Conservation And Environmental Affairs Portfolio Committee Undertakes Inspections At Didima And Businga Retreat Lodge

MEDIA STATEMENT
12 March 2026

TO ALL MEDIA
SUBJECT : CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE UNDERTAKES INSPECTIONS AT DIDIMA AND BUSINGA RETREAT LODGE

Tomorrow, 13 March 2026 the Portfolio Committee will follow up on progress regarding the implementation of two projects by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. The two projects are the Didima Thatching & Upgrades and Busingatha Retreat Lodge. The oversight exercise visit will focus specifically on construction progress, local beneficiation, and adherence to time frames including the challenges experienced during these upgrades.

The Committee noted that the upgrades were because of leaking units requiring regular roof re-thatching, windy conditions and baboons destroying the establishments’ thatched chalets. Chalets requiring both internal and external painting as they were last painted in the year 2002 and walls are now showing superficial cracks.

The R15 500 000 Busingatha project funded by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) needs R12 086 953,74 for phase 1 and the project is currently on hold due to unavailability of funds. Even though some work had started which has come to a stop now, the Committee noted that nearly 10 years with this project still incomplete with signs of poor workmanship.

The Chairperson of the Committee Hon B Sithole-Moloi invites the media to cover the oversight, and she will be available to take media interviews.

For enquiries:
Chairperson Portfolio Committee: Conservation & Environmental Affairs
KZN Legislature
Hon B Sithole- Moloi
060 560 2904
Wesley Canham
083 376 7299
Senior Practitioner: Media Liaison