Conservation training gets cash injection

Private Bag X3015, Hoedspruit 1380, South Africa
Telephone: +27 (0)15 793 7300
Fax: +27 (0)15 7937314
e-mail: [email protected]
www.wildlifecollege.org.za
May 20 1 1, Issue 3
Conservation training gets cash injection
Five years and over R6.7-million later, the Professional
Hunters Association of South Africa (PHASA) once again
demonstrated its commitment to conservation at its
annual African Wildlife Heritage Gala Dinner hosted at
the Sandton Sun in Johannesburg. This year was no
exception with a whopping R1,5-million raised on the night.
Launched in 2007 with the aim of supporting worthy
conservation causes, this fundraising initiative has continued
to grow from strength to strength. “At the outset, the hunting
fraternity and various conservation organisations agreed that
the biggest contribution PHASA could make to conservation was
to ensure that wildlife managers are adequately trained. The
Southern African Wildlife College provided the ideal vehicle to
do just that. Through PHASA’s Conservation and Empowerment
Fund, donors continue to support this annual event and in so
doing ensure that wildlife rangers, field guides and protected
area managers already in the field of conservation receive
the training they need ,” said Adri Kitshoff, CEO of PHASA.
It was smiles all round when Theresa Sowry, CEO
of the Southern African Wildlife College received
a cheque for over R1.5-million raised at the at the
annual African Wildlife Heritage Gala Dinner hosted by PHASA at the Sandton Sun in Johannesburg.
Pictured from left are: Hermann Meyeridricks, Chairman of the PHASA Conservation and Empowerment
Fund; Theresa Sowry; Adri Kitshoff, CEO of PHASA
and Eduard Katzke, President of PHASA.
“Since the event’s inception, we have been able to train
676 people from across the SADC region,” said Theresa
Sowry, CEO of the Wildlife College. “This just goes to
show what can be done when leading players and
organisations in the conservation industry band together.”
The funds are raised by way of acquiring and
auctioning exclusive donations of hunting and
accommodation packages, luxury weekend retreats,
hunting equipment and wildlife art donated by various
conservation organisations, outfitters and businesses.
Pictured at the annual African Wildlife Heritage
Gala Dinner hosted by PHASA at the Sandton Sun
in Johannesburg are from left: Adri Kitshoff, CEO
of PHASA; Victor Khoza; Nandi Nyameka Khoza,
Gauteng Agriculture and Rural Development MEC;
and Eduard Katzke, President of PHASA
Adding to the success of the event is the fact that it has
over the years been supported by numerous dignitaries
which this year included Nandi Nyameka Khoza,
Gauteng Agriculture and Rural Development MEC, Dr
Bartolomeu Soto, Ministry of Tourism in Mozambique,
Dr David Mabunda, CEO of South African National Parks,
and Dr Bandile Mkhize, CEO of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
Gambian delegation visits SAWC
The College had a surprise visit from a high profile Gambian delegation led by the Honourable Minister of Forestry: Jato Sillah
accompanied by the Director of Forestry: Abdoulie Sanneh; the Director of Parks and Wildlife Management: Alpha Jallow; and Dr
Louis Saiwana: Technical Assistance Director of Wildlife Management. Coordinated by the DEA, the delegation visited the College
as they had expressed an interest in sending a large number of protected area managers to the SAWC from 2012 for training
against our Higher Education Qualifications.
A big thank you to our
supporters/funding partners
in 2011
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our supporters/
funding partners some of whom have loyally supported the College
since its inception in 1996. To those that have recently come on board,
we welcome you to the College and thank you for your support.
There is little doubt that education and training plays a pivotal role
in terms of protecting, rehabilitating and sustaining our wildlife
areas. The shocking statistics on the poaching of rhino brings home
the need for committed, well-trained and passionate people willing
to meet head on these and other challenges such as the decline in
biological diversity, habitat fragmentation, climate change, the lack
of development opportunities in communal areas and wildlife and
human conflict.
With protected area managers being the direct link between the
parks and a broad array of stakeholders such as government agencies,
conservation groups, farmers, community leaders and residents living
in and around parks; they play an instrumental role in achieving long
lasting conservation results which address ecological, economic and
community needs.
The support and funding provided is much appreciated as it will enable
us to continue to assist with the capacity building of people directly
involved in protecting and conserving our natural heritage.
AFRISAM
AIMPOINT
CHARLIE GRAEF
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS (DEA)
DISTELL
FH CHAMBERLAIN
THE FLEMISH GOVERNMENT
GAME RANGERS ASSOCIATION OF AFRICA (GRAA)
GEORGE FREDERICK MARX
HANS HOHEISEN CHARITABLE TRUST
INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION – SCORE
KFW ENTWICKLUNGSBANK
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
LIBERTY WILDLIFE FOUNDATION
LIMPOPO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT AND
TOURISM
NATIONAL LOTTERIES DEVELOPMENT TRUST FUND (NLDTF)
NUFFIC
PEACE PARKS FOUNDATION
PROFESSIONAL HUNTERS’ ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA
(PHASA)
RAND MERCHANT BANK
RUFFORD FOUNDATION
SACET
US FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE SERVICES
VAN LOVEREN
WORLDWIDE FUND FOR NATURE – SOUTH AFRICA
Mina Mubanga does the College proud
Fourteen years on and KFW Entwicklungsbank,
one of the founding donors of the Wildlife
College, continues to play an important role at
the College. In 1996 during the start-up of the
College, KfW provided DM 10-million for the
development of the SAWC. They have also over
the years provided much-needed bursaries to
open up career opportunities for women in
conservation.
One of the recipients of these bursaries, 35-year
old Mina Mubanga from Zambia was given the
opportunity of a life-time when she was invited
by KfW to attend the launch event of a campaign
in Frankfurt, Germany entitled “Biodiversity
Experience”. Thousands of miles from home,
Mina captivated the audience with stories from
Africa.
As if from an adventure film, Mina told of her studies away from home at the Southern African Wildlife College. Of her family and
her three children who live “two days’ journey away.”
She regaled the audience with snippets from the certificate course which is “being attended by 18 men and only five women
where respect must be earned given the nature of the course content and the work that needs to be done in the field.”
“Just like our male counterparts, we have to walk for miles with heavy backpacks on foot patrolling our wildlife areas. We have
to contend with armed poachers who have no qualms in shooting at us and who, in many respects, are more dangerous than the
wild animals in our parks.” Laughingly she says that the animals at least look at you first, as if to ask ‘what are you doing in my
neck of the woods’.
Asked how she got into interested in a career in conservation especially since it is largely male-dominated she said that her father
provided a role model. “For many years he was active in nature conservation. During his studies he took me to the United States
where I attended school. He also taught me to take advantage of opportunities and seize my dreams with both hands.”
“Women today have the opportunity to study and further themselves and doing so help provide for their families. Yes, it is hard
being away from my children but I want to give them a better future so I have to look beyond the horizons of my village. In this
way I can also ensure that my children get a proper education so that they too can better themselves.”
“At the end of this year, I will graduate from the Southern African Wildlife College which is recognised as a centre of training
excellence within the SADC region. The training and guidance received will help me to do my job better and in so doing increase
my opportunities to advance,” she said.
During her visit Mina stole the hearts of many and presented herself as an excellent role model for other women in the field or
entering the field of conservation.
Thank you Mina – you did the College proud!
A big thank you must also go to KfW for giving Mina the opportunity to represent the College and for its continued and valued
support
Field Ranger Training
In response to the increase in rhino poaching seen across South
Africa a joint funding proposal between the College and the
Game Ranger Association of Africa (GRAA) has given rise to the
Wildlife Guardian Programme, which holds as its main objective
the training of field rangers. The key driving force behind the
realization of the programme has been the Liberty Wildlife
Foundation who has been the main sponsor of various field
ranger training projects.
In order to curb the current trend in poaching, conservation
organizations need trained and experienced people on the
ground. The field rangers are the first and last line of defence
once poachers have entered a conservation area. In some
instances, they literally are the living shields for the rhino. In
order to carry out this function they require dedication, physical
fitness and stamina and they need to be highly trained across a
broad range of skills.
The Basic Field Ranger training programme serves as a solid
foundation on which the field ranger can then build; through
personal experiences in the field and with advanced training
programmes offered at the Southern African Wildlife College.
Since its inception earlier this year, the Wildlife Guardian
Programme has trained 48 field rangers in the Basic Field Rangers
training programme through its collaboration with African Field
Ranger Training Services (AFRTS), a well recognized field ranger
training provider who serves the SADC region.
In addition to this training, 24 field rangers have been trained
in the extended clandestine patrols programme trained by
Ntomeni Ranger Services, an intensive and highly practical
programme aimed at enhancing skills already entrenched during
the basic training programme.
By the end of the year, 100 individuals will be trained in the Basic
Field Ranger training program and 42 in extended clandestine
patrols.
Any individual or organization willing to fund a bursary or one of
our training programmes should please contact Julie Wolhuter
at [email protected] or on 015 7937329, as the College is still
actively looking for funding for these programmes.
News from the Certificate Programme
Advanced Certificate in Nature Conservation in Conservation Implementation and Leadership
The new format of beginning with a College block is a great improvement and the results thus far have been
commendable. Very few re-assessments have been required for class assignments, none for class tests and none for
the semester exams.
The first training block held at the College has thus progressed well and learners are better prepared to tackle the
workplace assignments that will have to be completed during the workplace block. The final semester which is a
college block commences on 22 August and will continue to 3 December 2011.
The modules covered thus far include: Biodiversity Management, Catchment Management, Community Based Natural
Resource Management, Research Skills, Environmental Development Plans and Resource Economics.
With the same level of commitment and dedication to their studies that they have shown during the first half of the
year there is no doubt that students on the Advanced Certificate will graduate successfully at the close of the course
in the first week of December.
Higher Certificate in Nature Conservation in Trans-Frontier Conservation Management
The Higher Certificate Course is progressing well but consideration may in future have to be given to making course
entry requirements stricter with Grade 12 English and Science or Biology/Natural Sciences becoming compulsory.
Extra English and Numeracy classes have been made available for learners who are struggling with their English and
Numeracy skills to try and ensure that they meet the required standard.
To date the students have covered the following modules: Basic Computer Skills, Philosophy & Ethics of Conservation,
Basic Ecology, Animal Studies, Cultural Heritage Management and Law Enforcement.
CHE Site visit
The Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC)
of the Council on Higher Education (CHE) which
is responsible for the accreditation of higher
education learning programmes, visited the College
on 19 May 2011. The purpose of the visit was
within the context of accreditation process, which
included accountability requirements in relation to
observance of minimum standards. The College’s
capacity to offer higher education programmes
was also investigated. The CHE delegation included
Professor Jan Nieuwenhuis from the University
of Pretoria and Professor Kevin Kirkman from the
University of Kwa-Zulu Natal. The Higher Education
Training Department at the College greatly
appreciates the support offered by all the other
staff members from various departments prior to
and during the visit; not forgetting Vanessa Verster
as well as Theresa Sowry the CEO of the College for
her guidance and strong leadership.
Gawie’s Field News
The beginning of winter in the Lowveld also heralds the beginning of the dry season. With the cold mornings and the last rain
just a distant memory; the grass suddenly withers and turns to gold in the late afternoon sun. The leaves on the trees turn a
kaleidoscope of colours; deep browns and yellows interspersed with reds and occasionally a green leaf still clinging to life. Larger
numbers of Zebra and Blue Wildebeest are seen grazing on the yellow winter grass on the open areas. They are drawn to the last
remaining water. A large herd of Buffalo occasionally treks past adding their numbers to the increased herbivore count.
An increase in herbivores always means an increase in Lion activity; their roars shatter the silence almost nightly.
We don’t get to see them much but the nocturnal serenades and
the huge pugmarks in the soft sand are testament that they are
around and not shy about it: A female Leopard and her two half
grown cubs have been seen on two occasions on the way to our
borehole. Fresh tracks of Wild Dog have also been seen near
the gate as well as an incredible sighting of Cheetah sunning
themselves on a termite mound close to the College; the first
known sighting of Cheetah by College staff since 2009.
Although Elephants have been a little scarce, there has been a
small group of bulls gently feeding their way around the campus
lately. Of interest is one of the younger ones missing a large
section of his trunk. We watched him for a while to see how
he manages to eat as the wound was clearly well healed and
the elephant looked in good condition. I noticed that he just
managed to reach his mouth with the tip of his shortened trunk
and that he still had enough dexterity to pick leaves off trees.
As for feeding on grass he simply had to bend down to reach
low enough. Drinking I suspect will be accomplished in the same
manner.
During the recent Field Ranger training deployment phase we
had a great time sleeping under the stars. Walking two patrols
daily we managed to cover a fair amount of ground and racked
up a few interesting sightings. Best of all was the identification of
six different White Rhinos all within a 2 km radius of the campus;
one big bull, two adult cows, two sub adults and one calf. We
also noticed a large amount of Aardvark activity, we didn’t see
one but we did see tracks and signs that they were digging for
termites almost daily. Three big male Lions came strolling by the
camp on the last night and serenaded the students with a couple
of full blown roars; you know they are close if you can actually
hear them inhale between roars.
Well as the greens and browns give way to the yellows and greys
I bid you farewell until next time.
Community News
A few weeks ago, Welverdiend Primary School asked
the SAWC’s Community Liason Office to lecture to
their grade 7’s about Migratory Birds in accordance
with the 2011 Environmental Calendar. The job was
perfect for our very own SAWC graduate and staff
member Blondy Mabunda. Her strong connection
to BirdLife SA combined with expertise and passion,
created an exciting and informative presentation. The
lecture focused on migratory bird species found in SA,
threats, habitats and intrinsic values. The students then
participated in educational games involving singing and
dancing. The learner’s enthusiasm was evident as they
bombarded Blondy with question after question. The
presentation has inspired young learners to care for
their winged friends by caring for their environment,
saving resources, and respecting all life forms. A
huge thanks to Blondy who has inspired a whole new
generation of keen and passionate “birders”.
With Compliments
Southern African Wildlife College
Private Bag X3015, Hoedspruit, 1380, South Africa.
Tel: +27 (15) 793-7300
Fax: +27 (15) 793-7314
e-mail: [email protected]
www.wildlifecollege.org.za
Directors: Dr. M. D. Mabunda (Chairman), Dr. M. du Plessis, Mrs. L. Lynch, Mr. I. Goodwin, Countess S. Labia, Dr. I.B. Mkhize,
Mr. M. Mnisi, Mr. E. Mokganedi, Mr. W. Myburgh, Dr. B. Soto (Mozambique), Mrs. T. S. Sowry