Month: March 2014

On the 27th of March 46 superb artworks were auctioned off at Strauss & Co Art Auctioneers to raise funds for nationwide conservation and community development efforts. R440 500 was raised for the Wildlands Conservation Trust, a top environmental NPO, who is recognised for its multiple community-based projects that work towards fulfilling its vision of creating a “Sustainable Future for All.”

Curated by Barbara Freemantle, the auction featured works by artists including Willem Boshoff, Wim Botha, Joni Brenner, Norman Catherine, Marco Cianfanelli, Kudzanai Chiurai, David Goldblatt, Robert Hodgins, William Kentridge, Dylan Lewis, Judith Mason, Sam Nhlengethwa, Walter Oltmann, Claudette Schreuders, Mikhael Subotzky, Diane Victor and Sandile Zulu.

The highest bid of the evening was for a piece entitled ‘Smoke Rhino’ by Diane Victor and fetched R100 000. Diane, along with several other artists, was generous enough to donate the entire ‘hammer amount’ to Wildlands’ conservation efforts.

The crowd that gathered at the Strauss & Co premises were addressed by inspirational Wildlands’ CEO, Dr Andrew Venter, “South Africa is one of the most naturally diverse countries in the world and also one of the most socially disparate. Wildlands Conservation Trust works at this interface and has the privilege of making an increasingly significant contribution towards balancing this disparity. In essence we help change people’s lives for the better, but could not do it without the support of partners like Strauss & Co. We are completely blown away by this generosity,” said Venter.

Stephan Welz Strauss & Co’s managing director, and renowned in the art world, gave insight into his reason for partnering with Wildlands, “If we do not concern ourselves with sustainability, nature will take a course that makes all the other issues irrelevant.”

Over the past decade, Wildlands have progressively developed and implemented a number of exciting projects including their “Trees for Life” project which teaches community members (called Tree-preneurs) in poverty stricken areas how to grow indigenous trees which they can then barter with Wildlands in exchange for livelihood support items such as – food, clothing, school fees, bicycles, Jojo tanks or building supplies. The young trees bartered with Wildlands are then planted into areas in desperate need of restoration or greening. Another focus for Wildlands is Rhino Conservation with three complimentary projects, 1) Project Rhino Tracker, 2) Project Rhino Aerial Support and 3) Project Rhino Investigations & Prosecutions.

The funds raised from the auction evening will be split between the Wildlands “Trees for Life” project and their Rhino Conservation initiatives.

Andile Ncontsa, a Wildlands Ambassador, long-time friend of the Trust and CEO of Litha Communications, also gave a brief speech at the event saying, “By supporting this Art Auction, you are not only investing in South Africa’s extraordinary contemporary art; You are making an investment in protecting and preserving our planet for our children and our grandchildren. I urge you to bid as if the fate of our planet depends on you, because it does!”

On the 7th of March a group of Groen Sebenza Pioneers from seven different environmental organisations in KwaZulu-Natal, got together to launch a Provincial River Health Day at uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve.

The large-scale programme ‘Groen Sebenza’ or ‘Green Work’ is being led by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) as nominated by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). The project is funded by National Treasury as part of the Jobs Fund Programme. Groen Sebenza is aimed at developing priority skills in the biodiversity sector to create sustainable job opportunities for 800 unemployed graduates and matriculants country wide.

The day’s main purpose, as laid out by the event organisers “GroundTruth” in partnership with Wildlands Conservation Trust and Wildlife Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), was for all participants to re-connect with our natural resources, i.e. water, through a miniSASS workshop. This was also a way for the organisations to highlight the importance of water as we approached National Water Week commemorated from the 17 – 23 March 2014 under the theme “Water is Life – 20 years of Water Delivery for Social and Economic Development.”

MiniSASS, Mini Stream Assessment Scoring System, is a simple tool developed by GroundTruth in conjunction with WESSA which can be used by anyone to monitor the health of a river.  A sample of macro-invertebrates are collected from the river, and depending on which groups are found, one can measure  the general river health and water quality.

Pioneers from different organisations namely; Wildlands Conservation Trust, Dusi uMngeni Conservation Trust (DUCT), Department of Environmental Affairs Working for Water, World Wide Fund (WWF), GroundTruth, WESSA and special guests consisting of honours students from UKZN – exchanged ideas on the importance of river health before heading down for a river walk and miniSASS exercise. After which they shared findings and scores of their respective portions of the river.

Lindokuhle Hlongwane, Communications Officer at Wildlands Conservation Trust said he found the miniSASS exercise very informative – “Having not studied conservation, I enjoy attending these sorts of workshops because it opens my eyes to new, interesting and exciting things in the environmental field.”

“MiniSASS is such a simple, yet very interesting method to use in testing water quality,” said Ashleigh van Wyk, an Environmental Science Honours student at UKZN. “By seeing all the bugs that I never considered  live in the water, let alone provide me with valuable information about the status of that water; made me re-evaluate my role in contributing to low quality water and what changes I could make in saving and looking after water,” comments Ashleigh.

“The river day was resourceful for me because I learnt about taking action for the sake of our rivers,” said Kholosa Magudu, Water Health Specialist from Dusi uMngeni Conservation Trust. “I also think it was amazing for organisations to get together and make commitments towards saving water and respecting rivers. This was a great time to network with colleagues from various organisations,” concludes Kholosa Magudu.

For more information please visit www.minisass.org or send an email toinfo@minisass.org

Acclaimed global tool and equipment manufacturer STIHL has put its weight behind the international fight to prevent the decimation of Africa’s rhino population. The company recently auctioned off the last batch of legendary STIHL 08S chainsaws available in South Africa, in a bid to raise funds for the Wildlands Conservation Trust’s Rhino Conservation initiatives.

“Our nationwide network of loyal STIHL dealers really came on board with this fundraising campaign,” says STIHL MD Hayden Hutton. “Because there is such a strong sense of dedication to both the STIHL brand name and this much loved and trusted 08S chainsaw, we decided to make this limited edition model the focus of our dealer auction – auctioning eight of the last ten officially available in South Africa.”

The 08S was one of the first STIHL products to be available in South Africa and, though discontinued, is still a firm favourite today. It has been trusted and used by farmers, contractors and handymen alike for decades and passed down from father to son.

STIHL has raised almost R50 000 for Rhino conservation efforts through the auction.

“Only five of the world’s original thirty Rhino species survive today and three of these are listed as critically endangered,” comments Strategic Manager at Wildlands, Kevin McCann. “We are extremely grateful for donations such as this that will really go a long way in combatting rhino poaching,” he said. “Thank you Stihl!”

Visit http://www.localhost/import-data-post/our-work/our-rhino-projects/rhino-conservation-project-tracker-aerial/ for more information on the Wildlands Conservation Trusts’ Rhino conservation initiatives.

This past weekend saw the launch of an exciting and unique campaign aimed at raising funds for Wildlands’ Rhino conservation projects. The campaign will see R5 donated to the Wildlands Conservation Trust for every breakfast sold at JAXX Restaurant (Hilton Quarry Shopping Centre) over a one month period. The breakfast customers will also have the opportunity to match the JAXX donation with a R5 personal contribution to anti-poaching efforts in KwaZulu – Natal. The ‘Poach eggs not Rhino’ campaign was launched at 08h00 on Saturday and by last count on Sunday (the 16th of March), JAXX had already sold over 200 breakfasts!

Do your bit and contribute to anti-poaching efforts by purchasing a breakfast at JAXX Restaurant (Hilton Branch) – Book at 033 343 2226 or visit www.jaxxrestaurant.co.za

The South African Gary Player Invitational (GPI), presented by Coca-Cola, which features Major golf champions, celebrities and top-flight businessmen rubbing shoulders on the fairways, has chosen Wildlands Conservation Trust as one of their beneficiaries for the past several years.

In November 2012, an innovative and ground breaking partnership between Coca-Cola, Qhubeka and Wildlands was announced at the Gary Player Invitational. This partnership aimed to support the Wildlands Waste-preneur project rollout (community members who barter waste for livelihood support items), through the introduction of a Coca-Cola bicycle barter for plastic and PET bottles, with a view to incentivising the collection of these materials.  In December 2012 and January 2013 this concept was presented to existing Waste-preneurs with a view to determining their interest in bartering plastic and PET for Coca-Cola bicycles. The model is based on the collection of an average of 4 000 2l PET bottles per bicycle.

On the 7th of March 2014, 77 bicycles were distributed to deserving Waste-preneurs from the uMsunduzi and uMngeni Municipality districts. One of these Waste-preneurs was 82 year old Nyakallo Allinah Khambule from Kwapata in uMsunduzi.  “I will sell my bike and get money to buy food for my grandchildren,” she said.

The shiny red Coca-Cola bicycles, as a form of transport, will contribute to the reduction of a community’s carbon footprint, reduce travel time to school and work and enable its members to remain actively involved in a form of physical activity.

The partnership between the Gary Player Invitational (GPI) and Wildlands is aligned with Gary Player’s philosophy in his business operations to always respect the land and its natural beauty and biodiversity. The GPI is presented by Coca-Cola and by supporting Wildlands, Coca-Cola is also able to demonstrate its commitment to climate protection and active healthy living.

“Over 1000 Waste-preneurs have collected over 1 million PET (plastic) bottles this past year. This staggering achievement is real testimony to the impact of this wonderful project, made possible by the GPI and Coca-Cola,” said Wildlands CEO Dr Andrew Venter.

On the 10^th of April 2014 up to 3000 trees will be planted in and around Klapmuts, as part of a Tree-a-thon, the first of many of its kind set to be held in the Stellenbosch municipal area. This tree marathon forms part of the “Million Trees Project,” aimed at greening the communities that fall within the Stellenbosch Municipal boundaries and restoring the ecosystems which underwrite the health and livelihood of these communities.

The “Million Trees Project” is a partnership between the Stellenbosch Municipality, Wildlands Conservation Trust and ‘Leaf a Legacy’ who recognise the Tree-a-thon (only one of many still to come) as a significant contribution to their one million trees mark.

The Tree-a-thon is also a mechanism for both corporate entities and community members to get involved in the creation of a green economy. For this particular mass tree planting event, five corporate companies have raised their hands to get involved, namely: Spier, Distell, Mediclinic, PSG and Remgro, each contributing towards the purchasing and planting of indigenous trees, grown by Wildlands’ Tree-preneurs, within a community they care about.  The corporates are also using this opportunity to get their staff involved in something that is both humbling and for the greater good.

Agrimark, who aim to meet all agricultural requirements with high quality products, are also giving the “Million Trees Project” equipment for the Tree-a-thon at significantly reduced prices.

Registration for the Tree-a-thon will take place at around 10h30 in Klapmuts (next to the Klapmuts Primary School in Merchant Street) with the Executive Mayor of Stellenbosch, Conrad Sidego, addressing the crowd and declaring the start of the Tree-a-thon at around 11h00.

“The survival of these trees is a concern for some,” said Gerald Esau, Manager Community Services at Stellenbosch Municipality, “but we must highlight the fact that these trees will be maintained with the help of a full time team of local community members, funded by the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). EPWP will also assist with the digging of holes and planting of trees at the Tree-a-thon event on the 10^th of April,” said Esau. “We are excited to build community resilience and improve the quality of life for marginalized communities.”

“Leaf-a-Legacy is developing a community project aimed at job creation, greening the environment and creating a culture of cooperation amongst the communities of Stellenbosch,” said Lydia Willems, Project Manager of Leaf a Legacy.  “Leaf-a-Legacy, Wildlands and the Stellenbosch Municipality are in a formal partnership to enable the successful realisation of the Million Trees Campaign, with emphasis on maximising the greening, poverty alleviation and environmental restoration impact of this Campaign.”

“The vision of Wildlands is ‘A Sustainable Future for All’ and this aligns perfectly with campaigns like the Million Trees Project,” commented Director of Partnerships, Marketing & Sustainability, Louise Duys. “We are excited and grateful for the corporate contribution and passion we have received around this project and must express our gratitude to Spier, Distell, Mediclinic, PSG, Remgro and Agrimark for ensuring our first Tree-a-thon is a resounding success,” concludes Duys.

Should any other corporate companies be interested in getting involved or contributing to the Tree-a-thon, please email million.trees@stellenbosch.gov.za. If any media representatives are interested in attending and covering this event, please also feel free to contact us, we would love to have you join the greening team!

JoJo Tanks, a BBBEE compliant company, and market leader in the manufacture of polyethylene plastic storage tanks for more than 30 years and partner of Wildlands Conservation Trust for 5 years, has added extra weight to its partnership with the leading environmental NPO by substantially increasing its donation of rainwater harvesting tanks to 500 over the year with Wildlands purchasing a further 500.

These rainwater harvesting tanks will be distributed across the country to Wildlands Green-preneurs as part of their sustainable community barter model. Community members who join the project are taught how to grow indigenous trees (Tree-preneurs) and collect recyclable waste (Waste-preneurs) and when these trees reach a certain height, or their waste is of a significant weight, they can barter this with Wildlands for livelihood support items. JoJo tanks are a popular purchase option for these Green-preneurs as it provides water security in these disadvantaged communities where formal water supply infrastructures do not exist.

69 JoJo tanks were handed over to a group of excited community members (Green-preneurs) on the 26^th of February in the uThungulu district.

34 year old Sithulile Sikhosana, a Tree-preneur from the uThungulu district joined the “Trees for Life” project 3 years ago. “I fell in love with this project of growing trees because I enjoy looking after something from small until it blossoms to something bigger,” said Sithulile. “We have bought JoJo tanks, bicycles, cement, door frames and groceries. We couldn’t have afforded all this if it wasn’t for this amazing project in our community,” said Sithulile.

Mabutho Khoza is 19 years old and is a Wildlands Tree-preneur who also resides in the uThungulu district. “I stay with my sisters and cousins, six of us all together. I don’t have parents as they both passed away. The Wildlands tree planting project has made a huge difference in my family as there is no-one else working at home,” says Mabutho, who joined Wildlands in 2007. “I have been able to pay school fees for some of my siblings, I also bought a bicycle, a JoJo tank and groceries,” he says. “My dream is to finish my matric and study in the University. I want to study Environmental Studies because I want to continue doing a job that will allow me to interact with the environment, especially trees,” he says confidently.

“At JoJo Tanks we are passionate about the role we should play in conserving our planet’s limited resources,” says JoJo Tanks managing director, Rod Cairns.  “The association with Wildlands provides us with an excellent opportunity to make a difference where it matters. Saving water should be a way of life and the harvesting and utilisation of rainwater by installing rainwater tanks could grant relief to millions of disadvantaged South Africans. The tanks certainly provide a cost-effective and convenient way for tree-preneurs to care for their trees. We are proud to be involved with this

“In partnership with JoJo Tanks ‘Tree-preneurs’(the tree growers) can now have access to water, both for personal consumption and for watering of their trees,” comments Wildlands Marketing Manager Lauren Laing. “Many people started by growing just a few trees, but then seeing how successful they were, started to save their trees for bigger ‘purchases’ like the JoJo rainwater harvesting tanks. Some of our participants have already bartered for three JoJo tanks with their trees, which shows just how important water is in these communities. The JoJo tanks save women and children much time and effort as they do not have to walk to and from the communal source of water, with a 25 litre container on their heads or in a wheelbarrow. Together with hundreds of community members nationwide, we thank JoJo for their amazing contribution,” concludes Laing.

On the 20^th – 23^rd of February the Sunday Tribune Three Cranes Challenge saw 250 trail runners taking part in this intense race, which also raises funds for conservation in and around the Karkloof Nature Reserve. It is a 3 day challenge consisting of a 106km (Day 1-32km, Day 2-42km, Day3-32km) trail, well managed and mapped out by Wild Series Co-ordinator, Xanthe Holmes. The challenge was completed by only 188 of the participants, which is testament to just how tough this race can be.

After a massive down pour on Thursday night, the weather seemed to play its part and gave the participants fantastic conditions to run in, but as the Wild Series sweepers crossed the finish line on day 3, the heavens opened with 45mm of rain in 45minutes!

The challenge was won by Eric Ngubane with an almost 60 minute lead, chased by Frank Kienhofer who came in at second place. Tracey Zunckel came 10th overall, while still holding onto her 1^st place spot in the ladies race, 9 minutes before Trish Bahlmann who took second place.

Funds raised from this event will assist with management activities in the Karkloof Nature Reserve. In addition, a portion of the funds will also be used by the Karkloof Conservancy, which actively supports and encourages conservation action in the Karkloof valley and areas surrounding the reserve.

“The Sunday Tribune Three Cranes Challenge is an amazing event, which not only unites the Karkloof residents through its activation, but also raises much needed funding to support conservation activities in this critically important midlands environment,” states Kevin McCann, Strategic Manager of Stewardship for Wildlands Conservation Trust.

“We would like to commend and thank sponsors like the Sunday Tribune, Powerade, the Karkloof Conservancy and the amazing land owners and community members for making it possible for us to run such events.  The next challenge is the Somkhanda Rhino Run. This is an epic 50km 1 day trail run challenge which takes place in the Somkhanda Game Reserve in Zululand,” concludes Xanthe Holmes, Wild Series Co-ordinator.

The Three Cranes Challenge also sees the inspirational and educational ‘Big Day Out’ take place a few days before the main sporting event and focuses on the youth in surrounding community areas.

On 19^th February, Wildlands Conservation trust together with Karkloof Conservancy held a ‘Big Day Out’ event at Bush Willow Park where 88 learners from 4 Karkloof farm schools participated.  The day aims to give learners the opportunity to learn about environmental issues and be part of the fan-fair of the main event.

“The day started off with a 3km fun run challenge within the park, and the top boy and girl form each grade (grade 4 to 7) received a bicycle sponsored by Coca-Cola,” said Manqoba Sabela, Wildlands Manager of Green Leadership. “After the fun run children participated in leadership activities facilitated by Wildlands Conservation Trust together with volunteers from Karkloof Canopy Tours.  Louine and Gareth Boothway conducted the water study where children used freshwater invertebrates to test the quality of water. The Crane foundation volunteered their time to teach the children about the importance of preserving the three Crane species through story telling. The children enjoyed the event and were grateful for the opportunity to learn,” said Sabela.

“The ‘Big Day Out’ event was made possible by N3TC (N3 Toll Concession) and Coca-Cola, a big thank you to them and also all the other individuals and organizations who volunteered their time,” concluded Manqoba Sabela.

On the 27^th of March, through a partnership between Strauss & Co Fine Art Auctioneers and the Wildlands Conservation Trust, a high profile collection of art will be auctioned to raise much needed funds for conservation and community development efforts within South Africa.

South Africa is one of the most naturally diverse countries in the world; it is blessed with magnificent landscapes and truly incredible biodiversity. However, it is also one of the most socially disparate nations of the world. We’re also rapidly transforming and destroying our natural support systems as we struggle with the challenge of surviving under very tough social and economic circumstances.

Wildlands Conservation Trust works at this interface and has the privilege of making an increasingly significant contribution towards balancing this disparity. “We see a South Africa that is able to celebrate and cherish the natural world; that uses this incredible legacy to underwrite the sustainable development of all South Africans,” says Wildlands CEO Dr Andrew Venter. “Central to our work is a focus on unlocking the potential of the poor; they have an incredible contribution to make, if they’re only allowed to do so.”

40 selected artworks from 30 of South Africa’s leading artists will feature as part of the auction and each artist will donate all, or a portion, of the funds raised to Wildlands – a top environmental non-profit organisation.

“We realize that the environmental crisis is too big for any organisation to address by itself,” says Wildland’s CEO Dr Venter. “Wildlands prides itself in growing relationships with government, the corporate community and civil society, and in light of this would also like to use this opportunity to thank everyone that is contributing to this event to make it a success.”

Special thanks must go to Strauss & Co Fine Art Auctioneers and Consultants, Barbara Freemantle, all the artists that have given of their time and talents, Triple M, The Framing Company, T & C Apply, Fine Art Logistics, Cliff Shain Photography, Ultra Litho (Pty) Ltd, Neil Dundas, Mark Read and Phillippa Duncan.

Viewing of the artworks on auction will commence from 17h30 at the Strauss & Co. premises (89 Central Street, Houghton, Gauteng) and the auction will begin at 19h00 sharp.

For any queries regarding this event please contact Jacqui@straussart.co.za or visit www.straussart.co.za.

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