The Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) has an opportunity for 10 candidates to complete an online Bushwise Nature Site Guide – Theory NQF 2 course. Following successful competition of the online course, two (2) scholarships will be awarded for the six-month Bushwise International Field Guide Course, which will take place at the SAWC.
IMPORTANT DATES & INFO:
Application closing date: 08 October 2025
Announcement of selected candidates: 13 October 2025
Selection day for selected candidates: 20 October 2025
1. General Rules
Only application forms completed correctly, in full and accompanied by the required supporting documents will be considered.
2. Required Documents
- A certified copy of the highest educational qualification obtained.
- A certified copy of the applicant’s Identity Document (ID).
3. Selection Criteria:
The main criteria used in the selection of successful applicants applying for these Southern African Wildlife College bursaries are as follows:
Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and they must have:
- A High School Certificate (National Senior Certificate), with a 60% pass rate
(average across all subjects) - A valid Foundational Learning Competency Certificate (FLC) in English Communication and Mathematics/Maths Literacy
- Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken as the course is
presented in English. - A valid Driver’s License + PrDP or they must give written acknowledgement that they know that although they can train while under 21, they cannot register as a guide until they have turned 21 and have obtained PrDP as well as firearms certification in the case of Trails Guides. Please note – Six (6) month’s driving experience is required with a manual vehicle.
- Access to a computer and stable internet connection, and be computer literate in order to complete the 12-week online Nature Guiding course.
- An outgoing character – generally be happy, self-motivated, engaging and charismatic.
- A track record of being honest, trustworthy, responsible, reliable and punctual.
- The self-motivation to study online, and show a prior knowledge of what the work of a Nature guide entails. They must also show a genuine desire and motivation to work in this field.
- A clean service record with previous employer, if previously employed.
- No criminal record.
4. How to Apply
If you are interested in becoming a field guide and are in possession of the following attributes, kindly email your CV and a copy of the qualifications outline below to gseepane@sawc.org.za by 17:00 CAT 08 November 2025.
5. Selection Process and Open Day
Students who meet the criteria as outlined in section 3 above will be shortlisted and will be contacted for a personal interview, which will take place on 13 October 2025 at the Southern African Wildlife College. The applicant’s knowledge, driving skills, computer literacy and attitude will be assessed during the interview process.
Please note that preference will be given to Ngirivane land claimants with legitimate file numbers. No transport costs will be provided but one pick-up and one drop-off on the selection day at the following central points (Hoedspruit, AcornHoek Mall and SAWC main gate) to the SAWC campus will be arranged.