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A pride of Lion we can be proud of

TOMORROW will see a pride of wild lions introduced to the Somkhanda Community Game Reserve in northern KwaZuluNatal. The pride of three lions (two female and one male) has been given to Somkhanda by andBeyond Phinda, as part of its lion-management strategy.

“Lions were introduced into andBeyond Phinda back in 1992 and have flourished to the point that on regular occasions the lions have exceeded the carrying capacity of the reserve and have had to be translocated to other reserves in South Africa;’ said conservation manager for andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve Simon Naylor.

“Wild lion numbers are declining across Africa due mainly to habitat loss and poaching. It’s crucial for the future protection and conservation of the African lion that we expand and protect new range. The introduction of lion into the Somkhanda Game Reserve is a massive boost for lion conservation in KwaZuluNatal, South Africa and Africa. It will help reverse the current trend of declining lion numbers and wildlion range.’

This lion translocation was inspired by the groundbreaking feature documentary Blood Lions, which exposed the captive breeding and canned hunting industry.

“It is estimated that there are currently between 6 000 to 8 000 predators in captivity in South Africa, mostly living in appalling conditions with inadequate breeding and welfare protocols in place to protect them,” said Andrew Venter, Wildlands’ CEO and executive producer of Blood Lions.

“Furthermore, lion ecologists state that captive breeding plays no role in the conservation of this species, and to date no captivebred, handreared lions have successfully been rehabilitated into the wild. It is a shame that we now need to refer to lion as either wild or captive, but we at Wildlands are very proud to say that we have assisted in the expansion of wildlion range through the introduction of this pride to Somkhanda. This is truly a pride we can be proud of!”

“A central theme of the Blood Lions campaign calls for lion conservation to be managed by the recognised conservation.community;’ said Ian Michler, consultant and lead character for Blood Lions. “The Somkhanda release highlights what this entails: securing suitable habitat and using wild lions from reputable sources in a responsible release programme. Congratulations to Wildlands and its partners for this initi ative that increases the range of wild lands in South Africa.’

Empowers Africa were one of the first organisations to raise their hands and support the translocation. Krista Krieger, executive director and trustee of Empowers Africa, said: “The lion habitat expansion project to Somkhanda Community Game Reserve represents what we think is the key to the survival of the African lion — strong community buy-in, education about the ecological importance of lions and.community benefit from ecotourism.”

The translocation process will start tomorrow at andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and will end when the pride are placed in a boma at Somkhanda. They will be housed in the boma for six to nine weeks to adjust, and Wildlands hopes to release them into the reserve at the end of July.

Phinda lions released in Somkhanda Game Reserve massive boost for lion conservation

Cape Town – This week will see a pride of wild lions introduced into the Somkhanda Community Game Reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

The three lions (two female and one male) have been given to Somkhanda by andBeyond Phinda, as part of their lion management strategy.

“Lions were introduced into andBeyond Phinda back in 1992 and have flourished to the point that on regular occasions the lions have exceeded the carrying capacity of the reserve and have had to be translocated to other reserves in South Africa,” says Conservation Manager for andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, Simon Naylor.

“Wild lion numbers are declining across Africa due mainly to habitat loss and poaching. It’s crucial for the future protection and conservation of the African lion that we expand and protect new range.”

“The introduction of lion into the Somkhanda Game Reserve is a massive boost for lion conservation in the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa and Africa. It will help reverse the current trend of declining lion numbers and wild lion range,” says Naylor.

This lion translocation was inspired by a ground-breaking feature documentary – Blood Lions™ which exposed the captive breeding and canned hunting industry.

“It is estimated that there are currently between 6 000 to 8 000 predators in captivity in South Africa, mostly living in appalling conditions with inadequate breeding and welfare protocols in place to protect them,” said Wildlands’ CEO and Executive Producer of Blood Lions™.

“Furthermore, lion ecologists state that captive breeding plays no role in the conservation of this species, and to date no captive bred, hand-reared lions have successfully been rehabilitated into the wild. It is a shame that we now need to refer to lion as either wild or captive, but Wildlands are very proud to say that we have assisted in the expansion of wild lion range through the introduction of this pride onto Somkhanda. This is truly a pride we can be proud of!” says Naylor.

“A central theme of the Blood Lions™ campaign calls for lion conservation to be managed by the recognised conservation community,” says Ian Michler, Consultant and Lead Character for Blood Lions™.

“The Somkhanda release highlights what this entails: securing suitable habitat and using wild lions from reputable sources in a responsible release programme. Congratulations to Wildlands and their partners for this initiative that increases the range of wild lands in South Africa.”

Empowers Africa, an organisation known for supporting programmes around human empowerment, wildlife protection and land conservation, were one of the first organisations to raise their hands and support this translocation.

Krista Krieger, Executive Director and Trustee of Empowers Africa, says that “this lion translocation and reintroduction is exciting for Empowers Africa because it involves strong community involvement and viable community benefit. The lion habitat expansion project to Somkhanda Community Game Reserve represents what we think is the key to the survival of the African lion – strong community buy-in, education about the ecological importance of lions and community benefit from ecotourism.”

“We hope this will be one of many partnerships with Wildlands and Blood Lions in their efforts to expand lion habitat and increase populations. We congratulate Wildlands, Blood Lions™, Phinda Private Game Reserve, andBeyond and all the others who have partnered to bring the last of the Big Five to Somkhanda!” adds Krieger.

Different.org, a long standing supporter of Wildlands, are also supporting this translocation process by covering the costs linked to the fencing upgrade necessary for housing predators.

Ryan Sobey, Head of Operations at Different.org says: “We are so excited to be a part of the introduction of lion onto Somkhanda and to see the reserve and the Gumbi people thrive and benefit.”

The translocation process will start on 13 May at andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and “end” when the pride is placed in a boma at Somkhanda.

The lion will be housed in the boma for 6 to 9 weeks to adjust to their new environment, and Wildlands hope to release them onto the Somkhanda Reserve at the end of July 2017.

‘Blood Lions’ wins two major awards

Local supporters of the global Blood Lions campaign, which endeavours to end canned hunting and all exploitative tourism activities using predators, will be pleased to know that the docufilm of the same name has just won two major African Responsible Tourism Awards.

Announced at the annual gala awards event held in Cape Town on April 20, Blood Lions walked away as winner in the category Best Responsible Tour ism Campaign, and was then declared joint overall winner, along with Coffee Shack Backpackers, of the coveted main Responsible Tourism Award 2017.

Plett resident and campaign leader Ian Michler, who is the special consultant and lead character in the awardwinning documentary, said these awards would hopefully bring greater awareness to issues around responsible and ethical tourism.

“These are words used far ‘Blood Lions‘ wins two major awards too loosely in the marketing material of so many operations. I call on all Garden Route residents and visitors to the region to do their research before they consider visiting any facility that keeps wildlife in captivity, especially so if they allow animal interaction activities,” said Michler.

Counting the caged animal incidents for 2017… what are we waiting for?

Cape Town – The saying goes “it gets worse before it gets better”, and we’re hoping it’s the case with wild animal interactions in SA.

So far, 2017 has not been a good year for the caged animal industry – with more and more cases of attacks on humans and handlers surfacing – each a nail in the wild animal interaction coffin we hope to lay to rest soon.

But, as conservationists are hoping to bury the interaction industry for good, they’re also holding their breath in the hopes that no fatal incidents occur in the meantime – again.

Because let’s be honest… what are SA’s powers that be waiting for before they put a legal end to wildlife interactions in SA? Another ‘kill’, perhaps?

The gruesome death of American tourist Catherine Chappell in 2015 is still a fresh reminder of the true nature of wild animals – and a warning of how these recent wildlife ‘incidents’ could have ended. And the incidents keep occurring, shrinking the margin of error every time.

The bloody timeline 

In the latest incident, an 11-year-old boy was airlifted to hospital after he was mauled by a lion in Laphelale, Limpopo.

Two weeks before this, two people were attacked by one cheetah from Emdoneni Lodge in KZN two days in a row.

At the time, one of the victims, an exchange student from Macau in China, Peggy Lio, told Traveller24 that she was “very concerned about that would happen in future”.

Before this, in February this year, a woman was mauled by a lion through a fence at a game park in eastern Zimbabwe. Local papers reported that the women suffered “serious injuries to her right hip and arm when she was attacked by a caged white lion while leaning on the fence”.

In January, a Mpumalanga man died days after being mauled by a lion. Although health authorities later confirmed that the man died due to “other diseases” and not wounds from the lion attack, but the incident still highlighted the dangers of caging wild animals.

Days before, on a wildlife farm outside Paarl, the death of a loved and respected guide at Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm made headline news in the Western Cape.

Following the guide’s death, the crocodile farm temporarily suspended croc pond tours, but these have since been reopened to the public as the interactions and feeding shows continue.

he incidents listed here are just some of the shocking wildlife interaction scares which hit headline news since the start of the year, with many other cases going under the radar.

This is not normal

You can throw your hands in the air and say ‘this is Africa’… but this is not true. In places where the wild animals are respected for what they are – wild – such ‘incidents’ do not occur nearly as much as they do in captive scenarios.

In the Kruger National Park, for example, one of the most sought-after global destinations for spotting wildlife in their natural habitat, incidents involving attacks on humans have been minimal – especially if you consider the amount of visitors and wild animals in the park daily.

Globally too, most incidents where humans and/or animals are harmed due to their interaction can be seen in caged environments – whether it be orcas in captivity, or the shooting of a zoo gorilla due to human ignorance…

It is, therefore, both stupefying and outright irresponsible to let wildlife interaction continue knowing what the risks are for both the humans and animals involved.

Stain on SA’s reputation

More that this, incidents where wild animals in captivity attack paying human interactors is a massive stain on SA as an international wildlife destination.

According to internationally-acclaimed activist group Blood Lions, speaking to Traveller24 on why images promoting cub petting had to be removed from OR Tambo International Airport, “South Africa needs to start reclaiming its reputation as a promoter of ethical wildlife tourism.”

SA Tourism CEO Sisa Ntshona has also spoken out about his plans to ‘eradicate’ wildlife petting and other interactions in SA, which marks a leap in the right direction.

But considering the increasing number of incidents in which both SA’s wildlife, her tourists and her reputation are harmed – literally and figuratively – the fear is that the end of wildlife interactions in SA is not happening fast enough.

Leeuplaas mag appelleer teen vorige beslissing

Die hofgeveg om die naam van die Zanchieta Wild Cat Farm buite Bloemfontein in ere te herstel nadat hy deur die dokumentere rolprent Blood Lions met die teel van geblikte leeus verbind word, is nog lank nie verby nie.

Die private reservaat waarop sowat 50 verskillende soorte wild in Waterbron gerehabiliteer en bewaar word, het gister in die hooggeregshof in Polokwane verlof gekry om teen ‘n vorige uitspraak van regter Eunice Mokgohloa te appelleer.

Sy het, terwyl sy nog in die hooggeregshof in Pietermaritzburg was, ‘n aansoek van Zanchieta om die verdere verspreiding van die rolprent te verbied en ook dat beeldmateriaal van drie van Zanchieta se leeus uit die rolprent en sy lokprent gehaal moet word, van die hand gewys.

Zanchieta gaan nou na ‘n volbank in die hooggeregshof in Pietermaritzburg daarteen appelleer.

Intussen berei Willie Botha van Willie J. Bothaprokureurs in Bloemfontein dagvaardings vir skadevergoeding van hon derdduisende rande voor teen Regulus Vision, die vervaardigingsmaatskappy in Durban, en die agt trustees van Wildlands Conservation Trust, die uitvoerende vervaardiger van die rolprent, weens die verliese wat Zanchieta ly.

Luidens Zanchieta se hofstukke herken mense die leeus William Wallace, Kalahari en Okavango in die rolprent en advertensiemateriaal, hoewel nie Zanchieta of die leeus se name in Blood Lions genoem word nie.

Die indruk word daarin gewek die drie leeus is “geblikte leeus”.

Sedert die uitreiking van die rolprent en sy lokprente weier agente om buitelandse vrywilligers wat betaal om met die wilde diere te werk na Zanchieta te verwys.

Zanchieta maak vir sy voortbestaan op die inkomste van sulke vrywilligers staat.

Uit ‘n hofverklaring van Lizette van Schalkwyk, eienaar van Zanchieta, blyk dit Pippa Hankinson, vervaardiger van die rolprent, en Ian Michler, die verteller in die rolprent, het ‘n werknemer van Zanchieta, Jeanna Gous, mislei toe hulle die plaas middel 2014 besoek het.

Hulle het gevra vir ‘n onderhoud met Gous en ‘n begeleide toer op die plaas vir navorsingsdoeleindes.

Zanchieta se die vertellings en “waarnemings” van Michler in die rolprent is nie waar nie en word uit verband geruk.

Dit is volgens Van Schalkwyk nie ‘n akkurate weergawe van wat Gous aan hom in die onderhoud vertel het nie.

Gous het dit duidelik gestel dat Zanchieta op geen manier by geblikte leeus betrokke is nie en ook nie sulke praktyke goedkeur nie.

Adv. Cobus Buys tree in opdrag van Botha vir Zanchieta op.

Fliek mislei oor geblikte leeus

‘n Private reservaat naby Bloemfontein wat in die dokumentere rolprent Blood Lions met die teel van “geblikte leeus” verbind word, het gister nog ‘n kans gekry om sy reputasie te herstel.

Regter Eunice Mokgohloa het vroeer in die hooggeregshof in Pietermaritzburg ‘n aansoek van die Zanchieta Wild Cat Farm om die verdere verspreiding van die rolprent te verbied en ook dat beeldmateriaal van drie van Zanchieta se leeus uit die rolprent en sy lokprent gehaal moet word, van die hand gewys.

Gister het Zanchieta in die hooggeregshof in Polokwane, waarvan Mokgohloa nou die adjunkregterpresident is, verlof gekry om teen die uitspraak te appelleer.

Zanchieta gaan nou voor ‘n volbank in die hooggeregshof in Pietermaritzburg teen die uitspraak appelleer.

Intussen berei Willie Botha van Willie J. Bothaprokureurs in Bloemfontein dagvaardings vir skadevergoeding van honderdduisende rande voor teen Regulus Vision, die vervaardigingsmaatskappy in Durban, en die agt trustees van Wildlands Conservation Trust, uitvoerende vervaardiger van die rolprent, weens die verliese wat Zanchieta ly.

Luidens Zanchieta se hofstukke herken mense die leeus William Wallace, Kalahari en Okavango in die rolprent en advertensiemateriaal, hoewel n6g Zanchieta n6g die leeus se name in Blood Lions genoem word.

Die indruk word daarin gewek dat die drie leeus “geblikte leeus” is.

Sedert die uitreiking van die rolprent en sy lokprente weier agente om buitelandse vrywilligers wat betaal om met die wilde diere te werk na Zanchieta te verwys.

Zanchieta maak vir sy voortbestaan op die inkomste uit vrywilligers staat.

In ‘n hofverklaring van Lizette van Schalkwyk, eienaar van Zanchieta, blyk dit Pippa Hankinson, vervaardiger van die rolprent, en Ian Michler, verteller in die rolprent, het Jeanna Gous, ‘n werknemer van Zanchieta, mislei toe hulle die plaas middel 2014 besoek het.

Hulle het ‘n onderhoud met Gous en ‘n begeleide toer op die plaas vir navorsingsdoeleindes gevra.

Zanchieta se Michler se vertellings en “waarnemings” in die rolprent is nie waar nie en word uit verband geruk. Dit is nie ‘n ware weergawe van wat Gous aan hom in die onderhoud se nie.

Sy stel dit duidelik dat Zanchieta op geen manier by “geblikte leeus” betrokke is nie en sulke praktyke nie goedkeur nie.

Learn2Earn empowering the Cato Manor Community

45 youth from Cato Manor received certificates for their completion of the Learn2Earn programme recently – made possible by Wildlands, Nedbank and the eThekwini Municipality.

The primary objective of the pilot Learn2Earn programme (launched in 2016) was to enable a cadre of 45 Nedbank clients between the ages of 18-35 to be trained and mentored over a period of 2 months; Leaving them with the confidence and capacity to launch or develop their careers further.

The training sessions covered financial literacy, small business skills and job readiness skills – and all modules included practical experience and peer learning. The aim was to empower these young people with knowledge to start their own businesses, increase the chances of employment for those who would prefer to be employed and better manage their personal finances.

When speaking to the Learn2Earn participants about what they learnt through the programme they said – “I now know how to budget and save!” “I know I need to work hard and do whatever I do with confidence so I can stand out from the crowd.” “I know how to manage my money and budget for my needs before my wants.” “It is important to have a positive attitude and to focus on your goals every day to realise it.” “I didn’t realise there are different types of bank accounts, and now I know which one will work best for me and my business.”

“You must work on your personal brand, create a good CV and prepare correctly for interviews – researching the company beforehand. Confidence is key and always be punctual!”

This project was conducted in the Cato Manor community located on the western outskirts of Durban. The area is largely informal with no formal basic services and limited infrastructure. Most people living in the area are either employed part-time or living off social grants.

The Learn2Earn programme touched 163 people, 118 people were trained and 45 people attended the full training programme. 10 individuals who participated in the training programme have since been employed and 3 of the participants who had businesses when they entered into the training, are using what they learnt to improve on their existing business models.

“Nedbank are driven by their mission statement – money experts who do good,” said Siyanda Ngongoma, Coach Governance Support – Nedbank. “We get involved with communities and hope to empower them, make them financially fit and ultimately see money differently.”

The Local Economic Development Officer for Cato Manor –eThekwini Municipality, Nathi Zondi, attended the ceremony and said: “This programme falls within our local economic development framework and is one of 17 projects identified when establishing our strategy. This partnership with Wildlands and Nedbank also inspires economic development, especially among our youth and I am already seeing the impact and community members benefit.”

Xolani Cabela, 34 years of age, attended the Learn2Earn programme and is working on plans to start a recycling business, “I’m ready to apply for the job now, I have more knowledge now and my mind-set has changed a lot because I came here without any ideas and now I know what to do to make things happen. This was very good I hope Wildlands continue to other teams.”

Somkhanda Community Game Reserve welcomes a new herd of Elephant

Today saw a historical moment unfold for two community game reserves in KwaZulu-Natal, as the Somkhanda Community Game Reserve welcomed the last 2 animals of a herd of 13 elephants. The elephants were donated by Nambiti Private Game Reserve, another KZN community owned game reserve, and this is the first time that 2 rural communities have worked together to extend elephant range.

Somkhanda Community Game Reserve, owned by the Emvokweni Community Trust (ECT) and co-managed with the Wildlands Conservation Trust was established in 2005 and formerly declared a protected area in 2011.

Wildlands and the ECT worked with Elephant, Rhinos and People (ERP) over the past year to identify a suitable herd for Somkhanda. Their support has been phenomenal. ERP, supported by Groupelephant.com, actively identify elephant herds that are under threat due to population pressures and find them new homes.

“ERP are thrilled to have been able to partner with ECT and Wildlands, in securing a new home for 13 elephant,” said Dereck Milburn, Director of Operations at ERP. “We need space for elephants and communities very often have large tracts of land which could be secured for elephant protection. Through this translocation we are alleviating pressure on the elephant population and it is funding well spent. The beauty of this process is undeniable and creating a herd where there has not been elephant for the past 70 years, is history in the making. This community reserve partnership is a model we hope to show other communities – highlighting the value of it and implementing it elsewhere.”

The introduction of the elephants will underwrite the financial and ecological sustainability of Somkhanda. It represents a key step towards establishing the reserve as a Big 5 reserve, essential from an eco-tourism investment and development perspective, whilst re-establishing the ecological processes that are so important in savannah systems, allowing them to be healthy and functional systems.

Under suitable conditions, elephant can breed very rapidly, with populations in fenced reserves often becoming larger than is ecologically sustainable. Such was the case at Nambiti, who recognised the need to reduce their population size. This became an opportunity for Wildlands and ERP to assist in the translocation of a small herd from Nambiti to Somkhanda.

The process of obtaining the elephant has been one that has been carefully considered and planned by the Emvokweni Community Trust, the Wildlands team and its partners, ensuring that all necessary infrastructure and approvals were in place. Wildlands has worked closely with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife to finalise the Somkhanda Elephant Management Plan, secure an Adequate Enclosure Certificate and secure the permits for the capture and relocation. When introducing elephants, it is important to introduce an entire breeding herd, as they have a very strong social and family structure, that needs to be maintained at all times. Conservation Solutions, recognised globally for their expertise in elephant capture and translocation, were contracted to manage the capture and relocation process.

“The introduction of these elephant represents a key milestone for the Emvokweni Community Trust, underwriting their ability to harness and benefit from South Africa’s flourishing wildlife and eco-tourism economies,” commented Wildlands’ CEO Dr Andrew Venter. “Africa’s elephants are under threat, with over 100 being poached every day. Across the continent, communities and conservation organisations are fighting to stop this poaching and save this iconic species from extinction. The Somkhanda introduction represents a small, but incredibly important step in this fight. We look forward to seeing this herd flourish in their new safe haven.”

“We at Nambiti are very positive about the move of some of our elephant to Somkhanda. It is a bitter sweet moment because we love our elephant; but they have bred to a level where they can potentially negatively impact the environment, so it is best that a part of the population is moved to a new home that we are happy with,” said Clarke Smith Chairman of Nambiti Private Game Reserve.

Mrs Muhle Khanya, Chairperson of the Senzo’Kuhle Communal Property Trust also came to witness the translocation process and said: “I’m happy because some of our animals are moving to a good home. Nambiti and the community are partners and they tell us everything that happens here – they do very good things for conservation.”

Ryan Sobey, Head of Operations for Different.org, has a longstanding partnership with Wildlands and has been strategic in the development of Somkhanda. “Through this initiative a community will be uplifted permanently and a sustainable tourism entity will be created,” said Sobey. “We love working with Wildlands, they are helping communities thrive in a sustainable way and boosting our country’s tourism at the same time.”

Jumbo Cash & Carry have recently offered to “adopt” the herd and are providing funding towards the translocation, monitoring the elephants and making sure their collars are maintained, plus keeping the herd safe and healthy. “Jumbo Cash & Carry partners with independent retailers so that their businesses can prosper and communities can live better.  Just like these majestic creatures, Jumbo is the Giant of Africa and we are proud to contribute to the conservation of this species,” said Marketing Manager of Masscash Wholesale – Leigh Murphy.

“A big thank you to Jumbo Cash & Carry, ERP, Different.org and Nambiti Private Game Reserve for their support in enabling this project. Thanks to the Gumbi Community for supporting the introduction of the elephant and acknowledging this as a key development for their game reserve,” concluded Dr Venter.

Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon to pilot #GOGREEN anti-littering & waste management campaign

The 2017 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon (OMTOM) has officially launched their #GOGREEN campaign – an anti-littering movement, coupled with a waste management plan that offers a sustainable way to collect and process the non-organic waste generated during race week.

#GOGREEN was developed by Wildlands and is supported by Old Mutual, and aims to provide a practical solution for collecting waste from athletes and spectators at endurance events, while educating them about not littering, as well as recycling and upcycling.

Karen Thomas, Old Mutual Head of Brand, says, “One of the most exciting aspects of Old Mutual’s sponsorship of events like the Two Oceans Marathon is that it allows us to be innovative and to connect with people in a direct and engaging way. This year, mindful of our responsibility to make the world a better place, we are proud to launch the #GOGREEN campaign, which aligns strongly with our responsible business philosophy.”

Old Mutual is encouraging all runners to throw their waste in the specially made #GOGREEN troughs at GREEN ZONES along the route, or to hold onto it until the end of the race.

“We want the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon route to be as clean at race end as it is at race start,” explains Ms Thomas. “If every runner does their bit, we can do great things and make a meaningful difference. Protecting the environment is a wonderful way to run for more than yourself, so let’s go green and ensure that the world’s most beautiful marathon remains just that.”

A practical waste management solution

The OMTOM is no stranger to controversy when it comes to race week waste. While the event has had a comprehensive clean-up and recycling plan in place for the past number of years – even earning them the honour of being an official Western Cape Government 110% Green Flagship Event – environmental groups and individuals campaigning for various conservation causes have expressed their dissatisfaction with the fact that water sachets, together with race nutrition packets and their torn-off corners, were still being found in various spots along the route.

“We have supported many anti-littering campaigns over the years, and our message has always been clear that athletes are to work with us to reduce or even eliminate littering. And while many runners have become more aware of the issue and make a concerted effort to throw their rubbish in the bins provided, the reality is that a large percentage of athletes continue to litter while on the run,” explains Carol Vosloo, General Manager of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.

The #GOGREEN campaign will address this challenge by establishing a series of THROW ZONES along the route.

“OMTOM, in collaboration with Wildlands, will activate a number of THROW ZONES along the route – large branded troughs that will act as official throw zones for non-organic waste,” adds Ms Vosloo. “In addition, we are busy aligning our event rules with #GOGREEN by finalising the process that will be followed by ourselves as race organisers when runners are caught littering outside of these THROW ZONES.”

From Waste to Green Desks

In addition to the #GOGREEN campaign and waste management plan, the Two Oceans Marathon will also collaborate with title sponsor Old Mutual, through Wildlands, on a new project of transforming event waste into Green Desks.

It is currently estimated that the waste collected at the OMTOM will contribute to the manufacturing of approximately 500 school desks. The desks have been made possible through a partnership between Wildlands and POLYCO (Polyolefin Recycling Company NPC). POLYCO is a not-for-profit industry body which was established by the polyolefin packaging converters in South Africa in 2011.

To achieve greater diversion of plastics from landfill and meet Governments Industry Waste Management Plan Requirements, POLYCO is involved in supporting the recycling industry by funding collection, recycling, and new end-use growth projects.

“Education is one of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC’s key support pillars, and we are thrilled that those who need it most will ultimately benefit from these desks and create a sustainable future for all.”

Dr Andrew Venter, Wildlands CEO, commented, “Wildlands is delighted to be able to launch the #GOGREEN campaign with the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon. It is through our solid partnership with Old Mutual that we were able to bring participants and athletes this innovative concept. We believe this further cements Old Mutual’s commitment to our vision for a ‘Sustainable future for all.”

The OMTOM is the first mass participation event where the #GOGREEN waste management system will feature. It is envisaged that it will be rolled out to other Old Mutual-sponsored events like the Comrades, Om-Die-Dam and Soweto Marathons.

The Blue Fund boosts SANCCOB’s ‘chick season’ donations

On Friday, 03 February 2017, delegates of The Blue Fund – a partnership between Grindrod Bank and Wildlands – joined the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) for the release 12 endangered African penguins at Stony Point in Betty’s Bay. The Blue Fund helped to raise significant funds for SANCCOB to help rescue and rehabilitate abandoned African penguin chicks during its annual penguin chick season.

Ever year from October to December, SANCCOB runs a penguin chick adoption programme to raise funds for the hundreds of abandoned African penguin chicks admitted to its centres in Table View (Western Cape) and Cape St. Francis (Eastern Cape). In 2016, The Blue Fund pledged to match all donations received through the adoption programme and thereby doubling the impact of the public’s support for SANCCOB. A total of 562 African penguin chicks were admitted to SANCCOB’s centres and the collective amount raised, inclusive of The Blue Fund’s contribution and donations received from local and international supporters, was over half a million Rand. Funds raised through the adoption programme are used towards fish, medical supplies and overall rehabilitation needs of the hundreds of penguin chicks rescued, hatched, hand-reared and rehabilitated by SANCCOB’s team of seabird specialists and volunteers each year.

As a non-profit organisation, whose primary objective is to reverse the decline of seabird populations, SANCCOB’s name has become synonymous with saving penguins. To date, SANCCOB has treated more than 95 000 seabirds and independent research confirms that SANCCOB’s oil spill response actions alone have increased the African penguin population by 19%.More than 4000 chicks have been rehabilitated and released back into the wild since the establishment of SANCCOB’s Chick Bolstering Project in 2006.

The Blue Fund’s contribution to SANCCOB’s conservation work stems from their commitment to conserve coastal marine ecosystems. Francois Louw, fundraising and marketing manager of SANCCOB, says, “Support from the public and organisations, like The Blue Fund, is crucial to SANCCOB’s work and enables us to put the resources in place that provide the best possible outcomes for the birds. We are very grateful to have partnered with The Blue Fund and thank the public for helping to make the programme such a huge success.”

“The opportunity to witness the successful outcome of the amazing work being done by SANCCOB is such a privilege,” said Mark Gerrard, Blue Fund manager for Wildlands. “It is unfortunate that intervention is required, however, in this case it is critical and SANCCOB does such a professional job,” he commented further.

“Grindrod Bank feels privileged to have played a role in such a heart-warming conservation project.  It has been fantastic to witness the concerted effort by the team at SANCCOB, who are truly dedicated to the preservation of the African penguin and other magnificent seabirds,” said Sarah Freestone, marketing manager for Grindrod Bank.

SANCCOB’s penguin adoption programme is an ongoing initiative that provides the organisation with necessary funding to continue its vital work and encourages the public to play their part in helping to save the endangered African penguin species. Adoptions can be activated online at https://sanccob.co.za/adopt/ at R600 (for an email pack) or R700 (for a postal pack).

Initiatives such as this partnership between SANCCOB and The Blue Fund holds a good recipe for raising the funds needed to sustain SANCCOB’s seabird rescue and rehabilitation services. Keep an eye out for SANCCOB’s forthcoming campaign to build a new seabird hospital at its Cape Town centre in Table View. Visit www.sanccob.co.za for more information.