Wilderness Foundation South Africa

What do Imbewu trails mean to our students?

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Wed, 23 May 2012 08:50:00 +0000

This year’s Umzi Wethu Hospitality Academy students attended their third Imbewu trails in March. Both took place at Kleinrivier in the Groendal Wilderness Area, Eastern Cape.
The Blue team was on trail from 8-11 March, and the Red team went out from 22-24 March. Unfortunately their trail was cut short by a day due to torrential rains.
According to Experiential Education Coordinator, Lihle Mbokazi, the students are keen to participate in the Imbewu trails and some shared what the experience has meant to them:

Interview with Siya:

Interview with Lindile:

Graduates give back to Pride

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Mon, 21 May 2012 11:27:00 +0000

Ntobeko Ngcala (Umzi 6 conservation graduate) joined the Pride trail at Groendaal as a guest guide on Saturday, May 12. He was one of the volunteer guides for the Wilderness Foundation’s Pride of Groendaal project in the Eastern Cape, and was introduced to Umzi Wethu by experiential education manager, Lihle Mbokazi.

After graduating from the conservation academy in 2010, Ntobs joined Shamwari Game Reserve as a ranger. He regularly volunteers as a Pride guide on his days off.

The Pride project, managed by the Wilderness Foundation, helps to instil pride and responsibility among South Africa’s previously disadvantaged youth with regards to their natural heritage. Groups of school learners are taken on a day-long trail in a local wilderness area where they are taught about the importance of water, protecting wild areas and various traditional and current uses for local natural resources.

Current Umzi Wethu student, Khayalethu Xakwe, from the conservation academy, also volunteered his time for the Pride trail on May 12 as well as on May 19. He enjoys interacting with the learners and sharing his passion for the environment with them. He will be graduating from the academy later this year, but hopes to be able to dedicate some of his weekends to Pride even after he is employed.

“The learners as well as the other volunteer Pride guides loved having Ntobs and Khyalethu (or JJ as he is known to his friends) on trail with us this weekend,” says Lihle Mbokazi, Wilderness Foundation’s Environmental Education Manager. “They bring some fresh energy and knowledge to the trail and encourage the volunteer guides.”

Sonwabile Tobi - Umzi Wethu Success Story

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Wed, 16 May 2012 08:47:00 +0000

Sonwabile “Soso” Tobi grew up in an impoverished area of Uitenhage in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Raised by his grandparents, Soso did not have the funds to study at university after graduating from high school. Looking for an alternative to help support his family and younger brother, Soso came across the Umzi Wethu programme. After attending the public presentation in his local community, Soso applied to become an Umzi Wethu Student.

“At that time, I did not have any ambitions to be a chef or do anything in the hospitality industry,” says Soso. “I liked watching TV shows about cooking, and I always wondered about all the different ingredients, but I never considered it as a career option. The presentation opened my eyes to see this as an opportunity for a better future, so I applied.”

Each Umzi Wethu intake of up to 18 students begins with extensive interviews by a panel of programme coordinators. A short list is then compiled of prospective students, and the youth are then taken on an experiential learning trail (Imbewu trail) for four nights and three days.

“When I first went for the interview for Umzi Wethu, I was extremely nervous. It was a scary and intimidating experience, but I knew that I was well prepared. I did some research in advance, and learned about the organisation so that I was ready for the interview process.”

“The first trail was difficult, but enjoyable at the same time. It is very strange to be sleeping out in the wilderness with no shelter, just a sleeping bag, but it was a good way for us to meet the other students that we were going to be working and studying with for a whole year. It was also important for us to learn about nature because even though we were studying for the hospitality industry, a lot of hospitality jobs are in game reserves. Now we can identify various trees and animals in case a guest asks.”

Soso excelled at the academy, where his leadership skills were noted by all of his supervisors. His grandparents were able to join him at his graduation ceremony in 2009. “They are very proud of me,” says Soso, who is also an outstanding role model for his younger brother.

Following graduation, Soso was employed at the exclusive Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, and then went on to work in the Umzi Wethu Catering Unit. In late 2011, he was employed to head up the kitchen at the new Green Leaf Café on the Donkin Reserve in Port Elizabeth where his duties include meal preparation, menu design, stock control and food wastage control. The Green Leaf Café is an enterprise development initiative of the Wilderness Foundation, which aims to cultivate entrepreneurial skills in selected graduates.

One of Soso’s favourite food combinations is honey and mustard. “I love using a honey and mustard sauce on pasta, or a glaze on chicken. I never thought that I would be able to cook meals like this. I am privileged to have access to all of these amazing ingredients, and now I know what to do with them!”

“I am extremely grateful for my experience at Umzi Wethu. These days, learnerships are scarce. Where else can you get the opportunity to take part (for free!) in a one year course that offers you life experience, work experience, practical skills and a guaranteed job afterwards?”

In the future, Soso plans to continue to apply the skills he learned at the hospitality academy. “The future of our businesses depends on us now. We have been trained to run our own businesses, and I am confident that mine will succeed one day.”

Rhino Notching in Pilansberg National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:16:00 +0000

On April, 2012, a rhino notching operation took place at the Pilansberg National Park. “Notching” is a method of marking an animal so that it can be recognised easily by conservationists. It involves cutting a specific pattern onto the ear – similar to the methods used by cattle farmers.

Notching, and data recording allows conservationists to record information about individual rhinos over time including territory/home range, birth rates (calving intervals), associations with other known (notched animals) and eventually age of post reproduction etc.

As a result of the poaching crisis in South Africa, DNA samples are also collected during the notching operation to add to the national DNA database at Onderstepoort. DNA samples can be used as evidence in poaching cases.

The operation was successful thanks to the highly trained team, and the sponsorship of the Volkswagen Amarok vehicle (one of 6 donated byVW Commercial Vehicles) which allowed the team to navigate across rough landscape to get to the tranquilised rhino.

Nozibele Adonisi - Umzi Wethu Success Story

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Wed, 09 May 2012 08:45:00 +0000

Nozibele “Nozi” Adonisi sees Umzi Wethu as a stepping stone for skills development as well as personal development. “Through Umzi Wethu, we were encouraged to have future goals and to do something we’re interested in. It gave me the opportunities I needed to earn a living and to finance my studies. Without Umzi, I don’t know where I would be now.”

Nozi first heard about the Umzi Wethu programme through a job skills project running in the Motherwell Township in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. She had always been interested in cooking and saw the Umzi Wethu Hospitality programme as an excellent opportunity to increase her knowledge and skills.

“I loved the Home Economics subject at school, but I was surprised that at Umzi Wethu, hospitality comes together with conservation! But I do think that the conservation side added to our experience. I learned to be conscious of animals, nature, rivers and to spend time alone in nature. On trail, we learned how to our handle ourselves. On the selection trail, I knew that our behaviour was being observed so I made sure that I did my best. It was the first time that I had ever slept outside in the bush, and I was very scared, but I knew that I was aiming for something bigger in my life. I pushed myself to do it and to overcome the fear.”

Nozi was selected as one of 20 students in 2010 and began her hospitality training. “The front of house training was very intimidating. I was so nervous serving customers. I didn’t want to make a mistake! But I pushed myself to give my best and to learn fast.” She used the opportunity to learn about different people and different cultures, and now uses these skills at the Green Leaf Café where she currently works.

“We get a lot of tourists at Green Leaf Café, and I like to treat them with extra special care because I am an ambassador for my country. Customers will get an impression of South Africa depending on how they are treated by us at Green Leaf Cafe, so I try to make sure they have a great experience.”

Nozi is saving the wages she earns at Green Leaf Café and the Umzi Wethu Catering Unit to further her studies. She is currently upgrading her maths and science results through PE College, and hopes to enter the medical field in the future. “I am looking into becoming a nutritionist, or even a forensic scientist!”

Nozi supports her mother and other members of her family. “My mom is very proud of me. She was very worried about what I would do after matric. In my community, most of the youth don’t have any resources for further studies, and they just sit around at home with nothing to do. Umzi allowed me to take a step out of this, and do something more. It built me up and changed my life.”

For future Umzi Wethu students, Nozi advises that they grab the opportunity with both hands. “Opportunities come and go. You never know if there will be another one. Use Umzi as a stepping stone, as something to brighten your future. Let Umzi help you, and at the end of the day you will thank them.”

Green Leaf Café serves breakfast to Algoa FM and world’s most travelled dog!

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Mon, 07 May 2012 10:03:00 +0000

Green Leaf Cafe chef, Soso Tobi serves a delicious breakfast muesli to Algoa FM presenter, Daron Mann

Named after the world’s most travelled dog, the Oscar Maximus hot air balloon landed at the historical Donkin Reserve on Monday, 07 May, 2012. Algoa FM presenters were there for a live broadcast, and the team from the Green Leaf Café made sure to keep them well stocked with coffee and tasty breakfast treats for the early morning broadcast.

The giant hot air balloon is modelled after the original Oscar – one of the world’s favourite globe-trotting, adventure-seeking and awareness raising dogs. In 2009, Oscar was the 2009 first dog to travel around the world, covering 200 000 kilometres in order to raise awareness of dog shelters, and dog adoptions. Oscar has gone 'walkies' on the Great Wall of China, survived crocodiles in the Zambezi River and kissed the Sphinx at sunrise.

Oscar Maximus towers over the Green Leaf Cafe on the historic Donkin Reserve

Oscar Maximus weighs in at 262 kilograms, is 30 metres tall and consumes 50 000 grams of propane gas an hour!

Now, Oscar and his balloon pal are travelling across South Africa to teach people about proper pet care, and raise awareness of the benefits of animal adoptions.

The live broadcast with the Morning Show team and Oscar took place on Monday, 7 May between 06h00 and 07h00.

The Green Leaf Café was open from 06h00 for coffee and breakfast for early morning visitors.

Green Leaf Cafe Waitress, Miselwa Nogqala, serves coffee to the hot air balloon pilot and her crew members

Forever Wild launches anti-poaching tip-off line

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Wed, 02 May 2012 12:23:00 +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. "It is only through a GLOBAL campaign and POLITICAL will that we can save this remnant of the dinosaur age – the rhino," environmentalist and conservationist, Dr Ian Player.
In May 2011, the Wilderness Foundation set up a petition to voice the public's outcry over the cruelty of rhino poaching. The petition, which was taken to the highest governmental powers in March 2012, is a vital part of the Wilderness Foundation's lobbying campaign. It received over 18,000 signatures from around the world, and together with an integrated YouTube and social media campaign, generated worldwide awareness of the rhino poaching crisis.
The Wilderness Foundation’s CEO, Andrew Muir, took the petition to South African parliament on Thursday, 26 January 2012 where he addressed the portfolio committee on the topic of rhino poaching. He also delivered the devastating facts of the South African rhino poaching crisis to over 70 senior staff of US Senators and Congressmen who are members of the International Conservation Caucus (ICC) at an ICC Foundation hosted event in Washington, DC on Monday, March 05, 2012.
The Foundation continues to lobby various governmental and private agencies to raise awareness for the cause. The Wilderness Foundation believes that without the intervention of government and the public, the rhino may be extinct in the next ten years.
In May 2012, the Foundation printed and distributed thousands of flyers and posters encouraging whistle blowers to come forward with information related to rhino poaching through a tip-off line (0786969494). "Someone knows someone who knows something!"
For more information, go to: www.wildernessfoundation.co.za/foreverwild

Phakamisa Mgqabuzana - Umzi Wethu Success Story

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Wed, 02 May 2012 08:47:00 +0000

Phakamisa Mgqabuzana is a young man of few words and a quiet, unassuming nature, but he comes alive when describing his passion for baking. The young aspiring pastry chef has already registered the name for his future bakery, and is hoping to have it up and running in a few years’ time.

Before being selected for the Umzi Wethu programme, Phakamisa was earning a living by baking biscuits and selling them at the local taxi rank in Uitenhage in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. “I learned how to bake from a friend of mine. I used to bake chocolate, custard and coffee flavoured biscuits, and also plain sponge cake,” says Phakamisa. He used the money to support his family including his sisters and his son.

After being accepted for the Umzi Wethu programme in 2010, Phakamisa thoroughly enjoyed the practical training. “It was challenging because there was always something new to learn every day, but I liked it.”

He also enjoyed being part of the residence and living and working together with the other students which he describes as his ‘brothers’ and ‘sisters’.

Although he has a quiet and reserved personality, Phakamisa was not intimidated by the Imbewu trails. He was one of few students who enjoyed the four day, three night trails right from the very start. “I liked walking long distances. It gave me lots of time to think about the future without interruptions. I also learned about conservation. Nature definitely made an impact on me. Before I did not know that it was bad to throw rubbish in the street. Now I know that it’s important to throw rubbish in the bin, and I will teach my children to do this.”

The Umzi Wethu hospitality training also exposed Phakamisa to a wide range of ingredients that he had never heard of, or had access to.

One of his favourite ingredients is cinnamon. “I only discovered cinnamon when I joined Umzi Wethu. I love using it in baking, and even in savoury dishes. You can do a nice dish with chicken and cinnamon. Umzi Wethu taught me a lot about different herbs and spices and I enjoy using them in my cooking.”

Phakamisa currently works at the Green Leaf Café on the Donkin Reserve in Port Elizabeth. He is taking the opportunity to learn how to manage his own business. “We are learning about food presentation, preparation, costing, stock take and management. These are skills that I didn’t have before when I was selling biscuits. The costing and stock take are particularly important.”

Phakamisa currently uses his wages to support his family, and is looking forward to opening his bakery in the near future.

Nobesuthu “Suthu” Ndlovu - Umzi Wethu Success Story

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Wed, 02 May 2012 08:44:00 +0000

Nobesuthu “Suthu” Ndlovu is using the wages she earns as a chef and waitress at Green Leaf Café and the Umzi Wethu Catering Unit to save up for further studies. Suthu would like to increase her skills in guest house management, or B&B management, but also has a dream that her business will have a positive social impact in the future. “I have a passion to help people. When I was younger I wanted to be a social worker. Now I’m going to use the skills that I learned at Umzi Wethu to build a business through which I can help people.”

After matric, Suthu, from Walmer Township in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, approached the Olive Leaf Foundation for assistance in getting a job, or further career training. The foundation referred her to an upcoming presentation by the Umzi Wethu hospitality academy, which she attended with interest. “Although I didn’t really see myself in the hospitality industry, I thought that it might be a good opportunity or stepping stone for my future,” says Suthu.

After being accepted as an Umzi Wethu hospitality student for 2010, Suthu had to adjust to a whole new environment. “I enjoyed living in the residence, but it took a while for me to get used to living with so many other people and so many different personalities. I was used to having my own space, or freedom to do my own things when I wanted. I actually started jogging as a way to create my own space, and be able to think clearly without the noise of the res all around me.”

Suthu also had to adjust to the demands of the hospitality industry. “At first it was difficult. You have to stand all day, and your time is never your own in this industry!” says Suthu. “But I learned to embrace it, and embrace the changes that it brought to my life.”

A highly creative person, Suthu brought her creativity to the classroom where she enjoyed experimenting with food presentation. “I love seeing the smile on a customer’s face when they receive a beautiful plate of food. “As a waiter, you’re not only there to give a customer their food. You’re also there to be their friend. Sometimes they might be having a terrible day, and just seeing you smile at them will help make a small change in their lives.”

She also used her experiences with customers to help build her self-confidence and people skills.

“As a waiter, you have to deal with different kinds of people with different personalities. Some customers will ‘look down’ on you and treat you badly without even taking the time to get to know who you are. Others will encourage you and have a positive influence on your life. I had to make an effort not to let the rude customers get me down. Working in this industry has groomed me to be a better person.”

Suthu recalls her experiences on the first Imbewu trail (a four day, three night hike in the wilderness which is part of the Umzi Wethu selection criteria) as being quite challenging, but also life changing.

On our first trail, I thought “why are we here, what are we doing out in the bush, I thought we were doing hospitality training! I didn’t get why we were just walking and sleeping. I thought it was totally pointless. The first time we had Solitaire (where we sit by ourselves for an hour in the bush at night), I was terrified. My mind was going crazy, turning the shadows of the trees into the shape of a bear! And all the noises were so scary. I had to tell my mind to calm down, so I prayed and sang a praise song to get control of my mind. It was then that I could really feel peace, and understand the value of that experience.”

“I also realised a lot of things about myself on the trails. I found myself always wanting to be at the front. Even though I was not enjoying all the walking, it felt much better to be at the front of the group than at the back. I realised that this is what I want in life too. I never want to be at the back. I also realised that there will be lots of highs and lows in life. I will be tired, but I will also overcome that and succeed in the end.”

As with many of the Umzi Wethu students, Suthu had had little experience of the wilderness in her lifetime. Growing up in Walmer Township, she had only ever seen mountains on TV.

“When we went on trail to Kabouga I got to see real mountains and I saw the true beauty of nature. When we went to Woody Cape, I saw a waterfall for the first time, and it was these experiences that will help me to be mindful of nature in the future.”

As well as saving up for further studies, Suthu also supports her mother and younger niece and nephew. "I am a role model to the younger kids in my family. I sometimes have to play the role of mother to them too. I hope that my life and my success can inspire them to build a better future for themselves one day.”

Suthu has plans to open her own butchery in the near future.

Rhino Rip-off

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 09:47:00 +0000

The following article by Tiara Walters was printed in the Sunday Times at the beginning of April 2012. It raises awareness about bogus fundraisers trying to cash in on the poaching crisis. Please note that the list of responsible fundraisers is not 100% complete, but offers a good general overview of organisations that can be trusted:

ARTICLE: The public needs to be aware of bogus fundraisers cashing in on South Africa's poaching crisis.

South Africa's rhino-poaching crisis is horrifying, not only for its scale, but for the brutal and seemingly uncontrollable slaughter of one of our most iconic species. And now, SA's major conservation agencies warn, fraudsters are out to exploit this situation for their own profit.

"We recently counted 240 new organisations raising money for rhinos. Nobody has ever heard of them, so who knows what they're doing?" says Kirsty Brebner, Rhino Project manager at the Endangered Wildlife Trust, whose website notes that 135 rhinos have already been poached this year.

Click here to read more...

Positive Feedback from Pride of Table Mountain Trail

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:25:00 +0000

A letter of thanks from a teacher at Northwood Primary School. The learners attended a Pride of Table Mountain Trail on Saturday, 24 March, 2012:

Dear Sharon,
I must commend you and your team for Saturday, 24 March. Their input, general attitude, making Science come alive in a fun way, and the pace of the hike as well as waiting on the last hiker to reach the group before they start, with their presentation improved 100%!
All of the learners agree that they had a fantastic time and learnt some new things. I would recommend any school to bring their learners on one of these hikes. Thank you, once again, for creating this opportunity for our learners.

Bay Gallery exhibition generates funds for Forever Wild Rhino Protection Initiative

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:11:00 +0000

Gerry van de Helde, who made the successful bid for 'Rhino' by Zakkie Eloff, and Tracy-Lee Campbell (Club Mykonos Resort) at the Opening on Tuesday, 20th March, at Bay Gallery, Marra Square, Bree St., Langebaan. Both of them made generous donations to the Wilderness Foundation's Forever Wild Rhino Protection Initiative.
Thanks to those who also made donations to this worthwhile cause.
The exhibition runs until the end of April.

More paintings are available for purchase, to view them, follow this link...

Update on Kariega Rhinos - 15 March 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 07:57:00 +0000

They’re alive! Both Themba and Thandi continue to fight for their lives at Kariega. Thandi is simply inspirational ! The way she is moving around the reserve indicates her position in the recovery process is improving every day. We found her running with a female and calf which we dehorned the other day so she is socially intergrating again which is a very positive sign.

Her face is also showing some good signs of progress. The maggot infestation is much improved and the level of infection has reduced around her facial injuries. Under anesthetic she was stable and we were able to do some aggressive cleaning down to the exposed bone.

Themba is such a brave fighter. We tend to forget that in our terms he is only a boy, not even a teenager at four rhino years old. His courage against enormous odds continues to amaze us. We found him in the little hollow next to the beautiful water hole that he has been at for the past 3 days now. A more tranquil and beautiful place you could never wish to find. He had grass hanging from his mouth and a fair amount of fighting spirit in him when we approached. I took this as a sign that his anesthetic chances of survival were worth the risk and so we darted him and treated him with a barrage of medication as well as doing a hurried clean out of his wounds.

His face is not getting any worse but where he had pushed mud into the nasal sinuses a large amount of decaying matter had become trapped in the cavities behind there. On the good side, his maggot infestation is much better around the face but the signs of an obvious healing response are not the same as with Thandi. Yet again we sit with, quite literally, a life and death struggle based on his bad leg. His leg is looking a lot worse from the outside in that more areas of skin are revealing their necrotic state and there are two more drainage holes on the outside of his foot indicating a deterioration in the skin. It is still impossible to know the full extend of the internal leg injuries and the state of progress within.

There is still hope for this brave boy but he has not turned the corner and is still deteriorating where it matters most. On his recovery from this morning’s procedures he did give us a ten meter charge which was energizing.

We left him, surrounded by lush green grass, plenty of shade, clean water and a host of familiar birds and their peaceful calls to keep him company. The plumbago bushes stand over a meter tall framing his surroundings with the softest blue colours. How have we allowed the lusts of men, on the other side of the planet, to invade the tranquility of this heavenly place.

Themba and Thandi, surrounded by all we value in nature, live on as icons of animal suffering and the determination to survive. They stand guard at the door, one strong and one weak, that will lead to the demise of thousands more species because of our apathy. They are adopted, as champions of a cause which goes far beyond “Saving the Rhino” because if we don’t save the Rhino, who move us to this extent, what hope do we have of saving the rest.

- William Fowlds, Kariega veterinarian

Art exhibition in aid of rhinos at The Bay Gallery

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 07:56:00 +0000

Art in the heart of Langebaan - The Bay Gallery will be hosting a "save the rhino" wildlife exhibition opening on Tuesday, 20 March from 6-8pm. The gallery is located in Marra Square, Bree Street, Langebaan.

The exhibition runs until the end of April and a portion of funds raised will be donated to the Wilderness Foundation's Forever Wild Rhino Protection Initiative.

Link to The Bay Gallery:

http://www.baygallery.co.za/Events.htm

View some of the paintings that will be on exhibition here:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.262291797185908.62019.114751628606593&type=1

Positive Feedback from February Pride Trails

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:04:00 +0000

Two Pride outreach trails took place in Groendal in February this year headed up by our Experiential Education manager, Lihle Mbokazi. Each trail experienced extremes of weather, with blistering heat on Saturday, 11 February and hard rain on Saturday, 18 February.

“It was amazing to see the learners’ reaction on both dates,” says Lihle. “When I collected the group on the 11th they were there waiting for me with their teacher. Despite the heat, they had fun walking and showed a lot of interest in what the guides taught them.”

Although it drizzled during the trail on the 18^th, Lihle managed to ensure that the kids had an enjoyable outing. “I explained how amazing the Groendal area is, and how much fun we were going to have, and everyone cheered up. When we turned back for lunch, the kids all said that they didn’t want to go home.”

Comments from trailists:

“The guide’s were excellent, they were very professional and I would say they know what they are doing and are good at it. What I like most about the Pride Outreach is the games we played and some new stuff that we leaned. Two things I’ve learned from Pride is that it’s more a battle out in Nature than in the City. And that you can do and achieve whatever you like if you have ambition for it. It was a nice long walk but I enjoyed it.” L.R.

“The guide’s were really good. I enjoyed mostly the fact that everything takes place in a wild environment. I feel that the time spent there was not enough to have the lessons learnt sink in. Two things I’ve learned is confidence can allow other people to also feel the need of being bold and that nature is the simplest form that can give us courage to explore ourselves.” By S.M.

“I would like to let people learn and be more involved in nature so they can know the wonders of nature. The guide’s did a great job keep it up. Thanks for the opportunity guyz.” Masixole.

“I have learned that I can connect with other people and nature. My attitude towards nature changed and I saw how important it was to keep our environment clean.” Nuwell

“Nature has changed me a lots I used to litter around and now I’m not going to do that again.” Aisha

“I have learnt that I must never give up. My attitude toward nature has changed I must be patient and be very helpful towards nature.” Mohammed

“It was quite fine, I enjoyed it a lot, just that the rain ruined our journey. We should look after our nature how important plants are and can change our lives. It was a great experience and I am looking forward to do something like this again.” Sivuyile

“Nature changed me because I’ve learned to treat the plants well, because they are good to us and to respect the animals and other things we set on Nature.” Vuyani

Feedback from Umzi Wethu February Training - Port Elizabeth

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:39:00 +0000

“For me February has been the best month in class because I loved every minute of being in class. I feel comfortable, and in terms of books it has been interesting, I have learnt a lot in terms of how to be a good manager one day, and for practical’s I loved it. It’s a pleasure for me to say thanks to our hospitality lecturers for giving out their time to teach us more things and not giving up on us. THANKS.”

“For me February was a best month at Umzi Wethu especially in class because now I am learning how to use the computer and my teacher is good and understanding and she is trying very hard to help us in everything. The coffee shop is also good and exciting we are learning more every day.”

Service ‘Crashes’ Down on Suspected Rhino Horn Trafficking

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 13:53:00 +0000

“Operation Crash,” is a multi-agency effort to investigate and prosecute those involved in the black market trade of endangered rhinoceros horn according to the US department of Fish and Wildlife.

Seven people have been arrested on charges of trafficking in endangered black rhinoceros horn over the past week in Los Angeles, Newark, N.J., and New York, the Department of Justice and Department of the Interior announced today (Feb 23, 2012).

Special agents of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the arrests and have executed search warrants in five different states as part of “Operation Crash,” a multi-agency effort to investigate and prosecute those involved in the black market trade of endangered rhinoceros horn.

Click here to read more...

Below is an interview with USFWS Director Dan Ashe and USFWS Law Enforcement Chief William C. Woody about recent rhino law enforcement investigation and arrests.

Spike in rhino poaching threatens survival of species

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 07:49:00 +0000

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

By Meghan Frank and Jessica Hopper, Rock Center

In South Africa, home to three quarters of the last remaining rhinos on the planet, conservationists, private game reserve owners and security forces are waging a desperate battle against poachers intent on killing the country’s rhinos for their lucrative horns.

“It is an epidemic. It’s a war that right now we’re losing,” Graeme Rushmere said. “It’s not a South African issue as such, it’s really a global issue.”

Rushmere owns Kariega Game Reserve, a nearly 25,000 acre private reserve. The reserve is home to critically endangered black rhinos and white rhinos.

Rhinos have roamed the Earth for millions of years, but at the turn of the twentieth century there were only about 50 white rhinos left in the world. All were in South Africa. Over the course of several decades, South Africans brought the white rhino back from the brink of extinction. Through incredible conservation work, there are almost 20,000 white rhinos today. The recent spike in poaching has South Africans worried that all of their hard work to save the rhino will be reversed.

Just a decade ago, only about a dozen rhinos were poached each year. Last year, poachers killed more than 400 rhinos.

Click here to read more...

The Plight of the Rhino, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 07:19:00 +0000

Another incredibly moving short film put together by Ogilvy to highlight the plight of the rhino in 2012. This is definitely something to make you think... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6xTvmp9V0Y

Port Elizabeth Coffee Crawl: The Donkin Coffee Shop

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:03:00 +0000

Wow! We're blown away by this fantastic feedback from the "coffee crawlers'" visit to the Donkin Coffee Shop!

Port Elizabeth Coffee Crawl: The Donkin Coffee Shop: On Thursday, November 17, 2011 the PE Coffee Crawlers visited Conyngham Coffee Shop. On that day we...

Simphiwe Ngubane - a Conservation Academy Success Story

noreply@blogger.com (Wilderness Foundation SA) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:26:00 +0000

Simphiwe Ngubane (25), Umzi 2

Born in Johannesburg, Simphiwe Ngubane (25) never even dreamed of visiting the ocean, but at just 25 years old, he has built himself a successful career in marine coastal management at Addo Elephant Park.
After moving to the Eastern Cape and graduating from high school, Simphiwe didn’t know what career to go into. He approached his economics teacher for advice, and was referred to the Umzi Wethu programme. “I didn’t know anything about the programme, and I had no interest in nature at that time, but I’m very glad that I went for the interview,” says Simphiwe.

As part of the first conservation intake (Umzi 2), Simphiwe learned to love and respect nature and the people around him. He also grew as an individual and became more confident in himself and his abilities. “I remember that at Umzi we were punished for making silly mistakes, but it was good because after we got punished we didn’t want any more mistakes amongst our group, so we stopped each other from doing wrong. It was also at Umzi that I learned about team work. The people that I was with became a real family, and Umzi Wethu made me feel like I really belonged somewhere.”
After graduating from the Conservation Academy in 2009, Simphiwe was placed at Addo Elephant National Park as a marine ranger intern. “I then worked my way up to a permanent contract, and I am now a marine field ranger,” says Simphiwe. “I have learned so much. I know how to rehabilitate sea birds and I’ve learned how to drive big and small boats. I am often involved with the police in doing road blocks and marine coastal management (MCM), and doing house penetration for abalone. This is one of the most challenging parts of my job.”
After having little interest in nature and conservation as a child, Simphiwe has now developed a great love of the environment and particularly the ocean. “Through my work I get the opportunity to be up close and personal with the animals, which is the greatest feeling. Spending time out on the ocean with dolphins can really cheer me up.”
Through permanent employment, Simphiwe has been able to contribute towards the maintenance and repairs of the home he shares with his brother in Somerset East. He is also a mentor to his young orphaned nephew. “I’m playing father to him, and I’m glad that I can help him succeed through my example,” says Simphiwe. “Through Umzi Wethu I learned that I can achieve anything in life if I’m really determined. I would advise any new Umzi students to grab the opportunity with both hands because it only comes once in a lifetime. Through my experience at Umzi, I can now provide for myself, and have the things that I only dreamed of when I was a kid.”

“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.