The Global White Lion Protection Trust is set to launch their White Lion Leadership Academy in July 2012, and Wildlands are excited to announce that one of our staff members will be one of the first scholars to embark on the program. Michael Zakhele Ngcobo, known by his fellow employees as Zakes, has been awarded a full scholarship with the Academy, to further improve his skill base as a Wildlands’ Initiative Manager for the uThungulu District. “When they told me I had been awarded the scholarship I was so happy,” exclaims Zakes, “I ran into my office, closed the door and jumped up and down and thanked god!”
The White Lion Leadership Academy was established in response to the environmental crisis we are witnessing unfold on the planet. The Academy represents a call to action and aims to inspire and empower participants to embody “White Lion Leadership Principles.” These include equipping people with solid values, intuitive courage and enhanced awareness in order to face the critical world of today, and make a meaningful difference in the environment.
When asked how he envisioned the Leadership Academy benefiting him, Zakes said, “I work with different communities of differing cultures and styles, mostly from disadvantaged backgrounds. I believe this scholarship will teach me to better understand them and their behaviour, as well as how to be a better ‘fit’ in their daily activities while enlightening them about the environment. I believe this scholarship will empower me with the knowledge and skills I need to work better within these communities.”
This qualification with the White Lion Leadership Academy will add to Zakhele’s Diploma in Project Management and his BSC degree in Environmental Management which he will complete this year.
Zakes is a humble soul and also won’t take all the credit for being awarded this scholarship. “This opportunity is not only for my benefit but also for my family, friends and Wildlands, who have all shown me a road to success. I must thank my Mom, Richard Mabaso, Charmaine Veldman, Andrew Venter, Roelie Kloppers, Simone Dale, my team in uThungulu and the whole Wildlands team – thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Email Stella at stella@whitelions.org for more information or an application pack. “I encourage others to sign up or apply,” says Zakes, “as it will add value to your life and help make you a success.”