HUNDREDS of South African women who flock to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park near La Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal to harvest the leaves and stems of the rare incema plant used in craft work are "smiling from ear to ear"

Three weeks ago more than 3,500 women made their way to the world heritage site to pick juncus kraussii, locally known as incema.

The women depend on the plant to create a variety of traditional Zulu crafts that are sold to maintain their families.

Thembi "MaShezi" Nkunzi has been harvesting incema at iSimangaliso for more than 20 years. She said this year's harvest was a "success".

"There is a huge demand for our crafts from locals and tourists. I have many orders," Nkunzi said.

Demand for traditional sleeping mats used at weddings and funerals has increased and this has increased the plant's value.

"I learnt this craft while I was still at school. I sell my wares to a few locals and many tourists in order to pay my children's school fees. I have also taught the techniques to my children," she said.

She praised Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife rangers for protecting the harvesters from wild animals and dangerous game, including hippo, rhino and elephant.

Park ecologists also ensure that the harvested areas are carefully chosen and rotated from year-to-year to ensure minimal environmental degradation.

The harvesters want the wildlife authority to give them more time in the park. They currently spend three weeks in the park annually and harvest between 8am and 3pm.

Nkunzi said the authority should extend the harvesting period to "at least two months".

iSimangaliso spokesperson Siyabonga Mhlongo said the time the harvesters spend in the park was determined by scientists.

"We have to preserve the environment because this resource is very rare and must be kept for the next generation," he said.

Andrew Zaloumis, iSimangaliso chief executive, said more than 3500 harvesters come to the park annually.

"This is part of iSimangaliso's community-based natural resource harvesting programme and benefits about 3500 people," he said.

Zaloumis said iSimangaliso was one of a few remaining sites in SA where incema could be found.