Ezemvelo Cancels 2025 Incema Harvest Over Safety Fears from Waterlogged Wetlands

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has announced the cancellation of this year’s Incema harvesting season, citing severe waterlogging in the St Lucia wetlands following heavy rainfall. The decision affects dozens of harvesters, many of whom rely on the activity for cultural and economic livelihood.

In a statement released on Thursday, Ezemvelo confirmed that despite earlier approval by the St Lucia and Western Shore Incema Harvesting Committees, harvesting scheduled between 5 and 20 May 2025 will not go ahead.

“The prolonged downpours have resulted in significant waterlogging, rendering large portions of the harvesting areas inaccessible,” said Ezemvelo spokesperson Musa Mntambo. “As a result, the Incema harvesting operations have been officially postponed to the 2026 harvesting season.”

Why Incema Matters

Incema (Juncus krausii) is a strong, flexible herb traditionally used by Zulu women to weave sleeping mats and other commercial goods. It grows in colonies up to 1.5 metres tall, mainly in estuarine areas like Kosi Bay, Richards Bay, and St Lucia.

According to research affiliated with Ezemvelo, harvesting Incema is a source of income for many rural women in KwaZulu-Natal, making its postponement a blow to informal economies. It is typically collected using sickles, often under the threat of wildlife in nearby reserves.

A Matter of Safety and Sustainability

Mntambo emphasised that safety was the overriding concern. With many Incema plants still submerged, movement in the wetlands is not only difficult but dangerous. “Continuing with the harvest could result in uprooting the plant, damaging its ability to regenerate,” he said.

There are also wildlife dangers. “Harvesting takes place in a game reserve. In water, crocodiles and hippos move faster than people. It would have posed an unacceptable risk,” Mntambo added.

Balancing Heritage and Environmental Protection

Vuyi Radebe, Executive Manager of Biodiversity Conservation at Ezemvelo, acknowledged the cultural importance of the harvest. “We understand the disappointment among communities, but the safety of harvesters and the sustainability of our natural resources must come first.”

Radebe thanked the affected communities for their understanding, particularly the St Lucia and Western Shore Incema Harvesting Committees.

What Happens Next?

New dates for the 2026 harvesting season will be communicated once environmental conditions improve. Meanwhile, Ezemvelo urges stakeholders to remain engaged in discussions around sustainable harvesting and climate adaptation.

Preserving a Tradition Amid Climate Change

As weather patterns become more erratic, local traditions like Incema harvesting face growing uncertainty. Yet Ezemvelo hopes this pause will not just prevent injury but offer a moment to reflect on how best to balance heritage, economy, and ecology in a changing environment.

{Source: IOL}

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