On 25 May 2024, the uMzimkhulu community came together to celebrate World Fish Migration Day (WFMD) with an event themed Splash into Rivers: A Fun Day Learning about River Life.
Organised by the BuHa Fishers Club from UKZN’s School of Life Sciences, the event was a vibrant mix of education, interaction, and community engagement, co-ordinated by Mr Ntando Makhathini and supported by Ms Sibongile Mtungwa, the director of the Women’s Leadership and Training Programme.
The day began with a warm welcome and opening remarks from Makhathini, BuHa Fishers Chair, who introduced the theme and outlined the purpose of WFMD. He highlighted the crucial role of fish migration in maintaining healthy river ecosystems and shared the mission of the BuHa Fishers Club in promoting river conservation.
Mtungwa, a notable champion for the uMzimkhulu community, provided an engaging introduction to the local area and its relationship with the rivers. She underscored the importance of these natural resources to the community’s livelihood and cultural heritage.
One of the event’s highlights was a series of presentations focused on fish migration and conservation projects. Makhathini elaborated on the significance of fish migration and river life, while Mr Euan Genevier introduced attendees to Nile monitors and discussed his conservation efforts. These talks were informative and inspiring, deepening the community’s understanding of their local environment.
Following the presentations, attendees were treated to a display and interactive session featuring fish and other water invertebrates sampled from the uMzimkhulu River. Experts explained the ecological roles of these species, and children particularly enjoyed the hands-on opportunity to learn about aquatic life.
The event also featured a lively Q&A session moderated by Makhathini. Prizes were awarded for correct answers, encouraging active engagement and learning.
The day was concluded with closing remarks from Makhathini, who summarised the event’s key points and expressed gratitude to the speakers, participants, sponsors, and volunteers. He also provided information on how to stay involved in future conservation efforts.
After the formal programme, attendees enjoyed light snacks and drinks, mingling and discussing the day’s events during an informal networking session.
The Splash into Rivers event successfully brought together the uMzimkhulu community to celebrate and learn about their rivers, fostering a deeper appreciation for the importance of fish migration and river conservation.
