As 2024 comes to a close, the Zululand Conservation Trust (ZCT) proudly reflects on a year of incredible conservation milestones, community upliftment, and resilience in the face of challenges. Thanks to the support of our donors, partners, and dedicated teams on the ground, this year was filled with both progress and inspiration.
Conservation Highlights
Rhino Protection & Orphanage Care:
22 orphaned rhinos were cared for in 2024, with 12 new arrivals and 5 successfully released back into the wild. ZCT also supported the dehorning of 65 rhinos to reduce poaching risk, alongside critical monitoring and veterinary support.
Pangolin Conservation:
The Pangolin Project recorded three new pups this year, bringing total confirmed births to six since the project began. With advanced LoRa tracking and the help of Ruby, our pangolin-scent K9, monitoring reached new levels of success.
Leopard Monitoring:
Camera trap data and field tracking led to 99 leopard sightings between July and December, with new individuals identified and cubs recorded, strengthening population insights.
Range Expansion:
505 hectares of land were incorporated into Manyoni Private Game Reserve in partnership with the Mbulungwane Community, securing critical black rhino habitat and creating employment for 26 local workers.
Community Impact
Early Childhood Development:
ZCT supported four crèches with 160 children, providing 69,440 meals annually, salaries for teachers and cooks, and infrastructure upgrades. Storm damage at Mzamoyethu Crèche was repaired thanks to generous donor support, while Absa’s CSR program provided mattresses and blankets.
Education & Youth Programs:
Matric Camps delivered outstanding results, with Senzokuhle High achieving a 100% pass rate. ZCT also provided school uniforms, stationery, and supported sports tournaments to encourage education and social cohesion.
Food Security:
Through the Growing Food for Life program, 25 households received starter packs, training, and mentoring, while ZCT’s commercial market garden created jobs and supplied fresh produce to crèches and events.
Fundraising & Partnerships
Rhino Ride & Run:
Together, these flagship events raised an outstanding R3.5 million. Rhino Ride, powered by Investec, supported the Female Rhino Rangers Program, while Rhino Run, sponsored by Absa, boosted endangered species protection and community projects.
New Partnerships:
Toyota South Africa, Textainer, Hollywood Bets, and Helping Rhinos UK were among the many partners whose contributions enabled vehicle support, infrastructure upgrades, and direct conservation impact.
Looking Ahead
Despite funding challenges, 2024 laid the groundwork for a stronger future. From pioneering technology in wildlife monitoring to expanding conservation land and empowering communities, ZCT remains committed to safeguarding Zululand’s wildlife and people.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to every supporter who made this year possible. Together, we continue to protect endangered species, uplift communities, and secure the future of conservation in Zululand.
Join us in 2025—support our projects, volunteer, or donate to make a difference: Zululand Conservation Trust Website