DISRICT MUNICIPALITIES

The structure of the South African government system is designed so that district and local municipalities are the implementation arms of government. In respect of this and taking into consideration that ultimately, KZN Wildlife is accountable to government for the resources allocated to manage the biodiversity of the province, it is important that the projects undertaken by the organization take cognisance of the district municipality's priorities as well as their own.
If in one region, there is a district municipality that has a problem with a scarcity of water, it makes much more sense for KZN Wildlife to have district projects that will concentrate on the removal of alien plants which use so much water. Similarly, if there is a KZN Wildlife camp that is not generating as much revenue as expected due to inaccessibility, it makes sense for the district municipality to prioritize road construction or road maintenance to the camp in question, instead of a totally unrelated project.
Umkhanyakude District Municipality is located in the North east corner of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The regions claim to fame is the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (formerly Greater St Lucia Wetland Park) World Heritage Site, as well as a number of large protected areas namely the Hluhluwe – iMfolozi Park, Ndumo Game Reserve and the Tembe Elephant Park.

This district is rich in both its natural wildlife and terrestrial ecosystems but also boasts two marine protected areas and rich diving attractions.

KZN Wildlife is responsible for conservation management within these protected areas and also plays an active role within the district. A number of district conservation officers offer expert advice to private and community landowners in either game farm management or conservation issues. A community conservation team drives the conservation awareness and community partnerships focus for the organisation. They actively interact with local communities and municipalities.

KZN Wildlife is also responsible for a number of large scale project initiatives. These include massive alien plant clearing programmes, Transfrontier Conservation Area initiatives and DEAT funded Coast Care and development projects. KZN Wildlife’s Community Levy programme has made constructive improvements to infrastructure within  this District.