The Bateleur
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
July 20 1 4, Issue 3
SAWC - the proud recipient of two prestigious conservation awards
Theresa Sowry, CEO of the Southern African Wildlife College (centre) is pictured with (left) Annelize Steyn who heads up the Higher Education and Training certificate programmes in
protected area management and (right) Ruben de Kock who heads up the College’s Field Ranger Training Division, African Field Ranger Training Services.
The Southern African Wildlife College was recently pronounced the
winner in the Mail and Guardian’s
2014 “Greening the Future” awards
In the category “Skills for Sustainability” and was the runner-up in the
category “Best Awareness, Education and Funding” at the 2014 Rhino
Awards.
As a first time entrant to the Mail
and Guardian Awards, which recognize and acknowledge individuals
and organizations that contribute
to innovation in environmental best
practice in South Africa, the College was delighted with the award.
Fittingly the College won the most
newly established award “Skills for
Sustainability” for the role it plays in
conservation education, training and
skills development across the conservation and environmental sector.
The entry outlined the work that
the College does in helping develop
protected area managers across the
SADC region whilst also gathering
and documenting data on best practice which is then communicated
back to the various conservation
agencies and organisations.
The Rhino Conservation Awards,
which was founded by Dr Larry Hansen in an effort to create awareness
of rhino conservation issues, while
recognising exceptional individuals
and organisations for their efforts in
protecting Africa’s rhino population,
acknowledged the Wildlife College
for the role its plays in rhino protec-
tion and conservation. The College’s
Wildlife Guardian Programme, which
formed the basis of the submission,
is aimed at training field rangers
at all levels to help protect Africa’s
natural resources including threated
species such as our rhino. In addition
the College conducts aerial patrols
on the behalf of various reserves to
try and help plot and secure their
rhino populations. As part of this endeavor field rangers are also trained
in ground to air patrols.
The Rhino Awards, sponsored by
Barclays Africa Group, are held in collaboration with the Department of
Environmental Affairs of South Africa
and the Game Rangers’ Association
of Africa (GRAA). His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco this
year accepted the position of Patron
of the Rhino Conservation Initiative
and the Rhino Conservation Awards,
which added further stature to the
awards.
This is the third year that the dedication of people involved in the
fight again rhino poaching is being
acknowledged. Nominations were
invited from African Rhino Range
States in five categories, namely:
Best Field Ranger, Best Conservation
Practitioner, Best Political & Judicial
Support, Best Science Research &
Technology and Best Awareness,
Education or Funding. SANParks’
Honorary Rangers, Counter Poaching
Region scooped the top award in the
latter category in which the SAWC
was announced the runner-up.
DEA FUNDED “YES” STUDENTS GRADUATE AT THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN WILDLIFE COLLEGE
July 2014 marked not only the end of a yearof experiential learning
for the 86 Department of Environmental affairs’ (DEA) Youth
Environmental Service (YES) students, but also the beginning of a new
chapter for them as they will now need to apply their skills in their
prospective work environments.
These students were the first graduates of a three year DEA funded
programme. For the past 12 months they have been trained by
the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) and placed with
Local Municipalities, the Department of Economic Development,
Environment and Tourism (DEDET) – now DARDLA - and state reserves
(host institutions) in Thaba Chweu, Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga
and Limpopo, where they have assisted the institutions in carrying
out core functions. This project comprises three skills programmes
namely: environmental monitors, environmental awareness and waste
management and recycling training. The students were involved in a
range of activities from waste collection and separation to monitoring
of fauna and flora, conservation guardianship, collecting water and
animal samples, combating problem plants to educating various
schools and communities about environmental issues. All facilitated
through collaboration with the key stakeholders.
The graduation ceremony held at the SAWC, was led by programme
director Ruben De Kock who welcomed the guests, and followed by
the project coordinator, Sboniso Phakathi, who gave a brief overview
of the project. Themba Lubisi of Department of Agriculture, Rural
Development and Land Administration (DARDLA) spoke on behalf of
the mentors and host institutions and brought reality to the challenges
and highlights experienced by them as mentors.
He said that the project will continue growing from strength to
strength and that they as a department would be there to support
where possible. He wished the learners well as they set off into the
world of work.
Mr Mokotedi Thaga, the Director of Programme Planning & Implementation
Support in the DEA is pictured with one of the proud Youth Environmental
Services graduates.
Hunadi Masha, Ruel Dibakoane and Amos Skhosana spoke on the
behalf of their fellow students highlighting ‘the power of education
in uplifting the youth’ and ‘how much they had grown together as
friends and developed as people’. They went on to thank the SAWC,
DEA, the municipalities, LEDET, MTPA, and DARDLA for their efforts in
supporting their development.
The key note address was delivered by Mr. Mokotedi Thaga, the
Director of Programme Planning & Implementation Support in the
DEA, who gave an in-depth view of where the YES project fits into the
Environmental Protection and Infrastructure Programme (EPIP)and
highlighted governments commitment to youth development through
interventions such as the YES project. The formalities ended with the
students receiving their certificates in the various skills programmes.
TRIBUTE TO MARTIN MTHEMBU
16 August 1968 – 2 August 2014
It was with profound sadness that the Southern African Wildlife
College advised of the death of one of its staff members, Mr Martin
Mthembu who died in a car accident on Saturday 2 August. Martin
was a long-standing partner in African Field Ranger Training Services,
now a division of the College, and has trained field rangers from
across the continent.
His legacy extends way beyond South Africa and its borders. The
condolences that have been coming in from far and wide are
testimony to the man that Martin was. He was an icon in the field
ranger training arena and led his students by example. Known for his
integrity, honour and deep sense of responsibility to conservation,
his work, his family and his friends, Martin will be sorely missed by
everyone he came into contact with.
Our condolences are extended to his wife Simangele and his children
as well as to Ruben and Marianne de Kock with whom he worked
closely for over 20 years.
Rest in peace Martin, we will miss you and treasure the wonderful
memories we shared.
Amos Skhosana, one of the students who spoke on behalf of the Youth Environmental Services graduates.
A BIG THUMBS UP FOR THE COLLEGE’S ‘EYE IN THE SKY’
The past few months have been
busy one’s for the College’s
Bathawk sponsored by the
Liberty Widlife Fund. In July alone
a total of 76 flying hours were
logged for the month.
The official South African rhino
poaching statistics for the year
up until July 2014 as supplied by
the WESSA Rhino Initiative now
stand at 560 rhino. Of these over
400 animals were poached in
the Greater Kruger National Park
area. A total of 165 arrests were
made associated with poaching
activities.
The regular aerial patrols and
collection of rhino data have
assisted in locating poached
our wounded animals and
have
produced interesting
observations in rhino movement
between
seasons.
This
information over time will allow
reserve managers to monitor
seasonal trends and predict
rhino movement on a month to
month basis which will assist in
future management decisions.
The data collected and forwarded
to park management is also
assisting immensely in productive
deployment of field rangers in
high risk areas.
With aerial assistance, the College
is also able to guide rangers or
the park warden to the position
of the animals on the ground.
Unfortunately some of these
rhino are still alive and suffering
at which time the veterinarian is
contacted to try and treat and
save the animal. Unfortunately
in many cases the damage is
too severe and efforts to try and
save the animal are in vain. Our
Bathawk was however recently
involved in a lovely, heartwarming story, saving a wounded
white rhino cow with a very
young calf. It appeared that the
rhino may have been wounded
by an attempted poaching
incident and had a serious
wound above her right eye. After
locating her from the sky, she
and the calf (to prevent further
trauma) were darted. The wound,
which appeared to be caused by
a rifle bullet , was treated and
the animals were ear-notched
and implanted with micro-chips.
DNA samples were also taken
for the national rhino databank.
Both animals were woken-up
simultaneously and it was with
a great deal of satisfaction that
Bruce MacDonald the Bathawk
pilot, the vet, the park warden
and the field rangers watched the
cow and calf re-unite and run-off
into the bush.
Once again, a very special thank
you to all our donors and to each
and every one that supports the
Bathawk Programme and makes
gratifying stories, such as this
one possible. Your donations and
sponsorships keep our aircraft in
the sky, assisting in the protection
of our endangered wildlife.
WORLD RANGER DAY – A TIME FOR REFLECTION AND CELEBRATION
On 31 July, the International Ranger Federation
asked that on that “one day, more than most,
the world community pause, reflect and honour
those park rangers who have lost their lives in
the line of duty, and importantly celebrate and
acknowledge the brave, tireless, and critical
role of park rangers in protecting our world’s
natural systems and endangered species”
In South Africa, the Deputy Minister of
Environmental Affairs, Ms Barbara Thomson,
officially unveiled the Ranger Monument at
the Kruger Gate in the Kruger National Park,
as part of the World Ranger Day celebration.
The
Monument
acknowledges
the
contribution of past, present and future
rangers to conservation in South Africa, and
the world. “Nowhere is the importance of
rangers more clearly illuminated than in
the fight against rhino poaching,” said Ms
Thomson.
Many park rangers around the globe overcome
and deal with the realities of extreme violence
in their anti-poaching efforts, little support
in terms of equipment and training, and hard
living conditions with low wages and often
remote living. In fact it’s estimated that the
world has lost over 1000 rangers in the last 10
years. Of those 1000, 102 were recorded as
losing their lives in 2013, and a further 53 for
this year.
On World Ranger Day people paid respects for
those listed on the Honour Roll for 2014 and
spared a thought for those not yet reported
and those who were severely injured.
“We remember to support and celebrate
the park rangers out on the front-line of
conservation right now. Rangers who are out
there now protecting endangered species and
ecosystems, rescuing visitors, educating
tourists and engaging local communities
in conservation, protecting cultural and
historical sites, and so much more. We
celebrate your truly inspirational efforts and
results,” said Mr Sean Wilmore, President of
the International Ranger Foundation.
The Ranger Monument comprises parts of
the Leadwood Tree, which is the epitomy
of longevity, outlasting many challenges
and is a true icon of the Lowveld savanna
and Africa’s rangers. The monument also
depicts the two ‘life lines’ on the hand of a
ranger - representing the rangers’ lives which
are dedicated to serve the broad ideals of
conservation and the rangers’ stewardship
aimed at defending and conserving all
creatures and natural places. The two walls of
the monument form the ‘place’, a reflection
and contemplation of all the lives dedicated
to conservation.
A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS AND SUPPORTERS FOR THEIR INCREDIBLE SUPPORT
International trip a great success
With funding made available by the Southern African Wildlife College
Trust (SAWCT) for international marketing, a very successful European
trip was conducted by Theresa Sowry and Jeanné Poultney from 17 June
– 1 July 2014. Partner organisations, supporters and donors (potential
and existing) were visited in the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and
Germany. Successful meetings, which included various presentations,
were held with PPF Netherlands, WWF (Netherlands, Germany and
International) as well as with Brand van Egmond, Addessium (to
partner with African Parks), Liberty Wildlife Fund, Türing Foundation,
Aimpoint, National Geographic, Friends of African Wildlife, KFW and
other potential individual funders.
Whilst in Zürich, the College attended an event organised and hosted
by Friends of African Wildlife, which was aimed at raising funds for the
anti-poaching aerial patrols, which forms part of the College’s Wildlife
Guardian Programme.
This event proved very successful with funding now having been pledged
to support “our eye in the sky” and our air to ground patrols.
The College were also delighted to hear that it would once again this
year be the recipient of the Zoofäscht’s “Mensch and Tier” Award, which
includes a monetary donation to the College from supporters of this gala
event which is organised every two years in support of the Zürich Zoo.
Theresa (centre) pictured with Carmen Schiltknecht (left) and Bettina Weber
(founder member) of Friends of African Widlife at the fundraising event held at
La Zagra in Zürich.
Theresa (left) and Jeanné at WWF International’s office in Gland, Switzerland
Adopt-A-Student well supported in 2014
The College would like to extend a huge thank you to its donors who have
pledged their support and have sponsored student bursaries as part of
our Adopt-a-Student programme. This year over R4-million has been
secured in support of the College’s flagship students who are completing
the Higher and Advanced Protected Area Management Programme.
And here our heartfelt thanks must go to PPF who, through MAVA, is
subsidizing each protected area management student. This subsidy of
R35,000 per student, together with the organisational contribution and
bursary funding make up the course fees for this year-long programme.
Other donors of this programme include Friends of African Wildlife, KFW
Stiftung, Afrisam, Mr JJ van Zyl, Safari Club International, RTL Television
(Mr George Hackl) , Mr Durcesio Mello together with the Southern
African Wildlife College Trust which provides three scholarships and two
bursaries - funds allowing - to the College each year.
Without our donors’ valued support, the College would not be able
to train these conservation managers and equip them with the skills
needed to deal with the challenges facing conservation today. Poaching,
area integrity, the need to mitigate the link between natural resource
destruction and poverty in rural communities, wildlife conflict, climate
change, resource ownership are but some of the challenges being
faced. In meeting the needs of the conservation industry whilst also
developing the immense potential of students from all over Africa, we
with the help of our donors, aim to help transform the biodiversity
economy of the region by ensuring that our students are equipped to
help manage Africa’s dwindling, yet ever important wildlife populations
and other natural resources, sustainably and in cooperation with local
communities.
During the visit to Aimpoint in Malmö, Sweden Theresa presented a certificate of thanks to Lennart Ljungfelt, President of Aimpoint for their on-going
support.
Thanks must also go to our other donors who support to the College’s
Wildlife Guardian Programme including aerial patrols, the Youth
Access: Conservation and Environmental Bridging Programme; the
Sustainable Utilization Programme, Youth, Community and Enterprise
Development as well as our Research and Innovation department aimed
at investigating, developing and passing on to training departments and
conservation institutions and parks the most appropriate conservation
practices and skills. But more about this in our next issue….
HIGHER EDUCATION - WORKPLACE VISITS
Mozambique
It was with excitement that I started this roadtrip
to Mozambique, via Northern Kruger Park and
southern Zimbabwe. My former MTPA colleague,
now environmental consultant and very good
friend, Koos de Wet, willingly supplied his
trustworthy Landy for the venture into the bush. I
have done many trips, officially and privately, in this
very same Landy, so I was very comfortable and at
ease that we “would make it” through this trip. Of
course we would!
We started off from the College on Sunday 11 May
towards Makuleke Community, where we were
welcomed and hosted at the Makuleke Cultural
Centre. Monday morning we were introduced
to the Chief Makuleke, various members of the
community and Bongani Baloyi, before doing the
workplace interview with Precious Maluleke. Our
CBNRM section has a very good learning –bydoing project going with the community, and it
was important for me to accustom myself with the
whole project, and to see firsthand the challenges
and needs; and where the College can have some
impact and input.
We visited the community owned lodge in northern
Kruger, as well as the site where the new river
camp is being built. Travelling via Punda Maria to
the Pafuri border post, we had a quick stop at the
infamous Crooke’s Corner. We saw with trepidation
that the Limpopo was still in flood, and we were
supposed to cross this on out way to Gonarezhou!
Friendly border officials ensured us that there
was “no problem” in crossing the river, as there
was a ferry available. This ferry turned out to be a
powerless, engine-less, 2-man-power-without oarsbut with 2-poles” leaking little dingy. This did not
deter us one little bit, and after much negotiation
whether the Landy was too heavy with fuel (they
tried their best to relieve us of our water cans which
they hoped were filled with diesel), we set off to
challenge the roaring Limpopo. Most of the excess
water in the bottom of the dingy, very optimistically
called a ferry, was scooped out with numerous tins,
pails and so forth, before the Landy was slowly
manoeuvred onto it. The dinghy seemed to creak
with every tyre that was placed onto it, but after
much deliberation, the Landy filled the ferry to
capacity. One “oarsman” sporting a long pole at
the front and one at the back was what we had
between us and the thrusting watermass. I was left
hanging onto the side, and Koos perched high and
dry within. Well, hakuna matata, 1 hour and R500
later, we pulled off the ferry, still dry, and intact!
We set off for Zimbabwe, arriving at the Simuwini
Chalets, Gonarezhou late afternoon. Sunset was
enjoyed on the banks of the river outside our lodge,
each with a cold Zambezi Lager in the hand, and
the full moon rising in the east. Next day we had
meetings with the Park/section ranger and Caroline
Katsande, Alice Chatikobo and Justice Mafumba,
addressing some of their specific challenges. As
they are actually stationed at Chipinda Pools and in
the northern parts of the park and further north
Chipinge National Park and therefore unfamiliar
with the area, we took them on a long game drive,
to see the local habitat, conditions and some
landmarks. This would assist when doing their
actual assignments, which was appreciated and
enjoyed by all.
Next day we departed for Vilanculos, via Parque
Nacional Banhini. We encountered individuals off
all ages groups, lots of birdlife and frequent thick
stands of Adansonia digitata (commonly known as
Baobab) which meant the trip was never boring.
Five hundred kilometres without any other vehicle
in sight was a real treat! We merely pulled off the
road and made our own little bushcamp under
the stars. More of the same followed the next
day, until we struck the tar road to the south, and
arrived in Vilanculos late afternoon. Next morning
we were ferried over (without the Landy this
time!) to Bazaruto Archipelago National Park. We
were met on the beach at Benguerra Lodge by
Park manager, Tomas Bwalya, and EWT Dugong
Emergency Protection Project leader, Karen Allen.
We discussed with her how the College can assist
in some training for the field rangers, especially GPS
training, and vegetation mapping etc. The next three
days were spent learning more of the Archipelago,
the challenges of managing a park of this nature,
and dugong monitoring. I also met up with the pilot
flying for the Bateleur project, whom I have known
for years, and he took me see the Archipelago from
the air. Thank you Ettienne Oosthuizen for making
good on your promise, made many years before, of
taking me flying after my plane accident! We were
treated to a question and answer session by the
local school children on all the sea life they could
find and bring to us for identification. Then we were
promptly hijacked to come and visit this very school
on the edge of the beach, overlooking the Indian
ocean. After almost losing my sunglasses, shirt,
bangles and a couple of other sought after items
to this excited and enthusiastic group, we were
“saved” by the elders of the community from the
mob of enthusiastic kids, and we were released
again. Tomas Bwalya treated us daily with anything
from fish, crabs and calamari to rice dinners, after
which we obligingly shared our steaks, wors and
veggies with the appreciating rangers. Turns out
they only receive a visit from the main land once
a week, carrying fresh food. With no power, except
a generator running for 3 hours per day, they are
very limited in terms of food and computer time.
But that did nothing to dampen their pride and
enthusiasm in executing their duties. Well done to
Tomas and his crew!
It was with sadness, but enriched to no end, that we
left Bazarutho, to continue towards Masingir Dam,
camping overnight on the way at Morrongulo
Again arriving just before sunset at the dam, we
stayed over at Albufeira Chalets Parque Nacional
do Limpopo. Next day I had meetings with PPF
representative, Billy Swanepoel, to discuss the
possibility of them hosting the Higher Certificate
class at the end of the year, in the period just
before Graduation. After a good discussion, and
confirming that this is indeed a distinct possibility to
be planned further in detail, we visited Campismo
Aquia Resqueira Parque Nacilnal do Limpopo to
check its suitability for the end of year visit. We
continued via Giriyondo Border post to Shingwedzi.
Here we were met by Marius Renken and Mandla
Lubisi, and down to Olifants camp meeting Walter
Chauke.
Two weeks later, having met several students in their
“natural habitat”, I am so much wiser in terms of
understanding their circumstances and challenges,
but impressed with all of their attitudes towards
their careers and commitment to their studies. Well
done all, and thank you for hosting us, and sharing
your ideas. Knowing what your circumstances are,
will greatly assist the Academic department in our
approach to certain assignments and presenting of
modules.
Annelize Steyn - Head Academic Affairs
ZIMBABWE
Since starting at the College, I have always heard the
Higher and Advanced Certificate programmes described
as the “college flagships”. I am proud to have been
involved in helping train them, but the importance of
these courses had never become completely clear to me
until I recently accompanied Ms. Annelize Steyn (SAWC
Head of Academic Affairs) on a workplace site visit to our
alumni and current students in Zimbabwe.
I often get an abstract feeling when training students
who are “out of context”. I have always preferred training
in the same environment where the person works, but
obviously this is not always possible. Failing that, the
next best thing is to interact with them in their work
environment to see how best to deliver relevant training
when back at the College. These site visits therefore
play an important part in keeping our programs on the
cutting edge while at the same time providing support
for the students, both past and present. It was gratifying
to see in what high regard our alumni are held there.
Our trip took us in a huge anticlockwise loop from lake
Mutirikwe in the south east, up to Harare, Mana Pools,
Kariba, Matusadona, Chizarira, Victoria Falls, Hwange
and Matobo. Wherever possible, we arranged for
students to meet with us in centralised locations, but the
remoteness of some of the parks meant that we needed
to get ourselves there. In the process we discovered that
SAWC graduates and students are found right the way
across that beautiful country – even where we were not
expecting any! We also got to see some really stunning
locations and were granted experiences that we will
never forget.
How could we forget the magnificent elephant bull
in Mana Pools, who walked straight up to us as if to
say hello? I was never trained to trust wild elephants
at this sort of “whites-of-the-eyes” range so I felt a
little uncomfortable to say the least. Annelize on the
other hand has a more trusting approach and was
overwhelmed as the behemoth gently touched her with
his tusk and trunk before tossing her camp chair aside
so he could pass.
Later that evening as we were cooking, a huge ruckus
broke out among the baboons that were roosting in the
massive ana trees near our camp. Annelize called for me
to shine my light on one particularly cheeky individual
Victoria Falls Marathon –
a Perfect Day
I truly believe the wisdom held in that old clichéd that
“all work and no play makes Malcolm a dull boy.” I
also understand that the “play” part of that saying
often comes at a price. Things got started a few weeks
before our Zimbabwe workplace visit when Annelize
realised that the running of the Victoria Falls Marathon
coincided perfectly with our visit. Naturally, being a
dedicated road-running fitness-type person this was
too good an opportunity to miss and she immediately
registered for the half marathon. I have only recently
started running again, so thought this to be an ideal
opportunity to actually run with a purpose. In a
momentary lapse of judgement I decided to register for
the 7,5km “fun run.” Softly softly as they say ...
The Vic Falls Marathon is really growing in popularity
and it’s not hard to see why. Where else can one run
a race at one of the Seven Wonders of the World,
inside a national park, across an international border
(Zimbabwe into Zambia and back) and realistically
expect to see elephants and other game along
the way? Not only is this a perfect place to run, a
percentage of the proceeds generated by the event go
to really worthwhile charity causes, two of which are
conservation based and the other community based.
This provided extra incentive for us to participate both
as individuals and as a college. This year, Painted Dog
Conservation http://www.painteddog.org/], Victoria
whose eyes she could see reflecting in the firelight. I did
so and we were immediately greeted with a close-up
view of a young leopard just a few meters away. He was
totally relaxed around us and went back to harassing his
planned meal.
We also won’t forget arriving after dark in Chizarira
National Park after a 470km drive on the back roads from
Kariba. As I was manoeuvring the vehicle at the site, we
both got the sudden sinking feeling that we were rather
closer to the edge of a precipice than we should be. First
light showed us exactly how close to the edge we had
been. Had Annelize taken two paces out of her tent in
the wrong direction, she would have had a very long free
fall to the bottom of the spectacular Mucheni Gorge!
The Baikiaea forests between Vic Falls and Bulawayo,
the lunar scenery in Motobo National Park, the
incredible ever-changing landscapes of Hwange. These
are just some of the ways in which Zimbabwe’s natural
splendour has the ability to amaze and surprise, but
happily that is complemented by the pride and attitude
of the Zimbabweans themselves. Despite their economic
challenges, wherever we entered a camp there were
clear indications that the staff were doing what they
could, with the little that they have. The parking lots
were swept, the floors were polished and the sheets
were always clean and ironed - even if sometimes there
were no light bulbs in the lamps. One can only admire
these can-do people with their indomitable attitude,
sense of humour, pride of purpose and the will to be the
best at what they do.
Since returning home, the information we collected
during our trip has proved invaluable in updating our
academic modules, in designing integrated workplace
learning tasks and in many other aspects of the
administration of the courses. This trip has also changed
me in many ways. I will be a better trainer for it. I have
seen firsthand the sorts of “issues” and challenges park
managers face there and I will be able to speak more
directly to those. For this I say a huge thank you to
Annelize for the opportunity, to our students and alumni
who went out of their way to make sure we could meet
up and to the people of Zimbabwe who made our trip
such a pleasant and memorable one.
Malcolm Douglas - Senior Lecturer
Falls Anti Poaching Unit [http://www.victoriafalls.net/
let-us-help/anti-poaching.aspx] and Rose of Charity
[http://roseofcharity.webs.com/] were selected as the
recipients.
On the day, we arrived at the race starting point to find
a large crowd already gathered and I immediately grew
anxious about my ability to finish the 7,5km. These
people looked serious! Fortunately for me they were
the serious runners, all vying for the honours (and
dare I say prize money) that was up for grabs. After a
professional pep talk from “the boss” I started to relax.
The atmosphere was terrific. People were limbering
up all over the place, spectators were already settling
in with flasks of coffee (and some stronger liquids) and
a huge PA system was providing the necessary beat. It
was a loud and very colourful scene. I was surprised
at the cosmopolitan make up of the entrants too.
Apparently 24 countries were represented there, which
I can well believe. There were loads of foreign accents
to be heard, but the Zimbabweans and Zambians were
there in force.
The marathon and half marathon events set off without
any problems and then it was my turn. What a crazy
bunch of people we were. There was the usual turnout
of jokers wearing masks and wigs, while others ran with
their dogs and some even pushed their children in 4x4
prams. Much to my surprise, I managed to plod/drag
myself the whole way without a single stop. This was
not so bad actually... until the next day when the “fun”
part became questionable and my muscles paid me
back in kind.
As usual, Annelize acquitted herself very well and as
she finished, immediately requested that I fetch her a
Zambezi lager for her troubles. A strange thing that...
no Zambezi lager to be found in the one place where
it should be! Anyway, a few bacon and egg rolls later
and we were ready for a shower and later on for a
sundowner on the Zambezi to round off what was one
of the most perfect days I’ve had in a long while.
Malcolm Douglas
LEARNERSHIP DEPARTMENT
The Learnerships Department had its work cut our for it this quarter
of the year. Seven Short Course Programmes, two Skills Programmes
and two Learnership Programmes were offered on and off-site. A
116 students registered for the NQF Level 2 qualification: National
Certificate in Resource Guardianship with a total of 175 students
attending the different Short Course Programmes offered by the
College. Organisations that sent students to the College includes
SANPark’s Kruger National Park, The National Historic Unit (NHU)
Africa and the Limpopo Department of Economic Development,
Environment and Tourism (LEDET). The Skills Programmes were
attended by 27 students. The reporting period also falls within the
time whereby 22 students graduated after attending a year long
National Certificate in Natural Resource Management at NQF Level 5.
The Department completed the full qualification: National Certificate:
Resource Guardianship at NQF Level 2 for 95 Narysec participants
from six provinces under the authority of Rural Development and Land
Reform. The participants started training in 2012 and fully completed
the training on 28 July 2014. Limpopo Department of Economic
Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) requested funding
through CATHSSETA where they are training 21 unemployed youth
from different districts within Limpopo. The 21 youth are scheduled
to complete the learnership in January 2015.
22 Students graduated in the Free State province after successfully
completing a year long National Certificate in Natural Resource
Management at NQF Level 5. Above is one of the graduation pictures
from the graduation in Free State.
Christopher Kafoteka - Head learnerships
STUDENT CORNER
Being selected by the Gambia Vulture Study Group and nominated by the Government of The Gambia through the Department
of Parks and Wildlife Management to attend a four month internship programme in conservation science at Hawk Mountain
Sanctuary, USA has been a great experience. Beside the international and dynamic environment which gave me the opportunity
to interact and learn from people from all over the world, the role itself provided me with great exposure to a variety of
interesting tasks. Conservation science domain, which is a relatively new concept, is the future of people’s training.
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary works to inspire, train and empower future leaders in conservation. With the increased capacity and
world-class resources at the Acopian Center, the Sanctuary effectively has doubled its annual enrollment and expanded the type
of training available. Hawk Mountain interns have access to the Sanctuary datasets and one of the largest collections of raptor
literature in the world. Interns also enjoy the ability to interact and learn from visiting professionals and build multicultural
awareness from international trainees from six different countries.
Overall, the internship programme exposed us to first-hand field experience on basic techniques and skills in science and
education particular emphasis on migratory raptors. The knowledge and skills gathered from this training will undoubtably equip
us with the necessary capacity to carry out similar research in our respective countries.
Trainees learn basic techniques in science and education by focusing on migratory raptors and also skills that an individual can
apply back home and at respective institutions that may have related programmes.
Acquiring the capability to deliver information efficiently in the virtual environment towards the target groups is a real challenge
which at the end can provide a tremendous satisfaction. It requires psychological competencies and IT skills which I had the
opportunity to develop during my internship. I was also introduced to many new software and GIS Arc map platforms thus
furthering my knowledge of this dimension of the field of education. As my work also required quality control and research work,
it was interesting to have in-depth knowledge of learning and training terms along with having experience in maintaining quality
standards. It was very rewarding to be a part of the internship trainee team, a highly creative team.
Mawdo Jallow (Past student - Diploma Course 2004)
GUIDING & SUSTAINABLE UTILIZATION DEPARTMENT
Book Donations for The Guiding &
Sustainable Utilization Department
The well-known publishing houses, Safari Press from Huntington
Beach in California, and South Africa’s own Rowland Ward
recently made a substantial donation to the SAWC’s Guiding and
Sustainable Utilization department of a wide selection of selfpublished safari / hunting / outdoor type books together with
some useful clothing items.
Being knowledgeable and widely read is an essential requirement
for all successful safari guides and professional hunters, and yet
in this modern day and age with all its gimmicks and electronic
gadgets, access to well-written ‘classical Africana’ books and
libraries which house such treasures seems to becoming more
and more difficult. For SAWC students, especially those of the
Guiding & Sustainable Utilization department there should from
now on be no more excuses. Students and staff members alike
will now have access to some of the best, most well-known works
of Theodore Roosevelt, JA Hunter, WMD Bell, Fred Everett, Tony
Sanchez- Arino, Eric Baldwin, Robert Ruark, Craig Boddington,
Kevin Robertson, Chandler, Richard Harland, Jack O’Connor, Peter
Capstick, Mike Cameron and Peter Flack.
A wealth of knowledge, valuable training material and many
entertaining tales of African adventure are now accessible for
those interested, and our grateful thanks are extended to Ludo
Wurfbain of Safari Press and Jane Halse of Rowland Ward for
their most generous donations.
Big Boys Having Fun
A well-known saying is that men are just
overgrown boys with expensive toys! This
may well be so but there can surely be no
better way to teach the art and tactics of
sustainable dangerous game utilization
and the hunting thereof than by recreating such scenarios in authentic ‘astrue-as-it-gets’ conditions, with life-size,
extremely realistic targets. Staff members
of SAWC’s Guiding & Sustainable
Utilization Department recently created,
with wood, paint, cardboard and a small
measure of ingenuity a set of six buffalo
and three elephant ‘targets’ which, when
positioned in their natural environment,
look so life-like that they can be for the
unwary or unsuspecting, downright scary.
Safari Guides, especially those who
operate in dangerous game areas, and all
African professional hunters need to be
able to pinpoint accurately the ‘kill-zones’
of all the species they might encounter
and this is precisely why these targets
have been developed. The ingenuity
behind them is that when a bullet strikes
the correct ‘kill zone’, a small area around
the hole so created changes color – and
this can be seen through good binoculars,
from the shooting distance.
Apart from the Guiding and Sustainable
Utilization Department’s students, the
general public will also have access to
this ingenuity. A series of ‘introduction
to dangerous game hunting’ courses
are being planned and will be offered
to various hunting associations over the
ensuing few months. Initial interest in
such courses is encouraging.
Dr. Kevin Robertson, Head: Guiding and
Sustainable Utilization
Gawie’s Field News
With the fresh smell of buffalo dung in our nostrils we set
off on the tracks. It was the first week of the new intake
of Professional Hunter (PH) students and we found tracks
of a large herd of buffalo that crossed the road sometime
the night before. Not really expecting to find them we
decided to follow the tracks anyway as a practical exercise
for the new students. The buffalo were moving rather
fast and in a concentrated bunch so tracing was easy.
Almost immediately we found some lion tracks on top of
the buffalo spoor. Dr. Kevin Robertson explained to the
students that it is a favourite way for lions to hunt buffalo
by pushing them hard for an extended period and the
waiting for an old buffalo to lag behind. About an hour later
we noticed that the lion tracks were getting progressively
fresher and we past a spot where you could actually smell
the lions. Not something you can explain easily but it is a
mixture of catnip and rotting meat. One of the students
asked me if we stand a chance of finding the buffalo. I told
him that the way things were, we stood a better chance of
bumping into these lions. Just as I spoke we looked up and
blow me down, there were three lions walking along on
the path in front of us. They became aware of our presence
and looked back in surprise. They didn’t seem too phased
by us and simply walked away at a right angle to our line
of tracking. We spent a few minutes watching them before
continuing on the buffalo tracks. As we passed Nathans Pan
we noticed two more lions on an open patch not too far
away. They moved away as soon as they knew they were
spotted and soon after we found the remains of an old
buffalo cow that the lions had been feeding on. Needless
to say we never caught up with those buffalo but what a
magical experience finding those lions.
Since the start of the PH course, which requires a great deal
of time spent learning about all facets of the bush, animal
behaviour, wildlife management, sustainable utilization
etc. we have been spending every afternoon out in the
bush and have managed to rack up an exceptional list of
sightings and approaches. Although buffalo seem to be still
rather scarce we have been fortunate to have a number
of elephant bulls move onto the training area including a
couple of very nice old bulls. We’ve also had some good
sightings of rhinos and other general game including
wildebeest, zebra, giraffe and warthog. The early season
fires north of our training area seem to have lured a large
number of grazers away from our training area as we don’t
have the large concentrations of general game around the
borrow pit like in previous years, but still have enough to
keep us entertained on our walks and drives.
An interesting sighting awaited some of our trainers out on
a drive one afternoon. They drove past one of the Ngala
game drive vehicles and were directed to a tree with the
remains of a male cheetah killed by a leopard. We went
past there again a few days later and found the entire
cheetah consumed. There is big competition between
the larger predators and they don’t easily pass on the
opportunity to eliminate a weaker competitor whenever
they have a chance, but leopards seem to be the only ones
that regularly makes a meal of their conquests.
With the dry season in full swing and the last available
water drying up we are sure to continue with the good
sightings of late and we look forward to spending some
more time out there.
Gawie Lindeque - Senior Field Coordinator
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), Mr. W. Myburgh, Mrs. L. Lynch, Dr. G. Raven, Mr. I. Goodwin, Countess S. Labia, Dr. I.B. Mkhize,
Mr. M. Mnisi, Mr. E. Mokganedi, Dr. B. Soto (Mozambique), Mrs. T. S. Sowry, Prof. B. K. Reilly