THE Oppenheimer family has purchased a Northern Cape nature reserve and lodge where they will continue a successful conservation project started by its previous owner, De Beers chairman Nicky Oppenheimer said on Thursday. Tswalu Desert Reserve’s previous owner, Stephen Boler, in the space of three years introduced 6000 head of game, including the rare desert black rhino, sable and roan antelope, disease-free buffalo, lion, leopard and cheetah to the 9000ha reserve, north-west of Kuruman. Oppenheimer said it is the diamond dynasty family’s intention to “continue implementing Boler’s bold concept of restoring Africa to herself”.