Protecting, Preserving and Enhancing the Biodiversity of Madikwe

Madikwe Futures Company NPC (MFC) (Registration number: 2017/485403/08) is a South African non-profit formed in 2017. Our mission is to preserve and enhance the incredible biodiversity of Madikwe, home to many threatened and endangered species, including the Super Seven: lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, black and white rhino, cheetah, and African wild dogs.

Why We Do It

Madikwe is home to the renowned “Super Seven” which includes the elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, leopard, cheetah and African wild dogs. However, the reserve’s biodiversity extends far beyond these iconic species, with over 60 mammal species, 400+ bird species and a variety of reptiles and amphibians. Madikwe is also one of the few places where daylight sightings of the elusive brown hyena are regularly observed.

Spanning over 75,000 hectares (approximately 750 square kilometers or 290 square miles) roughly the size of Cape Town, Madikwe is a malaria-free zone. The reserve is easily accessible, just a 5-hour drive from Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport, with daily charter flights and helicopter access available.

Our Focus Area

We assist the North West Parks & Tourism Board (NWPTB) in three key areas within Madikwe Game Reserve:

Anti-Poaching and Security

Rhinos face relentless threats due to poaching, driven by the illegal demand for their horns.

Community Engagement

MFC is committed to fostering inclusive growth and creating meaningful opportunities for those in and around Madikwe.

Reserve Maintenance

Our dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure the upkeep of Madikwe Game Reserve.

Anti-Poaching and Security

Rhinos face relentless threats due to poaching, driven by the illegal demand for their horns. Madikwe is at the forefront of anti-poaching efforts, with a multi-faceted approach that includes:

24/7 High-Tech Ops Room

A dedicated operations room, staffed by local community members, ensuring round-the-clock surveillance and response.

Expansive Camera Network

A growing infrastructure of 274 cameras installed and maintained to monitor the reserve and enhance security.

K9 Unit

A trained unit supported by advanced technology such as satellite radios and thermal scopes, crucial for tracking and preventing poaching.

Intelligence & Analysis

A proactive strategy to identify poachers before they enter the reserve, preventing potential threats.

Collaborative Partnerships

Working with both government and private entities to combat rhino poaching beyond the reserve.

Thanks to the combined efforts of MFC, NWPTB, and the South African Police Service, we are proud to report the following successes as of February 2025:

RHINOS POACHED IN 2024

Months since last poaching

Arrests of rhino poachers (since 2021)

Total cameras in use

Consecutive days the Ops Room has been operational

0 +

Thanks to these efforts, Madikwe’s rhinos remain fully horned—a true testament to the power of collaboration and vigilance.

Reserve Maintenance

Our dedicated team of 7 skilled professionals, including mechanics, road builders, and bush-clearers, work tirelessly to ensure the upkeep of Madikwe Game Reserve. Their responsibilities include:

Key reserve maintenance activities include:

Operating a vehicle and machine workshop since 2018
Engaging in a sicklebush clearing program since 2019, fostering healthy grass growth
Performing full-time roadwork since 2021
Building and repairing drifts
Cleaning gabions and concrete drains
Digging trenches and laying water pipes
Fixing potholes on tarred roads
Assisting with improvements to the perimeter fence
Herbicide spraying along the perimeter fence
Brush-cutting and manual bush clearing
Creating firebreaks and preparing for fire-fighting efforts
Ensuring water supplies to dams and pans remain operational
Removing mud and silt from dams and pans
Fixing plumbing and electrical issues at the gates
Removing invasive Datura plants
Cleaning airstrip huts multiple times a week

Key reserve maintenance activities include:

Operating a vehicle and machine workshop since 2018
Engaging in a sicklebush clearing program since 2019, fostering healthy grass growth
Performing full-time roadwork since 2021
Building and repairing drifts
Cleaning gabions and concrete drains
Digging trenches and laying water pipes
Fixing potholes on tarred roads
Assisting with improvements to the perimeter fence

Community Engagement

MFC is committed to fostering inclusive growth and creating meaningful opportunities for those in and around Madikwe. Our team’s commitment ensures Madikwe remains a well-maintained and thriving sanctuary for wildlife.

Game Drives for School Kids

Since 2022, MFC has been organizing game drives for Grade 11 learners and their teachers from local schools. This initiative has grown each year, offering students a unique opportunity to experience the wildlife and beauty of Madikwe firsthand.

Game Drives Participation

2022: 175+ learners and teachers
2023: 230+ learners and teachers
2024: 370+ learners and teachers

Employment

MFC is proud to support local communities through employment, with a focus on empowering previously disadvantaged individuals.

Staff Composition

88% of permanent and contracted staff are from previously disadvantaged backgrounds
54% of staff are from communities surrounding Madikwe
64% of staff are under the age of 35
27% of staff are women
21% of staff are illiterate

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