It was with deep sadness that the Southern African Wildlife College learnt of the recent passing of Mr Fundisile Mketeni and Dr Marc Stalmans on September 2 and August 30, respectively. Â
As the former Chair of our Board, Fundisile Mketeni was not only a dedicated leader but also a stalwart in the conservation sector whose vision, passion, and commitment left an indelible mark on the field, whilst also helping guide our institution. His unwavering dedication to safeguarding our natural heritage and his tireless efforts to advance conservation inspired so many of us.
Despite the hardships he faced before relocating back to his roots in the Eastern Cape, it was an honour to have worked with him both during his tenure as Deputy Director-General of the Department of Environmental Affairs and then in his capacity as CEO of SANParks. More recently, he was invited to sit on the College’s Sustainability Fund Advisory Committee, and we were so looking forward to further engaging with him, given his insights, diligence and wealth of experience. Â
We remember Fundi with deep respect and gratitude for his service, wisdom, and leadership. His contribution to conservation, the Southern African Wildlife College, and the broader conservation community will endure.
As Science Director of Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park, Dr Marc Stalmans played a central role in what is considered one of the most significant rewilding efforts of our time. He combined academic research with decades of practical conservation work, through which many of us came to know him. In guiding the science behind the Park’s restoration, Marc was instrumental in the rewilding process which began in 2008 with the curbing of poaching, and the reintroduction of more than 500 animals across nine species.
This was a mammoth task considering that the Park lost 90% of its large mammals during Mozambique’s civil war (1997-1992). Through protection, species reintroductions and community engagement, Marc demonstrated how landscapes can recover after being stripped of large animals and being overrun by invasive plants. In 2024, aerial counts reported animal numbers surpassing the totals recorded in the 1960’s and 70’s and today, Gorongoza has become one of the most studied parks in the world. Marc was also deeply committed to training Mozambican students in ecology, helping build the capacity needed to protect the park into the future. He has certainly left a positive and lasting imprint on the landscapes and lives he touched.
On behalf of the SAWC’s Board of Directors, Management and Staff, and the wider conservation community we work with, we extend our deepest condolences to both Fundi and Marc’s families, friends and colleagues.Â
During this time of untimely loss, our collective thoughts are especially with their loved ones. May you find comfort in the fond memories you shared, and in knowing that the work of both Fundi and Marc has profoundly impacted both people and the environment. May they rest peacefully.