Tukulo “TK” Mtshayelo grew up in Pietermaritzburg but returned to his mother’s rural home in Black Diamond village in South Africa’s Eastern Cape after finishing school in 2018. Adjusting to life in the small, remote village was challenging, with no internet, running water, or job opportunities, and TK initially felt like an outsider. Learning to ride a horse was essential to integrate into the community, as it is both a practical and culturally valued skill. Over time, TK established a thriving farm with livestock, a home garden, and became actively involved in improving local rangeland management while studying remotely at the University of South Africa. His work has been supported by the local NGO Environmental and Rural Solutions (ERS) in partnership with WWF’s Climate Crowd.
ERS introduced TK and other villagers to concepts like rotational grazing and rangeland restoration, showing them how sustainable environmental practices could create opportunities for both personal and community development. The organisation’s initiatives inspired TK to see a future in his village and demonstrated how farming and environmental work could provide economic stability while protecting the ecosystem.
Access to water, a critical challenge in the area, has improved through projects supported by Climate Crowd, including the installation of rainwater tanks. Villagers previously relied on around 45 natural springs for both household and livestock use, a time-consuming and often difficult task, particularly for women. Clearing invasive black wattle trees improved groundwater flow and water quality, making it easier to farm while preserving sacred sites and cultural landmarks.
ERS also focuses on sustainable livestock management and ecosystem health, promoting grazing practices that support biodiversity in the Maputaland Albany Pondoland Hotspot. Key native grasses, such as Themeda triandra and Panicum coloratum, are being reintroduced to enhance soil conservation and drought resistance. The projects demonstrate how sustainable farming techniques can improve both ecological outcomes and local economic resilience, particularly in a region where livestock remain central to social and financial life.
Community-led efforts have led to broader conservation initiatives, including a proposed 120,000-acre Maloti Thaba Tsa Metsi Protected Environment, which would protect biodiversity, improve water retention, and contribute to national conservation goals. ERS co-founders Sissie Matela and Nicky McLeod have been instrumental in fostering collaboration between tribal authorities, local farmers, NGOs, and government agencies to ensure that restoration projects are culturally sensitive, community-driven, and sustainable. Their work reflects a long-term, inclusive approach to conservation, addressing historical inequalities while balancing ecological preservation with traditional livelihoods.
The collaborative and participatory model employed by ERS highlights the importance of co-created solutions, where local knowledge, leadership, and environmental science work together. By engaging communities in decision-making and implementation, these projects reinforce social cohesion, improve resource management, and ensure that conservation benefits are shared, ultimately promoting resilience and sustainability for both people and landscapes in rural South Africa.
