By Kudakwashe Musengi, Cliford Nxumalo, Christopher Kafoteka & Fortunate Mathonsi
The Southern African Wildlife College’s Learning and Teaching Department, working closely with the Student Administration and Programme Support (SPS) team, has had a strong and dynamic second quarter. Marked by growing student numbers, increasing regional diversity, and steady academic progress across programmes, the year is already demonstrating the College’s commitment to developing the next generation of conservation professionals.
Diploma in Applied Natural Resource Management: Learning Through Practice
A highlight of the past two months has been the continued progress of students enrolled in the Diploma in Applied Natural Resource Management, one of the College’s flagship higher education qualifications. While first-year students continue their studies through online learning, third-year students are currently completing their Project-Based Work Integrated Learning (PBWIL) placements across Southern Africa.
During recent field visits, Dr Kudakwashe Musengi had the opportunity to visit three students undertaking PBWIL projects in diverse conservation landscapes. These visits provided valuable insight into how students are applying classroom knowledge to real-world environmental challenges.
One student is investigating the impact of invasive plant species on native plant diversity in West Coast National Park, examining how invasive alien vegetation affects indigenous ecosystems and inform future management interventions.
A second student is evaluating bark painting as a deterrent to illegal harvesting in Afro-montane forests, exploring whether this innovative technique can help reduce pressure on indigenous tree species while supporting biodiversity conservation.
The third project focuses on human-wildlife conflict in Zambia’s Zambezi and Victoria Falls National Park landscapes, examining the drivers, patterns, and impacts of conflict on both communities and wildlife. Through community engagement, interviews, and field observations, the research aims to contribute to more sustainable coexistence strategies.
These projects demonstrate the value of Work Integrated Learning in bridging theory and practice. They also highlight how students are contributing meaningful research that can support conservation management, sustainable natural resource use, and community engagement across the region.
First-Year Students Embrace Flexible Learning Pathways
The SAWC continues to deliver online classes for first-year Diploma students, providing opportunities for working professionals to further their education while remaining active in their careers.
For Cliford Nxumalo, a first-year Diploma student who is also a Research Assistant in the College’s Conservation Science Thematic Area, the experience has been both rewarding and transformative.
“My journey so far has been exciting and meaningful. Through modules such as Biology, Social Ecology and Sustainable Development, I have gained a deeper understanding of the connection between people, nature and the environment. I really enjoy online classes because they allow me to study and work at the same time. Studying in the evening helps me balance my education with my job. I truly appreciate the people who funded me and the Southern African Wildlife College for giving me this opportunity to study, work and improve my future.”
Cliford’s experience reflects the growing demand for flexible conservation education pathways that enable professionals to continue learning while remaining employed in the sector.
Advanced Certificate Students Enter Workplace Learning
Students enrolled in the Advanced Certificate in Nature Conservation: Transfrontier Conservation Management have successfully completed their first semester on campus and are currently undertaking their Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements.
These placements provide an opportunity for students to apply newly acquired knowledge and skills within protected areas and conservation organisations across Southern Africa, further strengthening their professional competence and leadership capacity.
Occupational Programmes Pillar: Nurturing Leaders in Action
The Occupational Programmes Pillar continues to play a vital role in developing skilled conservation practitioners through practical, workplace-focused learning. The pillar is proud to share its progress and milestones as it continues to nurture the next generation of conservation leaders.
Students enrolled in the National Certificate: Natural Resource Management (NQF Level 5) successfully completed their first semester, marking an important milestone in their academic journey. Following this achievement, students were deployed to conservation organisations and protected areas across the region to undertake their Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements, where classroom learning is translated into practical application.
Having completed this workplace phase, students have now returned to the College to begin their second semester, bringing with them valuable field experience and a deeper understanding of the realities of conservation management.
The Occupational Programmes Pillar remains committed to developing leaders who will contribute meaningfully to conservation across Southern Africa. As American consumer advocate Ralph Nader once observed, “The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.” This principle continues to guide the pillar’s approach to education and training.
Youth Access Conservation Bridging Programme & Eco-Ranger Initiatives
This commitment is further reflected in the Youth Access Conservation Bridging Programme, one of the College’s youth development initiatives aimed at school leavers. Recruitment for the 2026 intake reached its final stages in May 2026, paving the way for a new group of aspiring conservationists to begin their journey next month. Targeted at school leavers from historically disadvantaged communities who may not have the required credits for further study in conservation, the programme creates pathways into the sector while building the confidence, skills, and leadership potential of young people.
Participants will also undertake the Eco-Ranger Programme, which equips them with practical conservation skills while promoting environmental stewardship within communities. By extending conservation learning beyond protected areas and into surrounding communities, the programme helps build broader support for sustainable natural resource management and biodiversity conservation.
Streamlining Student Administration and Programme Support
The Student Administration and Programme Support team continues to improve efficiency and student experience through the College’s Student Hub.
New student registrations are now typically completed within one to three days of receiving the required documentation, ensuring timely verification and onboarding processes. To date, students have been successfully registered across four Council on Higher Education (CHE) accredited programmes, two programmes accredited through the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA), as well as on a range of short courses including our field ranger training courses.
Student Leadership: A New Chapter for the SRC
The Student Representative Council (SRC) continues to play an important role in fostering communication between students and the SAWC management while promoting a positive learning environment.
Following the arrival of Diploma students on campus, SRC portfolios were restructured to ensure representation across all programmes while strengthening student unity.
The 2026 SRC elections, held in March, introduced a historic first for the College. The position of President is now jointly held by two students—one representing the Advanced Certificate programme, Leonard Lucky Muqanga, and the other representing the Diploma programme, Kealeboga Lydia Moshupa. This innovative arrangement ensures continuous student representation throughout the academic year, even during semester breaks.
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL | |
Presidents | Leonard Lucky Muqanga, Kruger National Park Kealeboga Lydia Moshupa, Northwest Parks and Tourism Board |
Deputy President | Tshepo Mcdoren Mahura, Mokala National Park |
Secretary | Nomvuyiso Mndende, Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency |
Hospitality Services | Zoliswa Daki, Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency Verouxze Shanté Morris, Garden Route National Park Lungelo Theo Dome, Garden Route National Park |
Marketing & Social Affairs | Jason Filander, Bontebok National Park Tomen Marimane, Kruger National Park |
Safety, Health and Environment | Swaniso Alex Mowa, Ministry of Environment Mpho Motaung, Golden Gate Highlands National Park |
Class Representatives | Rifumo Chabangu, Addo Elephant Park Dawid Pienaar, Augrabies National Park Thuthukani Gumede, Addo Elephant Park |
The newly elected SRC reflects the diversity of the College community, bringing together students from South African National Parks, provincial conservation agencies, and regional conservation organisations.
Supporting Student Wellbeing Across the Campus Community
Student well-being remains a priority at the College. In partnership with the SRC, the Student Support team recently hosted a special Mother’s Day event for female students and staff members. The gathering created a welcoming space for participants to share experiences, encourage one another, and engage in meaningful conversations around personal growth, support, and empowerment.
The event highlighted the importance of building strong support networks within the College community and reinforced the institution’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment where all students can thrive academically, professionally, and personally.