Professional herders play a pivotal role in optimising grazing practices through informed, continuous decision-making based on key metrics: timing, duration, intensity, and frequency of grazing. This strategic approach not only enhances pasture productivity but also contributes significantly to soil health and carbon sequestration.Timing of GrazingThe selection of appropriate grazing periods throughout the year is crucial....Read More
At the heart of the Southern African Wildlife College’s (SAWC) Strategy 2030 lies a clearly defined commitment to developing competent, confident, and transformative leaders capable of working across multiple sectors and governance levels to implement sustainable, inclusive conservation practices. Thematic Area 5, Leading and Managing in Conservation, focuses on building leadership capacity to address interconnected...Read More
In every issue, we’ll be shining light on one of our partners. In this edition, we’re celebrating Italtile & Ceramic Foundation Trust’s impact on one of our learners. Conscience Mkansi, hailing from Hluvukani Village, embodies the next generation of conservation changemakers. A former EcoSteward at Wild Impact and a 2024 EcoRanger certificate holder from the SAWC,...Read More
By Dr. Thabang Teffo The Nature-Based Economy (NBE) theme, as outlined in the College’s Strategy 2030, is rooted in the belief that conservation and livelihoods are not mutually exclusive. This thematic area aims to create sustainable economic opportunities that are directly tied to the stewardship of natural ecosystems. Whether through regenerative rangeland management, ethical wildlife utilisation,...Read More
The Southern African Wildlife College’s (SAWC) champions participatory models that bridge ecological objectives with social needs. This includes enhancing environmental literacy, supporting nature-positive livelihoods, and building trust between conservation agencies and communities. Key to this work is the Rural Initiative for a Sustainable Environment (RISE) Unit, which facilitates dialogue, skills development, and long-term partnerships. Moving...Read More
By Scott Yammin, Precious Malapane and Bruce McDonald Protected Area Integrity at the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) is not only about boots on the ground – it’s about intelligence, discipline, ethics, teamwork, cutting edge technology and lived experience to forge defenders of Africa’s most precious wildlife and resources. Under the SAWC Strategy 2030, this theme...Read More
By Peter Hamming Under the Conservation Science theme of the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) Strategy 2030, we are committed to harnessing cutting-edge scientific methods and data-driven insights to safeguard biodiversity and enhance ecosystem resilience. This overarching and holistic thematic area encompasses the protection, conservation, management, and restoration of biodiversity and natural resources – including ecosystem,...Read More
By Emeritus Professor Ric Bernard Under the new organisational structure, guided by the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) 2030 Strategy 2030, our educational endeavours rest on three interlocking pillars: Council on Higher Education (CHE) Pillar – offering qualifications accredited by the Council on Higher Education; Occupational Qualifications Pillar – offering occupational qualifications and skills programmes, accredited by the...Read More
You may have noticed our fresh layout – it reflects the recent formal adoption of the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) Strategy 2030, approved by the Board of Directors on 23 April 2025, and the consolidation of two of our newsletters.  The approved strategy will assist us in meeting our long-term goal of ensuring our students (change agents) contribute...Read More
UNIVERSITY OF PARMA AND THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN WILDLIFE COLLEGE SIGN A COLLABORATION AGREEMENT TO CREATE NEW LEARNING PATHWAYS AND EXCHANGES LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR JOINT RESEARCH ACTIVITIES In an exciting development following the accreditation of the Southern African Wildlife College’s (SAWC) Applied Diploma in Natural Resource Management, the SAWC recently signed a collaboration agreement with...Read More
