Wilderness Foundation South Africa

“In a few years time SA might not be known as the country that hosted the 2010 Soccer World Cup, but the country that allowed its rhino to become extinct through lack of action.”

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:51:00 +0000

Wilderness Foundation addresses parliament on rhino poaching:

Director of the Wilderness Foundation, Andrew Muir, addressed the portfolio committee on the topic of rhino poaching on Thursday, 26 January 2012. Together with a number of other environmental and wildlife organisations, the Wilderness Foundation offered advice and insight into the way forward to help curb poaching in 2012.
South Africa is the stronghold of free ranging rhino and is caretaker of over 80% of the world’s current rhino population. In 2010, a record number of 330 animals were poached. An alarming increase in poaching efforts in 2011 saw 434 rhino killed. In the first fifteen days of 2012, twenty two rhino were poached. “It can be safely said that South Africa is losing rhino at the rate of at least one per day,” says Muir.
“The Wilderness Foundation has an historic institutional obligation, and moral imperative, to help inform the debate on anti-poaching strategies going forward.”
The organisation’s founder, Dr Ian Player, initiated and led Operation Rhino in the 1960’s (under the then Natal Parks Game & Fish Preservation Board) as the senior ranger at iMfolozi Game Reserve. The campaign was initially fiercely resisted, but became one of the most innovative, hotly debated, and ultimately successful conservation ventures of the era – without which we would not be in a position to have this current debate as the rhino would already be extinct.
One of the government’s proposed solutions to help curb illegal poaching is to legalise the trade in rhino horn in South Africa. The Department of Environmental Affairs under the Minister has appointed the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) to conduct a feasibility study to determine the viability of this proposal. “There is much debate on the role and potential impact that legalized trade in rhino horn could have when it comes to the protection and sustainability of the rhino,” says Muir. “The Wilderness Foundation would like to provide input to the feasibility study. One of the elements to be considered includes the sustainable utilisation of wildlife. “While placing a “Rand value” on wildlife is important, it is just a small part of its overall importance and worth to the country. Wildlife is economically significant in many other ways, and adds considerably to the tourism value of the country. Supporting and increasing the trade in rhino horn (for example) could likely place disproportionate importance on the “Rand value” of the wildlife, while ignoring its overall worth.”
Muir also noted that the protection of rhinos in state owned parks and reserves is far from adequate due to budget constraints for specialised anti-poaching equipment, logistical support (vehicles and other supplies) and adequately trained personnel. Most of the anti-poaching efforts have been financed by public support, as conservation budgets have not increased, or very little has been allocated specifically to rhino protection.
The proposed de-listing of rhino horn may take up to 6-10 years for all of the regulations to be put in place. “The Wilderness Foundation’s concern is that within this time period, poaching will continue and the rhino could be on the verge of extinction in the wild by the time all measures are finalised,” says Muir. “In the meantime, we recommend; allocating more funds towards rhino task team law enforcement units; channelling resources into the DNA profiling of rhinos on the national database at Onderstepoort as this is a vital tool in forensic investigations and securing successful prosecution in poaching cases; and a joint campaign between the governments of South Africa and the Far East, there should be a move towards global educational programmes which inform the public at large on the poaching crisis. Particular attention should be paid to the myths surrounding rhino horn and its role in traditional medicine.”
In conclusion, Muir requested parliament to appoint a cabinet minister to coordinate the anti-poaching efforts. “We need a political champion to implement everything that was talked about at the meeting today. In a few years time SA might not be known as the country that hosted the 2010 Soccer World Cup, but the country that allowed its rhino to become extinct through lack of action.”

Lwazi - an inspriational Umzi Wethu Success Story

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:01:00 +0000

Abandoned at birth, Lwazi Xinwa (24) spent his first five years growing up in a children’s home in Uitenhage in the Eastern Cape. Adopted by loving parents, Lwazi spent the next eight years thriving in a stable household. However, at age 13 his life turned upside down once again. His father was diagnosed with a terminal illness, and Lwazi’s parents revealed to him that he had been adopted. “I was so angry, so many mixed feelings,” says Lwazi. “I was so upset that my father was sick but I felt angry at the same time.”
Following the death of his father and mentor, Lwazi became a rebellious teenager, but his mother continued to encourage him and guide him through life. At age 18, Lwazi’s mother became very ill and couldn’t work anymore. “I graduated matric and had to find a job immediately so that I could support my family,” says Lwazi who ended up doing packaging for R20 a day. “I just kept praying that there was something else out there for me. I needed to find some hope,” says Lwazi. “My life was really a mess after school. I even thought about joining a gang and robbing people. I got mixed up in the wrong crowd and I am just grateful that the opportunity for Umzi came along when it did, because all of my former friends joined a gang and most of them are now dead.”
Lwazi attended a social workers presentation about Umzi Wethu in Uitenhage hoping that the presentation would lead to a job opportunity. He told his mother about the programme and she encouraged him to pursue it further.
“Two weeks after the presentation I went for an interview for Umzi. I was shaking and so nervous. They asked very personal questions, but I felt very comfortable in the interview. I liked how they were smiling at me, and I decided that this was something I really wanted. I was very honest, and it was one of the first times that I had ever disclosed my past to anyone,” says Lwazi.
One week later he was called back to attend a Wilderness Trail conducted by the Wilderness Foundation.
“One of the most scary things was the ‘solitaire’ where each of us was sent out to spend time completely alone in the wilderness,” says Lwazi. “But when I realised that the reason for solitaire is to connect with yourself, nature, God and ask yourself some very personal questions, I felt very peaceful. I remember enjoying spending time alone in my room when I was younger, and this was similar. It was an extremely peaceful time.”
Following the trail, Lwazi waited anxiously for a call back, but after three days he had started losing hope. “I heard that two other people had been called to go to the Umzi academy in PE, but I hadn’t received the call.”
On the first official day of classes, Lwazi received a call from Umzi management who had been struggling to get hold of him for three days due to telecommunication issues. “They said I had to get to PE immediately! I was so nervous and so full of excitement at the same time. I had to borrow money to travel to PE from Uitenhage, but I made it!” says Lwazi.
According to Lwazi, the first few weeks at Umzi were some of the most difficult times of his life. “I really didn’t know what Umzi Wethu was all about, and I thought that it was a job opportunity. When I arrived and found out that it was like school, I wanted to leave. My mother begged me to stay and I must say that it is only because of her that I continued at Umzi. I had never lived with so many other people my own age with so many personalities, and I had never left my family behind before. It was a real adjustment.”
Lwazi was also completely unfamiliar with conservation and hospitality. He had joined Umzi Wethu hoping for a job, but didn’t know that it would involve him becoming fully immersed in the Wilderness Foundation’s conservation and social intervention ethos. “For the first six months at Umzi I was there only for my mother. For the last few months, the ‘bug bit’ and my passion grew. I began to understand food and cooking and I also began to understand how we are all so connected with nature.”
Unfortunately Lwazi’s mother passed away before she could see her son graduate, but he knows that she is always there, and is very proud of his achievements.
Following graduation, Lwazi worked in the Umzi Wethu catering unit where he showed many great management skills. He is now the catering team leader, and is also heavily involved in the running of the new Donkin Coffee Shop in Port Elizabeth.
“I am so grateful for my experience at Umzi Wethu. My son, sister and nephew all stay with me and I am the sole breadwinner for them all at home. I am proud that I can be an example to my nephew and my son and that I can help them live a better life,” says Lwazi.
Lwazi is also passionate about giving back to his community. As a youngster he dreamed of becoming a social worker, and together with his catering commitments, he is involved in a peer education and counselling programme.
In the future he plans to run his own catering business, but wants to ensure that he stays involved in the community. “Whatever I do in the future, I want to make sure that I continue to be a mentor and help give other kids an opportunity to thrive.”

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:19:00 +0000

What an inspirational story about a local Eastern Cape teacher who is passionate about teaching and passing on a message of environmental consciousness to all she meets!

Thank you for donations over festive season

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:24:00 +0000

Wow! The Wilderness Foundation received a number of generous donations over the festive season which will go towards our Forever Wild Rhino Protection Initiative as well as a number of our other projects. Thank you to everyone who donated, these funds will be used wisely. For more information on our projects, have a look at our website: Wilderness Foundation Projects.

Rhino Species Breakdown - from http://www.guardian.co.uk

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:25:00 +0000

There are five species of rhinoceros, all of which have been pushed to the brink by loss of habitat and by poachers who kill them for their horns. Follow this link to find out how the Wilderness Foundation is assisting in the fight against rhino poaching.

White
Exists as two sub-species: the southern white lives mostly in South Africa and numbers around 15,000; whereas only seven northern whites survive (including a calf born at a Czech zoo in 2000, pictured right) and may even be extinct in the wild.

Black
In 1900, there were several hundred thousand black rhinos in east and central Africa. Now there are a few thousand and the species is critically endangered.

Indian
Lives in the southern foothills of the Himalayas. Poaching and habitat loss reduced numbers to fewer than 200 early in the 20th century. Now, thanks to a recovery programme, there are thought to be up to 2,600.

Javan
Once the most widespread of Asian rhinoceroses, the Javan is now critically endangered, with only 40 surviving in Ujung Kulon National Park on Java, and none in captivity. It is probably the rarest large mammal on earth.

Sumatran
Has two horns like the African species. It is the smallest of all rhino species and has a coat of reddish-brown hair. Fewer than 300 are thought to survive today and the species is critically endangered.

Rhino Breakdown - from http://www.guardian.co.uk

2012 – an end to rhino poaching?

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

In 2011, a record high of 443 rhinos were poached in South Africa. However, a number of arrests and convictions were made, and the Wilderness Foundation’s Forever Wild team is dedicated to pursuing an end to the poaching crisis. Keep a lookout for the latest updates and news…

504 Dollars raised in 1 Like 1 Dollar Campaign!

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 07:58:00 +0000

A big 'thank you' to all of you - our Rhino heroes - for your support of the 1 Like 1 Dollar campaign. African Safari Consultants have generously donated $504 to the Wilderness Foundation's Forever Wild Rhino Protection Initiative. What a positive start to 2012!

Can we make it to 1000 Likes by New Years?

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 10:56:00 +0000

It's new year's eve and we have 699 'likes' to help save the rhino in 2012. Help us help them by clicking Like on African Safari Consultants Page - they are donating $1 for every "Like"! and will double their donation if they reach 1000 Likes before 1 January!

1 Like 1 $ campaign gains ground

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 07:57:00 +0000

Wow! We're really feeling the love through the 1 Like 1$ Campaign. Thanks everyone for your incredible support. Please pass on the message to your friends to "Like" African Safari Consultants' page to help raise money for the Wilderness Foundation's Forever Wild Rhino Protection initiative. http://www.facebook.com/SafariConsultants

1 Like 1 $ campaign

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 07:56:00 +0000

1 Like 1 $ campaign raising money to help the Wilderness Foundation #savetherhino! Pl 'like' http://mrkt.ms/tInNKc #rhino

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 07:20:00 +0000

Save the rhinos

Thanks to the massive support of the public, we've received 181 "Likes" in just 7 days... help us reach our 1000 goal & raise $$$ to save the rhinos! African Safari Consultants have promised $1 for every "Like" on their page during December. Spread the word: http://www.facebook.com/SafariConsultants

Umzi Wethu Hospitality Graduate excels at SA Chefs Academy

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:10:00 +0000

Thembelani Wiseman Gunya (22) in centre with is commemorative graduation plate celebrates his achievement with his mother Mabel Yiliwe Gunya and sister, Somikazi Sonia Gunya at the official SA Chefs Graduation ceremony.

A young Umzi Wethu graduate from Uitenhage, Eastern Cape, has excelled at the SA Chefs Academy in Cape Town. Thembelani Wiseman Gunya (22) was the second Umzi Wethu graduate to receive a grant for further education at the SA Chefs Academy, where he spent a year under the mentorship of some of the finest chefs in the country.
After graduating matric in 2007, doing particularly well in maths and science, Thembelani went on to study mechanical engineering at a college in Uitenhage. However, he was not passionate about the course and due to financial constraints he started looking for other opportunities for further education.
He heard about the Umzi Wethu programme through a friend and decided to apply for it, although he did not know much about it.
“I had only ever cooked very simple meals at home and I was not very passionate about cooking or the environment,” says Thembelani. However, after being accepted into the course, “the bug bit” and he never looked back. “I absolutely loved learning about all the different kinds of foods out there and all of the different ways you can prepare a meal. It was exciting and creative. I also learned a lot about the environment through the Wilderness Foundation Imbewu trails, and I have learned to respect nature a lot.”
After graduating from the 5th intake at the Umzi Wethu academy in 2008, Thembelani worked for Lion Roars private game reserve in the Eastern Cape. “But after two years, I did not feel that I was being challenged in the kitchen any more. I knew that there was more out there, and I contacted Umzi Wethu to find out if they knew of any extra courses that I could do. I had been saving my money while working at the game reserve, but I knew that culinary courses were very expensive.”
In late 2009, the Umzi Wethu hospitality programme received a grant from a funder allowing for provision for a scholarship for further hospitality education in order to accelerate the career pathways of outstanding graduates. Through his excellence, persistence and drive for further development, Thembelani was the second Umzi Wethu graduate to be selected for the scholarship.
“Thembelani has always shown a high level of commitment to the Umzi Wethu programme and his work ethic has been outstanding. He excelled in his job as a commis chef at the Lion Roars game reserve which led to us nominating him for the scholarship to the SA Chefs Academy,” says Umzi Wethu Academy Manager, Paul Longe.
“It was an indescribable experience,” says Thembelani. “I was most surprised by how much practical experience we had. Six hours every day was dedicated to prac, so I really learned a lot, even though it was extremely tiring sometimes!”
Thembelani also discovered a passion for pastries and parfait. “I had never heard of parfait before, but now it is one of my favourite things to make! We also experimented with making other frozen desserts like ice-cream. One of my best dishes was a curry with a side of chilli ice-cream. The tastes and textures and sensations were amazing.”
Graduation took place in Cape Town in December this year, and Thembelani was joined by his mother, sister and childhood friend to celebrate his achievement. “I was so honoured to have everyone come down and attend the graduation with me. My friend even saved the whole year just so that he could attend.”
Thembelani is now applying for various jobs in the hospitality industry, and is confident that he will run his own restaurant one day. “I want to add my own personality and ‘flavour’ to my food. I come from the Eastern Cape and I am proud of my heritage. I dream of having my own restaurant where I can create dishes made up of traditional and non-traditional ingredients, a truly rainbow nation cultural experience on one plate.”
The talented young chef acknowledges the role that the Umzi Wethu hospitality played in helping him develop and pursue a career.
“I am so grateful to have had my experience at Umzi Wethu. Without it, I would not be the person I am today. Not only did they do skills training, but the life skills training really changed me. I am much more confident than I ever was, and I feel like I can make a difference in this world. I am also grateful to have been taught by two of my chef heroes -Paul Hartmann and Garth Stroebel at the SA Chefs Academy. I hope to be like them one day.”
The Umzi Wethu team believes that Thembelani will achieve his goals in the future.
“His time at the SA Chefs Academy will no doubt take him a lot further in his chosen career and we are all excited to continue monitoring his development,” says Longe.

Thank you to Pride of Table Mountain!

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:42:00 +0000

This message was sent by Sizwe Matoti who was a Pride of Table Mountain leader and some years ago. Sizwe then started a highly successful project, YEP Clan – Youth Empower Project (http://www.yepclan.org/).

Viva to Pride of Table Mountain, may you guys further what you give the youth of Cape Town and South Africa at large.
YEP Clan extends its gratitude for the opportunity that Pride has offered to the youth that we've worked with collaboratively in 2011.
Nature plays a crucial role in our lives and Pride is just one of those opportunities available for us to connect with it. In 2012 I further wish and hope that we could extend the impact and touch more young peoples live through exposing them to what Pride offers.
YEP Clan is proud and grateful to have a partner like Pride that is pivotal in its focus in developing young people and equipping them with relevant skills that would make that better people that can contribute to our society.

- Sizwe Matoti

Your ‘Like’ could help save a rhino’s life

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 06:21:00 +0000

Rhinos in the wild could be extinct within the next decade if poaching is not brought to a stop. African Safari Consultants recently approached the Wilderness Foundation, offering a donation of 1 US dollar for each ‘Like’ on their Facebook page until the end of December. African Safari Consultants have seen much success with previous 1 Like 1 Dollar campaigns and hopes that the public will show their support for this one.
“If we reach our target of 1000 “Likes”, we will double the donation!” says Cameron Duncan, African Safari Consultants’ social media guru. The team at African Safari Consultants is passionate about the preservation of Africa and its wildlife, and understands the link between a country’s natural heritage and its tourism potential. “The rhino is one of the Big 5 – one of the animals that tourists most want to see roaming in the wild,” says Duncan. “We cannot sit back and allow this majestic animal to become extinct.”

With COP17 highlighting the vulnerability of the environment, and the need to conserve our planet, the Wilderness Foundation has put together a team dedicated to poaching prevention.
“The Wilderness Foundation launched the Forever Wild – Rhino Protection Initiative in May, 2011,” says Wilderness Foundation director, Andrew Muir. “The Campaign aims save the rhino from extinction in the wild. As an organisation, the Wilderness Foundation is involved in rhino protection activities on two main levels – fund raising and advocacy.”
As an international organisation, the Wilderness Foundation is using its leverage to access some of the highest governmental authorities in order to raise awareness of poaching in South Africa. Director, Andrew Muir will be delivering a petition to US congress in January 2012 to bring the situation to the attention of international governments.
“We are also involved in a number of anti-poaching initiatives throughout the country, and are dedicated to supporting conservation agencies and private game reserves in their efforts to protect their rhino populations,” says Muir.
To participate in the 1 Like 1 Dollar campaign, and help raise funds for the Wilderness Foundation’s Forever Wild programme, go to: www.facebook.com/SafariConsultants and click “Like”.

Ellen and the Crawlers visit Umzi!

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:32:00 +0000

Ellen describes herself as “an American expat planning to visit every coffee shop in and around my new city of residence, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.”
She invites friends and ‘friends of friends’ and blog readers to join her for a cuppa and conversation at a different venue each week.
The Wilderness Foundation was lucky enough to host Ellen and her ‘Crawlers’ at Conyngham's Coffee Shop, located at the Ray Mhlaba Training Centre on Conyngham Street, Glendinningvale.
Conyngham’s is one of the training venues that the Wilderness Foundation uses for its Umzi Wethu hospitality skills programme.
Current Umzi Wethu students, Vuyiseka and Luthando were on hand to prepare some delicious Masterton’s coffee for the guests who also enjoyed some of the sweet delicacies available. The moist, nutty carrot cake is still a firm favourite of visitors to the coffee shop!
We are confident that Ellen and the Crawlers enjoyed their visit, as she posted a wonderful blog about their experience, “I was completely bowled over by my Coffee Crawl experience last Thursday. So much so that I have been at a loss for even how to start this posting.”
Check it out here: http://portelizabethcoffeecrawl.blogspot.com/2011/11/conynghams-coffee-shop.html
We hope that they will soon be visiting our newest venture, the Coffee Shop on the Donkin for a great historical, cultural and coffee experience!

Alternative Energy - Saviours or Environmental Disasters?

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:46:00 +0000

Are you in Durban for COP17/CMP7? Why not check out the talk by Andrew Muir, director of the Wilderness Foundation and Jonathan Deal, chairman of Treasure Karoo Action Group (TKAG) taking place at the Alternative Energy Fresh Thinking Forum.
Some of the issues discussed will include the way forward for renewable energy, the impact of green products, the technology of fracking and its potential implications for SA.
Where: Oasis of Fresh Thinking, 44 KE Masinga Rd, Durban
Date: 5 December
Time: 6pm
Entry: No entrance fee

For more info, contact Lauren on LaurenL@wildlands.co.za

Board members join us on Pride trail!

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:04:00 +0000

From Left: Nomlindo (Umzi 8), Ed Posey (Gaia Foundation), Lihle Mbokazi (Wilderness Foundation), Lifa (Umzi 8), Lincoln Meyer (Wilderness Foundation), Sharon Oliver (Oliver Foundation)

Last week we had the privilege of hosting a few of our overseas board members who had travelled to SA for the annual Wilderness Foundation board meeting. Two of the board members (Ed Posey and Sharon Oliver) arrived a few days early so that they could take part in a Wilderness Trail in Woody Cape.
Wilderness Foundation experiential education manager, Lihle Mbokazi led the trail. She was joined by Somerset East projects coordinator, Lincoln Meyer and three of this year’s conservation graduates (Nomlindo, Lifa and Zola). Our two VIP guests were Ed Posey from the Gaia Foundation and Sharon Oliver from the Oliver Foundation.
“Although the weather didn’t play along, I hope everyone enjoyed the trail,” says Lihle. “On the first day we had a great trip down to the beach, and a refreshing swim in the sea. In the evening when it started to rain, we made ourselves comfortable under the fly sheet and enjoyed chicken stew and rice for dinner. We ended up going home a little soggy, but having had a true experience of the eccentricities of Eastern Cape weather!”

Zola (Umzi 8) stops for a snack break under the shelter of a tree.
All feeling a little tired, and a little wet!

Wilderness Foundation winners of prestigious Ernst & Young Award

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:07:00 +0000

From left, Abigail Noble, Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship regional Head for Latin America and Africa congratulates Wilderness Foundation director, Andrew Muir on his award. Together with them is Ajen Sita, CEO for Africa at Ernst & Young.

The Wilderness Foundation was announced as the winner in the Social Entrepreneur category for the 2011 Ernst and Young World Entrepreneur Awards Programme at the ceremony held last night, 17 November 2011.
Wilderness Foundation director, Andrew Muir was one of four finalists selected for the 2011 Ernst and Young World Entrepreneur Awards Programme in the Social entrepreneur category. He was at the ceremony to receive the award.
“This award will help us to build on what has already been established with regards to the Umzi Wethu programme as well as our other social investment programmes. We will have access to the Schwab Foundation’s global network, providing unprecedented opportunities to engage global decision makers,” says Muir.
“I believe that our main strength as a foundation is the integration of social intervention and environmental sustainability. We are not just a conservation-oriented organisation. The Wilderness Foundation recognises that the sustainability of South Africa’s wild lands and wilderness is intrinsically dependant on its social and economic sustainability.”
According to Ajen Sita, CEO for Africa at Ernst and Young, the company has been recognising successful entrepreneurs through the programme for the past 14 years. “We are humbled to be associated with and award these individuals who are making a remarkable difference to our economy and the societies which we operate and live in. We congratulate all finalists for their exceptional performance.”

Click here to read more...

Umzi Wethu Success Stories - Harry Nkosinkulu

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:54:00 +0000

“I have learned that we never stop learning in life, and that we are all an integral part of nature, and nature is an integral part of us.”
Growing up in Grahamstown, South Africa Harry Nkosinkulu did not have much exposure to nature and never thought about pursuing conservation as a career until the Umzi Wethu academy made a presentation to the youth in his town.
“When I heard the presentation, I thought that this might be something that I could do,” says Harry.
Following his acceptance into the Umzi Wethu Conservation Academy, Harry began to become more and more interested in nature and the world around him. “Being more actively involved in conservation and eco-tourism has made me appreciate these things,” says Harry.
Although conservation is not a mainstream profession, Harry says his family supported his choice to pursue a career in this direction. “My family is happy for me and are very supportive because they know that this is something I am truly passionate about.”
Harry started working at Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa in February 2011 as a field guide. “I love interacting with different people on a regular basis. I also enjoy sharing my knowledge of nature, and learning new things everyday. I have learned that we never stop learning in life, and that we are all an integral part of nature, and nature is an integral part of us.”
Harry believes that Umzi Wethu helped give him the skills and opportunities he needed to pursue his dreams. “Without Umzi, I could have been in many possible places… poor, homeless, sick, travelling, loitering, unemployed. Umzi Wethu helped make me a non-stop achiever. I am a better person today because of the programme. There is so much that I have today that I wouldn’t have had without Umzi. Enkosi!”
Harry hopes to continue his studies, and pursue a career in teaching or training young people. “Umzi has given me a means of income, so I am able to support my family as well as pursue my own dreams. Through my experience at Umzi, I have realised that it’s important for young people to develop a better attitude towards life. Nature is beautiful and very resourceful. We should nurture our natural heritage and preserve it for future generations to enjoy.”
For future Umzi Wethu students, Harry advises that a positive attitude is the key to success. “At Umzi there is a lot of learning to do and an opportunity to grow and shape your future career. Every day at Umzi is not always easy, yet it is a privilege and a rewarding opportunity to be part of this incredible programme.”

Wilderness Foundation's Rhino Protection Successes

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 09:54:00 +0000

The Wilderness Foundation launched the Forever Wild – Rhino Protection Initiative in May, 2011.
The Campaign aims to gather support from the public and various stakeholders to help fight against rhino poaching in South Africa and save the rhino from extinction in the wild. As an organisation, the Wilderness Foundation is involved in rhino protection activities on two main levels:

Save the Rhino Petition:

Firstly, it is gathering signatures on a petition through http://wildernessfoundation.co.za/savetherhinos/ which will be delivered to the US congress in early January in order to bring the situation to the attention of international governments. Without the intervention of government and the public, the rhino may be extinct in the next ten years. This petition has already received over 12,000 signatures!
Anti-Poaching Support:

Secondly, the foundation is involved in supporting conservation agencies and organized private game reserves in their efforts to protect their rhino populations through on-the-ground anti-poaching activities and investigations. The Wilderness Foundation believes in the importance of conserving populations of WILD rhino within state and privately managed conservation areas.

Save the Rhino Support:

The Wilderness Foundation has received massive support from both the public and corporate institutions in its efforts to save the rhino from extinction in the wild.
Ogilvy Cape Town came on board to help promote awareness of the initiative through the online petition and various YouTube videos highlighting the plight of the rhino.
In June 2011, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles announced its sponsorship of six Volkswagen Amarok bakkies to the Forever Wild Rhino Protection Initiative. The R2-million sponsorship is part of the partnership between Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and the Wilderness Foundation.
The vehicles were allocated to various reserves and anti-poaching units across the country.

Save the Rhino Success Stories:

Although specific details for all of the anti-poaching activities cannot be shared in a public forum, The Wilderness Foundation is happy to announce a number of successes:

Click here to read more...

Major corporate support for award-winning Umzi Wethu programme

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:51:00 +0000

Above from Left: CEO of the Wilderness Foundation, Andrew Muir, Umzi Wethu student, Thabisile Nomatshila, eneral manager for environmental management in the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs, Albert Mfenyana and Absa CSI Representative, Andy de la Mare.

A total of 50 underprivileged youth is being given an opportunity to obtain jobs in the hospitality and conservation industries thanks to Absa’s R500 000 sponsorship of the Umzi Wethu programme, headed up by the Wilderness Foundation.
The international award-winning Umzi Wethu programme was founded in 2006 by Andrew Muir, CEO of the Wilderness Foundation, and is one of the foundation’s flagship social intervention projects.
There are two Umzi Wethu academies in the Eastern Cape. The hospitality academy is based in Port Elizabeth, and students are trained for hospitality jobs in urban and rural establishments. They gain valuable practical experience at the on-site Conynghams Coffee Shop and Ray Mhlaba Conference Centre.
The conservation academy is based in Somerset East and focuses on training future conservation leaders as either field rangers or field guides.A third academy has recently been opened outside Cape Town.Over 95 per cent of graduates have been placed in jobs, according to Muir.
“Having a corporate sponsor like Absa on board takes the project to the next level, and lays the foundation for expansion into other regions and industries,” he says.
“Under the prevailing economic conditions, job prospects are only available to the most highly qualified. Many of the youth, who have been severely affected by abject poverty and HIV/AIDS, will never receive the opportunity for a higher education. As one of the poorest provinces, the Eastern Cape provides limited employment opportunities for young people,” says Mihloti Mathye, General Manager of Absa Corporate Social Investment (CSI).
”Through Absa’s partnership with the Wilderness Foundation, we know that the lives of these youngsters will be positively impacted. This will also have a ripple effect on their families who will also benefit from their job security,” says Mathye.
Aimed at displaced and socially vulnerable youth, the three Umzi Wethu academies train young men and women between the ages of 18 and 25 for jobs in the hospitality and eco-tourism sectors.
Umzi Wethu harnesses the power of the wilderness, promotes personal wellness in a nurturing home context, provides credible training, and secures sustainable job placements in the hospitality and eco-tourism industry on behalf of the graduates.
“Essentially we are creating ambassadors for other vulnerable youth and orphans to look up to, and see a brighter future. Graduates from Umzi Wethu will serve as examples of opportunity and hope to both their own families and to the communities from which they come,” says Muir.
The project saw Muir honoured as an International Rolex Awards Laureate in 2008, as well as the South African Conservationist of the Year in 2007.
In July 2009, the Umzi Wethu hospitality academy extended its operations with the opening of its Catering Unit. Based in Port Elizabeth, the self-sustaining Catering Unit employs between three and five Umzi Wethu hospitality graduates on its staff and caters for various private and corporate events in the city. In its first year, turnover exceeded R800 000.
The highly skilled catering team (graduates from the Umzi Wethu Hospitality unit), offers a full range of services, for all types of functions including menu planning, high quality meal catering and event management.
Umzi Wethu’s ultimate success is measured by the number of graduates currently employed. Success is also seen in graduates who choose to further their education as this is another key to unlocking future financial independence.
The Umzi Wethu graduate job placement rate is 95%, job retention rate is between 80-85%. The jobs are well paid and support the graduates’ extended families. Further research into the success of the project over the last five years has revealed that 7-10% of graduates have either advanced to junior and middle management positions in eco-tourism industries, or have been enabled to pursue tertiary education.

Umzi Wethu replicated in Stellenbosch

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:26:00 +0000

The highly successful Umzi Wethu social investment project has been replicated in Stellenbosch under the leadership of the Sustainability Institute at the Lynedoch Eco Village. The Umzi Wethu concept was initially developed by the Wilderness Foundation, and its accomplishments were officially recognised with a prestigious international Rolex Award in 2008.
Umzi Wethu is a one year, social development and intervention programme for displaced and socially vulnerable youth. The project offers them the opportunity to become skilled and highly employable young adults with secure, well-paying jobs in the eco-tourism industry.
The Umzi Wethu graduate job placement rate is 95%, job retention rate is between 80-85%, in well-paying jobs that support extended families.
Launched in April 2006, the benchmark Umzi Wethu hospitality academy was based on a feasibility study that assessed the job qualification needs of Eastern Cape parks and game reserves. The Umzi Wethu conservation academy was launched in March 2008 in the rural town of Somerset East in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.
“The goal of the Wilderness Foundation has always been to replicate the Umzi Wethu project throughout the country,” says Wilderness Foundation director, Andrew Muir. “We are looking forward to seeing how the model stands up in Stellenbosch, in a different context, under the management of another organisation which shares the ethos of the Wilderness Foundation.”
The Sustainability Institute expressed interest in replicating the Umzi Wethu project in early 2010. Following an intensive feasibility study to ensure the organisation had access to the essential resources needed to replicate the project, they were given the green light for fundraising to begin.
“The institute has already hired an academy coordinator, Tracy Ward, and will soon be hiring a hospitality facilitator,” says Muir. “The Wilderness Foundation’s Umzi Wethu project management unit will be assisting the Sustainability Institute and providing technical support and mentoring for the first year.”
Establishing an Umzi Wethu academy in Stellenbosch offers access into the thriving wine industry in the Western Cape, and tentative job placements have already been secured at Spier Wine Estate and other Stellenbosch-based hospitality organisations.
“The hospitality industry in the Western Cape is vibrant, and we believe that there will be a strong uptake of our students by the time they graduate next year,” says Umzi Wethu academy manager, Paul Longe.
According to Longe, the new academy will be rolled out in a very similar fashion to the current Umzi Wethu academies in Port Elizabeth and Somerset East, but will integrate various unique elements based on the sustainability initiatives at the Lynedoch Eco Village.
“Students will be involved with organic vegetable gardening, recycling and will also be part of the house keeping and catering team at the onsite guest house and coffee shop,” says Longe.
The African Global Skills Academy (AGSA) will provide the necessary theoretical accreditation and nationally accepted accreditations, and an experienced chef will be employed to conduct the theory and practical training for the students.
Selection for the first intake of twelve students is currently underway, and training is set to begin in September 2011.
“The Sustainability Institute is an organisation which shares a similar vision to the Wilderness Foundation, in that we understand how nature and society can work together to build a better future,” says Muir. “SI’s commitment to sustainable living and livelihoods lends itself to the effective implementation of the Umzi Wethu model, and we are very excited to see how it progresses.”

Shamwari Game Reserve hit by rhino poachers

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 06:55:00 +0000

One of the Wilderness Foundation’s Indalo members, Shamwari Game Reserve was hit by rhino poachers yesterday morning (Monday, November 7, 2011). Management at the reserve are unable to divulge specific details, but The Herald reported that two rhino were targeted in the attack – a mother and her two year old calf.
Both rhinos were darted, and horns removed. Even the tiny horns of the youngster were hacked off. According to reports, the mother’s face was mutilated by the poachers who tried to remove as much of the horn as possible before escaping.

Read more - Shamwari hit by rhino poachers

Wilderness Foundation nominated for Ernst & Young Award

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:47:00 +0000

Wilderness Foundation nominated as a finalist in the Social Entrepreneur category for the 2011 Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Awards Programme.
Wilderness Foundation director, Andrew Muir has been selected as one of the four finalists for the 2011 Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Awards Programme in the Social entrepreneur category.

This year marks the fifth awards ceremony, opening up opportunities for the winner to gain access to the Schwab Foundation’s global network, providing unprecedented opportunities to engage global decision makers.
“I am honoured to have been selected as a finalist,” says Muir. “I believe that our main strength as a foundation is the integration of social intervention and environmental sustainability. We are not just a conservation-oriented organisation. The Wilderness Foundation recognises that the sustainability of South Africa’s wild lands and wilderness is intrinsically dependant on its social and economic sustainability.”
Two of the main programmes that the Wilderness Foundation focuses on include Social Intervention and Experiential Environmental Education. The Umzi Wethu programme is one of the foundation’s flagship intervention projects. Aimed at displaced and socially vulnerable youth, the three Umzi Wethu academies train young men and women between the ages of 18 and 25 for jobs in the hospitality and eco-tourism sectors.
Umzi Wethu harnesses the power of the wilderness, promotes personal wellness in a nurturing home context, provides credible training, and secures sustainable job placements in the hospitality and eco-tourism industry on behalf of the graduates.
In the area of Experiential Environmental Education, the Wilderness Foundation has established the “Pride” and “Imbewu” projects which were developed to fulfil the need for an environmental education outreach programmes among disadvantaged youth from urban and rural areas.
There are a number of Pride projects in various wilderness areas in South Africa. Since inception in 1996, Pride has introduced over 30,000 previously disadvantaged, primary and senior learners to a one-day, entry-level outdoor experience every year. The experience has been proven to help stimulate the learners’ interest in their immediate natural environment and concern for its preservation and conservation. The Pride trails are led by young, voluntary guides from the surrounding communities. Their leadership skills are identified and nurtured through relevant training in guiding, safety and environmental issues.
The sustained funding of 70% of the Pride project’s running costs has been achieved through the sale of spring water (through Woolworths) which carries the Wilderness Foundation logo. Further funding is gathered from the support of various schools and private enterprises which are passionate about the project.
Imbewu trails are similar to Pride, but are three-day long environmental experiences. Young leaders from disadvantaged backgrounds spend four days and three nights in the heart of South Africa’s nature reserves. On each trail the learners are led by one elder and one SANPARKS Field Ranger. The elders share their accumulated wisdom from lifelong work in the parks and the traditions of their forefathers.
Other nominees in the social entrepreneur category for the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Awards Programme include Catherine Wijnberg (The Fetola Foundation), Kim Feinberg (The Tomorrow Trust) andNicola Leitch (African Queen).
"We are honoured to consider these four inspiring individuals as finalists for the social entrepreneur award in South Africa. These individuals, who have created an innovative approach to addressing an important societal challenge, have invested not only tremendous positive energy into creating their enterprises but also a strong business acumen to create a scalable social enterprise that can improve the state of the world," says Abigail Noble, regional Head (Latin America and Africa) of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship.

Donkin Coffee Shop

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 08:02:00 +0000

Enjoy some of the finest views of Port Elizabeth and the harbour, stroll along the Route 67 art pathway, and enjoy some of the best coffee and cake in town – all at Umzi Wethu’s new coffee shop on the Donkin Reserve.
In their latest enterprise, Umzi’s smiling students will serve piping hot Italian coffee together with some fresh-baked delights including muffins, carrot cake and chocolate brownies. Light lunches include hearty burgers and crisps or a side salad at very reasonable prices.

The coffee shop opened its doors on Heritage Day this year, and is the latest venture by the highly successful Umzi Wethu skills training programme run by the Wilderness Foundation. After five years of successful hospitality training, the Wilderness Foundation is actively looking for opportunities to help build entrepreneurial skills in its graduates.
The Wilderness Foundation has identified a gap in the market for the development of small, niche coffee shops linked to heritage, cultural, and ‘green’ urban spaces. Through the assistance of the Nelson Mandela Bay Development Agency and PE Tourism, the Donkin was identified as the ideal location to open up the first coffee shop project. Future plans will see the coffee shops rolled out as franchises across the country, with Umzi Wethu graduates investing in them as their own SMMEs (Small Micro and Medium Enterprises).
Throughout the start-up phase of the Donkin Coffee Shop, outstanding graduates will be mentored in the management of the business. These graduates are part of the Umzi Wethu SMME development programme and will be encouraged to manage their own Wilderness Foundation franchise coffee shops in the future.
Together with the Umzi Wethu Catering Unit, the coffee shop can offer catering for private functions of up to 50 people. It also offers free deliveries for orders over R100.

Tel: 041 582 1303 for bookings / orders
Address: Donkin Reserve,
Belmont Terrace, Central
www.umziwethu.org