Wildlands

24/08/2026

Two of our WILDTRUST team members recently had the privilege of spending two weeks at the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) emersed in Economic Tools for Conservation in Africa – a course run by the Conservation Strategy Fund (CSF). This course was the regional version of CSF’s flagship Economics & Finance for Environmental Leadership course for Africa-based conservationists, the first of its kind. Kirsten Oliver and Samantha Smith were part of a cohort that consisted of 35 participants from 10 African countries and representing 18 organisations.

As Africans, we realise the importance of our natural heritage, our terrestrial and marine spaces and iconic wildlife, to our economy. This course reframed the often-heard narrative that conservation is simply a “cost”. More importantly, conservation initiatives can be a cost-effective investment into a thriving and resilient future for the continent.

The two weeks of intensive learning, networking and knowledge exchange flew by and at the end of it, Kirsten and Samantha were incredibly grateful to have met and learnt from such a wide variety of colleagues, both from within the cohort and the training team and guest speakers. The economic knowledge and language that we learnt will allow us to communicate more effectively and practically with decision-makers and other stakeholders, highlighting the importance of nature as a strategic investment for Africa.

The tools will guide the team to more effectively communicating the economic value of nature-based solutions so that potential investors can understand that value relative to known built infrastructure solutions.

SAWC was an ideal venue, close to Kruger National Park, where these tools are already shaping conservation finance solutions.

19/08/2026

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

1. Upper uThukela Project Officer (Bergville)

The WILDLANDS programme of the WILDTRUST is implementing a Catchment
Resilience Project in the Northern Drakensberg Strategic Water Source Area.
We are looking for a dynamic and committed project officer, to join the WILDLANDS team.

2. Conservation Geospatial Information Science (GISc) Coordinator (Pietermaritzburg)

WILDLANDS is looking for a dynamic and committed Conservation GISc Coordinator to support the collection, analysis, visualisation, and reporting of geospatial data across multiple restoration and biodiversity initiatives.

TO APPLY:

Submit a covering motivation letter with not longer than a 4-page CV including a minimum of 3 references to [email protected] by 26 August 2026. Late applications may be disregarded. WILDTRUST reserves the right to vary the requirements and not to fill this position. Should you not receive a response within two weeks of the closing date kindly consider your application unsuccessful.

Visit our website for details.

10/08/2026

Today, we celebrate one of Africa's most iconic species, the African lion (Panthera Leo) and apex predator of the WILD species we protect. Currently listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as Vulnerable (VU), lions remind us why conservation matters.

There are between 20,000 and 39,000 lions left in the wild today, with most conservation organisations estimating the number to be on the lower end, at around 23,000 individuals and nearly 95% of the global population is located in eastern and southern Africa. South Africa has an estimated 3,490 free-roaming lions, including transfrontier zones; and 2,876 in conservation areas alone.

To mark World Lion Day, we're giving away a copy of this visually captivating coffee-table book titled, ‘The African Lion’ by acclaimed wildlife photographers Roger and Pat de la Harpe. The book features breathtaking photography and fascinating insights into the lives of Africa's lions and is a must-have for every wildlife lover.

To enter:

1. Like this post

2. Follow Wildlands Conservation Trust, Roger de la Harpe and Pat de la Harpe

3. Share your favourite lion memory in the comments

The winner will be announced on Friday, 14 August 2026.

Let's celebrate the kings and queens of Africa's WILD spaces and the importance of protecting them for generations to come.

31/07/2026

29/07/2026

As Plastic-Free July comes to a close, we celebrate the incredible commitment of our WILDTRUST and the Youth Employment Services (YES) teams who turned awareness into meaningful action throughout the month.

In Mbazwana, 10 dedicated YES employees returned to their community for one final clean-up around Mbazwana Clinic, collecting 10 black bags of litter that were responsibly disposed of at the local dumping site. Meanwhile, in KwaJobe, a WILDTRUST team of 49, led by Zodwa Gumede, worked together to clear litter across the local area, filling and responsibly disposing of 8 black bags of waste.

These final clean-ups are more than just the conclusion of a campaign, they are a reminder of what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared purpose. Every piece of litter collected, every area restored, and every individual who chose to take action has contributed to creating cleaner, healthier environments for people and nature alike.

While Plastic-Free July may be ending, our commitment to protecting the environment doesn't stop here. Let this be the beginning of lasting habits that reduce waste, protect our natural spaces, and inspire others to do the same. Together, we can continue building resilient communities and a healthier planet one small action at a time.

22/07/2026

WILDTRUST’s Tembe Hub team, led by Thulisiwe Mthembu, partnered with the Community Work Programme (WCP) and Shintshimpilo Community Garden teams to host a community clean-up at Bhekula (Northern KZN)

A total of 27 team members worked together to collect litter, filling 30 refuse bags, which were transported to the local landfill by the municipal waste management team.

The initiative honoured Nelson Mandela’s legacy of service while contributing towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for the community.

22/07/2026

WILDTRUST brings you another inspiring webinar!

Following the success of our engaging and interactive Voices from the Coast webinar, WILDTRUST is excited to invite you to our next online session:

Coastal Champions Webinar - Advancing Sustainable Fisheries & Conservation

Join us as we celebrate the vital role of coastal champions in advancing sustainable fisheries, marine conservation, climate adaptation, and resilient livelihoods. The webinar will explore the challenges, successes, and opportunities for greater inclusion in protecting our oceans and empowering coastal communities.

The session will feature these Coastal Champions

• Smangaliso Mageba – Local Fisher
• Jacqueline Rakunda – Conservation Practitioner
• Tembisa Jordaan – Young Woman Leader

Webinar Details

Date: Friday, 7 August 2026
Time: 10:00–11:30
Platform: Microsoft Teams

Whether you're passionate about ocean conservation, interested in sustainable fisheries, or looking to learn from inspiring community leaders, this webinar is for you. Discover how you can get involved, build valuable skills, and help protect South Africa's marine environment.

Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/eD3DiZSgT6

21/07/2026

WILDTRUST Adopt-A-Rhino adoptees, Highbury Preparatory School, continue to create a deeper awareness for rhino and wildlife conservation through the Maputaland Challenge. The Maputaland Challenge is an annual, grueling 65 to 75 km coastal run undertaken by Grade 7 boys from Highbury Preparatory School in Kosi Bay. The event tests the boys' endurance while raising massive funds (frequently exceeding R200,000) for rhino conservation at the Somkhanda Game Reserve.

Through their fundraising raffle sales, winners got to experience a unique wildlife encounter at Somkhanda Community Game Reserve from 13–15 July 2026. During their stay at the reserve's game lodge, they had the opportunity to take part in hands-on conservation activities and witness wildlife conservation in action.

The experience gave supporters a deeper appreciation of the vital conservation work being undertaken to protect rhinos and preserve Somkhanda's rich biodiversity. Before entering the reserve, guests were briefed on a planned operation to dart a young lion and replace its tracking collar. The plan seemed straightforward: attract the lion using distress calls, allow him to locate bait and then safely dart him but instead the lion spent nearly an hour searching for other lions before briefly investigating the bait and eventually walking away, illustrating the unpredictable nature of wildlife. The supporters also gained valuable insight into the daily realities faced by anti-poaching teams, including navigating rugged terrain, working in unpredictable weather, encountering dangerous wildlife, responding to poaching threats, and meeting the physical demands of safeguarding the reserve's wildlife.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Highbury Preparatory School for their continued support of the Adopt-A-Rhino programme and their commitment to protecting South Africa's wildlife.

Individuals, schools, and businesses are invited to join the Adopt-A-Rhino programme and play a meaningful role in rhino conservation.

To find out more about how you can support WILDTRUST's efforts to conserve and protect South Africa's biodiversity, please contact Buyi at [email protected]

18/07/2026

This Mandela Day, WILDTRUST proudly reflects on the impact made through its programmes and partnerships in communities across Southern Africa and the Western Indian Ocean.

From supporting sustainable livelihoods and strengthening coastal resilience to creating opportunities for youth and promoting environmental stewardship, our work continues to make a meaningful difference. Through our projects, we have reached thousands of community members, engaged vulnerable women and children through education and skills development initiatives, supported small-scale fishers and local enterprises, and restored and protected valuable ecosystems that benefit both people and nature.

As we honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela, we remain committed to embodying Madiba’s spirit through advocacy, service, collaboration, and creating lasting change. Every training session, community workshop, conservation activity, and youth development initiative reflects our belief that empowering people and protecting the environment go hand in hand.

Together with our partners and communities, we will continue building a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.

Access our latest reflections booklet here: https://www.wildtrust.co.za/reflections-2025 (downloadable for free) to see all the work WILDTRUST has done in the past year.

14/07/2026

As the WILDTRUST team in Mbazwana continues to champion the vision of a cleaner, plastic-free environment with their campaign “Let’s work together for a cleaner, plastic-free Mbazwana” this Plastic Free July, they hosted another impactful community event at KwaMbila Tribal Court Hall.

The event featured a range of engaging activities designed to inspire action against single-use plastics. Highlights included a plastic swap, powerful storytelling sessions illustrating the dangers of plastic pollution to rivers, fish, and livestock, and a water refill station to encourage the use of reusable bottles over sachets and disposable plastics. One of the day’s standout moments was the Art & Fashion Show, where nine WILDTRUST Youth Employment Services (YES) employees showcased innovative outfits crafted from recycled materials, with the generous support from Mbazwana Super Spar.

With 40 participants, the event concluded on a high note as attendees signed the Plastic Free July pledge: “I choose to protect our environment and commit to going plastic free for July 2026.” This collective commitment laid a strong foundation for ongoing environmental stewardship in Mbazwana. Through education, creativity, and united action, the community is boldly advancing towards a cleaner, plastic-free future.