Articles

Conservation leaders across Africa work in increasingly complex environments, making decisions under pressure, leading diverse teams and working with communities, governments, partners and funders. While technical expertise is essential, effective conservation also requires strong leadership. The Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) is responding to this need with a new Conservation Leadership Learning Programme (CLLP), planned for delivery in 2027. The institutionally accredited,...Read More

By Dr. Thabang Teffo Creating lasting conservation impact requires finding ways for people and nature to thrive together. For the Southern African Wildlife College’s (SAWC’s) Nature-based Economy thematic area, this means strengthening the knowledge, skills, partnerships and practical opportunities that enable communities and conservation landscapes to benefit from sustainable nature-based economies. Over recent months, this work has progressed across several fronts, from regional strategy...Read More

By Scott Yammin, Precious Malapane and Bruce McDonald Protecting Africa’s protected areas requires people with the skills, discipline and preparedness to respond to complex conservation challenges. Across the region, continued investment in ranger development is helping build that capacity — from foundational training to refresher courses that keep experienced rangers operationally ready. Recent activities across Southern Africa demonstrate the breadth...Read More

Conservation challenges rarely stop at national borders. Across Africa, protecting wildlife and natural resources requires practitioners to understand different ecosystems, communities and approaches to conservation, while sharing knowledge and experience across regions. Strong partnerships between African conservation institutions can help build this capacity by connecting people, expertise and opportunities for practical learning. The partnership between the Southern African Wildlife College...Read More

Occupational Qualifications: Investing in People, Protecting Nature By Christopher KafotekaThe College’s Occupational Qualifications programmes continue to create opportunities for people to build practical skills and contribute to conservation across Southern Africa. A significant milestone was reached as the 2026 Natural Resource Management, Terrestrial NQF Level 5 cohort completed its contact learning phase after eight months of...Read More

By Kudakwashe MusengiFor conservation professionals, some of the most valuable lessons cannot be learnt in a classroom alone. They are found in the landscapes where conservation decisions are made, through conversations with experienced practitioners and by observing first-hand the complex challenges facing protected areas.As part of the Advanced Certificate in Transfrontier Conservation Management – National Qualifications...Read More