50 YE ARS OF CONSERVATION IN SWA ZIL AND
From rich hunting grounds to decimation of wildlife populations
THEME
ENVIRONMENTAL
LAWS &
IMPLEMENTATION
PROTECTED AREAS
& CONSERVATION
INITIATIVES
SPECIES
REINTRODUCTION
& POPULATION
DYNAMICS
ICONIC EVENTS
Advent of Agriculture
Mlilwane operates as a 460 ha productive farm and McCreedy’s tin mine
Wild Birds
Protection Act
No 45 of 1914
Game Control
Act No 37
of 1947
1937
1914
Natural
Resources Act
No.71/1951
Vermaak
Concession
1894
1953
Hunting Licences GBP1
per season – Immensely
rich & Diverse Wildlife
Wildlife & Flora Act
No 51 of 1953
(The Game Act)
British Government declines
T.E.Reilly’s proposal for a National
Park System for Swaziland
1906
Roan antelope used in
soldier ration packs
1930s
Reilly Family agrees to
convert Mlilwane farm to
a Game Sanctuary
1959
Reintroductions Begin
Impala; waterbuck; ostrich; kudu
Last roan antelope found in snare near
Hlane (Tsambonkhulu Stream)
Impala Express
1000 carcasses
exported per week
1962
1961
1940s
3.5 Million years ago: Fig Tree Series of the Swaziland System (earliest
evidence of life on earth)
100 000 years ago: Earliest known record of Homo Sapiens (Border Cave,
Lubombo Mountains) (Beaumont/Dart)
42 000 years ago: Ngwenya Iron Ore Mine - Oldest Mining Activity of Man
(Beaumont/Dart)
1550
Swazis settle in Swaziland, country inhabited by San people
1840’s Arrival of white settlers in Swaziland
1866
First attempt at Transvaal/Swaziland Border
1888
Survey of Swaziland/Portuguese border
1890
1st Convention of Swaziland; King Bhunu shown to his people
1893
2nd Convention of Swaziland
1894
3rd Convention of Swaziland
1895 1965
1930 – 1959
Wildebeest Massacre
3rd Convention of Swaziland approved, Union Jack lowered
Work starts on composing the Swaziland
National Trust Commission Act (SNTC Act)
– TE Reilly
and as a Forest Officer
MLILWANE FARM
Advent of agriculture & McCreedy Tin Mine
Rinderpest
(Cattle Plague)
outbreak – game
decimated
1952
Ted Reilly gazetted as Swaziland’s first Game Ranger
Blesbuck
(Amsterdam, RSA)
1959
1961
1964
1966
1967
1968
1969
Mlilwane proclaimed
Swaziland’s first Game
Sanctuary and Forest Reserve
1971
Proclamation of
Hlane Royal
National Park
Mlilwane Game Sanctuary
Trust established
for perpetuity
Mlilwane North
purchased
and proclaimed
Warthog
(locally extinct)
1963
1964
Nyala
(KZN, RSA)
1966
1965 Hippopotamus
“Somersault”
First giraffe calf born at
Mlilwane in 100 years
1968
1967
White Rhino
(Operation Rhino, KZN, RSA)
Eland (Northern Cape)
1974 Beginning of
Environmental
Education
programme
Sable antelope to
Mlilwane
SNTC Act No.9/1972 ratified and first
Board appointed under the Deputy
Prime Minister’s portfolio
Malolotja Nature
Reserve
established
1971
1970
1960 1966 1967 1969
Giraffe (Transvaal, RSA)
zebra, wildebeest, kudu
(Eastern Swaziland)
Wildlife populations build to viable proportions
Establishment of Park System for Swaziland – Swaziland National Trust Commission (SNTC Act) & 2 Government Reserves
Establishment of Mbuluzi Game Reserve (Private); Establishment of National Environmental Education Pogramme (NEEP) at Mlilwane
Pure Nguni cattle conservation initiative
Royal Support; Mlilwane embarks on Nature Conservation;
Jezebel Days and Intense Game Capture; Strategic International Recognition
Flora Protection
Act No 45
of 1952
1947
1951
Protection of
Freshwater Fish
Act No 75 of 1937
1860
Private Forests
Act No.3/1951
Twin Priorities – securing land for conservation & environmental education
Establishment of Conservation ethic
1972
Formation of National
Environmental Education
Programme (NEEP) at Mlilwane
Mbuluzi Game
Reserve set aside for
nature conservation
(informal PA)
1975
Six buffalo released on Mlilwane;
four released on Malolotja
1978
1st April, Mlilwane
proclaimed as a Nature
Reserve under SNTC Act
of 1972, as amended
Wildebeest population
crash (Hlane)
First 1000 acres of
Mkhaya purchased
Mkhaya purchases
additional land for Nguni
project. Cattle move from
Mlilwane
Mlawula Nature Reserve
proclaimed
1979
Mkhaya proclaimed a Nature
Reserve
1981
1980
Original National
Protection Worthy
Areas Survey
– T.E. & E.A. Reilly
1982 Winnie the Hippo arrives from Whipsnade Zoo,
England (London Zoological Society, SAA)
1969
1971
More White Rhino
(Operation Rhino,
KZN, RSA)
Petros Ngomane joins Mlilwane, the foundation of the ranger force
WWF International is launched by Prince Bernhard and Sir Peter Scott
Proposal for Swaziland constitution released
Chief Ranger Petros Ngomane’s first life threatening assault by a poacher
Swaziland becomes a Protected Kingdom (Land Question Conference, London), 125th Member of United Nations
& Member of Commonwealth
His Majesty, King Sobhuza II becomes Chief Patron of Mlilwane
“Jezebel”, an Anglia Survival production, filmed by Howard Kirk
King Sobhuza ll appoints Reilly as Game Ranger and custodian for Hlane and Royal Advisor on wildlife
Dr Rupert identifies with Mlilwane, purchase of Nyonyane Estates with the blessing of King Sobhuza II
Nkontsho Robert Vilane joins Ranger force
Liz Reynolds (became Reilly 1969) attends WWF meeting, meets HRH Prince Bernhard and Sir Peter Scott
Introductory letter to Dr Rupert carried home
Swaziland regains independence from Britain
SA Nature Foundation (now WWF-SA) is founded by Dr Rupert, Mlilwane is adopted as its very first project
Houses of Parliament officially opened
1974
1975
1976
1978
1976
1978
1979
Establishment of Central Bank of Swaziland
Willem Van Riet conducts Mlilwane Park planning (SANF)
Emalangeni Currency introduced in Swaziland
Tinkhundla System formally established
1979 Private approach made by Reilly to Fitzpatrick-Niven family, Blue Jay Ranch (“Ndzindza”) donated to SNTC to
expand Mlawula
1986
Swaziland Irrigation Scheme (now
IYSIS) dedicates land for conservation
(informal PA)
1987
1986
1989
1994
First rhino poached at
Mkhaya during Rhino
War
1992
New Game Amendment Act amended further;
Non-Bailable Act & Section 8
Livingstone’s
eland to Mkhaya
1998
2000
2001
Responsibility of Game Act, CITES and all International Conventions on
wildlife delegated to Big Game Parks by Royal Warrant
1999
09 Feb – Lion return to
Hlane, welcomed by His
Majesty King Mswati llI
McIntyre arrested
for rhino horn
trafficking
The Environment Audit,
Assessment and Review
Regulations 31/2000
Swaziland’s second
Protection Worthy Areas
Survey - Kim Roques
Land purchase for Mlilwane –
southern boundary, Sondzela
moves south
29 April - Lubombo Conservancy
launch – Dr Anton Rupert
Sable antelope
to Mkhaya
Game Act transferred to King’s Office from
Ministry of Tourism
Second
reintroduction of
cheetah to Hlane
confinement of Hlane
rhinos to a high
security area
1988
culling policy for
population
management
Final introduction
of elephants to Hlane
and Mkhaya
McIntrye convicted of Horn
trafficking – sets a number
of legal precedents
2002 Botanical Garden /
Endangered Species
developed on Mlilwane Hill
Non Bailable Offences
Act removed unconstitutional
2003
Establishment of
SEA (Swaziland
Environmental
Authority)
The Flora
Protection Act
No.10/2001
2000
2001
2005
2004
BCPD (Biodiversity
Corridor Group)
project
Oribi, vaal rhebok, suni, blue
duiker to Mlilwane Hill;
Suni to Mkhaya
2003
Vagrant lion &
wild dog visit
Hlane area
2004
Red hartebeest, red duiker, waterbuck,
mountain reedbuck, roan antelope,
steenbuck, klipspringer
Six Black rhino to Mkhaya, sponsored by
Republic of China on Taiwan, British
Government, Engen and others
Passing of Swaziland’s
first giraffe calf –
37 years
2005
2006
2005
Elephant export to
USA –San Deigo &
Lowry Park Zoos
Roan antelope to
Mlilwane (Czech
Republic)
2011
2014
2011
Mlilwane North
supplies water
to Ezulwini
Swaziland participates in regional
metapopulation management programmes
for genetic diversity (including rhino)
Wild lion through northern
Swaziland from SA via
Mozambique
2009 2010s
MOU signed between
BGP & SNTC clarifying
mandates
Swaziland Game Ranchers Association created
2009 Elephant vasectomy at Hlane
& Mkhaya (Disney World and
San Deigo Zoo)
2008
Cologne Zoo Hippo &
Crocodile Conservation
Project (BGP)
All Out Africa launch
Volunteering
in Conservation and
Community projects
Red hartebeest to Mkhaya;
First elephant calf born at
Mkhaya
2010s
Parliamentary Inquiry
into Ranger Brutality,
subsequently
withdrawn
Various Joint operations
with RSP and Interpol –
Wildlife Crime Prevention
Law suits against rangers law enforcement increased
The Kingdom of
Swaziland Constitution
Act No.1/2005
Down-listing of white rhino
at CITES to allow trade and
genetic vitality
1999/2000
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
Dehorning and
His Majesty accepts
Leopard reintroduced to Hlane;
December – last
rhino poached
until 2011
Environmental
Management
Act No.5/2002
6 June – First White rhino cow lost to poaching in 20 years
(calf lost to premature weaning & stress); 5 arrested;
27 September – lost second White rhino cow to poaching (pregnant)
Ground hornbill reintroduced
to Mlilwane
2010s
2012 2011 2010
Wild lion through northern Swaziland from
SA via Mozambique;
Vagrant ground hornbill sited
on Mlilwane
2 elephant from Mozambique
to Pigg’s Peak and return
through Hlane
2 sable bulls purchased for genetics;
Elephant cow & calf from Mozambique
to Pigg’s Peak and return through Hlane
1990 Petros Ngomane (4th) Rupert Foundation Gold Medal for outstanding achievements in Nature Conservation
2003
Petros Ngomane retires after 44 years as Chief Game Ranger
2013
Nguni Cattle Breed Society recognised as the biggest in SA
1984 Cyclone Demoina – devastating spread of alien vegetation
1991 Petros Ngomane survives second assassination attempt – a failed petrol bomb at Hlane
2004
NGO attacks begin on BGP with malicious targeted survey
1985 12 July – Mlilwane’s 21st birthday. Mlilwane Story, recording the History of Nature Conservation in Swaziland
1992-1993 Most devastating of all droughts – 200 000 cattle died, game displaced at waterhole by relentless
insurgence of cattle
Ranger death by poachers (Richard Lonjweleza Dlamini)
Aligned with SA, defending Kenya’s proposal to CITES against movement restrictions on rhino for
management reasons
2005
Collaboration with international Zoos
2014
Dream for Africa proposal threatens Swaziland conservation areas (wolf in sheeps clothing)
12th July (celebrated 11th July) 50th Anniversary of Nature Conservation in Swaziland – attended by
His Majesty King Mswati lll
2007
Planting of Petros’ Tree at Mlilwane
2008
Swazi Kids community projects – supplying water to drought-stricken areas near Mkhaya
1986 Coronation of His Majesty, King Mswati III
Ted Reilly receives the first ever Rupert Foundation Gold Medal for outstanding achievements in
Nature Conservation
1993 November – Jubela Reilly joins Ranger force full time
King Sobuza ll Medal awarded to Ted Reilly
1997 His Majesty King Mswati III becomes Patron of Big Game Parks
1995 HRH Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands presents Ted Reilly with the Golden Ark Award
1987 HRH Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands presented Ted Reilly with Golden Ark Award
1988 First ranger death by poachers (Benjamin Manyisa)
1998 HRH Prince Bernhard presents His Majesty King Mswati III with the Golden Ark Award
Green Chert mining threatens Malolotja – His Majesty steps in to stop the mine proceeding
Investiture of Ted Reilly to UNEP Roll Of Honour (Global 500)
Reilly resigns from SNTC Board after 17 years
1989 Councellor of Royal Order of King Sobhuza ll – awarded to Ted Reilly by His Majesty King Mswati lll
Snow in Mbabane
2000’s Perimeter fencing of Hlane Royal National Park
Mkhaya purchases title deed land at commercial rates
Hlane land swap – extreme north goes to sugar
2000
2003
2004
2005
2009
First Ngulube MTB Classic, with Rotary Club of Mbabane, Nedbank: Self-guided MTB on Mlilwane
Bhubesi Camp increased to 6 units at Hlane
Chubeka Trails formed under Mlilwane
Imvelo MTB Classic replaces Ngulube MTB Classic - Hlabazonke community projects, Nedbank
Wisteria Camp opens at Hlane; Mlilwane extends Lotweni self-catering accommodation (Units 2 & 3)
August - Hlane’s restaurant opened by His Majesty King Mswati lll
1999 HRH Prince Bernhard contributes land to Mkhaya for expanded range for elephant, rhino and other endangered
species
Hippo Haunt Restaurant built (SNTC); All Activities still guided or vehicle-bound
1970s
1980s
Second Ranger death by poachers (Japhane Magagula)
1991
1994
1997
1998
5 April - Opening of Bhubesi Camp by His Majesty King Mswati lll – SA High Commission’s contribution to Hlane
Sondzela Backpackers opens on Mlilwane – first Backpackers in Swaziland
Opening of Sangweni at Mlilwane by His Majesty King Mswati lll
October - Reilly’s Rock opens to the public as an upmarket lodge – HRH Prince Bernhard first guest
Mlilwane allows self-guided walking trails;
Tour Bus business grows through representation at international trade shows;
Mkhaya Game Reserve launches Eco-Volunteer projects
1990s
2000s
2012
Kirky’s Hide built at Mkhaya’s Stone Camp in memory of Howard Kirk
Imvelo MTB Classic Community Project – Hlabazonke Community water system
2014
Mlilwane development of day visitor facilities at the swimming pool & extension of Lontweni self-catering
huts 4-6; Upgrade of Sangweni entrance
2010s
March – rhino bull
poached at Mkhaya
(first in 22 years)
2013 2014
Game introductions to Usuthu Gorge Transfrontier
Park on SA side from Hlane & Mkhaya - nyala,
impala, wildebeest, zebra, kudu
1983 Film produced with Howard Kirk entitled “Custodians” and “Imvelo Yakitsi” (Our Heritage)
Mlilwane’s Rest Camp Huts built, first Beehives built; All activities guided or vehicle-bound – horse riding, game
drives & Walks; Ad hoc guests; Dams and Bird Hide built
1960s
Roan antelope to Mkhaya
1988 -1992 – Rhino War
Swaziland lost nearly 80% of her rhinos
during these four years
TOURISM
DEVELOPMENTS
Before Formal Conservation
Mantenga Nature
Reserve proclaimed
January – Ngwenya Glass Rhino Fund
established by Prettejohn family
1991
Infamous ‘Brown Rhino Case’ resulting in amended
Schedules to Game Amendment Act
Nguni Breed Society formed
Mkhaya Nguni only Stud Book registered
cattle for three years
Phophonyane Nature Reserve opened to
public (informal PA)
Second reintroduction of elephant
to Hlane and Mkhaya;
Black rhino to Mkhaya
6 January – Return of the elephant;
Tsessebe to Mkhaya
19881999/2000
1983
Mkhaya applies to SA Stud book for recognition
of Nguni breed
Mlilwane proclaimed a Nature Reserve – first
park proclaimed under SNTC Act.
Land purchased for Mlilwane at
commercial rates – southern
boundary, Sondzela moves south
Mkhaya Ngunis first ever registered
Nguni herd by direct SA Stud Book
entry. Mkhaya motivate for Nguni
Breed Society
SA Stud book recognises
Nguni as a developing breed
April – Big Bend Shoot out – the climax of the Rhino War
– poaching subsequently brought under control
Regional Rhino poaching crisis out of control – Swaziland loses her first rhinos to poaching in 20 years
Strengthening of security and extension of rhino range; Consolidation and clarification of national conservation mandates
Integral work with Royal Swaziland Police and Interpol on regional Rhino Poaching crisis – various joint operations
Updated Environmental Laws; Swaziland Tourism Authority;
Integrated Work with Royal Swaziland Police & Prosecutors on transgressions of the Game Act;
Some species populations reach surplus numbers and are exported to South Africa
Swaziland’s Rhino War escalates: Game Act Amended 1991; Poaching brought under control;
Conservation politics become public domain
Game Amendment Act 1991
Royal Warrants issued to BGP for
game control and export/import;
authorizing use of immobilants &
appointment of Rangers
1987
1973
Malolotja Nature
Reserve proclaimed
Mlilwane North
proclaimed
1977
1976
First Ngunis collected to save
Swazi strain from extinction,
taken to Mlilwane
Special Committee set up by His
Majesty to monitor and produce
counter measures for escalating
crime
Major Ian Grimwood (under auspices of
FAO) amends SNTC Act to accommodate
and safeguard Mlilwane and Hlane
International Eco Tourism increases
Commercial poaching syndicates emerge; Nguni Cattle Recognised;
Swaziland’s Rhino War begins
Forging links with International Conservation Agencies and Donors
Promotion of private game farms