ZWF ENVIRO-FOCUS - Tribute to Magqubu Ntombela - King Zwelithini unveils Memorial
Magqubu Ntombela - Legendary Game Guard, Wilderness Trails O/C, Wildlife & Zulu Historian
Dear Tim, I don’t know whether you have heard but on the Friday the 3rd August Magqubu Ntombela was honoured by the King , the Premier, MEC in charge of the environment , Dr Buthelezi , Dr Bandile Mkhize, and about 3000 Zulu’s at eMacibini, Magqubu’s Muzi ( Homestead) and on the local sports field.
As you know Magqubu served wildlife conservation from 1914 – 1993 I worked with him for nearly 40 years and he had a profound influence on my life as well as many others who came into contact with him. As a sergeant of the guards during my time he had many encounters with poaching gangs, and showed extraordinary bravery. In Vaughn Kirby’s time he again showed extraordinary bravery. In Captain Potter’s time he was head of the Guards and was so trusted that he used to take the pay for the guards at Mkuze and Ndumo, and he walked there and back.
In operation Rhino he was indispensable because of his uncanny tracking abilities and on the wilderness trails both with the Natal Parks Board and the Wilderness Leadership School he played an extremely important part, in not only interpreting the landscape the animals and the birds and the plants, but also the Zulu history. He could not read nor write but he had learnt from his forefathers and his grandfather was an induna in King Shaka’s army.
In my book Zululand Wilderness Shadow and Soul, I describe how in the words of Kipling I was able to say “ You are a better man than I am Magqubu”
The king spoke very highly of him and said that he was an example to the modern youth and how he had played an important part in Operation Rhino. The premier Zweli Mkhize said that Magqubu transcended race and also praised him for a lifetime of dedication to wildlife conservation.
Dr Buthelezi spoke of Magqubu’s appearance at the first World Wilderness Conference in Johannesburg in 1977 and this was the first time that a black game ranger had appeared on the same platform as many notables amongst them the Environment Minister of Canada , Mr Edmund deRothschild the banker, Mr Ray Arnett, Secretary of the Interior to the United States Government a cabinet post, Magqubu spoke about the seasons of the year to an enraptured audience and Maurice MacKenzie a noted Zulu linguist did the translations
Dr Bandile Mkhize also spoke about Magqubu being an example to the modern generation of Field Rangers.
The King also condemned the current rhino poaching scourge and said it was encumbered upon all those present to do everything they could to stop the poaching to ensure that children of future generations also had the opportunity of seeing this great remnant of historic age.
The King unveiled a plinth in honour of Magqubu . I would be very grateful if you could circulate his story to your wildlife E forum . Warm Regards, Ian.
Moyra Collyer ( on behalf of Ian Player)
PA to Ian Player
Sec Magqubu Ntombela Foundation
Unveiling of memorial of Magqubu Ntombela
(Photo copyright - Province of KwaZulu-Natal Online Media Library
The Zulu monarch King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu (left), KwaZulu-Natal Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize & Chief Minister Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, MP (right) paid homage to a man dubbed the pioneer of nature conversation in the province, Magqubu Ntombela. They were joined by world renowned nature conservationist Dr Ian Player and Tabete Nomadiphu Ntombela - Magqubu's wife - at the unveiling of a monument to his memory in Emachibini in Mtubatuba. Tabete, a descendent of King Dingiswayo, is estimated to be over 100 years...
Zulu monarch King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu and KwaZulu-Natal Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize today paid homage to a man dubbed the pioneer of nature conversation in the province, Magqubu Ntombela.
Dr Mkhize and the King were joined by world renowned nature conservationist Dr Ian Player and Tabete Nomadiphu Ntombela - Magqubu's wife - at the unveiling of a monument to his memory in Emachibini in Mtubatuba. Tabete, a descendent of King Dingiswayo, is estimated to be over 100 years...
"This is a testament to Ntombela's dedication to saving the environment, and without his contributions, some of our animals would have been long extinct," said Isilo.
He said the community should pick up where he left off and fight against the rhino poaching which is threatening to wipe out the rhino population.
"You cannot stand by the sidelines and say you cannot get involved when you know very well who the poachers are because they live among you. It is your responsibility to alert the law enforcement agencies so that we can ensure a sustainable future for our environment," said Isilo.
Dr Mkhize said Ntombels story is very inspirational because it shows how much can be achieved when individuals dedicate themselves to fighting for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Magqubu was born in 1900 in the Ongeni area in Zululand - married to Tabete, a descendent of King Dingiswayo. He is credited for dedicating his entire life towards the conservation of nature and wild animals from 1914 until 1993.
In one of his books, Dr Player, who shared friendship with Magqubu for 40-years describes him as his guide and mentor. He notes that the successful and pioneering work carried out in Operation Rhino in the early 1960's was as a result of Magqubu's dedication.
"Magqubu knew the ways of animals so well that he could think as they did....His skill was far more than just powers of observation. He was in the animal's mind - I sensed an understanding between himself and the hunted buffalo that I would never be able to achieve. You cannot measure his practical and philosophical contributions to conservation.
MY FRIEND MAGQUBU – by Ian PlayerDuring my 40 years’ involvement with conservation I have met many remarkable people ranging from princes to scientists and political leaders. But my beloved friend, mentor and wilderness guide Magqubu Ntombela was unique. He taught me the real meaning of hlonipha (respect) and ubuntu (compassion).
Through the most patient instruction he introduced me to a new cosmology. We worked together capturing rhino; he was with me as I crept up and fired the dart gun from very close range. On long patrols fighting poaching gangs and talking to recalcitrant law-breakers Magqubu was always at my side.
Coming as he did from a long line of warriors, he was afraid of nothing. His grandfather had served Shaka Zulu and his father fought in Cetshwayo’s Zulu army at the great battle of Isandlwana in 1879 with the Ngobamakosi regiment. Our early friendship grew out of that war because my grandfather in the Natal Hussars fought at Inyezane on the same day as Magqubu’s father was fighting at Isandlwana. Together in 1987 we made a pilgrimage to Brecon to the headquarters of the Royal Regiment of Wales, where we were entertained by the colonel and his officers.Magqubu, born in a humble kraal on the green Ongeni hills between Hluhluwe and iMfolozi game reserves, quickly won the hearts of the soldiers. He captivated them with his stories. He spoke only Zulu, but no greater communicator through mime and imitation ever lived.
For two days Magqubu made headlines in the major newspapers in Britain America
Read more ….http://ianplayer.com/?page_id=164
“Natalia” Obituary - Qumbu Magqubu Ntombela (c.J900-J993) Qumbu Magqubu Ntombela died at his home near the entrance gate of Umfolozi Game Reserve on 21 October 1993 after a short illness. A mostremarkable man has gone from the complex scene of wilderness and wildlife· conservation. His knowledge of trees, birds, animals, the wild, and the oral history of the Zulus and their relationship to the land was phenomenal by any standards. Born about 1900 in the aftermath of the Anglo-Boer War with its violent upheavals, Magqubu remembered his mother carrying him to the waggon track leading from Nongoma to Somkele and pointing out King Dinuzulu being taken to Grey town for trial, accused of fomenting the Zulu or Bambatha rebellion. It was a sight that haunted Magqubu and he would describe in detail the uniforms of the troops who made the arrest, and the expression on the face of the king. Magqubu grew up on the green hills of Ongeni that lie midway betweenUmfolozi and Hluhluwe Game Reserves. ----- Read complete Obituary by Ian Player @ http://natalia.org.za/Files/23-24/Natalia%20v23-24%20obituaries%20Ntombela.pdf More about the life of Magqubu @ https://www.google.ca/#hl=en&sclient=psy-ab&q=Magqubu+Ntombela&oq=Magqubu+Ntombela&gs_l=hp.12..0j0i30.870.4819.1.11676.9.0.0.9.9.0.0.0..0.0...0.0...1c.ZC1n1xmyTw4&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&fp=c3950eafb5883e18&biw=909&bih=832
Enjoy !! 50/50 TV Feature - Journey Within Dr Ian Player Part 2 - we meet Magubu Ntombela imitating a rhino !! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoXSvslomd0&feature=share
A conservationist celebrated: Ian Player is a conservation icon and in this special insert, he shares his feelings with 50|50 viewers on the interconnectedness between man and nature that have dominated his thinking as a leading light in the world of conservation. JOURNEY WITHIN is a phrase Ian uses frequently in relation to man's encounter with the wilderness and is exactly what he does as he talks to our cameras about the most important influences that have helped shape his response to the natural world. We revisit his early days in Lake St Lucia Africa and without saying a word, just looking at the natural world, it's as if they have had a religious experience."
ZWF Enviro-Focus Tribute
The Zululand Game Guard Policing Force.
For half a century these proud Zulu policing units were the bulwark standing between the slaughter and survival of the remnants of wild game. Above is a rare photograph of Ranger E.D.Lightening with the Umfolozi Game Reserve Game Guard detachment distinguished by their impressive great coats, hats and smart metal armbands.(1929). Sitting next to Ranger Lightening is Sgt. Mali Mdhletse with Magubu Ntombela seated on the ground nearest the tree - (The History of the Zululand Game Reserves by Tim Condon - Photograph from a Lightening Family Album by courtesy Peter Hitchins)
The many wildlife lovers & conservationists who were privileged, proud & honored to have either known, worked with, or were enraptured on a wilderness trail by the inspirational Magqubu Ntombela, share in paying homage to his profound life which has affected us all, and made an indelible mark for conservation on the Zulu people. The 3000 attending the unveiling ceremony are testament to his deserved stature within the community.
King Zwelithini and the KZN-Natal Government are to be congratulated for their recognition of his influence & contribution to the conservation achievements of the Hluhluwe/iMfolozi Park, the saviour sanctuary of the white rhino within the Wilderness area between the Black & White iMfolozi rivers, in what was in the early 1800’s King Shaka’s protected royal hunting ground.
Indeed as was said at the ceremony, "This is a testament to Ntombela's dedication to saving the environment, and without his contributions, some of our animals would have been long extinct, the community should pick up where he left off and fight against the rhino poaching which is threatening to wipe out the rhino population. You cannot stand by the sidelines and say you cannot get involved when you know very well who the poachers are because they live among you. It is your responsibility to alert the law enforcement agencies so that we can ensure a sustainable future for our environment."
The legacy of Magqubu Ntombela is very much alive and sets a powerful example to the new generation field staff, his influence transcending global conservation boundaries. As a final tribute is it not too much to call for the ultimate protection of the iMfolozi Wilderness Area as a Zulu Heritage site, a proud testament to those Zulu people, Magqubu’s colleagues, for their role in protecting this priceless wildlife region, only made possible by their dedication and tenacity. The legislation awaits promulgation.
As Ian Player so aptly describes how in the words of Kipling he was able to say “ You are a better man than I am Magqubu”
We bow our heads in respect of your uncanny wisdom and guidance !!
Bayette Magqubu !! Siya Bonga !! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please forward this tribute to interested wildlife conservationists !!
ZWF ENVIRO-FOCUS 2050 & RHINO WAR NEWS
Compiled & distributed for your information by the timconwild secretariat timconwild conservation ~~~
RHINO SURVIVAL 2050 - EXTINCTION IS NOT AN OPTION ~~~
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