

As far as St Lucia News is aware, the registration website (including the proposed route) and registration form are not yet available to all.  iSimangaliso was going to release this information today.  As soon as the official website details and registration forms are released, said information will be published here.

Vida E Caffe in St Lucia

Thursday 26 April saw the official opening of Vida E Caffe in St Lucia. Situated on the ground level of the Georgiou Centre, Vida announced its arrival in St Lucia with its bright red umbrellas and tantalising coffee aroma.

St Lucia-iSimangaliso Half Marathon

Scheduled for the 20^th of May 2012, this annual event will commence at St Lucia's Ski Boat Club at 8am sharp.

Whale Watchers: Visit St Lucia to Witness Annual Humpback Migration

It's almost that time of year again when the Humpback Whale starts its annual migration.  Whale watching season runs from the 1st of June to the 1st of December and anybody wishing to partake in such an amazing spectacle can do so through Advantage Charters in St Lucia (www.advantagetours.co.za) or through Ocean Experience in St. Lucia (http://www.heritagetoursandsafaris.com/ocean-experience/)

St Lucia - Town of the Year Nominee

It has just been confirmed on Rapport's website that St Lucia is indeed one of KwaZulu-Natal's nominated towns in the provincial round of Dorp van die Jaar/Town of the Year.

Dorp van die Jaar / Town of the Year Competition 2012

In this annual competition hosted by KykNet and Rapport, the general public is called on to vote for their favourite town in South Africa. There are no special requirements in order for a town to be voted for, and voters need not live in the town of their voting choice.

Croc Centre Conservation Manager Bitten by Green Mamba

In a shocking turn of events, Mark Robertson, the Conservation Manager at St Lucia's Crocodile Centre, was bitten by a Green Mamba snake.  

The incident occurred at the Croc Centre's tea garden this morning, 9 April.  He was rushed to a hospital in Richard's Bay where emergency treatment was administered. 

Fun in the Sun – St Lucians Enjoy Annual Carnival

During an Easter Weekend of magnificent weather, St Lucians and visitors alike made the most of the fun and games at the town's annual Carnival.

Woman Killed by Crocodile in St Lucia Estuary

This morning, 3 April, an unnamed woman was killed by a crocodile whilst fishing from the Maphelane side of St Lucia Estuary.  Eye witnesses stated that she went into the water to retrieve her fish, where a crocodile was lying.  The crocodile then seized her and drowned her.

Celebrating Twins - St Lucia's Croc Centre

St Lucia's Croc Centre is a renowned landmark and a “must see” for residents and tourists alike. Spanning approximately 6 hectares of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the Croc Centre is home to the local Nile Crocodile, Alligators, Dwarf Crocodiles, Long Snouted Crocodiles, as well as Gaboon Adders and Southern African Pythons. Serving as a centre for crocodile monitoring and research, the St Lucia Croc Centre offers educational tours, including crocodile feeding for public demonstration every Saturday afternoon at 15h00, Sunday morning at 11h30 and a Wednesday evening feed during the summer months only.

The Butterfly House Tea Garden Grand Opening

Tuesday 27 March saw the official opening of the Tea Garden at St Lucia's Butterfly House. Invited guests, which included some of St Lucia's hospitality industry and residents, were able to sample the tea garden's delicious food and beverages, during high tea, as well as enjoy a guided tour of the Butterfly House.

View from tea garden, over vlei, towards butterfly house

The Butterfly House, situated on the road to Mtubatuba, between St Lucia and Monzi, has been in operation for some time already.   Not merely an income generating activity, it is used for environmental education, through its indigenous butterfly breeding programme, and is also an ecotourism venture.

Dwarf Crocodiles Stolen from Croc Centre

St Lucia's Croc Centre suffered a damaging loss yesterday, 26 March, when some of its Dwarf Crocodiles were stolen.  Highly sought after by reptile collectors, it is thought that the culprit/s have contacts within the reptile world.

These crocodiles are fitted with transponders and the Croc Centre's Conservation Manager Mark Robertson is "very confident that we will catch the right people". 

Community Integration Over Conservation?

Andre Botha GRAA Chairman

Tuesday 20 March saw day two of the annual Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA) AGM, this year hosted by iSimangaliso at Cape Vidal. According to keynote speaker Dr Ian Player, the GRAA is the “most important conservation group in Africa” with membership spanning the length of Africa and unequalled intellectual knowledge and experience. St Lucia News was invited to attend the seminar entitled iSimangaliso Wetland Park: Past, Present & Future.

While attendees included members from KZN Wildlife and North West Conservation,

The State of SA's Rhino – St Lucia & Beyond

During the darkest moments of South Africa's rhino crisis national government appears to have launched a news clampdown on this sensitive subject.

As reported in a recent Mercury article, “SA National Parks (SANparks) advised that it would not release any news on rhino poaching until further notice and that all queries would now be handled by Department of Environmental Affairs spokesman Albi Modise.

End of Irina – an Editorial

With the inability of Tropical Cyclone Irina to permanently open St Lucia Estuary to the Indian Ocean, many St Lucians must be left wondering if their one-time natural blue-water estuary will ever return.

After some research St Lucia News can assure you that all is not lost. We are, after all, coming out of the “dry end” of our climatic cycle and it will be at least another four years before we see rainfall levels last seen six or seven years ago. Moreover, it is during the “wet end” of this cycle, when the Kalahari and South Indian High Pressure Systems are at their weakest, that tropical cyclones too have a much greater effect on our coastline.

Umfolozi River's Shortest Route to St Lucia Estuary Blocked

By Friday afternoon, 9 March, authorities monitoring the opening of St Lucia Estuary had blocked the Umfolozi River's shortest route to enter the estuary, while cutting a much longer trench to the West. The end of said trench being left closed, presumably until such time as the river is again separated from the ocean and able to flow into the Estuary. 

Shots Ring Out in Garrick Laan

At 11.30pm on Tuesday 6 March residents in a building complex in Garrick Laan were rudely awakened by the sound of small calibre shots.  The shots, fired from the direction of two adjoining properties in Kingfisher Street, extinguished three of the five security lights, littering the walkway with shards of glass and plastic.

Two Small Streams Enter the Estuary at High Tide

Umfolozi River on left, looking towards the estuary

Sunday afternoon, during high tide, St Lucia News took a stroll, upwind and into the rain, along Estuary Beach to where the Umfolozi River meets the sea. Due to persistent rain for much of the day the water level in St Lucia Estuary appeared to have risen by 10 – 15cm since Sunday morning and no doubt continued to increase overnight as the rivers carry on feeding the lake.

St Lucia Estuary Stands Up to Irina

Tropical Cyclone Irina began her domination of St Lucia on Saturday morning with wind speeds of approximately 40km/h and steady, but not heavy, rainfall. Most of St Lucia's community, it seemed, were keeping dry and focusing their attention on the upcoming Super 15 rugby match.

Wind speeds and rain gradually increased throughout the day and night, culminating in flood-producing rainfall and steady winds of approximately 100km/h during the early hours of Sunday morning. Come sunrise, however, the rain had stopped and the wind had died down to approximately 40km/h, ceasing altogether shortly thereafter. This, it seemed, was the eye of the cyclone which sat over St Lucia for almost four hours during which a sense of calm took over the town and allowed its residents to inspect flood damage, both personal and public. At the time of writing (Sunday late morning), we are experiencing wind speeds of approximately 30km/h, increasing steadily, accompanied by steady, but not heavy, rainfall.

Come On Irina

While the St Lucia Community eagerly awaits Irina's imminent arrival, St Lucia News will be out and about, armed with photographic and video cameras, capturing the effects of the cyclone, during and after the event.  

KZN Wildlife Pushing for Legalisation of the Trade in Rhino Horn

While this issue does not pertain to St Lucia, we, at St Lucia News, imagine all residents within our community are closely following the countrywide plight of our beautiful rhinos. Gleaned from a variety of news publications throughout this week, St Lucia News can provide its readers with some updates on the subject.