Samukelisiwe Gumede
An area at Kwa-Maphumulo where the zoo was proposed to be situated in
Picture inside: Samukeliswe Gumede
An organization called Izinkunzi Ezibomvu proposed a zoo in Maphumulo that has sparked controversy among residents. The organization is seeking to buy land, including several homes, to make way for the construction of the zoo. While the company has offered compensation to homeowners, starting at R500,000 for their properties, many residents are refusing the offers due to their deep cultural and emotional ties to the land.
The Maphumulo region, known for its Umvoti River, is home to diverse wildlife, a waterfall, and surrounding mountains. Despite the small number of homes, residents say the area holds a special place in their hearts, and for many, it is where their families have lived for generations.
One resident, Sifiso Khumalo, expressed his concerns, saying, “We have been living here for many years. This region belongs to our forefathers, the Khumalo. Our ancestors are buried here, and we do not want to leave this land. The money is good, but where will we even go? This is our home.”
He also added, “We are indecisive, but the elders are also saying that accepting the offer would dishonor our ancestors because the Khumalo's fought for this region.”
Similarly, another resident, Gugu Dlamini, shared that she does not wish to abandon the community she has known her entire life. “Some of our houses may be poorly built, and we may have wildlife problems, but I can not imagine leaving. I grew up here, my mother grew up here. It is not just about the houses, but the land and the memories we have here.”
Izinkunzi Ezibomvu, however, remains optimistic about the project and its benefits for the region. The organization’s spokesperson, Thabo Shabalala, stated, “We believe that this project has the potential to uplift the community of Maphumulo because it will attract tourism, create jobs, and bring development to the area. We understand the concerns of the residents, but we are offering them a chance to improve their living conditions while contributing to the growth of the region. They do not have to leave Maphumulo—they can just rebuild somewhere nearby.”
Local councilor Nomusa Zulu stated, “This is a sensitive issue. While the zoo could bring much-needed economic activity to Maphumulo, we cannot ignore the emotional and cultural significance the land holds for its residents. We are trying to find a solution that benefits everyone. It has been six months since the first negotiations, but a large portion of the community is still resisting.”
For now, the dispute between Izinkunzi Ezibomvu and the residents of Maphumulo continues, as both parties weigh the potential benefits and losses of moving forward with the project.
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