The celebrations began on 3 December with the Student Dinner – an evening of good food, laughter, and shared stories that set the tone for the days to follow. This year’s theme, Learn, Grow, Collaborate and Achieve, invited reflection, but the atmosphere was one of joy and celebration.
Students took full advantage of the moment, showcasing their comic talents through jokes about late-night assignments, shared campus experiences, and inside humour that the classmates fully appreciated and gave other guests a good chuckle. From playful nicknames for lecturers to witty punchlines, the evening celebrated collective effort, resilience, and the strong bonds formed along the way. A particularly touching moment came when one of our lecturers, Mr Fanuel Nleya, was presented with gifts from his students, including a portrait, in appreciation of his dedication, late nights, and ongoing mentorship. As is tradition at the student dinner, the staff served the students and presented them with a memento, that embodied the theme and the resilience they will need in their journeys ahead.
The following day, the graduation ceremony opened in vibrant African style. A dynamic dance group, dressed in colourful attire, led the academic procession, followed by academic staff in full regalia, and finally the graduands themselves. The energy and colour set the stage for a formal yet deeply meaningful ceremony.
In her opening address, the SAWC CEO and Vice-Chancellor, Mrs Theresa Sowry, reminded graduands that this was not simply the end of a programme, but the beginning of a responsibility. She spoke to the courage required to work in conservation and encouraged students to hold firmly to the belief that tomorrow can be better if we choose to act differently today. A career in Conservation, she noted, is not for the faint-hearted, but it is profoundly needed.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr Wiseman Ndlovu, Deputy Director at the African Wildlife Economy Institute (AWEI) and Extraordinary Lecturer at Stellenbosch University. He reminded students that they were being entrusted with the responsible stewardship of the continent’s natural heritage, a responsibility that demands integrity, knowledge, and care.
With the formalities complete, the capping of students and awarding of certificates followed, alongside the presentation of academic awards and scholarships. As each graduand stepped forward, it was clear how significant this moment was—not only for the students themselves, but also for their families, some of whom had travelled long distances to be present.
Students from the 26 Natural Resource Management: Terrestrial (NQF Level 5) and the 24 Advanced Certificate in Nature Conservation: Transfrontier Conservation Management (NQF Level 6) programmes received recognition for outstanding achievement, commitment, and progress. Applause filled the room as peers, staff, and families celebrated each milestone with genuine pride.
Award Recipients
NQF Level 6
Best Financial Management Student: Mulenga Chasaya, Department of National Parks & Wildlife – South Luangwa National Park, ZambiaÂ
Best Biodiversity Management Student – Friends of African Wildlife Award: Denovan Zanden Brown, South African National Parks – Tsitsikamma National Park, South AfricaÂ
Best TFCA Student – The Late Ernest Mokganedi Award: Billiat Zidana, African Parks – Majete Wildlife Reserve, MalawiÂ
Best South African Student – WWF-SA Award: Denovan Zanden Brown, South African National Parks – Tsitsikamma National Park, South AfricaÂ
Best Student Overall: Billiat Zidana , African Parks – Majete Wildlife Reserve, MalawiÂ
NQF Level 5
Most Committed Student – Hans Hoheisen Award: Duwayne Kurt Bartlett, South African National Parks – Table Mountain National Park , South AfricaÂ
Most Improved Student – Rosie Sturgis Award: Francisco Chikute Luyando, Parque Nacional da Cangandala, AngolaÂ
Best Practical Student and Most Committed Protected Area Management Student: GCC – Anton Mzimba Award: Thabang Faith Smouse, South African National Parks – Camdeboo National Park, South AfricaÂ
Best Student Overall: Elvis Chabalala, South African National Parks – Golden Gate Highlands National Park, South AfricaÂ
The following NQF Level 5 students were awarded Southern African Wildlife College Trust scholarships to continue their studies at NQF Level 6 in 2026:Â
Duwayne Kurt Bartlett, South African National Parks – Table Mountain National Park, South AfricaÂ
Elvis Chabalala, South African National Parks – Golden Gate Highlands National Park, South AfricaÂ
Thulani Maxwell Mahlangu, Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency – Barberton Nature Reserve, South AfricaÂ
As the dance group once again led everyone out, there was a shared sense of relief, pride, and joy. This was more than a graduation – it was a recognition of perseverance, teamwork, sacrifice, growth, and a collective commitment to safeguarding the natural world.Â
Our sincere thanks go to the donors who supported the students on these programmes: the Ball Family Foundation, the Chamberlain Foundation, Friends of African Wildlife, Fondation Segré, Investec, KfW Stiftung and the Southern African Wildlife College Trust.Â
