The first quarter of the year is always an exciting one for the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC). It marks the intake of new students and sees a number of our Natural Resource Management students return to enrol on the Advanced Certificate Programme in Transfrontier Conservation Management. This year, one of the first short courses run included the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George,  together with other members of his team.
The intense two-week course covered the protected areas security operational planning model, including fieldwork such as tracking, navigation, interception and practice on the rifle range. In attending the course, the Minister gained a deeper understanding of the crucial work of rangers, our nation’s unsung heroes, who work under difficult and dangerous conditions. Â
Another Q1 highlight was the signing of a partnership agreement with Commonland which focuses on addressing the urgent need for holistic landscape restoration in Southern Africa. Aimed at scaling long-term community-led conservation and land restoration, these efforts will use Commonland’s 4 Returns Framework whilst developing and implementing training materials to help guide holistic landscape management and restoration tailored to local needs and insights. A cornerstone of this partnership is the “Restoring our Landscapes” Short Learning Programme, piloted with the Makuleke community in Limpopo, South Africa. It equips participants with practical tools and knowledge to take a holistic approach to restoration while inspiring stewardship, and promoting ecological, social, and economic resilience. Â
It was also with great excitement that the College completed its Strategy 2030 having had approval in principle from the Board of Directors at the November 2024 Board Meeting to go ahead with its new thematic approach. This approach addresses current conservation needs and challenges whilst focusing on providing high-quality, needs-driven training courses across three education and skills development pillars. (See article under Institutional News).
Finally, we are buoyed by the continued support of our donors and other stakeholders as we endeavour to continue to produce change agents who are capable of responding to the conservation challenges presented. Please do enjoy reading about the work across all departments in this first issue of 2025. Â
Till next issue,
Jeanné