Bulwer, KwaZulu-Natal – Wednesday, April 9
Another inspiring chapter unfolded in the story of community-based conservation as the small town of Bulwer hosted a successful Traditional Healers Workshop. Set against the rolling green hills of KwaZulu-Natal, the workshop brought together traditional knowledge and ecological stewardship in a powerful show of collaboration and hope.
The region, sadly, has been under pressure. The demand for medicinal plants—used in traditional healing practices—has led to unsustainable harvesting from the wild. Much of this harvesting happens on land owned by plantation giants like Sappi, where natural plant populations are being severely impacted. But this workshop, and the wider project it supports, is working to change that.
At the heart of the initiative is Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the provincial conservation authority, which has been tasked by the government to work closely with local communities. They’re not doing it alone—thanks to the Sappi Rare Species Project, they’ve got the backing, tools, and resources needed to make a real impact.
Leading the charge on the ground is Mr. Musa Mkhize (Social Ecological Research Technician), a passionate social ecologist with KZN Wildlife. Together with Mr. Duncan Ngube, a veteran horticulturist and trainer from the Queen Elizabeth Park KZN Wildlife Nursery, the team is equipping traditional healers with practical horticultural skills that are both empowering and sustainable.
The workshops are designed with care—small groups of just 20 traditional healers at a time—so that each participant receives personal attention. The training covers everything from seed harvesting and germination techniques to transplanting and growing plants in recycled containers. The goal? To help healers cultivate their own medicinal gardens, reducing the strain on wild plant populations while preserving cultural traditions.
This particular workshop had a special touch of magic with Ms. Gugu Mhlangu, a practicing traditional healer and well-known voice from Radio 702’s Weekend Breakfast, joining as a guest. Her presence added warmth and visibility to the event, further highlighting the importance of bridging tradition, media, and environmental awareness.
Workshops like this are proving that with the right support, communities can become custodians of their own heritage—caring for the land that has long cared for them. As the seeds planted during this training take root, they carry with them a vision of restoration, resilience, and respect for both culture and nature.
