30 Groen Sebenza “pioneers” (interns) from Wildlands attended an Indaba at Somkhanda Game Reserve from the 20th – 24th October 2014. This reserve is owned by the Gumbi community of Northern KwaZulu-Natal and is managed with the support of Wildlands.
The Groen Sebenza project was launched in June 2013 and was spearheaded by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) funded by the Development Bank of South Africa. The role of Wildlands is to ‘incubate’ pioneers into the environmental sector by addressing priority skills shortages and giving them the mentorship and training they need to develop themselves further before entering the competitive South African job market. This Indaba was an extension of such programmes and activities aimed at upskilling and preparing these young people for the working world.
The pioneers came from as far afield as the Eastern and Western Cape and this platform provided a wonderful opportunity for bonding and networking. The uBuntu Earth team of Wildlands facilitated this Indaba by running activities in which pioneers could share their learning and experiences over the past year and inspire and motivate each other for the road ahead. The uBuntu Earth departments’ fundamental emphasis is on building capacity and enabling this group to ‘progress through the system’ or move on to other green jobs and entrepreneurial enterprises in the future.
“We wanted to give the pioneers an opportunity to experience what Wildlands is all about and there isn’t a better place than Somkhanda,” said Simone Dale Deputy Director at Wildlands. “I believe that the youth of this country have so much to offer and we wanted them aware of the wealth of knowledge and wisdom already existing within their peer group.”
Several key individuals from Wildlands added value to the Indaba. David Gilroy, Project Manager for Conservation SPACE, explained the organisation’s role in the development of the community owned reserve. Simone Dale reflected on the past year, the highlights and the plans for the remainder of the project. Manqoba Sabela, Green Leadership Manager and Moira Potter, Groen Sebenza Project Administrator, led various workshop activities covering subjects such as leadership, personal development and branding, preparation for the green job market, self-awareness and goal setting.
Further to the activities the pioneers took part in, they were given the opportunity to go on game drives where they were able to see both Black and White rhino, Wild Dog, Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest as well as various species of Buck. For many, this was a new and invigorating experience which will stay with them forever.
The success of the Indaba was summed up by Zanele Dube (Grant Administrator and pioneer at Wildlands) saying – “The sessions we had at the Indaba were very informative and an incredible experience for all of us.”
Not only did the Somkhanda Indaba prove successful on a personal level but the pioneers left feeling more connected to nature, more determined in their efforts towards the conservation of their beautiful environment and an increased commitment to “a sustainable future for all”.
WILDTRUST (registered as the Wildlands Conservation Trust - IT No: 4329/1991/PMB)