By Sboniso Phakathi – Project Leader: Rural Initiatives for a Sustainable Environment (RISE)
Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) People and Parks Leading Heart trainingÂ
Dr. Thabang Teffo, Head of the Responsible Resource Management department, and I worked together to deliver the Leading Heart training (Reg number: HE08/004/RISELH) to 20 People and Parks representatives from various reserves in Limpopo through the Rural Initiatives for a Sustainable Environment (RISE) unit of the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC).Â
The training occurred at the scenic Nylsvley Nature Reserve in Naboomspruit, bringing together an intergenerational mix of trainees and representatives from local and regional People and Parks structures. Participants were selected from Traditional Authorities, Royal Councils, and Communal Property Associations. LEDET funded the training, and 23 students were declared competent.Â
Designed to equip community leaders with essential leadership skills, the programme focuses on building inclusive, trust-based relationships within communities. It also addresses key concerns, such as responsible decision-making and sustainable community engagement. The training provided an opportunity to engage extensively about South Africa’s Restitution of Land Rights Act 22 of 1994, as well as contemporary leadership and governance requirements for a rapidly changing continent and globe.
Investing in People as Change Agents within Systems: Transformative Leadership Course in UgandaÂ
As part of the College’s drive to build and enhance its staff’s leadership capabilities, three members of staff attended a transformative leadership course in Uganda from 1–7 March.Â
Dr. Thabang Teffo, Elna de Beer, and I participated in Ubuntu Lab’s Transformational Course, which brought together young and senior leaders from 11 African countries. The course focused on building capacity for systems change and personal transformation. We learned practical, easy-to-use frameworks, methods, and tools for facilitating and leading profound system change, primarily by sensing and actualising their highest future potential.Â
We also had the opportunity to practice techniques that enable leaders, innovators, change-makers, and facilitators to operate from a deeper, more intentional space. We are now part of a dynamic community of African change-makers committed to co-creating solutions for the continent’s most urgent social, economic, and environmental challenges.Â
This training was deeply impactful, inspiring the three of us to pursue personal projects to enhance organisational function and foster a stronger team spirit among stakeholders and staff.Â
Good Work Foundation Coaching Conservation Train the Trainer ProgrammeÂ
From March 10–14, 2025, four of the SAWC’s Coaching Conservation trainers delivered training on the Vulture Rap Awareness Programme to seven Good Work Foundation (GWF) coaches. This initiative provided a valuable opportunity for our internal coaches to engage with diverse training methods, enhancing their skills and confidence as future trainers.Â
The Vulture Rap Awareness Programme is part of Coaching Conservation’s broader Learning from Wildlife philosophy, which encourages participants to meet the animal, be like the animal, and help the animal. This hands-on approach fosters a deeper understanding of wildlife and conservation, making learning both engaging and impactful. The training focused on vultures, highlighting their critical ecological role and the urgent need for their protection.Â