Wildlands

23/10/2026

The WWF Nedbank Green Trust-funded project, ‘Bringing Community Conservation Areas into Mainstream Protected Area Management’, concluded after three years of work to address information gaps and strengthen the recognition, governance and management of Community Conservation Areas (CCAs) in South Africa. Implemented by WILDTRUST, the initiative brought together conservation organisations, communities and other stakeholders to collect, consolidate and share information on proposed and proclaimed CCA’s.

A key outcome was development of a set of living guidelines to help conservation practitioners and stakeholders involved in community conservation initiatives. The guidelines kicked off with a consolidated report on the ‘Status Quo of Community Conservation Areas in South Africa’ report, which documented 72 community conservation and protected areas across seven provinces, collectively covering more than 577,000 hectares.

The project also supported Biodiversity Stewardship declaration processes for three proposed community conservation areas in KwaZulu-Natal: Bhekula Nature Reserve, The AmaNgwane and AmaZizi Nature Reserves and Mabasa Community Conservation Area. Two of the three sites progressed to the management plan review and development phase of the Biodiversity Stewardship process.

Community participation in biodiversity monitoring was encouraged through Bioblitz activities at Bhekula and Mabasa, conducted in partnership with the SANBI-CREW team. These activities introduced community members to citizen science tools, including iNaturalist, and led to dedicated iNaturalist projects for AmaZizi, Bhekula and Mabasa. At one site, recorded biodiversity observations on the app increased from approximately 65 to more than 400 following a Bioblitz.

The project highlighted the importance of supporting communities as custodians of their land and natural heritage. When communities are supported through meaningful partnerships, conservation can help protect biodiversity while creating opportunities for local livelihoods to thrive alongside nature.

15/10/2026

WILDTRUST, through the WWF South Africa and Heineken partnership, are restoring the Upper uThukela Catchment, clearing Invasive Alien species to boost Water Replenishment in the area.

The Upper uThukela catchment is one of KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa’s most important water sources, supporting communities, agriculture, tourism and downstream water users, including contributing approximately 19–20% of Gauteng’s water supply through the Tugela–Vaal inter-basin transfer scheme.

From July to September 2026, the AmaZizi and AmaNgwane community teams cleared 28 hectares (condensed) of water-intensive invasive alien plants (IAPs) across the Northern Drakensberg. This initiative which has just concluded its second block, has created local employment opportunities, including 18 Youth Employment Services (YES) employees and helped retain an estimated 658 ml of water in the landscape, supporting communities, agriculture, tourism and water supply downstream.

By removing invasive alien plants, this two-year project is helping restore indigenous grasslands, improve water security, and strengthen the health of the Upper uThukela catchment.

This is more than clearing invasive species. It is about protecting water, restoring nature, and supporting communities who depend on this strategic water source for ecosystem services and livelihoods.

09/10/2026

The Mabasa WILDTRUST team is proud to support the Mseleni Care and Compassion Ministries (MCCM) Children’s Home and its garden, helping create a thriving space through practical, long-term community support.

As part of this initiative, the team established and continues to maintain a productive vegetable garden at the children’s home. The garden provides an opportunity to grow fresh vegetables while promoting food production, environmental awareness and greater self-sustainability.

To support the continued development of the garden and the home, WILDTRUST has placed two dedicated workers, Scelo Xulu and Azande Mabika, who assist with gardening activities, daily operations and maintaining a clean and healthy environment for the children.

Their responsibilities include preparing and maintaining garden beds, planting and caring for vegetables, watering plants and removing weeds, maintaining cleanliness around the garden, assisting with harvesting when crops are ready and supporting the ongoing development and maintenance of the garden.

Through the garden and the placement of these two workers, the Mabasa WILDTRUST team is contributing to improved food production, ongoing garden maintenance, additional support for the home’s general workers, and greater community participation.

The initiative also strengthens collaboration between WILDTRUST and the local community, demonstrating how practical, hands-on support can create meaningful and lasting impact.

WILDTRUST is honoured to receive a Certificate of Appreciation from MCCM and the community in recognition of this partnership. Together, we are growing more than vegetables, we are nurturing teamwork, dignity, self-sustainability and hope for the future.

08/10/2026

WILDTRUST, a South African not-for-profit, public benefit, non-governmental organisation, seeks qualified candidates to apply for the following positions:

1. KwaDapha Hub Extension Officer | iSimangaliso MPA EbA Project

The successful candidate will conduct environmental education and outreach activities at Hubs and schools, and supervise YES Youth based at schools.

2. KwaSokhulu Hub Manager | KwaSokhulu Community Resource Hub | ISIMANGALISO MPA ECOSYSTEM-BASED ADAPTATION PROJECT*

The successful candidate will oversee the Hub’s daily operations and communications.

3. UMhlazi Hub Manager | UMhlazi Community Resource Hub | ISIMANGALISO MPA ECOSYSTEM-BASED ADAPTATION PROJECT*

The successful candidate will manage the Hub’s daily operations and communications.

Qualified applicants must submit a 2-3 page CV with a motivation letter, proof of residence, copy of qualifications and at least 3 references via email to [email protected] or drop off your physical application at the hub you are applying to.
Closing Date: 20 October 2026 (16:30). The WILDTRUST reserves the right to vary the requirements, or conditions, and not to fill these positions. Should you not receive a response within a month after the closing application date, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.

Visit https://www.wildtrust.co.za/vacancies for more information.

08/10/2026

WILDTRUST, a South African not-for-profit, public benefit, non-governmental organisation, seeks qualified candidates to apply for the following positions:

Finance & Procurement Officer | Pietermaritzburg

The successful candidate will report to the Finance & Procurement Manager and will ensure procurement activities comply with policies and budgets, support procurement processes, and maintain transparent vendor relationships.

Submit a covering letter with a 2-3 page CV, and at least 3 references to [email protected] by 16th October 2026. Certificates must be available on request but not included in the original application. We offer competitive salaries based on qualifications and experience.

The WILDTRUST reserves the right to vary the requirements, or conditions, and not to fill these positions. Should you not receive a response within a month after the closing application date, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.

Visit https://www.wildtrust.co.za/vacancies for more information.

07/10/2026

At WILDTRUST, conservation goes beyond protecting nature. It’s about empowering communities, inspiring environmental action and creating meaningful change that lasts.

Throughout 2026, WILDLANDS, a programme of WILDTRUST, brought this vision to life through impactful initiatives from community clean-ups during Plastic Free July, to promoting responsible water use during World Water Week, and encouraging support for rhino conservation through our Adopt-A-Rhino Programme.

Each initiative is a reminder of what’s possible when communities, partners and individuals come together with a shared purpose.

Together, we’re taking action today to build a healthier, more sustainable tomorrow.

At WILDTRUST, our work spans many facets of conservation. Our work explores innovative conservation and development pathways that underline the interconnectedness between people and planet.The WILDLANDS programme of the WILDTRUST, led a number of impactful initiatives throughout 2026, from community...

02/10/2026

🌱💧 Conservation is strongest when communities lead the way.

Throughout the 4th Sustainability Leadership Journey, participants highlighted that lasting environmental solutions depend not only on science, but also on trust, collaboration and local engagement.

🎥 In this video, Samantha Mteshane, from WILDTRUST, shares the work being carried out around Lake Sibaya, where promoting more sustainable farming practices goes hand in hand with working closely alongside local communities.

For Samantha, successful conservation starts with listening to people, building trust and ensuring communities are part of every step of the process. Because when local people are empowered to protect their environment, lasting change becomes possible.

This initiative is part of the Living Lakes Biodiversity and Climate Project, funded by BMUKN through IKI and supported by German Postcode Lottery, Kärcher, Lonza, Ground Lake, Georg Fischer Foundation, and many individual donors.

International Climate Initiative
Global Nature Fund (GNF)
Postcode Lotterie

02/10/2026

01/10/2026

A group of 22 Grade 7 boys from Highbury Preparatory School, led by the legendary Paddy Collins, took on the Maputaland Challenge this past weekend to raise funds and awareness for WILDTRUST’s rhino conservation efforts at Somkhanda Community Game Reserve.

The Dads and lads ran a 50km stage event on the 27th of September (in 30 degree temperatures) from Bhanga Nek to Sodwana Bay, in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, to raise funds for their two adopted, black and white rhino, Tai and Baleka.

Each boy committed to completing 35km over the course of the day, running in 5km relay sections and encouraging one another every step of the way. Alongside the physical challenge, they set themselves fundraising challenges.

The journey was so much more than a run. An epic journey, with months of training, digging deep, showing grit and raising funds for something much bigger than themselves. What makes the challenge special is not simply the distance they covered, but the purpose behind it.

A massive THANK YOU not only to the boys but to the Highbury Preparatory School community who also supported a fundraising Rugby dinner which took place on the 29th of August in Hillcrest. This annual fundraiser runs a raffle for participants to stand a chance to win a Wildlife Experience at Somkhanda Game Reserve for a unique, behind-the-scenes conservation experience to witness key conservation interventions to protect the wildlife populations at the reserve. The winner was Tarryn Hill and we cannot wait for her family to feel the magic of Somkhanda.

Conservation stays winning and we are WILD about the Highbury grade 7 boys of 2026.

29/09/2026

🌳 GROWING A GREENER FUTURE THIS ARBOUR MONTH!

Throughout September, WILDTRUST in collaboration with our partners and stakeholders planted more than 3,000 indigenous trees across KwaZulu-Natal, supporting the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s (DFFE) 1 Billion Trees milestone.

From restoring ecosystems and supporting community livelihoods to bringing people together through environmental education, our Arbour Month activities celebrated the power of trees and the importance of caring for our natural environment.

Together, we’re growing a greener future for people and planet. 🌱

This Arbour Month, WILDTRUST celebrated the power of indigenous trees to restore ecosystems, support community livelihoods and bring people together for a greener future. The initiatives supported the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s (DFFE) 1 Billion Trees milestone. Togethe...