Restoring Life, Land, and Livelihoods: The Rewild Mpumalanga Movement

In South Africa’s Mpumalanga province, a powerful movement is taking root—one that restores not just ecosystems, but also dignity, livelihoods, and community spirit. Rewild Mpumalanga, led by environmental NGO GeaSphere, is a growing collaborative effort to clear invasive plants, heal degraded landscapes, and spark ecological and social regeneration.

Mpumalanga is famed for its breathtaking mountains, ancient caves, and wildlife sanctuaries like Kruger National Park. But while half of the province remains “natural,” large swathes have been degraded by mining, commercial forestry, and invasive plant species. The damage has serious consequences—threatening freshwater ecosystems, worsening food insecurity, and compounding poverty in rural areas.

“We abuse nature to the point where it might not be able to return to a functional state,” says GeaSphere founder Philip Owen. His memories of childhood rivers teeming with life contrast starkly with today’s reality—silt-filled streams, suffocated by invasive species like lantana. “Plants like lantana are smothering the life out of these mountains.”

In 2023, Rewild Mpumalanga expanded through key partnerships with Project Biome and AvoVision. Project Biome supports the initiative by identifying resource gaps, providing tools and equipment, and helping scale the work. Through AvoVision, the project secured funding via the Social Employment Fund (SEF), part of South Africa’s Presidential Stimulus Package.

That funding changed everything. From an initial team of 10, Rewild Mpumalanga now employs over 100 SEF workers clearing invasive vegetation across seven sites. Over 120 hectares have been cleared in less than a year. Local leaders, private landowners, and rural initiatives like Ratanang Colab in Bushbuckridge are now actively involved.

“The project goes beyond restoration,” says Philip Owen. “It creates jobs, boosts food security, and fosters local enterprise. The community increasingly recognizes the long-term benefits of a restored environment—from ecotourism to better farming and healthier rivers.”

Community voices echo this impact. “We are restoring hope,” says Carol Nkalanga from Mashobotho. “This work is more than clearing plants—it’s about building a future where we thrive alongside nature.” For SEF team leader Angel Maseko, the project has brought economic relief and ecological awareness. “We’re putting bread on the table and protecting our environment. Invasive plants fuel wildfires. This work is teaching us the balance of nature.”

Restoration has been swift in some places. “Six months after clearing invasive trees near a spring, the water started flowing again,” says Lisa Steyn from ReCover. “Sometimes, the land just needs space to heal.” She hopes to see more landowners get involved.

With restoration comes rediscovery. In the clearing process, ancient stone terraces—built by the Bakoni people—have been uncovered, sparking pride in local heritage. Indigenous medicinal plants are returning to traditional habitats. Biochar, produced from cleared biomass, is opening new income streams. A recent collaboration with Mikon Chickens is testing it as sustainable chicken bedding and feed additive—evidence of a circular economy taking shape.

“There’s a momentum now,” says Dee Malcomess of Falls Fish Farm. “You can see the difference in the landscape. SEF workers are becoming skilled in identifying plants, navigating wildlife, and taking pride in their work. Communities are bringing them snacks and thanking them.”

As December Ndlovu of Ratanang Colab reflects, “We need to use natural asset-based approaches to regenerate landscapes. Rural communities are the least resourced and yet the most affected by climate change. Rewild Mpumalanga shows how we can lead, and inspire the rest of the country—and the world.”

The project’s growing impact was recently recognized with a 2nd place win in South Africa’s 2024 Presidential Awards (Seda) for innovative climate and biodiversity action. But challenges remain. More funding is needed for vehicles, equipment, and to scale the model across the province.

Still, the vision is bold. “The biggest achievement of Rewild Mpumalanga,” says Philip Owen, “is that we are walking the talk—creating safe spaces for wildlife, supporting people, and improving community cohesiveness.”

In Mpumalanga, rewilding isn’t just about conservation—it’s about healing broken systems, restoring the rhythm of life, and showing the world how nature and people can thrive together.