mFulaWozi Wilderness Identity Development
mFulaWozi Wilderness has a legacy steeped in unparalleled history, stretching back hundreds of years. A history that encompasses Shaka Zulu, King of the Zulus, as mFulaWozi was his seasonal hunting grounds. The region was also the original home of the late Dr Ian Player who pioneered the revival of the endangered White Rhinoceroses from the brink of extinction. Two legends in their own right.
Therefore it was fitting that the symbol of mFulaWozi was portrayed in a symbolic manner reflecting the essence of this extraordinary wilderness, its people and its heritage.
mFulaWozi is the area where the Black iMfolozi and White iMfolozi Rivers confluent, and the sound that emanates from the river reeds when the wind blows through them, is described as mFulaWozi – a fitting tribute.
The symbol is comprised of many shapes, each one symbolising a specific genre or interpretation that encapsulates part of their identity.
Sustainability
We work to instil sustainable social systems that allow for the land to be responsibly activated, experienced, appreciated and ultimately supported. This is represented by a perfect circle. The circle of life.
Confluence
Locally, this area is known as mFulaWozi – the place where the mighty Black and White Mfolozi rivers meet. But this is not the only significant moment of merging, there is the coming together of the local people and developers, building a partnership to protect this last piece of wilderness in South Africa. Two half-circles merging is a powerful symbol of unity. The coming together of greatness.
Reeds
It is also believed that the name mFulaWozi comes from the sound that the reeds make as the wind blows through them. The river provides sustenance to the communities and wildlife, and so it is fitting that the reeds are the orchestra that pays homage to all that surrounds it with the melody of mFulaWozi. We respect the legacy. We want to tell the stories. Be true to the name.
Legacy
These spaces have history, they have souls and we are the custodians of that. We seek to have a deep understanding of what exists and what has come before and in doing so, always respect these ways and tell these stories. In building a sustainable future we need to keep the past alive. Represent the culture, the strong Zulu culture.
Wildlife
Let’s pay homage to the many wildlife species that thrive and reside in this incredible wilderness. Celebrate their beauty, guard them with all our might and enable others to revere their majesty. Subtle and beautiful in our portrayal of what is the majestic and captivating essence of the wilderness.
People
The people of this land are the custodians of mFulaWozi. This wilderness offers the communities that reside on this land the opportunity to empower themselves and to build a sustainable reliance on this wilderness, creating a responsible and life-giving integrated social system. The people are the history. The people are the future.
Wilderness
As the only true Wilderness space in this country, we have the honour of guarding it while activating it, allowing others to experience it and ultimately guard it too. We revere true wilderness in all that we do. Honour the land, this sacred land.
Life
The river and the land give life to the animals and vegetation. Which in turn gives life to the people. There is perpetual energy and growth in this place and so we reveal this through roots and trees, through water moving. Built on a legacy. Building legacy.
Elephant
Biyela translates as ‘Protector’. A fitting symbol of the Biyela Clan is the all-powerful, majestic African elephant. The chief of this Clan, Phiwayinkosi Biyela, is a descendent of King Shaka and is committed to safeguarding the people of his Clan – their culture and livelihoods, as well as the surrounding wilderness. The Lodge is named after his Clan. With this low-impact lodge, he brings the dreams of his father to life.
Buffalo
The symbol of the Mthembu Clan is the buffalo – a strong, powerful animal considered the most dangerous on the African continent, and is one of Africa’s Big 5. It is a fitting symbol of the Mthembu Clan led by iNkosi Mthembu.
Zulu Shield
The symbol of the Zulu Clan is the shield – a powerful symbol of protection. A fitting mark that links back to iNkosi Zulu’s dream of protecting this land and its heritage for his Zulu clan.
